Red Dot Sight

A red dot sight, commonly known as a red dot, is a type of optical sight that displays an aiming point (usually a red dot) on a lens. This allows the shooter to aim with both eyes open, resulting in faster and more intuitive target acquisition. In short: a red dot is a combination of speed and convenience.

Red Dot Sight – What Is It?

A red dot sight is an optical device that uses the phenomenon of light collimation to display an aiming point on a lens. It works like this: an LED emits light, which then passes through a collimating lens. This lens makes the light rays parallel. These parallel rays are reflected from a mirror and create an image of the aiming point, which we see on the red dot lens. Sounds complicated? In practice, it's simply a red dot (or other shape) "floating" in the field of view.

Thanks to this, the shooter does not have to focus on the front and rear sights, as with classic mechanical sights. The aiming point is always sharp, regardless of the distance to the target. This makes aiming faster and easier, especially in dynamic situations.

History of Red Dot Sights

The first red dots were created in the early 20th century, but their popularity in civilian shooting only began to grow in the 1970s and 80s. Previously, they were mainly used in military aviation. This was due to the fact that the pilot had to quickly acquire a target in dynamically changing conditions. The red dot was perfectly suited for this.

With the development of technology, red dots have become smaller, lighter, and more durable. Various types of red dots have appeared, adapted to different types of weapons and applications. Today, red dots are widely used in sport shooting, tactical shooting, and hunting.

Applications of Red Dots in Shooting

Red dots are used in many areas of shooting:

• Dynamic shooting (IPSC, 3-Gun): Rapid target acquisition and aiming with both eyes open are key to success in dynamic shooting. The red dot significantly speeds up this process.
• Sport shooting: In some sports competitions, red dots are allowed and allow for achieving better results.
• Tactical shooting: Red dots are often used by law enforcement and military due to their reliability and speed of operation in stressful situations.
• Hunting: Some hunters use red dots on handguns or shotguns for hunting at short ranges, where speed of target acquisition is crucial.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Red Dot Sights

Like any solution, red dots have their advantages and disadvantages. It's worth knowing them before making a purchase decision.

Advantages:

• Speed of aiming: This is their greatest advantage. Aiming is intuitive and very fast.
• Aiming with both eyes open: Allows for better orientation in the field and observation of the surroundings.
• No parallax effect: In modern red dots, the parallax effect is minimized, which means that the aiming point always indicates the point of impact, regardless of the viewing angle.
• Ease of use: Red dots are easy to use and do not require special skills.
• Compact size and low weight: Do not burden the weapon too much.

Disadvantages:

• Power supply: Red dots require battery power. You need to remember to replace the battery and have a spare on hand.
• Visibility of the aiming point on sunny days: In very bright days, the aiming point may be poorly visible, although modern red dots have brightness adjustment.
• Limited range: Red dots work best at short and medium ranges. At long distances, a rifle scope may be a better solution.

Red Dot vs. Scope – What Are the Differences?

Both red dots and rifle scopes are used to improve the accuracy of shots, but they do it in different ways. A red dot, as we already know, displays an aiming point on a lens. A scope, on the other hand, is a more advanced optical device that magnifies the image of the target. Scopes also have a reticle that helps in estimating distance and making wind corrections.

When to choose a red dot and when to choose a scope? A red dot is ideal for dynamic shooting at short and medium ranges, where speed and intuitiveness count. A scope will work better at long distances, where magnification of the target image and a precise reticle are crucial. In other words – a red dot is a sprint, a scope is a marathon.

Types of Red Dot Sights

Various types of red dots are available on the market. The basic division is:

• Open red dots: Have an open construction, which provides a wide field of view. They are lightweight and compact, but less resistant to weather conditions.
• Closed red dots: Have a closed construction, which provides greater resistance to damage and weather conditions. They are more durable, but have a smaller field of view.

In addition, red dots differ in the size of the aiming point (expressed in MOA – Minute of Angle), brightness of the point, type of mount, and additional functions (e.g., automatic brightness adjustment, timer).

What to Consider When Choosing a Red Dot?

The choice of a suitable red dot depends on individual preferences and application. When buying, it is worth paying attention to:

• Size of the aiming point: A smaller point (e.g., 2 MOA) is more precise at longer distances. A larger point (e.g., 6 MOA) is easier to quickly acquire the target at short ranges.
• Brightness of the point: The red dot should have brightness adjustment to adapt it to lighting conditions.
• Durability: The red dot should be resistant to shock and weather conditions.
• Type of mount: The red dot must fit the mounting rail on the weapon. Picatinny rails are the most popular.
• Battery life: The longer the battery life, the less often you have to replace it.
• Manufacturer's reputation: It is worth choosing red dots from proven brands that offer good quality and reliability.

Red Dot Mounting – Step by Step

Mounting a red dot is usually simple, but requires following a few rules:

1. Make sure the weapon is unloaded and secured.
2. Choose the right mount for the red dot and the mounting rail on the weapon.
3. Attach the mount to the red dot according to the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Place the red dot with the mounted mount on the mounting rail on the weapon.
5. Tighten the mounting screws with the correct torque (according to the manufacturer's instructions). Over-tightening may damage the red dot or mount.
6. Check that the red dot is securely mounted and that there is no play.
7. Perform zeroing of the red dot at the shooting range (setting the aiming point).

Remember to always follow the instructions of the red dot and mount manufacturer.

Zeroing a Red Dot – How to Set the Aiming Point?

Zeroing, i.e. setting the aiming point of the red dot, is crucial for accurate shooting. It consists in setting the red dot in such a way that the aiming point coincides with the point of impact on the target. The zeroing process usually looks like this:

1. Set the target at an appropriate distance (e.g. 25 meters for a pistol, 50 or 100 meters for a rifle).
2. Fire a series of shots at the target.
3. Observe where the bullets hit.
4. Use the adjustment knobs on the red dot to move the aiming point towards the point of impact. Each click of the knob moves the aiming point by a certain value (e.g. 1/4 MOA).
5. Repeat steps 2-4 until the aiming point coincides with the point of impact on the target.

Remember to perform zeroing in stable conditions and use a support to minimize errors. After zeroing, it is worth taking a few more control shots to make sure that the settings are correct.

Red Dot Accessories – What Is Worth Buying?

It is worth buying a few accessories for the red dot that will improve its functionality and ease of use:

• Spare batteries: It is always worth having spare batteries on hand to avoid unpleasant surprises at the shooting range.
• Red dot cover: Protects the red dot from mechanical damage and weather conditions.
• Riser mount: Allows you to raise the red dot, which makes it easier to aim in a mask or glasses.
• Optics cleaner: Keeps the red dot lens clean, which ensures good visibility.
• Red dot lens cap: Protects the lens from dust and scratches during storage and transport.

Red Dot – A Popular Choice for Many Shooters

A red dot sight is a versatile aiming device that has revolutionized shooting. Its speed, ease of use, and reliability make it a popular choice among sport shooters, tactical shooters, and hunters. If you are looking for a way to improve your results at the shooting range, a red dot is certainly worth considering.