Budget red dots: best bang for the buck open “reflex” type?

**Woodwanderer** · September 2nd, 2022, 12:55 PM

My ebay reflex sight shit the bed after ~100 rounds 5.55/300blk….looking for a replacement so i can lose the comically large 1.5-6x40 scope on the 8” blackout pistol

Whats the poofa braintrust recommend? Pretty set on open style, no tube sights. Perfect world i’d get a holosun for solar power and shake awake…but all i see are low profile/pistol sized open style. Id rather not run a riser so i can co witness with my buis

**JaySmith** · September 2nd, 2022, 01:15 PM

I am a big fan of holosun 510, I throw them on everything that's a close range weapon. If you want something enclosed look at the holosun 512. I find that I can get a perfect cheek weld on the 510 on my AR's and see through the large view finder clearly, which allows me to keep both eyes open and a red dot appears on the horizon, which makes for quicker target acquisition.

**Emptymag** · September 2nd, 2022, 01:18 PM

Don't try any Sightmark units.
I bought 2 used from a member and they are not reliable.
I have them on "range use only" guns now.

**Woodwanderer** · September 2nd, 2022, 02:26 PM

Thanks Jay

i had hands on a 407c and a 512 at the LGS, but cant bring myself to pull the trigger on one…even with shake awake and solar. One of them was $380 also lol…

Looking for $100 price range give or take. Sightmark is definitely not on my radar, i played with one at gun show and put it down immediately. Not impressed.

How about the Vortex dots? I had a viper for awhile but the window was too damn small so dot acquisition was difficult on the fly. But overall i’ve had good experience with their stuff and wouldnt hesitate to buy them again.

**Emptymag** · September 2nd, 2022, 02:29 PM

I think if what you want existed, everyone would have it instead of a standard "tube" red dot.
I like the "open" style too, but all the quality ones are out of my price range.

**Emptymag** · September 2nd, 2022, 02:31 PM

I seem to recall 704 Tactical YouTube channel reviewing some stuff that MAY be of interest.
Can't look it up right now.

**Aggies Coach** · September 2nd, 2022, 02:44 PM

Mr Gunsandgear just had a review of one on YouTube.

**RockIsland** · September 2nd, 2022, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by Woodwanderer

Thanks Jay

i had hands on a 407c and a 512 at the LGS, but cant bring myself to pull the trigger on one*even with shake awake and solar. One of them was $380 also lol*

Looking for $100 price range give or take. Sightmark is definitely not on my radar, i played with one at gun show and put it down immediately. Not impressed.

How about the Vortex dots? I had a viper for awhile but the window was too damn small so dot acquisition was difficult on the fly. But overall i*ve had good experience with their stuff and wouldnt hesitate to buy them again.

I have a Venom on one AR. Got it as soon as they came out. It works great. It's mounted on a Burris AR co-witness riser with the protecto-wings.

**Woodwanderer** · September 2nd, 2022, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by Aggies Coach

Mr Gunsandgear just had a review of one on YouTube.

Those dont seem too bad for tube type…

My biggest thing is i tend to close one eye when shooting these types. Force of habit, and im sure i could train myself not to do it…but the open type “reflex” sights feel more natural to me. Point, shoot, repeat. Much faster for me to find the dot

I may just save up and buy an EOtech used at some point…or cheap out and buy the fleabay knockoff ones for $75 🤣