I'm researching optics for my new AR build and wondering if anyone has any recommendations on something that is pretty good/solidly built but also doesn't cost a ton of money like the eotech's and aimpoint's? My ideal optic would be a red dot/holographic style sight with 1x or adjustable 1 to 3x magnification. If possible I want to stay under $250 or $300 at most.

 

Any recommendations you guys have would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Tony

For affordable optics, check out www.primaryarms.com

They have good products and great customer service.

 

But if you save up a bit more to a $400 budget, you can score an Eotech XPS2 which will give you much better performance and durability.

 

+1 for PA red dots, but you can always save up a little more and buy a used eotech for around 300. id say make sure you try out a magnifier first because you have to remember it also magnifies your red dot by whatever x magnification it is also.

Vortex SPARC or Vortex Strikefire

$400 will get you a BRAND NEW Aimpoint pro that comes with a mount.. I know you said $300 is max.. and Primary Arms is good.. but you are close enough that I would just save the other $100 and get an Aimpoint Pro.. I got one for my last AR build and it is a VERY nice optic..

I like my primary arms. No problems. It holds zero. I have used it for plinking, steel, 3 guns and have beat it up doing these. The sight stood up to abuse and didn't give me any trouble.

I have a private

$400 will get you a BRAND NEW Aimpoint pro that comes with a mount.. I know you said $300 is max.. and Primary Arms is good.. but you are close enough that I would just save the other $100 and get an Aimpoint Pro.. I got one for my last AR build and it is a VERY nice optic..

 

If OP (or any board member) is interested, I have a private coupon to ^{optics planet} for an additional 12% off which includes most sale items.

 

The aimpont pro could be had for $378.xx shipped.

 

PM me for the coupon code and please don't publicize it.

I have a private

 

If OP (or any board member) is interested, I have a private coupon to ^{optics planet} for an additional 12% off which includes most sale items.

 

The aimpont pro could be had for $378.xx shipped.

 

PM me for the coupon code and please don't publicize it.

 

Nikos, PM inbound!

Thanks for all the advice, all. I really want the Aimpoint PRO... but just can't justify the expense right now... I still need to buy more stuff for my AR build and also need to stock up on ammo... and also have some pistol purhases to make as well, once my PPP's come through in the near future... so I have to watch I don't go over my budget.

 

I ended up ordering a Primary Arms multi-reticle red dot scope... It's the one with the 2MOA dot and cantilevered mount. I've read good things about them so for the cost ($99) it's a no-brainer as a temporary solution. I'm just hoping that the good things that I've read about these PA sights are really true. Later on once I have some more cash I will probably upgrade to an Eotech or Aimpoint.

Thanks for all the advice, all. I really want the Aimpoint PRO... but just can't justify the expense right now... I still need to buy more stuff for my AR build and also need to stock up on ammo... and also have some pistol purhases to make as well, once my PPP's come through in the near future... so I have to watch I don't go over my budget.

 

I ended up ordering a Primary Arms multi-reticle red dot scope... It's the one with the 2MOA dot and cantilevered mount. I've read good things about them so for the cost ($99) it's a no-brainer as a temporary solution. I'm just hoping that the good things that I've read about these PA sights are really true. Later on once I have some more cash I will probably upgrade to an Eotech or Aimpoint.

 

i was interested in eotechs till I could get the Pro for sub $400.. as long as that price stays stable I would go with the Pro when you can justify the cost..

good luck with the gun..

bought the primary arms Multi Reticle M4 Gen2 blem for $59. No blem whatsoever. GREAT DEAL.

bought the primary arms Multi Reticle M4 Gen2 blem for $59. No blem whatsoever. GREAT DEAL.

 

Yes, saw that deal but went with the M3 Multi Reticle instead, because the dot is 2 MOA, vs 3 or 4 MOA on he M4 model. The M4 blems also have an undersized button (manufacturer error) for the reticle selector that supposedly rubs into the body of the sight... but doesn't affect it in any othe way. I was tempted on the M4 since it was so much cheaper, but decided to spend the extra $40 and get the better M3.

the Gen2 M4 has the 2 MOA dot, multi reticle, and my selector knob doesn't come close to making contact. not saying they are all like that, but the few i've seen people buy, their's didnt make contact either. the photo is possible, but extreme worst case.

Burris is about as cheap as you want to go. Anything below that is, well, you know the old saying. You get what you pay for.

So did you try it out? Like it? I'm in the same predicament. I like to have the aimpoint or eotech, but do I want it just to have or will it make a difference for what I use it for which is the range. That aimpoint is nice though, although I might prefer the eotech because of the 1 moa dot vs the 2 moa.

Yep, tried it out and like it... So far, no problems.