School me on Optics for my DPMS A3 Please

[PUCKER]

Like the title says, in need of input for optics for my DMPS 16" A3, this is the gun: http://www.dpmsinc.com/store/products/? ... 2&cat=1891" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I am leaning towards a red dot/holographic type of sight versus a magnified scope. This is a 100 yard or less gun as far as my planned use, sure, it is effective beyond that but that's not my purpose for this (but hitting a man-size target at 200-300 yards will not be ruled out), so I don't think that magnification is super high on the list, but that's a bonus. I am thinking about an Eotech 512. What other options to consider....Aimpoint, Trijicon, etc.? I plan on mounting some flip up sights for backup as well. Thank you!

[Middle Age Russ]

+1 on the backup iron sights.

Optics are a rather personal choice and there are a huge variety that might work. For fast target acquisition (but perhaps less precision) an unmagnified red dot sight (Aimpoint, Trijicon Reflex, EOTech and the like) is hard to beat. Which one best suits you is up to you. There are differences in reticle/dot, dot size, power requirements, etc... If you envision a need for any magnification, there are some nice variable scopes in the 1-4X magnification range, including offerings from Nikon, Millet, Leupold, and others. Again there are differences in reticle/dot to pick through. I am quite pleased so far with my Millet DMS-1 scope in an American Defense offset mount. This is a 1-4X magnification scope with an illuminated circle-dot reticle. The dot subtends 1 moa, so it can be relatively precise, while the circle allows for quick "good enough" shooting if you want.

[PUCKER]

Russ, thank you. I'm leaning more towards fast target acquisition than precision...I guess, dare I say it...I am building my "zombie gun"....OK, cat is out of the bag! But seriously, that's what I am wanting...I have other tools to "reach out and touch" something, if needed.

[Middle Age Russ]

FWIW,

I am able to use the DMS-1 with both eyes open as a dot sight on 1X magnification. It just offers the ability to raise the magnification for shots further out. If you really only expect to use the gun at shorter ranges, a red dot sight would probably be better choice though, simply because it is lighter weight than the variable scope. Among the RDS, I have heard good things about the Leupold Delta Point (micro format RDS) and Aimpoint has a number of models with amazing time between battery changes. EOTech offers different reticles on different models, including their classic circle and dot reticle. Our other AR has a Trijicon Reflex sight on it, which doesn't require batteries at all to power its yellow/amber dot.

[gigag04]

I've been digging the CQT because of the magnification option. Threading the needle is easier at 3x.

[The Annoyed Man]

I would invest in good iron sights before buying optics. My preference in irons are these:

Rear sight: A.R.M.S.® #40™L-P http://www.armsmounts.com/default.asp?m ... sights&id=" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;[hsh]40L-P


I have purchased Magpul BUIS and Yankee Hill Machine flip up sights, and the A.R.M.S.® #40™L-P is head and shoulders better than either of those other two. Of course, it costs more. But, it is definitely better made, stronger, and harder......metal instead of plastic.

Front sight: A.R.M.S.® #71L-F Front Sight http://www.armsmounts.com/default.asp?m ... sights&id=" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;[hsh]71L-F


The front sight is pretty cheap. The rear sight borders on expensive, but in my opinion is is well worth it.

All of the better red dot sights—Aimpoint, EOTech, etc.—will serve your needs well. My carbine has an EOTech 517 on it and I like it a lot. I later added a EOTech 3X magnifier on a A.R.M.S. flip to side mount. But, if you are severely constrained by budget, I would take a hard look at the Vortex Strikefire (http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vor ... e-for-ar15). MSRP is $179, which is up a little bit from what I paid for my wife's ($149). They are offered with red dot, green dot, or both. My wife's has both. And they are night vision compatible. It also comes with a screw on 2X adapter, and with flip up lens covers.



The Vortex is not as robust as an EOTech, but it isn't cheesy cheap either. I wouldn't mind having one on a "throw in the back of the truck" carbine.

[TLE2]

Don't get a sight that needs batteries. Zombies eat batteries first so we'll all be in the dark.

[PUCKER]

Thank y'all for the input.

I'm sort of torn between a Trijicon and an EOTech...quite a difference in price too...but I guess it depends on the magnification too...hmmmm....I should mention that I have an eXplore Optics Big Bore Railer 2x currently mounted, it's a cheapie, and it performs like one. After about 40 rounds or so it quit (the reticule went away...bye bye). Took it home, tried it, it turned on, cycled the weapon a few times and every now and then it would quit...so...anyone want to buy it? It has a warranty, company is located in Flower Mound, right next door to Grapevine, but I just don't want to mess with it...if anyone wants it, speak up, maybe I'll swap it out for a new unit and then sell it.

[RECIT]

The Trijicon reflex is awesome 1) because its super rugged and 2) because it needs no batteries. Occasionally the Trijicons will go dim and illuminate anymore, but you can always send them back in to get recharged. I think the expected life is 10 years or better. After that I would go straight for an Aimpoint-there again they have extreme battery life of years and years. The Eotechs are nice a rugged but don't have nearly the battery life in any battery set up.

For magnified optics for your desired purpose I agree with the recommendation on a quality 1-4x optic. Very versatile and effective at most ranges under 400yds. Brands like Trijicon, Leopold, Mittet, and Burris all make good ones if you have the budget for it.

For a value line of optics the Vortex Strikefire and S.P.A.R.C models are great optics for a great price.

[PBratton]

Check out Lucid.

they've been getting great reviews.

[PUCKER]

uuuuuuuuugh!!! Too many choices! LOL

I did a little digging on the Lucid Optics HD7, that looks really nice, especially the screw in 2x magnifier.

Other than the Lucid, I think I am leaning towards the EOTech 512, it's on Amazon for $390 (no tax, free shipping)...hmmmm....wonder if any local shops (DFW area) will price-match?

[RECIT]

Check opticsplanet.com but before you order online call them and check if they have it in stock. The website will not tell you until you have placed the order and receive a backorder email and a ton of frustration.

[Lonest4r]

Check this out: viewtopic.php?f=19&t=50686 not sure if it's exactly what you are looking for

[RECIT]

Check this out: viewtopic.php?f=19&t=50686 not sure if it's exactly what you are looking for

[PUCKER]

Yes, thank y'all, I've seen that for sale. Kind of noodling it around, but I think I'd rather buy new...no offense to the seller.