Budget AR Red Dot <$400

sroc112 · Jul 21, 2024

Been going back and forth between putting a LPVO on my AR or a red dot. Was never really into red dots in the past but thinking I'll give one a try. Need to keep this budget friendly, as much under $400 as possible.

A few ideas I've been looking at:
Leupold Freedom
Sig Romeo 7
Vortex Strikefire II
Vortex Crossfire II

Anyone with experience using any of those? Open to others, and also hearing more about any other brands as I have not yet researched any of the other top manufacturers in the space.

John? · Jul 21, 2024

I’ve used the Leupold Freedom, EOTech, Aimpoint, and Holosun. Sold the Leupold because it just didn’t work for me. Aimpoint was issues by uncle sugar and they wouldn’t let me keep it. Still have the EOTech and iy works fine; might be a bit of a stretch for your budget.

Have had the holosun 403 for several years and it does fine. 2MOA dot is a bit small for my aging eyes but its ok. Also the 510 which is a bit bigger and more robust. Would look at the 512 enclosed version.

John? · Jul 21, 2024

For 400 I would look hard at the Burris prismatics for an AR. I have the 3x version on one of our ranch rifles. It works great for pest control. Wouldn’t work for indoor sports because its fixed at 3x. Works fine outdoors. I like it much better than the LPVO for critters 25-300 yards.

W54/XM-388 · Jul 21, 2024

In the $400 range you can get a pretty nice LPVO, just saying

Something to think about in the RDS game on an AR is some of the smaller windowed or smaller tubed stuff is going to be a bit slower and harder to use at a distance than you might expect.

Something big like the Vortex AMG UH-1 II on the high end or the Athlon Midas TSR3 on the low end are going to be a lot faster to use and give you a much better field of view.

You might consider a bit of experimentation based on where you are wanting to shoot and such.

BuildingConceptsllc · Jul 21, 2024

That Sig4T is really nice. I have 2 now. I really like it for the ar pistol type set up /MPX.. otherwise, I'm all lpvo on rifles. I tried the red dot thing on rifles and just didn't do it for me. On my run and gun one I have a 1-10 and a small red dot on top which is a good set up for that type of rifle.

Jefe's Dope · Jul 22, 2024

Aimpoint PRO. Should be able to find one sub $400 if you're patient and watch the PX. Jump as soon as you see one. I've seen them as low as $350 in the PX.

The Bushnell TRS is not a terrible red dot. I have and use them on some cheaper AR builds and on a M&P 15- 22. I put one on a AR build 7 or 8 years ago. I just recently sold it to a friend and we took it out and shot it. Its battery was still going and I had pulled it off and remounted it and it held a really good zero. The mount it came with was a bit higher too, which was actually a good height. Cheap enough to start with until you can get a better one like the PRO.

kentuckyMarksman · Jul 22, 2024

I've got a couple of the Holosun 515GM-GR dot sights that I've been happy with. Would buy another if needed. You should be able to find them for $350 or less.

I've used Aimpoint as well, but not sure on their current pricing.

sroc112 · Jul 22, 2024

Jefe's Dope said:
Aimpoint PRO. Should be able to find one sub $400 if you're patient and watch the PX. Jump as soon as you see one. I've seen them as low as $350 in the PX.

The Bushnell TRS is not a terrible red dot. I have and use them on some cheaper AR builds and on a M&P 15- 22. I put one on a AR build 7 or 8 years ago. I just recently sold it to a friend and we took it out and shot it. Its battery was still going and I had pulled it off and remounted it and it held a really good zero. The mount it came with was a bit higher too, which was actually a good height. Cheap enough to start with until you can get a better one like the PRO.

Thanks, I'll keep an eye out. I know that the Aimpoint Pro is mentioned pretty consistently in other threads on this topic, just a bit over budget which is why I excluded.

sroc112 · Jul 22, 2024

John? said:
I’ve used the Leupold Freedom, EOTech, Aimpoint, and Holosun. Sold the Leupold because it just didn’t work for me. Aimpoint was issues by uncle sugar and they wouldn’t let me keep it. Still have the EOTech and iy works fine; might be a bit of a stretch for your budget.

