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Posted: 7/1/2009 11:18:07 AM EDT
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Thinking about trying a red dot for one of my latest builds .
Since I do not know if I will like a red dot , I am wondering about an entry / inexpensive unit . In case I decide I do not like it . I see all sorts of brands , for instance Midway has an ADCO brand ? Also a Barska , BSA , etc ? Thanks , God bless Wyr |
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The Vortex Strike Fire seems to be the rage right now. I've messed with one, seems to be a decent sight. They have a few issues here and there but they have good customer service and are members here.
Strike Fire |
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The Vortex Strike Fire seems to be the rage right now. I've messed with one, seems to be a decent sight. They have a few issues here and there but they have good customer service and are members here. Strike Fire It says on the website MOA 1/2 ? Is that 1 MOA / 2 MOA or one half MOA ? I have never owned or used a red dot . God bless Wyr |
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Just save up and buy an aimpoint, best optic I ever bought. Perhaps I expressed myself poorly , I do not even know if I will like a red dot . Certainly not a case of needing one . That is why I am thinking of an inexpensive one , in case I turn out not to like a rd dot . Would not have much money invested . For what some of the high dollar red dots cost , I would buy a conventional scope . Probably a Burris or a Loupy . God bless Wyr |
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The Vortex Strike Fire seems to be the rage right now. I've messed with one, seems to be a decent sight. They have a few issues here and there but they have good customer service and are members here. Strike Fire It says on the website MOA 1/2 ? Is that 1 MOA / 2 MOA or one half MOA ? I have never owned or used a red dot . God bless Wyr It's referring to the scope adjustments. 1 click is 1/2" at 100 Yards |
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The Vortex Strike Fire seems to be the rage right now. I've messed with one, seems to be a decent sight. They have a few issues here and there but they have good customer service and are members here. Strike Fire It says on the website MOA 1/2 ? Is that 1 MOA / 2 MOA or one half MOA ? I have never owned or used a red dot . God bless Wyr It's referring to the scope adjustments. 1 click is 1/2" at 100 Yards OK , That I can understand . I will go back and do some more reading . I was looking for the dot size in MOA . Thanks , :-) Wyr God bless |
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The Vortex Strike Fire seems to be the rage right now. I've messed with one, seems to be a decent sight. They have a few issues here and there but they have good customer service and are members here. Strike Fire It says on the website MOA 1/2 ? Is that 1 MOA / 2 MOA or one half MOA ? I have never owned or used a red dot . God bless Wyr It's referring to the scope adjustments. 1 click is 1/2" at 100 Yards OK , That I can understand . I will go back and do some more reading . I was looking for the dot size in MOA . Thanks , :-) Wyr God bless Hello Wyr, The dot is a 4moa dot. If you have any other questions about the StrikeFire please feel free to check out our Industry Forum and I'll do my best to help you with whatever you need. Thanks! -Sam |
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for optics less than 200.00, I'd have one of these. Best on the market right now in my opinion.
http://www.burrisoptics.com/xts135.html Awesome specs that compare to the Aimpoint.. |
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for optics less than 200.00, I'd have one of these. Best on the market right now in my opinion. http://www.burrisoptics.com/xts135.html Awesome specs that compare to the Aimpoint.. Vortex Our warranty is about you, not us. It's about taking care of you after the sale. The VIP stands for Very Important Promise to you (our customers) that we will do the following: Repair or replace your Vortex product for any reason at NO CHARGE TO YOU. It doesn't matter how it happened, whose fault it was, or where you purchased it. Unlimited lifetime Warranty Fully transferable No warranty card to fill out. No receipt needed to hang on to. If you ever have a problem, no matter the cost, we promise to take care of you. VIP Warranty Procedure Step 1: Fill out the following Product Repair Form. Step 2: Ship your product in a cardboard shipping carton to the following address: Attn: VIP Warranty Vortex Optics 2120 West Greenview Dr. Middleton, WI 53562 Step 3: Vortex will evaluate your product and repair or replace it at no charge. Step 4: Vortex will ship your product back to you in a timely manner. (Average turn around time of 10 business days after receipt of product) Fine Print: Theft or loss of a product is not covered...that's it. Pretty cool huh? Think that pretty much speaks for itself. 
