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5.56 Red Dot Help

Posted on 3/13/18 at 2:09 pm
Posted by AFistfulof$
New Orleans
Member since Jan 2013
973 posts
Posted on 3/13/18 at 2:09 pm
Been going back and forth researching red dots/holographic sights. The gun is going to be used to plink/kill a few hogs/home defense. I don’t mind spending money on quality optics. I’d rather get something that I’m happy with the 1st time instead of wishing I bought something else or immediately wanting to upgrade. However, I’ve found the Internet is full of opinions of fake wannabe SF operators that hold the equipment to standards that for the everyday joe is ridiculous. I want a durable, reliable red dot that will last but want to like “the look” also. I would like to buy American but not a deal breaker. This is where my research has lead me.

Aimpoint is generally accepted as the most durable/tough/battery efficient red dot on the market. The Aimpoint PRO is universally accepted as a durable, extremely reliable red dot. Unbelievable battery life, rugged materials, waterproof to 80ft, clear glass, crisp red display. However, I find it bulky looking. The T1-2 is smaller and has all the same pros as the PRO but is almost double in price. However I like the idea of a smaller red dot in case I wanted to add a magnifier later on.

I really love the look of the Eotech EXPS2. I like the wider field of view as opposed to the tube view of the aimpoint. However, I’ve read about the problems of past Eotechs and they have a terrible battery life compared to the aimpoints. They are just not as reliable as an aimpoint it appears. Ive read to avoid the horizontal battery models like the 512. Apparently they also have problems when they have temperature fluctuations (not sure if they fixed this or not or if it’s relevant to everyday user).

It seems like the Leupold LCO combines the durability (not as much sample time) and better battery life of aimpoint but the wider field of view/faster target acquisition of the Eotech. I have Leupold scopes on my bolt rifles and love them. However, it’s pricey.

Don’t want fixed 3x so ACOG is out and haven’t read enough ab the Trijicon MRO to pick it over the others.

Any reason to not buy the Eotech? Should I just buy the Aimpoint Pro w LaRue Mounts? Spend a little more for T1? Is the Leupold the best of both?
This post was edited on 3/13/18 at 7:05 pm
Posted by Carson123987
Middle Court at the Rec
Member since Jul 2011
66359 posts
Posted on 3/13/18 at 2:10 pm to
T1 or T2 with Larue or ADM mount. GOAT
Posted by jdavid1
Member since Jan 2014
2462 posts
Posted on 3/13/18 at 2:20 pm to
I would go with the T1-2 or the MRO. The PRO is a great optic for the money, but it's like a brick compared to the mini dots. I find myself liking my MRO over my T1 simply because I think it has a wider FOV, but I think the T1 is a better all around optic.
Posted by Success
Member since Sep 2015
1718 posts
Posted on 3/13/18 at 2:36 pm to
Mro with adm mount.
Posted by ChatRabbit77
Baton Rouge
Member since May 2013
5857 posts
Posted on 3/13/18 at 3:05 pm to
Aimpoint Comp m5 is the best out there right now. That and a Scalarworks ldm mount is what I use. Super light and very durable. The Scalarworks mount is amazing. You can buy the bundle from Scalarworks for $850.
Posted by 10MTNTiger
Banks of the Guadalupe
Member since Sep 2012
4139 posts
Posted on 3/13/18 at 4:19 pm to
Since you like Leupold, any reason you discounted the Leupold Deltapoint Pro?
Posted by CptRusty
Basket of Deplorables
Member since Aug 2011
11740 posts
Posted on 3/13/18 at 4:50 pm to
I have an aimpoint T1 on my home defense AR. Love it.
Posted by AFistfulof$
New Orleans
Member since Jan 2013
973 posts
Posted on 3/13/18 at 5:03 pm to
I guess I didn’t look well enough. I thought that it was more of a handgun reflex sight. The T1 is looking like the winner QD Mount. But please if anybody else has an opinion let me know. Sorry ab the paragraph post. Just so many options available and I tend to over research/over think purchases like this
Posted by WhoDatGreenBeret
Louisiana
Member since Oct 2013
546 posts
Posted on 3/13/18 at 5:04 pm to
You won’t be disappointed in anything Aimpoint makes. I wouldn’t mess with EOTech right now. I’m not sure if they have fixed their issues and they are not the most durable sights on the market anyway.

