What are the BEST 'budget' red dot sights?

[esrice]

Another recent thread had me curious. After doing a search, the only thing I could find even close was this thread: https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/accessories_and_gear/14339-red_dot_sights.html

I'm personally a big fan of Aimpoint red dot sights, and think they belong on 'serious' (ie home/self defense, LE, .mil, competition) guns.

However, there are many other 'missions' that don't require all that technology, ruggedness, or price tag.

If someone were looking to mount a RDS on their 'hobby' gun, what would you recommend? Which are the good ones? Which are the bad ones?

 

[HandK]

I have a Simmons 30 mm red dot that I have had for about 10 years I paid $40.00 bucks for it, it still has the original battery in it and I have had it on everything from a 22 to 223 great little red dot.

 

[BrownDog]

Ultradot

I own and recommend Ultradot sights .
Here is a link to thier site: Products

They come in 25mm and 30 mm with fixed dot or adjustable dot (4,8,12,18 MOA).
They also have thier Microdot scope and a Open site called the Ultradot L/T.
Also Lifetime warranty

 

[bigcraig]

I have a Vortex Strikefire, it does what it is suppose to do.

Price isn't that bad IIRC.

 

[shooter521]

As you well know, my choice for an "Aimpoint simulator" is the SPOT MkIII. I have several, on "play" guns where I can't justify the cost of a real Aimpoint. They have done well for me.

 

[Dryden]

Are the $400 - $600 Red Dot sights worth it? Do they have that much of an advantage over $40 - $100 sights?

(I'm asking in reference to a homeowner/plinker/weekend shooter.... not for going to Iraq, Detroit or any other war zone.)

 

[esrice]

For my own research. . .

I own and recommend Ultradot sights .
Here is a link to thier site: Products

Looks like they run about $150. ($250 for that cool little L/T)

I have a Vortex Strikefire, it does what it is suppose to do.

~$150

As you well know, my choice for an "Aimpoint simulator" is the SPOT MkIII.

~$160

 

[XMil]

My Burris speed dot has been good to me.

 

[esrice]

Are the $400 - $600 Red Dot sights worth it? Do they have that much of an advantage over $40 - $100 sights?

(I'm asking in reference to a homeowner/plinker/weekend shooter.... not for going to Iraq, Detroit or any other war zone.)

It all depends on your mission.

The easy question would be: "Could my life depend on this optic's function someday?"

If the answer is "No, this is my 'fun gun' that I only use at the range and then lock back up in the safe", then you'll probably be very satisfied with one of the options posted above.

If your answer is "Yes, this gun is kept in a condition for my defense, and my life could depend on its function", then I'd spend the $$ and go Aimpoint.

It sounds like you've already answered your own question though.

 

[esrice]

My Burris speed dot has been good to me.

~$200

 

[doglb]

Here is my list of red dots I have had good luck with.
Vortex Strike Fire
Millett SP-1
Konus Sight Pro Atomic

I have googled and found numerous reviews that lead me to these.
Overall, its no EOTech/Aimpoint but they fit the application well.

Pricing-through Midway
Vortex $149 (High and low mounts available, come with a doubler)
Millett $100 (shop around for the best deal)
Konus $79 (on sale now)

 

[shooter521]

Looking to put a red dot on your Nerf gun, are ya, Evan?

 

[Scutter01]

I wouldn't mind adding a red dot to my GSG but I sure don't want to spend $150 on it.

 

[esrice]

Looking to put a red dot on your Nerf gun, are ya, Evan?

Not a half-bad idea. . . . .

Actually I just thought it was a good topic, spurred by another member's recent inquiries.

 

[esrice]

Anyone make a decent Aimpoint micro knock-off?

 

[bigcraig]

Anyone make a decent Aimpoint micro knock-off?

I think shooter521 bought a Bushnell RDS that was a knock off of an Aimpoint T-1.

IIRC

 

[mms]

I personally have had good luck with a true glow that i got from dick sporting goods on my ar-15. it only ran 40-50 bucks

 

[shooter521]

I think shooter521 bought a Bushnell RDS that was a knock off of an Aimpoint T-1.

I did indeed!

GunInfected1 is showing it off pretty well in this pic:

Konus also makes one which is about half the price of the Bushnell and has the brightness dial on top rather than at 2:00. The biggest downside to the Konus is that the diode is on the bottom, which obstructs an AK's iron sights when you put it on an Ultimak.

Slow Hand had the Konus on his AC556 at NFA Day.

 

[jblomenberg16]

I picked up a nice Aimpoint clone off of the EE on ARFCOM. IIRC, the guy lives here in Indiana. The Clones are externally the same as the aimpoints, use the same mounts, etc.

I'm running one on my fun gun, which is also the AR I would use in a HD/SD situation at this point in time.

Will see if I can find that and cross-link. Think it is something like $80-ish.

 

[Tonyscomputery]

I picked one up for 150 and love it

I have a Vortex Strikefire, it does what it is suppose to do.

Price isn't that bad IIRC.