Tuflehundon Posted September 24, 2012 Share Posted September 24, 2012 So I was looking at a local gun store, and online at some red dots for an AR I am getting. I really like the EOTechs, and the Aimpoints, but don't want to spend that kind of cash right now. I'm already spending around $1,000 for the rifle, and then will be doing some mods to it after that. I do eventually want to get a higher end sight, but was looking at something to use in the mean time. Does anyone have any experience with the Sightmark line of red dots? My local gun shop had these and the salesman was talking them up a lot. They also had a 5x magnifier for the Ultra Shot. I was looking at these 2: http://www.opticsplanet.com/sightmark-ultra-shot-sight-qd-digital-switch-red-dot-sight.html http://www.opticsplanet.com/sightmark-tactical-red-dot-sight-sm13041.html Any first hand reviews, good or bad? Found a ton of videos on Youtube with people talking about them, but they all said they had just gotten them, or only used it for 100 or so rounds, and I wanted to know if it would last. It will be going on a carbine length AR, more than likely a direct impingement model. I want to use the rifle for some light 3 gun shooting but mostly as a SD and bug out gun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
a.roberts Posted September 24, 2012 Share Posted September 24, 2012 (edited) I'd use irons way before I trusted either of those. eta: I have no experience with either, but you do get what you pay for. "mostly as a SD and bug out gun." What's your life worth? Edited September 24, 2012 by a.roberts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lifeislarge Posted September 24, 2012 Share Posted September 24, 2012 I have a Sight Mark installed on an AR that I just bought. Haven't shot it yet or sighted it in, but already can tell you that the dot seems kind of blurry. It almost looks like it's projecting a double image. May look better on the range at a 100 yards instead of aimed at my neighbors house (you know, the one who let's her dog shit all over my lawn ) If I get out this week to shoot I'll let you know if I can get it sighted in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OPENB Posted September 24, 2012 Share Posted September 24, 2012 For budget red dots, look at Primary Arms. I have several Micro clones and Docter clones, love em. Check reviews on them here and on AR15.com. Great youtube videos too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaxshooter Posted September 24, 2012 Share Posted September 24, 2012 I have a one like the first link. It is mounted on a dedicated .22 rimfire AR so I don't know if it can stand up to recoil from centerfire guns. The sight does a good job on the .22, holds zero, bright sharp dot etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dskinsler83 Posted September 24, 2012 Share Posted September 24, 2012 Look at Vortex spark and magnifier not really pricey and vortex stuff is g2g usually Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tuflehundon Posted September 25, 2012 Author Share Posted September 25, 2012 (edited) Look at Vortex spark and magnifier not really pricey and vortex stuff is g2g usually I'll check those out Edit: Just checked them out. For that price I could get an EOTech for $100 more. Not worth it to me. Only reason I looked at the Sightmark was the price tag of $100. I am considering a sight that I could use until I can save up for the EOTech. Edited September 25, 2012 by Tuflehundon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dskinsler83 Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 The spark is like 150 late I looked I dunno bout magnifier price off top of my head but a eotech and mag combo is almost 1k I know the vortex ain't that much. Not to mention the spark come with a 2x screw on magnifier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dskinsler83 Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 Also think bout this. 479 + shipping would get you the 1-4x mtac with perp mount as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aiden Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 (edited) A buddy of mine purchased one and put it on his AR15, and he couldn't get it to hold its zero properly. So he got frustrated with it and sold it to me for 30 bucks. I promptly put it on a rimfire rifle, and it works fine as a range toy. edit: dot on mine had no ghost image, but it was not a perfect circle. More like a circle with a small tail. It's certainly nicer than the red dots available for 30 bucks. But I wouldn't buy one at anywhere close to full price. I personally would go with Primary Arms if you're set on a red dot in that price range. Fast shipping, great customer service, I've bought two of their micro dots and love em. Edited September 25, 2012 by Aiden Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Griffin Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 Look at Vortex spark and magnifier not really pricey and vortex stuff is g2g usually I'll check those out Edit: Just checked them out. For that price I could get an EOTech for $100 more. Not worth it to me. Only reason I looked at the Sightmark was the price tag of $100. I am considering a sight that I could use until I can save up for the EOTech. I've been very happy with the Bushnell TR-25. 80$ and seems to be built extremely well for the price. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tuflehundon Posted September 25, 2012 Author Share Posted September 25, 2012 Also think bout this. 479 + shipping would get you the 1-4x mtac with perp mount as well I wouldn't buy the magnifier. It's a Carbine so long range shots aren't in it's future. With open sights I used to do head shots on targets at 500 meters with my issue M16A2. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tuflehundon Posted September 25, 2012 Author Share Posted September 25, 2012 (edited) Look at Vortex spark and magnifier not really pricey and vortex stuff is g2g usually I'll check those out Edit: Just checked them out. For that price I could get an EOTech for $100 more. Not worth it to me. Only reason I looked at the Sightmark was the price tag of $100. I am considering a sight that I could use until I can save up for the EOTech. I've been very happy with the Bushnell TR-25. 80$ and seems to be built extremely well for the price. I'll look into the Bushnell. Had one of there scopes on my old 30-06. I was happy with it to. BTW, thanks for all of the input guys Edited September 25, 2012 by Tuflehundon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StealthyBlagga Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 For personal protection, skip the cheap optics. Either run irons (cheap and very effective) or bite the bullet and get an Aimpoint PRO ($400 with mount). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dskinsler83 Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 The MTAC and PERP is a 1-4x scope that is very good set up for most local and some bigger 3Gun matches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tuflehundon Posted September 29, 2012 Author Share Posted September 29, 2012 The MTAC and PERP is a 1-4x scope that is very good set up for most local and some bigger 3Gun matches. I can't seem to find that one. Do you have a link? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tuflehundon Posted October 1, 2012 Author Share Posted October 1, 2012 Looked at several of the ones you guys recommended today at a larger local gun store. I have decided to just wait till I save up the cash and get either an Aimpoint or an Eotech. Price for a decent "clone" was just to much to justify spending, and then spending more later to get the real deal. SO I am just gonna wait for the nicer optic later and use the iron sites for now. Irons are what I trained with in the Marines anyways. Friend of mine has both with magnifiers on his AR's so he's gonna let me try out both and see which I like. Thanks for all the input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now