Reflex sights stand out as perhaps the most prevalent incarnation within the realm of red dot optics, and the market is awash with a plethora of these cost-effective and highly efficient crimson reticles. Despite their ubiquitous presence, a substantial portion of the populace remains oblivious to the nuanced art of harnessing the full potential of a reflex sight. Consequently, today’s mission entails furnishing you with a comprehensive primer on the proper utilization of this optical tool in the contexts of training, hunting, and competitive shooting. This concise instructional guide will encompass the art of affixing a reflex sight onto a firearm, the intricate process of zeroing in, the synchronization of co-witnessing, and the intricacies of aligning your aim and executing precise shots.

Nevertheless, before we delve into the tutorial’s intricate details, it is imperative to comprehend the rationale behind the widespread adoption of reflex sights, and more pertinently, why you, too, should consider embracing this optic. This foundational understanding not only imparts motivation but also serves as the cornerstone for mastering the utilization of a reflex sight.

The Benefits of Using Reflex Sights

When it comes to sighting options for firearms, reflex sights stand out for numerous reasons. With a myriad of sights available, discerning what’s best for one’s specific needs can be overwhelming. Let’s delve into why reflex sights are a top choice for many.

Comparative Advantages of Reflex Sights

• Swift Target Acquisition: Unlike other types of gun sights such as prism sights and holographic sights, reflex sights excel in helping shooters quickly locate their targets. The design minimizes any potential visual interruptions and allows for instantaneous target focus;
• Cost-Effectiveness: A notable advantage of reflex sights is their cost relative to their performance. While prism and holographic sights may come with heftier price tags, they don’t necessarily offer superior performance. As such, for those seeking value without compromising on efficiency, reflex sights emerge as a preferred option;
• Preferred by Professionals: The inherent benefits of reflex sights are not lost on professionals. Many hunters and competitive shooters find them indispensable, often selecting them over more expensive alternatives. Their functionality, coupled with their cost-effectiveness, makes them an attractive choice.

Top 3 Comprehensive Optics Recommendations

Feyachi Reflex 

• Diverse Reticle Styles: This model boasts a reticle with four distinct styles, offering versatility for various shooting scenarios;
• Efficient Targeting: Equipped with a 33mm lens, it ensures users can rapidly and accurately lock onto their targets;
• Sturdy Mounting: A robust rail mounting system guarantees the sight remains securely attached, even in demanding situations.

Sightmark Reflex

• Durable Construction: With a cast magnesium alloy housing and an additional protective shield, this sight is built to endure the toughest conditions;
• Waterproof Capabilities: Its IP68 rating means it’s waterproof and can be submerged up to 40ft, ensuring it remains functional in various terrains and weather conditions;
• Energy Efficient: Designed with low power consumption in mind, it ensures prolonged usage without frequent battery replacements.

Dagger Defense Reflex

• Versatile Illumination: Users can switch between both red and green dot options, each with four position reticles, enhancing adaptability to different environments;
• Stable Sighting Adjustments: A unique feature is its locking set screw. This ensures once you’ve made your sighting adjustments, they remain stable and consistent;
• Optimal Length: With a 33mm length, it strikes a balance between providing ample view and maintaining a compact profile.

Mounting a Reflex Sight: A Comprehensive Guide

Mounting it on your firearm can significantly enhance your shooting accuracy and target acquisition speed. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a beginner, understanding the ins and outs of this process is crucial. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of mounting a  optics on both rifles and handguns, providing you with valuable insights, tips, and recommendations along the way.

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools

Before you embark on mounting your reflex sight, gather the essential tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

For Mounting a Optics:

• Allen wrenches;
• Hex keys (if not provided with the reflex sight);
• Mounting plate (for handguns);
• If any of these tools aren’t included with your sight, they can easily be obtained from a nearby hardware store or firearms supply shop.

Rifle

Here’s why you should opt for the top of the rifle’s receiver end:

• Stability: The top of the receiver end provides unparalleled stability for your reflex sight. This stable platform minimizes movement during shooting, ensuring better accuracy;
• Balance: Placing the sight on the receiver end balances the weight distribution of your firearm, making it more comfortable to handle and aim.

