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Red Dot Recommendation

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tracker12 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tracker12 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Red Dot Recommendation
    Posted: April/20/2009 at 20:33
I drew a limited entrey Elk Muzzle loader tag in UT for this fall .  I can only use a 1X scope or aimpoint type scope.  I would like to try a red dot but have never used one.  Looking  for a quality piece of gear at a reasonable price.  I may only use it on this hunt so I do not want to invest to much.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/21/2009 at 20:05
aimpoint

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RONK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/21/2009 at 20:32
http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=16262
 Decent price if you'd consider a lightly used one.
 


Edited by RONK - April/21/2009 at 20:34
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mike650 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/21/2009 at 20:39
Originally posted by Urimaginaryfrnd Urimaginaryfrnd wrote:

aimpoint


+1
“A hunt based only on trophies taken falls far short of what the ultimate goal should be.” – Fred Bear
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RONK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/21/2009 at 20:41
 Aimpoints are great, but a bit pricey to use only once..,
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/21/2009 at 21:11
quality piece of gear Thunbs Upat a reasonable priceStare.  ....I do not want to invest to muchThinking.
 
6559 Nikon 1x20 Buckmaster 6465, Matte finish, Nikoplex reticle, 1" tube, like new, factory refurbished. $220.00 $119.95
We do have a forum list for Muzzleloaders & Shotguns  which is where this probably should be and it really isnt necessary to post it both here and in the riflescopes column you will get the same answers.  Glass = Nikon, Burris, Sightron.  Dot Bushnell useable Aimpoint best.

Edited by Urimaginaryfrnd - April/21/2009 at 21:25

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote GreenWolf70 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/26/2009 at 23:42
Here's what I like:

-  The Vortex Strikefire listed above is the best of the Aimpoint clones
-  Burris Fastfire (especially with the LaRue mount) http://www.swfa.com/pc-14254-1220-burris-1x-fastfire-ii-red-dot-reflex-sight.aspx
-  Bushnell Trophy 1X32 http://www.swfa.com/pc-7293-2791-bushnell-1x32-trophy-red-dot-sight.aspx

The Bushy Trophy is a little big for a red dot but I love that "T" reticle and I have it mounted on my 458 SOCOM so its tough.

If you haven't used a red dot before, use it like your shotgun.  Mount, both eyes focused on the target and the red dot will magically appear on the target. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/27/2009 at 09:20
I own Aimpoint, Vortex Strike Fire, and Burris Xtreme Speeddot.  My thoughts:

1.  Since your tag is a very valuable thing and you don't wnat the hunt of your life to go to hell because you saved a few dollars on a site, I'd get the Aimpoint.  Of the red dot crowd, they are - by far - the best.
2.  The Burris is servicable, rugged, and has never failed to come on when needed.  It is a good scope, if you need to save a $150 or so on the price of an Aimpoint.  The batteries do not last as long as Aimpoint.
3.  Personal experience: I wouldn't get the Strike Fire.  Mine has an issue with the power switch.  Tool said his had an issue with the power switch - they may ALL have an issue with the power switch.  Till this is fixed, why risk a great hunt on an optic that might not come on when needed.


Aimpoint or Burris, but not Strike Fire, that's my recommendation.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/27/2009 at 10:43
Hey Tracker, I live in Utah as well.  I tried the Red Dot for a while on my muzzleloader but did not like it.  The whole having to turn it on thing bugged me.  Big Smile

I and my dad ended up with 1x shotgun type scopes.  I have a Simmons (which is no longer made)  on mine and he bought the T/C 1x scope.  Both has held up very well to the heavy recoil of a muzzleloader.  I have had mine for almost 15 years and used it almost every season since I got it.  It still holds zero and works very well.  He has had his T/C for about 5 years now and it is doing well also.

In my opinion at least for me the cross hair types sights are quicker than the red dot.  Also the glass quality is much better, field of view is larger, and they have less glare.  Granted I don't have an Aimpoint, but the ones I have looked through didn't stack up to my 1x scope. 

Sightron also makes a 1x scope.  http://www.swfa.com/pc-10590-1515-sightron-1x20-si-riflescope.aspx

Here is the T/C scope.  https://secure.tcarms.com/store/index.php/action/item/id/87/prevaction/category/previd/33/prevstart/18/


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Easy2 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/27/2009 at 10:56
       If you are only using it once, go Aimpoint. Selling it is a cinch when you are done and you
won't loose much on it. The military has proven red dots have about 1/3 faster acquisition times
for the average person. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: May/12/2009 at 17:38
Strike Fire update.


I sent mine in (problems with the auto shut-off disabling the dot and requiring the battery be removed to get the dot working again) and talked with Brian.  Brian said he was unable to reproduce the problem, which I find odd since it happened so regularly with me - something I said to him too - but such is life.
He said the electronics in those shipping now are newer, so I guess they knew something was wrong, since it just released and they are already on their second electronics revision (maybe past that now.)  They put a bumper on the side to make the power button harder to accidentally press (it's cheap but gets the job done.)
The power button is better now, there is an actual "bump" to know the button has been pressed, the prior scope just kinda came on when you hit this one certain place (and only sometimes - as said above.)

I'll be working it through rather thoroughly to be sure this one doesn't do what the prior one did.


More to follow later.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tracker12 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/08/2009 at 20:27
Thanks for all the feedback.  While I may only use this sight once I do not want to skimp just to save a few $$$.  I have been applying for this tag for nine years. Right now I am leaning towards the aimpoint if I decide to go with a red dot.  I looked at the EOtec 512 this weeked and it was very nice and a quality build.  The TC and Sitron are also good options if I decide to go the scope route. 
 
Also I posted on this board since I figured the tactical shooters would have more experience with the red dots. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rancid Coolaid Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/08/2009 at 20:54
The Aimpoint is a very well defined dot, the Eotech is a bit "pixilated."  I own both, I like both, the Eotech is quick on target, the Aimpoint is better at medium-to-long range.

both work well, each has different strengths.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tracker12 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/09/2009 at 21:05
Well I was able to get an EOtech and an Aimpoint Comp2 to try ouy from a couple of friends.  Actually if I like the EOtech I think I can use it for the trip.  Ordered a EGW base today from SWFA.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/10/2009 at 02:26
Have fun and dont forget to drop back and show us a photo of that Elk.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/10/2009 at 08:41
take extra batteries for the EO. hunting with dots is alot different than target or tactical, each brand will go from really dark to really bright in a different way, some won't do it at all, also the sight will be on longer than a target shooting session  (regardless of type of target) and comparison across the board is difficult, If bucks aren't a problem look at the leupold prismatic, if cost is an issue look at the bushnell trophy with the variable reticles. precision isn't that important in this case so you have a lot of lee way.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/10/2009 at 22:57
True the down side of the EOTech is they eat batteries a lot more than an Aimpoint.

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tracker12 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/11/2009 at 17:55
Batteries are cheap in comaprison to travel and tags.  I'll carry several and be prepared to switch at the first sign they are getting weak.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: June/12/2009 at 00:04
Keep your powder dry - good luck.

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