Which model of each brand would you recommend for an AR9 fun gun/wife's home defense/varmint gun? If I were going all out I'd get an Aimpont PRO but I feel like that'd be overkill for the situation.

I don't have a Vortex. But this PA RDS has been on my SBR for around a year & half. With it turned on. No issues.

http://www.primaryarms.com/pri...-battery-life-md-ads

That's one I've looked at recently. How's the co witness with irons?

I own both the Primary Arms Red Dot Sight, and the Vortex Sparc II . Both can be had for about $200, each.

On average the Vortex offering is roughly 20% more expensive, but worth it. An extra $40 gets you far better optics, a kick ass warranty, and I believe, a better all around build quality.

My PA unit has been relegated to .22 pistol duty, and the VS unit remains on my 9mm subgun.

There is, hands down, really no choice. Get the Vortex Spark II, and don't look back.

H&K-Guy

I don't have a red dot...but I do have two Vortex Spitfire illuminated etched reticle scopes, one 1X and one 3x...I am very impressed with these two Vortex products I have on two of my ARs. I wish I could use red dots, but my eyes are so bad the dot really looks weird. IF I did buy an "affordable" red dot, I would purchase a Vortex biased on my personal satisfaction with the brand and reviews of their customer service and warrantee (truthfully, PA also has good reviews)...

If I could use a red dot...I would have already ordered this deal from PSA...

http://palmettostatearmory.com...-30rd-magazines.html

I'm not sure how one can ever feel there is overkill on a gun that has "home defense" in its job description. Get the aimpoint.

I've got a Sparc II on an AR pistol and it works fine, no issues.

quote:

Originally posted by hrcjon:
I'm not sure how one can ever feel there is overkill on a gun that has "home defense" in its job description. Get the aimpoint.

I agree. Don't go cheap on a home defense gun.

I have a PA MD-ADS on a build and would trust it for a HD role based on the reviews, torture test and my personal experience with it.

quote:

Originally posted by 2Adefender:

quote:

Originally posted by hrcjon:
I'm not sure how one can ever feel there is overkill on a gun that has "home defense" in its job description. Get the aimpoint.

I agree. Don't go cheap on a home defense gun.

This. No, seriously. Vortex makes a nice toy. When they have millions in the field with a decade of testing behind them I'll think about one on my home defence gun.

I just bought a Vortex Sparc II from Optics planet $159.00 w/free shipping Military/LEO/Veteran discount. That is 40% off MSRP.

It will sit on my Bushmaster XM15 heavy barrel, with the carry handle removed.

I have heard lots of good reviews, especially at this price point.

For my last build, I picked up an AT3 Tactical RD-50 from Amazon for about $80 bucks with mount. It's a really good sight for the money. Easy to sight in, looks and feels robust. 50k battery life. I'll definitely get a few more.

Aim point pro is on sale at OpticsPlanet for $371 with code wlred. Or Romeo 5 for $131. Hard to beat them at those prices.