First red dot....

[Agnotology]

So, I'm buying a 16" AR. Given the cost of a set of quality irons ($80) , I was figuring I should just get a decent red dot. Was also contemplating an LPVO but they are on the 'flex' side and I'm more on the 'poors' side. Even a Sig Sauer Tango looks a bit rich for me.

Thinking Sig Sauer Romeo 5 for $125. Anyone have a better option at that price point?

 

[allen-1]

For an AR the decision to run either red dot or LPVO should be determined by your intended use.

If you've got decent eyesight, and shooting at 100 yards or less a red dot should more than suffice.
Make sure you check the height; I've got risers on my dots on my ARs so I can get a decent cheek weld.

If you're careful in your choice, you could add a 3X flip up magnifier to it in the future if you wanted to go out further.

If you're going to go out more than 100 yards, you might want to save a bit longer and go with the LPVO; although that depends upon you AND the distance. I recently bought the Sig 1-10 LPVO because I was shooting at 500 yards and I couldn't do it with my aging eyesight and a 1-6 LPVO.

 

[BREWINZ]

I won't talk you in or out of anything, but if it's a cheap red dot you want, don't rule out Primary Arms. I have many of their optics for range toys and they're great. This is one you might find appealing given its price point:

Primary Arms Classic Series 25mm Push Button Red Dot Sight

 

[allen-1]

I won't talk you in or out of anything, but if it's a cheap red dot you want, don't rule out Primary Arms. I have many of their optics for range toys and they're great. This is one you might find appealing given its price point:

Primary Arms Classic Series 25mm Push Button Red Dot Sight

 

[Supermoto]

I won't talk you in or out of anything, but if it's a cheap red dot you want, don't rule out Primary Arms. I have many of their optics for range toys and they're great. This is one you might find appealing given its price point:

Primary Arms Classic Series 25mm Push Button Red Dot Sight

Yep. My PA has been on all my guns, it's there first generation and probably 15 years old. My aimpoint broke before the PA.

 

[BREWINZ]

View attachment 840445

That's an option, too. I don't think they make a "bad" one.

 

[cams]

I have a Romeo5 and a Romeo5XDR (circle/dot), both have been solid so far after a couple years.

That said, with any RDS I would recommend having BUIS on your rifle.
Murphy’s Law - always have a plan b.

 

[DarkJoker33]

I too was in this predicament for my main AR.
I ended up with a dot and a 6x magnifier.

This is the video that made me decide too go to a dot.

If speed is a bigger concern of yours.

View: https://youtu.be/ndRt4RwIZv4?si=rKpysDpSxJ_hIMuv

 

[DJBrad]

Go for a Holosun HS510C. Once you go 65moa circle you will be content. I’ve got 6 of those and a few paralows in green and red. Back up irons for quick takedowns of the rds are key.

 

[LuvDog]

My Primary Arms dots haven't let me down.

 

[EMTDAD]

I have a Sig Romeo as well as a Bushnell TRS25. both are ok but I don't run my guns hard.. Both also have reasonably affordable flip up back up irons on them...

really eyeing the Sightmark Wraith.. looks very cool.

 

[allen-1]

I’ve got a couple of these. No complaints.

 

[Agnotology]

For an AR the decision to run either red dot or LPVO should be determined by your intended use.

If you've got decent eyesight, and shooting at 100 yards or less a red dot should more than suffice.
Make sure you check the height; I've got risers on my dots on my ARs so I can get a decent cheek weld.

If you're careful in your choice, you could add a 3X flip up magnifier to it in the future if you wanted to go out further.

If you're going to go out more than 100 yards, you might want to save a bit longer and go with the LPVO; although that depends upon you AND the distance. I recently bought the Sig 1-10 LPVO because I was shooting at 500 yards and I couldn't do it with my aging eyesight and a 1-6 LPVO.

I don't see myself plinking further than 200/300 yards, and not past 100 with a dot.

also gonna be trying to find a preban mag or two. Just not ecstatic over paying $50 a pop. Might just get a couple 10 rounders from where ever will deliver to me.

 

[Rockrivr1]

I picked up a Vortex Sparc for my AR and so far I'm liking it. It comes with risers that allow you to co-witness either 1/3rd or full depending on how you like to configure your back up iron sights. Battery life is 50,000 hours so pretty happy with that.

 

[ReluctantDecoy]

I have a Sig Romeo as well as a Bushnell TRS25. both are ok but I don't run my guns hard.. Both also have reasonably affordable flip up back up irons on them...

really eyeing the Sightmark Wraith.. looks very cool.

As crazy as it sounds, the Bushnells TRS25 is actually the crispest dot for my particular astigmatism. And that's kind of crazy considering all my other red dots are significantly more expensive.

 

[Agnotology]

I too was in this predicament for my main AR.
I ended up with a dot and a 6x magnifier.

This is the video that made me decide too go to a dot.

If speed is a bigger concern of yours.

View: https://youtu.be/ndRt4RwIZv4?si=rKpysDpSxJ_hIMuv

That is by far the worst comparison I've ever seen, the one thing that matters - sight picture - is shown 0 times on either scope / dot set up.

