Rifle Scopes Dot sight for an SBR

[rg1911]

Some time back, I built a little SBR on an M1 Carbine receiver (it's on a Form 1) and mounted a cheap BSA dot sight I had kicking around:

The sight lasted about 20 rounds (you know how vicious the .30 Carbine round is) before failing. But the brief test showed that I liked the idea. Basically, I'd like a sight durable enough that I can toss the carbine in my truck when I go out to tromp the boonies.

Since then, I've been looking for all the reviews I can find on sites such as OpticsPlanet. However, a review that consists primarily of "I just opened the box and it's beautiful!" with 5 stars doesn't fill me with confidence.

So, does anyone have experience (good or bad) with a dot sight that won't break my bank account (which currently is moaning during the build of my new rifle)? I've been looking at the EOTech 512, but at $415 it's at the extreme high end of what I can pay.

Thank you,
Richard

 

[jasonk]

Re: Dot sight for an SBR

Vortex Sparc is good bang for the buck and will last.

http://www.vortexoptics.com/category/sparc_red_dot

 

[Outdoorsman9]

Re: Dot sight for an SBR

Vortex Strikefire works really well on my 12 gauge slug gun. Great sight and company.

 

[ORD]

Re: Dot sight for an SBR

Both of the previously mentioned Vortex RDS units will work well on a budget. I've had a StrikeFire on and off a 9mm AR and a couple others now for many thousands of rounds and aside from battery changes...its been great, held zero perfectly and served me well. The Sparc is nice if you are wanting something a little smaller.

 

[Opticsspecialist]

Re: Dot sight for an SBR

aimpoint comp c3, it's cheap for an aimpoint, comes with the ring you need, it would do the job perfectly

 

[BobD]

Re: Dot sight for an SBR

You have a number of great options. Here's a few, including what others have mentioned at several pice points.

~$75 bushnell trs-25
~$150 vortex strike fire
~$200 vortex sparc
~$220 Burris XTS
~$325/375 Eotech 512 used/new
~$350-375 Eotech 516 open box
~$375-425 trijicon reflex (some used models around this price)

They are all fairly different. The trs and strike fire are good values. I feel the Burris is a bit nicer. If you like the larger profile reticle of the Eotech, trijicon might be worth considering. As nice as they are, my gripe is they do not offer the same brightness as the rest of competition. With that said, Eotech's are great if you don't mind the size and weight of the of the larger models.

 

[BasraBoy]

Re: Dot sight for an SBR

Probably more than you want to spend...but for a light/handy carbine I'd look at the H-1 Aimpoint - very compact and light, $588 at Euro Optics

....or EO tech XPS2? $490 at Euro Op.

 

[leadbullet]

Re: Dot sight for an SBR

check out the C-more railway or just get the best like an H1

 

[Mil.Dot]

Re: Dot sight for an SBR

If you are willing to go up a little in price from the Vortex options, you can get an <span style="font-weight: bold">Aimpoint PRO</span> for $380-400 (sometimes as low as $360 shipped). It comes with a mount and flip up lens covers. Worth the extra money.

Battery life is excellent, as in it can be left on for years at a time. Aimpoint consistently gets top marks for durability, you can definitely throw it around if you choose . . .

It is more money, but you probably won't ever need to replace it.

 

[rg1911]

Re: Dot sight for an SBR

Many thanks for the recommendations. The Vortex SPARC is looking good. The Burris would be a contender, except I've had several Burris scopes and had problems with all of them, ranging from unclear glass to not tracking. This doesn't fill me with confidence in the company's products.

The EOTech 512 also looks good if I can find one at the $325 point. I think the best price I've seen is $415.

Cheers,
Richard

 

[Chopperguy]

Re: Dot sight for an SBR

I just picked up a Vortex SPARC after owning 4 Aimpoint Micros (2 H and 2 T models both 2 & 4 moa dots). I do love the Aimpoint Micro models, but decided I needed to find something a bit cheaper to try out.

I must say the Vortex is handy and now accompanies me on my walks around the property and on the tractor every day.

It's been holding up well so far after a month of daily use in the field.

If I need another red dot type sight and want to save some $$, I'll go with the Vortex again.

 

[Cmonroe]

Re: Dot sight for an SBR

I bet you might find a used RMR in that 415 range. If so your search will be over.

 

[beenjammin]

Re: Dot sight for an SBR

Aimpoint PRO from midway and use the discount code found here. $365 shipped brand new in box (I have seen used ones go for more).

It comes with a mount, riser, and flip open lens caps. It has NV settings and will last approx 3 yrs + left on.

 

[CohenJ87]

Re: Dot sight for an SBR

I have used an Aimpoint M2, various Eotech's and the Vortex Strike Fire. The first Strike Fire I got I sent back because the dot wasn't bright at all, the 2nd one started to flicker on me every 5-10 rounds and the 3rd one is still on the rifle that my buddy now owns and works great! Vortex has awesome customer service though and will take care of you but problems with them are not un common. I use an Eotech 512 after using various set ups.

 

[BobD]

Re: Dot sight for an SBR

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RG1911</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Many thanks for the recommendations. The Vortex SPARC is looking good. The Burris would be a contender, except I've had several Burris scopes and had problems with all of them, ranging from unclear glass to not tracking. This doesn't fill me with confidence in the company's products.

The EOTech 512 also looks good if I can find one at the $325 point. I think the best price I've seen is $415.

Cheers,
Richard
</div></div>

Just took a quick glance... Prices have gone up slightly on the 512. Up until a couple weeks ago they were readily available and very cheap. My guess, and its completely speculative is that there was a bit of panic buying (firearms and 'evil' accessories around the election. I'm fairly confident you will see them go back down. No reason to buy over 400, there are some of the upgraded models going for a hair over that still. I would check some of the hide vendors.

I don't blame your sour taste for burris after that. Their warrantee is not as good as the rest of the group but i feel the glass and illumination are nicely done. After that experience I'd be skeptical about another lemon as well, and its possible. Vortex would likely take better care of that situation I suspect.
The vortex and burris can be a great deal, but if you can swing the eotech, trijicon or Aimpoint go for it. Pick the reticle, style and model you like and you will never have to question your purchase. All three aforementioned can be sold again a decent value if you decide to go another route. The eotech reticle really is great, (illumination control, acquisition, precision, ranging reference etc..) Keep an eye in the classifieds-
Again, good luck-

 

[CohenJ87]

Re: Dot sight for an SBR

One of my favorite things about the 512 over other Eotech's I have used is the ability to go ANYWHERE and pick up some AA batteries for it.

 

[Gruffskin]

Re: Dot sight for an SBR

+ 1 on the aimpoint. Good battery life to boot.

 

[TractusArms]

Re: Dot sight for an SBR

Try the Aimpoint T1 2 moa imo.