Hey All,
I have finally saved up enough to buy an optic for my SW15 OR. I realize it’s been a year + on this forum without one, but I have to balance my priorities financially, and unlike some I don’t use credit cards for anything. I have spent the last year looking, reading, and dreaming, but now that I am at the point to buy I feel like reaching out to the forum that has helped me so many times in the past for advice.
I have used the search function, and read some relevant threads but like so many other things I find myself missing some base knowledge that will help me in my choice. So please bare with me (and hopefully don’t ignore me 
)
Info:
Budget: I would like to stay under 500, but I can stretch up to 600 if the difference in quality vs. price increase is justifiable.
Eotech: I have decided to avoid an Eotech because I don’t like the reticle, and I have an obsession with clear optics (I wear glasses and am that guy that is always polishing his lenses). I don’t like the way the holo sight looks at all, and for me this isn’t an aesthetic thing, it’s a functional thing.
Training: I have been working with someone regarding professional training with my carbine so please don’t say “spend it on training”.
Reason for Ownership of AR: Self Defense in unlikely event of an absolutely horrid situation, SHTF (yes I think this is when, not if given our governments last 9 years), training, possibly 3 Gun, and range shooting. In that order of importance but (obviously) not application. Needless to say I will not be jumping out of helicopters with it, or diving into arctic oceans so some of the more advanced military features seem like overkill to me.
Questions:
Obviously it seems I should be leaning towards an Aimpoint but which one?
Are there other serious quality options out there for me?
What exactly (and this is serious) should I consider regarding a “mount”? It seems there are a million options, heights, ext.
Why not just use the mount that comes with the Optic?
Any help would be awesome. And if it develops maybe this thread could be a source for future people with similar questions.
Thanks
p.s. to avoid the question, I have flip up BUIS on the gun currently that I do not intend on removing.