Quality Budget Optics

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  • thunderchicken

    Grandmaster
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    5   0   0
    Feb 26, 2010
    6,435
    113
    Indianapolis
    What are some quality budget friendly optics options? I'm looking for something under $300. This would be used on an AR. Looked at some stuff from Vortex today but honestly never used a red dot before and not sure what features to look for
     

    nipprdog

    Grandmaster
    Site Supporter
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    36   0   0
    Jan 11, 2009
    5,973
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    Tippecanoe county
    What are some quality budget friendly optics options? I'm looking for something under $300. This would be used on an AR. Looked at some stuff from Vortex today but honestly never used a red dot before and not sure what features to look for

    Spend another $50 and get an Aimpoint PRO on sale.
     

    sgreen3

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 100%
    51   0   0
    Jan 19, 2011
    11,027
    63
    Scottsburg,In
    Bushnell TRS-25


    ^^^^ THIS^^^ Best under $100 RDS you can buy, I have beat the snot out of the one I have over the last 3 yrs in Run-N-Gun and other carbine courses and its still going strong. The dot is a smidge blurry but for no more than they cost and it always holding zero, I can handle that....
     

    seedubs1

    Master
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    24   0   0
    Jan 17, 2013
    4,623
    48
    Cant make a recommendation without knowing what type. Rds, lpv, spr type, etc...

    What are some quality budget friendly optics options? I'm looking for something under $300. This would be used on an AR. Looked at some stuff from Vortex today but honestly never used a red dot before and not sure what features to look for
     

    71silverbullet

    Sharpshooter
    Rating - 100%
    36   0   0
    Oct 30, 2010
    736
    43
    Southern, In
    Cant make a recommendation without knowing what type. Rds, lpv, spr type, etc...
    No disrespect intended but, if he knew what Rds, lpv, spr etc meant, he could probably make the decision on what to buy without posting and asking for help. He said he never used a red dot and didn't know what to look for.
     

    jamesb

    Plinker
    Rating - 100%
    6   0   0
    Jun 5, 2013
    138
    18
    Indianapolis
    I have always had good luck with mueller optics. I have 4 and they have done well. They have a pretty good line with most under 300.00. Their speed shot looks like it might fit what you are looking for.
     

    Vigilant

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 100%
    21   0   0
    Jul 12, 2008
    11,659
    83
    Plainfield
    What are some quality budget friendly optics options? I'm looking for something under $300. This would be used on an AR. Looked at some stuff from Vortex today but honestly never used a red dot before and not sure what features to look for
    Nippr told you everything you need to know!
     

    churchmouse

    I still care....Really
    Emeritus
    Rating - 100%
    187   0   0
    Dec 7, 2011
    191,809
    152
    Speedway area
    Vortex Strike Fire II

    I have owned several and have 4 at present. They have all been flawless. For the money these are very good.
     
    Last edited:

    thunderchicken

    Grandmaster
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    5   0   0
    Feb 26, 2010
    6,435
    113
    Indianapolis
    Thanks, I really appreciate all the input. I was fortunate enough to talk with a couple people tonight who like CM also recommend the Vortex Strike Fire ll. And, I think I will go pick one up today
     

    Tactically Fat

    Grandmaster
    Site Supporter
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    22   0   0
    Oct 8, 2014
    8,270
    113
    Indiana
    OP, do you want any magnification or do you just want a red dot?

    How far do you intend to shoot? If you want to be able to still shoot at 200-300 yards, you'll be at the HIGH end of your range.

    If you're content with 0-200 yards, you can potentially "get by" with something a tad less expensive. And, then, possibly even add a flip-over magnifier that'll help extend range.
     

    thunderchicken

    Grandmaster
    Rating - 100%
    5   0   0
    Feb 26, 2010
    6,435
    113
    Indianapolis
    Tac- well to be honest I have never had the opportunity to shoot beyond 100yds. I would be interested in learning to shoot at longer distances but I think primarily I would use my .300wsm for that.
     

    croy

    Master
    Rating - 100%
    24   0   0
    Apr 22, 2012
    1,875
    48
    Indiana
    I'm gonna say either a used comp m2, vortex strikefire, vortex sparc, or the new holosun is getting good reviews
     
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