Installation Steps:

• Clear the firearm of any ammunition and ensure it is unloaded and safe;
• Using the appropriate Allen wrench, remove any existing mounts or optics from the rifle;
• Align the Picatinny rail attachment on the reflex sight with the top of the rifle’s receiver end.
• Secure the reflex sight in place by tightening the mounting screws evenly. Be cautious not to overtighten, which may damage the sight or the firearm;
• Double-check that the reflex sight is firmly attached and doesn’t wobble, as this could compromise accuracy.

Handgun

Mounting optic on a handgun involves a slightly more intricate process. You’ll need a mounting plate to replace the rear iron sight. Additionally, you must ensure a tight and secure fit for the reflex sight.

Using Blue Loctite: To ensure a secure attachment without permanent bonding, use blue Loctite to secure the reflex sight on your handgun. Here’s why blue Loctite is the preferred choice:

• Adjustability: Blue Loctite allows you to make adjustments to the sight’s position as needed, giving you flexibility in your setup.

Installation Steps:

• Ensure the handgun is unloaded and safe before proceeding;
• Remove the rear iron sight from your handgun, if present;
• Attach the mounting plate to the handgun in place of the rear iron sight;
• Align the reflex sight with the mounting plate;
• Use blue Loctite to secure the reflex sight screws, ensuring a tight fit;
• Periodically check the tightness of the screws to maintain stability.

How to Accurately Calibrate a Reflex Sight

Calibrating or zeroing a sight is a task that bears similarity to calibrating a standard rifle scope. Here’s an informative guide to achieving precision:

• Zeroing Iron Sights First: Before adjusting the optics, ensure that the iron sights are correctly calibrated. During this process, turn off or disregard the sight. Once satisfied with the calibration of the iron sights, retract them if the design permits;
• Consult the Manufacturer’s Manual: Engage the optics and thoroughly read the provided instructions from the manufacturer. This will guide you through the specifics of calibrating it for optimum accuracy;
• Isolating the Reflex Sight: When adjusting it, focus exclusively on it, leaving the iron sights out of consideration. The sole exception would be if you’re not using bore-sighting, where iron sights can be used to align the optic;
• Alignment Isn’t Always Required: Both the reflex iron sights can have different zero points. It isn’t mandatory for them to be aligned; what’s essential is that both are accurately zeroed.

Mastering the Art of Co-Witnessing 

The concept of co-witnessing has become an essential topic among marksmen, both amateurs and professionals. Here’s a deep dive into this technique:

• Understanding Co-Witness: For many, achieving a perfect co-witness means the iron sight picture should align precisely with the reflex sight reticle. To put it plainly, when viewed simultaneously, the reflex sight should mark the exact aim point of the iron sight. Several seasoned marksmen advocate this alignment, especially for those new to the practice;
• Backup Utility of Iron Sights: The secondary or backup function of iron sights comes into play if the reflex sight encounters an issue or becomes non-functional. Under such circumstances, the iron sight, when viewed through the reflex sight, should appear towards the lower section of the visual field, especially if the front sight remains static;
• Ideal Dot Placement: A common misconception is that the reflex sight’s dot should be perfectly centered on the rear of the front sight. In reality, the dot should position slightly above the front sight. This arrangement ensures the target remains unobscured. It’s counterproductive to invest time and money adjusting components minutely to achieve a perfect alignment, especially if the real-world application doesn’t necessitate it;
• The True Purpose of Co-Witnessing: Co-witnessing is primarily done to validate the accuracy of one sight system using another. The crux is to ensure the iron sight is accurately zeroed using the reflex sight, and vice versa. If the alignment of the two sights isn’t a priority, co-witnessing might be redundant;
• Individual Variations: It’s crucial to recognize that even with both sights accurately zeroed, they might not always align. This misalignment often arises due to the user’s eyesight specifics and habitual usage patterns. Each marksman is unique, and these personal nuances can influence sight alignment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the art of using optics can greatly enhance your shooting accuracy and target acquisition speed. We’ve explored the fundamental principles of reflex sight operation, including zeroing, sight picture, and maintaining situational awareness. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can harness the full potential of it and make the most of this valuable tool for both recreational shooting and tactical applications.