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Another Red Dot Scope

Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 9:54 pm
by Darrell
I'd been looking around for a decent/not expensive red dot scope to slap on the PLR16. I checked out the Burris Fastfire, Burris XTS-135, SPOT Mk III (which are pretty much the same thing), and a few others. I already have a couple of Kobra holosights and PK-AS red dot/black dots for the AKs, and a Vortex Strikefire Aimpoint clone on the AR. I wanted something a bit different, and not an Aimpoint, Trijicon Reflex/ACOG or the like due to cost. The Burris Fastfire is very nice, but darn it's tiny, and I thought it rather difficult to acquire the dot (the Fastfire is used on LaRue's Iron Dot scope/mount for AKs, btw). The local gun shop has a Bushnell Trophy red/green dot (T-bar w/center dot, actually), it's a sorta ACOG looking tube, but with no magnification. I was rather impressed with the thing's quality--nice glass, crisp reticle, even has backup "iron" sights atop the scope ACOG style. I was rather turned off by the copycat, high speed/low drag looks of the thing, but really liked the optics. The local shop was asking $250, which is way overpriced. I found that Midway has them on clearance this month for $164, then discovered them at Amazon for $147 plus change. I wound up getting the one from Amazon; just received it today. Turns out the Amazon version has the T-bar reticle but no center dot, oh well. It ought to go well with the ray gun looks of the PLR at any rate. 8-)

Here it is at Midway, they've marked the price down even more to $153.30:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?p ... ber=859535

And here it is at Amazon, $147.85, with free shipping:

http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Tactical ... 227&sr=8-1

I was at first thinking about the Konus 40mm red dot, $89.95, but couldn't get a straight answer on whether it would fit on a Pic rail:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?p ... ber=189747

Konus has a good reputation for decent optics at a good price.

ETA: Here's a pic or two of the scope mounted on the gun:

Re: Another Red Dot Scope

Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 10:16 pm
by rightisright
Nice... looking forward to a range report.

I particularly like the BUS feature.

Re: Another Red Dot Scope

Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 7:32 pm
by Darrell
I talked with Bushnell tech support this morning, and yes, there's supposed to be a dot at the center of the T bars. They said they'd cover repair or replacement under warranty if I send it to them, but it'd take four to six weeks. They suggested I talk to Amazon, so I did. Another is on its way, should be here next Tuesday. I get to pay shipping to return the old scope. Ah well. I'll be sure to post a report once I get to try it. :roll:

Re: Another Red Dot Scope

Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 8:20 pm
by Netpackrat
Not sure how Bushnell can stay in business with all of the warranty work, unless it is because most people don't bother sending in a bad scope, and buy something else instead. Several years ago, my brother and I both purchased identical model Bushnell scopes, and we both had reticle problems.

Re: Another Red Dot Scope

Posted: Sat Jul 11, 2009 12:51 am
by Darrell
I have a Bushnell Elite 3200 10x40 on the PTR91, it's been faultless so far. I also have a Bushnell cheapo on the K31, it's not acted up yet. I am aware of Bushnell's reputation, first from their junky astronomy optics.

Re: Another Red Dot Scope

Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 10:34 pm
by Darrell
Just to update: Amazon sent me another scope w/free shipping, got it today and it works okay. Amazon also sent me a return label and return authorization via email, just printed it out, slapped the label on the box and returned the old scope. Amazon also covered return shipping. Nice. :)