.223 AR reflex sights.

[8mmFMJ]

Why are they so cheap? I guess I'm used to spending 100$ or more on sights/optics.

Take this for example

http://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Arms-Gear-Adjustable-Weaver-Picatinny/dp/B00MRC7LCO/ref=pd_sxp_grid_pt_0_2#Ask

All great reviews, says it holds zero good, and cheap. Am I missing something? Throw on a good set of BUIS just in case...so why not?

[8mmFMJ]

here is another

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DOYOLTA/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1426118693&sr=8-2&keywords=reflex+sight&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&dpPl=1&dpID=411g2kzGOBL&ref=plSrch

and another

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00MRC827W/ref=mp_s_a_1_37?qid=1426118849&sr=8-37&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=holographic+sight

they all look like the same product under different names and they all have 5 stars. hell for 30$ I may just try one and go do some rapid firing in the desert.

[Sleighter]

People that have only used cheap optics at short range have no frame of reference for what constitutes quality. This may be an example of that. If you don't know what you're missing out on, then everything seems great.

[8mmFMJ]

I've shot through an eotech holographic and a Burris reflex side by side. I was not impressed by one over the other. I have a PA micro dot on a QD riser. It's been great on a .308 AR, .5.56, 7.62x39. It's all banged up and runs like a champ. it was 69.99 with the full package 2 years or so ago for a black friday deal.

I guess I'll be the huckleberry.

[Sleighter]

Hey if it meets your needs, more power to you. Some guys have $2,000+ in glass on their rifles. That's definitely not my scene.

[MrPlink]

Those are toys best left to airsofters and the like.

For budget stuff Primary Arms can't be beat; stick with them.

[1911ShooterPhil]

Remember: you get what you pay for. Don't get an inexpensive "bargain brand" optic and expect military-quality service life. It's not going to happen.

You may want to consider checking out the Vortex StrikeFire. It's not an Aimpoint, but it is very reliable, durable, it has digital controls (and NV capability), mounts in any standard Aimpoint optic mount, and has a long battery life. I own 5 of these optics and they have all performed very well. These guys have them on sale quite often: http://www.cstactical.com/

Cheers! --1911ShooterPhil

[OpticsPlanet]

Hello,

"Buy once cry once" is a useful saying to remember. You don't have to cry too hard either to get a quality optic like the Vortex Sparc II. Just my $.02.



Mike C.

[JMP]

Honestly, you pretty much get what you pay for. The "value " aspect is mostly viewed by the preference of a given set of features for a particular user. Though, the more you pay, the returns are a bit diminishing. For the cheap crap, you can thank cheap Chinese manufacturing that really doesn't hack it.

[RobertMW]

Those cheap ones, don't expect them to hold up to wet weather, don't expect them to "hold zero" for long, no matter what those people say, staying within 6" at 25 yards is not holding zero. And don't expect them to hold up to any kind of a drop.

With an Aimpoint PRO you are getting a fully sealed moisture free tube. High durability, Extremely long battery life, real zero holding, good lens coatings to reduce reflections and flare.

[mu9en]

Those cheap ones, don't expect them to hold up to wet weather, don't expect them to "hold zero" for long, no matter what those people say, staying within 6" at 25 yards is not holding zero. And don't expect them to hold up to any kind of a drop.

With an Aimpoint PRO you are getting a fully sealed moisture free tube. High durability, Extremely long battery life, real zero holding, good lens coatings to reduce reflections and flare.

^^^ I agree. I used to be into the lower end brands. Nothing wrong with it. I still own some. If you are not a leo or service member and you are a recreational shooter that don't shoot much, it will not make a difference. But for me, I got really annoyed that I had to re-zero almost every time. And thought. What if I had to use it one day in an emergency. I can't really ask a robber to hold for a few minutes while I re-zero. (Maybe it was just my luck, there are more better optics at lower end prices than there was before.)

I find that with higher end brands. I didn't have to do re-zero as much. It was a set it and forget it type deal for me.

And I do believe in the "buy once cry once. But the problem is... what if had I had to buy more than one. LOL...

[drifts1]

I also believe in "buy once, cry once" but I also believe if you match your purchase to your actual use, you can sometimes "buy smart, cry never".

[tacticalcity]

I can be a bit of a snob when it comes to optics. But that is because I learned the hard-way. I bought the chi-com stuff. Didn't hold up. From then on I bought either EoTech or Aimpoint and have been happy with both. Now I even go one step beyond and buy the top of the line from those brands. My current optic is an Aimpoint T1. I could buy a really nice handgun, a fully tricked out semi-auto shotgun, or a basic AR for what I paid for that optic. But it is worth it. That is not to say I wouldn't trust a C-More sight or a Burris Reflex II. Those would be my idea of entry level sights though. Anything cheaper makes me worry when it comes to self-defense. And I trust the Aimpoint T1 much, much more.

For a plinker, it doesn't really matter. But honestly iron sights would be much proffered to chi-com special. At least in my opinion. Your would be surprised how good you can get with irons. I've run defensive carbine courses with just irons. Performance wise I was about in the middle of the class, and everyone else had red dots. So you can get very fast and very good with just irons on there. It's a little more work, especially when using your off shoulder...but it is also a vital skill you need to master anyway. Might as well do it now...and save up for a quality optic.

Just my $0.02. It is your money and your rifle. Do what makes ya happy.