Low Light Red Dot
#133669
06/30/2013 1:57 PM
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mike.44
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I am looking for a red dot(reflex) for a handgun. This is for handgun hunting. My concern is I do not want the dot too bright in low light as that would wash out the target. On my lease I can even hunt hogs in the dark. I am not looking for night vision per se.....just don't want the dot too bright in low light. Have any of you done this and have any experience to share?
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: mike.44]
#133670
06/30/2013 2:27 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Whitworth
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Any of Ultradot's units have a brightness control from 1 through 10 for you to adjust accordingly. The LT is the only one that does not however adjusts itself according to conditions, and it is a really small dot at 1.5 moa.
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: Whitworth]
#133671
06/30/2013 2:36 PM
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mike.44
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: Whitworth]
#133672
06/30/2013 2:45 PM
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KRal
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Any of Ultradot's units have a brightness control from 1 through 10 for you to adjust accordingly. The LT is the only one that does not however adjusts itself according to conditions, and it is a really small dot at 1.5 moa. Max, have you had time to properly field test the LT? I'm interested in that 1.5moa. How well does the dot adjust to ambient light? Mike.44, I have the JPoint on my M97. You can't manually adjust the dot brightness, for it adjust automatically. From my experience with it, the worst times of the day for flaring is: at dawn and dusk dark. It's awesome after dark! If the sky is clear and bright, the sight stays adjusted for bright conditions, although where you're hunting, it's not.
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: KRal]
#133673
06/30/2013 2:49 PM
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mike.44
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Went to the Ultra Dot web sight. Says the l/t is 4moa dot. I think earlier ones may have been smaller.
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: mike.44]
#133675
06/30/2013 3:21 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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Went to the Ultra Dot web sight. Says the l/t is 4moa dot. I think earlier ones may have been smaller. I think they may have changed them, but may be wrong. The dot is tiny. I am trying to find the box it came in. But again, I don't think it is that critical unless you are planning really long shots on small targets, but if we are talking low-light, I am going to assume we are getting close to the animal.
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: KRal]
#133676
06/30/2013 3:23 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Whitworth
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Any of Ultradot's units have a brightness control from 1 through 10 for you to adjust accordingly. The LT is the only one that does not however adjusts itself according to conditions, and it is a really small dot at 1.5 moa. Max, have you had time to properly field test the LT? I'm interested in that 1.5moa. How well does the dot adjust to ambient light? Kim, I've started to. I have one mounted on my BFR in .500 JRH and so far it is holding up well. The L/T also adjusts itself to the conditions. So far I am really happy with it.
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: Whitworth]
#133678
06/30/2013 3:42 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
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s4s4u
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Any of Ultradot's units have a brightness control from 1 through 10 for you to adjust accordingly. Mine has 11 settings, and on the lowest I can shoot anything I can see, without any "flare" at all. Even in the dark of night, if you can "see" an object you can shoot it. Shooting with both eyes open is a plus, if not mandatory. The hardest part can be quickly finding the dot in the sight, because it may be hard to see the tube at times.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: s4s4u]
#133679
06/30/2013 3:55 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Whitworth
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Any of Ultradot's units have a brightness control from 1 through 10 for you to adjust accordingly. Mine has 11 settings, and on the lowest I can shoot anything I can see, without any "flare" at all. Even in the dark of night, if you can "see" an object you can shoot it. Shooting with both eyes open is a plus, if not mandatory. The hardest part can be quickly finding the dot in the sight, because it may be hard to see the tube at times. You're right, Rod, I stand corrected. There are 11 brightness settings.
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: Whitworth]
#133680
06/30/2013 4:57 PM
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s4s4u
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Any of Ultradot's units have a brightness control from 1 through 10 for you to adjust accordingly. Mine has 11 settings, and on the lowest I can shoot anything I can see, without any "flare" at all. Even in the dark of night, if you can "see" an object you can shoot it. Shooting with both eyes open is a plus, if not mandatory. The hardest part can be quickly finding the dot in the sight, because it may be hard to see the tube at times. You're right, Rod, I stand corrected. There are 11 brightness settings. No biggie Max. It's just that most of the time mine is on 11 so it stuck out in my head
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: s4s4u]
#133686
06/30/2013 7:11 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
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240
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Ultra Dot Match Dot is a great Red dot for low light, if your open to using a tube style red dot. You can manual reduce the brightness & dot size, which really helps for not washing out targets in low light.
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: 240]
#133687
06/30/2013 8:13 PM
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wapitirod
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the JPoint 4 Precision is made specifically for low light like you would find at an indoor range. The one thing I found out however about the JPoint is the lens is plastic so be careful when cleaning. I had one on my MKIII and even with the cover on it some action cleaner apparently got to the lens and ruined the sight. the worse news is unlike Leupold they won't do anything for you so the sight is junk now. I was told they are made in Europe so it's too difficult to get parts and no offer of a new one even at a prorated amount was given.