Have had the holosun 403 for several years and it does fine. 2MOA dot is a bit small for my aging eyes but its ok. Also the 510 which is a bit bigger and more robust. Would look at the 512 enclosed version.

Appreciate this. I like the style of the 510 so will keep that one in mind. But I do think I'm still leaning toward the LPVO route

BuildingConceptsllc · Jul 22, 2024

BuildingConceptsllc said:
That Sig4T is really nice. I have 2 now. I really like it for the ar pistol type set up /MPX.. otherwise, I'm all lpvo on rifles. I tried the red dot thing on rifles and just didn't do it for me. On my run and gun one I have a 1-10 and a small red dot on top which is a good set up for that type of rifle.

You can get these in the px if you watch for around your budget. You have to be a little patient because they don't come up as often as others but I got both of mine that way. Absolutely love these.

If you are really thinking you'd rather have an lpvo then I doubt you will be happy with a red dot honestly.

koshkin · Jul 22, 2024

If you can live with the chevron for an aiming point, I'd pick up Primary Arms' Gen2 MD-25 for a couple hundred. It works very nicely.

I've had rather good luck with Sig Romeo 4H and Vortex Sparc Solar as well.

ILya

Schütze · Jul 22, 2024

sroc112 said:
Appreciate this. I like the style of the 510 so will keep that one in mind. But I do think I'm still leaning toward the LPVO route

LPVO, with the code “strike” around $270.

https://palmettostatearmory.com/vortex-strike-eagle-1-8x24-gen-2-riflescope-w-ar-bdc3-reticle-vortex-sport-cantilever30mm-ring-mount-2-offset.html

powdahound76 · Jul 22, 2024

Used Aimpoint PRO as noted by Jefe would be my first rds choice to stay below $400.

The Aimpoint Duty RDS is excellent if you can stretch your budget.

Vortex SPARC has been used on a couple and worked well through a case worth of drills.

sroc112 · Jul 22, 2024

Man... how fast these threads go south..

Thanks for all the input thus far everyone

Rob01 · Jul 22, 2024

sroc112 said:
Been going back and forth between putting a LPVO on my AR or a red dot. Was never really into red dots in the past but thinking I'll give one a try.

Why you want to try one now versus a 1-X LVPO?

Jefe's Dope · Jul 22, 2024

Schütze said:
LPVO, with the code “strike” around $270.

https://palmettostatearmory.com/vortex-strike-eagle-1-8x24-gen-2-riflescope-w-ar-bdc3-reticle-vortex-sport-cantilever30mm-ring-mount-2-offset.html

Any experience w/ this? That's a killer deal and might have to get it just because.

Schütze · Jul 22, 2024

Jefe's Dope said:
Any experience w/ this? That's a killer deal and might have to get it just because.

I ordered one for the same reason. It’s arriving tomorrow. I wouldn’t be of much help comparing it since I just have a bunch of precision rifle scopes.

sroc112 · Jul 22, 2024

Schütze said:
LPVO, with the code “strike” around $270.

https://palmettostatearmory.com/vortex-strike-eagle-1-8x24-gen-2-riflescope-w-ar-bdc3-reticle-vortex-sport-cantilever30mm-ring-mount-2-offset.html

I've actually been looking into this one. Opticsplanet had tue FDE version for $279 and there isnusually always a 10%+ off coupon.

The price and code you provided, is that for the scope and the mount? Or that price is scope only?

Redlion · Jul 22, 2024

I would always go Aimpoint and Eotech first when possible. With that said, I have a Primary Arms SLX M2D-25 Red Dot on a CZ Scorpion and it has been great thus far. Can get it for around $150. 2 moa dot, Shake awake, 50,000 hour + battery life and it is a larger diameter tube, thus allowing in a bit more light compared to other smaller RD's.

Primary Arms SLx MD-25 Rotary Knob 25mm Microdot Gen II with AutoLive - 2 MOA Red Dot

Redlion · Jul 22, 2024

sroc112 said:
I've actually been looking into this one. Opticsplanet had tue FDE version for $279 and there isnusually always a 10%+ off coupon.

The price and code you provided, is that for the scope and the mount? Or that price is scope only?

Both. Takes the price down to $259 before tax and shipping.

