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Red Dots That Stay ON

6K views 54 replies 13 participants last post by  mandango33 
#1 · (Edited)
I believe a firearm used for SD/HD/SHTF would benefit from a red dot sight that is ready without having to fumble around pushing buttons or turning knobs. My HD/SD firearms are all equipped with flashlights but having an illuminated single plane sight would be convenient. I have been looking at different red dots with long battery life and am currently seriously considering a Trijicon MRO. I like it better than the Aimpoint T2 primarily for the adjustments. I currently have a bunch of red dots but the only one that stays on is the Holosun 503G which actually shuts it self off then starts at any movement. The TRS 25 will stay on but battery life is only 3k hrs. The Trijicon and Aimpoint are more expensive but there is a definite difference in ruggedness and operating temperature.
Any suggestions or recommendations?
 
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#2 ·
I keep my TRS-25s off when not in use. For my CX4 Storm, it perfectly co-exists with the irons. Mostly a function of training: when you pick up your carbine, rotate the knob one or two or three clicks, and remember to turn it off when you put it to bed. CR2032 batteries are pretty prolific, so having a few around can't hurt. I'd rather deal with that than spend mega-bucks for a solar one I'll never use.

But to each their own.
 
#3 · (Edited)
I found out the Holosun 515C solar powered auto brightness does not work with flashlights. It can not see the light from the flashlight and dims down to nearly invisible so you have to leave it in the manual mode. Also it does not stay on. It shuts itself off and you have to push a button on the right side to turn it on which is awkward to reach if you are right handed. The non solar units have the buttons on the top. The Holosuns are decent units but their temperature range is -20f to +122f and they are only water resistant to 1 meter. In AZ temps frequently get over 122f in summer. Not much risk of -20f though.
The Holosun 503G is not solar and will go 20K-30K hrs on the circle dot and 50K hrs on the ACSS red dot at a medium setting. They run about $200. An MRO is just under $400 but will easily handle the temperature extremes. -60f to +160f.
 
#5 ·
The Holosuns are decent units but their temperature range is -20f to +122f and they are only water resistant to 1 meter. In AZ temps frequently get over 122f in summer. Not much risk of -20f though.
In Alaska we don't have to worry about the upper temp but winters in the interior are brutal. I've been to Fairbanks in EARLY DECEMBER and it went as low as -30 and that was considered a normal temp for that time of the year. Down where I live -15 to -20 is common for maybe a week in February .
 
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#4 ·
I think JTJ for the upper 122* temp is for the battery more than the RD itself. There's not much that can stand the hot temp extremes that AZ, NV and other very hot desert climates. I'd probably go with an MRO as noted, if extreme heat temps are a factor as I've not heard heat being a factor for them from any other user on the many gun forums I'm on. Maybe their battery compartment is better insulated from heat.

Possibly giving the company's a call can help you with your decision on either choice to nail down some answers.

I know what you mean about heat having lived out in Nevada for my military in mid 70's and having a car with no A/C ('68 Barracuda) with a dark exterior color and before window tint or windshield shade. Whew!! Don't touch the steering wheel or metal door handles without gloves. Seen many a window popped out from the heat built up inside also.

I also have a HoloSun, but model 403A on my bedside AR and you're correct, they're a pretty decent optic. You might check out Primary Arms also (HoloSun is their manufacturer) and maybe they might have something for cheaper cost that might work for you if the MRO don't work out. Maybe the Reticle might not be what you like as it's a personal thing on some optics for many people.
 
#6 ·
Art, I spent 21 months in Alaska including 3 months 200 miles above the Arctic Circle in winter. -35f and wind to 70 mph. No one went outside alone.
 
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#8 ·
Triumphman, I checked out the Holosun 403B which has a side accessible battery tray and the operating temp range is -30C - +60C. That translates to -22f - +140f which would work in my area. Evidently the models with solar have less temperature range. The 403B has the motion sensor so you can leave it on. Right now they are running $150 or less. The 503BU has the motion sensor with the circle dot, shrouded adjustments and the same temperature range for $220 or less. A Trijicon MRO will cost $380 on sale with a coupon.
 
#9 ·
Greetings...

OMG! You snuck into my house and found my self defense gun! No wait, my under barrel hog sticker is actually a mite longer fixed blade, and oh yeah, I did mount the 6" sunshade on my scope! It's SO Tacticool. Sorry, it's been so long since I had to dig it out from under the dog house. Bad guys have become almost extinct in this neck of the woods. Heck we only just got running water. Though, I have nothing but praise for our online company. I had no idea we could get such fast Inter-nets from smoke signals and that little girl with the typewriter.

I have 2 guns that I want to "Start off right" with red dots. Both .22 rifles. My wife's new 10/22, and my Buckmark Rifle. I'm guessing that both of these will be passed down relatively soon (enough). So I wasn't all hot-fired to spend as much on the red dot's as I would (did) on the rifles themselves. One MOA of bunny and I'm satisfied.

I was considering the Browning Buckmark Reflex Site simply because it's got Browning written on it as does my .22 rifle, And the Ruger 1022 1x30 red dot, once again, because it's got Ruger stamped on it for her Ruger. Yes, I know that neither of them is actually made by the actual gun companies. They are both about $50.

I'm looking to see if anyone had any strong opinions about either.
 