Actually, according the Vortex site, the warranty you have posted is not the warranty that the Strikefire carries. The Strikefire says it only carries a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturers defects. Now granted it is a lifetime warranty, its not the one you pointed out. |
| It would probably be cheapest to save up and buy a good condition used Aimpoint. If you don't like it, you can turn around and sell it for what you paid; you're out nothing. A cheap red dot won't hold as much value if you don't like it and decide to sell it. Your also more likely to be satisfied with a premium red ot optic like Aimpoint, and if you do like it you won't need to upgrade. |
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Actually, according the Vortex site, the warranty you have posted is not the warranty that the Strikefire carries. The Strikefire says it only carries a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturers defects. Now granted it is a lifetime warranty, its not the one you pointed out. DOH! You are right, I missed that, sorry. Still have no concerns with any issues though. I'm sure Sam will check back in and fill in the details. Till then, I'll delete the post so that I am not misleading folks with my error. Thanks for catching it for me. |
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Actually, according the Vortex site, the warranty you have posted is not the warranty that the Strikefire carries. The Strikefire says it only carries a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturers defects. Now granted it is a lifetime warranty, its not the one you pointed out. DOH! You are right, I missed that, sorry. Still have no concerns with any issues though. I'm sure Sam will check back in and fill in the details. Till then, I'll delete the post so that I am not misleading folks with my error. Thanks for catching it for me. Yeah, technically the StrikeFire doesn't have the "no fault" part of the warranty. However, everything else about the VIP still stands. I think that everyone who has ever had to make a warranty claim has found that we've always bent over backwards to make people happy. -Sam |
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It would probably be cheapest to save up and buy a good condition used Aimpoint. If you don't like it, you can turn around and sell it for what you paid; you're out nothing. A cheap red dot won't hold as much value if you don't like it and decide to sell it. Your also more likely to be satisfied with a premium red ot optic like Aimpoint, and if you do like it you won't need to upgrade. That makes sense . God bless Wyr |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Actually, according the Vortex site, the warranty you have posted is not the warranty that the Strikefire carries. The Strikefire says it only carries a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturers defects. Now granted it is a lifetime warranty, its not the one you pointed out. DOH! You are right, I missed that, sorry. Still have no concerns with any issues though. I'm sure Sam will check back in and fill in the details. Till then, I'll delete the post so that I am not misleading folks with my error. Thanks for catching it for me. Yeah, technically the StrikeFire doesn't have the "no fault" part of the warranty. However, everything else about the VIP still stands. I think that everyone who has ever had to make a warranty claim has found that we've always bent over backwards to make people happy. -Sam I can attest to this, the service couldn't be better i think the vortex strikefire and burris xts135 are great products for the price
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Yeah, technically the StrikeFire doesn't have the "no fault" part of the warranty. However, everything else about the VIP still stands. I think that everyone who has ever had to make a warranty claim has found that we've always bent over backwards to make people happy. -Sam Sam, I have to ask since I do not see it anywhere on your site. Where are these made? |
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I almost bought a StrikeFire last week, the ONLY reason I held back is because I've read that the dot isn't very bright (even on the brightest settings) and here in AL in the summer it would be very tough to see.
