Validate your login
Sign In
Create New Account
Forgot Password
What are Red Dot Sights? (and green)
Red dot (also known as reflex sights) sights are non-magnifying reflex optics used on firearms to help with quick target acquisition. They project a red and/or green dot (or other reticle shape) onto a lens, which aligns with the target. You simply place the target dot on the target, allowing for fast aiming without the need to precisely align the sights like traditional iron sights.
Benefits of Red Dot Sights:
- Quick Target Acquisition: Red dots allow for faster aiming compared to iron sights or magnified optics. This is especially helpful in close-quarters or fast-moving scenarios.
- Unlimited Eye Relief: You can use them at any distance from your eye, which allows for quicker sight alignment and shooting from unconventional positions. Very popular for pistols where the gun is at arms length.
- Parallax-Free: Many red dot sights are parallax-free, meaning the dot remains on target even if your head or eye position changes slightly.
- Lightweight and Compact: Red dots are generally small, lightweight, and don’t add significant bulk to the firearm.
- Improved Accuracy: For shooters who struggle with traditional iron sights, red dots can improve accuracy by simplifying the aiming process.
- Works in Low Light: The illuminated dot is visible even in low-light conditions, making them useful in a wide range of lighting environments.
Drawbacks of Red Dot Sights:
- No Magnification: Red dot sights do not magnify the target, which can be a disadvantage for long-range shooting. For distant targets, a magnifier or another optic may be needed.
- Battery Dependence: Most red dot sights require batteries to illuminate the reticle. If the battery dies, the sight is useless. Though some models feature sensors that turn the sight off if it does not move for a few minutes. We suggest just have a spare, they tend to be small coin batteries, cheap and small. Just remember where you put the spare!
- Visibility in Bright Light: In very bright light (especially direct sunlight), the dot can sometimes be difficult to see, although high-quality models often mitigate this with adjustable brightness settings.
- Fuzzy and starry dots: For shooters with astigmatism, using red dot sights can present challenges. Astigmatism is a common vision condition that causes blurred or distorted vision due to an irregular curvature of the eye's cornea or lens. This can affect how the shooter perceives the red dot. There are solutions and alternatives to this, ask us for advice if unsure.
- Cost: High-quality red dot sights can be expensive, and additional accessories like magnifiers can add to the overall cost.
Overall, Red/green dot sights are excellent for short to medium-range shooting, particularly for dynamic or fast-paced scenarios, but they may not be ideal for long-range precision shooting.
Our red and green dot reflex brands include Hawke, Holosun, Vector, Vortex, Athlon, Delta, SpinaFinance is provided by Omni Capital Retail Finance Ltd which is a credit provider/lender. Tactical Scope does not receive payment for introducing customers to Omni Capital Retail Finance. Omni Capital Retail Finance Ltd finance options are subject to individual status; terms and conditions apply. Omni Capital Retail Finance Ltd is registered in England and Wales with company number 7232938. Registered address: 10 Norwich Street, London, EC4A 1BD.
Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number: 620615.