11/21/24 Edited to add that you folks convinced me to at least split the difference between a used Venom and the Holosun 507c Vulcan acss with 250moa ring.  Ordered a HS407A3 X2 from Palmetto.  Came out to a little under $200 with shipping/taxes.   Thanks guys for twisting my arm!
(I think they can go for as low as $159 + shipping + taxes)

11/21/24 - also picked up a used Vortex Venom and will throw that the G20.  407 goes on the MP CORE.

Original post
I just picked up a G20 MOS and MP CORE and considering my first pistol red dot…..a Holosun 507c with the ginormous 250 moa circle recommended for newbies to pistol red dots…..just for use at the range.  Not for HD….maybe get an enclosed emitter for HD….but I’ll probably just use my flashlight to aim.

I’m also considering waiting another year since competition and newer innovations might push down prices…..or pick up a used RD when someone lets their old stuff go to get something newer/better

Generally, do RD’s depreciate about 25% each year for 2 years and then sort of stabilize at that point?

Ie. could I get a used RD for about 50% off in 2 years?

https://freedomgorilla.com/products/holosun-hs507c-x2-green-dot-acss-vulcan-reticle

The depreciation isn't linear like that.  Esp since you can buy them off the shelf now as they're not in short supply like covid days. Buy once, cry once. You can't go wrong with the Holosun 507C.  Think of it this way, you can get 2 holosuns' for the price of 1 RMR Trijicon (reg price).  If you're not on a tight budget, then buy a Holosun brand new.

 Tight budget is different from being pake. Tight budget means you really don't have the money to spend on a brand new one. Not that you're not willing to invest in one.

my take, I don't see prices dropping on the better red dot sights.  the prices have been pretty stable.

what I do see, though, is that with our high inflation, the red dot sight prices haven't gone up at the same rate as inflation. they've either stayed the same, or smaller price increases.  so in an environment of high inflation, effectively, that is a price drop of sorts.

they're probably using improvements in manufacturing to get better manufacturing efficiencies, and hold the prices the same, even though their energy costs have gone up, materials prices have gone up.

I think energy costs are the big driver for inflation.  Farming, food, manufacturing, everything.  Thanks to Biden.  FJB.

Don't think prices will come down since red dots on pistols have been out for a while and there's a lot of products out there.

Holosun prices could go up if Trump tariffs them.

I just picked up a G20 MOS and MP CORE and considering my first pistol red dot…..a Holosun 507c with the ginormous 250 moa circle recommended for newbies to pistol red dots…..just for use at the range.  Not for HD….maybe get an enclosed emitter for HD….but ill probably just use my flashlight to aim.

I’m also considering waiting another year since competition and newer innovations might push down prices…..or pick up a used RD when someone lets their old stuff go to get something newer/better

Generally, do RD’s depreciate about 25% each year for 2 years and then sort of stabilize at that point?

Ie. could I get a used RD for about 50% off in 2 years?

https://freedomgorilla.com/products/holosun-hs507c-x2-green-dot-acss-vulcan-reticle

The average depreciation for any electronics is 10%/year.  What really drives price is supply and demand as always.  An RDS is not an iPhone.  Demand is not going to be nearly as crazy, and supply will be based on demand.  Prices will remain in the same ballpark they are now, but the new improved products will displace previous top of the line items and assume their price point.  That in turn pushes all previous products down one level to the next lower price point.  There are exceptions, but that's the normal price situation for electronics.  All depends on just how much better the new ones are compared to the older ones.

If you wait, and Trump's economy kicks in quickly, inflation should come down, I think interest rates are already coming down 1/4 point, and prices should stabilize.  What I'd be concerned with are the proposed tariffs.  Don't know if that will impact items that already have a high profit margin (best RDS), but the cheaper stuff might increase in price in the near future.  There are often loopholes or conditions that importers can use to reduce or sidestep the tariffs they pay, like manufacturing the parts overseas and setting up an assembly plant in the US.  Or they may keep number of units below thresholds that trigger higher tariffs.

My philosophy is to keep a shopping list in your head with the best prices you've seen advertised.  In the coming months, keep your eyes open for Black Friday sales, patriotic holiday sales, and so on.  If you happen across a sale or coupon that drops the price, do some checking to make sure that's not because there are problems with that item.  You might be able to pick it up for less as a target of opportunity, but only if you've already decided on that specific item and are getting a good deal.

