Folks, my tacti-cool M1 carbine with forward rail and Choate pistol grip stock is a joy to shoot. I got it in 2013 as a completely re-sprung and re-parkerized mixmaster shooter. Flawless fun.

But, the optic I have on it is dated. From 2013. A first generation Vortex SPARC. Small window, blue-ish, and for the small window, a bit big. To its credit, it has been rock-solid and held zero for 8 years.

I'm thinking of an upgraded red dot, 2 MOA or so, tube or reflex. I have a Holosun 510 for my Ruger Deerfield, and I'm very impressed. But it is a tad big for the slight M1 carbine. I'd need a low mount, and quick-release is NOT necessary. Ideally, I'd like something a little bigger glass-wise, but compact. Budget-wise, I think up to $300 is about right for a range toy.

Suggestiions?

For that budget, you might take a look at Primary Arms.

Yeah, for $300, you're looking at something like a Primary Arms micro red dot or a newer generation Vortex Sparc.

For a bit more ($500ish), you could get into an Trijicon MRO. That'll have a wider field of view than the various other micro red dots.

PSA has the Romeo 5 on sale for $129, I run it on my AK and it's held up well, clear glass good optics.

PAS Rome0 5

I'd go with one of the Vortex offerings for the unlimited lifetime warranty.

Thanks for input. I might go with a Holosun 503CU (20mm tube) with solar power, battery, and dot and circle reticule. Much more sleek than my old (old) Vortex SPARC. I really like that reticle on my bigger Holosun, and if it does not work out, I can just use the dot.

In fact, I just picked one up.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Batty67,