Not sure what optic or scope to get for your AR? We’ve bought or used almost all of them…
We’ll cover 1x optics and magnified scopes, plus recommended mounts, accessories, and backup sights.
All with view-throughs and hands-on experience.
By the end of this, you’ll know the perfect one for your budget and end-use.
THE QUICK LIST
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Best Bang-For-The-Buck Red Dot
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Best Budget Red Dot
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Gold Standard Red Dot
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Goldilocks Red Dot
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Best Holographic Sight
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Best 3x Magnifier
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Best 1x Prism Optic
Table of Contents
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Best AR-15 Red Dots
These are “red dots” or “reflex” sights which are exactly what they sound like…they superimpose a red dot as the aiming reticle.
Whereas with standard “iron sights,” where you normally keep one eye closed and have to perfectly line up the two sights…red dots allow you to keep both eyes open and have a lot more leeway with where your head or eyes are positioned.
This makes them much faster in acquiring a target and also allows for more peripheral vision. Plus, they are much more useful in darker environments.
1. Sig Sauer Romeo 5
Red dots in the $100 to $200 space have multiplied recently and are picking up nice upgrades previously only available to high-end ones.
Pros
- Shake awake function
- 10 illumination settings
- Long battery life
Cons
- Slight tinge of blue
- Mount could be nicer
The Bottom Line
Best under 0 red dot right now
Sig Sauer Romeo 5 Specs:
- Magnification: 1x
- Dot Size: 2 MOA
- Weight: 5.1 oz
- Battery Life: 40,000 hrs
- Battery: CR2032
- Illumination: 8 daytime and 2 night vision
The Sig Romeo 5 brings eight daylight settings (that actually are visible in bright light) and two night vision settings.
PLUS motion on and off so you don’t have to deal with buttons. Not that you couldn’t just leave it on since battery life is at 40,000+ hours at a medium setting.
Glass is pretty clear with a good field of view.
And for around $120, it’s pretty robust that I wouldn’t hesitate to have it on a home defense gun. Check out the crispness and slight green glass indoors.
Another added bonus is that the Romeo5 comes with a high-rise that’s the perfect height for AR-15 shooters.
We’ve put TONS of rounds through several units spread across ARs and PCCs..and they’re all still running strong. Get our full report in our Romeo 5 review here.
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2. Sig Sauer Romeo MSR
How about our most budget pick that we would still trust to go on a defensive rifle? That would have to be the Romeo MSR which clocks in around ~$90.
Pros
- Budget friendly
- 12 illumination settings
- Comes with nice mount
Cons
- Slightly small view-through
- Uses CR1632 battery
The Bottom Line
A decent pick for the under 0 budget
Sig Sauer Romeo MSR Specs:
- Magnification: 1x
- Dot Size: 2 MOA
- Weight: 4.9 oz
- Battery Life: 20,000 hrs
- Battery: CR1632
- Illumination: 10 daytime and 2 night vision
You CAN go cheaper, but unless it’s purely for plinking, I would get this at a minimum. The MSR has taken over our previous affordable recommendation of the Bushnell TRS-25 since that was older tech.
The view-through is slightly smaller, but runtime is still rated at 20K hours at a low setting. Speaking of settings…there are 10 daytime and 2 night-vision settings on a stiff dial.
I’ve kept mine on at the 7-level but found at 9 months the battery had gone dead. So be sure to set up a schedule for 6 months or leave it at a lower level.
Another thing to keep in mind is that it’s a slightly weirder CR1632 battery.
However, the dot is crisp, and the glass is clear for the price point.
Plus…you get a lightweight high-rise mount that’s perfect for AR shooting.
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3. Trijicon MRO
A relative newcomer to the high-end red dot game is the Trijicon MRO.
Pros
- Tough and durable
- Compact design
- Stellar glass and wide field of view
Cons
- Pricier
The Bottom Line
Great high-end, compact optic
Trijicon MRO Specs:
- Magnification: 1x
- Dot Size: 2 MOA
- Weight: 4.1 oz
- Battery Life: 43,800 hrs (5 years) at setting 5 out of 8
- Battery: CR2032
- Illumination: 6 daytime and 2 night vision
It’s priced at around $400 but is smaller with a bigger field of view compared to others (such as the Aimpoint PRO down the list).