Personally I'd save up for a used Aimpoint as well, it's what I'll probably do. |
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Yeah, technically the StrikeFire doesn't have the "no fault" part of the warranty. However, everything else about the VIP still stands. I think that everyone who has ever had to make a warranty claim has found that we've always bent over backwards to make people happy. -Sam Sam, I have to ask since I do not see it anywhere on your site. Where are these made? It's made in China. -Sam |
| After researching both the Vortex and the Primary Arms, I went the Primary Arms route. Marshall's M3 Clone is solid and with the 3X magnifier, very solid solution. This is my personal preference. Through my research found both companies providing extraordinary customer service. |
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After researching both the Vortex and the Primary Arms, I went the Primary Arms route. Marshall's M3 Clone is solid and with the 3X magnifier, very solid solution. This is my personal preference. Through my research found both companies providing extraordinary customer service. Same here, but I went with Primary Arms' M4 clone. The Magnifier offered by Vortex is a cool feature, but I had no desire for one. Secondly, the Primary Arms M4 clone uses a AA battery. It's hard to find a hardware store, gas station, or C-store that doesn't have AA batteries. If you need XYZ123ABC batteries, you might have trouble finding them. Vortex and Primary Arms both seem to have great customer service and a strong presence here on Arfcom and I've never heard of horror stories with either of them. |
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I also went with the Primary Arms M3 clone. It was only $69 and I received it 2 days after I placed the order. The dot is much brighter than I thought it would be and it holds zero with no problem on my AR. I'm thinking about buying the 3X magnifier soon. I had heard the Vortex was also a good sight but it was more money. I don't see how it could have been any better for the extra $.
http://primaryarms.com/product.sc?categoryId=5&productId=18 |
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I almost bought a StrikeFire last week, the ONLY reason I held back is because I've read that the dot isn't very bright (even on the brightest settings) and here in AL in the summer it would be very tough to see. Personally I'd save up for a used Aimpoint as well, it's what I'll probably do. I got one and it has no problem at all in bright sun light , i would buy another. |
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Has anyone done a side by side comparrison between the Vortec and the CompM4 clone ? Thanks , Wyr God bless Are you talking about the PA M4 style. It is not really a M4 clone. I call it a M4 style because of the general shape, integrated mount and AA battery. Anyway you might not find someone with both. Usually it is a either or situation. You just have to decide and jump in. Different controls, dot size, single dot vs multi reticle, longer warranty vs lower price. Either will serve you well. |
| Check out the Ultradot series. There's no comparison between these and a lot of the "tacticool" knockoffs. The Ultradots have been around a long time, they are small and light, and will handle very stiff recoil and hold zero. At one time, SSK recommended them as one of the few electronic scopes that could take the recoil of their "hand cannons." You can find them under $200, and under $150 for some versions. They are popular with competition shooters and are a quality optic. The downside is that they take button batteries, so they don't have the battery life of the milspec optics. I've used mine on a FA shorty AR for more than 15 years, and it's still running great. I got mine when they were marketed by Action Arms (Israel), but they are now marketed under their own name. |
| I just bought an IJK optic. They are made in Europe and are excellent for the price. I got a 552 clone for about $120 http://www.ijksales.com/EL-45.JPG . Has green and red dots, holds AAA batteries, waterproof and lifetime warranty. Check them out http://www.ijksales.com/eagle_eye_scopes.htm. I also bought a variable crosshair scope that illuminates blue and red and is 2-6X28 IR variable http://www.ijksales.com/NT-2-6X28IR-C.jpg . Its nice because it has extra rail mounts for lasers and lights as well if you prefer. They are very clear and I have had no problems with them at all. Customer service is top notch as well. |
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I have both the Strikefire and the Aimpoint.
