< Back to the Main Site

Author Topic: Lookingfor suggestions for Reddot for AR-15  (Read 5391 times)

Offline newfalguy101

  • Forum Member
  • *
  • Join Date: May 2012
  • Posts: 217
Lookingfor suggestions for Reddot for AR-15
« on: January 23, 2014, 05:27:52 PM »
I built ( ok, ok, assembled ) an Ar-15 for my wife using a DPMS lite-16 flattop upper and now I need a scope for it.

I don't need a "super duper best scope ever invented" optic on this gun, I am looking for suggestions for an entry level dot sight.  The gun wont likely get shot much more than a few hundred rounds a year, and I didn't spend a ton of money building and don't want to spend a ton of money on the scope.

Thanks

Offline tstuart34

  • NFOA Full Member
  • **
  • Join Date: Oct 2013
  • Location: Lincoln
  • Posts: 885
Re: Lookingfor suggestions for Reddot for AR-15
« Reply #1 on: January 23, 2014, 06:20:43 PM »
Vortec has a nice little red dot that you can get for about 120 when its on sale from Palmetto. Or Primary Arms has a nice dot with mount for about a 100.

bkoenig had a vortec listed a couple months ago. Maybr PM him and see if he still has it. lincoln gun show is also this weekend might be able to snag something...

Offline ghknives

  • Gun Show Volunteer NRA Life member
  • Powder Benefactor
  • *
  • Join Date: Dec 2008
  • Location: Alliance, Nebraska
  • Posts: 739
Re: Lookingfor suggestions for Reddot for AR-15
« Reply #2 on: January 23, 2014, 06:35:03 PM »
How does the Vortec work in bright sun light? Most of the inexpensive sights I've been around are tough to see on bright sunny days
I do not love the bright sword for it's sharpness, nor the arrow for it's swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I only love that which they defend.        J.R.R. Tolkein

Offline Lorimor

  • NFOA Full Member
  • **
  • Join Date: Nov 2008
  • Location: Platte County
  • Posts: 1077
  • Relay 2
Re: Lookingfor suggestions for Reddot for AR-15
« Reply #3 on: January 23, 2014, 06:55:46 PM »
I hung a little Bushnell TR-80 on my 15-22.  Seems to work well.  Turkey hunters put them on their shotguns, so the recoil of the mighty 5.56 shouldn't be a problem.
"It is better to avoid than to run; better to run than to de-escalate; better to de-escalate than to fight; better to fight than to die. The very essence of self-defense is a thin list of things that might get you out alive when you are already screwed." – Rory Miller

Offline OnTheFly

  • Steel Benefactor
  • *
  • Join Date: Mar 2009
  • Location: Lincoln, NE
  • Posts: 2617
  • NFOA member #364
Re: Lookingfor suggestions for Reddot for AR-15
« Reply #4 on: January 23, 2014, 07:06:13 PM »
How does the Vortec work in bright sun light? Most of the inexpensive sights I've been around are tough to see on bright sunny days

I shot my Vortex red/green dot in daylight hours and it was more than bright enough.  Of course the red dot is not exactly small either.

Fly
Si vis pacem, para bellum

Offline altheman2

  • Powder Benefactor
  • *
  • Join Date: Dec 2010
  • Location: South Central NE
  • Posts: 161
Re: Lookingfor suggestions for Reddot for AR-15
« Reply #5 on: January 23, 2014, 07:26:06 PM »
How does the Vortec work in bright sun light? Most of the inexpensive sights I've been around are tough to see on bright sunny days

I have the vortex sparc that's been on my PSA AR-15 and Ruger mini 14. I don't have any complaints, it works, its been a nice compact red dot for me. Haven't had any problems with washout on sunny days

Offline AWick

  • Steel Benefactor
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2013
  • Location: West Millard
  • Posts: 350
  • Home is where your armory is.
Re: Lookingfor suggestions for Reddot for AR-15
« Reply #6 on: January 23, 2014, 07:52:08 PM »
http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/sights-optics/red-dot-scopes/vortex-strikefire-red-green-dot.html

I have the same vortex and co-witness with my Midwest Industries Front BUIS and Magpul Rear BUIS. It also has a 2X multiplier that screws into it. It increases the dot size, but does the trick. It takes a while to attach, but I find it suitable.
"Well-regulated" meant well equipped, trained and disciplined... not controlled with an iron fist.

Offline RobertH

  • Gun Show Volunteer
  • Powder Benefactor
  • *
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Location: Norfolk
  • Posts: 2489
Re: Lookingfor suggestions for Reddot for AR-15
« Reply #7 on: January 24, 2014, 06:33:02 AM »
i like Vortex, Bushnell and Nikon for all scopes and red dots.  i stay away from Leapers, UTG, Sightmark, etc.  i've tried several of them and they all are junk.
Follow the NFOA on Twitter: @NFOA_Official

Offline bkoenig

  • Gun Show Volunteer
  • Powder Benefactor
  • *
  • Join Date: May 2009
  • Location: Lincoln, NE
  • Posts: 3677
  • Aspiring cranky old gun nut
Re: Lookingfor suggestions for Reddot for AR-15
« Reply #8 on: January 24, 2014, 06:52:25 AM »
Aimpoint PRO at AIM Surplus for $379 with coupon code FACEBOOK.  That's a smoking deal.

