Who makes the best Red Dot scope under $200?

kphunter · July 29, 2008, 04:01 PM

What manufacturer makes the best Red Dot Scope under $200?

Hook686 · July 29, 2008, 05:03 PM

Why do you think the Ultra Dot is 'Best' ?

hoytinak · July 29, 2008, 05:08 PM

What are you putting it on and what are you using it for?

kphunter · July 29, 2008, 05:23 PM

From what I've heard from other pistol owners, Ultra Dot is the best bang for the buck and a lifetime warranty.

kphunter · July 29, 2008, 05:25 PM

I have a High Standard .22LR, and I plan to use it for squirrel hunting this fall in AZ.

KP

darkgael · July 29, 2008, 05:40 PM

Hands down, it's the UltraDot Match Dot.
For squirrel hunting with a .22, though, you don't need a "hardened" dot like the Match Dot. Pretty much any of the inexpensive dots will do just fine. I have a few $30-50 dots on squirrel rifles - for years - and they work just fine. I wouldn't slide mount one on my .45 nor would I put one on a heavy kicker. I tried an ATN and a "recoil proof" Cabelas dot on my .44 Contender. They broke after a half dozen shots, wouldn't hold zero, parts came loose. I took the Cabela dot and put it on a .22 and it was quite happy; the ATN ended up on an air rifle and has been functioning well.
Pete

AK103K · July 29, 2008, 05:50 PM

Want to save money? Dont buy a cheap sight.

I've had Tasco's, Bushnell's, BSA's, and a few others (and I dont really call $100+ cheap either), and they all didnt hold up. I replaced them all with Aimpoints starting about 5 years ago or so, and have never had a issue since. I've also never bother to turn them off anymore, and only change the batteries in them once a year now, whether it needs it or not.

hoytinak · July 29, 2008, 05:53 PM

For pistols I prefer C-More red dots.

Zak Smith · July 29, 2008, 07:48 PM

Used Aimpoint M1/M2

Stevie-Ray · July 29, 2008, 07:59 PM

Quote:

For squirrel hunting with a .22, though, you don't need a "hardened" dot like the Match Dot. Pretty much any of the inexpensive dots will do just fine. I have a few $30-50 dots on squirrel rifles

+1. I have a Tasco on my GSG-5 and it works splendidly. I simply wouldn't put it on my Redhawk.

44 Deerslayer · July 29, 2008, 08:57 PM

I've got an Aimpoint on my Super Redhawk that I bought used at a gunshow. I wouldn't spend what they want for a new one. It works great too.

The UltraDot would be my choice if I hadn't found the Aimpoint. They can handle heavy recoil without losing their zero.

ssilicon · July 30, 2008, 01:46 PM

Okay how about this for a related question...

What is/are some good choices for a fairly heavy kicker (SW model 500 8 3/8")? Obviously need a unit that won't come apart under use, but after that requirement is fulfilled what is a good unit otherwise or good bang for the buck?

hoytinak · July 30, 2008, 01:52 PM

Quote:

What is/are some good choices for a fairly heavy kicker (SW model 500 8 3/8")? Obviously need a unit that won't come apart under use, but after that requirement is fulfilled what is a good unit otherwise or good bang for the buck?

Well, I know for a fact that an EoTech can handle the recoil....I had one mounted on my M2 during my last deployment and it worked great.

kphunter · July 30, 2008, 03:18 PM

If I knew how to edit the poll, I would have added "other" for those folks who want to comment on other brands they're using.

KP

darkgael · July 30, 2008, 06:16 PM

You are going to put this red dot on a .22 pistol, right? Many (all, most) of the sights mentioned are great pieces but are not under $200 (new the Aimpoint M1 is well over $500, used I don't know. The EoTech, have one on my Contender, is in the middle 300s. The C-mores are about 300. Great pieces every one but pricey). And....their strength is not needed for your purpose. I have an Ultra Dot Knock off on my High Standard Victor - cost was way under $100 fifteen years ago when I bought it. It has never failed, never lost zero and the gun has at least 50K rounds through it, maybe 75K.
Save your money for when you need the extra strength and features or for another gun.
Pete

kphunter · July 30, 2008, 06:19 PM

You're right, and I'm not considering any of the scopes over $200 for my .22 but may think about them down the line for larger caliber pistols or revolvers.