Check it out in action…
It has great reviews and has survived a bunch of abuse (High-End Optics Torture Test).
From water submersion to drop testing, hot/cold cycling, and a variety of gun loads…the MRO survived with the best of them.
This is what I’d consider a duty optic.
Six daylight settings with one super bright one that works even in our desert hellscape…and two night vision settings.
There are a couple of different flavors based on riser…from no riser to 1/3 co-witness and full co-witness.
Our preferred one is 1/3 co-witness, so you can use irons as a backup — but they aren’t distracting.
Or you can opt for a quick-detach one from Midwest Industries.
Check out the full Trijicon MRO review and video for all our hot takes and tons of view-through sequences.
And if it suits your budget and end-use…
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What’s your take on the MRO? Rate it below!
4. Aimpoint Micro T-2
The gold standard of red dots…the Aimpoint.
Pros
- 50,000+ hours of battery life
- Fully waterproof
- Good for close quarters or medium engagements
Cons
- Expensive
The Bottom Line
The gold standard for red dots, it's pricey but worth it.
Aimpoint Micro T-2 Specs:
- Magnification: 1x
- Dot Size: 2 MOA
- Weight: 3.0 oz
- Battery Life: 50,000
- Battery: CR2032
- Illumination: 8 daytime and 4 night vision
Costs a pretty penny but lasts for 50,000 hours on one battery and is fully waterproof. Also has extreme weather capabilities (around -20 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit).
The older Micro H-1 is what I run on my regular AK, where the optic directly sits on top of the gas block, which gets extremely hot.
Thousands of rounds and still going strong. I would not hesitate to go into something unknown with my Aimpoint H-1.
However, the H-1 is discontinued, and the new H-2 is hard to find as of now. So I would recommend the T-2, which has additional protection for the adjustment knobs AND night vision capability.
It’s what I’m using on night vision setups.
The 2 MOA red dot is still plenty good for close quarters but can be useful for further engagements or if you ever plan on using a magnifier.
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And for a nice optic…you need a better mount that will hold zero better. I suggest Unity Tactical’s FAST mount, which lets you see through your front irons still and is rock-solid.
If you don’t run irons…it even has its own front sight you can easily add.
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5. Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic)
What I recommend the most for someone who wants duty-rated optic.
Pros
- 3 years of continunous battery life
- Night vision capable
- Beefy enclosure
Cons
- A bit bigger than some of the others
The Bottom Line
A cost effective means to own an Aimpoint.
The Patrol Rifle Optic optic is bigger but gives an even beefier enclosure, 3 years of continuous battery life, night vision capability, submersible up to 150 feet, and better temperature tolerance (-50 to 160 degrees).
Aimpoint PRO specs:
- Magnification: 1x
- Dot Size: 2 MOA
- Weight: 7.8 oz
- Battery Life: 30,000
- Battery: CR2032
- Illumination: 6 daytime and 4 night vision
Plus, it’s cheaper than the Micro and comes with a mount that adds a little more to the stated weight.
Check out our YouTube review of it after 3+ years and thousands of rounds:
We also have a full written review (with some hammer torture testing, of course).
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Best Holographic Sights
6. EOTech EXPS2
Pros
- Clear glass
- Integrated QD mount
- Durable
Cons
- 0+ price
The Bottom Line
A great option for those with astigmatism
For a long time, it was Aimpoint vs. EOTech.
Aimpoint had its tubular “reflex” sights, while Eotech had its distinct “holographic” sights. While the technology was a little different, both were heavily used by the U.S. military and had fervent supporters.
Then a disaster hit EOTech and culminated in a lawsuit from the U.S. Government in 2015 for the sights losing their zero due to hot/cold weather and moisture.
But they are back.
And if you do like the large circle reticle, I would recommend the newer EXPS2-0 model, which allows for 1/3 co-witness with iron sights.
EOTech EXPS2-0 specs:
- Magnification: 1x
- Dot Size: 1 MOA Dot with 68 MOA ring
- Weight: 7.8 oz
- Battery Life: 30,000
- Battery: CR2032
- Illumination: 6 daytime and 4 night vision
It’s the smallest EOTech model currently and has clear glass, 1000 hours of battery life, an integrated QD mount, and tons of other stuff.
We test this and others from Vortex and Holosun in our Best Holographic Sights article and video below. Complete with video through each one.
