The Benefits of Red Dot Sights
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to go over red dot sight benefits today. These types of sights are incredibly popular and in common use with shooters of all types. Optics of this type are utilized on a wide range of firearms and are employed by hunters, competitors, recreational shooters, and professionals alike. We are going to highlight some benefits of these sighting systems and more while delving into other considerations. Without further ado, let’s talk about the benefits of red dot sights.
What is a Red Dot Sight?
Red dot sights are typically battery powered optics which can be utilized by many types of firearms. The name is a reference to the fact that reticles in these optics are often red and almost always feature dot style reticles. Red dot sights utilize LED units to project their reticles on to coated glass lenses. These lenses generally feature some coating and level of tinting to improve visibility of the projected reticle. Red dot sights offer no magnification and are capable of being utilized in conjunction with existing iron sights if the optic and sights are at compatible heights.
Battery powered battery feature multiple brightness settings, allowing users to fine tune the sight for their conditions. Non-battery powered offerings, like some Trijicon RMR models, utilize things such as tritium to power their reticles. While the color “red” is in the name of these types of sights, reticles can also be found in different colors like green. Additionally, red dot sights can be had with reticles which differ from traditional single dot reticles. For example, many of the offerings from Holosun feature multiple reticles for shooters to choose from such as a basic dot and a circle dot reticle.
Red dot sights are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. This is to say that users can find small red dots tailored for concealed carry use as well as large red dots built for the rigors of combat. There are currently many companies who produce red dot sights for military, law enforcement, and commercial use. Red dots, regardless of size, can be mounted on a variety of firearms in either a primary or secondary capacity. Additionally, many of the red dots on the market feature versatile mounting footprints and patterns, making it easy to equip a litany of firearms with red dot sights.
Are Holographic Sights the Same Thing?
While red dot sights and holographic sights are often utilized in the same way and for the same roles, they are not the same. While the projected reticle of red dot sights is one complete image, holographic sight reticles are not projected as one single, complete image. Essentially, a prism breaks up a projected laser into multiple points which then form the complete reticle.
What Firearms Can You Use Red Dot Sights On?
Red dot sights can be utilized on a wide range of firearms. Pistol, rifle, shotgun, and rimfire firearms alike can effectively employ these types of sights. Typically, shooters will encounter two types of red dot sights – small, micro sights often marketed for pistol use and full-size red dots often marketed for rifle use. While these types of red dots may be intended for one specific type of firearm, they can actually be utilized on a wide range of firearms. For example, many shooters utilize small, pistol-oriented red dot sights on subguns or rifles.
Simplified Sighting System
Red dot sights present shooters with a simplified sighting system. Traditional iron sights require shooters to line up two different units to achieve a proper sight picture. With a red dot sight, one only needs to worry about a single sighting unit. Simply put, rather than having to align two different sights, one simply aims with the reticle of their red dot sight. Due to their simplified sighting system and the nature of their reticles, red dot sights are easy to shoot with both eyes open. Doing so will provide shooters with a greater field of view, greater depth perception, and focus on the target. Additionally, these types of sights are conducive to fast target acquisition and make it easy to track and identify targets.
Easier to Adjust Than Iron Sights
Generally speaking, red dot sights are easier to adjust than iron sights are. Iron sight styles and mechanisms exist on a broad spectrum. Some sighting systems are simplistic and feature little to no adjustment potential. Other types of iron sights are more intricate and can be adjusted via special tools or dedicated knobs. Red dot sights on the other hand are simply adjusted via a screwdriver or tool that is often included with the optic.
Can Be Paired with A Magnifier
Unlike iron sights, red dot sights can be paired with a magnifier. These units are intended to be mounted behind an existing red dot or holographic sight and provide a fixed level of magnification on demand. Typically, magnifiers feature mounting solutions which allow them to be flipped out of the way to allow for unmagnified use of the red dot sight. Magnifiers allow an end user to extend their effective range and increase their accuracy potential, making them great companions for red dot sights.
Battery Efficiency
Red dot sights generally boast long runtimes due to the efficiency of LED units and use of powerful and efficient batteries. Many red dot sights are capable of running continuously for multiple years due to electronic efficiencies and other traits. For example, an Aimpoint T2 micro red dot sight utilizing a single CR2032 batteries can last for 50,000 hours (over 5 years) on setting 8. This means that end users can keep an optic on constantly, making it ready whenever they need it. Additionally, some red dot sights feature battery saving measures such as auto-shutoff and motion sensors. These features allow the light to power off when not in use and power on when movement is detected.
Red Dot Sights Work Well with Night Vision
It is also notable that red dot sights work with night vision devices. Many red dots will come equipped from distinct settings for use with night vision googles, allowing for easy integration. These settings adjust the brightness level of the optic to a low level that works with night vision. Some of the models without dedicated night vision settings can be manually adjusted to a brightness level appropriate for night vision use. Private night vision ownership is becoming more and more common these days, and red dot sights provide shooters of this type with viable sighting implements.
Who Makes Red Dot Sights?
Currently, red dot sights are produced by many different manufacturers. These types of sights are available at various price points as both budget oriented and premium offerings exist. This means that red dot sights are incredibly accessible. Companies such as Trijicon, Aimpoint, EOTech, Holosun, Olight, and Vortex optics produce optics of this type. As mentioned earlier, red dot sights are produced in both large, traditional sizes and in smaller, micro sizes intended for pistol use. The wide range of red dot sights available on the market makes it easy for a prospective buyer to find a sight best for their needs and budget.
Should Red Dots Replace Iron Sights?
Red dot sights are truly a boon to shooters, but should they replace iron sights? Many red dot proponents claim that with red dots being as capable and reliable as they are today, one can forgo traditional iron sights on their firearm. Iron sight proponents will state that having a backup plan is key and that one should not consider iron sights to be obsolete. Practically, shooters should be proficient with both standard, traditional sighting systems and red dot sights. By doing so, one will be able to effectively employ a wide range of firearms and be a well-rounded shooter. In short, it is ultimately up to the individual to determine whether or not red dot sights can coexist with iron sights. Regardless of one’s choice, they should train and become proficient as a shooter with their setup.
Conclusion
Put plainly, shooters of all types stand to benefit from the use of red dot sights. Casual shooters and experienced, purpose-driven shooters alike can effectively utilize these pieces of equipment to enhance their shooting experience. From improved accuracy, faster shots on target, to night vision compatibility, red dot sights are truly an asset to shooters. In addition to our wide range of ammo for sale, we here at True Shot Ammo carry a number of red dot sights. Whether you are after a red dot sight or wish to buy bulk ammo, we have you covered. As always, happy shooting.