I don't know if I want to go too cheap so I'm heavily leaning toward the Ultra Dot right now. I'm still considering Bushnell or Vortex if someone would chime in on that model.

KP

kphunter · August 3, 2008, 04:30 PM

bump

johnbt · August 3, 2008, 05:08 PM

UltraDots have a lifetime warranty. They are rated for all pistol calibers. John

"UltraDots and Microdots are backed by a Lifetime Warranty that covers parts and repair for as long as you own your sight. Our technicians are trained to service and repair any problem should one occur. We even offer express turnaround service when you absolutely must have your UltraDot repaired and back to you for that all important match this weekend. Original invoice must accompany any request for repair. You can also contact us by email if you have any comments or questions."

Larry's Guns is the dealer I've used and is the warranty repair center. I belive he is still offering free shipping on orders over $100.

From a user review posted:

"I cannot speak highly enough about the Ultra Dots. I currently have 6 of them on a variety of 22's and slide mounted 45's. I have over 32,000 rounds documented through my main 45, which has a slide mount. At Camp Perry in 2002 the tension spring let go and Larry had it repaired within an hour. You can't beat his service. Al Schirado"

ssilicon · August 12, 2008, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Well, I know for a fact that an EoTech can handle the recoil....I had one mounted on my M2 during my last deployment and it worked great.

As far as ones that can take heavy recoil we have these so far:

Aimpoint
Ultradot Matchdot series
and now EOTech.... but... an M2 and a 500 magnum don't have the same recoil.

jimmetcalf · August 16, 2016, 08:30 PM

I shoot a Henry H101 45-70-mostly loaded with FFg Goex black powder and 405gr lead bullets. I am searching for a red dot that can handle the 45-70 recoil. So far-it has destroyed a Primary Arms MD-ADs -49 rounds and a low cost Sight Mark=--about 125 rounds. The felt recoil with my loads is about asd with a light weight 12 ga. What red scope can handle heavy recoil without losing or scattering its dots?

Mike38 · August 16, 2016, 09:53 PM

Ultra Dot UD30B. $160. One of them I have is around 15 years old. It's been on a frame mount M1911, then on a slide mount M1911, then on a Ruger MkII, and now it's on a AK101 rifle. Still working great!

Snyper · August 17, 2016, 08:50 AM

I have an original Aimpoint 1000 I bought in the 80's that still works just like new.

It's been used on a wide variety of firearms over the years and all I've ever had to do is change the batteries every few years (Unless I forget to turn it off)

Hunter2678 · August 17, 2016, 09:39 AM

Left out primary arms red dot...guys swear by those as well. There's a video by AK operators union where they had one on an ak and drug the rifle behind the truck with a rope for a while in gravel. To my surprise as well as the guys in the video, the red dot stayed on the rail. It also had a cracked lens but still held zero.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ox0hgWlYWOg

gwpercle · August 18, 2016, 12:36 PM

Red Dot Scope....or Red Dot Sight . For use on handgun or rifle ?

bandw1dth · August 21, 2016, 08:55 AM

Compared to AimPoint or EOTech it's "cheap" but the Holosun HS403G is an absolutely excellent red dot. 50K hour battery life, auto on / off, fully T1 compatable so you can use Aimpoint mounts and has a 2 MOA dot. And your in luck, there's a sale going on at JoeBobs.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

View Poll Results: Who makes the best Red Dot Scope under $200
Ultra Dot	19	46.34%
Bushnell	11	26.83%
Vortex	7	17.07%
Tasco	2	4.88%
Tru Glo	1	2.44%
Barska	1	2.44%
Voters: 41. You may not vote on this poll

July 29, 2008, 04:01 PM	#1
kphunter Member Join Date: July 25, 2008 Posts: 36	Who makes the best Red Dot scope under $200? What manufacturer makes the best Red Dot Scope under $200?

