ar 15 red dot

[bnsafe]

thinking about updating my red dot to a tougher platform. I currently have vortex on 2 of my ar 15's. so I know the army uses comp4's and thinking about that but 900 bucks is a deterrent. I would kill for a elcan, but not 2000 bucks. So is there anything in the 500 range that is built like a tank, put in on and forget about it type. I see aimpoint has the PRO for that, looks like eotech is a bit higher for what I want, and not sure the cheaper ones would hold up.
Lastly, battery life is a issue for me, I admit I love the comp 4 80000 hour life.
I guess also, if I was looking for a boom everytime I pull the trigger battle rifle does it have to be a DD or wilson combat. Or will the sig sauer, sf saint, black rains's of the world work just dont have the name? Veterans weigh in.

 

[Formidilosus]

All of the “knockoffs” have a much higher rate of failure than Aimpoints. The Aimpoint Pro is as rugged as any Aimpoint, and is an exceptional choice for a red dot. To put it simply, there is not a single red dot from any manufacturer, at any price point that can best Aimpoints cheapest offering for duty and/or truly hard use.

 

[justinspicher]

I have used an Aimpoint for close to two and a half decades and wont use anything else as a red dot. They have been through some pretty rough scenarios and never not worked.

 

[bnsafe]

Ok aimpoint pro it is, now to decide on a rifle. I have several, but want one that I know will go bang every time regardless of circumstances.

 

[CApighunter]

Ok aimpoint pro it is, now to decide on a rifle. I have several, but want one that I know will go bang every time regardless of circumstances.

I’ve been doing the same research right now as I’m in the process of making a career change to LE. Local department does not provide duty rifles so it’s up to the officer if they want to provide their own. Been looking at Colts, BCMs, and FNs as the entry level for a professional use rifle. The BCM Mid16 Mod0 with an aimpoint pro seems to check all the boxes for what I’m looking for.

 

[SomeJackassOnAForum]

Aimpoint T2 is the "standard" for a crisp rds. You can go with a PRO, which is a good option that is cheaper but heavier.

Daniel Defense and Wilson Combat rifles are bought at a unit level as COTS rifles, if you want widespread military adoption get a KAC, LMT, or an HK. That's not a slam on WC or DD, but know what you're buying.

Will a Saint, Sig, Aero, POF, etc rifle work? Absolutely. My Aero AR10 has literally never had a malfunction with thousands of rounds of ammo through it. Doesn't mean that it won't malfunction the next time I shoot it, but I'd be surprised. The biggest drivers of failures in AR10s tend to be the gas system. Improperly drilled gas ports and short stroking come up. I think for a while Aero was selling an 18" mid-length rifle with a carbine extension and it wouldn't cycle properly. Meanwhile, folks buying 18" rifle length gas rifles with rifle receiver extensions were enjoying their great shooters.

Whatever you end up getting, check reviews on its compatibility with whatever suppressor you intend to run.

 

[GryphonHunter]

From years of experience, with life depending on your gear, go with an Aimloint T2 and a Giessele mount. You can get the T2 for around $650 at Euro Optic and a Giessele mount at Primary Arms for around $80 on sale.

That combo is light and very durable. Mine has seen heavy use on duty for years and I haven’t had a single issue.

As far as a battle rifle, it depends on your budget. Giessele, BCM, HK, KAC, TriArc, all make great AR platforms.

 

[bnsafe]

thanks guys, all great info and appreciated

 

[Desk Jockey]

Holosun is putting out some red dots that are gaining traction with pro level users but aimpoint and eotech are the standards in the US for hard use IMO. I have a preference for the aim point t2 but they are pricey. An h2 is a great option and you probably dont give up any function you will notice. Lots of people like a magnified optic that can go to 1x power - nightforce 1-8x is a very versatile and bombproof choice.

 

[bnsafe]

thanks again guys. my dad passed away this week so slowing things down so still looking. I had heard holosun made good stuff. I actually like the holographic site better than red dot but think I will go with either the t2 or h2. I havnt had time to figure out the difference yet. I dont need anything that nice, just want it "just in case"

 

[bnsafe]

oh, battle rifle budget is 1000-2000. I am ok with spending more, but dont want to if I dont need to. I have built a bunch of ar 15s but I want something bomb proof. I know nothing is bomb proof but I want something reliable under bad conditions. so tell me, direct impingment, staked gas, what else. Or just look at the good brands and go with that. I am leaning towards a DD just cause of reputation but if there is something cheaper out there that does has the same reliability tell me and I will put that money towards the sight or ammo

 

[Billogna]

BCM makes a GREAT rifle. The only issue I have with Daniel Defense is that some of their parts are proprietary. With BCM all standard AR parts work!! Their quality control borders on OCD. I've got the 16" mod 0 upper on a bushmaster lower and couldn't be happier!!

 

[SomeJackassOnAForum]

oh, battle rifle budget is 1000-2000. I am ok with spending more, but dont want to if I dont need to. I have built a bunch of ar 15s but I want something bomb proof. I know nothing is bomb proof but I want something reliable under bad conditions. so tell me, direct impingment, staked gas, what else. Or just look at the good brands and go with that. I am leaning towards a DD just cause of reputation but if there is something cheaper out there that does has the same reliability tell me and I will put that money towards the sight or ammo

thanks again guys. my dad passed away this week so slowing things down so still looking. I had heard holosun made good stuff. I actually like the holographic site better than red dot but think I will go with either the t2 or h2. I havnt had time to figure out the difference yet. I dont need anything that nice, just want it "just in case"

Will the holosuns work? Probably, but I don't believe they have any track record of being combat or duty optics, which is what you asked for.

They're also made by the CCP if you care.

 

[bnsafe]

yep, i do care. I am leaning towards a t2 and bcm 14.5 recce. that combo would be around 1700, giving me enuf left over to buy another 1000 rds of ammo to add to what I have.
What do yall think of that combo, or should I spend more on the rifle

 

[Blue72]

obviously aimpoint and Trijicon is the way to go

but if your on a budget, the Sig Romeo 5 has a great reputation over the years. There are some torture tests on YouTube too.

 

[bnsafe]

ive got multiple budget builds, I want something nice this time.

 

[TREE ‘EM]

Trijicon MRO fits all your criteria.
Set it and forget it.
Battery life constant on measured in years.
Light weight
Holds zero
Can be had for under 500 bucks

Good optic and I trust it with my life.

 

[Formidilosus]

I have built a bunch of ar 15s but I want something bomb proof. I know nothing is bomb proof but I want something reliable under bad conditions. so tell me, direct impingment, staked gas, what else.

The H2 is every bit as reliable and durable as the T2- they just aren’t tested for diving. As for a bombproof AR, when looked as a whole the LMT monolithic rail receivers stand quite alone in the AR world. The rigidity, strength, durability, and longevity is unmatched by any other option in the market; and yes, I’ve used extensively (as in shot to destruction) every gun so far mentioned in this thread.
BCM especially, and DD, Colt, KAC, etc kind of stood alone in the AR world for a while as building a rifle that was to spec and you knew it would work. It’s not 2004 anymore, any of the quality manufacturers make guns that generally work reliably and most shoot well. If a normal AR is what I was using then it would be a Hodge Defense or SWORD International for a piston gun. But the LMT’s are in effect the only truly different AR available.

 

[Tyeguy]

I second this. I have an H2 and every bit as reliable as my service weapon with a T2 mounted to it.

 

[bnsafe]

Is a piston gun the way to go?