This post may contain affiliate links. Buy purchasing through our link, you support our website so that we can keep on creating content for you. Learn more under policies.
Have you ever found yourself scratching your head, wondering how those nifty red dot sights work?
Well, the short answer is that red dots utilize a light emitting diode (LED) that is reflected onto a lens and back to your eye. But that’s just the superficial answer.
Buckle up because we’ll take a deep dive into the world of red dot sights.
We’ll be explaining the ins and outs in a way that’s easy to digest and, dare I say, fun!
What Is A Red Dot Sight?
A red dot sight is a type of non-magnifying reflector sight. Instead of providing crosshairs in the traditional sense, red dot sights’ point of aim is in the form of an illuminated dot.
These bad boys are all about speed and accuracy, offering proper sight picture and fast target acquisition.
They are ideal for hunting, law enforcement, self-defense, and even the occasional shooting range outing.
How Do Red Dot Sights Work?
Alright, let’s get to the nitty-gritty. I briefly mentioned how red dot sights provide a point of aim through an LED light.
To elaborate, this red dot sight projects an LED light onto a specially coated lens.
The lens is angled to reflect perfectly back into your eye. This creates the illusion of seeing a red dot floating in the distance.
But the real magic here is that the dot remains aligned with the weapon’s barrel, ensuring your aim is true and accurate.
Types of Red Dot Sights
We’re fortunate enough to have three main types of red dot sights, which can be further divided into even more subdivisions.
Closed Sights: Also known as a tube sight, which kind of looks like your standard rifle scope.
Open Sights: Also known as reflex sights, which are more like a screen. You get variations like prism sights as well.
Holographic Sights: These sights are almost a hybrid between closed and open sights.
Each type has its own perks and quirks, so it’s all about what floats your boat and works in your specific use case.
Red Dot vs. Reflex Sights
Now, here’s where it gets a tad confusing. All reflex sights are red dot sights, but not all red dot sights are reflex sights.
Reflex sights are your average red dot sight – a single lens with a simple dot. You may have seen these; optics like the Shield RMSc, Holosun HS510C, and Trijicon RMR.
Now, where the difference between red dots and reflex sights comes in is optics like holographic sights and more advanced close sights. These sights have complex reticle systems and even have multiple lenses.
How To Choose The Right Red Dot Sight
Finding the best red dot sight can feel like finding a needle in a haystack.
There are so many options out there that it can feel incredibly daunting even to start looking. Here’s a cheat sheet we at Uncharted Wilds use:
Budget – First, identify your budget. This will dramatically narrow down your search options.
Identify your firearm compatibility – Pistol, shotgun, rifle.
Identify your use case – Hunting, self-defense, range shooting, or competitive shooting.
Look for particular features you need – For instance, a rifle red dot sight for hunting will need to be durable to handle the recoil, have a wide field of view and good light transmission for fast target acquisition, and have a 2-3 MOA dot for better precision. Do you see the direction I’m heading?
How to Shoot with a Reflex or Red Dot Sight
Red dot optics are probably one of the, if not the easiest, aiming platforms we have. It’s really a piece of cake once you get the hang of it.
While you would typically close one eye when shooting with a rifle optic or some iron sights, a red dot sight works slightly differently.
With these, you can keep both eyes open, focus on the target, and let the dot guide you. It might sound far-fetched, but red dot sights are that straightforward – they really offer an effortless aiming platform.
Additionally, you can use a Co-Witness sight if you still want an iron sight on your rifle.
But remember, as with anything, it’s all about practice, practice, practice!
Advantages Of Using A Red Dot Sight
The advantages? Oh, there are plenty!
Faster target acquisition
Improved accuracy
Wider versatility in low light conditions than a front x rear sight combo
Better overall shooting experience
Benefits Of Using A Red Dot Sight For Hunting
Hunting is my passion, and red dot sights has been a game-changer in the field.
Don’t get me wrong, I adore my Leupold 3-12x and my Vortex 12-15x variable-powered hunting scopes, and I will always use them for hunting.
But the red dot sight has filled a void in the close-range hunting scene, specifically for turkey hunting.
Using my holographic sights and tube sights, I have quicker and more precise shots.
When the sun starts to set, I simply crank up the brightness settings, and I’m good to go for another 45 minutes or so!
Red dot sights really have changed the close-range hunting scene!
Benefits Of Using A Red Dot Sight For Self-Defense
As you know, in a self-defense situation, every second counts.
Red dot sights help you aim faster and more accurately than iron sights, granting you that critical edge when it matters most.
Plus, you can pair your reflex sight with your compact pistol, allowing for a concealed carry weapon with a highly accurate aiming platform.
Benefits Of Using A Red Dot Sight For Range Shooting
Nobody likes a show-off, but with a red dot sight at the range, you won’t be able to help it.
A red dot sight can adeptly sharpen your shooting skills, offering precision and ease of use that’s hard to beat with traditional iron sights.
How to Properly Mount a Red Dot Sight
Adding to the user-friendliness of red dot sights is the mounting ease. Mounting red and green dot sights isn’t rocket science.
All you’ll need is key attention to detail, a detailed guide on how to mount a red dot sight, and the right tools.
If you have a red dot sight footprint that is compatible with your optic slide, you can simply attach it and torque the attachment screws.
What Is MOA?
MOA, or Minutes Of Angle, is a measurement people in the optics industry use to describe the dot size and accuracy at a certain distance.
Smaller MOA, smaller dot!
What Is The Range Of Red Dot Sights?
Red dot sights generally have a range of up to 100 yards.
It also depends on the distance you zeroing a red dot sight. The further you zero your red dot, the further your range.
Of course, that range is extended when you use a red dot sight magnifier, but then you can just buy a regular illuminated reticle scope.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, red dot sights are a fantastic tool for anyone looking to up their close-to-mid-range shooting game.
Whether you’re a turkey hunter, a law enforcer, or just enjoy showing off at the range, these sights offer ease, accuracy, and a whole lot of satisfaction.
So why not give one a shot? They’re quite affordable!
