red dot vs 1x prism scope?

[kenl]

Anyone have any thought about or experience a traditional red dot vs a 1x prism scope? I’m thinking about simplifying the optics on one of my rifles, and have narrowed it down to these two types of optics.

Comparing similar updated products from Vortex, the SPARC AR Red Dot (http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/...arc-ar-red-dot), and the Spitfire 1x AR Prism Scope (http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/...1x-prism-scope) it looks like the differences are;

The prism scope is pricier, heavier and longer by 1/3rd, has an eye relief of ~4”, and cannot be used with backup sights or a magnifier. On the plus side, it has an etched glass recital, so doesn’t depend on batteries. Plus you can adjust the focus on the reticle like on a traditional scope.

The red dot is lighter, shorter, cheaper, but depends on its battery. If the electronics die, it’s worthless, and time to switch to backup sights. You can use backup sights and a magnifier with a red dot.

I’m leaning towards the prism scope. The size and weight difference looks large on paper, but are small compared to the rifle's current setup. Being able to use it ever with a dead battery is a huge plus. I'm not interested in a magnifier. As for price, IMHO the cost and weight of a backup sight system sort of makes those two factors a wash.

Thoughts? Anyone use a 1x prism scope?

[spuds015]

I have the spitfire AR and I like it a lot. Mine is on my Colt 6920 and the weight really isn't all that noticeable. I As far as the reticle goes I do like the circle dot. Nice small center dot for more precise shots and the circles work well for closer, fast "combat effective" shots. Although I can see the double circle might be too busy for some people. The sight is very clear, especially with the diopter. One thing to keep in mind is the prism will look more like 1.1x or 1.2x. I also find the etched reticle difficult to use on black targets when not powered on. Also t1 mounts can fit if you want a QD mount but it will raise the scope just a little.

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[Mail Clerk]

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/...arc-ar-red-dot), and the Spitfire 1x AR Prism Scope (http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/...1x-prism-scope

Keni,

I use to get red dots to what ever worked and was with in my budget. They all worked fine but recently I decide to standarize mine down to one product... LUCID HD7.

I admit I don't know anything about prism scopes but they do offer advantages to my LUCID which is no batteries needed.

Mine works fine and I just remember to take out the battery after I'm finsihed at the range. If you in the market for a red dot instead of a prism then consider LUICD.

Mail Clerk

[kenl]

Thank you everyone for your input. Mail Clerk, I'll check out the lucid red dots.

[Junkie]

I haven't tried a fixed "1x" scope, but I have used scopes that're 1-4 through 1-8 and they aren't quite the same as a red dot for both eyes open shooting.

[Caseless]

red dot vs 1x prism scope?

I have used both under range, competition, and training conditions for years. The Vortex prism 1x scope fulfilled my first requirement, replacing the typical RDS + BUIS setup. Saving some $ in the process.
I had hoped to use the Spitfire for more precise mid range shots than RDS over 200yds, but the 3MOA dot covers up anything under 10 inch at that distance. I can use a 6 o'clock zero, but that limits the reticle at longer range.
I will retry the 1x prism setup when 1MOA and chevron type reticles become an option .

[Erion929]

When the Eotech issue surfaced, I returned mine and got the Spitfire AR 1x, as my astigmatic eyes didn't focus the red dot anymore. Very satisfied with the glass clarity, color options, worry-free reticle (+/- battery) and accuracy of the unit. Love the circle-dot....a very small dot...and the prism creates a clear dot for my eyes.

The Eotech was $450. The Spitfire I got on special for $150. Does the same thing to paper.....

Might buy the Spitfire 3x for another rifle soon.

[kenl]

Very good info. Thank you

[dieselpower]

I have used both under range, competition, and training conditions for years. The Vortex prism 1x scope fulfilled my first requirement, replacing the typical RDS + BUIS setup. Saving some $ in the process.
I had hoped to use the Spitfire for more precise mid range shots than RDS over 200yds, but the 3MOA dot covers up anything under 10 inch at that distance. I can use a 6 o'clock zero, but that limits the reticle at longer range.
I will retry the 1x prism setup when 1MOA and chevron type reticles become an option .

You also have to think about your accuracy vs the size of the dot. I am not sure you are utilizing an RDS or dot system wisely.

Any RDS / Dot system is for a firearm with "threat" work attached to its use. It is also a competition use aiming system.

Punching paper at 200+ yards isnt what an RDS / Dot system is designed to do.

Too many people get this military mindset that what we do is the best for civilian use...guess what..ITS NOT! When you have to equip 250,000 of your friends with combat optics...you too will make sacrifices.

An RDS / Dot system is for active threats moving around and engaging you under 250 yards away. If you are building a firearm for use against threats past 250 yards..get a 1x4 or 1x6 scope.

The 4MOA dot is the best dot size to use against a HUMAN threat at 250 yards and under...as long as you are not a sniper shooting at a guy standing still

With a proper zero for that distance you should have no trouble at all, and at closer ranges the Dot will aid in faster on target times.

[Mute]

I've been testing the 3x version of the Vortex Spitfire and if the 1x is similar in quality, I'd say it's a definite go. I've tried other 1x prism optics and I think they are a good alternative to the typical not prism RDS and I have no reason to doubt that the Vortex version is just as good.

[OpticsPlanet]

I bought the 3x spitfire first...really liked it, got some exp using the reticle, equated it to a "poor man's acog"

so I snagged a 1x spitfire for the AR pistol build I put together.

haven't gotten it out to the range yet but I really like how it feels/handles when dry firing.

I have used a lot of Vortex products, and while I don't always fall in love with each one, they always prove that they are a serious contender with their value to price ratio.

-Matt S.

[kenl]

update

Updating my own necro-thread. My wife an I ended up giving each other optics for Christmas.

She got a Bushnell TRS-25 for her AR. Her rifle is set up for HD, critter defense, and as a range toy, but with a fixed front sight post, and a heavy 1-4 scope, it didn't work for her. With the Bushnell, it's now over a pound lighter, and has an effective BUIS that she can co-witness through the rd. The TRS-25, riser, and rear BUIS weighed out at slightly less than 7 oz. Haven't had it to the range yet, but glass is clear, dot is crisp, and she's happy.

She gave me a Vortex Spitfire 1x. My rifle is also intended for critter defense, use as a range toy, and HD. It doesn't have a fixed front sight, nor does it have as much of a weight problem, but it's excellent 2-7 Burris scope wasn't the best choice for the rifle's jobs. The Spitfire has excellent glass, and the concentric rings gives me a good aiming reference, with or without glasses. Overall, the Spitfire weighs in at slightly over 11 oz, so it trimmed about 1/2 pound from the rifle.

Both sights are mounted and bore-sighted, now it's time for the range.
IMG_1843small.jpg

[robledo]

^^^^ sounds like you had a good Christmas and made the best possible Calguns style choice --- you chose both.

My only experience shooting at 1x through a scope was at the lowest setting for a primary arms 1-6. It worked, but my vote would have gone to a red dot if I had to make the decision for you.

The TRS-25 is an excellent red dot for the money. Just dial down that brightness setting for a finer aiming point at longer ranges. I've made easy hits at 200 yds on at steel plate with it. Have fun OP.

[Jessi]

Those are nice gifts! It's good to try out new things. One thing you might have already noticed is the prism is much better in low light. All of my red dots have a noticeable tint to them. While the tint probably helps you pick up the dot in the daytime, they really reduce the light transmission when it gets dark.

I have the Burris 1x and Vortex 3x prisms. Both are nice but the eye relief is not very flexible. I have them mounted all the way to the rear, and still cannot use the stock fully extended.