So....I initially set up my 300BLK pistol with a Sig Brace and a Burris Fullfield e1 2-7x32 scope. Absolutely LOVED the set up--worked great and ABOUT 2 moa at 100. Since the recent BATF letter RE the Sig Brace, and since shoulder surgery, I am rethinking the set up. Ideally, BATF backs off their re-ruling, but if that's not in the offing, I'd like to remain on the outside of the prison walls

So....the question is red dot or scope? I have a Bushnell AR Optics 1x MP illuminated red dot that I could throw on it. Also have a Bushnell TRS-25. The Burris scope has it dang accurate at 100 yards, but I gotta shoulder it to make it work well--or at least get it up to my cheek. Anyone run a red dot on their AR pistol? Able to get an acceptable level of accuracy out to 100 yards +? I have a Vortex 3x magnifier I think I could throw on it (haven't opened the Bushnells yet to try), but not sure if that just creates a giant blob in the field of view.

Anyone have any thoughts, suggestions, ideas, etc?

It shoots Barnes 110gr BLK ammo amazingly well...unfortunately, it's really expensive (both factory AND reloads) and I'm cheap so I'm reluctant to experiment with various options if there's a clear "winner" that keeps the gun accurate and me on the right side of the law

Red dot has not let me down. Aimpoint Micro, hands down.

Can't imagine a scope on a supersonic AR unless you're planning on 200+ yds regularly.

Forget the magnifier. Waste of weight, space, gadgetry...

Disclaimer...I have no experience (or interest) with a so-called pistol AR. But I run mine on an 11.5" 5.56, and it has killed many a beasts. What's your barrel length on the BO?

Disclaimer 2. If you're running subsonics...then stick with a scope so that you can dial in your dope at range. Same goes for bad eyesight...can't shoot what you can't see.

Thanks for the input.

The barrel is 8.5"--just long enough to burn all the powder. My eyes are not the best. Mostly, this was a gun my lightweight 11 year old could easily shoot. He's gonna have a hard time even with youth-sized rifles for several more years. This was a way to get him out in the field with his dad, brother, and grandfather. I have a regular 16" 300BLK carbine that he'll be able to run in another year or so.

I just can't stand the whole SBR registration thing--gotta have your paperwork on you whenever you're in the field using it, not really sure if anyone else could shoot it, all sorts of estate planning headaches, etc. Too much hassle for a treestand gun for an 11 year old.

With the Barnes 110 supersonics, it makes the pistol a viable 200+ yard gun. I don't see my kiddo shooting it at 200 yards at this point, but I might from time to time It's currently sighted in 1" high at 100--hoping to get out somewhere to test it at 200 and 300 after my shoulder gets better.

As for Aimpoint, I had one--not a micro--but sold it off to get another handgun that the kids can shoot. I won't be dropping $400 give or take on a red dot any time soon. As good quality as it is, that's just money unavailable I might get one some day down the road for my RRA carbine, but that's somewhere off in the distance, probably after the house is paid off and the kids are out of college Just not economical for this pistol and its intended use.

The TRS25 is a reasonable clone of that--I was amazed that their battery life seems to have really improved. I got one several years back for my 357 revolver and I think it was rated for a few hundred hours on low. New ones look rated for 3-4000 hours IIRC.

The lightest AR I have, is still heavier than my Rem Model 7 .223 that I used from age 9-14. Have you considered one of those as an option? Handy little rifles....throw a fixed 4x on top and call it a day.

300bo Handi Rifle is $219 somewhere out there. I know because I'm seriously thinking of ordering one tomorrow (probably not though). With a little digging there are youth stocks available. At the price maybe cut it down. Also you are already into the caliber.

And as I posted in the gun thread, the Handi are going away. This might be a added bonus down the road.

Sorry, no advice on the scope... But red dots are cool!

Don't forget the suppressor....it's for the children's hearing.

Ha! Think of the children! I'm buying one hunting rifle per kid so they get one that will last them their lives. Oldest (wisely) chose a 243. I anticipate the second will pick a 243 or 270. That's why I'm not interested in youth models--to much extra expense. One and done. He's just a slower grower and so will use my guns until he can comfortably shoulder one of his own. Otherwise a Handirifle might be a good option.

Just a broad comment to come back to this, and planning for the future (with your kids).

With advances in bullet, powder, manufacturing, and scope technology since we were younger...I am more and more convinced that less is better. The .223 is a formidable round for most animals...308 if you need to tackle elk, etc. Both can be highly accurized, and paired with a scope that enables extremely accurate kill shots at distance.

Anyways, just food for thought. Some people like simple...and the idea that with a 7mmMag they don't have adjust dope between 100-300 (give or take a few inches).

Hope you find what you're looking for.

PS - Did I mention Aimpoint T-1?

"...can't shoot what you can't see"

That's absolutely not true..it just take a LOT more bullets to hit the target.