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What is a red dot sight?

A red dot is an electronic optical sight without magnification, where a dot (or other type of reticle) is projected onto the lens of the red dot. This dot is usually red, as the name implies, but it can also be green or even another colour. Because a red dot sight is not a magnified optic, this projection offers a major advantage. That advantage is the fact that a red dot can be used with both eyes open, which causes the housing to almost entirely disappear, visually speaking. As a result, the shooter sees an unobstructed floating red (or green) dot, which is easily visible and thus quick to pick up with the MK1 eyeball. This dot then simply needs to be placed on the target, after which the trigger can be pulled. The aiming process is thus made simpler, which allows for a significantly faster aiming process in general. Parallax also plays a much more diminished role with red dots: depending on the red dot you choose, parallax is barely observable.

There are roughly two types of red dot sights: the ‘reflex sight’ and the ‘holographic sight’. A reflex sight is relatively simple and functions with a light source, which is reflected on the concave side of the lens. Its reflection is then used as the aiming reticle. A holographic sight is more complex and utilises a holographic reticle, which appears to be floating in the distance right in front of the target.

Why a red dot?

Extremely flexible at shorter ranges
As described above, a red dot is a very straightforward aiming device to use. This is exactly what makes it a suitable option for many applications. Whether that is competition shooting or hunting, a red dot sight can ensure that you get the target in your sights as fast as possible. Because the dot is projected, it seems like it floats somewhere in the air in front of the shooter. An additional advantage of this is that the shooter’s focus can be on the target, while the dot only needs to be moved onto said target.

This also means that the surroundings remain more visible, as the entire shooting process can be carried out with both eyes open. It is much easier to maintain situational awareness as a result, as targets at the extremities of your field of view can still be observed. There are also no limitations with regards to eye relief with a red dot, as opposed to a scope. This means that the dot remains clearly visible, regardless of the distance between the eye and the red dot.

For firearms and airguns in all shapes and sizes
Another great advantage of red dots is their universal applicability. In theory, they can be mounted on nearly any type of airgun or firearm. Think of air rifles, but also of pistols and long rifles, even shotguns. Regardless of calibre or type, there is always a suitable red dot that can be mounted on the firearm or airgun in question.

Red dot sights specifically are seen often on pistols. While (accurately) shooting a pistol with iron sights can be relatively challenging, a red dot makes this a lot easier and more intuitive. Instead of an aiming process where attention needs to be partially focused on three separate points (the rear sight, the front sight and the target), with a mounted red dot, the dot simply needs to be placed on the target. Because the dot appears to be floating in front of the target, the shooter can focus on the target instead of the front sight, as is usually the case with shooting with iron sights.

Magnifier
At longer ranges, the lack of magnification in a red dot becomes an issue. Targets become increasingly difficult to identify, and so does hitting them. However, a magnifier provides a versatile solution to this problem. Magnifiers are placed behind the red dot, thus magnifying the entire image of the red dot. This means that the target is also magnified for the shooter. The advantage of a magnifier is that it can usually be flipped away from the sight, allowing the red dot to be used both in magnified and non-magnified configurations.

So how does a red dot work?

Projection (reflex sight)
A reflex sight consists of roughly three parts: a light source, a lens on which the reflection of the light source is visible and the housing which contains and protects the lens and power source for the light source. The light source is usually an LED, which is directed at the lens from the housing. This light source can also be enclosed in an aiming device with two lenses, also known as a ‘closed emitter’. This ensures that no dirt or water can obscure the light source, for example, which can distort your dot or can even conceal it entirely. A more extensive housing of course also contributes to the general durability of the aiming device. A tube-shaped red dot is also heavier for this reason – but it is also more resistant against the elements. Battery life is also worth mentioning: batteries in reflex sights generally last a very long time. Especially newer models can often last years on a single battery, although it is recommended to exchange them regularly.

Holography
Holographic aiming devices are a whole different ballgame. They are very recognisable to many thanks to movies and other media, where they are often used by military personnel. And for good reason; holographic sights are extremely durable and allow for a high degree of precision. The more complex construction and production methods of holographic sights result in a central dot which is much smaller than 1 MOA – in fact, it is almost equal to a point at infinity.

We won’t get into too much detail on the inner workings, but in short it comes down to the fact that, in reality, the dot in the middle of the ‘holosight’ is smaller than it seems on the lens. Our eyes and brains process this, turning it into a central dot which appears to have a diameter of roughly 1 MOA. This has the advantage of a high degree of precision, especially when using a magnifier. This will magnify the image of the aiming device by 3x, for instance, but because the central dot is in fact much smaller than 1 MOA it does not seem to change size to the eye, as opposed to the surrounding, larger ring. This means that the central dot does not obscure (a part of) your target as much as it would when looking through a magnified reflex sight.

Another advantage of holographic sights is that the reticle is still projected when the lens is damaged or broken. This is the result of the way in which the reticle is projected. As long as a part of the lens is present, the reticle can still be observed through that part of the glass. The reticle also remains accurate. That is far from optimal, of course, but it does still work. This does not apply to reflex sights, as the lens is what reflects the image of the dot to your eye. As soon as the lens distorts or becomes damaged, this can affect the shape of the dot and also the location where it is visible, thus causing your dot to no longer match your point of impact.

The advantages of a holographic sight come at the cost of a much shorter battery life, which often does not exceed 1000 hours. Of course, as long as you remain aware of this and regularly change the batteries, this does not need to be a limitation. It is good practice either way to carry a backup battery, regardless of the type of electronic aiming device you use.

What red dot sight should I choose?

Below, you can find a short selection aid, which should help narrow down the search for a red dot in a number of common applications.

Pistols
Red dots are extremely useful for use on pistols, with compact reflex sights being particularly good. They are very light and compact and make it easier to follow your point of aim after firing, allowing a quick return to the target. It also allows the shooter to focus on the target, instead of needing to switch between the target and the front sight.

Hunting
A red dot can be of great use for hunting. Think of driven hunts, where shots often need to be fired at great speed and at close ranges. In a situation like that, a red dot is ideal, thanks to the intuitive aiming and the fact that it allows the shooter to maintain situational awareness. A closed emitter (usually cylinder-shaped) red dot is most suitable for hunting, as it is more weatherproof. Good closed emitters are often coated and sometimes nitrogen-purged, which helps to prevent lenses from fogging up.

Sports shooting
Here, too, a red dot can be an asset, especially on dynamic shooting courses (think of IPSC, for instance). With quick transitions to different shooting positions, a red dot can add great value. With these disciplines, the type of red dot does not depend on weather conditions as much and is thus more dependent on personal preferences.

Air rifles and air pistols
With the use of air rifles and air pistols, the general advantages of red dot sights also apply. However, it is important to remember that the trajectory of the projectile from an air rifle will be much more pronounced compared to a firearm. This is due to the lower muzzle velocity and the lower weight of the projectile. As a result, the projectiles follow a more pronounced arc, which means that the shooter needs to account for a much steeper drop of the projectile. This makes a magnified optic a better proposition in many cases for an air rifle, especially at longer ranges.

Need help finding a red dot sight?

Can’t find the forest for the trees? No problem! Our staff is ready to advise you in order to help you find a suitable red dot for your situation. Of course, this also applies to the mounting of the optic or other questions.

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