Pairing an AR15 rifle with the best red dot sight not only improves its accuracy but also makes target acquisition faster and more intuitive.
This article reviews some of the cheap red dot sights that work best with an AR-15. These sights set themselves apart from the competition by charging a lower price while preserving the dependability of more expensive ones.
Red Dot Sight for AR-15-Best Picks
| Red Dot Sight | Best Price | |
Vortex Optics SPARC AR |
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Swampfox Kingslayer 1x22mm Micro Reflex |
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SIG SAUER Romeo5 1x20mm Compact |
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Primary Arms CLxZ Gen 2 Micro Dot Sight |
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Feyachi RS-30 Reflex Sight
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Bushnell Trophy Series |
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STNGR Axiom II Red Dot Sight |
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The detailed reviews…
1. Vortex Optics SPARC Red Dot Sight
To start, this red dot sight comes in a compact package that is lightweight at just 0.47 lbs. This makes the control of your Ar15 easy when the sight is mounted because it doesn’t add any significant weight.
Additionally, the red dot has been built to be rugged because it features an all-aluminum construction, that helps it to withstand the most severe outdoor conditions, out in the field.
The 2MOA reticle it comes with is awesome and easy to point and shoot with it, moreover, it’s illuminated with 10 variable illumination settings that help the sight to be effective in any shooting condition.
The two lower levels of illumination on the reticle are compatible with night vision which is another added advantage for anyone who loves to shoot in the dark.
The lens of this sight is pretty decent, although not the best on the market but very valuable if you consider the price of just over $100.
Lastly, this red dot sight uses a single AAA battery that gives it proper longevity of around 50000 hours. This longevity makes it dependable that you can use it in a remote setting without any worry.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 22 mm
- Reticle: 2 MOA Dot
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA
- Dimensions: 2.9 x 1.09 x 1.08 in
- Weight: 7.5 oz
Pros
- Compact design
- value for money pricing
- Decent battery life
- Easy to install on an AR15
Cons
- Doesn’t feel as solid as more expensive rivals
2. Swampfox Kingslayer 1x22mm Micro Reflex Red Dot Sight
Not a big name in the line of optics but you can be sure this red dot sight will guarantee you great performance at an affordable price.
To start with it costs slightly more than $140 which makes it one of the best-priced alternatives. It is compact in design and lightweight also, so it is very easy to use when it’s mounted on your Ar15.
The mounting is versatile because its RMR-compatible meaning that it can work with a variety of calibers, on the pistol. Meanwhile, it comes with a low-profile 1913 Mil-Std Picatinny so it can be easily mounted on an Ar15 rifle.
What is unique on this reticle is that it comes with 3 different reticles that the shooter can choose depending on application and preference. One reticle is a red dot, the others are a red circle dot and a green circle dot.
All of these reticles, particularly those with a circle, provide quick target acquisition on both the initial shot and the follow-up shot. Meanwhile, they are illuminated with 10 levels of brightness, making them suitable for a variety of situations.
One disadvantage of this red dot is the battery’s short life span of only 1500 hours. However, the battery location is easily accessible, via a side-tray, making it simple to replace the CR1632 battery.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 22 mm
- Attachment/Mount Type: Picatinny
- Battery Type: CR1632
- Water Resistance Level: IPX-7
- Dimensions: 1.8 x1 x 1 in
- Weight: 1.3 oz
Pros
- 3 reticle options available
- Solid construction
- 1913 Mil-Std Picatinny mount ready
- Low-profile
Cons
- Auto powers down after 4 hours without shake awake
3. SIG SAUER Romeo5 1x20mm Compact Red Dot Sight
The Romeo5 is one of the most popular red dots on the market. One of the reasons for their popularity is the dependable performance and the affordable price of just slightly more than $120.
The 2MOA reticle complements the good optics that guarantee the shooter a clear image irrespective of the condition where the sight is being used. It comes with 10 illumination settings, for good visibility anytime.
The sight is easy to mount straight out of the box, using the Integrated M1913 Picatinny interface, and its best suited for the AR straight from the manufacturer. Moreover, the mount gives it a low profile which makes it easier to aim without any obstruction to the shooter.
Lastly, this is one of the most dependable red dot sights when it comes to longevity in the field and performance under adverse conditions. Longevity comes from the battery which can manage a life span up to 40000 hours.
This is aided by the motion activated illumination feature that only turns on the illumination after it senses motion. Meanwhile the sight comes with an IP67 waterproof rating, that allows it to survive even when immersed completely(up to 1 meter) in water
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 20 mm
- Reticle: 2 MOA Red Dot
- Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 MOA
- Optical Coating: HDX
- Attachment/Mount Type: MIL-STD 1913
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Dimensions: 62.7 x 38.1 x 38.6 mm
- Weight: 5.1 Oz.
Pros
- Motion activated illumination saves battery
- Integrated M1913 Picatinny interface
- Robust construction
- Minimal parallax
- Great lens for the price
Cons
- Not good for astigmatism
4. Primary Arms CLxZ Gen 2 Micro Dot Sight
This is a micro dot sight that will work for someone on a micro-budget. It costs less than $90, and it is compatible with the majority of rifles because it easily mounts on a Picatinny rail, using a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail mount. It does so while maintaining a low profile, though you can use a riser if you prefer.
