Post by Admin on Nov 21, 2019 22:10:15 GMT
Red Dot Sights – Top Ten Shopping Tips
USA – -(AmmoLand.com)- Have a conversation with almost anyone in the know about firearms and accessories these days and the conversation will cross the realm of red dots. From the expensive, bulky and battery gobbling Holosights offered to shooting enthusiasts a decade or so back have emerged smaller and more user-friendly red dot sights. What’s not to love about these new, generally compact, and easy to use and install sights. Aiming is quick, and what’s in the circle or before that dot usually is what you hit when shooting—if all works according to plans.
Now for the glowing details, and the Top Ten Red Dot Shopper Tips:
PRICE: Prices can range from about $50 for a basic entry-level model up to more than $1,000 for a military-grade model. Do your research, look into your wallet at your supply of greenbacks, and then make a selection. Be honest with yourself, are you competing, just want something for home defense, or just want one because red dots are cool? That answer will help you part with those greenbacks in a wise manner.
MAGNIFICATION: While most red dot sight models provide 1X magnification (what you see is what exists in the real world) there are models with up to 6X and 9X magnification, and other units you can obtain a multiplier unit and install that ahead of the red dot sight if you have enough rail for those double units to ride on. If you like to load up your rails, then this is your market to be in!
STYLE: There are two basic styles of red dots: small upright screens—looking like mini TVs—and the short tube versions that resemble riflescopes designed for Mini-Me.
BRAND: The good news is most of the heavy hitters in the optics world you are already familiar with, like Leupold, Bushnell, Burris, Trijicon, and Vortex, plus EOTech, offer red dot sights. There are versions that are made by these and other manufacturers that can also wear other name brands. And then there are the cheap imports. Seems as shooter interest has grown, many manufacturers have gotten into the “we have one also” scramble. Some new kids on the block are just that=blocks. Take your dollars and move along. As a rule, if the red dot sight costs less than $150, there’s a reason. That economics class you slept through in high school covered this.
MOUNTING: Nearly all models are designed to mount on the rail of a rifle, shotgun or handgun. Some can be mounted into slots on a pistols’ slide, like a Leupold DeltaPoint Pro. Look at the bases and read the installation manuals–carefully.
BUYER BEWARE: When shopping, look at the sight, how the battery can be changed, and how low the unit sits onto the rail. The BIG problem becomes sights designed for use on pistols and revolvers may not work well or at all on rifles and shotguns because you can’t get your head low enough to see through the tiny tube or small screen. After many complaints, some manufacturers now offer bases that raise the height of the sight (at an additional price, of course). Shop carefully and look at the mounting design. You may want to forgo the quick disconnect bases because they may disconnect and not when you expect. Remember, the last thing you want is a flying red dot that comes for your eye or forehead. Flights happen.
EYE RELIEF: While objective lens or screens on red dot sights can range from a scant 20mm up to 90mm, test as many models as possible and sit them on a firearm like or similar to the one you plan to install the unit on. Distance from your eye to the screen or lens matters. If your firearm needs a rail for installation, there are many styles, and lengths from numerous sources. Look at Brownell’s, Midway and Low-Pro for starters.
RETICLE: Now for another factor that you need to determine: can the unit be adjusted for intensity? Brilliantly bright red glowing orbs in a pitch dark night can become so distracting that they disable your eye’s ability to see past the glow and determine the target. Not good, Batman (a known dark cave expert!). And since you are looking, decide if you like a dot, a circle, something similar to a riflescope reticle or possibly a horseshoe-shaped aiming aid. All exist. Then you may need to decide whether you want green or red glowing reticles. Those shooters who may be colorblind will find these choices a saver.
RED DOT vs LASER SIGHT vs HOLOGRAPHIC: Next, don’t confuse a red dot with a laser sight. Nothing is projected onto a target by any red dot sight. Repeat after me: red dots are not laser sights. Also, red dots are not holographic sights. Holographic sights use a laser and mirrors to send a hologram reticle into your line of sight in the optic.
CASE COLOR: Finally, what color do you want the exterior of your red dot to be? Tans, blacks, camouflage, and other exteriors are out there. If you can’t find the red dot sight you dream of, keep shopping. I found 1,500 models in one online search.