I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. John Wayne-The Shootist
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: wapitirod]
#133689
06/30/2013 8:26 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
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SChunter
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I have a 3.5 MOA DeltaPoint and have run it in low light and nighttime conditions - it does self-adjust and can be a touch too bright just before dark, but not to the point that I missed an opportunity.
I recently mounted a J-Point to a revolver that will get some play this season as well.
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: SChunter]
#133716
07/01/2013 7:34 AM
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mike.44
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So, it seems you all are opting for the tube as opposed to the reflex.....any particular reason?
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: mike.44]
#133718
07/01/2013 11:16 AM
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Whitworth
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So, it seems you all are opting for the tube as opposed to the reflex.....any particular reason? I think they're tougher, better protected. The lens isn't exposed to the elements and if you drop them, they will more likely survive in my experience. One of my Ultradots (an Ultradot 30) has taken a couple of 12-ft + spills from tree stands (only once was my fault!) and it didn't so much as budge zero.
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: Whitworth]
#133719
07/01/2013 11:49 AM
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I've been tempted by the smaller size of the JPoint size, but everytime I played with them inside Cabelas the floresent lights but a glare on the plastic screen, and have to adjust the position of the sight in my hand to find the dot. The tube style dots just seem to line up naturally for me. Im guessing if the sight was mounted on gun with a repeatable grip position maybe I could find the dot quicker. I gave up and bought the Aimpoint Micro tube style for its reduced size. Its nice but the Ultra Dot, is a third of the price, and you can adjust the dot size,
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: 240]
#133722
07/01/2013 1:12 PM
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Whitworth
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I've been tempted by the smaller size of the JPoint size, but everytime I played with them inside Cabelas the floresent lights but a glare on the plastic screen, and have to adjust the position of the sight in my hand to find the dot. The tube style dots just seem to line up naturally for me. Im guessing if the sight was mounted on gun with a repeatable grip position maybe I could find the dot quicker. I gave up and bought the Aimpoint Micro tube style for its reduced size. Its nice but the Ultra Dot, is a third of the price, and you can adjust the dot size, I would add that the Ultradots cost a lot less, but I am willing to bet they can take a beating better as well. I have thoroughly abused mine with very heavy, repeated recoil and they just keep going. Also, a lifetime warranty is nice!
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: mike.44]
#133724
07/01/2013 1:42 PM
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s4s4u
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So, it seems you all are opting for the tube as opposed to the reflex.....any particular reason? I use both, and both have their place. The reflex sights are conveniently small, but it can be a challenge finding the dot in a hurry. The tube gives your eye something to relate to so are much quicker to get on taret.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: s4s4u]
#133727
07/01/2013 1:56 PM
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mike.44
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It seems as if the tube sight would make it hard to "find" the animal in. That was my reason on looking at the reflex sight.
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: mike.44]
#133731
07/01/2013 2:46 PM
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Whitworth
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It seems as if the tube sight would make it hard to "find" the animal in. That was my reason on looking at the reflex sight. They're not actually. Both types take some familiarization, but the tube is almost natural to look through.
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: mike.44]
#133732
07/01/2013 3:08 PM
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s4s4u
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It seems as if the tube sight would make it hard to "find" the animal in. That was my reason on looking at the reflex sight. The key to using any red dot sight, and even low powered scopes, is to shoot with both eyes. You don't look into the tube, but rather through it. I have a trick I play on new shooters. I'll load a cylinder and shoot up one of our steel plates, and pass the gun around for all to do the same. I then cover the front lens of the UltraDot and ask them how many do they think I can hit that way. The puzzled looks on their faces don't even compare with their looks of astonishment after I ring that plate all six times ;-) The sight practically disappears, all you see is the dot.
Rod, too.
Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: s4s4u]
#133736
07/01/2013 4:41 PM
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Joined: Dec 2004
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Mark Hampton
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Like others have mentioned, I too have been pleased with the MatchDot II. I have it mounted on a Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter in .44 Mag. and it's an ideal sight for whitetail in the woods. Getting one for a Mark III specifically for squirrel hunting. The Ultra Dot has proven effective and I know I'll be getting more.
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: Mark Hampton]
#133737
07/01/2013 5:55 PM
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mike.44
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Thanks for the info guys.
