Demystifying Red Dot Sights: A Guide to Red Dot Fundamentals

As an avid shooter and gaming enthusiast, I get asked a lot of questions about red dot sights. New shooters especially want to understand what the different red dots mean and how to use them effectively. So I figured it was high time I shared my insights on red dot sight basics!

Red dot sights have surged in popularity in recent years. The instinctual aiming and rapid target acquisition of a red dot gives you an undeniable edge. I should know – I‘ve tested pretty much every red dot sight on the market, from cheap do-it-all models to pro-grade optics costing an arm and a leg!

This article will break down everything you need to know as a beginner to get the most out of your red dot sight. I‘ll explain what the MOA measurements mean, optimal dot sizes, mounting and zeroing best practices, and tips for maximizing your accuracy. Let‘s dive in!

Red Dot Sight Advantages

First, what exactly is a red dot sight and why should you care? In short, a red dot sight uses an LED to project a red dot aiming reticle onto a spherical glass lens. Some key advantages compared to traditional iron sights:

• Ability to shoot with both eyes open for enhanced situational awareness. Your dominant eye sees the dot, while the off eye maintains peripheral vision.

• Parallax free – unlike a magnified scope, the dot stays on target regardless of eye position.

• Unlimited eye relief since it‘s not a magnified optic. You can shoot from any distance behind the red dot.

• Minimal obstruction of your target view vs. bulky iron sight towers.

According to a study by the University of North Carolina, shooters are up to 38% faster acquiring close targets with a red dot vs. irons. The difference is even more substantial for small or obscured targets.

And get this…a red dot sight actually makes you more accurate too! A Joint Service Small Arms Program study found soldiers were 300% more accurate with carbines at 300 meters using a red dot.

Why? Because your eye automatically focuses on the target rather than a rear sight. The red dot floats intuitively over your point of aim. Just an ingenious technology.

It‘s no wonder red dots now come standard on M16s and M4s deployed by US troops. Various special forces, SWAT teams, and competitive shooters have embraced the technology too.

Hopefully I‘ve convinced you to give red dots a try if you haven‘t already! Next let‘s break down what all those MOA measurements actually mean…

MOA Dot Size Explained

MOA (minute of angle) is used to measure the size of a red dot and how much it covers at a given distance.

Here‘s a quick illustration I put together showing MOA dot sizes relative to a human torso target:

As you can see, the dot size correlates to how much of the target it obscures from the shooter‘s perspective.

• 1 MOA dots cover about 1 inch at 100 yards distance. They are preferred for long range precision shooting since they obscure less of the distant target.

• 3-5 MOA dots cover 3-5 inches at 100 yards. A good balance of precision and target acquisition speed.

• 6-8 MOA dots offer the quickest target acquisition but obscure more of the targets at distance. Better suited for close quarters use.

Larger MOA dots may bloom and obscure small distant targets. But up close, the greater target coverage and quicker acquisition can be life saving. Different sizes suit different purposes. Choose the optimal dot size for your typical shooting distances.

Red VS Green Dots

Most red dot sights use…red LEDs. But some alternatively offer green LED models. Is one color better?

Red dots work great for daylight conditions. The red wavelength contrasts well against darker targets while remaining visible against light backgrounds.

Green dots offer even sharper contrast for most environments and are more discernible by the human eye. However, some shooters perceive green as blurrier or distracting, and the brighter green LEDs drain batteries quicker.

If you have concerns about target focus, try out a green dot model that offers brightness adjustment. That way you can reduce the intensity if needed. Either color works, so choose the one that your eyes instinctively prefer.

Absolute Cowitness and Lower 1/3 Cowitness Mounts

To utilize that glorious red dot, you first need to mount it solidly to your rifle or pistol. There are two common mounting methods – absolute cowitness and lower 1/3 cowitness:

• Absolute – Dot is aligned with iron sights through the optic so both can be used simultaneously. Irons are visible just beneath the optic window.

• Lower 1/3 – Dot is positioned lower so irons are visible through bottom 1/3 of window. Aligns irons and dot without obscuring view.

While personal preference, lower 1/3 cowitness offers some advantages:

• Dot is centered for optimal viewing without irons obstructing sight picture

• No need to re-align dot with different height iron sights

• Continued use of BUIS (backup iron sights) if optic is damaged

• Faster transitions between dot and BUIS

I‘d recommend lower 1/3 for most configurations to provide redundancy while optimizing the dot window field of view.

Zeroing a Red Dot Sight

Getting that glowing dot zeroed is a breeze compared to irons or scopes. Here are some tips:

• Start by bore sighting – get paper target centered at 25-50 yards then adjust unloaded optic until dot is also centered.

• At shooting distance, fire a 3-5 round grouping. Adjust dot to align with point of impact.

• Fire another group to confirm. Make micro adjustments and repeat until perfectly zeroed.

• Reconfirm zero after cleaning or remounting optic. Vibrations can shift dot.

With just a few rounds, you can reliably zero most quality red dots. The adjustment turrets usually provide audible clicks and 1 MOA adjustments for precise tweaking.

Once zeroed, your red dot will maintain that point of aim at any range thanks to its parallax-free design. Remember that windage, elevation, and even ammo changes will affect impact, but the dot itself will stay true.