My personal favorite is the Trijicon MRO. It’s pricey but that fricker is durable. Go look at some of the torture tests done to it on YouTube. I own 2 of them and have 0 regrets.
Posted by ChatRabbit77
Baton Rouge
Member since May 2013
5857 posts
Posted on 3/13/18 at 5:22 pm to
While the t1 is great, t2 isn't much more and is better. Above that, the comp m5 is not too much more and is their flagship optic. Like I said, I use one and love it. Would not purchase another red dot.
This post was edited on 3/13/18 at 10:07 pm
Posted by SpartanSoul
Member since Aug 2016
875 posts
Posted on 3/13/18 at 6:57 pm to
I know you said you didn't want a fixed 3X but just wanted to point out a good sale running now.

You can get a Burris AR Prism in 3X or 5X and get a free FastFire III red dot. Best of both worlds. Plus they both come with a lifetime warranty.

The 3X is $349 at Cabellas, might be cheaper elsewhere.

https://www.cabelas.com/product/BURRIS-AR-PRISM-FASTFIRE/2491309.uts?slotId=0
Posted by AFistfulof$
New Orleans
Member since Jan 2013
973 posts
Posted on 3/13/18 at 7:06 pm to
How is this optic? Do you have experience w fastfire reflex sight?
Posted by SpartanSoul
Member since Aug 2016
875 posts
Posted on 3/13/18 at 7:34 pm to
I's a fine micro red dot. I don't think it is as durable as the Aimpoints mentioned but it had held up fine for me as a civilian shooter. Mine is on a rifle but I have seen several hold up to many rounds on pistols up to 44mag. That should be far more harsh than AR duty.

Both scopes have a basic built in mount that functions fine for the mount and forget application. If you want you can get upgraded QD mounts from all of the usual suppliers.

If you want a mount to protect it to provide more durability Burris makes a relatively cheap one.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Burris-AR-F3-Mount-Flattop-FastFire-Mount/19235193

Overall I like it. There are many reviews all over the internet.
Posted by bapple
Capital City
Member since Oct 2010
11870 posts
Posted on 3/13/18 at 8:56 pm to
I think the consensus will be that the Aimpoint Micro and the Trijicon MRO are the two most popular choices. The Trijicon is a bit newer but in the past few years it has improved quite a bit. I'm also a fan of the wider field of view.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is the Aimpoint Micro H1. The "T" in T1-2 stands for "tactical" and has a night vision feature. The "H" in H1-2 stands for "hunting" and doesn't have night vision. If you don't plan on using infrared with the dot, you might as well save a little money and just get the H1.

Here's my mini H1 on my BCM home defense rifle. It's got a tango-down optic cover that I also really like.

EDIT: Forgot to mention that the optic has been turned off maybe 2 times in the past few years. Battery shows no signs of fading.

This post was edited on 3/13/18 at 8:59 pm
Posted by Cajun367
S. Louisiana
Member since Oct 2017
1927 posts
Posted on 3/13/18 at 8:58 pm to
Sig Sauer Romeo 5.
Posted by shawnlsu
Member since Nov 2011
23682 posts
Posted on 3/13/18 at 10:02 pm to
Took me a minute to realize that was a flashlight and not a HUGE flash hider
Posted by bapple
Capital City
Member since Oct 2010
11870 posts
Posted on 3/13/18 at 10:04 pm to
quote:

Took me a minute to realize that was a flashlight and not a HUGE flash hider



The light covers it up but it's a BCM mod 0, which you also see the 7.62 version on my Aero right next to it.
Posted by jimbeam
University of LSU
Member since Oct 2011
75703 posts
Posted on 3/13/18 at 10:05 pm to
20"?
Posted by lsufan1971
Zachary
Member since Nov 2003
18064 posts
Posted on 3/13/18 at 10:11 pm to
The MRO is hard to beat. Sold all of my aimpoints and replaced with it. The FOV is great, just as durable as aimpoints with similar battery life.
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