Best Red Dot Optic

[Nigel_C]

OK Guys.. Possibly going to drop some serious coin ($300+)
on an optic for my M4. IT currently has a reflex site on it.

Which make and model of the ones listed below is better and why !

A)Aimpoint Comp (M, ML, ML2 )

B) Eotech 551

or
Option C ) stay with your reflex you dummy.


Also, where is the best prices for these things, other than Ebay :-)


Of course I will stick with a relatively small dot ( prob 4 moa) and use a mount thta allows a good cheek weld.

[mindonmatter]

I would opt against option C. ;)

My vote goes to the EOTech.
Here's a good thread that hashed out this topic. http://glocktalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=218304

If you still can't decide on EOTech vs Aimpoint, here is a hellacious thread on arfcom addressing the topic: http://ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=3&f=18&t=164971

[wishywashy]

B Buy an EOtech, you won't regret it.

[BoogerSnax]

http://community.webshots.com/photo/116020763/116020941AoBjvI
This Leupold holds zero like nobody's business.
The little gun kicks pretty hard, and I've accidentally noticed that I was hold the scops while ramming a brush down the bore.
It has never moved.
I have no idea what model it is. It was on the little fella when I bought him.

[Nigel_C]

thanks for the input guys, keep it coming.

I have decided that while the Reflex works for right now, I need to plan on replacing it.

I'm leaning strongly towards Aimpoint for battery life, ruggedness, ease of operation. I know I cant lose with either but I hate to replace a reflex with something that looks just like it :-)

I dont like the 65moa reticle, however I know the 4moa will place more demand on marksmanship out around 300yds and more.

Where did you get your Aimpoint or Eotech and how much did you pay for them ??
It seems retail for Aimpoint M2s is high $300 range.

Whats the difference, Comp, M , M2, XD ?.

i know I dont want magnification, Want it to be the civilain equivalent to Mil M-68


Thanks Guys !

[coverdog]

You wouldn't be sorry with a aimpoint if that's what you like. Check here for probably some of the most competitive prices you will find. Check elsewhere through the board too for optics. AR15.com optics (http://www.ar15.com/forums/forum.html?b=7&f=23)

[mindonmatter]

Originally posted by Nigel_C

I'm leaning strongly towards Aimpoint for battery life

I dont like the 65moa reticle, however I know the 4moa will place more demand on marksmanship out around 300yds and more.


Well, you said keep it coming, so I'll comply :)

Just to clarify, the 65 MOA reticle is only an outer circle. Inside the 65 MOA reticle, there is a more precise 1 MOA dot. It makes it good for close combat(via the 65 MOA reticle), or long distance(via the 1 MOA reticle). Also, you can order it without the 65 MOA circle, and only have a 1 MOA dot.

Also, as far as markmanship out the 300 yards with a 4 MOA reticle. This has been beat to death and don't want to do it anymore, but.....How do people expect to do precise shooting at 300 yards with a 4 MOA dot? That dot would be covering a 12" area. I don't understand how that can be precise? The 1 MOA dot would only be covering a 3" circle. I would much rather know my shot was going to land in a 3" area, than have to guess where in a 12" area the shot was going to land.

As far as battery life, the EOTech AA battery version has 500 hours of battery life(it would run 21 days straight without being turned off). I'm not sure what you do for a living, but if you're a civilian that is more than enough, and the batteries are easily replaceable. If you are a soldier in the field, then maybe the extra long life of the Aimpoint would be better.

I don't think this topic will ever be put to rest. The EOTech vs. Aimpoint debate could go on until the end of time ;f

[Nigel_C]

Mindonmatter, you are right and I do appreciate your input.

Yes I am familiar with the "65moa ring 1 moa dot" reticule fo the Eotech, and agree it would be more accurate at distances where the aimpoint would be questionable.

I just feel like the reticule on the Eotech is like that on the reflex.. it's a big, intricate part of the sight sitting there waiting to be banged or whacked off something. I have been told that the aimpoint is rock solid and is something many have ebt their life on.

