scope or red dot with magnifier?

[atlas3025]

Bushnell does a 1-8.5...also pricey, and heavy, but a nice scope nonetheless.  They can be found on sale for ~400 less than this link.

 

http://www.eurooptic.com/bushnell-elite-tactical-1-85x24-matte-mil-reticle-et18524.aspx 

[Guest tangojuliet]

1-6 is a good idea. I didn't realize anyone made a 1-6......

yep they do its about 269 has a bdc and some pretty good glass too

[Jamie Jackson]

I just have RDS on my AR's and AK's, but I've run a scope on my AR and will occasionally use it at the range.

 

A bud has an EoTech with magnifier and really likes it.

 

There certainly seems to be a current trend of running lower yet variable powdered scopes on defensive rifles...1-4 with "aiming dots" and they do make a lot of sense to me, especially with my aging eyes. The magnification of a scope would certainly help, even at relatively close to moderate range, with target identification and discrimination.

 

fwiw I recently picked up Primary Arms Advanced Red Dot and ran it, in the rain, in Randy's recent Rifle class. I am more than impressed with it. Links below. Well worth the money imho. But I haven't seen it run with a magnifier, so can't comment on that.

 

https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_Advanced_Micro_Dot_with_Push_Buttons_p/md-ads.htm

[Refleks]

I'm using a primary arms red dot with a 3x flip to side magnifier.  I like it, though I kind of which the magnifier was a little more powerful.   The red dot is for home defense distances and the magnifier is used for pretty much everything else.    The dot does indeed get larger when using the magnifier, but so does everything else, so the relative sizes are the same.  It's not a deal killer for me.  I look forward to buying one of the newer ones with the longer battery life and smaller MOA dot.

 

 

I did have a chance to play with a Burris Fullfield 1x-4x and I liked it, though it's in a different price category!

 

 

Edited April 28, 2015 by Refleks

[btq96r]

Why would you need/want a red dot for home defense?

 

The greatest distance I'd ever need to engage a target in my home is 25 feet. Realistically, it would probably be closer. You should be able to hit a plate-sized target at 25' with a rifle just by pointing.  Also, I find using a red dot sight gives me tunnel vision.  

 

I would never want to use a carbine or rifle for home defense without a red dot sight.  Yeah, maybe you should be able to hit a plate sized target at 25' with a rifle just by pointing (since I never tried it, I won't even say I can)...but in an adrenaline filled, live speed situation like a home defense scenario, I want the red dot.

 

Also, x2 on what Mike said about opening the other eye.  With enough practice and walking around with the rifle up, it becomes natural.  Like having a HUD in your brain.

[Ranger431]

I like both.

I run a Millett DMS 1-4x on my 16" and a straight red dot on my 10.5"

The 1-4 isn't exactly a true 1x, it has a very slight magnification, but is close enough that with the lit reticle I can shoot with both eyes open, no issues at all.