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: mike.44]
#133742
07/01/2013 11:43 PM
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tradmark
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Ive had my ultradot for a few months and i love it. Its great and will accompany me to africa in a month. It has withstood almost a thousand full power 454 rounds without blinking
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: tradmark]
#133744
07/02/2013 12:15 AM
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Seasons44
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I shot my pig a few months back with the Ultra Dot LT on Whit's 500 JRH BFR really liked the dot size and had zero starburst effect. Don't think you could go wrong with either the tube or there reflex style sight. Ive had my ultradot for a few months and i love it. Its great and will accompany me to africa in a month. It has withstood almost a thousand full power 454 rounds without blinking Good Luck on your trip what's on the hit list?
Simple, Elegant, but always Approachable
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: Seasons44]
#133749
07/02/2013 7:57 AM
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mike.44
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That Ultra Dot L/T is a reflex sight isn't it?
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: mike.44]
#133752
07/02/2013 11:15 AM
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Whitworth
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That Ultra Dot L/T is a reflex sight isn't it? Yes, and it's small. The PAN-A-V is also reflexive but larger.
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: Whitworth]
#133753
07/02/2013 11:17 AM
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,655
wapitirod
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I had a pan-a-v on one of my AK's and loved it.
I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. John Wayne-The Shootist
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: wapitirod]
#133754
07/02/2013 12:59 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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I had a pan-a-v on one of my AK's and loved it. I have one too and I love it!
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: Whitworth]
#133757
07/02/2013 2:21 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,101
Bearbait in NM
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I have quite a few different small reflex sights like the Ultra Dot, and it looks a lot like my C-More STS. Looking at the pictures I see a similar on-off switch, and what looks to be the light sensor on the front edge of the sight, just below the lower lense edge. Perhaps one of you with the sight can confirm, but if this is the light sensor, you can actually use tape over the sensor to force the dot dimmer.
My STS is biased more to the brighter side, even with my switch in the auto position, so a little cellophane tape or the blue painter trim tape works well. Folks report being able to dim Delta Points or JPoints with tape, but I have not been able to dim mine, other than trying to tape right over the diode projection area. This is tricky as the dot has to project.
Craig
Northern born and Southern bred
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: Bearbait in NM]
#133758
07/02/2013 2:26 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
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I have quite a few different small reflex sights like the Ultra Dot, and it looks a lot like my C-More STS. Looking at the pictures I see a similar on-off switch, and what looks to be the light sensor on the front edge of the sight, just below the lower lense edge. Perhaps one of you with the sight can confirm, but if this is the light sensor, you can actually use tape over the sensor to force the dot dimmer.
Craig It does indeed have a light sensor, Craig.
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: mike.44]
#133779
07/03/2013 2:49 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,101
Bearbait in NM
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Thanks Whit. I am starting to think that a lot of the problems we have with dots flaring and what not is mostly related to the brightness bias and base dot size. Having a way to control, albiet not by maker design can be a good thing.
One of the ways I check this issue is point the sight at the blue sky on a bright day. This helps me sort dot flaring v. too high of a brightness bias.
Craig
Northern born and Southern bred
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: Bearbait in NM]
#133803
07/04/2013 8:59 AM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,020
tradmark
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: tradmark]
#133843
07/05/2013 2:11 AM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 335
S.B.
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Dawn and dusk is where red dot sights really shine asd what they're designed for. Too much brightness is easily controlled by the reostat(bightness oontrol knob) I have the oposite problem they(cheaper ones) disappear in too much daylight. Enjoy, these will make it even more fun. I'vc used one on my whitetail gun for around 10 years now. Steve
"The Original Point and Click Interface was a Smith & Wesson."
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: S.B.]
#133860
07/05/2013 4:01 PM
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mike.44
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That looks good SB.....what model is that?
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: mike.44]
#133875
07/06/2013 6:02 PM
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 270
Randominator
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I have two JPoint reflex sights. One is mounting on a Glock 20, and the other on a custom Ruger. They have worked well for me in low light situations. I had an issue with the one mounted on the Glock, the windage would not adjust. I had bought the sight used, but I sent it to JPoint and they repaired it free of charge.
NRA Life Member HHI Member VHA Member
"get busy living, or get busy dying"
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: Randominator]
#133879
07/06/2013 7:18 PM
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 566
mike.44
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Just took the plunge. Ordered a Vortex Razor 3 moa reflex. It wasn't cheap at $398. However, the unconditional transferable lifetime warranty made a difference. I saw some great reviews for it. Well, I hope I made the right decision. Only time will tell.
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: mike.44]
#133882
07/06/2013 8:21 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
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Mike.44, I just researched that razor sight; it look very interesting! It appears it will also mount on a FA mount. Keep us posted on the outcome.
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
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Re: Low Light Red Dot
[Re: KRal]
#133883
07/06/2013 8:39 PM
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mike.44
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