#11 ·
I'm looking to see if anyone had any strong opinions about either.
The Bushnell TRS25 is probably the best low cost (not cheap) scope out there. Lots of good ratings. Amazon has them right now for $46.50. They have about 3000 hrs of battery life and are pretty rugged. I have several and have never had any problems. There is one on my 10-22 right now.
 
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#16 ·
I would really like to know how that works from someone that knows what he is doing and will give an honest review. The low profile tritium delta reticle looks very interesting and no batteries.
 
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#12 · (Edited)
RJF; I put the Holosun 503G on my Keltec Sub 2K (home defense) and it works really well. The sight is on the instant it moves. I put the 515C on an AR and tried it out. It does not stay on but a sub 1" 6 shot group at 50 yards looks pretty good. The deals end tomorrow so I have to decide. Either the 503BU $181 + a quick release riser or the MRO $360 with absolute co-witness. I am not running and gunning but it would be the primary SHTF weapon. I like the reticle on the Holosun better but the MRO is built like a tank and no parts to possibly lose
 
#14 ·
Greetings...

Bushnell TRS 25 is a tube type. I have a Simmons on the Browning currently, and a Wally-World Special for the Ruger at the moment. Both have worked just swell for the last 8 years. Time to try out a Non-tube type. Those weren't cheap 8 years ago! The kicker is, if I like the non-tube type, I'll likely put them on other goodies too!

We'll see. She who must be obeyed has already ordered them. If we don't like them, I'm sure we can scrounge up a couple of air-rifles to stick them on...
 
#15 ·
Kandaje; Let us know how they work out. I have a Vortex Venom sitting on my Ruger 22/45 lite. I need to shoot it a lot more before I say whether I like it or not. Been spending a lot of time on my rifles lately.
 
#18 ·
You are probably right. Just got an email on the MRO @ $359 shipped with a Battle Steel absolute co-witness mount but it has to be today. 2X the price of the Holosun 503BU but when you compare apples to apples the military grade Holosun 515CM is $349. Question is do I really need military grade?
 
#20 ·
Here is 1 out of left field. Sig Opmod Romeo 5 XDR. Circle dot, auto on, No caps to lose, -40f/+140f, AAA battery with 50K hrs, absolute or 1/3 co-witness. $200 from Dvor with shipping. Probably made by Holosun. At 77 I am not going to be playing soldier.
 
#21 ·
For something that can be left on constantly I believe many Aimpoint products such as the Aimpoint PRO are among the very few choices unless going to a tritium powered ACOG .. ($$, tritium refills= more dollars.. bulk, weight etc etc
Depending on the model battery life can be 30,000-50,000 hrs ( 3 years) and the batteries are not expensive.
 
#22 ·
bluez; There are quite few out there now that will go to 50K hrs. I like the circle dot reticle which was Eotech but now is available from Holosun and Sig. I do not like the loose adjuster caps on the Holosun. The Sig and the MRO dont have caps on the adjusters. I dont doubt the MRO is more rugged but it is also twice the price. I also compared the Aimpoint Micro T2 and liked the MRO better and the Aimpoint is even higher in price.
 
#23 ·
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#24 ·
Wow that seems like a REAL interesting piece of gear.
And it has thet Eotech style reticle that I love.
I definitely want to hear a good evaluation of it.
Do you do a lot of Carbine courses? I'd be curious to see if it runs through a couple of them flawless or not.

Wonder were its made?
Anybody know?
 
#25 ·
99.99% chance it is China.
It is going on my AR. I am not a competition shooter but I will run a few hundred rounds to try it out.
 
#27 · (Edited)
:confused: I live at Lake Havasu in Arizona. It was in the low 70's today. When it snows here it is officially a Cold Day in Hell. When people die we bury them with blankets so they can stay warm if they go to hell. The Romeo operating temp is -40f/+140f. I dont worry about the low end.
 
#29 ·
Seligman is up the mountain probably about 6000'+. It does snow up there and there are ski areas but our elevation is 450'. It has snowed here but like I said it is Officially a Cold Day In Hell.
 
#31 ·
I am interested in how well it works. The main drawback I see is it is like looking at a target over irons. The bottom is obscured. A peep is a little better but a red dot or scope lets you see the whole target.
The Romeo has been shipped but I dont expect it to be much different than my Holosuns. Same reticle but it has auto on which I really like and no adjuster caps to lose.
 
#32 ·
This SeeAll sight has an extremely low profile. If you put it on a shoulder-fired arm that has not much drop in the stock, you will need a riser. My shotgun has absolutely no drop at the comb or heel. I ordered a one inch riser today.
Meanwhile I tried it on a rifle with an adjustable comb. Worked great.
In no-light, the tritium glow is very pleasant instead of overwhelming like battery powered sights.
In sunlight, the “fiber optic” illumination is very bright like tru-glo. Nice. :)
The sight seems equally bright under electric light indoors. I like that too.
This sight is a one-piece aiming apparatus similar to a holographic sight. For shooters who are conditioned to focus on the front sight, it will take some (un)learning.
Also, like JTJ said the sight does obscure the lower portion of the target if you close one eye. No obstruction is visible if you keep both eyes open. This would make a great training device for anyone learning to shoot with both eyes open.
The delta retical is pretty large. It is fast to acquire. I think the crosshair might have been better. Who knows?
SeeAll has a lifetime guarantee so as long as they are in business tritium replacement is at no cost. However, the box did not include a warranty registration form so I worry that proof of purchase might be required for warranty work. Who keeps receipts FOREVER? :confused: I sent an email today asking how to register for the warranty. I will let you know when they respond.
 
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