If you’ve got moderate to severe astigmatism, then people usually have a better time with a holographic compared to a regular red dot.
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Plus, holographic sights can survive complete destruction to their front lens without skipping a beat. And, oh yes…it was in our High-End Optics Torture Test and passed with flying colors.
Learn more in Red Dots vs. Holographics.
Best Flip-Mounted 3x Magnifiers
Want the quick target acquisition of a 1x red dot or holographic sight…but still need to hit out farther?
We tested three of the most popular 3x magnifiers under $200 and found the best…
Drumroll…
7. Vortex 3x Magnifier
The Vortex 3x had the clearest glass, good eye-relief, changeable for lefties, easy to use mount, slim design, and was the lightest of the bunch.
Pros
- Super clear glass
- Good eye-relief
- Works for lefties
Cons
- Push-button style mount
The Bottom Line
A great slim, lightweigh option for both right and left handed shooters
Vortex 3x Magnifier Specs:
- Magnification: 3x
- Eye Relief: 2.2″
- Weight: 11.9 oz
- Field of View: 38.2 ft/100 yards
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Check how it compared to the competition in our Best 3x Magnifiers shootout.
Best Prism (Fixed Magnification) Scopes
Now we dive into optics with some magnification!
We’ll first start with some prism scopes and then on to more traditional variable magnification scopes.
See all our Best Prism Scopes article as well as our full video review:
But these are our favorites
Prism scopes offer some great pros:
- Etched reticles so it doesn’t require batteries
- Much better for those with astigmatism
- More robust construction
But also some cons:
- Not cheap
- Heavier than red dot counterparts
- Worse eye relief and eyebox
8. Primary Arms 1x Prism (Cyclops)
First up is Primary Arms 1x Cyclops, which you’ll love if you have astigmatism and/or are deathly afraid of running out of batteries.
Pros
- 25-50K battery life
- 13 illumination settings
- Decent eye relief
Cons
- ACSS reticle might not be the best if you only run it at 1X
The Bottom Line
Another great option if you have astigmatism
Primary Arms 1x Prism Specs:
- Magnification: 1x
- Dot Size: Cyclops Gen 2 Reticle
- Weight: 5.5 oz
- Battery Life: 25-50K hours
- Battery: CR2032
- Illumination: 10 daytime and 3 night vision
If neither of those points applies to you…stick with a red dot.
Otherwise, the Cyclops is nicely built and has decent eye relief for close-up work. We’ve had a good time with the series ever since the Gen 1.
It also has the ACSS reticle, which we love for higher magnifications, but at 1x, you don’t really get all the benefits.
Still…it was decently quick when you needed it.
Check it out if astigmatism is ruining your red dot life.
And now…the newest generation that’s even better…
Much smaller, better battery life, better eye relief, and tons of riser options in the box.
Check out the full review of the PA Cyclops 1x Gen 2.
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9. Primary Arms SLx 3 Prism
Our overall winner for a prism sight goes to the Primary Arms SLx 3, which gives the perfect amount of magnification.
Pros
- Compact design
- Nice reticle
- Super clear
Cons
- Slightly slower at close quarters
The Bottom Line
Our top pick if you want a good microprism
Primary Arms 3x Prism Specs:
- Magnification: 3x
- Dot Size: CQB-M2 Reticle
- Weight: 18.4 oz
- Battery: CR2032
- Illumination: Illuminated but no night vision mode
It’s only slightly slower at close quarters compared to a 1x prism or red dot…especially with the ACSS CQB reticle.
But it also enables you to reach a little farther out with ease…
Check out more of it in action in our Best Prism Scopes article.
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10. Sig Sauer Bravo 5
Want a bigger field of view and more magnification?
Check out the Sig Sauer Bravo 5, which is one of the most impressive pieces of glass we’ve had the chance to use.
Pros
- Bigger field of view
- Comes with 3 removable Picatinny rails
Cons
- Heavy
The Bottom Line
An impressive option when it comes to magnification and field of view
Sig Sauer Bravo 5 Specs:
- Magnification: 5x
- Dot Size: 5.56/7.62 Horseshoe Dot
- Weight: 23 oz
- Battery Life: 25-50K hours
- Battery: CR2032
- Illumination: 8 daytime and 3 night vision
With Megaview™ (lol), you get a much bigger field of view through its crystal clear glass.
