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.

I'll have to go back and read closer, but that was pretty cool.

My challenge to you: Get out and prove this test wrong, prove it right, I don’t care– just get out and collect data. Be part of the solution.

I agree and I try to test for myself where I can.  I would absolutely love to do tests like this.  I always like or want to do side-by-side test to see for myself, but impractical/impossible due to cost.  And time. . .

Primary Arms Advanced red dot. Wait for the sale and you'll purchase it for 160.00 Highly underrated. I liked them so much that i have four some still in the box. Best to look through a bunch. PM me if you want to look through one of mine at the range. I will tell you that I placed a 1x6 SWFA and like mentioned above, you might conceder it. Keep in mind a red dot and a scope are two different devices for two different applications. For what you want to do a red dot will suffice. Add distance and perhaps hunting, now you talking 1x6 scope. I like them both.

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

yes, and i agree that we don't have to worry about temp extremes here.  my main reason for wanting the EOTech was because, amongst the models tested, it generally exhibited the least amount of point of aim vs. point of impact deviation at various distances.

the article made me realize that the "parallax-free" claims that most manufacturers put out is pretty BS especially since some of the models tested showed significant parallax-induced deviation at distances of even 50 yards.  some of the models had a parallax deviation of over 5 inches at 50 yards.  of course, you would not practically experience a major parallax-induced shift when you're shooting at the range, but this might make a huge difference if you were to do support-side shooting (i.e. shooting lefty if you are actually right handed), or doing a vtac 9-Hole board drill.

Thanks for all the info so far. I have considered a 1-6x scope (PA ACSS) but decided to go with a red dot instead (range limits, highly more likely to use sub 100 yards, etc..), however that doesn't mean I won't be purchasing one in the future. EoTechs are out of my budget so I crossed that off the list as well. I'm leaning towards the MRO/Larue mount combo for $493, thats a damn good deal and only $60 more than the PRO. I'm still gonna give it more thought before I pull the trigger but it's interesting to get different opinions on the matter.

 https://www.greeneyetactical.com/2017/07/27/comparative-study-of-red-dot-sight-parallax/
I started to read the article and quickly fell asleep. Come  out to the range and look at a bunch and see which one you like. Lots of smoke and mirrors out there.

another optic you might want to consider is a 3x or 5x prism scope
I have both of these, I like the 5x bc of the magnification
both have the ACSS reticle.  both are compact optics, and reticles are illuminated
I also have the 1-6x scope.  the prism scope is much smaller.  but I like all 3.  all work for different applications.

 "I'm leaning towards the MRO/Larue mount combo for $493, thats a damn good deal and only $60 more than the PRO. I'm still gonna give it more thought before I pull the trigger but it's interesting to get different opinions on the matter".
At 493.00 for a red dot, I would be purchasing a 1x6. Come to the range and see for yourself. Yes you can go to the store and look at and through a few red dots, but are you going to use it in the store. This game is a lot like owning a Harley Davidson. You can end up owning 6 handlebars, 6 seats, 6 wheels and on and on. I know I've been there. You'll  hear all kinds of opinions but at the end you will figure it out only by your budget and what you see. I just can't see paying that king of coin for a red dot, It's still only a red dot. Scopes, now that is different. I started with 300.00 scopes. Once you look through a (certain) 2000.00 scope, not all 2000.00 scopes are the same, you will know quality. . This particular one rivals a "S" scope that sells for 3K plus. NF scopes can't compete. Those two have lots of smoke and mirrors.  Good luck and don't get caught up in the hype.

another optic you might want to consider is a 3x or 5x prism scope
I have both of these, I like the 5x bc of the magnification
both have the ACSS reticle.  both are compact optics, and reticles are illuminated
I also have the 1-6x scope.  the prism scope is much smaller.  but I like all 3.  all work for different applications.

How's the weight.

Thats a pretty high budget for a first red dot.  If you're made of money, go for it.  If you're planning a tour as a defense contractor in the middle east, go with a battle proven optic.  No problem.

I've had all the ones you're looking at, but the one thats sitting on a rifle right now, is a $30 bushnell. 

Thats a pretty high budget for a first red dot.  If you're made of money, go for it.  If you're planning a tour as a defense contractor in the middle east, go with a battle proven optic.  No problem.

I've had all the ones you're looking at, but the one thats sitting on a rifle right now, is a $30 bushnell.

Definitely not made of money but I'd like to buy something that will last me and not fail. Not saying that certain other brands can't achieve that but it's just personal preference I guess. I've seen certain red dots go upwards of $700+ so I figure I can get a battle proven optic for my price range. If you don't mind me asking, why did you get rid of the PRO/MRO for the bushnell?

