Primary Arms MD-06L w/American Defense AD-T1

15387 Views 21 Replies 9 Participants Last post by L1A1, Mar 11, 2017

0002S

Discussion Starter · Sep 24, 2013

I currently own Aimpoint CompML3, Burris Fast Fire, multiple Trijicon reflex, ACOG, RMR. I've shot with many different firearms that have had Aimpoint T1 or H1 optics on them.

I've never really had a need for a T1 'type' optic. But I wanted a small lite QD red dot optic for a AR testing and I didn't feel like shelling out T1 $ for something for 100 yd and under testing.

I've always heard good things about Primary Arms microdots (Aimpoint T1 clone). I've had great service with other Primary Arms purchases. So I decided I'd give them a try with the new MD-06L microdot w/AD-T1 (1/3 co witness w/ PA microdot)

SPEC ($169 delivered for total package)

Angled and Coated front lens to prevent glare
LED emitter at 7:30 position to allow cowitness
Brightness adjustment on the left. Ideal for bench and prone use.
Ultra sharp 3 MOA dot
1,000+ hour battery life at medium setting
Uses 1 CR2032 battery (included)
11 brightness settings
Visible in bright sunlight
Fog resistant
Waterproof
Bikini covers included
Only weighs 4.5 ounces
Front threaded for optional Killflash

Well, this is built MUCH better than I expected. I felt I was going to get a step above Leapers or airsoft type optic. This looks, feels like every Aimpoint T1/H1 I've handled. It is a very solid unit and I'd have no fear of this optic taking abuse and or using wet. (I don't believe I'd go diving with it...

) The 3 MOA dot is clear and the 11 brightness settings allow a wide range of backlighting adjustments. The on/off/brightness adjustments knob is very positive and tight. You aren't going to accidentally turn it on. The vertical and windage adjustment caps are gasket sealed (I'd add some light grease for better water protection). They are metal and have a good tight feel to them. The unit come standard (removable) with allen head tightening system and low rail mount. The standard base would be great for a AK or shotgun, 30/30 mounting or offset AR mount for 3 gun. The AD mount (added on to $89 optics cost) is easy to adjust and tight mount for T1 absolute co-witness, but with the Primary Arms microdot it gives you 1/3 co-witness.

CONS:
1000 hrs battery life. Not really and issue and battery is cheap ($2.39 for two so buying 20 packs for $46.00 gives you Aimpoint T1 battery life), but it's not the 50K hours battery life of the Aimpoint T1.
3 MOA dot. Some people want/need 2 MOA or nothing.
Chinese made (your call on this one)
Not NV compatible (ok....if you really need NV you're an operator and you'd be using the T1)

PROS:
Cost, this unit is very cost effective
Durability for the cost
Solid build quality
Customer Service (these guys are great and stand behind their products)
Can add kill flash for $19
Very tight bikini lens cover
Left hand side brightness adjustment so you don't have to take your hand off the trigger to adjust brightness when prone or seated.

I'd have no problem recommending this for the budget conscious AR shooter that wants a micro red dot and is on a budget. Or the guy would has a safe queen and wants a reliable optic for the occasional use and or SHTF situation. It would also be great for the budget minded competitive shooter. Other than it's not Aimpoint T1 (there is a definite difference), I can't say that the average shooter will need the additional benefits of the T1 for the almost $550 additional cost. Other than 2 MOA v 3 MOA and battery life the rest of the differences are really military use in nature.

Well worth the money IMHO (you could get 3 of these for the price of a T1). That being said it's not a T1...close but NOT. So determine if you need the additional military features of the T1 for the additional cost.

@ setting 9 for brightness

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0002S

Discussion Starter · #4 · Sep 24, 2013

Unobtanium said:
They are fun to play with, make a great training optic. I wouldn't trust them. They even tell you not to trust them.

I have ordered 2 optics from them. ML3 clones. One of them worked fine, one kept cutting off under "recoil" from a 5.56 middy. It was fine for the first 100 or so rounds, then developed the issue. They are cheap optics, but they have a good warranty and they are GREAT! for figuring out if you want to buy their "real" counterpart, or not.

If you understand their limitations, I think they are amazing.

I don't have any experience with their Comp clones. I also do not have enough personal trigger time with this to say how it will function after 10K+ rounds. (most AR shooters won't shoot that many rounds in a lifetime) I can say that the build quality and feel, along with the countless review of the microdots leads me to believe that these will hold up to everyday shooting use and abuse.

I would not choose this as a deployment optic unless I had no other choice.(battery life is a killer at 1000 hours for active combat environment)

There are many on this SB.com who are limited to a budget and I read too many post and see too many pictures with UTG or Leapers type optics on nice rifles. $69 dollars and the Sportsmans Guide or Cheaper Than Dirt will get you a lot of Chinese junk. These type of optics are wastes of money IMHO and are best used on airsoft guns. For roughly $100 more you can get what my experience tells me is great quality for the average shooter. This is a real viable alternative at a VERY reasonable price.

For $169 delivered this is, IMHO, the best new out of the box microdot for the shooter on a budget.

Maybe the Bushnell TRS-25 is as good or better, but I don't have experience with it past holding it and the Primary Arms feels more substantial.

I'll report back as I beat this up and run it through some paces on a variety of rifles and a variety of distances. If it doesn't hold up or I find some hidden faults I'll let people know.

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0002S

Discussion Starter · #6 · Sep 24, 2013

Unobtanium said:
Primary Arms sells it as a training optic, IIRC. It is a helluva value, yes, but I would not bet my life on it unless I did not have a choice. That said...do I think you could bet your life on it and get away with it, after making sure your sample was good to go? Yeah, I do. Just like a DPMS. It will PROBABLY go bang when you need it to, it's just not Murphy-resistant enough for me, that's all.

I agree. For me, this isn't anything more than a knock around sight like a Magpul BUIS. I use them until I get what I plan on leaving on the rifle.

I just was surprised at the quality.

I guess my post is for other's benefit, showing a quick review of what I think is a great value for a very usable microdot.

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0002S

Discussion Starter · #13 · Sep 30, 2013

Well, I took it out to the range and tested it on a friends AR. We set up clays at 75 yards and plinked away. Adjustments were positive and moved the POI as advertised. Again, I'd suggest this for any shooter on a budget who needs a small microdot.

Now, my friend liked it so well he bought it from me on the spot. From PA microdot to dot less....LOL. I'll have to pick up another one.

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0002S

Discussion Starter · #20 · Dec 25, 2013

kev said:
Would the Primary Arms MD-06L be a good alternative to an aimpoint?

Based on budget and required use, yes. It is more than enough for the the average shooter.

If you have no budget and only the best will do then, there is no alternative to the T1 for a 2 MOA small reflex optic.

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