dobeman 2 Posted April 26, 2010 Report Share Posted April 26, 2010 I have a Saiga 7.62x39 and 223. Was thinking of a quick disconnect type mount where I could move a red dot between the two (yes I am a cheap b*&$ard ). On the topic of the red dot, any suggestions for a decent budget unit? I'm not looking for China T1 clone. I've read some of the Bushnell Trophy models are decent in the $150 price range. Any others? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SaigaNoobie 66 Posted April 26, 2010 Report Share Posted April 26, 2010 Burris Fastfire2. Brand new is $200. Light, can mount it close on the UTG side-rail mount. It's what I use on my competition rifle. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sapper1371usmc 107 Posted April 26, 2010 Report Share Posted April 26, 2010 Look into Vortex Optics. They have two RDS, the strikefire and the sparc. Both are reasonably priced and offer a lifetime warranty. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BrutalGardener 205 Posted April 26, 2010 Report Share Posted April 26, 2010 (edited) TruGlo one are OK and have lifetime warranty. Russian PK-A are a good choice too. Edited April 26, 2010 by SpetsnazGRU Quote Link to post Share on other sites
n102788 6 Posted April 26, 2010 Report Share Posted April 26, 2010 People like to get things right away including myself, but i finally saved up enough money a little while back and bought an eotech. I recommend saving up money and getting a real nice optic like an eotech, aimpoint, trijicon etc. In the long run you will be better off. Also the resale value will be better with the higher shelf items if you decide to go another route later on. I've heard great things about the vortex though and if i wasnt going to save thats what i would of got. just my 2cents Quote Link to post Share on other sites
paprotective 362 Posted April 26, 2010 Report Share Posted April 26, 2010 I got a Bushnell Trophy RD for $66 from opticsplanet.. Search there they have most models there. They are CHEAP. They also have the UTG 978 quick detach mount for $35. Includes FREE shipping from there also for almost everything. Hope this helps. Albert Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sapper1371usmc 107 Posted April 26, 2010 Report Share Posted April 26, 2010 You can also look into the Lucid HD7. It has been getting some pretty good reviews on several forums. I believe the company also offers a lifetime warranty. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sapper1371usmc 107 Posted April 26, 2010 Report Share Posted April 26, 2010 I used to have a PK-AS RDS that I had mounted on my SGL-21. I liked it. It was clear, held zero, adjustable brightness settings, and looked as if it came with the weapon. Unfortunately, I had to sell it along with the SGL due to financial issues. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dobeman 2 Posted April 26, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 26, 2010 Lucid HD7 is looking pretty strong... so regarding attachment, if a unit attaches to a weaver rail, all I need is to buy one of the rail bracket thingies that attaches to the Saiga side rail, right? then just attach the optic unit to the rail. Some of the optics units require rings. From what I can tell, the HD7 does not. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
loki0629 55 Posted April 26, 2010 Report Share Posted April 26, 2010 You can also look into the Lucid HD7. It has been getting some pretty good reviews on several forums. I believe the company also offers a lifetime warranty. That looks like some pretty interesting gear. I really like how the elevation and windage knobs are readily adjustable without having to remove the cover and then use a coin/screwdriver/fingernail, etc. The only reservation I have is the height. Might be a good candidate to mate up with the TWS dogleg rail though. Regardless, thanks for mentioning this! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MrCustomAK 0 Posted April 29, 2010 Report Share Posted April 29, 2010 Check out Primary Arms at www.primaryarms.com. They are great guys to deal with, fast shipping and they have some very good, resonably priced stand alone red dots or red dot combos for different weapons. I have their Gen 1 micro dot and Ultimak rail on a Romy AK and I am waiting on my Saiga to arrive so I can order another Ultimak/Micro dot combo from them. