As is obvious, technology enables a great deal. As technology on optical tools has gotten better, shooters have been able to move up from simple iron sights to more advanced rifle scopes and digital sight systems for guns. “Red dot” sights are one of the most prevalent choices available today.
These are small electronic sights that make a dot-shaped reticle, which is usually red. Because of the significant precision benefit it provides, the red dot sight is often used by professional hunters and gunmen. But the truth is, a shooter using a red dot sight could lose to one using a high-quality sighting system in competitive shooting. Even if you are armed with a state-of-the-art rifle, such as a 22 cal. This is due to the scope’s lack of magnification, which is something to keep in mind whenever you are searching for the best scope or red dot sight. Given that red-dot sights are great options for those seeking precision and perfect accuracy, this article will teach you how to sight in a 22-caliber rifle. Keep on reading!
Red Dot Scope: What Is It?
This class of non-magnifying reflector (or reflex) sight is mounted on rifles and other weapons that need targeting and provides the operator with a point of target in the form of an illuminated red dot. Red LEDs (light-emitting diodes) at the focus of eyepiece optics provide an illuminated reticle in the form of a dot that remains in perfect position with the firearm to which it is attached regardless of the observer’s eye position. Target shooting, gaming, law enforcement, and military use all benefit from these sights’ quick acquisition and user-friendliness. They’re not just for guns, though; cameras and telescopes benefit from them too.
Red-Dot Rifle Scopes Advantages
- The red dot sight only has a single magnification capacity. The reticle consists of little more than a red or green dot in the middle of the eyepiece.
- It’s visible in broad daylight, so aiming is easily done.
- A red dot rifle scope can be used with both eyes wide open. This allows you to make the most of your field of vision, which aids in speedy targeting.
- Red dot scopes are lightweight and versatile and can be used in place of or in addition to iron sights.
- The co-witnessing system lets you fire from any direction, which helps you find your target.
- A red dot is ideal for short-range or short-range warfare.
Limitations of the Red Dot Rifle Scope
- The primary drawback of a red-dot sight is that it only provides 1x magnification, limiting its usefulness to only close-range targets.
- At medium to long ranges, a red dot sight requires magnification.
- Also, those who have astigmatism may have trouble with red dots. If you have astigmatism, especially in night vision, the red dot will appear distorted and blurry to the extent that it may no longer serve any useful purpose for you. It won’t matter how blurry it is, but it will influence your precision.
Types of Red Dot Scope
1. Reflex Sights
In general, when asked to describe a red dot sight, most people automatically picture this particular model. The reticle, or dot, is projected onto the lens from the front of the sight and then reflected into the eye via a series of mirrors. There are two main types of reflex sights: those with a magnifying tube and those with a small exposed reflex positioned on top of or at an angle of 45 degrees to the tube. However, with the exposed reflex sight, the shooter can choose between several magnification levels. Below is a detailed explanation of the two types of reflex sight;
- Susceptible Reflex Rifle Scope
There is only one mirror in this optical system, and it reflects the sight dot to the user. They are made up of nothing but a tiny transparent window, with no tube at all. These provide the most comfortable viewing experience and the quickest focus time of any rifle scope available. These are very hard to find with any kind of magnification, and hunters want them for close-quarters or close-range hunting where getting a quick shot at the target is important.
- Tubed Reflex Rifle Scope
The reticle or dot is transmitted from the back lens to the front lens of these sights. The standard for these rifle scopes is zero magnification, although many are available with modest magnification. Tubed reflex sights come in many different styles and often have the most flexible parts. When compared to the other two optics discussed below, this one is by far the most exact and accurate. Since no other company has been granted a patent for making a holographic sight, EOTech is currently the only company that offers one. Other companies that sell optics may offer holographic sights for sale, but these are usually just reflex sights in a different case.
2. Holographic Red Dot Sights
Holographic sights are classified as a type of red dot scope because of their similarities.
The gunman may detect and recognize targets with both eyes open thanks to the holographic sights’ transparent display.
