TFB's 10th Day Of Christmas: Red Dot Optics

Pete
by Pete

So, the headline is slightly misleading – obviously there are options listed here that should be classified as holographic or prismatic sights and not red dots ( we talked about the differences a few months back in the astigmatism informational post). You see, I had hoped to do a lead-off picture where Rudolph’s red nose was the red dot inside the glass and throw in some holographic snowflakes… nevermind. You get the point – the electronic sights listed below are 1X, have illuminated reticles and brightness controls.

As far as actual purchase decisions go, I’m afraid I’m not going to be much help this go around. Brand loyalty, personal preferences and platforms insure an almost unlimited number of variables when making up your mind to spend money. Your best bet is to try a few market leaders, gauge your price range and pull the trigger

There’s a notable manufacturer missing from the from our 10th day celebration. Sadly, they are still on the “naughty list”. However, 2017 is a mere nine days away and with the new year always comes an extra blast of optimism.

VORTEX AMG UH-1 – $700

Introducing a new paradigm in Holographic Weapon Sights. The UH-1™ uses our revolutionary Fusion Hologram with Quantum Well Light Control (FHQ™) technology to deliver the first holographic sight to meld the durability and energy efficiency of a red dot with the impressive sight picture, zero-distortion, and reticle pattern of a holographic sight.

TRIJICON MRO – $450 (EST)

The Trijicon MRO® (Miniature Rifle Optic) is a sealed miniature reflex sight intended for use on rifles, carbines and shotguns to provide fast target acquisition. The large aperture and tapered light path maximizes the viewing area and allows for better situational awareness and fast target engagement – especially from non-standard shooting positions. Combine all this with the ambidextrous brightness controls, sub-flush adjusters, advanced lens coatings and the fully sealed, waterproof, hard anodized forged 7075-T6 housing and you have the ultimate mini reflex sight on the market.

TRIJICON RMR – $500 (EST)

The Trijicon RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) sight is the most rugged miniaturered dot sight available. It is made from 7075-T6 aluminum to MIL-spec standards and has a patented shape that absorbs impacts and diverts stresses away from the lens, increasing durability. Available in LED, Adjustable LED, or Dual Illuminated versions, and with dot sizes ranging from 1.0 MOA to 13 MOA you are sure to find what fits your needs. The RMR is a versatile sight that illuminates in any lighting condition.

AIMPOINT MICRO T2 – $700 (EST)

The Aimpoint® Micro T-2 redefines everything you thought you knew about compact red dot sights. Cutting edge lens coatings radically improve the shape and clarity of the 2 MOA red dot and physical protection has been added for even more ruggedness.

We listened to feedback coming from hard-core customers desiring an even more hard core Micro sight. With a redesigned and reinforced house body, as well as flip-up covers protecting the lenses, the Aimpoint® Micro T-2 can withstand all types of environmental conditions.

At the same time, we decided to improve upon the optical performance of the sight which results in a new lens and an important breakthrough in reflective lens coatings. This makes the Micro T-2 and the 3XMag magnifier a fantastic optical combination.

steiner micro Reflex Sight – $450 (EST)

The new 1x MRS Micro Reflex Sight lets operators engage targets with both eyes open, for wider peripheral vision, greater situational awareness, and faster response—critical when engaging moving targets. The 3 MOA red dot is easy to find and quick to aim, ensures either-hand shooting accuracy, and won’t obscure targets at longer distances. At only 70 grams, the low-profile MRS is well-balanced on any shooting platform, giving shooters the quickness, confidence, and accuracy to control the outcome.

sig Sauer Romeo4 Red Dot- $360 (ESt)

ROMEO4 is the ultimate red-dot sight when fast, accurate target acquisition is a must whether it’s a moving target, dangerous game at full charge, or a fast breaking tactical situation at close quarters. ROMEO4 sights are parallax-free so point-of-aim is point-of-impact and the red dot remains parallel to the bore of your firearm, no matter what your viewing angle is relative to the optical axis of the sight. Unlimited eye-relief allows you to acquire the aiming point and the target regardless of the position of your eye behind the sight. 5000+ hour battery life and the readily available CR2032 battery is side-loading, allowing for quick battery replacement. Dependable waterproof (IPX-7 rated for complete water immersion up to 1 atmosphere) and fog-proof performance.


TFB’s 12 Days Of Christmas:

DAY 1: BACK UP IRON SIGHTS – ‘BUIS’

DAY 2: TOOLS

DAY 3: HEARING PROTECTION

DAY 4: RIMFIRE SILENCERS

DAY 5: CLEANING KITS

DAY 6: FIRST AID AND SURVIVAL

DAY 7: MAGAZINES

DAY 8: LIGHTS AND LASERS

DAY 9: PISTOL SUPPRESSORS

DAY 10: (unregistered machine gun attic find)

DAY 11: (9mm vs 45ACP DINNER DISCUSSION)

DAY 12: (Gun Industry Drama)

Pete
Pete

Silencers - Science Pete@thefirearmblog.com

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6 of 22 comments
  • Underoverlay Underoverlay on Dec 22, 2016

    Cool article, thanks.

    While I'm sure all these are great, what do you recommend for us mere mortals in the ~$150 range?

    I had a little Sightmark that was optically quite good. Problem was that it wouldn't hold zero after a couple mags unless you really torqued down hard on the teeny weeny little set-screws.

    & that was on a 22LR pistol...

    Oh & the adjustment screws were hex & the set screws were flathead, which meant that you needed two different jeweler's screwdrivers to adjust the bloody thing.

    • See 2 previous
    • EC EC on Dec 22, 2016

      @imtoomuch The Romeo 4 is essentially a Holosun that has been significantly marked up in price. Probably a HS403 series, which is about $100 cheaper than the Romeo 4.

      At any rate it looks pretty darn close to a HS403GL with a few cosmetic changes.

  • Quest Quest on Dec 22, 2016

    That VORTEX AMG UH-1 looks and sounds interesting. Any chance for a review or video on it??

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