W54/XM-388 · Jul 22, 2024

Jefe's Dope said:
Any experience w/ this? That's a killer deal and might have to get it just because.

I got one in because of the deal.
It's really hard to beat for the money.
No it won't beat a $1k PA model, but in the $400 range you'll be hard pressed to beat it.

I'm pretty happy with it and will probably get another one.

sroc112 · Jul 22, 2024

Schütze said:
LPVO, with the code “strike” around $270.

https://palmettostatearmory.com/vortex-strike-eagle-1-8x24-gen-2-riflescope-w-ar-bdc3-reticle-vortex-sport-cantilever30mm-ring-mount-2-offset.html

Is this one FFP or SFP?

Schütze · Jul 22, 2024

sroc112 said:
Is this one FFP or SFP?

SFP

sroc112 · Jul 22, 2024

That's what I thought. Just saw someone on here post up a FFP model. Didn't realize it came in both configurations.

Rob01 · Jul 22, 2024

If you wanted FFP the Arken EP8 1-8 is FFP and only $299 now at Cameraland.

https://cameralandny.com/shop/brands/arken-optics/arken-optics-1-8x28-lpvo-ffp-kl-box-ep8-18klb/abbdb860-fda8-013b-486c-00163e90e196?variation=3519852

sroc112 · Jul 22, 2024

Rob01 said:
If you wanted FFP the Arken EP8 1-8 is FFP and only $299 now at Cameraland.

https://cameralandny.com/shop/brands/arken-optics/arken-optics-1-8x28-lpvo-ffp-kl-box-ep8-18klb/abbdb860-fda8-013b-486c-00163e90e196?variation=3519852

I don't mind for this purpose, was just asking to see which model it was. Listing on PA didn't seem to mention.

MO Fugga · Jul 22, 2024

Schütze said:
I ordered one for the same reason. It’s arriving tomorrow. I wouldn’t be of much help comparing it since I just have a bunch of precision rifle scopes.

I knew you'd like it.

308pirate · Jul 22, 2024

W54/XM-388 said:
Something to think about in the RDS game on an AR is some of the smaller windowed or smaller tubed stuff is going to be a bit slower and harder to use at a distance than you might expect.

How much slower compared to what?

At what distance?

How did you measure?

W54/XM-388 · Jul 22, 2024

308pirate said:
How much slower compared to what?

At what distance?

How did you measure?

When I hand folks that I take out target shooting an AR with xx or a rifle with yy and see what takes them longer to get on target anywhere from 25 yards to 100 yards. See what without a bunch of training they feel more comfortable with right off the bat.

Sure training can fix everything.

I'm personally partial to LPVOs for most AR stuff these days.

308pirate · Jul 22, 2024

W54/XM-388 said:
When I hand folks that I take out target shooting an AR with xx or a rifle with yy and see what takes them longer to get on target anywhere from 25 yards to 100 yards. See what without a bunch of training they feel more comfortable with right off the bat.

Sure training can fix everything.

I'm personally partial to LPVOs for most AR stuff these days.

Wait you're giving advice based on what untrained randos like best?

LOL

Cutout · Jul 23, 2024

I bought a couple of Vortex Crossfire II red dots when they were on a sale once, and I never regretted it. Pretty decent for the price. I sold one with a gun and the other lives on one of the kids' .22s. I don't like that the adjustment dial has to be turned all the way down to off and doesn't have off positions between brightness levels. I suppose that doesn't matter if you are an "always on" type of person. Anyway, probably not the best choice for a duty or self defense weapon, but for a plinker or a fun gun, it seems pretty good for the money. I'd buy it again just to keep something in inventory to throw on whatever needs it.

FuhQ · Jul 24, 2024

sroc112 said:
Been going back and forth between putting a LPVO on my AR or a red dot. Was never really into red dots in the past but thinking I'll give one a try. Need to keep this budget friendly, as much under $400 as possible.

A few ideas I've been looking at:
Leupold Freedom
Sig Romeo 7
Vortex Strikefire II
Vortex Crossfire II

Anyone with experience using any of those? Open to others, and also hearing more about any other brands as I have not yet researched any of the other top manufacturers in the space.

