I want quality without breaking the bank. Going on an ar.

Here's what I posted in a recent thread on the topic....not sure what your budget is but you can spend a few hundred on more expensive sights, or you can spend about $100 on the setup below that will function equally as well, and use the money you saved on ammo.

I've got a Bushnell TRS-25 on a medium height riser with these flip-up BUIS from Ozark Armament. I have right at $100 invested in both combined, and all have performed flawlessly so far. The trs-25 is probably the best "budget" red dot you can get, and those iron sights are great for the price. I originally bought them just to have something on it until I could drop $100 for the Magpul BUIS set, but once I put them on, I'm going to stick with them - no reason at all to replace.

Ozark Armament BUIS

This is the riser I bought to go with the Bushnell TRS25.......

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TX2BD4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Vortex is another good option. That lifetime warranty is pretty awesome.

My brother has the bushnell on his AR. For the price they are great.

Vortex Sparc-AR.

Primary Arms allegedly makes a good (and affordable) red dot too, though I don't have first hand knowledge of it. I do know that I haven't exactly been gentle with my setup above. It spent most of the summer sliding around the back of a Ranger or on the dash of a Razr getting bumped and banged around, with no ill effect.

If you/he has an astigmatism you/he may not like a red dot. It will not appear crisp and the edges of the dot will be fuzzy. I have an astigmatism and an Aimpoint PRO. I can hit an 8" plate at 100 yards but I can't hit anything at 200. An illuminated prism scope with an etched reticle will be sharper if you have this condition.

I've used the PA red dot and liked it well enough. I like the Trijicon RMR much better. I have the RMR atop my 300blk pistol. I pulled the PA dot off my 5.56 AR and put it on a muzzleloader.
The rest of my ARs now have variable power scopes or Irons. I really like the 1-4 and 1-6x scopes for close work/hunting. You can crank them down to 1x and use them both eyes open like a red dot AND increase magnification for much farther shots. Keep in mind that the small end of red dot sizes is around 3moa on most units. Properly sighted that's 3 inches at 100 yards, 6 inches at 200. That is quite a bit of target covered by a fuzzy dot.

Ditto on the eyes. I thought I got a dud red dot. I put at a 3x magnifier on it and it really makes it crisp.

Thanks for so much info guys. Thanks for the links gomer. I have a leupold 1-4 on my 223 ar and one on my 308 ar. This is for my son. Tough decision...

Burris Fastfire 3

yes, burris fastfire 3 ...

I bought the Sig Romeo 5 a few months back. I'm very pleased with it. Comes with two mounting options. I bought it on sale for $119.

Sig Romeo 5

I don’t care for Vortex scopes, but their red dots are pretty nice. I got a SPARC for my sons 10/22. It’s pretty nice and I have been pleased with it.

I have the vortex sparc, aimpoint T-1, and the Romeo 5. Don't spend $$$ on the aimpoint! Both sparc and Romeo are great. I like the features of the Romeo the best.

Thanks for the recommendations. I ordered the sig Romeo 5 and the ozark armament buis. I can't wait to try them out.