Some folks love 'em, some folks hate 'em. Today, Brownells Gun Tech™ Caleb Savant weighs the pros and cons of adding an offset red dot sight to your AR-15, so you can decide for yourself. We're talking about a reflex-type red dot like a Trijicon RMR, Leupold DeltaPoint, Shield Reflex Mini Sight, Holosun, Swampfox, or others on an angle mount next to the scope. You use the main optic for distant targets. When it's time to engage a close-in target, just tilt the rifle slightly to use the red dot.
If your primary optic has a 1x setting, do you need the angle-mounted red dot? Caleb says, "yes." There's no need to break your hold on the rifle to adjust the scope's magnification lever - you just cant the rifle and aim through the red dot. Even if the scope's already at 1x, your eye will take more time to acquire the target through its long tube than by using the red dot. That can make all the difference on a close-range shot you need to make FAST. You do need to practice transitioning between the two optics to get good at it.
An offset red dot frees you to choose a higher-magnification scope than you would use if it were the only optic on your rifle. Division of labor: the red dot handles close-range targets, so you can have more "reach" on your scope.
Putting an offset red dot on your AR-15 does adds extra cost to your setup, plus some additional weight and the enhanced "snag factor" of another piece of gear hangin' off the rifle. With just a scope mounted on top of the receiver, you can shoot the rifle from either shoulder and be able to use the scope. That's pretty cumbersome, if not impossible, to do with an offset mounted sight.
You CAN "piggyback" the red dot on top of the scope, either on a mount built into one of the scope rings or a mount that clamps to the scope tube. The problem is you usually have to raise your head to use the red dot - and you lose your cheekweld on the stock. But this setup is better when you're using the red dot in conjunction with night vision gear (NVG).
If you're carrying your rifle on a sling, there is a risk of the red dot snagging on something. But with a little care and a good-quality optic mounted on a sturdy mount, says Caleb, that shouldn't be too much of a problem.
NOTE: Products in this video are to be used only for lawful purposes, including hunting, self-defense, and competitive or recreational shooting. If you purchase any of them, you are responsible for understanding and complying with all federal, state, and local laws that apply to the purchase, possession, and use of these products.
21 авг 2024
