Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
AR Sponsor
12/1/2015 11:42:25 PM EDT
So, I'm thinking about adding a red dot to my 300 and switching away from the fixed 3x nikon I have now.

Why should I go with the Primary Arms MD-ADS vs the $90 red dot they offer? Or what about an Aimpoint instead?

I'm not rich by any means. I have student loans, my wife doesn't work and I teach and coach at a junior high. For someone like me, is the extra $$$ worth it? What I mean to say is... Is the glass that much better or dot that much sharper? I've never shot an Aimpoint or the MD-ADS.
12/2/2015 12:02:31 AM EDT
[#1]
You're covering a huge range there, $90-$600.  Can't go wrong with Aimpoint.  It depends on how much you want to spend.
12/2/2015 12:02:42 AM EDT
[#2]
MD-ADS unless the 300 is your SHTF gun. In that case, I'd get an Aimpoint Pro.
12/2/2015 12:03:07 AM EDT
[#3]
The ADS is the newer model with the claimed 50k hrs of battery life. From my experience, the Aimpoint glass is clearer and it will likely be able to take a better beating, but I would opt for the PA ADS as your financial situation seems like it would be much happier going that route. PA is also gtg
12/2/2015 12:30:34 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:
The ADS is the newer model with the claimed 50k hrs of battery life. From my experience, the Aimpoint glass is clearer and it will likely be able to take a better beating, but I would opt for the PA ADS as your financial situation seems like it would be much happier going that route. PA is also gtg
View Quote



This.  Based on your situation, I'd get the MD-ADS and their cheapest 1/3 co-witness riser.
12/2/2015 10:05:22 AM EDT
[#5]
I own the PA Advanced Micro Dot as well as the Aimpoint H-1 (and T-1).  

For the price the Primary Arms is a great deal - the optics are clear and the site holds zero pretty well.  The 50K hour battery life means I can leave it on all the time.  It is not going to be as bullet proof as an Aimpoint, but honestly most of us armchair warriors don't really abuse our guns - so it may not matter.

That being said, the Aimpoint has the advantage of being nearly indestructible in any environment, does have slightly better optics and is the gold standard for military and law enforcement. I've banged mine around quite a bit on week long courses in a wide variety of conditions and it has never failed me.  I also find the dial easier to use than the up/down buttons.

If you give me a choice - I'm always going to pick the Aimpoint, but it is almost four times the cost of the PA.  My motto is "buy once, cry once" as I've seen cheap optics fail in the field.  So if you can save up for the Aimpoint or find a great deal on one on ebay, gunbroker, or a holiday sale I would certainly go that route.  If you can't quite afford the Aimpoint the Primary Arms is a good alternative that will likely give you many years of happy shooting.
AR Sponsor