micro dot vs. red dot?

[Merlin593]

I am thinking of upgrading my current reflex site on my AR. Its a Sightmark ultra shot QD.
I like being able to shoot both eyes open and will do more CQB shooting (100yds or less) with it than long range with the optic. Basically for shooting at the range and home defense applications - I'm not going into battle
My question is - what is the advantage of a micro vs. "regular" sized red dot?
Besides the obvious weight difference, are there any other significant features that I'm missing out on that I'm not seeing? I know price can be a factor as well.
Are there more mounting options for one, more eye relief, better for both eyes open shooting, etc.? I have never used a micro or regular sized red dot. Just the reflex site and regular magnified scopes.
For comparison, name a micro dot from any manufacturer and for regular sized models I was thinking of some of the Primary Arms models and Trijicon ACOGs.
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Best,
Jim

 

[jimbobborg]

I've used both full sized and micro. For shooting, it's personal preference. The full size Aimpoint PRO is nice and half the price of the Aimpoint Micro. If you want to try out the micro get a Burris TRS-25, http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Trop...&qid=1399896100&sr=8-1&keywords=burris+trs-25 Best micro for the money. If you don't like it, you can always sell it off without losing your shirt.

 

[SCARCQB]

Micro dots sights like the
burris fastfire
Leupold delta point
C more microdot
Docter / optima
trijicon MRDS
ETC....

Are generally good red dot sights and most are tough enough for range use. For combat use... That job goes to the Trijicon

When buying a mini red dot( mrds). You must consider price. The cheap ones are... CHEAP and do not belong to anything bigger than a 22LR.( rear lenses are glued on and falls off) and craps out when wet.

Buy something that is waterproof, has tactile click adjustments, does not require dismounting the sight to replace batteries and from a reputable manufacturer. MOA dot size varies, smaller size for accuracy... Larger ones for speed.

Some mrds also have auto brightness controls... There are some that point upwards.. Which means, its washes out if shooting from a shade onto full sunlight.

The main difference between MRDS and standard red dots is size/ weight. MRDS are very small and can be slide mounted in some instances. There is one drawback, the rear LED emmiter can be obstructed by dirt or water... That results in instant failure. That doesntbhappen in tube type red dot sights.

 

[derwingnut]

If a large part of getting one is for HD then might I suggest an EOTech. Not unmanageably heavy, outstanding field of view and can be had for "cheap"(depending on model and new or used). Also the holographic nature of the sight means its a lot more forgiving on acquisition. Only downside really compared to Aimpoints is battery life. Have one on one of my rigs and love it, at the range running 1x(without the magnifier) I'm easily capable of 100yd accuracy on par with irons.
Edit: Forgot to mention if you want a more aimpoint style dot without the expense the Vortex Sparc is a surprisingly resilient dot for cheap. It has stood up to the recoil on my Saiga 12 and allowed me to pop a soda can at 35yds offhand with a slug lol

 

[armed ferret]

size doesn't matter. at least that's what I tell Brad.

 

[BradMacc82]

size doesn't matter. at least that's what I tell Brad.

I may not stretch it out, but I can hit bottom.

 

[4095fanatic]

Home defense, I'd get an Aimpoint PRO (or another Aimpoint that suits your fancy). I have some Vortex Strikefires on my range guns, and they've held up find after several thousand rounds so far, but if I had to put money on a RDS working when grabbed out of the safe, my money would be on an Aimpoint before a Vortex.

Some people love EOTechs, so I'd try finding a shooter with one and asking if you can try a few rounds. Nothing wrong with EOTechs, I (as of now, anyway) just prefer Aimpoint.

 

[erwos]

There's five different form factors in play, usually:
1. C-More-style open dot.
2. RMR-style MRDS.
3. Aimpoint Micro-style tube.
4. Aimpoint CompM4 "full size" tube.
5. Eotech-style big glass window. (Also see Mepro M21 or MOR.)

If it were me, I'd buy the new Holosun optic that PA is importing. Not super-expensive, and it has a bunch of features that are nice for "bump in the night" use.

 

[rico903]

If you live near a shop that carries Aim Point and and Eotech go and try them out. Aim Points are nice and small but I have trouble picking up the dot with both eyes open. The outer circle on the Eotech works better for me. I grew up shooting with one eye closed and making the eyes open adjustment is hard for me. If you decide on Eotech go to CMC Government Supply, they always have great sales.

 

[ObsceneJesster]

Personally I like the Eotech reticle over the single dot used by Aimpoint and many others. That being said, I also like the durability and battery life of Aimpoint.


The "Doomsday Prepper" in me picks an Aimpoint every time.

 

[sailskidrive]

Personally I like the Eotech reticle over the single dot used by Aimpoint and many others. That being said, I also like the durability and battery life of Aimpoint.


The "Doomsday Prepper" in me picks an Aimpoint every time.

Yeah... I have to agree there is just something about the EOtech; it's almost like a heads up display.

But the battery life and durability of the Aim Point kick it up a notch in my universe...

My preferred setup has a Trijicon SRS...