Recommend a good low dollar red dot optic for AR

[halfmileharry]

I've got a buddy wanting to put an optic on his "new to him" AR.
He asked me to recommend one and I can't. I like iron sights and cross hairs. I'm old so that explains that.
He doesn't want to spend a lot of money.
What's out there, works great, holds up good, and works very well for the money?

 

[cwillour]

How much is "not a lot"? For some, an AimPoint fits within that category, while others might find a Vortex Strikefire is above the limit.

 

[Bfish]

"Low dollar" and "good" usually don't go well together. If I could say anything to your friend it would be to shoot some irons like you and save until he can afford something like an AimPoint, Eotech, or something along those lines. You buy a quality optic and you can keep it forever no matter how your rifles come and go. You can get into an Aimpoint Pro for around $400. The vortex stuff also isn't bad for half the money. But it depends on what low cost means to your buddy.

 

[halfmileharry]

He just got an AR. No ammo yet but he got an AR.
He likes the one he put on his turkey gun for less than $100 and he's thinking the same thing would work on the AR. Tasco.

 

[M67]

Bushnell TRS25

 

[Double T]

Another vote for a TRS25. I put 5 rounds within a quarter size group at 62 yards. Not to shabby for a 3MOA dot.

 

[other dave]

Got one of these on my AR pistol. Love it!

https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_Micro_Dot_Removable_Base_Gen_II_NV_p/md-rbgii.htm

 

[Vamptepes]

Trs25. Been running it for 2 years now and holds zero.

 

[Bfish]

I also say if he's going that cheap to go with the TRS25. Should save for something though if he wants to do more with it that target shoot.

 

[halfmileharry]

I also say if he's going that cheap to go with the TRS25. Should save for something though if he wants to do more with it that target shoot.

I doubt he's going to fire it much unless the world goes horribly wrong.
He just needs to learn the format, learn the rifle, and make it fit him.
It's not like he doesn't have money, he's just not sure what he wants

 

[chezuki]

Bushnell TRS25

Another vote for a TRS25. I put 5 rounds within a quarter size group at 62 yards. Not to shabby for a 3MOA dot.

Trs25. Been running it for 2 years now and holds zero.

Another vote for the TRS-25.

 

[freekforge]

my brother has a trs25 on his AR and we have been pretty happy with it. even dad likes it and he is a hardcore iron sight guy.

 

[halfmileharry]

It looks like I'm going to tell him the general consensus here and let him make up his own mind.

 

[padawan]

I'll throw this out just for consideration... Sure, its a Chi-cog as my Son likes to say but so far it has held just fine. They are $129+ at Wally, etc...

Bushnell AR 1x MP 1X32mm Black Matte Red/Green T Dot reticle AR730132 - Bushnell - Shop by Brand - Optics

For $69.99 we gave it a try and so far are satisfied for backyard plinking. Would be nice if it had auto-off...

 

[slowmo]

Definitely check out Primary Arms. Their stuff is really good bang for your buck. They ship very fast. Same day, in my experience. I have never needed it, but they have a great customer service reputation. As many will tell you, these (along with anything else in this price range) are not battle optics that you bet your life on. But they will get the job done out on the range.

 

[Kutnupe14]

Trs25. I'm about to suggest it a the standard patrol rifle sight at our PD. I'm going to buy one for our rangemaster, and see what he thinks. Lots of guys still run irons, so they need something IMO, and the trs25 has exceeded my expectations.

 

[MC1983]

Another vote for the TRS25. With a riser, you can co-witness with the iron sights.

 

[Verls65]

+1 for Vortex!! BEST WARRANTY FOR THE MONEY!!!
You break it, bend it, or shoot a hole through it....They will replace it!! Period!!!
Cant beat that for $150-200!!!

 

[Verls65]

PS ....Palmetto State Armory has the Vortex strike fire 2 for $119!!! MSRP is $179.....
Great deal!!!

 

[KLB]

PS ....Palmetto State Armory has the Vortex strike fire 2 for $119!!! MSRP is $179.....
Great deal!!!

We have AA Optics here on the forum that specializes in Vortex optics. He also price matches and is a great resource if you need help finding the right optic.

I have a Strike Fire and a Primary Arms Red Dot. Both have been great.