What red dot sight system do you recommend for hunting? My budget is $500-$600.00. Looking at Ecotech models but I am confused in what model to get. Can I add a magnifier later? if so, are most models compatible? Should I consider a different brand and get some magnification up front. I want to mount this on my R-15 223. I think this is turning into an addiction!

If you are looking at Eotech, here's my opinion. Stick to the models that use alkaline batteries, and your biggest decision from that point will be whether or not you want night vision capability. The magnifier can be added at any time. I would personally go with a standard rifle scope for hunting. You're right about the addiction - if you're not careful you'll end up like this guy.

My son, son-in-law and myself all have Bushmasters with the Eotech 552A65/1 on them. It works great and I would highly recommend it for anything under 100 yards. We use ours for hog hunting etc., and are completely happy with them.

The main difference between the 552 and the 512 is that the 552 is night vision compatible and costs about $100 more. Both are excellent in my opinion.

If your not going to use nv go with the 511 ! Great red dot !!

I'd look at the Aimpoints if I were you. Eotechs have a history and tendency to go tits up fairly regularly. Don't think I'm bashing them, I've got 5 Eotechs. I've also got several Aimpoints, one Aimpoint I leave on all the time. In fact that was 13 months ago, still going strong.

I've been to a few training classes with a well known instructor that drops his gun (every class to prove a point)from shoulder height onto concrete making it land Aimpoint first. I would try that with an Eotech...

Your batterys last 13 months !! Tell me where I can find them !!

i have a eotech 512 and really like it. have been thinking about a burris ar-332 for another ar rifle. it is a 3x red dot for about $300. looks to be pretty cool.

I shoot Eotech but only because when I was buying them I could not afford an Aimpoint. Dont get me wrong Eotechs are fine sights but there is just something about Aimpoints that make me all warm and fuzzy feeling inside. I am going to get an Aimpoint for my Larue whenever I save up enough money.

Walmart..
It's not the battery that matters, it's the device they're in. Aimpoint don't suck the batteries down nearly as bad as Eotechs do.

aimpoint t1 in larue mount, 640 dollars. but id seriously consider if you want no magnification. magnifiers arent cheap either

Eotech 512 if you arent gonna use Night Vision. A magnifier will run you more than $300 plus a mount to go with it. Those Aimpoints cost more by about another $100.

I have a EOTech 511 and I really like it except for having no magnification. Thinking about switching to a scope but the EOTech is great for up close hunting (under 100 yards)

Get yourself an Aimpoint M2 or ML2.

EoTechs, while decent, will still randomly crap out due to battery failure or electronic failure.

Just wanted to add that once while unloading a mag into a pack of hogs, my Eotch just shut off. It turned back on when I pushed the button, but it was still pretty frustrating. I guess the recoil caused it, but it was only on an AR.

There is not a battery made that can last for 13 months. Aimpoints Eotechs and most other good optics automaticlly shut off after a certain period of time. Its around 2 hours. Your red dot was not lit up for 13 months...

My Eotech does not have an automatic shut off. If it does it must be longer than 24 hours.

x2

http://www.aimpoint.com/products/technology

yes, they last that long. find me an aimpoint with auto shutoff, otherwise....

Hm, I stand corrected ! Thats a long dam time !!

You can find a used Aimpoint M2 or M3 for a reasonable price. They are so well built that they last forever, and yes, the batteries really do last that long (30,000-80,000 hours depending on the model!). Once you use one, you will be amazed at how fast you can get on target with one. With the Larue flip mount for a magnifier (not cheap), it makes a good combo...highly recomended.

Nice rifle Iskit.

Thanks. It's my first build. I never understood why people bought AR's. Then I built one and I'm hooked. They're a blast to shoot (no pun intended), and great varmint guns. Plus, it's fun to take the 1916 Enfield, the 1938 Mauser and the AR to the range...great conversation starters!

You should really research things before you run your suck about something you know nothing about...

testy testy testy...

Run my suck ?? What the hell is a suck you pompous azz ??