Noob questions about optics and sights.

Post by **KYgundude** » Mon Oct 22, 2012 7:47 pm

I intend to purchase an optic before the end of the year. This will be an <200 purchase. I have a used cheapo red/green dot that I picked up off a forum member. The problem is the dot is a bit low. My front site is right on the dot. When I purchase a new one I would like to know my options.

I looked at a mMagpul folding front sight but I'm thinking I would then need a rail to mount it on. I also noticed some clamp on fold down sight towers that cost a crapton. Is there another option there? Are a lot of red dots higher up so this wouldn't even be a problem?

Any suggestions/options/clarifications appreciated.

Post by **guncrank1** » Mon Oct 22, 2012 7:56 pm

Yes a folding sight requires a rail

Post by **Toddinlou** » Mon Oct 22, 2012 7:57 pm

Spend some time and check out a few and see what you want. I have an Eotech, Vortex Strikefire, and Primary Arms M4... Another option for you would be a quality carry handle. If you ever want to try them outer me know

Post by **Dead-OnSniperService** » Mon Oct 22, 2012 7:59 pm

I highly reccomend tge vortex sparc or strikefire. Can even get a flip in magnifier for a little more distance

Post by **86 slo-vo** » Mon Oct 22, 2012 8:04 pm

Dead-OnSniperService wrote:I highly reccomend tge vortex sparc or strikefire. Can even get a flip in magnifier for a little more distance

x2

I have a strike fire now and thinking about going back to the sparc.

Post by **Dave1965** » Mon Oct 22, 2012 8:08 pm

I have a couple strikefires and they are good. New around the 150 range. Sparcs are around 200 I think.

Post by **BK Meyers** » Mon Oct 22, 2012 8:13 pm

For the $200 range I like the Lucid HD7:

http://mylucidgear.com/reddot.php

I got my last Lucid off Ebay for around $205 and it included the 2x screw-in magnifier.

For less (around $130-$150) I like this Bushnell:

http://www.bushnell.com/all-products/ri ... -dot/1x-mp

BK

Post by **etownguy** » Tue Oct 23, 2012 8:12 am

if you want a folding front sight something like this

but they are all expensive.

most AR specific sights either have co-witness where the dot will line up with the front sight picture or lower 1/3 co-witness this will place the iron sight picture in the lower 1/3 of the glass.

Post by **KYgundude** » Tue Oct 23, 2012 9:51 am

So BK. Are you saying the red dot is supposed to line up with the tip of the front sight pin?

<Insert witty Tapatalk signature here>

Post by **etownguy** » Tue Oct 23, 2012 10:15 am

yes that is co-witness

Post by **KYgundude** » Tue Oct 23, 2012 10:20 am

etownguy wrote:yes that is co-witness

Thanks. Sorry I addressed that to BK. On Tapatalk it looked like it was from him. You've confirmed I am a newb and its working as designed.

Thanks for the lesson and the brand suggestions all!

<Insert witty Tapatalk signature here>

Post by **etownguy** » Tue Oct 23, 2012 12:50 pm

It's cool haha I've had a eotech exps and vortex sparc. The eotech in my eyes Is far superior but more than twice the price. With the sparc it has adapters so it can be low mounted for a rifle, ak or pistol use and two options of high rise mount for co-witness or 1/3 witness on a ar platform. So it really is a very good value for the money. I personally feel the screw in 2x magnifier is a joke though I could not see any significant difference except a narrowed field of view.

Post by **jackalo626** » Tue Oct 23, 2012 12:52 pm

etownguy wrote:It's cool haha I've had a eotech exps and vortex sparc. The eotech in my eyes Is far superior but more than twice the price. With the sparc it has adapters so it can be low mounted for a rifle, ak or pistol use and two options of high rise mount for co-witness or 1/3 witness on a ar platform. So it really is a very good value for the money. I personally feel the screw in 2x magnifier is a joke though I could not see any significant difference except a narrowed field of view.

Agreed and own sparc. Dead on right.

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