Primary Arms = Sight Mark?

[Moto4Fun]

I have been looking into "budget" red dots. I know, save up and get something quality. Well, that is just not an option, and I want something to play with. I first wanted an open Eotech type sight, but due to lack of availability, I am considering a tube type. I keep seeing recommendations for Vortex and Primary Arms. The Vortex does not appeal to me for one reason: the blob of a control module hanging off the left side. Maybe I am over thinking it, but when shooting with both eyes open, that control module looks like it would interfere with your sight picture quite a bit. I would rather have a smaller tube with less "stuff" around the edges (particularly on the left side).

So after lots of looking around and reading reviews etc, I focused in on the Sight Mark and Primary Arms "Aimpoint Clones". These two look exactly the same to me. Is there a chance that these two units are the same with different branding, or are there internal differences that could make them significantly different units?

As always, all recommendations and advice welcome.

[Moto4Fun]

Nobody has any insight on this? I don't know enough about the clone market, but figured someone here might know something.

[Matt P]

The issue with these is more leaving them on and draining battery. They should hold a zero fine on your rifle. Either or.
Yes, there is not like there are hundreds of companies in china making those.
I have sold the sightmarks and they seem to hold up fine.
Sightmark does offer warranty.
Both could very well be from the same factory.

[SoCalXD]

Those side knobs really dont block much of your visual range when shooting. I have a good selection of Red dots, from EoTech to Primary Arms, and once they are mounted, shooting both eyes open, I dont even notice them when shooting steel.

[Xanatos]

If it helps at all I have a Sightmark 4-16x44 scope and it's pretty high quality for the price point.

[dieselpower]

If memory serves me correctly..and I will bet I am WRONG...LOL... someone did a test of a Sightmark and PA on AR15.com years ago when PA first hit the scene. I believe it was due to that long term review that PA started getting its positive rep.

I could be wrong, so please look it up. Do not take an old crazy man at his word. For all I know the PA could have been the one that failed...or it could be two totally different Aimpoint CompM2 clones.

[Triad]

I use one of PA's micro red dots on my patrol rifle.

[Moto4Fun]

Well, one of my limiting factors is the $100 gift card I have with Amazon. I haven't found the PA units available through Amazon.

[dieselpower]

Well, one of my limiting factors is the $100 gift card I have with Amazon. I haven't found the PA units available through Amazon.

be careful... I bet China will be cloning PAs soon...

[BakoJ]

Patrol rifle

I'm following this thread. Just curious, what caliber rifle? How often is it used and what's the battery life like on that scope?

I use one of PA's micro red dots on my patrol rifle.

[marsh1]

Well, one of my limiting factors is the $100 gift card I have with Amazon. I haven't found the PA units available through Amazon.

We do not sell through Amazon.