Best "Value" Red Dot

[TheBest]

I'm looking for a red dot for my M&P 15-22 (AR-15-ish in .22LR) by S&W.

I've been looking on Amazon and there are a few red dots that are catching my eye (no pun intended). I do want to do either the 1/3 co-witnessed or absolute co-witnessed...

I'm looking at: TruGlo Red/Green Dot Sight - Ratings seem pretty good
Leapers brand red/green, looks like a Truglo clone - So many high ratings!

I think I would need a riser to make it co-witnessed on a 15-22 (with the standard non-flip-up sights), but what height; 0.5", 0.83", or 1"?

Any other suggestions? I'm trying to stay under $80 or so.

Thanks!

[Full Clip]

The TruGlo is junk. I hade one on my KelTec SU16CA and it barely lasted 200 rounds before winking out.
All Leapers products are junk. Sorry, just the truth.
One of the better budget red dots is the Vortex Strikefire.

Any other suggestions? I'm trying to stay under $80 or so.

Final suggestion is to just save up and buy something decent.

[HK Dave]

For best "value"... it's hard to beat the Aimpoint Pro.

For best under $80, try www.primaryarms.com and get one of their primary arms micro red dots. (looks like the aim point T1) or their Aimpoint CompM look alikes.

[RuggedJay]

I won't say because I don't want prices to go up . ^pretty much what he said.

[TheBest]

I won't say because I don't want prices to go up .

Thanks for nothing, literally.

[RookieShooter]

I won't say because I don't want prices to go up . ^pretty much what he said.

Confucius said: "Selfishness is the core of human evil."

[REDPATCHUSMC]

I like these choices - but can't say I have used either.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/mueller-optical-1x22x-33mm-quick-shot-waterproof-red-dot-scope.html

http://www.afmo.com/Sightmark_Ultra_Shot_Reflex_Sight_p/723-00111.htm

[d4v0s]

Best budget optics hands down is primary arms.

Nothing but good things from them so far for me. I lost one and it was warrantied out really easily.

[SacTown]

I have a Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 on my AR and has worked fine so far. Got it on sale from cabelas.com for $69.99 + free shipping (at the time) and also Bushnell had a $30 mail in rebate going on then. Not sure how cheap you can get one of these now but for only $39.99 it can't be beaten for the price. It has held zero on the past 1500+ rounds thus far.

[stix213]

Two that are already mentioned in this thread:

I have a Bushnell TRS-25 I run on my Saiga 12. It seems to be a very good red dot. I think its about $85 right now. Running it on an AR you'd need a riser to get it to the correct height on your typical upper, which makes it look a little weird. I haven't run out its original battery yet, but since it uses a little CR2032 it probably doesn't have the greatest battery life.

On my latest AR build I went with a Vortex Strikefire. Its pretty awesome overall. It does though lack a little polish... When turning the brightness up a little on the high side there is a bit of a halo around the dot in a weird irregular pattern. It goes away by turning it down a few notches, but still annoying. The included caps are difficult to close correctly, though they have never popped open. Its very easy to accidentally press the NV button, making you think the sight isn't on. You can then get into a frustrating situation where you are pressing the power button on and off and don't see anything, then press the NV button (but it was off now) and still don't see anything, then think the battery is out, etc.... they should put the NV button in a better place. Lastly, the 2X magnifier does work, but it is a little annoying to screw on, and the rear cap doesn't work with it, so you'd probably never use it other than on a bench at the range. Overall I do like the sight and will be keeping it on the rifle.

I'd recommend both of the above sights by the way. The TRS-25 is probably the best value of any sight I've ever bought. Just wanted to point out what I have seen in my own experience.

But out of all my sights I own, I like my Eotech 553 the best. Buy once, cry once.... (admittedly that's probably overkill for a .22 though lol)

[secret.asian.man]

primary arms. they are cheap but not cheaply made. i have one and it has never fallen out of 0.

[SOCAL-PRINCE]

+1 for the Vortex strikefire. Sometimes I wonder why I bought an aimpoint pro patrol.....

[HK Dave]

I'll trade you my strike fire for your aim point pro.

[triplestack3]

I got a cheapo TruGlo 2x red dot - it'll suffice if you're just plinking away with 22lr. have had mine for about a year with zero issues. you will need about 3/4" rise to co-witness

[the_t0ny]

+1 for the bushnell TRS-25 if it's going to be on a 22lr, I plan on putting one one my 22/45 eventually, and you can always find them online with some sort of rebate going on. And also a +1 for the Vortex strikefire, can't beat the price of $150 with a lifetime warranty.