Budget Optic for a Budget Build

[jayinsat]

Thoughts on the Bushnell TRS 125 red dot for an AR-15 budget build primarily used for range shooting and IDPA carbine matches. Good budget optic or pass?

[The Marshal]

Jay, the Bushnell TRS-25 is a fantastic budget optic. IMO, the best out there other than the $$$ units.
I had one on my FS2000 rifle, and it was great. Low weight, small profile, bright dot, never changed the battery, held zero
Only issue, it is a small tube, and that can make you feel a little cramped.

I also have on my .22 rifle the Lucid HD-7 Gen 3, runs about $180
Well built, simple battery, easy controls on side, multiple reticles.
FOV is not as 'comfortable' to me as the Bushnell. And the reticles, it is possible to switch them and not hit the detent, which will mess up your aim point. Never an issue, but could be.

I got myself a Meprolight Tru-Dot RDS , the Israeli made unit that they also put on their Tavors.
This one is runs $385 shipped, and is built like a tank. Simple controls, AA Battery, QDM mount included. Night vision compatible.
Has a 30 minute inactivity shutoff, and instant on if you move it even a little.
Can't say enough about it. Better field of view than the Bushnell. Everyone shouldered the rifle and hit within a few inches of the target at the range. I didn't have to explain how to use the RDS, just said "a hole will appear where you put the little red dot" and all of the first time shooters destroyed the target. Very pleased. Weighs more than the Bushnell.

Without hesitation I would say get the TRS-25.
If you can spend the money, the Meprolight is more military grade
I have had NO luck with the sub $150 optics, be it battery, not holding zero, can't zero, or can't see the reticle in sunlight.
YMMV.

~Bill

[The Annoyed Man]

If I was trying to stay on a budget but was looking for quality, I would take a long hard look at the Lucid HD7.
http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2013 ... d7-sight/#
http://www.mylucidgear.com/reddotsights.php



It comes with the following reticles, which can be illuminated:

HD7 (GEN III) SPECIFICATIONS:
• Cast Aluminum Frame
• Chemical Rubber Armor
• Lower 1/3 Co-Witness
• 13mm Mounting Nuts
• Reversible Mounting Pins
• Reticles based on a (2MOA) dot
• Weight: 13oz
• Waterproof & Fogproof
• Shockproof (.458 SOCOM)
• Auto Brightness Sensor
• Auto Shut Off (2 hour)
• 7 Brightness Levels
• Battery: 1, AAA (Not Included)
• Easy Access, Leashed Battery Cap
• Capped1/2 MOA Adjustments
• Parallax Free
• 34mm Objective Lens
• 20mm Ocular Lens
• FOV: 35ft @ 100yds
• 1x Unlimited Eye Relief
• Picatinny Rail Mount Built-In
• Available 2x Magnifier
• Available QD Mounting Kit
• Available Kill Flash filter
• Available Leashed Turret Caps
• Limited Lifetime Warranty
MSRP: $249

I know that you can find them for less than that $249. Also, Lucid makes a 2X-5X variable power magnifier for it too—something that I don't think anybody else does. I've seen some of these mounted on individual soldiers' rifles in deployment pictures. They are not issue, but apparently they have permission to use them. Lucid also makes a micro red dot if that's what you're interested in, but this HD7 is the one that intrigues me. Of course, I'm already set in that regard, but again, if I was on a budget and looking....

[jayinsat]

I feel like a patient in the Dr's office listening to the doc explaining why I don't feel good using all these fancy Latin terms. Lol. I need to study up on what all that means and how it will benefit me when I pull the trigger.

Heck! I just learned how to use the iron sight rings.

[RoyGBiv]

Great thread!
Very helpful replies. Thanks from me, too.

[Scott B.]

...I got myself a Meprolight Tru-Dot RDS , the Israeli made unit that they also put on their Tavors. This one is runs $385 shipped, and is built like a tank. Simple controls, AA Battery, QDM mount included. Night vision compatible.
Has a 30 minute inactivity shutoff, and instant on if you move it even a little.
Can't say enough about it....

Good to hear. I've got one of these on order from 7.62 and am eager to hit the range with it.

[LeakyWaders]

Do yourself a favor and look into the brand Holosun. http://holosun.com/