The only knock is on its hefty 23-ounce weight…but it has three Picatinny rails that can be removed if you aren’t adding a micro red dot onto it.
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11. ACOG TA31F 4×32
The Trijicon Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG) is battle-proven, compact, and basically bombproof.
Pros
- Doesn't require batteries
- Great for longer ranges
- Proven combat optic
Cons
- Fixed sight system isn't for everyone
- Expensive
The recommended TA31F version is a fixed 4x magnification and has a reticle calibrated for ARs shooting 5.56 from 0-800 meters.
The ACOG is expensive because it combines the best of all worlds…it does not need a battery during the day since its fiber optic system illuminates the chevron (upside-down V) reticle, while at night the tritium lamps take over and are guaranteed to glow for 15 years.
Trijicon ACOG TA31F Specs:
- Magnification: 4x
- Dot Size: ACOG Chevron
- Weight: 15.1 oz
- Battery Life: 10+ Years (Tritium)
- Battery: none
I would highly recommend trying one out in person since the fixed sight system is not for everyone.
Consider the ACOG or the Spitfire if you’re looking at mostly longer-range engagements since shorter distances require some getting used to.
But if you need a two-decade proven combat optic…it’s gotta be an ACOG.
And if that wasn’t enough…the ACOG was the only optic to make it through our High-End Optics Torture Test and still be usable at the end.
Need a tank? This is it!
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We also cover more popular (and newer) models in Best ACOG Scopes.
Now with a full review video too!
Best AR-15 Scopes
12. Primary Arms SLx 1-6x ACSS, Gen III & IV
The Primary Arms SLx 1-6x ACSS Gen III has been the winner of our Best 1-6x Scopes article for years. And for under $300, you can’t really beat it.
Pros
- Under 0
- Great glass
- Nice reticle
Cons
- A little distortion at 6x but better than most
The Bottom Line
Great optics with awesome reticles and super clear glass
These scopes that start at 1x magnification and go up to 6x, 8x, and now even 10x are known as LPVOs (low-powered variable optics).
And they are a great option for ARs for close-quarters shooting at 1x and zooming in for some farther shots.
Primary Arms SLx 1-6x Gen III ACSS Specs:
- Magnification: 1-6x
- Objective Diameter: 24mm
- Reticle: ACSS 5.56/5.45/.308
- Weight: 16.9 oz
- Battery: CR2032
Great glass at 1x plus a sweet reticle they dub the ACSS, which has a small reticle for precise shots and a larger circle for close-up targets.
1x is very clear, and there’s less distortion at 6x compared to the runner-up Strike Eagle 1-6x scope.
Here it is at the range.
We’ve also shot it a bunch in the desert and at competitions.
Here’s a 200-yard target that was almost too easy to hit once we learned our bullet drop.
We now have a full review of the 1-6x ACSS scope…AND Youtube:
And get a free Primary Arms mount (in the last dropdown) when you use our link.
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But now there’s the Gen IV with Nova ACSS reticle version that sports crisper glass and a true daytime bright reticle…for only a few bucks more.
Primary Arms SLx 1-6x Gen IV Nova ACSS Specs:
- Magnification: 1-6x
- Objective Diameter: 24mm
- Reticle: Nova ACSS 5.56/5.45/.308; daylight bright
- Weight: 17.9 oz
- Battery: CR2032
Check it out in action at 1x:
The Nova ACSS reticle is great for a variety of calibers and also for both holding and ranging.
Check out the zooming from 1x to 6x:
Also qualifies for the free mount from the dropdown.
Check out the full written review and YouTube review.
But this is our new recommendation for the best bang-for-the-buck LPVO that’s worth the few extra bucks to get the daylight bright reticle.
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13. Vortex 1-6x Strike Eagle
My previous 3-Gun optic of several years allowed me to much more easily hit the 375-yard targets at my local competition compared to a 1-4x scope.
Pros
- Affordable
- Very clear glass from 1-4x
Cons
- Distortion at 6x
The Bottom Line
A great budget option for range shooting and competition
The Strike Eagle 1-6x is very affordable and has very clear glass from 1-4x.
Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x Specs:
- Magnification: 1-6x
- Objective Diameter: 24mm
- Reticle: Strike Eagle
- Weight: 17.6 oz
- Battery: CR2032
I can see some hints of distortion at 6x, but since I usually only use the max magnification one stage a match, it doesn’t bother me.
