RED DOT SIGHT VS ALTERNATIVE OPTICS

If you are thinking about purchasing a red dot sight but find yourself wondering how they compare to other sights on the market, allow us to give you the full run-down. In this brief guide, we will explore the characteristics of different firearm optics to help you figure out which style is best suited to your needs. On top of this, we will provide some useful tips and tricks regarding firearms and proper use, as it is essential to err on the side of caution when handling this kind of equipment.

At times, it can seem like there are an overwhelming number of options available to you. At Futurama, we recognise the need to explain these options in detail so that you, as the consumer, have an improved understanding of what you are purchasing. With that in mind, let’s get into it.

CONSIDER WHAT KIND OF SHOOTING YOU INTEND TO DO

When it comes to firearm optics, there is no one-size-fits-all option that will cover all of your bases. Different optics excel in unique areas, and oftentimes, you may need to swap out your optic to account for distance, environment, weather, and a variety of other factors. So, when we compare these optics, it is impossible to come to a conclusion about one being better than another, as they serve different purposes. For example, red dot sights are designed for comparatively close combat shooting, and they are excellent in this area.

However, they are not as adept at longer ranges because they usually do not feature any magnification to assist with this kind of shooting. On the flip side, a rifle scope often features multiple levels of magnification, allowing for significantly more accurate long-distance shots. Ultimately, the ideal optic will entirely depend on what sort of situation you might be heading into – hence the need for this ‘disclaimer’ before we delve further into this guide.

RED DOT VS IRON SIGHTS: WHICH SUITS YOU?

Every firearm comes standard with its own unique iron sights, and they generally consist of two parts: one mounted sight on the barrel and another mounted above the stock of the firearm. To aim through them, the front sight must be aligned with the rear sight, to give the shooter a clear indication of the bullet’s trajectory. There are many different kinds of iron sights, but the most commonly seen type is known as the “post-and-notch”. The name describes the sight quite well, as it is made up of a notch mounted at the rear of the firearm, and a protruding post on the barrel. The origins of this kind of iron sight date all the way back to 1543!

When compared to a red dot sight, there isn’t much of a comparison. The main difference between the two is that there are three points of alignment when shooting with iron sights – the shooter must align the rear sight to the front sight, and only then can they shift focus to the target. With a red dot sight, there is only a single point of alignment – simply place the reticle on the target and you are immediately ready to go. As you can imagine, this speeds up the shooting process dramatically and makes it substantially simpler.

In potentially dangerous situations, this is hugely beneficial, as our minds are much better at focussing on a single thing in stressful scenarios. In the heat of the moment, it can become extremely challenging to shift your focus multiple times in order to use iron sights effectively. When it comes to long-distance shooting, the sights are similar in terms of efficiency – neither have been designed for this purpose.

RED DOT SIGHT VS RIFLE SCOPE

Speaking of long-range shooting, it is in this area that rifle scopes excel. They can be used at shorter distances too, but this certainly isn’t where they are most effective. They feature a more complex reticle, with graded measurements which can indicate necessary adjustments based on distance and windage. Of course, magnification is a major upside of these optics, as it allows the shooter a far more accurate view of targets at a distance. However, the more magnification there is, the less field of view you will have to pick out other targets in the environment, so there are drawbacks.

Rifle scopes tend to be quite a lot heavier and less compact than red dot sights, which does lower mobility. Another factor that often flies under the radar is that red dot sights allow for substantially enhanced eye relief – when shooting for extended periods, this makes a massive difference. When using a rifle scope, however, one must maintain consistent eye relief, especially when shooting multiple targets with speed.

Parallax is also much less of a concern when using a red dot sight, which again, makes rapid shots at numerous targets substantially more manageable – with that being said, the effect can still occur at longer ranges. Parallax is a fairly common issue with magnified optics, and it refers to the visual effect which occurs when the reticle and target are on different planes within the scope – it can cause confusion because you might think you are right on target, but it only appears that way. At the end of the day, these two optics are about as different from each other as they get, and both come with pros and cons depending on the situation, environment, and distance.

