Vector Optics
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A complete guide to choosing the ideal red dot size
Introduction
Are you a shooter looking to improve your accuracy? Choosing the right red dot sight is essential for optimizing your performance. However, with so many options on the market, determining the best red dot size for you can be challenging. In this article, we'll explore the various factors to consider when choosing the ideal red dot size, helping you enhance your shooting experience.
Summary
- Understanding red dots and their sizes
- Different sizes of red dots: advantages and disadvantages
- How to choose the right size red dot sight based on your weapon and needs
- To illustrate the impact of red dot size on target coverage at 100 meters, let's look at a few examples.
- Conclusion
1. Understanding red dots and their sizes
1.1 What is a red dot?
A red dot sight is an electronic aiming device that projects a bright dot, usually red, onto a transparent surface. This bright dot is aligned with the weapon's line of sight, thus facilitating firing.
1.2 Red Dot Sizes
Red dot sizes are usually expressed in minutes of angle (MOA) . One minute of angle is approximately 1.047 inches at 100 yards (2.908 cm at 100 meters). The smaller the red dot, the greater the accuracy, but the reduced visibility . Conversely, a larger red dot will be more visible, but less accurate.
2. Different sizes of red dots: advantages and disadvantages
2.1 Small red dots (1-2 MOA)
- Advantages: Increased accuracy at long range; less target masking
- Disadvantages: Less visible in low-light conditions; difficult to acquire quickly during close-quarters shooting or rapid movement
2.2 Medium-sized red dots (3-5 MOA)
- Advantages: Good balance between accuracy and visibility. Suitable for most shooting situations.
- Disadvantages: Can obscure small targets at long range; less accurate than a small red dot sight for long-range shooting
2.3 Large red dots (6 MOA and above)
- Advantages: Easy to see and acquire quickly. Ideal for close-range shooting and fast-moving situations.
- Disadvantages: Less accurate at long range; obscures the target more
3. How to choose the right red dot size for your weapon and needs
3.1 Handguns
For handguns , a red dot size of 3 to 5 MOA is generally recommended. This offers a good balance between visibility and accuracy.
3.2 Carbines and assault rifles.
For rifles and assault rifles, a red dot size of 1 to 2 MOA is often preferred. This allows for greater accuracy at long range without sacrificing visibility.
3.3 Hunting Rifles
Shotguns typically feature a larger red dot, 6 MOA or more, to facilitate rapid target acquisition when hunting game.
3.4 Sport shooting and competition
For sport shooters and competitors, the choice of red dot size will depend on the specific requirements of the discipline. Precision shooters will prefer smaller red dots, while those participating in rapid-fire competitions will opt for larger ones.
4. To illustrate the impact of red dot size on target coverage at 100 meters, let's examine a few examples
4.1 1 MOA red dot:
At 100 meters, a 1 MOA red dot sight covers approximately 2.9 cm of the target. This provides excellent accuracy while leaving a large portion of the target visible. This type of red dot sight is particularly well-suited for shooters aiming to hit small targets or achieve tight groupings at long range.
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Illustration of the coverage of a 1 MOA red dot on a C50 target at 15, 25, 50 and 100 meters. |
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4.2 Red dot of 3 MOA:
At 100 meters, a 3 MOA red dot sight covers approximately 8.7 cm of the target. While the accuracy is slightly lower than that of a 1 MOA red dot, this size offers a good balance between visibility and precision for most shooting situations. This size of red dot sight is often recommended for handguns and general-purpose rifles.
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Illustration of the coverage of a 3 MOA red dot on a C50 target at 15, 25, 50 and 100 meters. |
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4.3 5 MOA red dot:
At 100 meters, a 5 MOA red dot covers approximately 14.5 cm of the target. This type of red dot is more visible and easier to acquire quickly than smaller red dots, but it obscures more of the target and can reduce accuracy at long range. Shooters who prioritize speed of acquisition over precision may prefer this size of red dot.
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Illustration of the coverage of a 5 MOA red dot on a C50 target at 15, 25, 50 and 100 meters. |
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4.4 Red dot of 6 MOA and above:
At 100 meters, a 6 MOA red dot sight covers approximately 17.4 cm of the target. A red dot of this size is ideal for close-quarters shooting, fast-moving situations, and hunting, where rapid target acquisition is crucial. However, its accuracy at long range is reduced due to the large target coverage.
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Illustration of the coverage of a 6 MOA red dot on a C50 target at 15, 25, 50 and 100 meters. |
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Keeping these examples in mind, you can better understand the impact of red dot size on target coverage at 100 meters and choose the one that best suits your shooting needs and preferences.
Table of red dot sizes and target coverage at different distances| Red dot size (MOA) | Target coverage | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 meters | 15 meters | 25 meters | 50 meters | 100 meters | |
| 1 MOA | 0.1 cm | 0.4 cm | 0.7 cm | 1.4 cm | 2.9 cm |
| 2 MOA | 0.3 cm | 0.9 cm | 1.4 cm | 2.9 cm | 5.8 cm |
| 3 MOA | 0.4 cm | 1.3 cm | 2.2 cm | 4.3 cm | 8.7 cm |
| 4 MOA | 0.6 cm | 1.7 cm | 2.9 cm | 5.8 cm | 11.6 cm |
| 5 MOA | 0.7 cm | 2.2 cm | 3.6 cm | 7.2 cm | 14.5 cm |
| 6 MOA | 0.9 cm | 2.6 cm | 4.3 cm | 8.7 cm | 17.4 cm |
5. Conclusion
Choosing the ideal red dot size depends on several factors, such as the type of firearm, intended use, and personal preference. Generally, a smaller red dot is preferable for shooters seeking increased accuracy at long range, while a larger red dot is ideal for close-quarters shooting and fast-moving situations.
By taking this information into account, you will be able to choose the red dot size best suited to your needs and thus improve your shooting experience.
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