My rifles are more geared towards field use than LE/SWAT Shiney black rifle type things and I am thinking the aimpoint will take the krylon better :-)

[mindonmatter]

Originally posted by Nigel_C
Mindonmatter, you are right and I do appreciate your input.

Yes I am familiar with the "65moa ring 1 moa dot" reticule fo the Eotech, and agree it would be more accurate at distances where the aimpoint would be questionable.

I just feel like the reticule on the Eotech is like that on the reflex.. it's a big, intricate part of the sight sitting there waiting to be banged or whacked off something. I have been told that the aimpoint is rock solid and is something many have ebt their life on.

My rifles are more geared towards field use than LE/SWAT Shiney black rifle type things and I am thinking the aimpoint will take the krylon better :-)

Cool, just wanted to be sure you knew there wasn't only a 65 MOA dot. And I always have to argue that the 1 MOA is better for distance shots. Just personal preference though.

I won't argue that the Aimpoint isn't more durable than the EOTech....aluminum is always better than polymer/plastic. But the EOTech has been in use in the field by the military, and I haven't read any durability issues.

Let us know what you decide...although it sounds like you already made up your mind ;) Let us know how you like it.

[w30olds]

To say which is better is a matter of personal choice. While they both offer the same type of sighting, they both are different. I have an Aimpoint and really like it. I like the EOTech's display though and the smaller dot although Aimpoint does make a 2 MOA dot as well.

You can try www.mstn.biz Grant is a great guy to deal with and has some good prices.

[Shady]

I'll wade in too... it's been hashed through lots, but here goes again:

The EoTech is actually lower profile than the Aimpoint. The EO Tech mounts directly to the flattop, as opposed to sitting on an elevated mount. The aimpoint is typically mounted on an elevated ring. I'd be more concerned with the aimpoint getting snagged or banged on something than any similar event with the EO.

The reticle, unlike the reflex, won't wash out in bright sunlight.

Common criticism of the EOTech is with the controls for the brightness... some find them to be slow to work with. I've never had any difficulty adjusting brightness within just a couple seconds. I also don't spend my days jumping out of shadowy buildings or bushes into bright daylight shooting at bad guys... instantaneous reaction to lighting conditions is pretty low on my list of important things.

I've also seen some comment that they find the EO to not stay as securely mounted as they'd like... again, not my experience with it. I've mounted it and never thought about it again.

The other gripe I've seen relates to the battery life... I still have my original batteries in over a year later, and if my batteries die at an inconvenient time it's only my batteries that die... not ME, so I don't sweat it. That's why God made backup iron sights.

The EO is darned near indestructible from what I have seen. Look around and you'll probably find pics of their little test where someone shot the thing and completely busted up the reticle and it STILL worked . The EO has an armored hood, so it will take a pretty good amount of abuse.

Bottom line is both have their adherents, you'll come to love which ever one you buy. I decided that I liked the EO's reticle better, and the price was lower, I didn't need infinite battery life or night vision compatibility, so I chose EO.

[Nigel_C]

Ok Guys.. I bought the Aimpoint Comp ML2.
now the question is ARMS # 22m68 mount with the riser ( approx $100) or the GG&G Cantilever mount for $200.

Heard good about both.. price is a factor.. ability to hold zero when removed is a nice factor of the ARMS.


Let me have your opinions.

[Shady]

Nope. More important is YOUR opinion. Let us know what you think about the new acquisition in light of our discussion.

[w30olds]

I'm using an Aimpoint with ARMS 22M68 and used the regular riser. I wish I would have used the Cantilever to move the optics forward a bit more.

[Nigel_C]

Guys, I liked the Quick release of the ARMS ... but I found a GG&G Cantilever mount for $135.00 so I jumped on it.

SWEET.. Between the Aimpoint COMP ML2 and the GG&G mount I am out less than $400 ;f ;f ;f ;f ;f ;f ;f ;f ;f ;f

I guess even I get lucky once in a while..
When all parts arrive and are given the customary test fire / spray painting.. I'll post a picture ;f ;f ;f

[trapfan]

Hey guys would a Leupold Gilmore be OK for an AR application? Or is this just for handguns?