Cheap optic options for an AR.

[fitbmxseries1]

ok i know whats gunna happen people are just gunna say "save up and buy an expensive one" well this thread is to know what cheap optics have you ran and worked great. My AR is in need of a optic.... Currently im running a nikon 223 scope and want to give a red dot or something with little to no magnification on it. And the thing is i am super broke due to having a kid recently.. kids cost money? why didnt any one tell me?! but anyways Post pics of what your using too. My AR will never see most likely never see combat use...i use it at the range and to take out small pest at the farm when im feeling like i want to tacticaly take out that small critter so its not like it takes a beating or ever sees water.

[Suhkoi]

Primary arms maybe?

[impactxd40]

I have a barska on mine for the same reason money but it has held zero so far. its a 4x magnification so i mean it doesnt compare to the high dollar scopes but it was 99 bucks and i cant complain.

[kdbrainard86]

I think I spent 120 on a BSA red/green/blue dot when I first got my ar15. It had 3 different brightness and a cool shutter system to cover each lense, and no magnification. It held zero flawlessly for what I was doing with the gun (mostly within 25 yards), the only reason I don't still use it is because I got a great deal on an eotech 512. I like the eotech better for the sight picture and the simpler battery system (AA versus big watch batteries). But otherwise the BSA wasn't a bad little dot sight.

[richeyo2]

A buddy of mine just purchased a Tru-glo 1x mag. for like $50.00 & he seems to like it so far.

[PiercedJD]

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[n3tfury]

Originally Posted by PiercedJD

Maybe it depends on your definition of *cheap* but my brothers Millet DMS-1 is pretty solid so far.

Millett DMS 1-4x24 Designated Marksman Red-Dot Rifle Scope BK81002 w/ Free S&H

It also has a raised lip on the Ocular which works like a switchthrow lever for faster swapping between 1x-4x.

It comes with flip open lens covers as well, though one of his is broken already, the pivot pin came out, can still be used, just doesn't stay on the scope when open and nothing a $15.00 set of butler creek caps won't fix.

The reticle is crisp during daylight, and the illumination is quite bright during evening transitions/night. At the highest setting on 1x it functions like a roughly 4moa red dot sight.

Maybe you should read the OP. He said he's "super broke". Your suggestion is a joke.

[Jeanjacket]

He also said red dot with little to no mag. A 3-gun favorite Millett DMS is not even close lol.

Anyway OP, I recently went red dot shopping last year on a budget. Didn't want to spend more than $100 with mount, and came across these two options. My criteria was hold zero, reliable, crisp dot, several brightness options, and needed to have a buttload of good reviews.

https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_s/586.htm
I personally have a Primary Arms micro dot. If you go over to AR15.com you'll see countless positive reviews about their products, not just the micro, but also their Aimpoint M3/4-type clones. Nearly unanimously positive. The owner, Marshall, is a very upfront guy that flat out says his products are not Aimpoints and should not be treated as such. But he does stand by his products and if it doesn't work perfectly he'll do what he can to make things right. Personally my microdot has held zero for nearly a year on their standard riser mount. If you plan on taking it on and off often, opt for the American Defense QD mount. Since I don't plan on taking mine off, I just got the standard riser mount which has held fine through a lot of movement and shooting in 3-gun.

Other than that, of equal quality (or so I've heard) is the Bushnell TRS-25 Micro Dot.

Amazon.com: Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 1xRed Dot Sight Riflescope: Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com: Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 1xRed Dot Sight Riflescope: Sports & Outdoors

You can probably find the TRS-25 for under 80 bucks, as I remember when I was shopping for one, the PA was around 85 w/mount and the TRS was on sale somewhere for only 75 w/ mount. You may be able to find similar sales. Anyway, check AR15.com for reviews on the Bushnell also, but like the PA, they are also generally positive.

I would stay away from NCstar and I believe it was Sightmark was the other one people complain about a lot, could be wrong.

Anyway, go here too and search around: AR15.Com - Your Firearm Resource. (AR-15, AR-10, M4 Carbine, M16, H&K, SIG, FNH, FAL, AK-47, 50 Cal, M1/M1A, Handgun, Pistol, Training, Hunting, and More!)

I'm sure there are plenty of threads that will come up when you search "cheap red dot" lol

[PiercedJD]

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[tmilburn]

I had a Bushnell TRS-25 and it worked well on my AR-15 until I got my eo-tech XPS2-0. Also the Vortex Strikefire or SPARC ar both good options and all 3 work flawlessly and that is from personal expirience.