The only reason I got the Aimpoint was the battery life, I like the fact that i could just leave it on for months (I have the ML2) Other than that, I would not hesitate to recommend the Strikefire to anyone. And I have used Vortex's CS and They Are AWESOME, super friendly and fast turn arounds. I plan on putting the Strikefire on a truck gun build I plan on in the next month or so. |
| I just purchased the Primary Arms Multi Reticle m4 style, I would say its problly the best option for you at this point as it gives you 4 options to look and since you stated this would be your first red dot that will ensure a better chance of having a reticle you like. You really cant beat them for the price ($99) however they have a lesser warranty than Vortex (1 year vs lifetime) however from the impression i got from your original post you could probally care less about warranty and more about cost like me. The way i look at it is that if it ever lets me down (shy or a dead battery) its getting replace with a high end optic (either aimpoint or eotech) and well if it doesnt then ill keep it and the warranty doesn't ever come into play. I have held in my hands both the Primary Arms and the Vortex and have to tell you they are both nice sights .... one plus the vortex has (if you care) is a screw in 2x magnifier my self personally wanted the multi reticles so i went with the PA. Some other more costly options would be to look at the bushnell trophy series at they are all around $100-130 and have multi reticles available or the bushnell Holosight ($250) |
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I just purchased the Primary Arms Multi Reticle m4 style, I would say its problly the best option for you at this point as it gives you 4 options to look and since you stated this would be your first red dot that will ensure a better chance of having a reticle you like. You really cant beat them for the price ($99) however they have a lesser warranty than Vortex (1 year vs lifetime) however from the impression i got from your original post you could probally care less about warranty and more about cost like me. The way i look at it is that if it ever lets me down (shy or a dead battery) its getting replace with a high end optic (either aimpoint or eotech) and well if it doesnt then ill keep it and the warranty doesn't ever come into play. I have held in my hands both the Primary Arms and the Vortex and have to tell you they are both nice sights .... one plus the vortex has (if you care) is a screw in 2x magnifier my self personally wanted the multi reticles so i went with the PA. Some other more costly options would be to look at the bushnell trophy series at they are all around $100-130 and have multi reticles available or the bushnell Holosight ($250) I did a quick look up for the Bushnell trophy series and it appears to have a 6 MOA dot . I think I want smaller ? That is one reason I am leaning towards the PA M4 ( 2 MOA ? ) over the Strike Fire ( 4 MOA ? ) ? I did a little reading on the Bushnell Holosight , that looks like an Eotech . 40 - 60 hour battery life ! Not sure I wish to go there ? Looked a little on the EE & did not find anything that caught my eye ( no pun intended ) . I wish to emphasize , I am looking for civilian / commercial grade optics , not military grade . Thank every one for the help , God bless Wyr |
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What about the red dot are you having questions about, meaning what are you not sure of about liking?
The reason I ask is two fold. First, if you think you you will use the red dot long term, then definitely save up for the aimpoint. If you think it is something you may use from time to time, then get one of the primary arms clones, they tend to be the best chinese built knockoffs and marsh has A+ to infinity customer service. If it something you just want to try, then go with a cheap knockoff around $30-50. That way, if you don't like the look or feel or if it doesn't fit your style, you can always resell it on ebay for 20-40 so you won't loose much. If you do like it and it becomes your cup of tea, then you definitely want the aimpoint, and the money you save on buying a cheapy and recoup can be used to get the aimpoint. However, you quickly find that you will want more and more and after you get a good aimpoint for your go to rifle, then I would highly recommend Primary Arms for additional red dots (I do not own any personally as I am waiting for the flip to side mounts, but have several friends who do and have been very pleased and they are very well built) |
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Actually, any of the sights listed in this thread can be resold on the EE for close to what you paid. Provided you don't scuff it up or anything.
