I recently picked up a couple of red dots to check out and I wanted to share my initial impressions. I wanted to replace an Eotech 512 on an AR pistol set up for home defense and as a possible replacement for another Eotech 512 on a duty rifle build. Being former military and having trained on the AR platform using iron sights for so long, I wanted an absolute cowitness sight. I’ve read all the pros and cons to the absolute cowitness and 1/3 cowitness. In the end, my choice is absolute.
At first, I was looking at the Primary Arms Advanced Micro Dot ($170 without mount). After a bit of research and searching and reading, I learned the PA micro dot was made by Holosun. There’s a Holosun model, HS403GL ($200), that is very close to the same as the Primary Arms. It comes with a 1/3 cowitness mount, has an auto on/off feature, and a 50,000 hour battery life. Except for the 1/3 cowitness, the feature set seemed great for a home defense weapon. More reading and I came across the TruGlo Tru-Tec 20mm red dot ($120) that comes with a 1/3 cowitness mount. Even the cheapest absolute cowitness mount runs about $30. I finally found the Sig Sauer SOR52001 Romeo5 ($145).
-2 MOA Red-Dot provides 10 illumination settings (8 daylight plus 2 NV) for visibility in all light conditions
-MOTAC™ (Motion Activated Illumination) powers up when it senses motion and powers down when it does not. Provides for optimum operational safety and enhanced 40,000+ hour battery life
-Integrated M1913 Picatinny interface provides industry-standard mounting options for a wide range of applications
-Dependable waterproof (IPX-7 rated for complete water immersion up to 1 meter) and fog-proof performance
-Includes a M1913 Picatinny low mount riser and a co-witness 1.41* riser mount
A pretty good feature set, as far as I was concerned. So I grabbed one from Amazon.
I also came across the Vortex Sparc AR1 for $150. It uses a AAA battery and came with both absolute and 1/3 cowitness mounts. It didn’t have an auto-on feature. I would have likely grabbed one of those if it had. I may grab one for the duty rifle build but that’s a discussion for a different review.
The absolute cowitness mount can be replaced with a low mount for an AK or a 10/22 or something else.
The mount is a standard Aimpoint T1 mount. If the included mount turns out to be the weak point, I can easily replace it at a later point.
The sight is pretty clear.
Red dot turned up all the way.
Turned to the lowest brightness.
With this sight, I plan to change out the rear sight to a pop-up.
With this sight, I plan to change out the rear sight to a pop-up.
The Eotech just for comparison.
Overall, I’m pleased with this sight and would recommend it. As far as shooting, it shoots like a red dot.
At first, I was looking at the Primary Arms Advanced Micro Dot ($170 without mount). After a bit of research and searching and reading, I learned the PA micro dot was made by Holosun. There’s a Holosun model, HS403GL ($200), that is very close to the same as the Primary Arms. It comes with a 1/3 cowitness mount, has an auto on/off feature, and a 50,000 hour battery life. Except for the 1/3 cowitness, the feature set seemed great for a home defense weapon. More reading and I came across the TruGlo Tru-Tec 20mm red dot ($120) that comes with a 1/3 cowitness mount. Even the cheapest absolute cowitness mount runs about $30. I finally found the Sig Sauer SOR52001 Romeo5 ($145).
-2 MOA Red-Dot provides 10 illumination settings (8 daylight plus 2 NV) for visibility in all light conditions
-MOTAC™ (Motion Activated Illumination) powers up when it senses motion and powers down when it does not. Provides for optimum operational safety and enhanced 40,000+ hour battery life
-Integrated M1913 Picatinny interface provides industry-standard mounting options for a wide range of applications
-Dependable waterproof (IPX-7 rated for complete water immersion up to 1 meter) and fog-proof performance
-Includes a M1913 Picatinny low mount riser and a co-witness 1.41* riser mount
A pretty good feature set, as far as I was concerned. So I grabbed one from Amazon.
I also came across the Vortex Sparc AR1 for $150. It uses a AAA battery and came with both absolute and 1/3 cowitness mounts. It didn’t have an auto-on feature. I would have likely grabbed one of those if it had. I may grab one for the duty rifle build but that’s a discussion for a different review.
The absolute cowitness mount can be replaced with a low mount for an AK or a 10/22 or something else.
The mount is a standard Aimpoint T1 mount. If the included mount turns out to be the weak point, I can easily replace it at a later point.
The sight is pretty clear.
Red dot turned up all the way.
Turned to the lowest brightness.
With this sight, I plan to change out the rear sight to a pop-up.
With this sight, I plan to change out the rear sight to a pop-up.
The Eotech just for comparison.
Overall, I’m pleased with this sight and would recommend it. As far as shooting, it shoots like a red dot.
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