 

[Agnotology]

View attachment 840445

unfortunately, out of stock everywhere, and is more expensive than a Romeo 5 given the mount

 

[Lsgun1]

I have a vortex sparc which I like.

 

[chris_1001]

Out of your price range, but I love my Aimpimt PRO’s

I mostly use LPVO’s

And I do have one sig Romeo (cheaper one) but only shot it once.

If it’s a quality rifle. Dont skimp on the dot.

 

[Agnotology]

Out of your price range, but I love my Aimpimt PRO’s

I mostly use LPVO’s

And I do have one sig Romeo (cheaper one) but only shot it once.

If it’s a quality rifle. Dont skimp on the dot.

It's a budget build. Magpul Moe furniture on a flat top mil spec.

 

[LakeTrout]

For a serious rifle, I’d want a good set of irons in conjunction with a good dot. So I’d suggest one of two things. First, save the money for the aforementioned setup. Probably looking at 300-500 bucks for decent budget setup. Second, if you don’t want to go that route, I’d recommend a prism optic like the primary arms 1x microprism. Solves the problem of having backup sights if your red dot batteries die, because it has an etched reticle. I’d be comfortable using that without backup irons for most scenarios.

 

[DW357]

View attachment 840445

I got a ton of these on various AR uppers. Works well. I have them mounted on the primary arms lower 1/3 cowitness mount - which you can add under the optional accessories on the red dot page. Get a discount too

Home

DetailsThis Primary Arms red dot sight is part of the SLx optics line. SLx optics have built a reputation for innovation, reliability, and value. All SLx optics undergo rigorous field-testing during development to best serve you in any environment.The Microdot, Removable Base, Advanced sight...

www.primaryarms.com

 

[Marty McFly]

I can't believe our resident optic nerd hasn't chimed in yet.

@Tinkermatic

 

[wmass]

I have a sparc ar on two 9mms. It’s survived a few 3 gun matches getting thrown in to the barrel. Im content with its durability, especially at that price point.

 

[Tinkermatic]

Holosun will always be difficult to beat in a bang for buck showdown. Bradles already tossed out the 510 though it’s north of $300.
I also like the 403 lineup especially with the rheostat dial. Just seems less likely to have issues compared to buttons on an affordable red dot. I have one on a 1301 and if that hasn’t killed it, it’ll be fine on an AR. Smaller than the 510 and enclosed emitter. You do get some glow mirrored at higher settings but for sub $200, what are we expecting?

Holosun HS403R Rheo Stat Dial Micro Red Dot Sight 1x 2 MOA Dot

The HS403R is a small compact micro red dot optic that features Holosun’s rheostat dial to adjust brightness settings. This intensity control...

www.midwayusa.com

Edit- I have a 503 on the 1301. I do enjoy the donut of death. Just north of $200 if you can swing it. Plus, 2 mounts and shake awake.
Actually, I can’t confirm that it has shake awake. Could be why mine died a year later… whoops!

Holosun HS503R Rheo Stat Dial Micro Red Dot Sight 1x Selectable

The HS503R is a small compact micro red dot optic that features Holosun’s Rheostat Dial to adjust brightness settings. Employing their LED...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[chris_1001]

It's a budget build. Magpul Moe furniture on a flat top mil spec.

The sig will be fine.

Lots of love for holosun.

But I prefer a simple dot.

 

[Tinkermatic]

I got a ton of these on various AR uppers. Works well. I have them mounted on the primary arms lower 1/3 cowitness mount - which you can add under the optional accessories on the red dot page. Get a discount too

Home

DetailsThis Primary Arms red dot sight is part of the SLx optics line. SLx optics have built a reputation for innovation, reliability, and value. All SLx optics undergo rigorous field-testing during development to best serve you in any environment.The Microdot, Removable Base, Advanced sight...

www.primaryarms.com

I like knobs. Err, never mind.

How’s the glass? I love me a budget minded optic and I have a PA LPVO that punches above it’s weight class so I’m certainly not opposed to the brand. I don’t know why I like the shrouded turret caps on the Holosun, but I do. Which is odd because all typical scope and LPVO caps aren’t shrouded so I don’t know what my aversion to it on red dots is.

 

[M1911]

I don't have a lot of rounds through my Aimpoint red dot or my Vortex LVPO. I can say that I much prefer the red dot -- much lighter, no eye relief issues to deal so you can get behind it easier. Even with a 3x magnifier behind it I prefer the Aimpoint over my Vortex at the same power.

 

[cams]

I’d also suggest checking a bunch of local classifieds, you could probably find an older model EoTech for around 200.00-250.00, good enough to get comfortable with and beat on it with no worries.

 

[Agnotology]

I’d also suggest checking a bunch of local classifieds, you could probably find an older model EoTech for around 200.00-250.00, good enough to get comfortable with and beat on it with no worries.

Two in Woburn, one for 500 NIB, one for 525 "LNIB". I'd love a true holographic, but that's as much as the rifle cost me. I still have to source some mags. A True holographic is nice because no matter where you put the projected sight, it always is on the POI.