Ultimate Precision And The Many Additional Benefits Of A Red Dot Sight

The red dot sight is easily one of the most recognisable optics on the market. In this quick guide, we will have a look at the many standout qualities of the red dot, as well as provide a few invaluable tips and tricks around the optimal use of these accessories. As we usually do, we will also offer a few recommendations from our online store.

Speaking of our online store, if you have not already, we encourage you to have a look at our diverse range of supplies. With Futurama, you can expect to find some of the finest red dot sights, ballistic plate carriers, outdoor equipment, grow tents, crossbows, and more. Since 2013, we have been providing South Africans with high-quality tactical gear from around the world.

If you are interested in what the optics can do for you and your marksmanship abilities, read on to find out more.

How Does A Red Dot Sight Improve Accuracy?

Red dot sights have revolutionised many different forms of shooting, in a few distinct ways. One of the largest positives of these optics is that they combine the advantages of both iron sights and rifle scopes into one compact sight. What do we mean by this? Well, a red dot sight facilitates incredibly quick target acquisition and tracking, as a standard iron sight would, while also allowing for greatly enhanced accuracy. This combination of speed and precision means that these optics bring something entirely unique to the table, that no iron sight can offer.

Whatever kind of shooting you are engaging in, whether it be competition, active combat, hunting, etc. these sights will allow you to get the most out of your firearm. There are three main reasons for the effectiveness of red dot sights: Firstly, red dot sights make use of a red LED that is reflected off a spherical mirror, and then back into your line of sight – this means the reticle is constantly in alignment regardless of eye position. When shooting, this negates the need to remove your attention from the target to align the front and back sights on your weapon, which speeds up the process considerably.

Secondly, these optics have a remarkable ability to reduce parallax. In basic terms, parallax refers to the perceived shift in the reticle’s position relative to the target, when you move your head or eye behind the scope. With higher-quality red dot sights, parallax is much less of an issue, while it can still occur at longer ranges, it is considerably less problematic than it might be with some other optics on the market. This means you should be able to take precise shots even in awkward positions where your head isn’t perfectly aligned with the optic.

Lastly, red dot sights are renowned for their general ease of use and simplicity – for veterans and beginners alike, you would be hard-pressed to find a better option. To add to this, they are especially durable, and the red LED consumes very little energy, allowing these sights to last for hundreds, if not thousands of hours, depending on brightness settings. All in all, red dot sights are an excellent choice for a range of shooting applications.

A Few Products From Our Online Store

If you are on the lookout for the ideal red dot sight, we have more than 300 to choose from! When you shop with Futurama, you can feel confident in the quality of the products you receive. We do not collaborate with brands or manufacturers that take shortcuts or make compromises in the quality of their goods. As a result, our selection of red dot sights, tactical gear, gadgets, electronics, etc. is second to none when it comes to durability and value for money.

Canik Mecanik MO2

If you are looking for a sight that offers incredible performance without breaking the bank, the Canik Mecanik MO2 could be the perfect choice for you. Canik went above and beyond with this offering, working alongside professional target and competition shooters from across the globe to figure out the optimal design, and it shows.

This optic affords users complete control over brightness, as well as three unique MOA dot choices, making this sight especially versatile and ideal for a range of purposes. It is parallax-free, shock-resistant, moisture-resistant, and created using super high-quality materials, making it about as hardy as it gets; a truly excellent option that is undoubtedly worth your consideration.

Aimpoint Micro S1 Red Dot Sight

Aimpoint is widely regarded as one of the best manufacturers of optics in the world, and the performance that the Aimpoint Micro S1 displays is an apt example of why this is the case – with a hugely impressive 50,000 hours, or 5 years’ worth of constant operation from a single battery! Not to mention the interchangeable base plates which allow you to place this optic on almost any shotgun you choose.

It is important to mention that this sight has been created specifically for shotguns because they typically require a more durable make-up, as a result of the high recoil – hence the use of anodized, high-strength aluminium housing in its construction. Ideal for protection, hunting, and more, this offering from Aimpoint is not to be overlooked.

