Don't know whether to post it in this thread or another. Anyways, I'm looking for my first red dot, this is my primary rifle used for everything (Home defense, SHTF, etc..). My budget is around $400-$500 and I've narrowed it down to the three choices above. I know the Aimpoint/Trijicon are the obvious choices especially for their reputation and track record. But I've heard great things about the Vortex, just don't know whether I want to use it for a possible life/death situation. I'm open to any other suggestions as well. I haven't had a chance to test out the Aimpoint or Trijicon but I have tested out the SPARC for only a dozen rounds or so (don't know if that is enough to make a decision). Let me know what y'all think. 

Aimpoint PRO pros/cons:

Pros -
Good track record, minimal bad reviews.
On the lower end of the budget.
30,000 hours battery life

Cons -
Weight and bulkiness

Trijicon MRO

Pros -
Lighter/smaller
Larger FOV
50,000 hours battery life

Cons -
Mixed reviews, some good and some bad.
Fish eye effect?

Vortex SPARC AR

Pros -
Below budget
Weight/size
Use leftover money elsewhere

Cons -
Chinese knockoff
Lower battery life
Not considered a battle proven optic

I have a SIG Romeo5.

It has an auto on/of feature so the battery last 3 years or so.  You move the rifle, it turns on.  You don't move it for 2 mins, it turns off.  Also price is between 150-200.

Last time I checked, KMConcepts had 1 in stock.

I just got my first red dot not that long ago from OpticsAgent.com.

Went with the Trijicon MRO ($524.00 on OpticsAgent.com with UPS 2-Day Shipping to Hawaii) as I too am working with a budget. With the MRO, do keep in mind that 50,000 hour battery life claim only applies if it remains on the No. 3 setting which is fine for like an indoor range or home defense, BUT.. the second you step outside in the daylight, you’ll want to crank it to 4 (approx 2 year battery life) or 5 (approx. just under a year).

I did consider the Aimpoint PRO but my personal reason for not opting for it was due to an odd battery size it uses, whereas the CR2032 is easily found and if you plan on using this optic for a SHTF scenario where batteries and other things are hard to come by then you'd want come compatibility with batteries as the CR2032 is used on a lot of micro dots anyway.

The negatives on the MRO is centered around the perceived “blueish” hue at times people claim to see as well as a slight magnification or parallax. In reality, I don’t notice these things, but if you plan on using your dot at 100+ meters for precision then perhaps its an issue. My personal negative is that the windage and elevation adjustments aren't very "positive", its difficult to hear and/or "feel" those clicks.

Main thing is its Trijicon and they won’t let you down, but same thing goes for Aimpoint. Considering the MRO has been around since late 2014, its received fairly well in the gun community for something not that "old".

If it’s a budget issue, Id suggest the MRO.

Travis Haley did a detailed TWO part review of the MRO on his YouTube channel in case you didn't see that already.

Don't know whether to post it in this thread or another. Anyways, I'm looking for my first red dot, this is my primary rifle used for everything (Home defense, SHTF, etc..). My budget is around $400-$500 and I've narrowed it down to the three choices above. I know the Aimpoint/Trijicon are the obvious choices especially for their reputation and track record. But I've heard great things about the Vortex, just don't know whether I want to use it for a possible life/death situation. I'm open to any other suggestions as well. I haven't had a chance to test out the Aimpoint or Trijicon but I have tested out the SPARC for only a dozen rounds or so (don't know if that is enough to make a decision). Let me know what y'all think. 

Aimpoint PRO pros/cons:

Pros -
Good track record, minimal bad reviews.
On the lower end of the budget.
30,000 hours battery life

Cons -
Weight and bulkiness

Trijicon MRO

Pros -
Lighter/smaller
Larger FOV
50,000 hours battery life

Cons -
Mixed reviews, some good and some bad.
Fish eye effect?

Vortex SPARC AR

Pros -
Below budget
Weight/size
Use leftover money elsewhere

Cons -
Chinese knockoff
Lower battery life
Not considered a battle proven optic

I have limited experience with the MRO, but I've heard good things about them.

I currently have an Aimpoint CompM4s, PRO and Micro.  All have been through multiple carbine courses with the Comp M4s being through the most.  All have performed flawlessly.  The CompM4s is the bulkiest, but it uses AA batteries.  That was one of the main reasons I decided to get the Comp M4s.  The PRO is the newest of the bunch and I guess it's bulky when compared to the Micros, but it's not that bulky or heavy.

One note from experience is to be wary of the battery life claims.  As noted above, the life is for a given setting.  I've had the batteries die on my Micros more than once and then I noticed that the X0,000 hours is based on a setting of 8.  I typically had mine on 10.  The battery life on Aimpoints are good for sure, but just have to be mindful.

I also have experience with EoTech.  I actually liked the EoTech's reticle with the 1 MOA dot and ring.  It seemed sharpest to me.  I eventually decided to go with Aimpoint and got rid of my EoTech 512 and EXPS.  They are good red dots though. 