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dobeman 2 Posted April 30, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 30, 2010 I've ordered a Vortex Strikefire. Has gotten good reviews. Good warranty. Decent price for the features. So we'll see. Thanks for the comments everyone. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Nailbomb 10,221 Posted April 30, 2010 Report Share Posted April 30, 2010 I bought a Strikefire for my S-12 with the AR BUIS. SOPMOD did a great write up on it a while back, vortex can accredit him to being a good advertisement for them. I doubt I would have looked twice at them if it were not for that. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bobsolla 7 Posted April 30, 2010 Report Share Posted April 30, 2010 just got the vortex strikefire green/red dot!very nice!has a 2x multiplier!looks great!have on a beryl mount. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bobsolla 7 Posted April 30, 2010 Report Share Posted April 30, 2010 sorry,forget to add picture! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
davswn1986 7 Posted April 30, 2010 Report Share Posted April 30, 2010 I have a Saiga 7.62x39 and 223. Was thinking of a quick disconnect type mount where I could move a red dot between the two (yes I am a cheap b*&$ard ). On the topic of the red dot, any suggestions for a decent budget unit? I'm not looking for China T1 clone. I've read some of the Bushnell Trophy models are decent in the $150 price range. Any others? I have a bushnell trophy on mine. I love it! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
skyx39 2 Posted May 1, 2010 Report Share Posted May 1, 2010 Careful on how cheap you go if your AK is a "battle weapon". I took a High Risk Operators course last winter in Prescott, AZ. It rained and snowed on us. There were a few different optics on AK's. The cheaper ones didn't make it. One of the Burris red dots had its glass crack, and both Aimpoint Micro knockoffs got moisture in them and stopped working. There were a few genuine Aimpoint Micros, and none of them had any issues. I used a Russian designed PK-AS red dot and it had zero problems as well. The Aimpoints aren't cheap, but the PK-AS is reasonably priced. I bought mine for around $340 with shipping from Belarus. It's only drawback is weight. it sits on the side rail and holds zero when taken off. It has a bullet drop dial, and I was able to get it set up so that I could switch it between my SGL-31 and SGL-21 with a turn of the dial. I was able to save up some bones for an Aimpoint, and am selling my PK-AS for a little more than the cheapo red dots go for. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Qmusn 0 Posted May 10, 2010 Report Share Posted May 10, 2010 sorry,forget to add picture! I notice that you have a foregrip/bipod on your rifle.. How do you like it? I'm thinking of getting one but they are a little pricey. Great looking rifle!!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Phoenix7.62 1 Posted May 17, 2010 Report Share Posted May 17, 2010 been looking at this one (red dot/laser combo) Sightmark Laser Dual Shot Reflex Sight Anyone have any thoughts or experience with it? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cobravenom39 17 Posted May 17, 2010 Report Share Posted May 17, 2010 been looking at this one (red dot/laser combo) Sightmark Laser Dual Shot Reflex Sight Anyone have any thoughts or experience with it? Please do not purchase that. It is a particular type of design used by chinese red dots and they are worthless. It WILL NOT HOLD zero for a significant time period. If you buy that, you're just adding $75 dollars to the cost of an aimpoint or Eotech. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Phoenix7.62 1 Posted May 19, 2010 Report Share Posted May 19, 2010 (edited) been looking at this one (red dot/laser combo) Sightmark Laser Dual Shot Reflex Sight Anyone have any thoughts or experience with it? Please do not purchase that. It is a particular type of design used by chinese red dots and they are worthless. It WILL NOT HOLD zero for a significant time period. If you buy that, you're just adding $75 dollars to the cost of an aimpoint or Eotech. Looked at the reviews and they seem to agree with you...I"ll look into the ones you mentioned. Thanks for the heads up. after a quick search.....Is there a sub $200 (closer to $150?) red dot that won't fall apart? $400+ (600+ fpr aimpoints) for a rifle that cost around $350 seems like quite an investment. Is it the norm to buy such high-end sights for a low-end rifle (cost-wise). Edited May 19, 2010 by Phoenix7.62 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wnycollector 4 Posted May 20, 2010 Report Share Posted May 20, 2010 A buddy of mine has had an Ultradot 30mm red dot on his Mini-14 for ~1.5 years. He has easily put 2000 rounds through his rifle w/o the ultradot having a problem. They run ~$130-140. