[IrishCop]

This story really began in South Carolina. My much better half was on the range shooting and trying her hand with an AR, but was having trouble with the iron sights. Good Doctor Tim offered his that had an optic attached and she was very impressed, telling me "...you oughta get one of these."

So being a loving and obedient husband, what else was I gonna do?

Although I would have loved to get an Aimpoint or an Eotech, they were just a might out of my range, cost wise. Did a little searching and decided on this...

Vortex Optics - StrikeFire Red/Green Dot Low Mount

I am pretty impressed so far. Made in China (hell, what ain't these days?) got through Brownell's for well under MSRP, and it's selling for about that price on every other gun related site I visit, it seems to be a pretty good piece of equipment for the money.

Since I ain't Delta or a SEAL I figure I don't really need an optic designed for the rigors of combat. We'll see if it can stand up to the rigors of being owned and operated by me and mine. I'll let you guys know.

 

[Charlie Petty]

Let me be sure I understand… was the present for her and you get to use it or vice versa?

I am having an emotional battle with myself deciding what to get me from me. The fight is between a new camera or gun… since I don't have enough of either.

 

[WaltGraham]

Good for you, Terry.

These are pretty good too - the local high speed, low drag guys swear they'll hold zero after a pounding.

I got my lovely wife her first carry gun this year; she got me a new ultrabook.

Most of our Christmas revolves around the kidlets.

 

[CaptainGyro]

Early on in our relationship, I informed my wife that my choices for Christmas presents are, in order:

1. Toys
2. Nothing
3. Clothes

This year I've been informed that our gift to each other is a new sofa. I'm still trying to figure out where that falls on the list.

I should have known it would come to this the first Christmas we were married, when I was informed that my sexy harem girl angel, that had graced the top of my trees through many years of blissful bachelorhood, had been "lost".

 

[stand watie]

CaptainGyro,

ROTFL. = As my grandfather used to say, "I suspect that you married a woman."

yours, sw

 

[CaptainGyro]

Oh yeah...

 

[Charlie Petty]

Did she understand your definition of toys or did you get a little red wagon?

 

[IrishCop]

Charlie, let's just say I am primary custodian of said present. I did get her something from her favorite jewelry store though. I'm slow, not stupid.

I get not having enough of either, although my second love is guitars. You could compromise and try to find a gun camera from an old fighter plane...)

Walt, nice choice for the wife. Hope she loves it. And thanks for the tip on the optics. If this one doesn't work out, they look promising. It's the same thing here. The grandkids get spoiled to death. I told the oldest one he asked for everything but the kitchen sink. So he added that to his list. Little smart ass. Don't know where he gets that from.

Capt, I do understand the toys or nothing thing. For a lotta years the wife and I didn't exchange presents. A little different in our later years, but I kinda got tired of gifts I didn't really want, like kimono type housecoats (yeah, get THAT mental image outta your head), so I told her I would just get my own if I wanted one. That's worked out okay.

Condolences on your Lost Angel.

Hope it's a comfortable couch, anyway. ;O)

 

[Tim Burke]

Early on in our relationship, I informed my wife that my choices for Christmas presents are, in order:

1. Toys
2. Nothing
3. Clothes

This year I've been informed that our gift to each other is a new sofa. I'm still trying to figure out where that falls on the list.

#2

Next question?

 

[Skeptic49]

You might take a look at: Lucid HD7 Generation III Red Dot Sight FREE S&H L-HD7, L-HD7-TAN. Lucid Red Dot Sights. About the same price as the Vortec. Some local competitors swear by this one and I am told a couple of AR brewers offer it as an option. Has the usual goodies available as well.

BTW, anyone had experience with a Palmetto State Armory AR? It came recommended as a low price high standard option from an experienced AR dealer.
Palmetto State Armory - Rifles - Firearms

Geoff
Who is still studying ARs, I've got my Mini to keep me warm.

 

[William R. Moore]

I've been told by some folks whose opinion I respect, that PSA does good work and they stand behind that work.

Having said that, while I might respect someone's opinion, I may not agree with it. During the anything guns shortages, they had some combo specials featuring an AR with an Aimpoint at prices about what you'd expect to pay for a bare rifle. They've also featured some specials with 'heavy plated barrels' that were supposed to feature extended life.

Under those circumstances, I had to wonder about their parts sources and the quality thereof. The extra heavy plating sounds suspiciously like manufacturers mistakes/seconds/attempts to salvage parts. Please understand I have no direct knowledge, just sketicism born of general experience and some direct experience with the product of a couple of other Clone makers.

Let us know how it works out.

BTW, if a competitor has a piece of gear and it breaks, the results are: loss of face, embarassment, loss of match points/standing and a few bucks to buy a replacement. They may also lose out on some prize money. What do you have at stake?

 

[Skeptic49]

I'm leaning towards the SWaMPy M-15 OR with a variable 1x - 7x Lighted Retical scope from a conservative source. I do not wish to pay more for the scope than the rifle and my eyes are getting on in years and experience. Anyone using this type of scope for general purposes (a little target, a little plinking, a little defense in case of a Zombie outbreak.

Geoff
Who has a red/green dot Bushnell on his miniature riot gun (for small riots)

 

[IrishCop]

Thanks, Geoff. Another one to add to my list of "in case it doesn't work" alternatives. So far, I'm pretty happy with the Vortex. But it hasn't been wrung out much yet.

 

[Charlie Petty]

I am a bad boy.

Went into a LGS that was selling guns from the collection of a club member who recently passed. He really had some nice stuff and fortunately not much of it would have been in my price range but then almost hidden in a corner because they were too cheap I saw a 1917 S&W and a cute little S&W .32 in nickel.

Careful examination found no fleas and we negotiated civilly… so they came home with me.

Further examination and cleaning tells me neither one has been fired and the mailbox produced an unexpected check.

I may be bad but am lucky too:wine:

 

[CaptainGyro]

Nice. Knowledge and experience, allow me to introduce you to opportunity.

 

[IrishCop]

Now that's what I call a Christmas story!

 

[SpecialEd]

:cheers: