AR red dot optics?

[pioneer]

My son presented me with a Bushmaster 5.56 lower on Christmas morning, leaving it up to me to build the rest. I'm not sure if I want to thank him, or spank him. This gift is going to cost me about $800.00. My former partner / gunsmith will build it for me and said that's what the parts I want will cost. He won't charge me labor, but that's a long story.

Since I want an A3 flat-top configuration I'm interested in putting some kind of red dot optics on it that won't cost me an arm and a leg. My question is; What experience does anyone have with the lower cost red dots? I'm looking for positive as well as negative comments.
This rifle will not be used for 1000 yard tack-driving competition, just your basic SHTF defense and utility rifle.

[PegLeg45]

Glad you posted this. I was going to ask basically the same question.
I'm thinking of putting a low-buck scope on a truck gun (mini-14 carried around under the rear seat). I don't need a high dollar rig. I'll save those for my hunting rifles.

I saw these the other day and wondered of they are junk.

http://www.centerpointoptics.com/quick_aim_sights/1x34/

Thanks,

PegLeg

[ericire12]

http://www.centerpointoptics.com/quick_aim_sights/1x34/

If I am not mistaken, they are made by Tasco.... what I have read about center point online is that they are junk.... I have found that Simmons makes some of the best budget scopes you will find -- although I have no experience with their red dots. BSA is not so bad either.....




Here are a couple of simmons red dots for under $30

http://natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=SN800879&prodTitle=Simmons%2030MM%20Red%20Dot%20Black%20Matte%20Tube%20Unirail


http://natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=SN800880&prodTitle=Simmons%2042MM%20Red%20Dot%20Black%20Matte%20Tube%20Unirail

Simmons for $65

http://natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=SN851234&prodTitle=Simmons%20RED%20DOT%2030MM%20Multi%20Reticle%20Sight%20with%20Rings

Then there is also Barska $94

http://natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=BKAC10984&prodTitle=Barska%201X30%20ELECTRO%20M16%20Black%20Matte%20Illuminated%20Tactical%20Red%20Dot%20Sight

TruGlo also for $70

http://natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=XRTG8030B2&prodTitle=RED%20DOT%2030MM%202X%20BLACK
http://natchezss.com/product.cfm?contentID=productDetail&prodID=BKAC10984&prodTitle=Barska%201X30%20ELECTRO%20M16%20Black%20Matte%20Illuminated%20Tactical%20Red%20Dot%20Sight




Or you could put just about any laser on it if you have rails.

[1776 Rebel]

If you go out to Midwayusa.com and do a search on red dot you will find a number of red dot sights for el cheapo. One BSA scope is this one...

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=294221

[DesertMarine]

Based on my nephews comments, one career Army Ranger with service in 1st Gulf war, Iraq and Afghansitan, the other Marine Recon, Army LERP, Iraq and Afghansitan.  They both have used various red dot sights in combat and they go for the Aimpoint, not cheap but when TSHTF, why would you trust your life to a cheap sight.  That is what eventually I'll put on my evil black gun.

[Sponsor]

[Kelly Neal]

I'd just get a good red dot off the bat as opposed to buying several cheapo ones, especially if this rifle is going to have a defensive role.  Aimpoints and Eotechs are good and each have their proponents.  You may also want to check out the Leupold Prismatic. 

[alfsauve]

Any reason why you don't look at an Aimpoint?   I know the COMP4 are pricey but there are other models available in lower price ranges.   Also you might find a good used one.   I sold a Model 2000 for $60 this past year.

Also, I have the Millet red-dot tube on my Crosman pellet pistol and it seems like a reasonable low end scope.

One thing to be aware, though, even though you can mount things real low, depending on your stock it may be too low for your eye to line up on.    So, I'd probably steer away from scopes with built in rings, because you can't vary the height if need be.

[1776 Rebel]

Here are a couple of solutions to the scope height issue...

http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=326

[Big Frank]

Somebody has to say so it may as well be me: Why not put a low-power scope on it instead? No batteries to go dead when TSHTF. To me it seems like flat tops should have scopes and the other uppers shouldn't. Old fashioned thinking I guess.

If you get a variable power with 1 or 1.5x at the low end it lines up fast and at 4 or 6x you can take long shots too. Or you can get a fixed 2.5x for as low as $24. Just an idea. Of course you could spend over $400 on a 3x magnifier to go with a $$$ Aimpoint too. My budget won't allow that but maybe yours will.

[Fatman]

Any reason why you don't look at an Aimpoint?   I know the COMP4 are pricey but there are other models available in lower price ranges.   Also you might find a good used one.   I sold a Model 2000 for $60 this past year.

Also, I have the Millet red-dot tube on my Crosman pellet pistol and it seems like a reasonable low end scope.

One thing to be aware, though, even though you can mount things real low, depending on your stock it may be too low for your eye to line up on.    So, I'd probably steer away from scopes with built in rings, because you can't vary the height if need be.

Hey Alf? I got a PA lottery ticket with some serious prizes - 1 in 125,000 shot at a million, same odds for $100,000. Goes off the third, you have a 1 : 125,000 chance of seeing that 10k scope for your AR.