July 29, 2008, 05:03 PM	#2
Hook686 Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2005 Location: USA The Great State of California Posts: 2,090	Why do you think the Ultra Dot is 'Best' ? __________________ Hook686 When the number of people in institutions reaches 51%, we change sides.

July 29, 2008, 05:40 PM	#6
darkgael Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2006 Location: Homes in Brooklyn, NY and in Pennsylvania. Posts: 5,473	best Red dot? Hands down, it's the UltraDot Match Dot. For squirrel hunting with a .22, though, you don't need a "hardened" dot like the Match Dot. Pretty much any of the inexpensive dots will do just fine. I have a few $30-50 dots on squirrel rifles - for years - and they work just fine. I wouldn't slide mount one on my .45 nor would I put one on a heavy kicker. I tried an ATN and a "recoil proof" Cabelas dot on my .44 Contender. They broke after a half dozen shots, wouldn't hold zero, parts came loose. I took the Cabela dot and put it on a .22 and it was quite happy; the ATN ended up on an air rifle and has been functioning well. Pete

July 29, 2008, 07:48 PM	#9
Zak Smith Senior Member Join Date: December 12, 1999 Location: Fort Collins, Colorado, USA Posts: 2,682	Used Aimpoint M1/M2 __________________ Zak Smith . DEMIGOD LLC . THUNDER BEAST ARMS CORP . COLORADO MULTI-GUN *My PM inbox full? Send e-mail instead.*

July 29, 2008, 05:08 PM	#3
hoytinak Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 5,721	What are you putting it on and what are you using it for?

July 29, 2008, 05:23 PM	#4
kphunter Member Join Date: July 25, 2008 Posts: 36	From what I've heard from other pistol owners, Ultra Dot is the best bang for the buck and a lifetime warranty.

July 29, 2008, 05:25 PM	#5
kphunter Member Join Date: July 25, 2008 Posts: 36	I have a High Standard .22LR, and I plan to use it for squirrel hunting this fall in AZ. KP

July 29, 2008, 05:50 PM	#7
AK103K Senior Member Join Date: May 1, 2001 Posts: 10,223	Want to save money? Dont buy a cheap sight. I've had Tasco's, Bushnell's, BSA's, and a few others (and I dont really call $100+ cheap either), and they all didnt hold up. I replaced them all with Aimpoints starting about 5 years ago or so, and have never had a issue since. I've also never bother to turn them off anymore, and only change the batteries in them once a year now, whether it needs it or not.

July 29, 2008, 05:53 PM	#8
hoytinak Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 5,721	For pistols I prefer C-More red dots.

July 29, 2008, 08:57 PM	#11
44 Deerslayer Senior Member Join Date: July 23, 2005 Location: MN Posts: 337	I've got an Aimpoint on my Super Redhawk that I bought used at a gunshow. I wouldn't spend what they want for a new one. It works great too. The UltraDot would be my choice if I hadn't found the Aimpoint. They can handle heavy recoil without losing their zero. __________________ Ron NRA Life Member

July 30, 2008, 01:46 PM	#12
ssilicon Senior Member Join Date: May 5, 2005 Posts: 459	Okay how about this for a related question... What is/are some good choices for a fairly heavy kicker (SW model 500 8 3/8")? Obviously need a unit that won't come apart under use, but after that requirement is fulfilled what is a good unit otherwise or good bang for the buck?

July 30, 2008, 03:18 PM	#14
kphunter Member Join Date: July 25, 2008 Posts: 36	If I knew how to edit the poll, I would have added "other" for those folks who want to comment on other brands they're using. KP

July 30, 2008, 06:16 PM	#15
darkgael Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2006 Location: Homes in Brooklyn, NY and in Pennsylvania. Posts: 5,473	red dot You are going to put this red dot on a .22 pistol, right? Many (all, most) of the sights mentioned are great pieces but are not under $200 (new the Aimpoint M1 is well over $500, used I don't know. The EoTech, have one on my Contender, is in the middle 300s. The C-mores are about 300. Great pieces every one but pricey). And....their strength is not needed for your purpose. I have an Ultra Dot Knock off on my High Standard Victor - cost was way under $100 fifteen years ago when I bought it. It has never failed, never lost zero and the gun has at least 50K rounds through it, maybe 75K. Save your money for when you need the extra strength and features or for another gun. Pete