Also the only dot I can recommend, though not as cool, is the Tasco ProPoint. It is the only one I have used. It stands up to the 870 with slugs just fine. Mine was used for $50. It is the model that takes 2 batteries and they last 100-250 hours. I haven't replaced them yet in a year and only 50ish hours in. I also love my Millett DMS-1. Its not a dot, but its almost as fast on 1x. |
| There are a few in the trophy series at are 4 moa with other reticles also like cirlce cross's ect ..... the holosight is basically an eotech ... NOT A CLONE you can look into it and find the real answer as i have never cared if bushnell made it for eotech or if eotech make it for bushnell but it boils down to the Bushnell isnt Mil-spec and the best i can tell its only missing the metal guard (hince the non mil-spec) but at the same time its $250 ..... I have to go against the people saying just buy a cheap clone off ebay they are just that .... cheap. from what i have seen (my brother in law is a big scenario paintball player) they fall apart when they use them and the diodes get loose. This is from getting bumped around and dropped on a paintball marker .... if you dont want to invest much money go with the primary arms m3 clone ... 4 moa dot for $70 and it will hold 0 and not fall apart. |
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What about the red dot are you having questions about, meaning what are you not sure of about liking? The reason I ask is two fold. First, if you think you you will use the red dot long term, then definitely save up for the aimpoint. If you think it is something you may use from time to time, then get one of the primary arms clones, they tend to be the best chinese built knockoffs and marsh has A+ to infinity customer service. If it something you just want to try, then go with a cheap knockoff around $30-50. That way, if you don't like the look or feel or if it doesn't fit your style, you can always resell it on ebay for 20-40 so you won't loose much. If you do like it and it becomes your cup of tea, then you definitely want the aimpoint, and the money you save on buying a cheapy and recoup can be used to get the aimpoint. However, you quickly find that you will want more and more and after you get a good aimpoint for your go to rifle, then I would highly recommend Primary Arms for additional red dots (I do not own any personally as I am waiting for the flip to side mounts, but have several friends who do and have been very pleased and they are very well built) Well , I am not sure I would like a red dot in general . I would like to have my cake and eat it too . ( Yes , I know that is not likely to happen . ) I might or might not keep a red dot long term , but I doubt I would use it much . As I have grown older , my trips to the range have gotten fewer and fewer . But I find myself in the position of having a Midway flat top arriving today or tomorrow . It will need some kind of optics , for it , in the near future . This would not have happened if the sheeple had elected true conservatives . :-( I would not be buying another AR . I have been flamed by the folks that only can see the " high dollar " optics . As you said and I have tried to voice , I just wish to try a red dot . One fear I have developed , is the VERY Cheap clones I have looked at on line that appear to have " genuine markings " , as close as they can get it . That would lead me to be super cautious about buying a real Aimpoint , Eotech or Tricon (sp) from some one unknown . I would hate to buy a $ 30 - 60 clone for several hunderead $$$ & nor finding out that it is a counterfit , untill it arrives . Or latter , since I am a newbie . Thanks for the help . God bless Wyr |
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MidwayUSA has Aimpoints on sale right now...ML2 will run you just under $400 |
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Check out the Ultradot series. There's no comparison between these and a lot of the "tacticool" knockoffs. The Ultradots have been around a long time, they are small and light, and will handle very stiff recoil and hold zero. At one time, SSK recommended them as one of the few electronic scopes that could take the recoil of their "hand cannons." You can find them under $200, and under $150 for some versions. They are popular with competition shooters and are a quality optic. The downside is that they take button batteries, so they don't have the battery life of the milspec optics. I've used mine on a FA shorty AR for more than 15 years, and it's still running great. I got mine when they were marketed by Action Arms (Israel), but they are now marketed under their own name. +1 UltraDot has a very good rep, with bullseye shooters. They take alot of abuse on slide mounted optics and still seem to work well. |
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I may be wrong , but I think I want a 1 or 2 MOA dot . I will check this out , but I think I have read the M2 has a larger dot than that . Maybe 4 MOA ? But , for $ 400 I will / would probably put something like a VX III in it . Conventional scope . God bless Wyr –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– I think I am wrong , it appears the ML2 is 2 MOA ? What is it with the 2 x magnification ? Is that a lens that is removable to restore it to 1 x ? God bless Wyr |
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I just put a vortex strikefire on my S&W M&P15t. I fell in love with my gun all over again. It was the best 150 dollars I have spent in a long time (boats and hoes are still #1). It comes with a battery, 2x mag, and a mount. I cannot stop bragging about how good this red dot is for the money.
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