The dot on the Aimpoints tends to bloom a little for me, but I typically only notice that when I'm trying to zero the gun and I'm trying to get as fine an aiming point as possible. 

For your budget, I would say go with the PRO.  I saw a sale on them for $365 or so recently.  If you're that concerned about the bulkiness, I'm sure you can find a used Aimpoint Micro for your price range.  Just have to shop around, but you might have to settle for a 4 MOA model. 

Primary rifle used for everything.
You might also consider a 1-4x or 1-6x optic and a mounted light.
Just a thought.
Extremely versatile.
And your budget lets you look at a lot of options.
HD distances in Honolulu are generally very close.
(Disclaimer. I suck with a red dot at distance and the previous posters give legit advice)

if you have an astigmatism, you might want to consider the Vortex Spitfire AR, or other "etched reticle" optics.  sorry, i'm showing my age.  i didn't know i had an astigmatism until i started using the red dot at 100yds, at first i thought there was something crappy about the optic.

i think Holosun HS503G is also etched reticle, and some of the Primary Arms 1x optics.

I have several Trijicon RMRs and MRO's, but beyond 50yds, the red dot sometimes becomes a comet or palm tree, or multiple dots.  it takes some judgement to figure where the real dot is sometimes.  it helps immensely to use an aperture rear sight in conjunction with the red dot.

just food for thought.

Did you ever consider holosun? Youtubers nutnfancy and the daily shooter swear by then they have done recent videos about then and have tested then in cold n desert climate. The c models come with solar cell that can be run during the day time no batteries

Application plays a part.  Some have a night vision setting where the dot is only visible through infrared goggles.  Some use readily available batteries like AAA, where some use wafer batteries that may not be at 7-11. 

Some, like my PRO, have a clear rear cap, which lets you use the sight with the front cap closed as long as you can sight with both eyes open.

Some people like the miniature RMR red dots for both pistols and rifles.  light weight, tiny size and makes it easier going between the two platforms.

I'd say spend time trying them out.  There's a degree of personal preference with each.  Many like what they learned to use in their jobs.  Others like the EOTECH and RMR style versus a tube style.

One thing no one can tell but you is what the speed of acquisition of the dot is for you.  Some people can't quickly find the dot in a Burris FastFire, but they have no problem with an AimPoint.

For the price range you're looking at i would go with the MRO. I have one and I'm very satisfied.  You can order via larue.com and get a combo with the larue qd mount for $493. That's a great deal.

Trijicon has stated that they fixed the magnification effect with newer production MROs.

I still use an older Aimpoint Comp M2.  Goes for about $250 w/mount used nowadays.  Use the extra $250 to buy an extra 750 rounds of ammo.  Or get a 22lr conversion kit.

Practice and training is more important than equipment.  Unless you have plentiful cash to spend on a couple thousand rounds a year.

Do not have the $$ for it, but really want to try a holographic sight like the EOTECH or clones thereof.

Have an older Primary Arms M4  clone.  Do not like the tube-like optics. Too much like a scope.   Seems to contradict the whole no parallax, fast eye placement thing.

You do not list them but might want to consider a holo sights and see what suits your eyesight and fast aiming vs. the tube red dots.  The larger field of view is what interests me.

Fast target acquisition is what red dots are all about, last I checked.  Heck, open sights work for me, but the off-axis aiming of red dots continues to intrigue me.

Not $500 worth, though, mebbe a Sightmark....................

Aieahound is right. You might wanna consider a 1-4 or 6x scope. A little more versatile. Especially if you get into some tighter grouping past 50. Unless you're looking for more defense type, shoot em up CC, can't bet the red dot. I have a MRO Patrol on my Tavor. And a RMR piggy backed on my 4-16x scope on my MR556 for when I just wanna go shoot em up close range. If I slow fire with the red dots, the best I can get is 2" groups at 50 with the patrol. The RMR is all over the paper. But it is on paper.

http://imageshack.com/a/img923/2438/yXhfIR.jpg

The target on the top is with my RMR on the MR556. And the circle targets is with the MRO Patrol on the Tavor. Shooting at 50, 77 gr Nosler, 23.7 gr of CFE223, CCI 450, 2.26 COL.. And took all these shots in a kneeling position, no bench. Hope this helps..

I've had a Aimpoint Pro for about 4 years, great red dot ,no problems. I've had the Trijicon MRO for about 6 months, great red dot, no problems,  does take up less room, Buy once, Cry once is always a good choice.

For me i like best bang for the buck because im not going to be in the bush so i dont need an expensive EOTech. You can buy another rifle/pistol for the price.

The Sig helps with parallax and is cheap considering its a SIG.

Also cant shoot past 100yds anyways, so  any red dot will be fine. And for home defense, it will be far closer.

