In many computer shooters and almost all action films, someone will shoot a weapon with a telescopic sight. Often, in such cases, the eyes of the heroes can see a red dot, which helps to hit targets accurately. It is not an invention of the director or creator of a video game but exists in reality. This point is created by special red dot optics, which are becoming more popular yearly among owners of different weapons. We will talk about it in our today's review.
Red dot and its features
Experienced shooters and beginners read us, so first, we need to explain what red dot sights are. This device is a universal sight that people of any level of training equally actively use. Its main nuance is the presence of an illuminated aiming reticle in the form of a small dot. It never changes its position relative to the weapon, so it allows you to seek well regardless of the movements of the shooter’s eyes. Such a device is often placed on the barrel of a weapon for shooting at medium distances (up to 100 meters). It will be no less effective during shooting work near the target.
Shooters often install red dots on rifles of different sizes and calibers. This work is done and does not require overly complex optical adjustments. In addition, it is suitable for most pistols and other types of small weapons. Creators adapt modern red dot models to the user's needs. Therefore, you can see many universal devices and models made for a specific type of weapon on sale.
People first learned about red dot optics in 1900. This year, Irish optical designer and engineer Howard Grubb presented his unique invention. It immediately became in demand and began to be used on modern weapon models of that time. Slightly modified sights were actively used in World Wars I and II. Due to the limited number of models produced in WWI, they were installed exclusively on fighter aircraft. Their capabilities significantly increased shooting accuracy, and a particular advantage was created in battles. Sights from the red dot category were widely used in World War II. They helped to aim while firing from various weapons quickly, making it possible to hit static and fast-moving targets. Modern variations of such optics, actively used in our time, appeared in the 70s of the last century. They were gradually modernized and adapted to the needs of shooters.
Today, experts rank red dot sights among the most valuable optics. It receives this status due to many strong qualities absent in other types of sights. Thanks to this, this device is in demand in various fields of activity.
Key benefits:
- Maximum versatility. All red dot scope models are equally suitable for shooters of varying skill levels. They help beginners aim faster, minimize the percentage of inaccurate shots, and make it easier for professionals to complete any tasks (even initially tough ones). In addition, the devices' versatility is evident in installing them on any weapon. They often include not only rifles of different calibers but also pistols. All this makes these models popular in various military units and demand among the civilian population.
- Aiming speed. None of the sights used today can compare with the red dot regarding seeking speed. This advantage is considered the most significant, as it allows a certain amount of time. This is especially important in cases where the fire rate affects the shooter's life. For military personnel, high aiming speed helps to stay ahead of the enemy and leaves them no chance of success. For civilians, this feature of red dot weapon optics will be helpful in exciting moments when it is essential to quickly aim the weapon at the target (for example, when protecting your home from thieves).
- High shooting accuracy. All modern red dot sight models make it possible to accurately hit targets located at a distance of up to 100 meters. This will be enough for most simple shooters since they rarely need to shoot at distant objects. In this regard, red dot sights will be an excellent choice for hunting, protecting your property, and guarding various things. Law enforcement and intelligence officers can use slightly improved models of such optics. In some cases, they will become indispensable for military personnel of multiple units.
- Stealth. Unlike some other types, red dots do not unmask the shooter. This gives him access to covert shooting without fear of a return bullet arriving. This became possible thanks to the scope’s ability to form a point visible only to the shooter. This is especially important at night when any light beam instantly allows the enemy to detect a person’s location.
- Small-sized design. Any red dot model is convenient to use. They are highly compact and incredibly light, making them an ideal addition to weapons such as a pistol. Thanks to this advantage, the optics do not create an increased load on the barrel and do not lead to rapid fatigue of the user’s hands. Another advantage of compactness and lightness is minimizing problems during long-term wearing or transporting optics.
- Adequate cost. Often, modern optics are costly, so only government agencies (army, police, etc.) and wealthy civilians can buy them. However, the case of red dot sights is an exception. These devices always have an adequate price, making them available to everyone. Combined with maximum simplicity, this makes them ideal options for casual users.
A single perfect design in the world will have flaws. Red dot models cannot do without them either. There are relatively few negative aspects to optics operation, so most owners tend to keep the scope they use the same.
Main disadvantages:
- Inability to hit distant targets. As already mentioned, red dots can be effective at relatively short distances. If the shooter tries to hit foreign targets, the probability of success will be much lower. This is due to several factors, including the inability to use the Zoom option. Changing the situation using simple methods is almost impossible, so it is more advisable to use other types of sights.
- Increased battery consumption. A simple light-emitting diode is used to create an aiming point, projecting a beam onto the lens. This structural element is powered by battery energy, leading to faster energy reserve consumption. This drawback can be critical in some situations since if the battery is completely depleted, the scope will become useless. However, light-emitting diodes installed in modern models of such optics consume so little energy that they practically eliminate the possibility of such an outcome.
