Red Dot for my AR-15

[masterswimmer]

@Willjr75 and @Edwardteach72

First, thanks for all your insight. I do appreciate it.

Second, unfortunately the bickering has detracted from the initial intent of this thread. I do need the guidance, which you both (and others) have provided. Again, thank you.

Third, I'm hoping to get more helpful feedback from others. Therefore I respectfully ask you guys to further refrain from any additional bantering. New posters with good intentions to help will easily be turned away from answering due to the preponderance of personal attacks as opposed to helpful suggestions.

Thanks for your input and for understanding and respecting my request.

 

[Jem45472]

Obviously anything aimpoint, trijicon, or eotech will do, but pricey.

On the cheapest end of the usable spectrum is the Bushnell trs25 for under $100.

Then you have the best "bang for the buck" options which includes primary arms, sig romeo 5, holosun 403 which are all made by holosun. Slightly more expensive are the Leupolds, and holosun 510. You have already heard my opinion that for the price, the 510c is the best option on the market for the least amount of money. While you can get the primary arms, sig, or Holo 403 a bit cheaper and are all great optics, the viewing window of the 510 is worth the extra few bucks.

I wouldn't bother looking at anything other than what I have mentioned in this post.

 

[masterswimmer]

Obviously anything aimpoint, trijicon, or eotech will do, but pricey.

On the cheapest end of the usable spectrum is the Bushnell trs25 for under $100.

Then you have the best "bang for the buck" options which includes primary arms, sig romeo 5, holosun 403 which are all made by holosun. Slightly more expensive are the Leupolds, and holosun 510. You have already heard my opinion that for the price, the 510c is the best option on the market for the least amount of money. While you can get the primary arms, sig, or Holo 403 a bit cheaper and are all great optics, the viewing window of the 510 is worth the extra few bucks.

I wouldn't bother looking at anything other than what I have mentioned in this post.

Very nice synopsis @Jem45472 thanks!

 

[Edwardteach72]

Have you thought about an lvpo

 

[Jem45472]

Have you thought about an lvpo

Lpvo ?

 

[Edwardteach72]

Lpvo ?

Low variable power optic

Generally 1-4x , 1-6x , or 1-8x

 

[masterswimmer]

Have you thought about an lvpo

I have not. I'm not familiar with it.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Could use a magnifier but at that point its added weight and bulk vs say a 1-4 or 1-6

And a LVPO you have the versatility of a red dot (1x power) and also ability for more precision shots (4,6,or8x but not quite as precise as a dedicated long distance scope)

 

[Jem45472]

Have you thought about an lvpo

I have an ar pistol at about 14" total length with the 510 on it, and a 14" carbine pinned to 16" with a 1x6 lpvo on it. While I like the 1x6 as it can be used as a red dot, it is definitely not as fast as a dot. It's not true 1x but close and head needs to be in the right position. I love having the ability for magnification though.

The carbine is only about 2" longer, but it is a LOT heavier. I would take my pistol with the dot any day over the scoped carbine, especially with 5.56 which usable range is within seeing distance.

 

[Edwardteach72]

I have not. I'm not familiar with it.

So semi broke it down in my last past but

Looking at a scope that is generally 1-4 1-6 or 1-8 power and you can run the 1 power like.a red dot, many come with illumination but also have the option of 4 6 or 8x

 

[masterswimmer]

So semi broke it down in my last past but

Looking at a scope that is generally 1-4 1-6 or 1-8 power and you can run the 1 power like.a red dot, many come with illumination but also have the option of 4 6 or 8x

Other than my 10/22 this is my first rifle. Please excuse my ignorant questions. Would you be able to link me to an example of what you're referring to? Is the lvpo a separate component to the red dot?

 

[Edwardteach72]

I have an ar pistol at about 14" total length with the 510 on it, and a 14" carbine pinned to 16" with a 1x6 lpvo on it. While I like the 1x6 as it can be used as a red dot, it is definitely not as fast as a dot. It's not true 1x but close and head needs to be in the right position. I love having the ability for magnification though.

