Scope or Red Dot for AR?

[KatesDad]

Im picking up a new AR tomorrow. Im having trouble deciding what to put on it for optics. Should I go for a 1-4x Scope or a red dot? My budget for right now is $1-$150. Id like to spend more but that is the budget for now. Any suggestions which to go with and why?

PS - the reason for optics over iron sights is bad eyes.

[Shisno]

I personally like the 1-4x scopes for ARs. I sold my AR so I'm probably not the best opinion, but I've shot both and prefer the scope. If I was to have another AR it would be with a variable scope or iron sights.

[QuackXP]

Im picking up a new AR tomorrow. Im having trouble deciding what to put on it for optics. Should I go for a 1-4x Scope or a red dot? My budget for right now is $1-$150. Id like to spend more but that is the budget for now. Any suggestions which to go with and why?

PS - the reason for optics over iron sights is bad eyes.

What is the purpose for the rifle.

Also when you say bad eyes, can you be a little more elaborate with what the vision issue is?

[louie]

It would help if you told us your intended use for the AR.
Red dots, Eotechs and the like, are fine for 0-150 yards.
Scopes, 1-4x, will give you a bit more distance.

[aubie515]

Usage will determine which type of optic.

I have no issues with ringing steel to 300-400 yards with a red dot with no magnification.

Anything beyond 300-400 yards, I'd want magnification.

[PA1936MN]

I went with a Vortex StrikeFire. Very good red dot for the money. Add a magnifier on it and it makes better. Might add more weight it for some it doesn't matter.

[dkf]

For your budget you are better off going with a Vortex Red Dot. A $150 1-4 is not going to be so great and you will still have to spend more money on a mount for it.

If you do decide on a 1-4 PSA has a Bushnell 1-4 $100 off right now. Aero Precison sells a fairly inexpensive scope mount.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index...e-ar91424.html

[KatesDad]

Mainly for under 200 yards and/or tactical situations. I have very bad night vision and problems focusing from short to long distances. This makes it hard for me to use iron sights. Im thinking maybe a red dot with a flip over magnifier. Ive been looking at the Vortex strikefire with adding a 3x magnifier but have no experience with magnifiers.

[dkf]

The magnifiers add quite a bit of weight. If you get a Red Dot you could add the magnifier later. I would spend the extra money on the Vortex Sparc II. It is a lot smaller and lighter, so if you decide to go with a magnifier the combo won't weigh as much.

I have issues focusing on irons sometimes, I think I need to get new glasses and another exam. I can do much better with my Aimpoint PRO red dot and don't have focus issues with it. It helps with a red dot to get used to shooting with both eyes open. With a red dot an average shooter should have no problem making 600yd hits on a man sized target with little wind. For close work in low light it is hard to beat a red dot.

[KatesDad]

Another big thing would be battery life in a red dot