If you’re shooting closer matches or distances, you can just turn it to 3-4x as well to minimize the minor distortion.
The reticle is pretty good for close-up shots as well as farther shots.
I paired mine up with an extended Aero one-piece mount for a super-secure hold and weight savings.
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Recommended Add-Ons:
14. Vortex Viper PST 1-4x
Now with great 1-6x scopes under $300…there’s almost no reason to have a 1-4x. But if you really want one…here’s my pick for one with great glass.
Pros
- SFP design
- Excels at close quarters and long distance
Cons
- Kinda irrelevant with 1-6x scopes under 0
The Bottom Line
If you have to have a 1-4x, this is the one you want.
Vortex Viper 1-4x Specs:
- Magnification: 1-4x
- Objective Diameter: 24mm
- Reticle: TMCQ MOA
- Weight: 16.2 oz
The PST 1-4x is a higher-end 1-4x scope with better/clearer glass and a different reticle that excels at both close-quarters and distance shooting.
Second focal plane. With a better optic, I recommend a better mount as well.
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Recommended Add-on:
15. Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6x
What I now run in my competition rifle. The Viper PST II is the best combo of glass quality, a forgiving eye box, and daytime-bright illumination.
Pros
- Great for competition
- daytime-bright illumination
- Forgiving eyebox
- Almost no distortion at 6x
Cons
- Over 0
The Bottom Line
A great option if you don't mind spending a little money
Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6x Specs:
- Magnification: 1-6x
- Objective Diameter: 24mm
- Reticle: VMR-2 MOA
- Weight: 22.7 oz
- Battery: CR2032
That means for close-up shots, I can use it as a red dot (hard to show in pics)…
And get up to 6x zoom of crystal clear glass with almost no side distortion.
Plus, unless you’re in the blazing sun of the desert, the illuminated reticle is quite good.
Check out more in our Best 1-6x Scopes article.
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Recommended Add-Ons:
Best Hunting Scopes
16. Leupold 3-9x VX Freedom
One of our recommended hunting optics (Best Hunting Rifles) where you don’t necessarily need 1x but might need something more magnified. The 3-9x VX Freedom fills this need nicely and at a great price.
Pros
- Glass is clear at 3x
- Handles recoil well
- Good price
Cons
- Magnification adjustment ring is meh
The Bottom Line
A decent hunting scope at a good pricepoint
Leupold 3-9x VX Freedom Specs:
- Magnification: 3-9x
- Objective Diameter: 40mm
- Reticle: Duplex
- Weight: 22.7 oz
I’m running it on my 30.06 rifle, and so far, it’s held up to the pretty large recoil.
Glass is very clear at 3x.
As well as at 9x.
Plus, the 40mm objective lens brings in plenty of light.
The Freedom takes over from Leupold’s venerable VX-1 scope, which we previously recommended. If you don’t mind it being phased out, there could be some good deals there.
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Recommended Add-On:
Best Long Range Scopes
This is a whole can of worms…check out our huge list in Best Long Range Scopes.
Best AR-15 Back-Up Iron Sights (BUIS)
Now that you have your primary sight, you’ll need some backup sights in case your primary breaks, runs out of batteries, or just falls off.
For 99.99% of their life, they will live flat underneath your scope. But if something happens to your primary, you’ll wish you had these to flip up!
Magpul Gen 2 BUIS
Polymer Magpul BUIS paved the way for backup sights to become mainstream. Affordable and still plenty accurate when you need them.
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Magpul MBUS Pro
The latest iteration from Magpul, the MBUS Pro is steel instead of polymer to survive anything you can throw at it.
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Offset Iron Sights
Maybe not for everyone, but if you’re competing and don’t have time to switch your AR-15 scope back to 1x…these offset sights from Ade Advanced will help you get a better time.
All you need to do is tilt your gun, and you have these ready for close targets.
Our budget picks so you can see if you want to upgrade to Magpul MBUS Offset ones (the Gold Standard).
And, of course…now we have full in-depth reviews of both Backup Irons Sights and Offset Iron Sights.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, we’ve given you a good starting point when it comes to choosing the perfect optic for your AR-15. From red dots to scopes and backup iron sights, make sure you have what fits your lifestyle.
