Red Dots on Rifles 101

The AR-15 is undoubtedly the most popular rifle in the United States. It’s soft-shooting, easy to maneuver, and highly accurate. While originally designed with iron sights, it works best when paired with an optic. The challenge many new shooters have is learning to use the optic effectively. Today, we’re going to look at running a red dot on a rifle.

Red Dot on a Rifle

Gun owners have a spectrum of optics to choose from, from simple red dots to advanced multi-reticle magnified scopes. The optic you choose depends upon the application. In my experience, most people will benefit the most by using a red dot or holographic-style optic.

When we talk about red dots it’s important that we clarify that they are not scopes. They are optics designed to help improve our accuracy and speed on target. I say this because the technique of using a red dot style optic versus a scope is very different.

Red Dots give us a better view downrange.

The benefits of putting an optic on your rifle are numerous. First and foremost is the ease of acquisition. When we shoot iron sights or scopes, several things happen with the sight picture and slight alignment. Red dot-style optics allow us to put the dot on our target and go to work.

Shoot with Both Eyes Open

With that comes increased speed. While experienced shooters are able to quickly get their sights lined up, most people take a second to do so. The red dot does not require any special alignment and, in turn, is faster than iron sights or scopes. One other point that is important here with red dots is the ability to use them with both eyes open. While some shooters are able to shoot iron sights with both eyes open, a majority of people shoot with one eye.

The benefits of shooting with both eyes open include greater down-range awareness, which is critical in a defensive situation. By seeing a larger area, we can determine if there is possibly more than one assailant or if there is another person close by who could be hit by gunfire. It also helps you work against the tunnel vision that occurs during stressful shooting.

Fast and Easy Optic Solution

For those that cut their teeth shooting iron sights on rifle, the transition can take some time. However, I am finding fewer and fewer of these iron sight shooters in our ranks. Optics have been a part of the AR15 make up for quite some time now and for good reason. While you have a metric ton of optic options, I believe you can’t go wrong with a red dot-style optic for your rifle. Once you master it’s use, you will appreciate just how much performance it brings to the gun.