Reflex sights are one of the most practical aiming solutions available: fast target acquisition, and mounting options make these a great little enhancement to multiple shooting platforms.
So what is a reflex sight?
Reflex sights are commonly referred to as a micro red dot. These little sights are big on performance and can mount on virtually any type of gun. Handguns, shotguns, ARs, and more.
A reflex sight works by allowing the shooter to look through a piece of partially reflecting glass. A projected aiming point is on the glass. The most common reflex sights use a simple red dot — hence the name micro-red dot.
The dot of a scope is measured in MOA. MOA stands for minute of angle. One MOA is 1 inch (actually 1.047 inches) at 100 yards. So three MOA dots cover a 3-inch circle at 100 yards. Eight MOA would completely cover an 8-inch pie plate at 100 yards. The smaller the MOA the finer the aiming and more precise a shooter can be. But going smaller isn’t always the best option, especially if your eyesight isn’t the greatest.
Why do you need one?
If you like shooting things that rarely sit still at relatively close range (150 yards or closer) with a rifle, then a reflex sight is right up your alley.
Predator hunters certainly come to mind. Coyotes are usually always on the move when they are coming to the call. Most shots happen fast, and fast target acquisition makes a reflex sight quick and precise. With the growing popularity of ARs for hunting, Reflex sights go together like peas and carrots.
The main reason why people can shoot a handgun much more accurately with one is because you don’t have to line up a front and rear sight. Like I mentioned earlier, people with fading eyesight no longer have to worry about seeing blurry fixed sights on their gun. The reflex can bring the excitement back to people who were disappointed in their shooting due to eye problems.
A wide field of view reflex sight can work wonders for people who have a hard time wingshooting with a shotgun. Shotgunners who have poor form can still shoot fairly well because of the forgiveness that the reflex sight provides. People who have a tendency to lift their head from the stock can still break clays and make kills as long as they can still see the dot.
Handgun hunters like me love a sleek, mounted reflex on their favorite hand cannon. These little sights add much-needed yardage to your effective range. Even if you don’t hunt with a handgun, these sights can make you much more accurate.
What handguns are these good for?
One of my favorite hunting handguns is a Glock 29. The Glock 29 is a compact gun and usually doesn’t bode well for long-range accuracy due to its short sight plane. But with my reflex sight and solid rest, I don’t think twice about shooting a deer out to 90 yards. Without the sight I’d be hard-pressed to take a shot much farther than 45 yards. This little unit doubled my effective range.
The applications of this little sight are endless and very helpful in the field. The reflex is very universal. There are numerous manufacturers and types of reflex sights on the market as well as mounting options. Do your research and find the right sight for the job. You won’t be disappointed.