And don’t forget to sight that baby in.
Of course, you’re probably going to need to mount your optic, so take a look at our list of the Best Scope Mounts.
Now that you’ve seen everything for the AR-15, from red dot sights to ACOGs and variable optics, what will you choose for your purpose? Need some glass for a non-AR platform like rimfire or long-range…check out our huge Best Rifle Scopes and Best Pistol Red Dots article.
169 Leave a Reply
Hi, what does anyone think to using a scope from PARD the DS35 70 LRF 5.6x on my Smith & Wesson M&P AR15 .223 calibre ? Thanks
This article provides a solid overview of the best AR-15 scopes and optics, with a helpful breakdown of options across different price points and shooting needs. I appreciate the detailed recommendations, especially for budget-conscious shooters with the Sig Sauer Romeo 5 and the Aimpoint Micro T-2 for those seeking premium features. The focus on versatility with the Primary Arms SLx 1-6x ACSS and more specialized options like the Vortex Strike Eagle for competition is useful. However, while the article does a great job covering a wide range, it could have included more in-depth comparisons between similar products to help readers make more informed choices. Thank you.
Another red dot I would recommend is the Vortex Crossfire. It is lower priced(around $200) and I have never had any problems. Comparable to my Sig Romeo5 I like the crossfire more though it does cost a little more.
Also, Unity has some great mounts for magnifiers among other things. They are high quality and would recommend to anyone.
Best low power variable is Vortex? Wow. There are so many better options! Trijicon, EOTech, even Leupold - but my favorite is Nightforce NX8.
Even your LPVO review article was all about Primary Arms and Vortex. Are you budget constrained, or do you have something against these premium brands?
I just purchased a new Springfield Saint AR with the A2 front sight. I did also get, not installed yet, a new Sig Romeo5, green dot optic. Will this be ok using this with the A2 front sight ?
Last time I checked the EXPS2 didn’t have 30,000 hours of battery life
Eric, you didn’t mention any optics from Holosun. Do you only review what you are paid to review or do you just randomly select what you write about?
Hey Ken, thanks for the feedback. We typically write about our favorite products and what we have actually tested. We are continually updating articles and swapping products in and out depending on what we like and what's new. So these recs change. (We love Holosun, they're in several of our reviews and pistol-related articles.) So if we don't include a specific brand/model, it's nothing against them. We can't list everything we like or this article would never end. And we are not paid to include any brand or model on the list. Thanks for reading!
You show Amazon as a source for the SIG Romeo 5 red dot. I ordered one from them and returned it because it was a Chinese knockoff.
I have a SIG Romeo 5 on the DDM4 PDW with Magpul off-set iron sights and a Primary Arms 1-8 LPVO on the AR.
No Holosun optics? As much as it's touted all over Al Gore's internet, and not included here? Makes no sense.
I wish you would identify country of origin in your reviews (many of these sights are made overseas, most troublingly in China). That matters, especially in the long run. (We Americans really need to support domestic manufacturing for these products (and, no, I have zero affiliation with any manufacturers, I'm just a combat vet who knows that ultimately we can only count on ourselves.)) At the very least, that way consumers can make a better informed decision.
100% Agreed!
Do you have a recommendation?
On my handy little truck AR I have a Sig Romeo 5, nice sight for the price and doesn't seem to mind being jostled in the truck.. The next AR up I just got will either get the MRO HD or the new Aimpoint Duty RDS, waiting for a few more reviews for the Aimpoint before deciding. The AK is running an EXPS3 EOTech, bomb proof sight for a bomb proof gun. My last sight is a bit old school. I liked the simple 4X sight like the Vintage Weaver K from better times.
Though I don't want to be stuck there totally. I was looking for a fixed 4X with 30mm tube and a 40-42 something objective lens. Prism need not apply. Closest thing I could find is the KAPS aptly named classic line. I went for their 4X36. They have a 6X42 which has the objective lens I would of liked on the 4X. They also have an 8X56 and a couple variables in that line up. Usually hard to beat German glass and can't wait till Aug for it to get here.
I picked up a Vortex Venom 3 MOA for my .300 AAC SBR (my go to Home Defense weapon), back when they were under $200 ($179 with shipping). Picked up Vortex's QR mount a little bit later, which gives me an absolute co witness when the BRISAS are up. Very happy with the crisp dot on it. No issues out to a 100 meters, with 220 gr Sub Sonics.