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bohound 281 Posted May 20, 2010 Report Share Posted May 20, 2010 Careful on how cheap you go if your AK is a "battle weapon". I took a High Risk Operators course last winter in Prescott, AZ. It rained and snowed on us. There were a few different optics on AK's. The cheaper ones didn't make it. One of the Burris red dots had its glass crack, and both Aimpoint Micro knockoffs got moisture in them and stopped working. There were a few genuine Aimpoint Micros, and none of them had any issues. I used a Russian designed PK-AS red dot and it had zero problems as well. The Aimpoints aren't cheap, but the PK-AS is reasonably priced. I bought mine for around $340 with shipping from Belarus. It's only drawback is weight. it sits on the side rail and holds zero when taken off. It has a bullet drop dial, and I was able to get it set up so that I could switch it between my SGL-31 and SGL-21 with a turn of the dial. I was able to save up some bones for an Aimpoint, and am selling my PK-AS for a little more than the cheapo red dots go for. I'm wondering which to buy based on this very issue... I tend to run my rifle in any and ALL conditions. Right now I have an EOTech on a UTG quad rail, but I'm pretty much set on an Ultimak because I'm not using any but the top rail. I'm totally sold on the "scout" mount configuration, but not on the bulky EOTech... That's probably going to go on my new shotty, assuming I can find a reasonable "micro" sight. That said, I can't really justify spending big bucks for a new red dot when I've got a perfectly functional and reliable "top shelf" sight now. I've also heard bad things about sustained fire and Ultimaks heating up and frying EOTech's. The hubby was a Marine, and drilled into me that "anything worth killing is worth killing twice", or "ammo is cheap compared to your life". Needless to say, I put a lot of lead down range pretty quick like... My barrell and gas tube get HOT! Is there an all weather, reliable, decently priced alternative? It has GOT to be truly all weather, compact, and hold zero... Otherwise the switch wouldn't even be worth it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GregM1 241 Posted May 22, 2010 Report Share Posted May 22, 2010 I have been keeping an eye on this thread, as I am interested in a red dot also. I have the BP-02 mount and am interested in a rail mount red dot. Has anyone tried one of the Nayvis 34 Red Dot from kalinka? I have looked for some reviews online and the few I have found were favorable. Some called it a "lightweight kobra" What are some other rail mount red dots I should be willing to consider? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Klassy Kalashnikov 1,393 Posted May 23, 2010 Report Share Posted May 23, 2010 I have been keeping an eye on this thread, as I am interested in a red dot also. I have the BP-02 mount and am interested in a rail mount red dot. Has anyone tried one of the Nayvis 34 Red Dot from kalinka? I have looked for some reviews online and the few I have found were favorable. Some called it a "lightweight kobra" What are some other rail mount red dots I should be willing to consider? I'm watching as well now. I just bought a BP-02 side mount. Previously, I was running a Bushnell TRS-25 on an Ultimak rail. Absolutely loved the combo as I do tons and tons of rapid fire, I melted my rail cover off and the TRS-25 was fine. Last range trip we put probably 400 rounds through the gun in an hour/hour and a half, smoking hot, my brother couldn't even hold the gun anymore it was so hot (I wear gloves when I shoot this one) and the Bushnell has done great. Unfortunately I'm shooting corrosive now, and have to remove the tube to clean the gas block, so Ultimak is a no-go. I am hoping the TRS-25 is good mounted rearwards, but I am afraid it might be too small of a screen to have that far back. If so I'm looking at a Burris Fastfire II as I can't seem to find anything else under $200-250 that looks as good. Hopefully there is, as I'd like something low enough to co-witness as well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