The carbine is only about 2" longer, but it is a LOT heavier. I would take my pistol with the dot any day over the scoped carbine, especially with 5.56 which usable range is within seeing distance.

This goes back to other conversation from earlie more so with LVPOs for cost benefit ratio but no need to go there.

They are still a great option PSA is doing a sale for a vortex I believe that's 450$ (or 500 for a valkyrie upper and optic for like 500) in the it adds more versatility than the red dot and with training can be just as fast

 

[Jem45472]

An lpvo is a low powered variable optic. It's a scope that can be used at 1x power for fast target hits, or can be dialed up for magnification.

It's a scope.

 

[Edwardteach72]

Other than my 10/22 this is my first rifle. Please excuse my ignorant questions. Would you be able to link me to an example of what you're referring to? Is the lvpo a separate component to the red dot?

Yea not a problem. Nothing ignorant at all, LVPOs are just now starting to take the spot light. Especially over say a red dot and magnifier combo .


Here is a decent base to start (can Get very very expensive depending on how quality you want your glass and such)

Based on your price parameters

https://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-strike-eagle-scope-1-6x24-ar-bdc-reticle.html

 

[Jem45472]

I have not. I'm not familiar with it.

lpvo vs red dot - Google Search

 

[Edwardteach72]

I have an ar pistol at about 14" total length with the 510 on it, and a 14" carbine pinned to 16" with a 1x6 lpvo on it. While I like the 1x6 as it can be used as a red dot, it is definitely not as fast as a dot. It's not true 1x but close and head needs to be in the right position. I love having the ability for magnification though.

The carbine is only about 2" longer, but it is a LOT heavier. I would take my pistol with the dot any day over the scoped carbine, especially with 5.56 which usable range is within seeing distance.

I'm honestly planning on using a 1-4 or 1-6 on one of the two 5.56 pistol uppers I want to build (ones going to be a colt commando cloneish so no optic 2md a more.usable today upper) and probably dropping a red dot on the 12" 450bm for deer

 

[Jem45472]

I'm honestly planning on using a 1-4 or 1-6 on one of the two 5.56 pistol uppers I want to build (ones going to be a colt commando cloneish so no optic 2md a more.usable today upper) and probably dropping a red dot on the 12" 450bm for deer

This is the one I have, it won't break the bank and is lifetime warrantied. Nice reticle for use as a red dot, but the bullet drop reticle is for 5.56 only.
Cabela's AR Riflescope : Cabela's

I picked one up just to try out (which I actually have not done yet) , but as mentioned earlier, I am happier with the red dot.

Now if you are hunting- I can definitely see the benefits of having a 1x4 or 1x6 for precise shots, but my left shoulder is bad and I don't care for the extra weight of a scope inside 200 yards.

 

[Jem45472]

Thins is the reticle

 

[masterswimmer]

lpvo vs red dot - Google Search

lol, as expected. All the experts say, 'it depends'. That's what I thought going into that question.

I am thinking the LPVO is more versatile though. Thanks for the intro to that @Edwardteach72

 

[Jem45472]

lol, as expected. All the experts say, 'it depends'. That's what I thought going into that question.

I am thinking the LPVO is more versatile though. Thanks for the intro to that @Edwardteach72

More versatile for certain things, others, not so much.

Keep in mind, the scopes are like anything else, you get what you pay for. In your price range you are getting the best of the dots out there. That's not going to be the case for the scopes. Your budget will get you the lower to mid range variables.

The better scopes are reticle daylight visible, less distortion, clearer glass, better eye relief.

Won't be as rugged, light, or have the battery life of the dots though.

 

[Jem45472]

lol, as expected. All the experts say, 'it depends'. That's what I thought going into that question.

I am thinking the LPVO is more versatile though. Thanks for the intro to that @Edwardteach72

This would be my pick for a mid level variable.