I've an old Bushnell 1 - 6 x40 scope on my 5.56 AR, I picked up at a LGS GOOB sale/auction for $40. It had a decent scratch on the tube, so it was used as a display. Illuminated Mil Dot. Clear glass even AR high magnification It holds its zero well, but it does eat batteries, even when off. So I usually keep the batteries out when it's stored for any length of time. For what I paid for it, I've no reason to trade up, though I've been looking at SIG's MSR as a swap out for closer work. Being a retiree on a limited budget, these higher end scopes are outside my budget unless I save for a long time.
Appreciate the articlw/review. I'm forwarding it to some friends.
Not much mention about AT3- can typically get their micro red dot and 3X magnifier for < $300 on sale. Not in the same league as the big names and a little heavy as a combo, but surprisingly solid all around. I have two and they are great setups for those on a budget.
Great Article ! For a Combat Rifle or a Hunting Rifle, I would take a 1 - 6 or 1- 8 or 1-10 scope with an illuminated reticle...and a field of view at 100 yards of at least 100 to 140 feet. With long eye relief at 1x it is almost like looking through a picture window with both eyes open. Also if the battery dies that just eliminates the illuminated reticle leaving a perfectly fine working scope with BUIS. I have have Aimpoint and EO Tech and Trijicon and they are great and better than the traditional riflescopes in certain situations but not nearly as good as an all around optic for close range and longer ranges. I always leave my scope when hunting at 1x for that close range shot, longer range shots almost always give me enough time to dial up the scope to its maximum magnification. Thanks again for a great article, now do one if you have not already on thermal optics.
I like a red dot for close, fast on target. For range I prefer a 4X scope. Something along the ACOG but a bit more traditional looking. Use to be a few choice in this but now you find most rated for rimfire ammo only. Kaps makes what I am looking for in they're Classic Line, a 4X36 fixed scope with a 30mm tube diameter.
Any love for the PA SLX-MD25? It's probably the best sub-200 dot I've ever owned, it holds up and manages to look good on a rifle at the same time.
You went over everything very well except one thing… you did not show anything for guys who bought their AR-15 back when they did not have detachable carry handles or no carry handle at all. Now don’t get me wrong, I love having the carry handle and hit my targets with the iron sights it came with just fine from 0-100 yards but a scope would be nice. Where can I find a scope and the mount that sits into the carry handle? I know they make them, I remember seeing SWAT and others with them on their guns.
I googled "carry handle pic rail" and got about a zillion results. Tried to post a link for you but I forgot we can't lol
Well hell, I could have done that. I was looking for a AR guy’s opinion on which one’s are better so I would not have to sift through the crap.
Love the Delta Stryker 1-6 i picked up for my 18" Tavor SAR. Also dig the griffin offsets that I run with a 2.5-10x PA on my 12" Grendel.
Tried Moepta. No thanks. Holosun 510c red dots all day. Tract rimfire is excellent. Wish I never bought eotechs.
MagPul MBUS are nice, but I found Monstrum Tactical has almost a carbon copy at half the price. Look 'em up, they have some awesome scopes at a really great prices too.
Please update for 2021! A lot has changed in the past few years. For me the big game changer is the Vortex Spitfire 2 5x, which combines all the best features of the ACOG-class prism sights with significantly lower weight and price.
Would have been good to mention the Brownells Retro 4x carry handle scope. Unless you think it is not good. After all, some AR owners do have that design.
Need to change the name to Primary Commerical donaters reviews Arms. Cant trust this site anymore im out.
I don't see anyone trying to sell any particular optic on here. Some like a certain brand.
But if you got to go, then you a got to go.
Everyone's opinion is equally as important.
Oh Well.. BYE !!!
Been using Holosun for my AR and handguns I have had no issues with them but clearly you do. Care to explain or is this just a bios commercial site?
What do you think about the Holosun 515 gm for first AR scope? At that price point.
I thought you said that the Primary Arms magnifier was the lightest at 7.9oz?
Surprised you did not even test the Springfield Hex Dragonfly. I have it on my SAINT Victor with an ADM riser mount and it co-witmesses perfectly. Quality plus. A bit more expensive than the Romeo but far superior IMHO.