Budget AR Red Dot <$400

sroc112

sroc112

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Feb 17, 2024
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#1
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.
 
#2
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.
 
#3
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.
 
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#4
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.
 
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#5
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.
 
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#6
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.
 
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#7
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.
 
#8
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
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#9
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.
Click to expand...
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
 
#10
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
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#12
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#18
#19
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
 
#21
Jefe's Dope said:
Any experience w/ this? That's a killer deal and might have to get it just because.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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#29
308pirate said:
How much slower compared to what?

At what distance?

How did you measure?
Click to expand...

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.
 
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#30
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.
Click to expand...
Wait you're giving advice based on what untrained randos like best?

LOL
 
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#31
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.
 
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#32
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.
Click to expand...
Holosun is one of the best red dots I've owned. I run them on every gun I currently run a red dot on.
 
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#33
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.
 
#34
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.
Click to expand...
Sig just started shipping gen2 Romeo 5 optics that offer both green and red dot models.
 
#35
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.
 
#36
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
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#40
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.
Click to expand...
If Aimpoint is an option, then the answer is clear.
 
#42
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.
 
#44
Cutout said:
If Aimpoint is an option, then the answer is clear.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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
 
#46
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?
Click to expand...
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.
 
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#47
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?
Click to expand...
Yeah I wasn't unhappy with my aimpoint, I just prefer this one.
 

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#50
Darryle said:
Is the 4t etched by chance?
Click to expand...
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.
 
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