While extremely similar to reflex sights, EOTech (holographic) sights are better renowned in the competition shooting community due to their increased precision. This sight is ideal for rapid fire or switching targets due to the floating reticle’s automated angle modifications. However, compared to exposed reflex sights, EOTech sights are significantly more expensive despite providing only a slight improvement in quality and functionality. This is especially true when taking into account EOTech’s patent-backed market dominance.
3. Prism Red Dot Sights
You can think of prism sights as a subset of red dot scopes because they, too, feature a roving reticle. The reticle of a prism sight is imprinted directly into the glass. They both allow for bicolor illumination. Prism scopes typically have a color wheel that lets you choose between red and green. Light entering a prism sight is reflected and folded by the prism before reaching the eyepiece, creating a sharper image. Even though these small sights are usually bigger than reflex sights, they are still narrower and lower than regular variable scopes.
Mounting Types For Red Dot Sights
Red dot sights can be mounted in a variety of ways:
- Docter/Noblex Norm
The most common mounting type utilized by manufacturers may be due to the broad variety of alternative mounts available. Two screws and four notches serve as recoil lugs on the attachment bar. used on red dot rifle scopes like Vortex Viper, Leica Tempus, and Burris Fastfire.
- Trijicon RMR Class
There are two screw holes and two shallow notches that serve as recoil lugs. The Trijicon RMR and Trijicon MRO red dot sight and various Holosun sights are the most common examples.
- C-More Mount Class
C-More Sights are developed with mounting specifications of two screws and two notches that serve as recoil fittings. Red dot sights such as the Vortex Strikefire ii, Delta Optical MiniDot, Sig Romeo, and Kahles Helia use this type of mount.
- Aimpoint Micro Class
Originally used on Aimpoint’s small tube sights, but now utilized by other brands as well. The mounting framework consists of about one cross slot and four screws that serves as a recoil lug. Vortex Crossfire, Sig Romeo 4, Aimpoint Micro, several Holosun Paralow variants, and Sig Sauer Romeo 5 use it.
- Standard Shield
Shield Sights employ a unique technology. This class of mount is similar in appearance to the Docter/Noblex but has different dimensioning. It is used on the Aimpoint Pro.
- Other Distinct Red Dot Scope Mounts
Some well-known red dot sights, like the Vortex venom, Aimpoint ACRO, Holosun Paralow 403A, and Steiner MRS, have different models that don’t work with any of the above.
Why Would You Buy a Red Dot Optic?
Since red dot sights came out, most skilled shooters and hunters have stopped using iron sights. The easiest method to improve accuracy, make shooting more ergonomic, and streamline the firing process is by adding a red dot sight to your rifle or handgun.
For novice shooters, red dot sights are the easiest to operate of any design of a rear sight. With a rifle or pistol outfitted with a red dot, you may hand your gun over to a novice shooter, like your wife or a range mate, and it’ll be capable of being used extremely efficiently with minimal instruction. Check the list of top red dot sights from my friend on Accurate Ordnance
What Does “Zeroing” Mean?
Zeroing your red dot sight means setting it so that your shots land precisely where you aim. Every shot you take after you’ve made a mistake zeroing in will be more inaccurate because of it.
How to Sight in a Red Dot Scope For a 22 Cal Rifle
Step One: Think About Your Target Distance
It’s important to know where you’re standing before you fire. Remember that your gun’s zeroing distance will vary. Sighting at 25 to 100 yards with a 22-cal rifle is recommended.
Step Two: Double-check the Value You Adjusted For
After settling on a potential adjustment range, it’s time to verify that number. Red dots for 22-cal rifles often have a 1 MOA adjustment value, but you should always double-check your handbook to be sure. Adjusting the dial in half-inch increments at 25 yards indicates that your impact point will move in that direction. You’ll need to readjust your point of impact if, for instance, your shots are landing 5 inches high and 5 inches left of the target when zeroing at 25 yards.
