[Sniperfox]

I am looking to add a red dot sight to my Socom16's rail that won't bend my wallet too bad. I've seen optic set ups on some Socoms that had to be expensive. Any suggestions from members that have done sit-ups on theirs?

 

[cma_g21]

Inexpensive options:

Primary Arms Micro Dot

https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary-Arms-Micro-Dot-With-Fixed-Base-p/md-07.htm


Vortex StrikeFire

http://www.opticsplanet.com/vortex-...=bing&ef_id=UgfPrwAAAAKm8Cmy:20131024164709:s

http://www.amazon.com/Vortex®-StrikeFire-Rifle-Scope-Suitable/dp/B001Q8GEWS


Better (IMHO), but more expensive, option:

Aimpoint PRO

https://www.primaryarms.com/Aimpoint-PRO-Patrol-Rifle-Optic-p/12841.htm

http://www.aimsurplus.com/product.a...O+Patrol+Rifle+Optic+Red+Dot+Sight&groupid=84

Edited to add:

I haven't used any of these on a .308. I have the PA Micro on an AK, and the Aimpoint PRO on an AR. My brother-in-law has the Strikefire on his much abused AR. All have held up well, but none of these guns generates the recoil of a short barreled .308.

On my .308's I use Leupold 1-4 scopes.

I know you're looking for a red dot, but this might be worth a look (1-6 variable with lighted reticle):

https://www.primaryarms.com/Primary-Arms-1-6X-Scope-with-ACSS-Reticle-p/pa1-6xrbd.htm



.

 

[Sniperfox]

Is that a scout type scope? Mounted that far forward, it would need to be.

 

[cma_g21]

Is that a scout type scope? Mounted that far forward, it would need to be.

Sorry, it's not a scout scope. I'm not sure there are any scout (or pistol) scopes of that type, in that price range.

I have pistol scopes mounted on Eotech rails on my Mini-14's, and they do help at longer ranges - especially with my eyes. But, they are not as fast as a red dot at close range. They also lack the low light capabilities of a red dot.

If you do plan on ever taking advantage of the longer range capabilities on the .308, you might want to consider getting a red dot sight with a small dot (2 MOA), rather than one of the large (4 or 5 MOA) dots. At 300 yards a 5 MOA dot would cover a area of about 15 inches in diameter (20" at 400 yards, 25" at 500 yards, etc.).

The do make flip up magnifiers for the red dots, but all the ones I've seen are designed to use on AR's, and probably sit higher above the rail than you'd want on an M1A. They also sit between the red dot and your eye, and magnify the dot as well as the target.

The Vortex Strikefire has a screw in 2x magnifier, but comes with a 4 MOA dot.

If you can find one used (as they're no longer made) an Aimpoint CompML2 2X might be worth looking at. The 2x magnifier is part of the sealed unit, and is placed beyond the 2 MOA dot.

 

[Docs_S]

I know this is an old thread, but I found two new possibilities from Vortex. I went with their new Venom III reflex sight. The range time this afternoon will show if it was a good idea. They've also just released a Crossfire II 2-7X32 Scout Scope (9.25" of eye relief). I might pick that up along with a quick-release mount to play with. I'll send up a report on the reflex sight after I get it zeroed in today.

 

[Sniperfox]

Cool. I'll be looking forward to your next post. Post some pics too.