In the end, its your rifle so you can buy what ever you want.  call diff LGS and see what they got in stock and hold them up to your eye. Or ask friends to try theirs when you go shooting.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Aimpoint has it's reputation to be a tank. Strong as hell, easy to use, and you can always swap out the mount for a slimmer/lighter one if the original mount that it comes with is such a big issue.

If I had that kind of budget, I would hands down go for a aimpoint but I'm stuck using a $90 primary arms micro red dot and I'm perfectly fine with it. I haven't done any rigorous testing like dragging it on the back of a truck but I hear it's a pretty tough sight and well made (dont be fooled by the "made in china" tag, if you source high quality materials, pay and manage well, then china will get the job done)

In my textbook SHTF and Home defense is different. In a SHTF situation I would want a variable optic like a 1-4x, 1-6x, or 1-8x, on a RECCE setup which is a jack of all trades but master of none. Adequate at close range but shines in medium distances (100-250) that no one really trains for, for some reason.
Home defense I would want a red dot because of the quicker target acquisition with red dot on a true 1x parallax free magnification.

Do not have the $$ for it, but really want to try a holographic sight like the EOTECH or clones thereof.

Have an older Primary Arms M4  clone.  Do not like the tube-like optics. Too much like a scope.   Seems to contradict the whole no parallax, fast eye placement thing.

You do not list them but might want to consider a holo sights and see what suits your eyesight and fast aiming vs. the tube red dots.  The larger field of view is what interests me.

Fast target acquisition is what red dots are all about, last I checked.  Heck, open sights work for me, but the off-axis aiming of red dots continues to intrigue me.

Not $500 worth, though, mebbe a Sightmark....................

I also have one of those Gen 1 primary arms comp M2/M4 clones. It's kinda meh but they did get the job done for $70. The newerGen 2 versions supposedly covered the problems that the Gen 1 had but for a higher price, but I won't be looking forward to a investing in another full sized aimpoint clone that isnt as tough and battery doesn't even last anywhere close as the real thing anytime soon (it's still a good optic, but I'd rather have the real one). I'm quite happy with their micro red dot.

I've been wanting a 1-6x or 1-8x for a while for an AR.  Just haven't been able to justify the cost of the setup I want. 

I've shot friend's guns with low powered variable optics and they are nice.  I'd also love to have one on a 22 lr as well as that's a really fun setup, especially for having little ones shoot as well as those new to shooting and are apprehensive about shooting.  One thing I noticed I about the low powered variable is that they aren't nearly as forgiving as red dots in terms of eye relief, particularly when shooting in improvised positions.  Yup, many there are many optics available that can do just fine when shooting on a bench or more controlled conditions, but since the OP mentioned this to be his "primary rifle used for everything", I would go with a red dot over a low powered variable first.  Then add a low powered variable. 

I'll add that my opinion on that may be changing, mostly due to eye sight issues.  When there was an array of steel available at KHSC, it was easy to get consistent hits with the red dot without magnification on steel in the 200-270 range.  Even the circle at around 450 ish was definitely doable.  However, lately, I've noticed more difficulty making out targets at that distance.  While I was always interested in getting say a 1-6x before, I've gotten more interested in them recently.  That's not to say that I envision a SD situation where I would need to make shots in the 400-500 yard range, but if the gun is capable of use in that range, good to have the sighting ability to match.  Yeah, I know many of you can make those shots with irons, though I prefer to make life easier with technology.   

of the choices that you listed, i'd probably go with the MRO.  the price has been dropping significantly for those and they have a very wide FOV.

of course, i don't own any of them and i find that red dot sights are NOT very fun to use at the rifle side at koko head unless you're shooting supported or on a bench.  on the other hand, if you're doing classes and competing, it might make sense to have a red dot.  i only bring this up because you should probably get accustomed to whatever setup you decide on if you plan on using it for home defense.

if you're still open to other options, you might want to give this article a read:  https://www.greeneyetactical.com/2017/07/27/comparative-study-of-red-dot-sight-parallax/

that article made me want an EO-Tech even in spite of all of the bad rap that they've been getting as of late.

of the choices that you listed, i'd probably go with the MRO.  the price has been dropping significantly for those and they have a very wide FOV.

of course, i don't own any of them and i find that red dot sights are NOT very fun to use at the rifle side at koko head unless you're shooting supported or on a bench.  on the other hand, if you're doing classes and competing, it might make sense to have a red dot.  i only bring this up because you should probably get accustomed to whatever setup you decide on if you plan on using it for home defense.

if you're still open to other options, you might want to give this article a read:  https://www.greeneyetactical.com/2017/07/27/comparative-study-of-red-dot-sight-parallax/

that article made me want an EO-Tech even in spite of all of the bad rap that they've been getting as of late.

It’s not like any of us will be placed in the Arctic or snowy Siberia in a flash. Hawaii has a wide range of climate but not that extreme.
As for OP he can always look at red dot/magnifier combos as an option