Selecting a red dot sight

[Ruark]

With my "old guy's eyes," I have the classic problem with bifocals and gun sights. If I look through the upper (distance) lens, the target's sharp and the sights are a little fuzzy. If I look through the lower (close-up) part of the lens, the sights are sharp but the target's fuzzy. My close-up vision is good to about 3 feet. You shooters with bifocals know what I'm talking about.

I understand this doesn't happen with a red dot sight, correct? It's sort of like a riflescope.

Also, I see two types of red dots on the market - some look like a short 'scope, and some are sort of a vertical plate that sticks up. Is one better than the other? Can you get a decent red dot for, say under $100? There are a zillion of these things on the market, from $30 to $600+.

[Hunter_Man]

i have some of both... i really like my burris fastfire III that i put on my little 22 pistol. makes sight acquisition very quick. i purchased it used from a member on here actually.

i also have a larger redfield 1x25 multi reticle i put on my sks (aka, pig killin machine!)
it's very nice as well. i bought it from a member on here as well, but it was BROKEN when it got here. That user is on my bad list now, but the company did me right and replaced it free of charge with a new one.

the short answer is YES you can get a decent one for under 100$... but you do get what you pay for in them. my burris fastfire has a very clear TINY dot that doesn't "bleed" over at all. i had a knockoff 50$ one i bought on amazon and the red dot was blurry... best bet is to look at several HANDS ON. find what you like... then look for a good deal on it.

[sir shovelhands]

If you have astigmatism, the red dot will look fuzzy. Still usable though.

[Gunnyart]

I have three. A $50 model that is worthless in bright light and nearly impossible to adjust POA/POI
The second is a Burris Fastfire. Very satisfied with it. The downside is the need to get your eye lined up just right to be able to see the dot and not great battery life.

The third is the ridiculously pricey Aimpoint Comp m4 ($850) I'm not going to say its worth it, but its military grade and lives on my primary defensive weapon. The size and weight are negatives but the performance is amazing. In particular the battery life is mind boggling. Left on constantly it will go 8 years on two regular AA batteries. The big plus there is, whenever you need it fast, it's already on. You could literally drive over it in your truck and it wouldn't miss a beat. Had I not practically stole from a going out of business sale I would not own it due to cost but I won't part with it now that I do.

[Bowz&Towz]

It's sort of a get what you pay for deal. Like Gunnyart said, the Comp M4 is pricey, but man, its hassle free and can take an absolute beating. I've got a couple on different rifles and I absolutely love them. Throw a 3x magnifier behind one and you have all you would ever really need in a scope.

EO tech isn't a bad route either. The downside to most of their models is battery life and the obscure battery sizes. If left on overnight, you can bet your tail the scope will be dead in the AM. There are a few AA models, but they are pretty big and bulky.

I've had my comp M4's for 4 years now and still haven't changed the batteries.

Aimpoint also makes the "Micro" which is a small, slightly less expensive model.

[jnors06]

I have heard really good things about the primary arms red dots, bushnell trs-25, vortex strike fire and the vortex sparc.

These are what I would consider budget optics but from what I have seen and read they are the best for under $150.

[Z7_Matt]

What are you putting it on?

[Ruark]

what are you putting it on?

m&p15

[westtexducks]

If you are wanting high end I really have liked the aimpoints I have gotten a chance to shoot, for low end the vortex strike fire is a really nice optic that I haven't had any issues with at all and has held zero consistently for me and is actually reasonably priced.

[RemMan700]

I had a Bushnell trs-25 but returned it. I put it on a Ruger MKIII and the recoil would make the rheostat lose connection and turn the dot off.

[Z7_Matt]

m&p15

I have shot with the primary arms it was ok. The sightmark sure shot qd was great although some have had problems (but not mine) and the aim point pro is a bit out of the $100 price range and replaced my sightmark and I love it.

[BowSlayer]

I have this one for sale. I sighted it in and it works great I just decided to put something on that I can shoot out 200 yards.

http://discussions.texasbowhunter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=469015&highlight=bushnell

[Ruark]

I have three. A $50 model that is worthless in bright light and nearly impossible to adjust POA/POI

Would you mind telling what brand/models those are, so we won't make the same mistake?

[Gunnyart]

SiteMark

[csmith936]

I have aimpoints and love them!