What sets it apart, however, is the reputation of Primary arms which is well renowned for making good optics, fit to be used by law enforcement officers.
That’s not all, these optics are well-built, waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof. Although this red dot comes at a cheap price, not a lot has been compromised in terms of quality, the low price is the result of someone who is simply good at what they do.
The reticle is a 2MOA and the accuracy it’s able to give you, considering its price is outstanding. It’s illuminated with 12 levels of brightness for a clear view irrespective of the surrounding conditions.
The adjustment for windage and elevation is done via a knob located on the side. The turns are pretty responsive and you get solid feedback with every turn.
Lastly, the sight’s CR2032 battery won’t disappoint in the field because it will easily last you 1,000 hours. In addition, that battery is easily accessible from the side when replacement is due.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Reticle: 2 MOA Dot
- Adjustment Click Value: 1MOA
- Attachment/Mount Type: Picatinny
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Weight: 4.1 oz
Pros
- lightweight and portable
- Very affordable
- very bright red dot
- Easy to mount
- Carries a Low profile
Cons
- short battery life
5. Bushnell Trophy Series Red Dot Sight
This Bushnell Trophy series red dot, is one of the most popular red dot sights not only for its cheap price, under $100, but also because of its great performance, If you fancy peak accuracy and shooting in dim conditions. This is aided by the wide 35mm objective lens that lets in a significant amount of light
The reticle is a TRS-25 a 3MOA, which is unique when you consider the other options available on the market. It helps with fast target acquisition, and the 11 levels of brightness greatly help with adapting it to the surrounding conditions.
The scope has sturdy precision-engineered aluminum housing. The seams have been properly sealed with O-rings so it is waterproof. To add to that, the inside of the lens is purged with nitrogen to make it fogproof and to free it from moisture irrespective of the operating temp, whether severe warmth or cold.
Overall, you can never go wrong with this red dot if you desire something affordable. It ticks the majority of boxes without adding any amount to the price
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Reticle: 3 MOA
- Attachment/Mount Type: Picatinny
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Battery life: 5000+ hours
- Weight: 3.7 oz
Pros
- Rugged construction
- Value for money pricing
- Plenty of contrast
- Great lens for the price
- Excellent battery life
Cons
- Doesn’t mount as easily as most competition
6. STNGR Axiom II Red Dot Sight
This is a less popular alternative so we cannot guarantee its long-term use because it hasn’t been in existence for that long. That being said the thing feels solid, and holds well when subjected to heavy recoil from many high-caliber rounds.
The housing is made of anodized aluminum, which is both durable and lightweight. The lens is scratch resistant, the sight is waterproof, shockproof, and fog proof.
Its performance is also outstanding which adds to the benefit of the cheap price of just over $100. Moreover, it is easy to attach using either a quick detach or a low-profile mount both included.
The image one gets from this red dot is crisp and sharp. This is thanks to a multi-coated lens, that reduces the amount of reflective loss, allowing optimal light to get through the lens.
The quality lens is paired with a 2MOA reticle, that’s bright red and is easy to align with the target. It Is also illuminated with 11 levels of brightness, the 2 lower levels being compatible with night vision
The STNGR Axiom has a side-mounted adjustment for windage and elevation. The dial is notched making it easy to make quick adjustments out in the field.
Lastly, the lithium battery guarantees you a useful life of not less than 60,000 hours.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Reticle: 2 MOA Dot
- Adjustment Click Value: 2 MOA
- Battery Type: Stand Alone Lithium
- IPX-7 Water Resistance Level:
- Dimensions: 2.5 x 1.7 x 2 in
- Weight: 3.8 oz
Pros
- Long-lasting battery
- Affordable pricing
- Included QB mount
- Compact
Cons
- Lacks an auto-shutoff feature
Buying a Red Dot Sight for Ar15
These are some of the characteristics a buyer should consider before buying a red dot sight.
Reticle– red dot sight comes with various designs for the reticle. A good design of the reticle makes it easy to use and works towards the accuracy of your shots. The choice of the reticle will however depend on the shooting conditions and preference of the shooter.
Mounting– Choose a red dot sight with a mounting option that is compatible with the rifle that you are using. Although some sights have more than one option for mounting, red dot sights typically come with a specific mount type.
Battery– The dot on the reticle is powered by a battery, which means that the longer you are able to use your sight will depend on the longevity of the battery. A good battery should also be easily accessible in case there is a need for it to be replaced.
Weight-when a red dot is lightweight it reduces the overall weight of the firearm meaning that you’ll have better control.
Price– typically, a pricier red dot will be better in performance compared to most cheaper ones but there are cheaper options that will still give the shooter great value. These are the sights that are included in this article.
CONCLUSION
At the end of this article, you’ll be familiar with the best cheap, or budget red dot sights for the Ar15 rifle. This is the most in-depth review and will help you, in a great way, to make your next buy. Meanwhile, there exist better performing, more expensive options, on the market and you can use the buying guide to also make a decision.
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