What red dot for AR

For 99% of commercial users the Aimpoint H1 is the ideal RDS.

I use 2 MOA T-1's - but I use NV for work applications - and occasionally I like to skydive into water (we need a Bill the Cat ACK emoticon)
 
I just went through the same thing and picked the Aimpoint PRO. I was going to go with a T-1 but I found that it was too small of an objective for my liking. I am against EoTech simply because I have an astigmatism which makes the reticle all pixelated and ####ty. I was going for the Comp M4 as well but after looking at the specs and comparing it against the PRO, the only difference I found was that the M4 is extruded high strength aluminum with a 80,000 hr AA battery life and the PRO is a forged high strength aluminum body with a 30,000 hr 3V battery. So 3 years or 8 years of being left on continuously basically which in my books is not worth an extra $500.
 
The T1 and H1 are exactly the same optic. They will survive the same temps, go to the same depths, have the same brightness settings, the only difference is the coating on the front lens for NV on the T1 and hardcoat anodizing vs anodizing. The H1 is clearer to look through because of that, too.

No reason not to go with an H1... other than spending money for no reason?
 
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aimpoint T/H1 or the PRO. won't go wrong with those. Can't say for eotech, but I'm a few years behind.
 
I used to run an eotech 552 with magnifier but that thing ate batteries. Now I run an H1, have a trs-25 on my VZ, and just picked up a hensoldt rsa from tactical imports. I like the rsa as much as the h1
 
BenL said:
I've seen the Vortex Sparc mentionned, but didn't see anyone recommending the Vortex Razor RD?

I've never seen nor used one, but it appears to be a solidly built piece as well. Must be very light as well.
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I bought one for my 10/22 a while back. I'm now on my third one. The first one had issues with the dot flickering between day light mode and NV mode every shot. It had it replaced, then that one had issues with the on/off switch. I'd have to take out the battery to turn it off. I had that replaced last summer, and my current one hasent had any issues. Yet.
If nothing else, their warrenty service is excellent, but chances are you'll need it.

My bad, you were talking about the Razor. My issues were with the Sparc.
 
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I just bought the SPARC last week and have only had it to the range once. As this is my frist RDS sight I can't compare to others but seemed to do the job just fine for $250. Screwing the 2x magnifyer on and it's even better.

I have the RDS at the lowest illumination, cranking it up to max is insanely bright! Almost blinding.
 
I am really into the XPS series of EoTechs. They are small, fast to line up and easy to shoot both eyes open. I have astigmatism so the circle is a bit hazy for me, both it doesn't bother or affect my shooting.
Aimpoints are great as well although I would use them for longer range than an EoTech, never owned one but have used them in the past. Either choice and you are good to go!
 
If you can't afford a Micro, get the PRO, if you can't affor the PRO, save up. If you're unwilling to save up, you can get the Bushnell TRS-25. It will get the job done.
 
Don't get a 1x red dot. A complete waste of money.

Here's why:
1. doesn't work without the battery. Yes, the T1 batteries last 5 years, but if something happened to the circuitry or the battery, you're hooped.
2. no magnification.

I highly recommend one of the 1-4 scopes with red dot, like the Bushnell Elite 1.25-4 with 4A illuminated reticle. At 1.25, it's functionally the same as the more expensive T1, but it will work with the red dot turned off, and has magnification when you need it. It's just sensible economics. Especially for a 223 semi-auto that has long reach, why waste the money on a short range optic? IMO, the T1 and other x1 red dots are for shot guns and other short range guns.

I don't like the idea of removing a CQB scope to install a long range scope, I like my scopes to never come off the rifle.
 
Great Crouton said:
I just bought the SPARC last week and have only had it to the range once. As this is my frist RDS sight I can't compare to others but seemed to do the job just fine for $250. Screwing the 2x magnifyer on and it's even better.

I have the RDS at the lowest illumination, cranking it up to max is insanely bright! Almost blinding.
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I hate to be that guy, but if you went to TSE you would of saved $30, they sell them for $220.

The Sparc is decent when it works. I'm not crazy about be magnifier, but its cool that they include one. I used one on my Tavor for a while, it did what I needed it to do. I recently upgraded to a Aimpoint Pro, much better optic.
 
Lot's of great info here, I'm finally looking at a RDS for my short AR, and after years of irons with both eyes open, just looking through both sights, I concluded that like alot of you guys who run both say, the the larger EOTech circle helps with quick finding of the sight at close range with both eyes open and then you shift to the smaller precision dot, and that the more precise red dot on the Aimpoint has the advantage going out to more normal SBR distances.

My question to those who like the Aimpoint over the EO and have used both is..... "do you ever get used to picking up the tiny red dot with both eyes open at closer ranges, or do you tend to use one eye at first till the target's aiming point is obtained, kind of like I do with pistol close up I guess?
 
quorum said:
Don't get a 1x red dot. A complete waste of money.

Here's why:
1. doesn't work without the battery. Yes, the T1 batteries last 5 years, but if something happened to the circuitry or the battery, you're hooped.
2. no magnification.

I highly recommend one of the 1-4 scopes with red dot, like the Bushnell Elite 1.25-4 with 4A illuminated reticle. At 1.25, it's functionally the same as the more expensive T1, but it will work with the red dot turned off, and has magnification when you need it. It's just sensible economics. Especially for a 223 semi-auto that has long reach, why waste the money on a short range optic? IMO, the T1 and other x1 red dots are for shot guns and other short range guns.

I don't like the idea of removing a CQB scope to install a long range scope, I like my scopes to never come off the rifle.
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You need to reread the op. His intended use is for cqb courses. A reddot is more than capable to 300 plus yards depending on what level of accuracy you're after.

Tdc
 
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