Holosun is one of the best red dots I've owned. I run them on every gun I currently run a red dot on.

ekaphoto · Jul 25, 2024

I had a Sig Romeo 5 and it worked well. The only reason I got rid of it was because my eyes and red dots don't do well together. You can get one new for about $120.

Nice thing is they have long battrie life and have shake awake.

A lot depends on what you are using it for and your eyes preferences etc.

Milf Dots · Jul 25, 2024

ekaphoto said:
I had a Sig Romeo 5 and it worked well. The only reason I got rid of it was because my eyes and red dots don't do well together. You can get one new for about $120.

Nice thing is they have long battrie life and have shake awake.

A lot depends on what you are using it for and your eyes preferences etc.

Sig just started shipping gen2 Romeo 5 optics that offer both green and red dot models.

sroc112 · Jul 28, 2024

If I go the route of red dot, I narrowed it down to the Holosun 510.

I do kind of like the idea of having the option of a magnifier along with a red dot, however the 510 combo brings me right around the same price point of the Aimpoint Pro. So the question becomes, 510 combo or Aimpoint.

I know that it's a difference of function, I could go many ways on this rifle. It's not the only AR I plan to own so whichever route I go here, I can always do the other option on the next one. Still considering the Strike Eagle as well, at that price it's tough to turn down.

I have a few guns I use for target shooting at 100-300 yds, so I don't need the AR to necessarily be one of them. If I go red dot, it's more of a home defense SHTF build and fun at range maybe at the 50 yd. If I do the strike eagle, I'll also throw it in the mix for 100-200yd fun as well.

BuildingConceptsllc · Jul 28, 2024

sroc112 said:
If I go the route of red dot, I narrowed it down to the Holosun 510.

I do kind of like the idea of having the option of a magnifier along with a red dot, however the 510 combo brings me right around the same price point of the Aimpoint Pro. So the question becomes, 510 combo or Aimpoint.

I know that it's a difference of function, I could go many ways on this rifle. It's not the only AR I plan to own so whichever route I go here, I can always do the other option on the next one. Still considering the Strike Eagle as well, at that price it's tough to turn down.

I have a few guns I use for target shooting at 100-300 yds, so I don't need the AR to necessarily be one of them. If I go red dot, it's more of a home defense SHTF build and fun at range maybe at the 50 yd. If I do the strike eagle, I'll also throw it in the mix for 100-200yd fun as well.

The only purpose I have for a red dot on an AR as a stand along optic is for one that is a pistol set up that will be 100yds and in. Obviously very fast target acquisition is the biggest benefit. I never liked the magnifier set up. Heavy and not all that useful for me personally. I'd rather have a 1-10 with an rds on a 45 or on top for something that is going to be an all purposes set up, which is what I ended up with for that rifle.

The holosun 510 is popular so I assume it's pretty good, though I'm partial to the sig 4T variants. The clarity vs some of the other ones I have/had is noticeable but I think the holosun has the same features mostly. Shake awake is a big one to have on that type of set up.

Milf Dots · Jul 28, 2024

The Aimpoint PRO is the obvious choice here. Proven reliability and durability. Parts and service will always be available.

RedTimber · Jul 28, 2024

If you have OnX elite you get 25% off all of Bushnell's stuff. Just remember you are buying Bushnell

BCP · Jul 28, 2024

I have a dinky sig red dot (Romeo??) on my stribog and it works fine but you can tell the difference in quality between it and the higher priced models for sure.

Cutout · Jul 30, 2024

BuildingConceptsllc said:
The only purpose I have for a red dot on an AR as a stand along optic is for one that is a pistol set up that will be 100yds and in. Obviously very fast target acquisition is the biggest benefit. I never liked the magnifier set up. Heavy and not all that useful for me personally. I'd rather have a 1-10 with an rds on a 45 or on top for something that is going to be an all purposes set up, which is what I ended up with for that rifle.

The holosun 510 is popular so I assume it's pretty good, though I'm partial to the sig 4T variants. The clarity vs some of the other ones I have/had is noticeable but I think the holosun has the same features mostly. Shake awake is a big one to have on that type of set up.

If Aimpoint is an option, then the answer is clear.

sroc112 · Jul 30, 2024

I went with the strike eagle sfp 1-8 deal on PSA. Ordered this morning. Couldn't pass up the price.