That's for things I don't need (or want) right now.  For immediate purchases, i tend to get the best I can afford at the time without going top of the line.  Computers have taught us that the premium for the latest and greatest doesn't always produce an equal amount of added benefit.  10% more battery life for 10% more $$?  Better do the math and see if that's really worth it.

A year from now, prices could go up due to economic policy, raw material shortages, natural disasters, war between China and Taiwan,...  If you use it, you'll have received the benefit of time enjoying it even if the price drops in a year. 

If you want to just save money, why not wait 2 years?  5 years?  10 years?  Think of all the money you'll have by not spending it for that long!

Get an Aimpoint, Trijicon. Proven. Avoid HorroSun

I misread the question, thought it referred to new stuff getting cheaper.

Firearms stuff don't drop in price much as things move very slow in the firearms world vs electronics which become obsolete very quickly as new stuff comes out.  The first generation of pistol optics might be cheap cause people moved on to newer stuff.  But the current gen stuff is mature and there isn't much to improve on.  And demand for pistol optics will be high for a while as people transition from irons to optics.

And again, Trump tarrifs will raise prices on the new stuff, resulting in higher prices for used stuff.

I don’t worry or consider depreciation. Not considering resale value for gun stuff as a significant factor. They are tools and after use will show wear. Then by that time, newer, better, advanced, etc models are out. I used to have RMRs on multiple guns and have gotten rids of all the RMRs and some of the guns that they were on. Now have mix of Trijicon RCR/SRO, Holosuns and soon to be shooting a Vortex.

There are what appears to be decent quality RDS for less, but don’t have personal experience. Heard some have been pretty decent in testing by folks that shoot a lot.

I’m 1/4 pake….its a curse in a lot of ways.

The $350 507c Vulcan acss is more than the used MP core gen1 that I picked up.

Are pistol optics similar to the rule of thumb for hunting optics? $$ scope = $$ rifle?  I can sort of understand hunting optics….a good scope could make the difference between tagging out or not.

When it comes to pistol optics for use only at the range…is there a general rule of thumb on how much to spend….like 1/2 the $$ spent on the pistol? 

So if say I spent $240 on the M&P…get a used vortex venom for about $100.

I know the venom is way “behind the curve” and battery life is like 150hrs …..but that is still like 30-40 trips to the range….and it has a life time warranty.

Later I can get a used Holosun or a better used Vortex….and throw the venom on the G20….or sell it for like $80

I have noticed reviews on some of the optics from lessor known brands like Canik, Cyelee and Swampfox….in the 110-170 range.   But I rather get an “obsolete” Vortex because of the warranty…..cause I feel rds only have a finite life span due to all the recoil….its gonna eventually die….just a matter of when

Are pistol optics similar to the rule of thumb for hunting optics? $$ scope = $$ rifle?  I can sort of understand hunting optics….a good scope could make the difference between tagging out or not.

When it comes to pistol optics for use only at the range…is there a general rule of thumb on how much to spend….like 1/2 the $$ spent on the pistol? 

That is a bad mindset.

You get something based on your needs.  Or at least the closest thing you can with your budget.

That’s part of it.  I don’t feel like I need a red dot….it is more like a phase…to experiment with pistol red dots.

At this time, I only plan on putting red dots on pistols used at the range.   I just want a relatively dependable rds for fun at the pistol range a few times each year.  It may change after using a pistol with a rds

Thanks everyone for your input!  I’m hoping that someone will give me a good reason to justify spending 350 on a Holosun vulcan acss with a 250moa circle instead of $100 on an obsolete vortex venom

We could probably afford a Lexus but being pake has cursed me to drive a 2nd hand 2000 crv that  we cockaroached from my daughter when she moved to the east coast.  We don’t even own a 2nd car….that’s true pake.

A RDS is not an investment. I'm 1000% pake and some things are not investments that I look at for a financial return. A Dewalt heat gun or driver I buy to use - not look at to sell at a later date. Shares in a company = Yes.
The price differences between the Holosun and proven RDS are small.
i.e. https://www.ar15.com/deals/deal.html?did=7033

Dang.   I ordered a Holosun last night.

Get an Aimpoint, Trijicon. Proven. Avoid HorroSun

"my eyes are slant, get over it".

