Red dots are undoubtedly the most popular and used gun sights you’ll find in the market these days. But the efficiency of the sights and your performance will vastly depend on how you use the sight. And the best use of these sights will only be possible if you have the Ultimate Red Dot Using Guide, which is why I am here.
This red dot sights user guide is divided into 3 parts –
- (1) first part is choosing the proper red dot sight for your need,
- (2) the second one is mounting the red dot on your firearm and
- (3) the last part is shooting with the red dot.
Part 1 – Choosing the right red dot for your
1. Reticle – Projection, Size, Color and Shape
All the red dot gun sights are powered by an LED which projects the reticle.
All the CZ 75 sp 01 red dot gun sights are powered by an LED which projects the reticle. The reticles differ in size, colour, and shape. First of all, the size of the reticle will depend on the use. When you are targeting a greater distance, you should choose a smaller reticle. A 2 MOA reticle should be enough for long-distance shooting. However, when you are shooting at a closer distance, a big reticle will ensure a proper headshot.
Then there’s the colour. As for the colour options, you have the obvious red-coloured reticles and the second most common green coloured reticles. Some premium ones also feature blue coloured reticles.
Lastly, there is the shape. Common red dots offer across or just a point. Others may offer bull eyes, spider web, and even grids. You can choose any one of them you like. But if you are usually shooting in a messy area where the background of your target is not subtle, you should pick one with a simple shape like a cross.
2. Power & Battery life
As mentioned before, the reticle is powered by an LED. As you know already, LEDs are very efficient in power consumption. That’s why these red dots last thousands of hours. So, any type of red dot or any model will give you considerably good battery life.
3. Build – Open Design vs. Tube Design
The red dots are mostly available in open body design and tube design. The basic difference between is these two body designs is the component being inside the tube or separately place in an open design.
Part 2 – Mounting the red dot on your firearm
First of all, you will need a few specific tools to mount the red dot into your gun. Some of the red dot units come with the tools and others don’t. But don’t worry, these can be bought from your nearest hardware store.
As for the tools, you’ll need the Allen Wrench and a mounting plate. To make the mounted red dot sight fit properly on your gun, you need to use Blue Loctite too.
Now, the best place to mount the red dot sight is the firearms (e.g. Rifle) receiver top. However, mounting it to a handgun is slightly difficult. This is due to the fact that a handgun has less space on it.
To mount it on a handgun, just replace the rear iron sights sight with the red mounting plate. Then use Blue Loctite to fit it properly to the handgun. But don’t use Red Loctite. The Red Loctite is usually used for tightening permanently. But take my advice and don’t use red ones. Use the blue ones because they are not permanent. You can fix or tighten the red dot sight later when you need.
Part 3 – Shooting with the red dot
Now that you are done with the mounting part, you are ready to use it.
Step 1 – Set the target & Zero in
First of all, you need to zero in to acquire the target efficiently. The ideal distance is 25 yards to Zero in with a gun sight. But you can also go for a greater distance with a magnifier.
Step 2 – Use the iron sight to Co-Witness
Co-witnessing is a crucial part. You can do it with the iron sight. You can use the iron sight to co-witness whether you are zeroed in or not. Just take a look at the reticle through the optic. You’ll need to make sure it is perfectly lined up on top of the iron post placed on the gun barrel.
You need to adjust it horizontally and vertically if they don’t line up.
Step 3 – Point your gun & put the reticle on your target
If you are done with the zeroing in and co-witnessed with your iron sight, you need to point the reticle dot exactly where you want to shoot. Make sure your target point is confirmed by the gun sight.
Bottom Line
Now that you are caught up with everything from buying a red dot to mounting and shooting with it, your target acquisition and overall performance will increase and you will be a better shooter with these tips and hacks on red dots.
