20mm vs 30mm red dot???

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sh00ter

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For those of you who use these on any type of firearm or airgun, what size tube do you prefer and why?

Also, I know the reflex sights are very popular too but I am just trying to figure out the tube style right now. If you have a strong opinion as to why they are better than a tube, keep in mind the pricing info I mention below, but feel free to share anyway. I prefer higher end reflex for certain applications myself, but I'm testing on airguns and trying to keep the cost reasonable.

Here are a few benefits of each I've come up with so far on the tube style red dots (cons would be the opposite so I'm not including those):

20mm

- smaller & lighter
- seems better for rifle (eyes closer to lens when aiming)
- better peripheral field of view (housing doesn't obstruct as much outside target area when aiming)

30mm

- wider field of view when aiming (see less of the housing immediately around the target area)
- seems better for pistol (with sight at arm's length, the tube is smaller than up close and mimics the 20mm up close view when held at pistol length)

I'm trying to stay in the sub $100.00 range and most of the "better" red dots in that price range seem to be the 20mm. There are plenty of cheaper 30mm and more expensive 30mm but not a lot in the $50-100.00 sweet spot (wonder why).

But in general, I am trying to determine which size is better for rifle, carbine, or pistol applications (respectively) and why. I lean towards the 20mm just for the size, but the 30mm seems to be better for a plinking pistol if you were not concerned about the size/weight. I am aware Hawke makes a 25mm which may give the best of both worlds but not sure how I feel about that being the best of both or the worst of both LOL.
 
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sh00ter

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What’s the application?
Plinking and maybe some pest control; not fast target shooting.
If is tactical application or rapid PCC shooting 30mm, target or precision 20mm. Buy once cry once.
Makes sense, but a LOT of people get the smaller ones on their tactical rifles; weight & size trade off I guess.
Buy a Sig Romeo 5 when they go on sale. They hit 99 on sale.
I own the predecessor to that one STS-081 and it has been very good. I like the romeo but the Bushnell TRS-25 can be found for 60bux sometimes and is so close to the Sig in quality it is hard to spend more for the name. I would probably get the romeo for a powder burner, but this is all for air guns right now.

I use Eotech on the real thing because I like the wide field of view and lack of having to align a tube.

Has anyone tried a SEE-ALL open sight? It is a neat concept but the reviews seem to lean towards shoulder weapon being the best application.
 

sh00ter

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Another question...do you use both eyes open OR one eye closed with red dot?

I seem to have determined if on a rifle for more precision, treating a red dot like a scope and closing one eye is better for accuracy.

But on a pistol, both eyes open is easier since the tube is much farther from your eyes.

Anyone else have a preference or recommendation in this regard?
 

O4L

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Another question...do you use both eyes open OR one eye closed with red dot?

I seem to have determined if on a rifle for more precision, treating a red dot like a scope and closing one eye is better for accuracy.

But on a pistol, both eyes open is easier since the tube is much farther from your eyes.

Anyone else have a preference or recommendation in this regard?
I just close both eyes and hope for the best. Shoot and holler ****! :gun2:
 

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