AR15 has gained reputation as one of the most versatile rifles that can be used for various applications. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned shooter, this is a weapon that you will enjoy. To maximize the functionality of an AR-15, it is important to invest in useful equipment, and one of them would be a red dot sight for AR 15. With the latter, shooting precision will be easier to achieve, even if you do not have an extensive experience.
With the variety of the options, each claiming to be the best, which one should you choose? Before making a decision, you should take the time to read reviews from other people and use their experiences to weigh your choices. Take a look at the technical specifications and innovative features of the red dot scope, especially its optics and overall construction. Make sure that it is durable and user-friendly.
Are you clueless about which one to choose for the best red dot sight for AR 15? Well, we are here to extend a helping hand. Keep on reading and we will let you know about some of the features that you should be looking for. We will also compare three models based on these features, and in the end, we will recommend which option we believe is the best based on the discussions.
What Is A Red Dot Sight for AR 15?
In case you do not know what a red dot sight for AR 15 is, it is simply a shooting attachment wherein a red or green dot can be found on the lens and this will help you to determine the exact position of the target. With this, a red dot sight is beneficial in terms of faster target acquisition, improving shooting precision, and being able to shoot with both eyes open.
One of the distinct characteristics of a red dot sight for AR 15 is the fact that it does not offer magnification. This means that eye relief is not one thing that you should be worried about. The distance at which it can be mounted in the firearm will not matter, even if the user is wearing eyeglasses.
Comparison of 3 Options for the Best Red Dot Sight for AR 15
Below we will tackle some of the features that you should be looking for. We are also going to see how three of the different models will fare well based on these features.
1. Optic Quality
One of the first things that you should look at would be the quality of the optics, which will be indicative of how clear you will be able to see your target. It is important for the optics to be made from an excellent material, and more importantly, for such to have the right coatings. If not, you will have a hard time acquiring your target and you will be shooting with lesser accuracy.
When researching about the optic quality of the red dot sight for AR 15, you have to make sure that it has impressive ability to transmit light. It must also be able to provide an excellent view of your target regardless of the external weather conditions. Meaning, whether it is foggy or if you are shooting in a low light environment, the performance of the optics should not be dismal.
As you compare the optic quality of the sights available, make sure to also consider the objective lens size. The larger the size is, the better is its ability to collect light. This also means that the images will be brighter and will have higher resolution.
- Bushnell AR Optics TRS-25 Hi-Rise Red Dot Riflescope: This model is designed with multi-coated optics and has amber-bright high contrast lens coating, which adds up to its ability to deliver exceptional performance. It is also fog-proof, which is one of the features that will assure its impressive functionality even if the shooting environment is foggy. It has an objective lens diameter of 25 mm.
- Vortex Optics Sparc II 2 MOA Red Dot Sight: It also has multiple anti-reflective coatings, which can be found in air to glass surfaces. With the latter, it is able to increase light transmission, which is an essential for being able to promote clarity of the target. It has an objective lens diameter of 22 mm.
- Vortex Optics StrikeFire 2 Red/Green Dot Sight: Just like in the case of Bushnell AR Optics TRS-25 Hi-Rise Red Dot Riflescope and Vortex Optics Sparc II 2 MOA Red Dot Sight, it is also fog-proof. This is made possible by the nitrogen purging, making sure that the optics will be as clear as possible even if it is foggy. It is also fully multi-coated, which allows optimal light transmission. It has an objective lens diameter of 30 mm.
2. Batteries
In differentiating the options for red dot sight for AR 15, one more thing that you should do is to take a look at the battery, which is going to be one of the most important parts of the scope. It is important for the battery to be long-lasting, which means that you can use it for a longer period in the shooting field without the need to have it replaced. Additionally, it must also be able to charge quickly.
- Bushnell AR Optics TRS-25 Hi-Rise Red Dot Riflescope: This model is powered by a CR2032 battery. It is self-regulating, which is one of the ways by which battery life is consumed efficiently. The manufacturer, however, did not specify the battery life of this product in its minimum and maximum brightness settings.
- Vortex Optics Sparc II 2 MOA Red Dot Sight: Similar to Vortex Optics Sparc II MOA Red Dot Sight, it also comes with 12-hour automatic shutoff in order to save battery life when it is not being used. It can last up to 300 hours when used in maximum setting and up to 5,000 hours when it is used minimum brightness.
- Vortex Optics StrikeFire 2 Red/Green Dot Sight: One of the things that we loved about this red dot sight for AR 15 is its 12-hour automatic shutoff, which is one of the ways by which battery life can be extended. When used at its maximum brightness setting, the battery can last for up to 300 hours. On the other hand, when it is used for minimum brightness setting, the battery can be functional for up to 6,000 hours.Compared to Bushnell AR Optics TRS-25 Hi-Rise Red Dot Riflescope and Vortex Optics Sparc II 2 MOA Red Dot Sight, it has better battery life, which is why we are picking it as the best when it comes to this feature.
3. Warranty
Like in the case of any other product, you also have to take a look at the warranty coverage that is being offered by the manufacturer. If they are confident about the quality of their product, they will be able to offer an attractive warranty. We highly recommend that you choose a red dot sight for AR 15 with an extensive warranty, which is tantamount into being provided exceptional support for many years.
