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I have a cheap scope in an even cheaper QD mount on my rifle currently, but I would like to get something nice to replace this setup. I have determined that I want something in the reflex/red dot/holographic family, but I cannot decide what I should go with. If I go with the Vortex I will have more money in my pocket to spend on ammo and other things that I would like to add to my rifle. I just don't want to make a decision based solely upon cost. My budget tops out at $500, so please keep this in mind if you choose "other".

UPDATE: I bought a strike fire, I needed some other gear for my rifle and so I decided to go with the Vortex. I mounted it up yesterday and need to get out to the range soon. Maybe I will go on Monday when the range isn't so busy.
UPDATE: Pictures and comments added

I don't know much about optics, but I did buy an Eotech A65 (I think). The Annoyed Man sighted in far me. I was able to shoot it about a month later, not only was it dead on, but very easy for me.

I don't know that personally would use any other optic. I will be pay close attention to this thread anxiously waiting to learn.

Updated poll, I found Aimpoint PROs including a mount for $400-430.

You might want to take a look at the Burris Fastfire II. This one, from Bud's is $184 with a Picatinny mount. They seem to get very good reviews.

I haven't used that paticular sight, but I have a similar type sight on my AR.

Consider the Leupold VR-X. It comes in several degrees of magnification, and some models have a firedot illuminated reticle that turns itself on whenever the rifle is moved.

Even if the batteries die, you still have a standard black reticle that is fully functional for daylight duty.

Details here. Scroll down for the description.

I chose the aimpoint for its simplicity and ruggedness. The eotech I have seems to be a little fuzzy and I think the reticle takes up too much view. I like the plain old red dot, its clean, small, and simple.

All scopes are fuzzy. Open sights are too.

glbedd53 wrote:All scopes are fuzzy. Open sights are too.

Time for new peepers........

Well I have had my Vortex Strikefire for about 2 months now and have taken it to the range twice in that time. Each time I shot 100 rounds of ammo and tested its accuracy at both 50 and 100 yards. Here is the result:
With my handloads I am getting slightly under 1 MOA groups at 50 yards, with an occasional flyer. I had a couple of targets that looked like this.

Here is a closeup. That is 8 shots through almost the same hole!

My handloads also performed well at 100 yards, but the 4 MOA dot completely obscures the inner 3 rings and makes it harder to find the center of the target. Not bad for an unmagnified optic though. This picture was 2 separate groups @100yds with a windage adjustment in between the two.


I also learned that my reloads shoot much better than factory ammunition. Here is some factory ammo at 50yds


The funny thing about all of this is my new red dot actually out shoots my cheapo 3-9x scope that I had mounted with a QD setup.