Budget friendly optics

[GlockyGlockLife87]

Unfortunately, my financial budget is way smaller than my firearm and accessories dreams. With that being said, it’s important for me to at least take a look at more budget friendly gear. Especially when it comes to pistol optics. I’ve recently stumbled upon a few brands and models that might interest others like me.

Most people know about the affordability of Holosun pistol optics. But did you know that Swampfox produces optics that are similar in price and features? I’ve had a Swampfox Justice on my Glock 45 for a few years and it’s worked flawlessly. It’s a 3 moa red dot with a “shake awake” and auto off feature which is a must for what I consider my high use pistols. You can get this optic with a red or a green dot.

Next up are what I like to think of as gems in the rough. They are the Vector Optics Frenzy and the Redwin Cobra. Both of these optics have a glass shape akin to the Trijicon SRO. These sights can be had for just a fraction of the Trijicon though. To go along with the attractive price, these sights also have multiple reticles. I think I bought both of these optics for around $150. Yes I know the age old saying of “you get what you pay for”. But these sights have thoroughly impressed me and have exceeded my expectations.

The whole point of this post is to encourage budget conscious folks to do your own research and see what’s out there at a price point you can afford. Influencers and other gun snobs will convince you to spend top dollar on everything you can. I’ll admit that there is some merit to that train of thought. But with the abundance of companies flooding the market with their own iterations of products, it’s worth it to do independent research to find decent quality alternatives. Just my two cents.

 

[sheepdog697]

Just to add to this, I've been extremely impressed with arken optics for a budget friendly scope option.

 

[Mij]

Unfortunately, my financial budget is way smaller than my firearm and accessories dreams. With that being said, it’s important for me to at least take a look at more budget friendly gear. Especially when it comes to pistol optics. I’ve recently stumbled upon a few brands and models that might interest others like me.

Most people know about the affordability of Holosun pistol optics. But did you know that Swampfox produces optics that are similar in price and features? I’ve had a Swampfox Justice on my Glock 45 for a few years and it’s worked flawlessly. It’s a 3 moa red dot with a “shake awake” and auto off feature which is a must for what I consider my high use pistols. You can get this optic with a red or a green dot.

Next up are what I like to think of as gems in the rough. They are the Vector Optics Frenzy and the Redwin Cobra. Both of these optics have a glass shape akin to the Trijicon SRO. These sights can be had for just a fraction of the Trijicon though. To go along with the attractive price, these sights also have multiple reticles. I think I bought both of these optics for around $150. Yes I know the age old saying of “you get what you pay for”. But these sights have thoroughly impressed me and have exceeded my expectations.

The whole point of this post is to encourage budget conscious folks to do your own research and see what’s out there at a price point you can afford. Influencers and other gun snobs will convince you to spend top dollar on everything you can. I’ll admit that there is some merit to that train of thought. But with the abundance of companies flooding the market with their own iterations of products, it’s worth it to do independent research to find decent quality alternatives. Just my two cents.

Influencers, gun snobs. Pretty far down on my list of people I give a **** about. I still carry a j frame and am quite comfortable in my own skin.

But even then I still find your opinion very interesting and informative, thanks.

 

[Hookeye]

Been looking for a 1-6X.
Primary Arms SLX Nova.......haven't looked through one yet.

 

[Ark]

Been looking for a 1-6X.
Primary Arms SLX Nova.......haven't looked through one yet.

Novas are an insane amount of optic for the $250 they frequently go on sale for.

 

[TJ Kackowski]

I too have tried Swampfox products and find them to be an affordable and reliable solution for optics.

Likewise, Sig Sauer also has some affordable and reliable optics options, especially in their red/green dot lines.

The other manufacturers listed above are unknown to me.

However, when it comes to optics for firearms, my first stop is always AA Optics ( https://aaoptics.com/ ). It's hard to beat the pricing if you're buying refurbished Vortex optics. Plus, the refurbished optics carry the same lifetime warranty as if you purchased new, and it's almost impossible to beat the customer service you receive from AA Optics.

One final thought ... if you're a very patient Gunbroker or eBay enthusiast, you can find some killer deals on just about any optics that interest you. A word of caution though, don't start drinking and watching your bids as the auction expires ... things will not end well for your pocketbook.

 

[INP8riot]

Novas are an insane amount of optic for the $250 they frequently go on sale for.

I'll second that! Red dot bright. I liked the previous red dots from PA, but there was always something missing. Cluttered reticles are OK, but for me just a dot is what I like. This is THE optic for my self defense rifle.

 

[Ark]

I'll second that! Red dot bright. I liked the previous red dots from PA, but there was always something missing. Cluttered reticles are OK, but for me just a dot is what I like. This is THE optic for my self defense rifle.

It's on my primary as well. Reticle has the ranging basics without frills. Red dot bright. Shaves a couple ounces off the Strike Eagle and older 1-6 options, too. SFP is sufficient on a 1-6. Peters out at the 500 yard mark but so does 5.56.

The Nova would be a $800 optic five or ten years ago. $250 is crazy.

 

[Hookeye]

Have a Steiner 1-4X got on sale. Its on my Yote rifle.
Wish it was a 1-6X.
Idea was to move it to a deer rifle and get the PA 1-6X.
Unfortunately the Leupold Mark AR mount left kinda sorta ring marks on the Steiner, and the deer rifle's ring position would have them show.
So.............the Steiner stays in the Mark AR mount.
Ugh, I still need a scope for the deer rifle, 30mm.
Its either the Leupold VX3HD 1.5-5X or another Steiner 1-4X. Same price.

Might grab a PA 1-6X for the kids 1022.

 

[Goodcat]

Have a Steiner 1-4X got on sale. Its on my Yote rifle.
Wish it was a 1-6X.
Idea was to move it to a deer rifle and get the PA 1-6X.
Unfortunately the Leupold Mark AR mount left kinda sorta ring marks on the Steiner, and the deer rifle's ring position would have them show.
So.............the Steiner stays in the Mark AR mount.
Ugh, I still need a scope for the deer rifle, 30mm.
Its either the Leupold VX3HD 1.5-5X or another Steiner 1-4X. Same price.

Might grab a PA 1-6X for the kids 1022.

Steiner P4xi 1-4? If so, that is THE most bullet proof scope with clear glass in the budget range. They are wonderful, and I’ve never heard of anyone not loving those.

As to the OP, I have heard of way too many problems with Swampfox to take them seriously, and had issues with the only one I ever owned. Holosun, however, is outstanding. A lot of their second hand optics can be had cheaper than a lot of other budget brand brand new.

 

[Hookeye]

Yup, Steiner P4Xi 1-4X.
Illumination turns a little too easily.
Turrets kinda soft in click, but w the reticle its a set and forget anyway.
Kinda heavy, decent glass. On sale it was a good purchase IMHO.
They jumped in price though.
Eh, its not even German..........made in the USA LOL

 

[Goodcat]

Yup, Steiner P4Xi 1-4X.
Illumination turns a little too easily.
Turrets kinda soft in click, but w the reticle its a set and forget anyway.
Kinda heavy, decent glass. On sale it was a good purchase IMHO.
They jumped in price though.
Eh, its not even German..........made in the USA LOL

They are on sale under $500 often still, it’s really weird.

 

[Hookeye]

Haven't found A P3TR reticle model yet under 600.

 

[BackFromDC]

I've owned many Swampfoxes and many Holosuns. Still prefer the Holosun for carry, solar cell backup is great and also improves it's auto adjust. Swampfox is cheaper and not as feature rich, so still a great starter. However, $200 optics will only do $200 things, that's why Holosun wins out because it's a $300 optic that can do $500 things.

Other Swampfoxes I've seen out there are the US Optic DRS (flatter on a smaller Doctor/Noblex footprint) and Gideon Optics (we have SRO at home). Both a pretty bang for the buck, I've seen US Optic DRS 2.0s for like $180ish.

 

[watereng]

I'm a fan of the Holosun 507c units and they're reasonably priced compared to some units. Since the typical red-dot is just a prism and laser emitter in a housing, it's not complicated and shouldn't cost many hundreds. Yet there are units that are way up there.

That "get what you pay for" adage still applies, but with solid-state electronics and this simple device, I think it should be possible that red-dots could be less expensive. With that said, I see that Mecanik and others are putting out some reasonably-priced stuff. I'm very interested in trying out the Mecanik MO3 unit since I'm a competition shooter. At the street price of that unit, I'm willing to try one out now...if I could obtain one. They look good and would fit my needs and goals.

I look forward to experience from others that confirm or deny that budget-priced red-dots are a wise choice.

 

[Codyf44]

I have bought used optics/mounts a couple of times and thats a cost effective way to save money. Also found that Reddit has a used gun accessory thread "GAFS" google that and it will take you to it. Just got a 507C big button for 220. It has mods and people earn trading points and you can review etc. It is massive and deals get posted all over the country every minute. You can search posts too. Save more money for AMMO! Good Luck!

 

[Purdue1991]

I too have tried Swampfox products and find them to be an affordable and reliable solution for optics.

Likewise, Sig Sauer also has some affordable and reliable optics options, especially in their red/green dot lines.

The other manufacturers listed above are unknown to me.

However, when it comes to optics for firearms, my first stop is always AA Optics ( https://aaoptics.com/ ). It's hard to beat the pricing if you're buying refurbished Vortex optics. Plus, the refurbished optics carry the same lifetime warranty as if you purchased new, and it's almost impossible to beat the customer service you receive from AA Optics.

One final thought ... if you're a very patient Gunbroker or eBay enthusiast, you can find some killer deals on just about any optics that interest you. A word of caution though, don't start drinking and watching your bids as the auction expires ... things will not end well for your pocketbook.

I've purchased a couple of scopes on eBay. My favorite is a Weaver Grand Slam 6-24 that I bought for about half price. It's like new. Great scope. You can get some really good deals. Just have to know what scope values are.

 

[CL1K KL4C]

When I think budget pertaining to optics its sub $250 for red dots and $500 for magnified scopes. Holosun, Vortex, Steiner, Ahtlon, Burris, Mueller and Leupold all have solid offerings in those ranges. I prefer to scour the classifieds on various online communities and gun.deals and get lucky on gear that typically exceeds those price points. Used Aimpoints, Trijicons etc..

 

[Purdue1991]

When I think budget pertaining to optics its sub $250 for red dots and $500 for magnified scopes. Holosun, Vortex, Steiner, Ahtlon, Burris, Mueller and Leupold all have solid offerings in those ranges. I prefer to scour the classifieds on various online communities and gun.deals and get lucky on gear that typically exceeds those price points. Used Aimpoints, Trijicons etc..

Arken is no slouch in the sub-$500 market. I've had Mueller. I'll pass on those in the future.

 

[CL1K KL4C]

Never tried the arken or even handled one for that matter. My experience with muller is limited to 22lr only (APV/APT). In the few I had I definitely wouldn't consider them for one of my big bores. That being said, I wouldn't hesitate to put another on a 22, I think both were sub $200 at the time of purchase.