- Bushnell AR Optics TRS-25 Hi-Rise Red Dot Riflescope: The manufacturer warrants that their product is going to be free from defects and problems with craftsmanship for a period of one year. Within such duration, if you experience any problem that is not a result of your negligence, you can have it returned to the manufacturer and they will have it repaired or replaced.
- Vortex Optics Sparc II 2 MOA Red Dot Sight: With this product, you will be able to enjoy lifetime warranty, which means that you will have a guarantee of dependable manufacturer support all throughout the functional life of this red dot scope.
- Vortex Optics StrikeFire 2 Red/Green Dot Sight: Just like in the case of Vortex Optics Sparc II 2 MOA Red Dot Sight, this also comes with lifetime warranty. The two red dot sights for AR 15 are both made by the same manufacturer. This can provide the best value for money because of the assurance that it can be replaced or repaired by the manufacturer for free once problems become apparent, provided that you are not the one to be blamed for the latter.
4. Internal Adjustments
When it comes to the internal adjustments that can be done with the red dot sight for AR 15, there are generally two things that should be looked at: windage and elevation, both of which will be indicative of how accurate the shooting performance will be. Windage simply refers to the right and left movement of the bullet. Elevation, on the other hand, will be the up and down movement of the bullet.
Additionally, the brightness settings should also be looked at when talking about the internal adjustments that can be made with your red dot sight. It is good if there are more brightness settings, which means that it can be useful for a wide array of shooting conditions, guaranteeing proper lighting on your subject.
- Bushnell AR Optics TRS-25 Hi-Rise Red Dot Riflescope: This model has windage and elevation adjustments of up to 70 MOA. From the three models that are mentioned, this has the least adjustments for windage and elevation. On the other hand, it has 11 brightness settings.
- Vortex Optics Sparc II 2 MOA Red Dot Sight: This model has maximum windage and elevation adjustment of up to 90 MOA. This is higher compared to the adjustments that can be made with Bushnell AR Optics TRS-25 Hi-Rise Red Dot Riflescope but a bit less compared to Vortex Optics StrikeFire 2 Red/Green Dot Sight. When it comes to brightness settings, on the other hand, it can be adjusted in 10 different levels.
- Vortex Optics StrikeFire 2 Red/Green Dot Sight: This model has maximum windage and elevation adjustment of up to 100 MOA. This is more compared to Bushnell AR Optics TRS-25 Hi-Rise Red Dot Riflescope and Vortex Optics Strikefire 2 Red/Green Dot Sight. Because of this, we are picking this model as the best when it comes to internal adjustments. More so, it comes with 10 levels of brightness.
5. Overall Construction
When you speak of the overall construction of the red dot sight for AR 15, this is simply going to be in reference to how well-made it is. You have to take a look at the materials that are used, which will be indicative of durability and functionality. It must also be able to resist external weather conditions, which will make it a versatile option.
- Bushnell AR Optics TRS-25 Hi-Rise Red Dot Riflescope: This model is 100% waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof. This makes it able to withstand external conditions, making sure that it will remain functional in spite of long-term use. It also has a dry, nitrogen filled housing, which adds up to its durable construction.
- Vortex Optics Sparc II 2 MOA Red Dot Sight: This model is constructed with a single piece chassis, which is exactly the reason why it is compact and lightweight. It has a hard anodized finish, which makes it exceptional when it comes to durability. Like Bushnell AR Optics TRS-25 Hi-Rise Red Dot Riflescope and Vortex Optics StrikeFire 2 Red/Green Dot Sight, it is also waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof.
- Vortex Optics StrikeFire 2 Red/Green Dot Sight: Similar to Vortex Optics Sparc II 2 MOA Red Dot Sight, it is also made with a hard anodized finish and is also waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof.
6. Size
When it comes to the size of the red dot sight for AR 15, bigger does not always mean being better. In this case, we are recommending that you settle with a lighter option, especially if you are a beginner. If it is compact and lightweight, this means that it won’t add too much weight on the weapon of choice, and hence, handling such will be a lot easier.
- Bushnell AR Optics TRS-25 Hi-Rise Red Dot Riflescope: This model has a length of 2.4 inches and weighs 6.3 ounces.
- Vortex Optics Sparc II 2 MOA Red Dot Sight: This model has a length of 3.1 inches and weighs 5.9 ounces. It is longer but lighter compared to Bushnell AR Optics TRS-25 Hi-Rise Red Dot Riflescope. Meanwhile, it is shorter and lighter when compared to Vortex Optics StrikeForce 2 Red/Green Dot Sight.
- Vortex Optics StrikeFire 2 Red/Green Dot Sight: This model has a length of 5.6 inches and weighs 7.2 ounces, Clearly, this is longer and heavier compared to Bushnell AR Optics TRS-25 Hi-Rise Red Dot Riflescope and Vortex Optics Sparc II MOA Red Dot Sight.
Conclusion
As you start looking for the best red dot sight for AR 15, it will not take long before you realize that picking the right one will not be an easy task. To start with, you will be confronted with limitless options and each manufacturer will be claiming that they have the best product. At the end of the day, you should be responsible enough to do your research and differentiate one option from the other.
From the table above, which summarizes our earlier discussion, it is pretty much clear that our top pick for the best red dot sight for AR 15 is Vortex Optics StrikeFire 2 Red/Green Dot Sight. It may be longer and heavier compared to the other two, but it is indeed exceptional when it comes to optic quality, battery, warranty, internal adjustments, and overall quality.
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