RED DOT SIGHT VS HOLOGRAPHIC SIGHT

These two optics are frequently compared because they are very similar in terms of functionality. A holographic sight implements advanced technology to project a reticle onto its transparent display. This image is then reflected back into the shooter’s eyes, creating a 3D reticle which appears to be floating in space, while a red dot works uses an LED that reflects off a spherical lens and back into the user’s eye. Ultimately, we would need to give the technological edge to the holographic sight, as it is simply more advanced than a red dot sight.

However, this does come with two drawbacks – firstly, holographic sights tend to be considerably pricier than their red dot counterparts, making them less accessible. Secondly, the more complex technology there is, the more moving parts and potential issues might come up down the line. Meaning if something does break, it can be quite challenging to repair due to the complicated nature of the optic. Red dot sights are comparatively simple.

When it comes to the aesthetics of these two optics, it ultimately boils down to personal preference. Red dot sights generally feature a small dot in the centre of the sight. In contrast, holographic sights often utilise a large ring, which allows for a better view of the point of impact, but it does obstruct some of the surrounding environment.

When considering battery life and weight, red dot sights have the upper hand, as their more simplistic construction does not require as much energy as a holographic sight. However, in terms of durability, holographic sights have an advantage because they are manufactured using sturdier materials. As you can see, it really is a toss-up between these optic powerhouses, and there truly is no definitive answer about which is better.

WHICH OPTIC IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Well, as we mentioned earlier, there is no optic that can fulfill every shooting need, and each of them is designed for a specific purpose. So, when you are thinking about which is best suited to you, there are a few things to consider. If you are passionate about long-distance shooting and you feel that this is most rewarding for you, then it might make sense to opt for a magnified rifle scope.

If you consider yourself to be a traditionalist and you don’t enjoy the idea of modernising your weapon, then sticking to the iron sights could be the correct option for you. For those who love the thrill of fast-paced, close-range shooting, then a red dot or holographic sight is the most natural choice. It does not make sense to conclude that one is better than another, as they all have unique areas in which they excel.

FIREARM SAFETY AND PROPER USE

Adhering to firearm safety protocols and etiquette is essential to ensuring the safety of everyone in your vicinity; when these rules are not followed it can be incredibly dangerous. With that in mind, let’s delve into some of the most important gun safety tips:

1. Point Your Muzzle Downwards – This is one of the first things people learn when handling a weapon, but it can never hurt to explain why it is so critical. Ultimately, never point your weapon at something you do not intend to shoot, and this also applies when loading or unloading your firearm. We say point the muzzle downwards because if a shot does happen to go off accidentally, there is considerably lower risk of it hitting anyone. To cement this practice, it helps to stick to this rule even when you are sure that your weapon is not loaded, or the safety is on.

2. Do Not Rely Solely On Your Gun’s Safety Mechanism – In order to avoid any possibility of an accident, it is good practice to treat every firearm as if it can fire at any time. As effective as most safety mechanisms are, it is possible to get confused about whether or not it is ‘off’ or ‘on’, and this is when mistakes can occur. To add to this, another integral gun safety rule is to keep your finger off the trigger until you intend to fire the weapon, just to be safe.

3. Remain Aware Of The Position Of Your Target And What Is Behind It – When setting up a target, it is incredibly important to remain conscious of the position of the target, and what lies beyond it. Once you fire a gun, you cannot recall the bulle For this reason, it is crucial to be 100% certain that you are in a safe area with ample space. Preferably, set up your target with an embankment or solid object behind it, this guarantees that the bullet strikes something within your line of sight – even if you miss the target.

4. Fully Unload Your Firearm When It Is Not In Use – Even if you keep your gun in a secure firearm safe for storage, it is essential to unload the weapon beforehand. This rule actually applies to any situation in which you are not actively shooting – by this we mean transporting the firearm, when moving about the shooting range, or performing any awkward action like climbing over a fence or squeezing through a tight space.

There are many more rules to cover, but these are some of the most essential to keep in mind. If you make a concerted effort to stick to gun safety rules, you can be sure that your time at the shooting range is safe and enjoyable for you and those around you.