Trijicon RMR HRS Type 2 – 3.25 MOA

For those looking for a higher-end alternative that comes with all the bells and whistles, it doesn’t get any better than the Trijicon RMR HRS Type 2. In the past, Trijicon has come out with a plethora of outstanding optics, but they opted to take it even further with this iteration. It features fully adjustable LED illumination, on top of game-changing True-Colour multi-coatings which enable you to see your target and the surrounding areas exactly as they appear, with zero distortions.

It can be mounted on pistols, rifles, and shotguns, making it one of the most versatile sights on the market. Whatever your shooting needs are, you can rest assured that this optic is more than ready for the challenge.

Tips And Tricks To Improve Your Shooting Technique

There are multiple styles of red dot sights, which utilise different technology to achieve similar effects. However, the general shooting technique for optimal use of these sights remains the same. Let’s have a look at three simple steps that should improve your accuracy in no time:

1. Focus –

   Always keep your eyes on the target and hold your focus. With a red dot sight, you don’t need to split your focus between the target and the sight itself, so take advantage of this and track your target the entire time. To add to this, many people prefer to keep both eyes open while using the sight, as this increases your field of view, without negatively impacting your aim.

2. Firearm Positioning –

   When trying to find the ideal position for your rifle, always remember to bring the weapon up to your cheek, rather than bringing your head down to the rifle. When you hunch over while aiming, your centre of gravity is thrown off, resulting in a less stable base and shaky aim. Place the stock as close to the centre of your chest as you can – this will assist you in dealing with recoil and quickly preparing yourself for the next shot down range.

3. Taking The Shot –

   Once you are completely focused on the intended target and both of your eyes are open, bring the firearm up to your cheek and take note of the red reticle in your line of site. While ensuring that you are holding your weapon properly, closely align the reticle with the point of impact and slowly squeeze the trigger – don’t pull the trigger with too much force as it will throw your aim off.

If you spend some time at the range practising this technique, you will very quickly build on your speed, target acquisition, and precision. While these may seem like simple tips, at the end of the day, it’s always better to keep it basic and work on the things that matter the most.

How To Mount A Red Dot Sight On Your Firearm

It is vital to ensure that your sight has been adequately mounted on your weapon – if it is not, it could have a severe impact on your ability to take shots accurately and effectively. When mounting your new sight, it is essential to pick out the correct mounting base for your purposes and ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely. Additionally, adequately aligning the sight with the bore of the firearm will help to protect the optic from unnecessary damage and positively impact your precision.

Another factor to keep in mind is the height of the sight you intend to mount. If it is too high or too low, it will end up being extremely tough to use and could throw your aim out completely. When deciding on a red dot sight, consider the kind of firearm you intend to use it on, as well as your unique shooting style – certain heights are better suited to particular kinds of shooting techniques and practices. As you can imagine, it is crucial that all the screws and bolts are securely tightened, otherwise it could shift while shooting or fall off as a result of the recoil.

Tips And Tricks For Optimal Red dot Sight Maintenance

If you want your optic to last for many years to come, it pays to take steps to ensure its longevity through proper maintenance. Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, is to keep your sight clean, and free of debris, dust, dirt, or any other particles. This can be done by simply running a clean, soft cloth over the optic, or even better, keeping the sight covered when you are not using it. If dust is allowed to build up on the sight, it can damage the instrument and cause issues down the line.

Secondly, regularly check the battery life of your optic and if need be, replace the battery with a compatible alternative. To do this, turn the sight on and examine the brightness of the dot. If you find that you can barely see it, or it has disappeared entirely, it is time to replace the battery. If your red dot is battery-operated, a good way to keep track of battery life is to replace it every year on your birthday. It can be difficult to effectively use one of these optics if the red dot is too faint, especially when shooting during the day or in well-lit areas.

As hardy as these sights are, they are susceptible to damage from moisture and drastic temperature changes. It is for this reason that we recommend storing your sight in a cool, dry spot to prevent unfortunate damage.

Lastly, it’s imperative that you frequently inspect your sight for any signs of damage or wear and tear, like cracks in the lens or loosened screws. If you do notice any damage, it is best to have it repaired sooner rather than later, as the damage could worsen to an irreparable point. If you follow these basic maintenance tips and tricks, your sight will continue to be an invaluable shooting tool well into the future.