[Norman]

I'm finishing up a 14.5" Aero M4E1 carbine with an Atlas S-One handguard, and the rifle would be used for distances of 150 yards or less 99% of the time. I don't think putting on a scope for magnification would make much sense, but I'm open to opinions. I'd also really appreciate specific red dot recommendations since I have no prior experience with those. Budget would also be $150 or less.

Thank you kindly.

 

[ronin.45]

Not sure what you are planning to use the rifle for, but inside 150, a red dot should do fine.
Under $150 can get you into a Holosun 403 or a Vortex Sparc. Both are very solid options.

 

[vafish]

I have a couple Bushnell TRS25 red dot's on some .22LR guns. They work great there, haven't tried them on anything bigger. Only cost about $70.

On my AR-15's I have three Vortex Sparc red dots. They work well, and use a AAA battery which lasts a long time and is cheap to replace. They run about $170.

 

[Norman]

Lots of Top 5 lists seem to include the Sig Romeo5 for best budget red dot. What would the Vortex Sparc have over it to justify $50 more? Thanks!

 

[ronin.45]

Lots of Top 5 lists seem to include the Sig Romeo5 for best budget red dot. What would the Vortex Sparc have over it to justify $50 more? Thanks!

I don't like any of the Sig optics. They were having Holosun manufacture them, but to inferior specs. I've seen several fail in competitions. Either electronics failing or supplied mounts breaking.

 

[nitesit(+ an e)]

I am an avid Aimpoint owner, but in the past couple years I have also bought three SIG Romeo 5 red dots. They are pretty amazing for $150. I would buy more if I needed a RDS that cost less than $500.

 

[hardluk1]

If your only shooting out to 150 yards max why do you need a red dot . . If no answer that buy what fits your needs under a159bucks and most anything out there will work on a ar15 , even a cheap one .

One bit opf info your owver lookinfgis NO dot optic will give the clarity and field of view of a LPVO with a 30mm tube and batterys are not needed but available to most model's .

Maybe a LPVO like the one below will change your mind and it has a red dot as needed .-
Primary Arms Classic Series 1-4x24mm SFP Rifle Scope - Illuminated Duplex Dot

 

[pgm74]

I'll throw in my 2cents. I own a couple Aimpoint T2s, H1, PRO. Love them. But bought a Holosun 403B for my Beretta/LTT 1301 and it's been great with no problems to report after the recoil of a few hundred full power slugs so far. It's held zero. Not the war-worthy rock of an optic that a T2 is, but it is also 1/5-1/6 the price. Good value.

 

[Letsgobrandon]

Aimpoint PRO

 

[AppalachiaM4]

Tagged

 

[cowboy1964]

If your only shooting out to 150 yards max why do you need a red dot

Because it's faster and more accurate than irons?

 

[hardluk1]

Because it's faster and more accurate than irons?

Depends on your time behind both a dot optic and a scope but a dot optic is never more accurate when your AR is a moa shooter or less rifle . I only have 48 years shooting scope an 40 years with a red dot on a revolver .

 

[USAF_PJ]

I have a friend using the PA option that Hardluk1 offers and he likes it. I played with a couple of Vortex Strike Eagles and they work fine (lifetime warranty is great), but they are scopes and as such are quite different than a simple red dot. My preference on a gun like you are building is either a EOTech XPS or a Aimpoint Pro. For my AR pistols the EOTech, for carbines the Aimpoint, but I also use a Vortex Venom on my 3 gun weapon as a back up (angled mount). I have heard good things about Holosun and the price point is lower. If you don't feel like "combat proven" is important, the Vortex warranty makes a good case for purchasing their products. Here is a pretty good "basic" article on LPVOs: 7 Best LPVO's | Budget, Midrange, and Highend LPVO Options
Here is an article on red dots that seems valid: 10 Best Budget Red Dot Sights (2022 UPDATE) Don't Miss Out

 

[jsjac]

Eotech Voodoo scope.
It's illuminated and has very clear glass.

 

[fjefman]

Agree with a few above- Holosun optics are great value for the price and have a good reputation for reliability.