Good enough red dot

I have, essentially, a 9mm carbine. It has a full mono rail and I feel a good red dot system will be the best option. I'm fairly certain I prefer the Aimpoint type and not the Eotech type. The problem is I can't really afford either.

So what is a good alternative to the Aimpoint?
I'm willing to pay up to an absolute max of $200 for the red dot and mounting system. I know you have to pay some money in order to aovoid getting carp like ncstar. After all, it has to hadle a moderate amoutn of recoil.
Here are the 2 front runners from what I've found looking around, but I don't have any experience with either. Honestly, i don't have much experience with red dots in general.
http://swfa.com/Vortex-StrikeFire-Red-Dot-Sights-C1462.aspx

http://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Optics-TRS-32-Riflescope-Tactical/dp/B00ABP3XNU

I think I'm leaniong one way biut I want to know what other peopl's thoughts are. Any thoughts, experiences or opinions are appreciated.

I've picked up two used UltraDots from Ebay. Once's in decent condition, the other is more beat up. But they both work perfectly. I think UltraDot is the class of the field in the niche you describe.

I bought a Vortex strikefire for my Mini-14 and have been very happy with it. It came with high rings for mounting on an AR platform. On the Mini, this made it difficult to get a good cheek weld. It worked okay...but I didn't like how it felt.

I bought a low ring from vortex to replace the high ring and that made a world of difference. Holds zero, clear sight picture. The red dot is a little large for any distance/precision shooting but for defensive use and fast target acquisition inside of 50 yds it is just about perfect.

I've used an aimpoint on my service M-4 and don't really see any benefit for the large price difference. Plus, the vortex comes with flip up lense caps and a magnifier. I don't really care for the magnifier but it serves its purpose well enough.

They have a Bushnell at Wal-mart that looks like an Acog.$179. I have not used one but thought about trying it.

I've never heard of Ultradot. What kind of rifle do you have it on?

Get you a $ 40 fake eotech on ebay made in china! My buddy has one. Looks like the real deal!

However looks good from far...and far from good!

Vortex SPARC

http://www.ultradotusa.com

I have the beat up one on my 10 ga BPS:

http://www.texashuntingforum.com/forum/u...dle#Post4176936

I used to have the second one on my .500 S&W BFR, but a 2-7x is better for load testing and shooting groups. It will find its way onto another rifle in the not too distant future.

Here is one


http://tacticalgunreview.com/blog/2013/0...nd-laser-sight/

You need to be looking at Primary Arms

I got an Ultradot on a mini 14 tactical....great for hogs, just over 100$ for mine and well worth it, got it thru Midway USA.

Check out the Bushnell TRS-25. VERY good quality & priced well under $200.00 with mount.

https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary_Arms_30mm_Red_Dot_p/primary-arms-30mm-red-dot.htm

Did you read the comments under that article?

Yeah
They are responding to the contest in my signature below!

Whoever comes up with the most ludicrous testimonial wins a Redfield Counterstrike!

Just a fun contest we are running with Leupold.

I've got an NCStar scope I use for pig hunting on my AR. I've taken it on and off several times (two scopes for two loads) and it always returns to zero. I bounces around in the truck, sits across my lap bouncing around on the ATV and I've knocked the gun over a couple of times banging the scope around. It's held up. Surprised me, but it's still there and pointing straight.

I'm looking at this one, not because of the zombie motif,
but I do like the green reticles.

http://www.amazon.com/Sightmark-Ultra-Z-Series-Reflex-Sight/dp/B008PEKA9O/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

do any of these work like the E.O. Tech?? where dot dosnt have to be centered??

Could be wrong but i dont think so. Except the Bushnell version of Eotech

The Vortex strikefire does. Wherever the red dot is the bullet goes. Doesn't have to be centered in the scope.

x2 on the Primary Arms red dot. Best for the price and reliability. I have beat mine to all hell and it keeps on kicking.

Is the Vortex SPARC the same as well??

Don't know. Never looked at one.

Have a Vortex Strikefire and am happy with it.
Check with Skylar and SWFA for a good deal.

I'm using one on my AR as well. It was reasonably priced and accurate enough for what I wanted it to do.

I've had the Primary Arms and the Bushnell TRS-25, both are extremely good optics for the money. I wouldn't hesitate to put either one on any intermediate caliber weapon.

You might also want to check out Vortex's Sparc. Great little red dot for the money.

http://swfa.com/Vortex-SPARC-Red-Dot-Sight-P44621.aspx

Well, in case anyone is wondering, I was able to get a Vortex Strikefire from my friend who wants to upgrade to Eotech.
Thanks for all the feedback folks.

I just purchased a Primary Arms micro dot. They've been out of stock for a while lately. A co-worker has signed up for their email listing twice and both times they were sold out pretty soon afterwards as he missed out on both times. A few hours ago I just took a quick skim over their site to see if they might have them in stock. Sure enough they did. It was right around 100 which includes shipping/tax and the UTG mount.

I've heard very solid reviews on it and can't wait to receive it.