Primary Arms Silver Series 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope Gen III - Illuminated ACSS-5.56/5.45/.308 PA1-6X24SFP-ACSS-5.56

 

[Podmonkey]

Honestly, @masterswimmer, those Holosuns seem really GTG for even "serious" work.
They are the ones that supplied Primary Arms' RDS and I have seen durability tests where those things have gone to hell and back and still in working order.
As for the Low Power Variable Scope vs Red Dot Sight........... yeah, it really does depend. I will say that a LPVS is not as easy to use as a red dot.
Even on 1x you will still need to be centered behind the eyepiece to see the reticle where as on a red dot as long as you have line of sight through the tube you will still be able to see the dot, even at large angles. A LPV will be a lighter, slicker arrangement than a red dot + magnifier and a mildot crosshair reticle is much more flexible than a simple dot.
I would say if you only have one rifle to put an optic on, and especially if you are shooting less than 100 yards most of the time, stick with the red dot. If you want to shoot at intermediate ranges or at very small targets the magnification is an huge help.

 

[masterswimmer]

In the last 1/2 hour I've gone back and forth from the RD to the LPVO a half dozen times already.
I've vasilated from the Holosun 510 to the Vortex, from the Strike Eagle 1-6x24 to the 1-8x24.

I'M SO CONFUSED!!!!!
But that's no surprise to those who know me.

 

[Jem45472]

In the last 1/2 hour I've gone back and forth from the RD to the LPVO a half dozen times already.
I've vasilated from the Holosun 510 to the Vortex, from the Strike Eagle 1-6x24 to the 1-8x24.

I'M SO CONFUSED!!!!!
But that's no surprise to those who know me.

You haven't mentioned your intended use and range yet. All I can tell you is I have both, and prefer the 510.

Like @Podmonkey said, if you are always shooting 150 to 400 yard range the scope will probably better serve you.

 

[Jem45472]

In the last 1/2 hour I've gone back and forth from the RD to the LPVO a half dozen times already.
I've vasilated from the Holosun 510 to the Vortex, from the Strike Eagle 1-6x24 to the 1-8x24.

I'M SO CONFUSED!!!!!
But that's no surprise to those who know me.

If you really want to drive yourself nuts, try to decide if you want a ffp or sfp lpvo.

No need for thanks.

 

[Jem45472]

Think of it this way. A red dot will get you hits on anything you can see. A lpvo will help get you hits on things you can't.

 

[Marine Cpl]

In the last 1/2 hour I've gone back and forth from the RD to the LPVO a half dozen times already.
I've vasilated from the Holosun 510 to the Vortex, from the Strike Eagle 1-6x24 to the 1-8x24.

I'M SO CONFUSED!!!!!
But that's no surprise to those who know me.

What is the rifle for? Fun to poke holes and play with group sizes? If so, scope.

Defense at 0 to 300 yards? Red dot.

 

[Jem45472]

What is the rifle for? Fun to poke holes and play with group sizes? If so, scope.

Defense at 0 to 300 yards? Red dot.

This can't be liked enough.

If it's a defensive rifle, you can't beat the always on red dot where you don't have to worry about your head being exactly in the right space.

 

[masterswimmer]

If you really want to drive yourself nuts, try to decide if you want a ffp or sfp lpvo.

No need for thanks.

I hate you!!!!

Think of it this way. A red dot will get you hits on anything you can see. A lpvo will help get you hits on things you can't.

Excellent point to consider.

What is the rifle for? Fun to poke holes and play with group sizes? If so, scope.

Defense at 0 to 300 yards? Red dot.

Mostly 99.9% range time from 100-200 yds.

I'm leaning back to LPVO again. The problem with this choice is my budget is not putting me into anything near decent quality. That bothers me.

 

[Jem45472]

I hate you!!!!



Excellent point to consider.



Mostly 99.9% range time from 100-200 yds.

I'm leaning back to LPVO again. The problem with this choice is my budget is not putting me into anything near decent quality. That bothers me.

Now your going to get pissed lol.

If it was me, 99.9 range gun at 100 to 200, I would be looking at a 3x prism scope.

Super durable, etched illuminated reticle with bdc, good glass with no distortion, perfect for the ranges you said.

This is the reason military uses acogs, which is a prism sight.