Reflex and red dot sights have become increasingly popular in shooting sports, hunting, and tactical applications. Whether you’re new to shooting or an experienced marksman looking to up your game, learning how to properly use these optics can dramatically improve your speed and accuracy. Unlike traditional iron sights or magnified scopes, reflex and red dot sights offer a simpler, faster way to get on target. But how exactly do you shoot with one of these sights? Let’s break it down, step by step, in plain English.
What is a Reflex or Red Dot Sight?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s quickly clarify what a reflex or red dot sight is. Both types of sights are non-magnifying optics designed to help you quickly acquire a target by superimposing a dot or reticle (crosshair) onto your field of view. Here’s a breakdown of the two:
- Red Dot Sight: These are often tube-shaped optics with a single red dot projected onto the sight’s lens. They are most commonly found on rifles, shotguns, and some handguns.
- Reflex Sight: This is a broader category that includes red dot sights but usually refers to open sights with an exposed lens that reflects a red dot back to the shooter’s eye.
Both reflex and red dot sights allow for fast target acquisition, making them ideal for quick shooting scenarios where speed and accuracy are crucial.
Why Use a Reflex or Red Dot Sight?
There are several key advantages to using a reflex or red dot sight over traditional iron sights or magnified optics:
- Speed: These sights allow you to quickly get on target without needing to perfectly align front and rear sights like with iron sights.
- Unlimited Eye Relief: You don’t have to be in an exact position behind the sight to see the dot, making it easier to shoot in dynamic situations.
- Improved Accuracy: By focusing on the target and not on sight alignment, you can shoot more accurately.
- Simplicity: Reflex and red dot sights are easy to use, making them great for beginners and experts alike.
Step-by-Step Guide to Shooting with a Reflex or Red Dot Sight
Now that you know what these sights are and why they’re beneficial, let’s get into the meat of the article—how to shoot with a reflex or red dot sight.
Step 1: Mount the Sight Properly
Before you can shoot with your reflex or red dot sight, it’s essential to make sure it’s mounted correctly on your firearm. Here’s how to do it:
- Check Compatibility: Make sure the sight is designed to fit your rifle, shotgun, or handgun. The mount should securely attach to the firearm’s rail (often a Picatinny or Weaver rail).
- Position the Sight: Place the sight in a position where you can naturally see the red dot when you bring the gun up to your shoulder or aim with your handgun. This will vary depending on your firearm and shooting style, but it’s often placed toward the rear of the rail on rifles.
- Tighten the Mount: Use the proper tool to tighten the screws on the sight mount. Ensure the sight is secure but be careful not to overtighten and damage the hardware.
Pro Tip: If you’re using the sight on a rifle, it’s often recommended to place the sight closer to your eye for faster target acquisition, but you’ll need to find the position that feels most natural to you.
Step 2: Zero the Sight
Once your reflex or red dot sight is mounted, you need to zero it, which means adjusting it so that the dot aligns with your point of impact. Here’s how to zero your sight:
- Choose a Distance: Most people zero red dot sights at either 25 yards or 50 yards, depending on their intended use. For general shooting or tactical use, 25 yards is a good starting point.
- Shoot a Group: Fire a group of 3-5 shots at your target, aiming with the red dot at the center. Use a stable rest or shooting bench for this to get consistent results.
- Adjust Windage and Elevation: After shooting, inspect where your shots landed. If they’re off-center, use the adjustment dials on your sight to move the dot:
- Windage (left or right): Adjust the dot horizontally.
- Elevation (up or down): Adjust the dot vertically.
- Fire Another Group: Shoot another group of 3-5 rounds after making adjustments and continue tweaking until your point of impact matches the red dot.
Once your sight is zeroed, your shots should consistently hit where the red dot is aimed.
Step 3: Focus on the Target, Not the Dot
One of the biggest benefits of a reflex or red dot sight is that it allows you to focus entirely on the target, rather than the sight itself. This is different from traditional iron sights, where you have to line up the front and rear sights.
Here’s how to do it:
- Keep Both Eyes Open: One of the key techniques to mastering a reflex or red dot sight is shooting with both eyes open. This gives you better situational awareness and helps you acquire targets faster. If you’re used to closing one eye with iron sights or scopes, this may feel strange at first, but it’s worth practicing.
- Look at the Target: Unlike iron sights, where you focus on the front sight, with a red dot or reflex sight, you look directly at your target. The red dot will naturally appear over the target as you bring the firearm into position.
- Let the Dot Float: The red dot may not always stay perfectly centered in the sight window. That’s okay! As long as the dot is on the target, your shots will hit where the dot is, even if it’s off to the side in the window.
Step 4: Practice Proper Trigger Control
No matter what optic you’re using, good shooting fundamentals are key to accuracy, and one of the most important fundamentals is trigger control. Reflex and red dot sights make target acquisition faster, but they don’t replace good shooting habits.
- Slow and Steady: When you’re aiming at your target and the red dot is lined up, apply slow, consistent pressure to the trigger. Don’t rush or “jerk” the trigger, as this can pull your shots off target.
- Follow Through: After pulling the trigger, hold it briefly in the rearward position before releasing. This ensures a smooth shot and reduces the chance of disturbing your aim right before firing.
Step 5: Use the Sight for Moving Targets
One of the best things about reflex and red dot sights is how effective they are for shooting at moving targets. Because you can shoot with both eyes open and focus on the target, it’s much easier to track and hit something in motion.
Here are some tips for shooting moving targets:
- Lead the Target: If your target is moving, aim slightly ahead of it, depending on its speed and distance. This is called “leading” the target and helps account for the time it takes for the bullet to reach it.
- Keep the Dot on the Target: As the target moves, follow it with your red dot. You don’t need to worry about keeping the dot perfectly centered—just keep it on the target, and your shots will land accurately.
- Stay Relaxed: Shooting at moving targets can be stressful, especially in a competition or hunting situation. Stay calm, breathe steadily, and focus on keeping the red dot on the target.
Step 6: Practice, Practice, Practice!
Like any shooting skill, using a reflex or red dot sight effectively requires practice. Here’s how you can sharpen your skills:
- Dry Fire Practice: Before heading to the range, you can practice at home by dry-firing your firearm. Make sure it’s unloaded, and practice aiming at various objects using your red dot. This will help you get used to acquiring a target quickly.
- Range Time: Spend time at the range shooting with your red dot sight at different distances and targets. Start with stationary targets, then progress to moving or reactive targets to improve your skills.
- Shooting Drills: Set up drills that involve transitioning between multiple targets, shooting while moving, or acquiring targets at different distances. These will help simulate real-world shooting scenarios.
Conclusion
Shooting with a reflex or red dot sight is one of the fastest and most accurate methods for acquiring and engaging targets. These sights are easy to use, versatile, and well-suited for a variety of shooting disciplines, from tactical shooting and self-defense to hunting and competition.
To get the most out of your reflex or red dot sight, ensure it’s mounted properly, zero it correctly, and practice focusing on the target while keeping both eyes open. With regular practice and good shooting fundamentals like trigger control, you’ll be able to shoot accurately and confidently with your red dot or reflex sight.
Happy shooting, and remember to stay safe!