A red dot sight is a type of firearms sighting device that projects a red dot on a target. It’s a popular choice among hunters, competitive shooters, and military personnel due to its simplicity, speed, and accuracy. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of red dot sights, the considerations for mounting a red dot sight, and the most common places to mount a red dot sight.
Table of Contents
Types of Red Dot Sights
There are four main types of red dot sights: holographic sights, reflex sights, tube sights, and open reflex sights. Holographic sights use a laser to project an image onto a holographic film, creating a reticle that appears to be floating in front of the shooter. Reflex sights, on the other hand, use a series of mirrors to reflect light from a LED onto a lens, creating the reticle. Tube sights use a small LED light inside a tube to create the reticle, while open reflex sights have no housing or tube, making them the most compact and lightweight option.
Considerations for Mounting a Red Dot Sight
When mounting a red dot sight, there are several factors to consider, including the type of weapon, available mounting options, co-witnessing, and battery life. Co-witnessing refers to the alignment of the iron sights with the red dot sight, allowing the shooter to use the iron sights if the red dot fails.
The Most Common Places to Mount a Red Dot Sight
The most common places to mount a red dot sight are on the top of the receiver, on the side of the receiver, and in a 45-degree mount. The top of the receiver mount is the most popular option, as it offers the best sight picture and is easy to access. The side mount provides a low
profile, but it can be harder to access and may obstruct the view of the iron sights. The 45-degree mount provides a quick and easy way to transition from the red dot to the iron sights without having to move the head or the weapon.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Mounting Options
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Mounting Options Each mounting option has its own advantages and disadvantages. The top of receiver mount offers the best sight picture, but it can be more difficult to co-witness the iron sights. The side mount is low profile, but it can obstruct the view of the iron sights and be harder to access. The 45-degree mount is quick and easy to use, but it can be less stable than other options.
Final words
choosing the right place to mount a red dot sight is a personal preference that will depend on the shooter’s needs and preferences. The most important factor is to choose a mounting option that provides a clear sight picture, is easy to access, and allows for co-witnessing. Whether you choose to mount the red dot on the top of the receiver, on the side of the receiver, or in a 45-degree mount, make sure to practice using the sight and get comfortable with the setup before using it in the field or at the range.
Frequently asked questions:
What are the different types of red dot sights available?
There are four main types of red dot sights: holographic sights, reflex sights, tube sights, and open reflex sights. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the best option for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
What are the most common places to mount a red dot sight?
The most common places to mount a red dot sight are on the top of the receiver, on the side of the receiver, and in a 45-degree mount. The top of the receiver mount is the most popular option, the side mount provides a low profile, and the 45-degree mount provides a quick and easy way to transition from the red dot to the iron sights.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of different mounting options?
The top of receiver mount offers the best sight picture, but can be more difficult to co-witness the iron sights. The side mount is low profile, but can obstruct the view of the iron sights and be harder to access. The 45-degree mount is quick and easy to use, but can be less stable than other options. Choosing a mounting option will depend on the shooter’s needs and preferences.