Offline Mudinyeri

  • God, save us!
  • NFOA Full Member
  • **
  • Join Date: May 2010
  • Location: Omaha
  • Posts: 3963
  • Run for the Hills
Re: Lookingfor suggestions for Reddot for AR-15
« Reply #9 on: January 24, 2014, 07:31:10 AM »
Are you looking for a scope (magnification) or a holographic site (no magnification)?  I'm not clear.

Offline landon410

  • NFOA Full Member
  • **
  • Join Date: Jan 2014
  • Location: Omaha
  • Posts: 380
Re: Lookingfor suggestions for Reddot for AR-15
« Reply #10 on: January 24, 2014, 09:03:52 AM »
i bought some unk brand (I think sightmark???) red dot sight from Scheels for under $50 a couple years ago, had it on my hipoint 9mm carbine, worked great for that, its sitting in my garage somewhere now..... I'm not selling it, but if you just want a cheap dot sight, why spend even $100?

dang, I never should have sold that carbine!

edit, this is what i have
http://www.amazon.com/Sightmark-Sure-Reflex-Sight-Black/dp/B004TDQD8M/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1390575789&sr=8-16&keywords=sightmark

not fancy, but worked for plinking low recoil guns at 500-100 yards

Offline CitizenClark

  • NFOA Full Member
  • **
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
  • Posts: 702
  • Live free or die!
    • Silencer News
Re: Lookingfor suggestions for Reddot for AR-15
« Reply #11 on: January 24, 2014, 10:45:23 AM »
How does the Vortec work in bright sun light? Most of the inexpensive sights I've been around are tough to see on bright sunny days

I have a Vortex Strikefire and when the brightness is cranked up to eleven it is plenty bright even on sunny days. The two biggest complaints I have about the Strikefire? (1) I hate the push-button on/off switch on the side, because it can become activated inadvertantly and run down your battery, and the only way to check if it is on is to look through the scope. (2) The end caps do not fit well, and they are (at least with a new sight) tough to close properly. I have found that the sight holds a zero well from range trip to range trip despite my clunking the rifle around from bench to car to gun safe and back.

The Lucid HD7 might be worth a try, too. I have a buddy down in FL who loves his. Here is a vid review:
« Last Edit: January 24, 2014, 10:47:50 AM by CitizenClark »

Offline Randy

  • NFOA Co-Founder
  • *****
  • Join Date: Nov 2007
  • Location: Plattsmouth, NE
  • Posts: 908
  • "Liberty or Death"---------"Don't Tread on Me!"
Re: Lookingfor suggestions for Reddot for AR-15
« Reply #12 on: January 24, 2014, 01:47:06 PM »
Plus 1 on the Lucid HD7 Gen. III Red Dot.
I have two and love it, it has a two moa dot with auto or manual brightness settings.
This scope has rave reviews on Optics Planet, cost is $189.00 & free shipping.
Many of the cheaper Red Dots have a four or five MOA dot which many find is just two big for accurate plinking.
Use the HD7 on both my AR-15 and M&P 15-22.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/lucid-hd7-red-dot-sight-variable-reticle-black-l-hd7.html
Let us never forget 9.11.01
 "She Never Begins An Attack, Nor When Once Engaged, Ever Surrenders:"
An American Guesser Oct.3, 1775

Offline newfalguy101

  • Forum Member
  • *
  • Join Date: May 2012
  • Posts: 217
Re: Lookingfor suggestions for Reddot for AR-15
« Reply #13 on: January 24, 2014, 04:46:13 PM »
Are you looking for a scope (magnification) or a holographic site (no magnification)?  I'm not clear.


I am looking for a reddot scope ( non magnifying )

Thanks for all the replies

Offline Mudinyeri

  • God, save us!
  • NFOA Full Member
  • **
  • Join Date: May 2010
  • Location: Omaha
  • Posts: 3963
  • Run for the Hills
Re: Lookingfor suggestions for Reddot for AR-15
« Reply #14 on: January 24, 2014, 08:18:28 PM »

I am looking for a reddot scope ( non magnifying )

Thanks for all the replies


EOTech. Not the cheapest, but reliable and good quality.

Offline bkoenig

  • Gun Show Volunteer
  • Powder Benefactor
  • *
  • Join Date: May 2009
  • Location: Lincoln, NE
  • Posts: 3677
  • Aspiring cranky old gun nut
Re: Lookingfor suggestions for Reddot for AR-15
« Reply #15 on: January 24, 2014, 08:42:48 PM »
EOTech. Not the cheapest, but reliable and good quality.



I LOVE my XPS3.


Offline altheman2

  • Powder Benefactor
  • *
  • Join Date: Dec 2010
  • Location: South Central NE
  • Posts: 161
Re: Lookingfor suggestions for Reddot for AR-15
« Reply #16 on: January 24, 2014, 09:50:16 PM »
I LOVE my XPS3.

$60 factory rebate on some EOtech stuff going on right now. I think till the end of the month

https://www.primaryarms.com/EoTech-Red-Dot-Sights-s/905.htm