Posted on Aug 28, 2016
What are your opinions on red dot vs variable scopes for AR-15 rifles and best options under $500?
13K
81
39
7
7
0
Rifles
AR-15
Shooting (Sport)
Weapons
Self Defense
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 22
6
6
0
I've used red dot, acog and iron rights on the ar... I have always favored iron sights over all other optics. Just my opinion
(6)
(0)
MSgt (Join to see)
Sgt John H. -
You can accomplish close range with a good 1-4 or 1-6 variable scope just a well as a red dot. And be better prepared for that long shot.
You can accomplish close range with a good 1-4 or 1-6 variable scope just a well as a red dot. And be better prepared for that long shot.
(1)
(0)
(1)
(0)
Sgt John H.
MSgt (Join to see) - It certainly is. Still love it.... I try to hit the range at least once a week.
(1)
(0)
3
3
0
It really depends on the purpose and the environment. For close up, you can't beat the red-dot (I use EoTechs and that was my go-to in the cities of Iraq). For distance, the ACOG is fantastic and used for convoys in rural environments (think Afghanistan)
(3)
(0)
Richard Pollock
100% agree, it depends on the mission. Love the red dot on my carbine (AR-15), my next build will be a varminter.
(0)
(0)
3
3
0
Red dots with irons as your back up that's what I have and I can still shot 300+ meters with my irons if the red dot goes out.
(3)
(0)
3
3
0
I'm with MSgt (Join to see) with the PST on my light AR. You can crank the red reticle on for daylight but it excels at dusk. At one power, both eyes open, running varmints are toast. Getting them at 150-200 at 4X works. Someone mentioned the AR-10. I rebuilt my SM M1A into a long range propane cylinder buster with the Viper PST MRAD FFP 4-16X. Best fun is putting the road flare on a stick in front so you add powdered excitement to the propane going up. Lost a battery cover for the PST. Rang support up to buy a replacement. Oh no, we'll send you one for free. Good outfit.
(3)
(0)
MAJ Matthew Arnold
I looked up the Viper PST MRAD FFP 4-16X50 (it is $879 on Amazon). What I really want to know is how did you mount it on your M1A? What mount, rail, rings, and how high is it? I have an M1A that I want to put a good scope on. Many guys say to go with the Barret mount, some like the CASM mount. I very interested in what you did.
(0)
(0)
CAPT Kevin B.
I'm using the SA steel mount. Works fine and doesn't cost like the others. I don't recommend the aluminum version. I used Warne QD steel rings. This used to be my NM unit that was lovingly massaged by the armorers at Crane. My eyes don't handle the oval at long range anymore. But with this assist, I can still do it at 800M if I need to. The Archangel stock is a lot cheaper than the Jennings and if you take your time mounting it correctly, it's rock solid. If my barrel gets tired, I'm shipping it out to Fulton Armory to have Clint put a touch heavier unit on.
(1)
(0)
2
2
0
Depends on what I'm doing. I always have iron sights on my AR and do regularly shoot with them just because. But if I'm not going out past 300m or doing a run and gun i prefer red dots and Scopes for precision. But like I said I always have the irons if equipment fails or just for the challenge
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
http://www.primaryarms.com/scopes/c/140100/
Here is a company I like to use. They have some great products.
Here is a company I like to use. They have some great products.
Rifle Scopes, Sights, & Accessories| Primary Arms
Get the best deals on rifle scopes from brands like Leupold, Bushnell, Vortex Optics and more! Primary Arms offers reliable products with the best deals online.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
2
2
0
Iron sights for anything before 300. Variable scope for everything beyond.
(2)
(0)
2
2
0
I like the holographic sights by EO Tech they start about at $400 and go up from there.
(2)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
EOTECH is garbage. They owe a massive refund to SOCOM because their product was found out to be unreliable because it won't hold a zero if exposed to heat.
(0)
(0)
CW5 (Join to see)
Some of them have this flaw. Not all EoTechs were turned in after this came out.
Once you have that puppy zeroed in you become a fan.
Once you have that puppy zeroed in you become a fan.
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
I've got a Vortex Strikefire on my M&P AR that I like a lot. Use iron sights on my other 2 5.56 ARs. I've got an M&P AR-15 22 that I've got a cheap Simmons 3x9 on top of. It's a tack driver out to 100 yards.
(1)
(0)
MSgt (Join to see)
Been reading quite a bit about Vortex lately. Their VIP warranty is hard to beat. I've been considering the Vortex 3x Spitfire prism scope. http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-spitfire-3x-prism-scope-with-ebr-556b-moa-reticle
Vortex Optics - Spitfire 3x Prism Scope EBR-556B(MOA)
Designed specifically for the AR platform, the 3x Spitfire combines an impressive array of high-performance features into a rugged, ultra-compact package. When fast target acquisition in close- to medium-range shooting applications is a priority, the Spitfire excels. Laced with advanced features, the sophisticated prism-based design allows for a more compact optical system without sacrificing optical quality. The EBR-556B reticle is etched...
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google