AR-15 License to Snoop: Choosing the Right Red-Dot Sight

 

Owning a gun may be a fun hobby for some, but there’s so much more beyond it. Shooting with a rifle improves hand-eye coordination. The act of aiming and firing increases your focus, builds muscle memory, and sharpens your instincts.

It can also improve balance because your entire body takes on a fixed position while you scope in and pull the trigger. Over time, you get better at hitting your target.

With an AR-15, customization is at the core of its existence. You can install whatever upgrade you want to with this semiautomatic rifle because of its modular construction. If you’re just starting out in the business of shooting an AR-15, there’s more to this rifle than meets the eye. 

Enhancing the viewing capacity of your AR-15 will give you the precision you need to improve your skills. Add a bit of technology to your AR-15 by mounting a red-dot sight on it.

Why Do You Need a Red-Dot Sight?

Just as it says on the intro, AR-15 red-dot sights are reliable companions for accuracy. The red dot is your guide, and it aligns with the barrel of your rifle. It lines up your shot to your target by emitting a red LED light inside the lens. It can help you spot targets easily.

Most red dots don’t offer much magnification. They’re as basic as you can get in terms of getting your target centered. Compared to optical scopes, red dots are more affordable and durable. Sights that have holographic laser technology are known to break, especially if you’re into competitive shooting. And when the glass breaks, it can cause damage and possibly impair your vision when your eye comes in contact with the laser.

When it comes to choosing the best sights or optics for your rifle, you’ll face an overwhelming list of options. There are good eggs and bad eggs in every basket. The best part is that there are ways to know which one is the most suitable to your current shooting needs.

There are factors you need to watch out for when adding sights or optics to your store-bought AR-15 assembly. Low-quality sights, more or less, have similar issues on tracking vertical adjustments, out-of-focus crosshairs, loose reticles, and low eye-relief levels. Have a quick look at what’s available on the list below to know and get more bang for your buck by eyeing the right sight for your AR-15.

Invest in Quality Red-Dot Sight

One red-dot sight fits a variety of firearms, which makes it an excellent buy for avid shooters. For your first optic, you want to make sure that you invest in high quality.

Sights ranging from $50 to $70 are not as reliable as those that are above the $100 range. Low-quality sights are not as durable, and you may end up changing them more often, which will cost you more in the long run. It’s also practical not to go beyond the $400 range, considering that basic AR-15 assembly costs around $600 to $700 plus.

Vortex Optics Sparc II 

One of the most top optics available today is the Vortex Optics Sparc II Red Dot Sight. It has earned fantastic reviews from gun owners all over the world, confirming its ability to hold zero at any shooting condition. Low-light or night shooting is not going to be a problem because the optic allows more light to pass through. It also makes it easier to see downward.

Like most gun accessories, the aircraft-grade aluminum makes this red dot take a beating without losing functionality. What’s unique about this optic is that it allows magnification.

Most red dots are not designed to magnify, but the Vortex will enable you to through its rotating dial. Its compatibility with a wide range of iron sights is a major factor for most buyers. The brand has a solid reputation among gun owners when it comes to balancing quality and affordability.

The scope comes with proofs: waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof. The Vortex red-dot sight is 5.6 inches long and weighs 7.2 ounces with 30-millimeter viewing lens. The internal parts are fully multicoated, which makes them bright enough and easy to see through.

Primary Arms MD-RB-AD 

Primary Arms’ MD-RB-AD red-dot sight is as competitive as sights come in the optic arena. Compared to its predecessor, the MD-ADS, the MD-RB-AD has done away with the push button and adapted to the rotating dial with notches on them.

The texture makes it a whole lot easier to adjust the brightness and windage setting because of the added grip. If you do encounter any issues with your optics, you can count on Primary Arms to send you a replacement straightaway. Its lifetime warranty includes defective parts and the sustained wear and tear after multiple usages.

AT3 RD-50

AT3 Tactical has taken advantage of the 2 MOA reticle to a maximum level. Its RD-50 red-dot unit is known as the improved version of the Bushnell TRS 25. It’s multicoated and weighs about 3.6 ounces, so it doesn’t pile on to your lightweight AR-15.

The RD-50 is 2.4 inches long with a 22-millimeter diameter. It boasts of 50,000 hours of battery life on the low-light setting, so you won’t have to worry about changing them when you’re in a weeklong shooting adventure.

The total adjustment range for windage and elevation is 70 MOA, which is relatively higher compared to that of most sights. Most gun owners who use the RD-50 can attest to the sights long-lasting recoil resistance. Because of its durability, the RD-50 is certified for use on large-caliber rifles, including shotguns.

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This article was written by Paul Jacobs, an avid outdoor guy who loves to keep the balance of nature through seasonal hunting. He enjoys recreational shooting and share his world by enlightening others about unknown and little known facts.