Step Three: Opt-in for a Boresighter
You can (and probably should) boresight your 22-cal rifle to improve your accuracy Once you’ve chosen a starting point, you can bore sight your rifle to make your first shots more accurate, especially where there is little or no brightness. Moreover, most rifles, like the 22-cal class rifles, may be accurately aimed using an optical boresight.
Step Four: Group Your First 3 to 5 Shots
You’ve decided where to begin. In addition, you can stop bore sighting your weapon now. Shooting at your intended target is the next stage. To obtain a point of target and an impact point that are identical at that range, adjust the height down 6 clicks and the windage right 6 clicks. To guarantee uniformity, it is recommended to fire 3-5 groups simultaneously when zeroing. Send it 3 rounds, then evaluate and modify. Do this until you consistently have groups of 3-5 rounds in the ideal spot. Now we can discuss the concept of zero distance.
Step Five: Adjust the Red Dot Sight’s Center to Align With Your Point Of Target
Examine the target area for bullet holes after shooting. Your red dot needs to be moved so that it intersects with the points where the bullets are landing. Adjust the windage and elevation controls on the red dot until the point of aim is on the target. Use the windage knob to make horizontal adjustments to your sight and the elevation knob to make vertical adjustments. If your shots consistently land just above the center of your target, you can use the elevation slider to align the red dot with the point of impact. If you want to hit the bullseye in the middle of the target, it will force you to aim lower. You’ll need to tweak the elevation and windage parameters to get a more precise reading.
Step Six: Do Over Until You’re Satisfied With the Results
Shoot another three to five times after making adjustments to see on the sight picture board if most of your shots are landing in the target area. Yes, if you follow the steps properly, you are finished! If it isn’t, readjust your red dot and start over with steps three and four. After repeated attempts, you may still be unsuccessful. If this occurs, you should go in closer before proceeding with steps two and three. It’s best to keep doing that until you reach your target precision.
FAQs
1. How Accurate is a Red-dot Sight
A red dot sight makes it easier and more accurate to find your target than a magnetic or iron sight.
2. How Do I Get My Red Dot to Zero?
There are too many obstacles between you and your target for you to shoot in small groups to tune your optics. A novice, however, can set a red dot sight to fifty yards. It makes sense to set the starting line at the center.
3. A Red Dot Sight: Is It Worthwhile?
If speed and precision of target acquisition are priorities for you, then Red Dot Sights are definitely worth the investment. With its unlimited eye relief, they can speed up a good shooter’s shots by up to 10 percent or 20 percent. However, there is a learning curve, so new hunters will need a manual to help them during the adjustment (zeroing).
4. Is Reflex Rifle Scope Preferable to a Red Dot Rifle Scope?
Red dot scopes include reflex scopes. However, they often perform the best in terms of quick target acquisition among the three main categories of red dot sights.
5. What Bullet Drop Range Can a Red Dot Sight Handle?
The best Red dot sight is usually excellent for close-range targets. They function best when the target is within 100 yards or closer.
6. Can A Red Dot Be Zeroed Without Firing the Gun?
You can get your red dot slightly closer to being centered without firing a shot if you have good boresight and a little perseverance. Nevertheless, a shooter needs to train with their optic instead of using a sighted optic if they want consistent and precise outcomes.
Final Thoughts
A red dot scope is a relatively superficial optic with 1x magnification power that is an essential accessory for an American rifleman or any other shooter who uses a 22-caliber rifle. As a bonus, it’s very visible and brilliant, allowing for lightning-fast aiming. Also, a red dot can be used with both eyes open. This allows you to make the most of your field of vision and aids in acquiring targets quickly. Though the red dot sight’s lack of magnification limits its usefulness to close range, it’s lightweight and compatible with iron sights, so it’s not all bad. Co-witnessing makes it possible to aim at targets from all sides, which helps find them. However, if you follow the directions in this article, you’ll quickly learn how to sight a 22-caliber rifle with a red dot scope.