July 30, 2008, 06:19 PM	#16
kphunter Member Join Date: July 25, 2008 Posts: 36	You're right, and I'm not considering any of the scopes over $200 for my .22 but may think about them down the line for larger caliber pistols or revolvers. I don't know if I want to go too cheap so I'm heavily leaning toward the Ultra Dot right now. I'm still considering Bushnell or Vortex if someone would chime in on that model. KP

August 3, 2008, 04:30 PM	#17
kphunter Member Join Date: July 25, 2008 Posts: 36	bump

August 3, 2008, 05:08 PM	#18
johnbt Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 1999 Location: Richmond, Virginia USA Posts: 6,004	UltraDots have a lifetime warranty. They are rated for all pistol calibers. John "UltraDots and Microdots are backed by a Lifetime Warranty that covers parts and repair for as long as you own your sight. Our technicians are trained to service and repair any problem should one occur. We even offer express turnaround service when you absolutely must have your UltraDot repaired and back to you for that all important match this weekend. Original invoice must accompany any request for repair. You can also contact us by email if you have any comments or questions." Larry's Guns is the dealer I've used and is the warranty repair center. I belive he is still offering free shipping on orders over $100. From a user review posted: "I cannot speak highly enough about the Ultra Dots. I currently have 6 of them on a variety of 22's and slide mounted 45's. I have over 32,000 rounds documented through my main 45, which has a slide mount. At Camp Perry in 2002 the tension spring let go and Larry had it repaired within an hour. You can't beat his service. Al Schirado"

August 16, 2016, 08:30 PM	#20
jimmetcalf Junior Member Join Date: July 26, 2015 Posts: 1	heavy recoil and red dots I shoot a Henry H101 45-70-mostly loaded with FFg Goex black powder and 405gr lead bullets. I am searching for a red dot that can handle the 45-70 recoil. So far-it has destroyed a Primary Arms MD-ADs -49 rounds and a low cost Sight Mark=--about 125 rounds. The felt recoil with my loads is about asd with a light weight 12 ga. What red scope can handle heavy recoil without losing or scattering its dots?

August 16, 2016, 09:53 PM	#21
Mike38 Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2009 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 2,710	Ultra Dot UD30B. $160. One of them I have is around 15 years old. It's been on a frame mount M1911, then on a slide mount M1911, then on a Ruger MkII, and now it's on a AK101 rifle. Still working great!

August 17, 2016, 08:50 AM	#22
Snyper Senior Member Join Date: December 16, 2013 Location: Eastern NC Posts: 3,047	I have an original Aimpoint 1000 I bought in the 80's that still works just like new. It's been used on a wide variety of firearms over the years and all I've ever had to do is change the batteries every few years (Unless I forget to turn it off) __________________ One shot, one kill

August 17, 2016, 09:39 AM	#23
Hunter2678 Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 235	Left out primary arms red dot...guys swear by those as well. There's a video by AK operators union where they had one on an ak and drug the rifle behind the truck with a rope for a while in gravel. To my surprise as well as the guys in the video, the red dot stayed on the rail. It also had a cracked lens but still held zero. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ox0hgWlYWOg Last edited by Hunter2678; August 17, 2016 at 09:48 AM.

August 18, 2016, 12:36 PM	#24
gwpercle Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2012 Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Posts: 1,748	Red Dot Scope....or Red Dot Sight . For use on handgun or rifle ?

August 21, 2016, 08:55 AM	#25
bandw1dth Member Join Date: April 27, 2016 Posts: 22	Compared to AimPoint or EOTech it's "cheap" but the Holosun HS403G is an absolutely excellent red dot. 50K hour battery life, auto on / off, fully T1 compatable so you can use Aimpoint mounts and has a 2 MOA dot. And your in luck, there's a sale going on at JoeBobs. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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