GregM1 241 Posted May 23, 2010 Report Share Posted May 23, 2010 I'm watching as well now. I just bought a BP-02 side mount. Good choice. What type did you get? I found an original style on GB for cheap about 6 months ago. It is one of the camo ones. I dont know if I will paint it or the red dot. I am hoping the TRS-25 is good mounted rearwards, but I am afraid it might be too small of a screen to have that far back. If so I'm looking at a Burris Fastfire II as I can't seem to find anything else under $200-250 that looks as good. Hopefully there is, as I'd like something low enough to co-witness as well. Is the screen on the TRS a 30mm? I am considering the Nayvis since I am not a heavy shooter, but a few times a month lately. It looks to have a large enough screen. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Klassy Kalashnikov 1,393 Posted May 23, 2010 Report Share Posted May 23, 2010 I'm watching as well now. I just bought a BP-02 side mount. Good choice. What type did you get? I found an original style on GB for cheap about 6 months ago. It is one of the camo ones. I dont know if I will paint it or the red dot. I am hoping the TRS-25 is good mounted rearwards, but I am afraid it might be too small of a screen to have that far back. If so I'm looking at a Burris Fastfire II as I can't seem to find anything else under $200-250 that looks as good. Hopefully there is, as I'd like something low enough to co-witness as well. Is the screen on the TRS a 30mm? I am considering the Nayvis since I am not a heavy shooter, but a few times a month lately. It looks to have a large enough screen. I got the one off Kalinka. It should be here by Tuesday, can't wait to try the setup. The Nayvis looks nice. The TRS-25 is 3 MOA with a 25mm screen. I love this little thing, really hoping it works good on a side mount. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Klassy Kalashnikov 1,393 Posted May 26, 2010 Report Share Posted May 26, 2010 Well, unfortunately I had to take the Ultimak off the 5.45. It was getting too hard for me to clean the gas block from corrosive ammo without removing it. Anyways, I tried out the BP-02 side mount. Since a few people were asking me about red dot lately I figured I would take some pics and share. First off, it's too high to co-witness but I was expecting that since a few told me. It's bore centered, and maybe like 1/4" or so above the dust cover. Very low profile and it seems well built. I don't mind not being able to co witness as it does quick detach and retain zero, so I still have quick access to the iron sights if needed. I was also a little worried that I might need a new red dot, as this one might not feel right in back, but I'm happy to report that it goes on fine and has a good field of view in back. One of the corners is obstructed by the reflector, which was not a problem in front as the right sight covered the bottom 1/3 of it anyway in front. However it's not too bad, and will be fine for now I think. Maybe in a couple months I'll have some cash for a FastFire II or something. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bohound 281 Posted May 26, 2010 Report Share Posted May 26, 2010 Unfortunately I'm shooting corrosive now, and have to remove the tube to clean the gas block, so Ultimak is a no-go. I am hoping the TRS-25 is good mounted rearwards, but I am afraid it might be too small of a screen to have that far back. If so I'm looking at a Burris Fastfire II as I can't seem to find anything else under $200-250 that looks as good. Hopefully there is, as I'd like something low enough to co-witness as well. Dibs on that TRS unit if you go with something else! I won't miss the boat THIS time! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Klassy Kalashnikov 1,393 Posted May 26, 2010 Report Share Posted May 26, 2010 (edited) Unfortunately I'm shooting corrosive now, and have to remove the tube to clean the gas block, so Ultimak is a no-go. I am hoping the TRS-25 is good mounted rearwards, but I am afraid it might be too small of a screen to have that far back. If so I'm looking at a Burris Fastfire II as I can't seem to find anything else under $200-250 that looks as good. Hopefully there is, as I'd like something low enough to co-witness as well. Dibs on that TRS unit if you go with something else! I won't miss the boat THIS time! Roger that If I end up getting a different red dot I will PM you. It's a great red dot, I love this one. Edited May 26, 2010 by Klassy Kalashnikov Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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