My gun philosophy is that if I spend $X on Y product, is this the best value for my buck. As in for the same price, there isn't a better product out there.  Then does double the price mean double the value/performance.

This is why I have Holosun on my pistol. It was like $300 IIRC. Trijicon RMR was almost double. So my thought was

1) I don't shoot daily or as often as other instructors on youtube do who have Trijicons. So I don't need the ruggedness of it.

2) I'm not a cop who has a high chance of needing the ruggedness of a Trijicon.

3) I got the 507K. I like that it has a rear notch in it, so I don't have to buy surpressor sights (extra cost).

4) If it does break and not under warranty, then I can buy another one and still be about the price of a Trijicon. There is no way of knowing that the Trijicon wouldn't break in some way either.


CHeck the RDS thread.  Good XP info there.

Are pistol optics similar to the rule of thumb for hunting optics? $$ scope = $$ rifle?  I can sort of understand hunting optics….a good scope could make the difference between tagging out or not.

When it comes to pistol optics for use only at the range…is there a general rule of thumb on how much to spend….like 1/2 the $$ spent on the pistol? 

So if say I spent $240 on the M&P…get a used vortex venom for about $100.

The price of optics are based on quality (clarity, brightness, accuracy, ability to retain zero, ruggedness, features) and competition. 

Would you put a $100 optic on a Ruger .22LR target pistol?  Sure since the forces created by the pistol are pretty light.

Would you put that $100 optic on a 9mm Sig P320?  Not sure it's designed or manufactured for the recoil that pistol creates.

Would you use it for competitions on your Glock .45ACP?  I doubt it.

The price of the pistol was what you paid to meet your needs.  If it's just a range toy, you probably paid toward the low end.  If it's for CCW and HD, you probably pick something above that.  You need to pick your optic the same way regardless of what you paid for the pistol. 

Would you put a $1000 optic on a Ruger 10/22 .22LR rifle?  That would be overkill for the range, recoil and application a .22LR needs.  Same for the pistol.

Pistol optics are holographic, just like an AR red dot.  That alone means it's not going to be inexpensive.  But, the size of the dot, the color of the dot, the brightness, and the clarity are what most people compare when shopping for one.  After that, it needs to be compatible with the firearm you choose.  Rugged enough to handle the slide movements at the force generated by the caliber ammo.

I consider optics similar to how I see computer monitors.  You might need to upgrade your computer, but the monitor is usually the one thing you keep between 1,2,3 or more PCs.  That's why I get the size, image quality, features and brand name I can afford so I know I'll be happy with it for many years no matter what it's connected to.

So, look at it as a long term purchase.  Get what you know you will want to keep for many years.  Otherwise you'll be shopping for a replacement as soon as you find a reason to no longer like it.

My understanding is the Venom and similar generation RDS are crap.  No personal experience, but have seen many fail.  As well as I was looking into trying one for PCC as offset and read a lot of bad reviews/experiences. 

I've heard good things about Cylee.  No desire to buy one, but heard good things from folks that got sent them for evaluation. 

I get cost and relative use.  It's your (the individual's money).  However, consider how much fun a range session is when the RDS, or anything craps out, is unreliable, questionable, etc.  Personally, that drives me bonkers.  I've also tried to help folks zero, problem solve, etc cheaper equipment (like NCStar scope).  I mean up to the person on what they buy, their money.  However, when folks try to rationalize "just as good as", and proceed with buying cheaper and have track record of questionable quality/reliability and complain about the experience later is   

Personally, I don't want to deal with the headaches, or doubt in gear.  It sometimes comes with a $$$ premium, but my personal choice on balance. 

For pistol RDS, I'd have to check, but I think I now have more Holosun than others.  I used to be exclusively RMR, but no longer have any. 

.  However, when folks try to rationalize "just as good as", and proceed with buying cheaper and have track record of questionable quality/reliability and complain about the experience later is   

They haven't attained the guud enuff level that's why.

They haven't attained the guud enuff level that's why.

Ya, everyone should aspire to that level. . .

"my eyes are slant, get over it".

thats what you get from broken pararrax CHYNA optics. now pour some Robitussin on them and walk it off.
if you want slant eyes buy CHYNA optics. For horizontal eyes buy US, Japan, PI or Euro optics.