leatherwood red dot scope [Archive]

Vorpal_weapon

March 09, 2006, 17:02

I don't have any experience with the 30mm sight. However, I picked up quite a number of the 1x50mm Leatherwoods (ES1X50IM) in a group buy for some of the guys at my department. Overall, everyone seems to like them and they work well for what we use them for. Basically, use them on AR-15/M-4 patrol rifles and mounted them to co-witness the iron sights. They are not an Aimpoint or EOTech, but they are a fraction of the cost. I have tried both of those and a few more to boot. Actually, the Leatherwood lets you view the target in low light (transmits light better) than an EOTech (I also own a 552).

The pros:
- they have decent glass and coatings which give excellent light transmission.
- they let you see your target very well while also giving an uncluttered
aiming point in low light.
- they have an excellent FOV.
- they are relatively inexpensive.
- they have proven reasonably durable.
- they have a lifetime warranty (which we have used with no hassle).

The cons:
- the 50mm looks pretty tall/bulky.
- the sights with the emitter on the side (applies to many red dot sights)
suffer from apparent movement of the dot when you move your head;
this requires a consistent cheek weld or you get some group dispersion;
Leatherwood has remedied this by moving the emitter to the top.
- the exterior finish is a bit too glossy - would prefer matte.
- the knobs on the mounting screws could be a bit larger/more rugged.

Overall, I have been pleased with Leatherwood sights and would buy again if I was in the market for an inexpensive red dot. May not be the best unit for an FAL, but DSA now markets them and they are a good value.

I'm of the opinion that a quality rifle deserves equal quality in glass if you choose to scope it. Kind of depends on what you want to use it for.

HTH