Red dot opinions

[HenryHammer]

I am thinking about using a red dot scope on my super 14 30-30 barrel for hunting whitetail and black bear. I would like some advice from those who have used them. I have only minimal experience with any red dot scopes, my FIL has one on a 20 gauge. Any advice about style or red dot size, etc. would be great. Thanks..Henry

[Ranger413]

Most will probably argue that you'll not be able to maximize your barrel's full potential with a red dot.  I'll probably agree with that for the most part.  As long as you limit the dot size, say 2 MOA or less you'll enjoy pretty much all of the accuracy you need.  I've owned an Ultradot 30mm and an EOTech.  The Ultradot was mounted on a .44 mag revolver and I could 1 1/2" at 50 yards with it.  That's all I was looking for out of that rig.  The EOTech was mounted on a 16" AR.  My best group with it was 1" at 100 yards. 

I think that's proof that you can print nice tight groups with a quality red dot.  They're not just only built for speed shooting.  Like I said, stick with a small dot size to maximize accuracy.  I like the 30mm or larger tubes as well for more field of view.  But, you also get the benefit of shooting with both eyes open. 

For your particular set up I'd go with the Ultradot 30 with the 2 MOA dot.  They run between $150 and $175 and include rings and other accesories. 

Good luck!

[Richard P]

The 'dots' work best on dark backgrounds or on overcast days.  The have a tendency (for me) to wash out on bright days.  It would be good for early mornings or at dusk.  Be sure to carry an extra battery or two.  I solved my problem by going to a Bushnell 1.75--4x shotgun type scope. 4x gives good magnification and I know the battery wont fail.  It may be lacking in parallax.  For short distance, I'll overlook that.

[mbopp]

I've used a 2X Leupold scope, a 1" tube red dot, and a reflex red dot (Bushnell Holosight) on my 14" 357 Herrett.
I find I prefer the reflex red dot. The downside is the short battery life and the fact that even on max brightness it'll wash out in bright sunlight. I may try a reflex sight with a green reticle next.

[asquires2]

Ive got a Fastfire on my NMSBH and my Tender 30.30 and so far I love them. I bought them for 50 to 75yrd shots in the thick stuff.

[Ladobe]

They have their place and lots of folks do like them... but not on any of my firearms.     

For handgun hunting especially I much prefer the TPC converging crosshair dot scopes.    They are every bit as fast for target acquisition as a red dot, they aim smaller, work well in any field condition (light, background, etc), and will stand up to the hardest recoiling handguns.   Sadly they are no longer made, but still come up for sale now and then.

IMO-YMMV