How's the weight.

I have the 2.5x version and it sits under 16oz with the mount and I have a GDI quick detach mount on it. The higher magnification ones will be a little heavier of course.
I’m liking mines but I wish I got the 3x version although 2.5x is adequate and gives more clarity than the naked eye

How's the weight.

I think the 3x and 5x are right around 1 lb, the 5x is a couple oz heavier
it is kind of heavy for how small it is, but not too bad.


I also have the PA micro dot (1st gen) on my AK
had it for a few years, still works great, although I don't shoot it that much

Definitely not made of money but I'd like to buy something that will last me and not fail. Not saying that certain other brands can't achieve that but it's just personal preference I guess. I've seen certain red dots go upwards of $700+ so I figure I can get a battle proven optic for my price range. If you don't mind me asking, why did you get rid of the PRO/MRO for the bushnell?

Cost vs what you get.  I didnt get rid of the other optics to get a bushnell.  I just had the bushnell already because it was so cheap.  I prefer prism scopes for carbines as they'll mostly have a CQB reticle that will simulate a red dot, while also having magnification and drop compensation for longer distances.  For home defense, you're going to be shooting at 5 yards max probably, so keep in mind your hits aint gonna go where the dot is at if you've zero'd it at 50.

Instead of asking like you, I just went out and bought, and kind of regretted it (hence the sales).  My reasoning for buying the good stuff was because LEO/MIL used it and they looked cool.  Not good reasons in hindsight 

 

The Bushnell TRS25 is a good beginners red dot. I've had two of them, They range around the $50.00 mark today. Make sure you get the one designed for the AR. Primary Arms standard, $89.00 it's worth the extra $$$$ when you look through it. One thing I haven't heard mentioned here is the "lump" you see when you peak through. Yes the "lump". How big is it, where in view finder is it. Maybe the guys with the big "lumps" can comment.

I've used two different vortex optics.  I had a strikefire, and an aimpoint pro, but sold it because of my astigmatism.  I currently use the 1X prism spitfire.  Vortex optics are quality, especially for the price.  They don't have the absurdly efficient battery life of an aimpoint, but they are solid performers.  My spitfire has been mounted on an AR, AK, and Scorpion.  No issues. 

The Bushnell TRS25 is a good beginners red dot. I've had two of them, They range around the $50.00 mark today. Make sure you get the one designed for the AR. Primary Arms standard, $89.00 it's worth the extra $$$$ when you look through it. One thing I haven't heard mentioned here is the "lump" you see when you peak through. Yes the "lump". How big is it, where in view finder is it. Maybe the guys with the big "lumps" can comment.

I used to own a trs25 then swapped it for a primary arms micro when it started flickering about 2-3 years later.
“Lump” as in the red dot emitter?

The type of optic you get depends on what you plan on doing with the rifle.  I found red dots, in terms of speed for defensive/combat use, compared to ACOGs and magnified optics are way better up to 25 yards, better up to 50 yards, equivalent out to 100 yards, worse up to 300 yards, and very difficult to use past 400 yards.  For slow fire where accuracy and precision count, ACOG's and magnified optics are better except close up where you may get parallax errors.

If you plan on handling your rifle rough where you have to drop and drag it through an obstacle course or running around with it banging against your gear, then a premium optic is better.  If it's just for range use then a cheaper one is fine.

It comes down to the right tool for the right job.

The type of optic you get depends on what you plan on doing with the rifle.  I found red dots, in terms of speed for defensive/combat use, compared to ACOGs and magnified optics are way better up to 25 yards, better up to 50 yards, equivalent out to 100 yards, worse up to 300 yards, and very difficult to use past 400 yards.  For slow fire where accuracy and precision count, ACOG's and magnified optics are better except close up where you may get parallax errors.

If you plan on handling your rifle rough where you have to drop and drag it through an obstacle course or running around with it banging against your gear, then a premium optic is better.  If it's just for range use then a cheaper one is fine.

It comes down to the right tool for the right job.

That's true, except a red dot with at least a 3X magnifier mounted behind it greatly extends it's useful range.

One more thing to buy, but it's an option.

That's true, except a red dot with at least a 3X magnifier mounted behind it greatly extends it's useful range.

Just me, but i cringe seeing all that crap loaded on top of what is supposed to be a  fast handling self defense weapon.

Was from an EOtech promo blurb, but saw an interesting comparo of using a magnifier with holo vs. tube type red dots.  Dunno how accurate that compaison was, still more junk on the rifle.

Heck, I do not like the vertical profile of my Primary Arms M4 clone.   Worse than my scope on the .308.

You can use a red dot farther than 400 meters/yards.