The nuances of red dot weapon optics
Over the past decades, the red dot has significantly changed its appearance. However, the principle of their functioning has remained virtually unchanged. Before considering it, it is essential to determine what components are in such optics. The main one among them is called the concave lens. It is installed inside a unique tube and differs from standard lenses because it has a translucent coating. Thanks to it, various defects that can impair visibility and complicate the aiming process are prevented. The second most crucial design element is the light-emitting diode. It has a minimal size and uses battery energy as a power source. With its help, a dot-sighting reticle is created. It is centered, which eliminates the possibility of any shifts, even when making sudden movements. In many models, this point glows red. Thanks to this, the sight received its name. In some modern variations, the red color is replaced by green. Some users like it, while others still prefer the classics and want to keep their favorite option the same.
Hardly anyone would call the operating principle of red dot models complicated. Even a beginner reading information about this device for the first time can easily understand it. The diode emits a light beam at the beginning of the light-emitting process. It is directed at a concave lens and then reflected. This action helps create another light beam parallel to the original one. It is redirected to the sight's eyepiece, where the shooter sees it. Because both beams run similarly, the point is located exactly in the center. It does not change its position even if the weapon moves or the user's eye shifts. The mark's stability guarantees high aiming accuracy, after which it won't be easy to miss.
Classification of red dot models
Optics from the red dot category are in demand among shooting enthusiasts and people for whom this activity is part of their profession. Such optics are available in a large number of variations and are designed to perform dozens of tasks. Of the many on sale, standard and miniature models are distinguished. They differ from each other in size and are installed on certain types of weapons. Traditional style models are designed for full-size rifles. This optics has a large lens (diameter of at least 25 mm), an excellent viewing angle, and is as functional as possible compared to miniature models. The latter are produced exclusively for pistols. Such sights weigh very little, so they do not create problems when aiming a weapon at any object.
A more well-known classification divides all devices into prismatic, reflective, and holographic models. Each option has unique features, which need to be discussed in more detail. Let's start with the classics. These are colorful sights, which, to many shooters, resemble traditional weapon optics. These models have a tube-shaped body. Inside is a unique glass prism (designed to focus light), found mainly in binoculars. Naturally, the design of colorful models also includes an LED. A battery powers it and creates a visible point in front of the user's eyes. A significant difference from other types is the presence of an engraved mesh on the glass. This allows you to shoot accurately even without using the dot illumination. Prismatic models are easily installed on any weapon platform. They often have a built-in Picatinny rail mount, which greatly simplifies this work.
Even though colorful red dots are often called classics, the most popular ones are still reflective. Among them, there are open and closed models. The first option involves the presence of a concave lens in the body, which is protected by a unique tubular visor (approximately like cameras and video cameras). Such sights attract attention with their relatively low cost. Their main advantages also include compactness and improved field of view. Closed-type models are very different from their “closest relatives.” They feature a standard tubular-type body, similar to that used in prismatic models. These sights have a higher price tag and different strengths than open sights.
If we consider the red dot of the reflex type, then we can highlight several distinct advantages. The first thing that catches your eye is the ease of use. Thanks to this, these devices are suitable for beginners and users with insufficient experience. Another advantage is the ability to keep both eyes open. This lets you see the whole picture while maintaining sight of all essential details. All standard-size reflex optics are designed for long guns. There are also miniature models mounted primarily on pistols.
Among the many types, holographic devices are considered the most advanced. They have a much more complex design than prismatic and reflective ones, thanks to which they give users more opportunities. A complete lens system is used instead of a concave lens and glass prism. It creates a three-dimensional grid as a holographic image of maximum clarity and optimal sharpness. Another significant difference is the presence of a laser instead of the more traditional light-emitting diode.
Holographic models have many advantages over more outdated optics. They are durable and resistant to various external influences. High reliability is achieved due to the unique principle of forming an image of an aiming point. Thanks to it, even damaged lenses can create a visible mark. Among other advantages, we can highlight the efficiency of the laser, which, unlike the light-emitting diode, does not make any distortion.
Will red dot optics be practical day and night?
Red dot sights are not called universal weapon optics for anything. Its different types will be equally helpful during the day and after sunset. Initially, such a sight was created to work in good lighting. To do this, its dot grid received maximum brightness. Thanks to this feature, the user could see it even when the optics were exposed to direct sunlight. In modern devices, engineers have made changes that have further improved the visibility of the red mark. Also, many sights can now adjust the brightness of their illumination.
Red dots will be just as effective at night as during the day. The shooter will see the aiming reticle equally clearly in the light of the Moon, stars, and complete darkness. Models designed for night use also have a function for adjusting the brightness of the dot. This allows each shooter to make the necessary adjustments to maximally adapt the operation of the optics to their own needs.
Day and night performance makes these scopes helpful optics for various applications. Thus, with the help of these devices, military personnel will be able to perform assigned tasks, regardless of the current time of day. The same will be available to security guards, police, and intelligence officers. Regular users can hunt in any lighting conditions and have confidence in their optics when protecting their homes.
Red dot sights can easily be called a real miracle of modern weapon optics. These devices have the most straightforward operating principle and are reliable and highly efficient. With their help, even a novice shooter can easily hit the target. Such sights are improved every year and become more functional. People find many uses for them, ranging from simple hunting to dangerous military operations. In all cases, these optics show their best side and increase the likelihood of completing any task.