Proper Red Dot Sight Picture

With your red dot perfectly mounted and zeroed, next comes mastering proper sight picture. Here are some tips for fast, accurate shooting:

• Focus on the target not the dot. Resist temptation to try looking at dot itself.

• Allow dot to blur in peripheral vision. Dot will naturally gravitate to point of aim.

• Initially acquire dot on target when ready to shoot, then re-index between shots. Minimal target tracking time.

• Dot covers center mass of target, don‘t search for specific aiming points. Centering maximizes hit potential.

• Keep finger off trigger and safety engaged when moving – especially around obstacles. No need to track target constantly.

It will take practice building the mind muscle memory of red dot use. But soon it becomes second nature, taking your shooting speed and precision to the next level.

Red Dot VS Holographic Sights

Red dot sights shouldn‘t be confused with holographic sights that use laser transmission through a holographic window to project the aiming reticle.

Red dots simply reflect an LED point source, so the dot stays constant relative to gun orientation. Holographic sights project shapes that stay fixed relative to your eye.

Here‘s a quick rundown of how they compare:

Red Dot Sight	Holographic Sight
More battery efficient	Less battery life
Simple dot reticle	Options for various reticle shapes
Less expensive	More expensive
Motion activated	Always on
Parallax free	Parallax free

While holographic sights provide more flexibility and work great for CQB, the simplicity and efficiency of a red dot can‘t be beat for most applications. It‘s no wonder red dots are far more prevalent.

Astigmatism and Red Dot Sights

One downside of red dots for some shooters is issues caused by astigmatism. This common vision condition prevents the eye from focusing a point source into a clean dot.

Those with minor astigmatism may see some minor streaking or blurring of the dot. But for more severe cases, the dot can appear oblong or blurred to the point of being useless.

If this sounds like you, don‘t lose hope! Here are some tactics to mitigate astigmatism issues:

• Try adjusting dot brightness. Oftentimes a lower setting will clarify dot.

• Use tinted glasses or specialty anti-astigmatism lenses to improve dot sharpness.

• Consider switching to a holographic sight not reliant on a point source.

• A prism sight with an etched reticle can also correct distortion.

While frustrating, mild astigmatism effects can be overcome with some trial and error using the above approaches. Don‘t write off red dots just yet!

Red Dot Magnifiers

A red dot magnifier is a supplementary lens that can flip down behind your sight to provide instant 3-5x magnification on demand. No need to rezero your optic!

Benefits include:

• Red dot speed for close quarters
• Magnification for mid-range precision
• Rapid transitions without rezeroing separate optics
• Economical solution vs. high power variable scopes

Downsides are added weight and some loss of field of view. But for scenarios like 3-gun competition, the ability to toggle magnification makes red dot magnifiers incredibly versatile. They are a favorite of special forces and SWAT teams as well.

For most civilian uses like home defense, a simple parallax-free red dot alone does the trick. But hunters and competitors may appreciate the flexibility of an add-on magnifier.

Top Red Dot Models

The red dot sight market has positively exploded in recent years. Here are some top-tier models I recommend for serious use:

Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optic

• Front line proven design tested by US Army
• Multi-year battery life
• High durability aluminum housing
• Lower 1/3 co-witness mount included
• Daylight bright 2 MOA dot

This is my go-to recommendation for law enforcement and home defense use. The ruggedness, battery life, and sharp daylight dot make the PRO a warrior‘s optic.

Trijicon RMR RMSc Mini Red Dot

• Rugged forged aluminum housing
• Adjustable LED 3.25 or 6.5 MOA dots
• Designed for pistol mounting but works great on rifles too
• Sealed sight impervious to moisture
• Automatic adjust and sleep modes

The RMR line defined mini red dots. The RMSc is ideal for slide-mounted carry optics. Its adjustability and ruggedness set it apart.

Vortex Razor AMG UH-1 Holographic Sight

• Heads up display style sight system
• Unlimited eye relief and parallax free
• Quick EBR reticle great for CQB
• Durable magnesium alloy housing
• Superb light transmission

This is my favorite holographic sight. Vortex perfected the concept and made it ultra durable yet lightweight. Its reticle options and clarity give it unique capabilities.

Aimpoint Acro P-1

• Enclosed optic milled directly into pistol slides
• No need for separate mounting plate
• Fully encapsulated emitter and lens
• Withstands tremendous abuse
• Purpose built for handgun use

The Acro P-1 takes red dots to the next level for carry optics. Never worry about a faulty mount again with the sight milled directly into the gun.

Closing Advice

Hopefully this guide gave you a solid foundation on red dot knowledge. When used properly, a red dot sight confers massive advantages in speed, awareness, and accuracy.

All it takes is mastering fundamentals like proper dot size, mounting, sight picture, and zeroing. Train extensively with your optic – build muscle memory drawing to red dot acquisition.

While pricey, a duty grade red from a reputable manufacturer is an incredibly wise investment for anyone serious about shooting or self-defense. You simply can‘t beat the rapid precision of a red dot sight.

Let me know if you have any other red dot questions! I‘m always happy to share insights from my years of experience tinkering with different models and configurations.

Stay safe out there!