Darryle · Jul 30, 2024

I envy y'all, I wish I could use a traditional RD, but with astigmatism I get a starburst dot and it's hard to be precise. The Primary Arms etched reticles prisms have worked great for me. I have a couple of true 1x - ** LPVOs and they have been great but lack any illumination and are regulated to range/hunting.

BuildingConceptsllc · Jul 30, 2024

Cutout said:
If Aimpoint is an option, then the answer is clear.

I've had em all. Aimpoint, eotech, vortex, ect... I much prefer the Sig 4t

BuildingConceptsllc · Jul 30, 2024

Cutout said:
If Aimpoint is an option, then the answer is clear.

I've had em all. Aimpoint, eotech, vortex, ect... I much prefer the Sig

sroc112 said:
I went with the strike eagle sfp 1-8 deal on PSA. Ordered this morning. Couldn't pass up the price.

I think you will be happy with it. You sound like I was and after many set ups, for a rifle, the red dot just didn't get it. For pistol set up, red dots are great imo

Cutout · Jul 30, 2024

BuildingConceptsllc said:
I've had em all. Aimpoint, eotech, vortex, ect... I much prefer the Sig 4t

I've been very happy with Aimpoint, but I haven't had any Sig optics so I can't speak to them. Out of curiosity, what do you find preferable about the Romeo 4t?

BuildingConceptsllc · Jul 30, 2024

Cutout said:
I've been very happy with Aimpoint, but I haven't had any Sig optics so I can't speak to them. Out of curiosity, what do you find preferable about the Romeo 4t?

The size, the clarity/thickness of the dot/reticle and the clarity of the glass, features, and it's super easy. My romeo5 isn't on the same level but the 4t is a good bit more expensive too.

BuildingConceptsllc · Jul 30, 2024

Cutout said:
I've been very happy with Aimpoint, but I haven't had any Sig optics so I can't speak to them. Out of curiosity, what do you find preferable about the Romeo 4t?

Yeah I wasn't unhappy with my aimpoint, I just prefer this one.

Cutout · Jul 30, 2024

BuildingConceptsllc said:
Yeah I wasn't unhappy with my aimpoint, I just prefer this one.

Makes sense. Thank you for your perspective.

Darryle · Jul 30, 2024

BuildingConceptsllc said:
I've had em all. Aimpoint, eotech, vortex, ect... I much prefer the Sig 4t

Is the 4t etched by chance?

BuildingConceptsllc · Jul 30, 2024

Darryle said:
Is the 4t etched by chance?

No I don't think so because you can change the reticle and all. It just has clear and a more crisp dot and circle to it. I think it's also just the way they have the brightness setting done. You know how there's always one level of brightness that is not quite enough, but the next is too much and makes a little bit of bloom to it? The 4t's brightness levels are set really good so you can get a nice visible dot and circle, but not so much that it's too much. There may be more to it but it just makes for a better sight picture and cleaner looking dot/circle.

Having trouble using the site?

Budget AR Red Dot <$400

Sergeant of the Hide

Sergeant of the Hide

Sergeant of the Hide

Online Training Member

Don't Start None, won't be none.

Red Forman

Gunny Sergeant

Sergeant of the Hide

Sergeant of the Hide

Don't Start None, won't be none.

Dark Lord Of Optics

Major Hide Member

Old tired dad

Sergeant of the Hide

Moderator

Red Forman

Major Hide Member

Sergeant of the Hide

Gunny Sergeant

Gunny Sergeant

Online Training Member

Sergeant of the Hide

Major Hide Member

Sergeant of the Hide

Moderator

Sergeant of the Hide

Asshole

Gunny Sergeant

Online Training Member

Gunny Sergeant

Private

Unreconstructed

Private

Poontificator

Sergeant of the Hide

Don't Start None, won't be none.

Poontificator

Jude 1:3

Lt. Colonel

Private

Sergeant of the Hide

My Squirrel is locked in a Faraday Cage

Don't Start None, won't be none.

Don't Start None, won't be none.

Private

Don't Start None, won't be none.

Don't Start None, won't be none.

Attachments

Private

My Squirrel is locked in a Faraday Cage

Don't Start None, won't be none.

Similar threads