red dot/green dot holographic question

[Guest TheSilverFox]

I bought a cheap one a couple days ago just to see if it's something I would like. Since I'm not from here and the few people I know didn't have one, I figured it best to go that route. I'm pretty impressed with it and I'm thinking about upgrading to a better made one but at the same time I don't want to spend an arm and a leg. 200 yards will probably be the maximum distance I'll shoot unless I go back to SC after some coyotes. Anybody got opinions on them? The one I have now is just a dot and I like that pretty good. If I go with a better one I plan on pulling the scope off and using the iron sights and red dot co witness style.

The one I have is a green dot and it seems to show up better to me. I figure with the red dot it'll also make it easier for my wife to shoot. She doesn't shoot much.

[jacob]

Shoot that one. If it holds its zero then keep it. If you want better battery life, weather proof, and more heavy duty get an Aimpoint....

[Dolomite_supafly]

And if the dot isn't bright enough it daylight remove the 2032 battery and put in two 2016 batteries. Yes it is simple and yes it does work.

 

I will caution that if the red dot has electronics that automatically adjust the reticle intensity do not do this.

[Guest TheSilverFox]

The one I have is just a cheap NCStar model. Figured I'd put it on a 22 or something. I watched a youtube video about it and they abused it pretty bad. He bounced it off the ground a couple times and then ran it over on dirt when it was attached to the scope. It held up but it's mighty thin built.

[jacob]

Something along that line would probably do well on a 22...i have a lesser expensive bushnell red dot on a 10/22.. it has held up fine to shooting, but then again it isnt on something with any type of recoil that would knock it out of zero...get the best you can afford, even if you have to save a little longer to get it...keeps you from spending more money in the long run...

[Guest TheSilverFox]

I didn't see any aimpoints that were the holographic model. I only checked amazon so I'll look elsewhere. I like the thought of not having the tube to look down. I saw some made by truglow and sightmark along with eotech. $500 is steep for me since I hopefully will not be fighting with this rifle.

Maybe I'm wrong on the holographic name... I like the flat ones with no scope tube what ever that is called.

[jacob]

Something along the line of an eotech would be the closest to the budget you are hinting at for a holographic type sight...is there a particular reason why you dont want a "tube" style red dot? Is it just personal preference?

[jacob]

Here is a link breaking down the features and pros/cons of different red dots. Should get you started on what to look for that fits yor needs:

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2011/02/chris-dumm/gear-review-eotech-vs-aimpoint-vs-primary-arms-red-dot-scopes/

[Guest TheSilverFox]

I've never used a tube, just looks like it would be harder to find the target quick looking down a tube to me... and I'd much prefer to be in the $200 range instead of $500... thats a little high in my opinion for a non magnifying scope.

can you co witness a tube style easily?

[jacob]

I am sure someone will correct me if i am wrong, but you can buy mounts to allow an absolute co-witness or a lower 1/3, whichever you prefer....i have used both eotech and currently aimpoint and i can say that when i shoulder the rifle to get my sight picture all i see is the red dot...i do not see the tube itself...that should come with actual use/training with the setup you choose...

[Guest TheSilverFox]

Thanks for the link.

[Guest TheSilverFox]

I watched a video a couple days ago about the lower 1/3 co witness and I like the set up. My rifle came with a carry handle that I took off so I'll have to look for the appropriate sights also. The only other AR I've had was a Colt Hbar target match if I remeber correctly. It was set up with a scope when I took it on trade and I never messed with anything other than putting a nicer scope on it. All this changing parts is new to me so I'm sure I've called some stuff by the wrong name so you'll have to bare with me.

[jacob]

eotech sights are pretty much designed to co-witness with AR iron sights.  they are not a bad red dot by any means.  the amount of money you spend will generally dictate the quality of what you are getting; but like you said you have to consider how you are going to use your rifles.  if you are just going to shoot recreationally you can go with a cheaper sight and will probably have no worries.  if you are planning to train with your gun then i would go with the sights that have been proven to consistently work in less than desirable conditions...