How to choose a red dot sight? Which sight is better: optical or collimator?

The situation with hunting weapons in Russia and most CIS countries is exactly the opposite of what is happening now short-barreled weapons for self-defense. If a normal pistol is available to both ordinary citizens and professional shooters only at shooting facilities, then with long-barreled weapons everything is somewhat better. Everyone, if he, of course, has the time, money, and also the ability to overcome bureaucratic obstacles, can acquire either a smoothbore gun or tactical shotgun, and over time - a rifled carbine or rifle. And train with them for your own pleasure. And here the question very often arises - what sighting devices to use? Mechanical sight, collimator or optics? Good question. And now we’ll try to figure it out.

Open sight

Mechanical sights is included in the basic configuration of almost every weapon. Therefore, it is recommended to start getting acquainted with weapons and shooting with the “mechanics” - if you can quickly combine the rear sight with the front sight and aim the resulting aiming line at the target, everything else will be quite easy to master. Although, in principle, an open sight is sufficient at medium distances.

There are also disadvantages - the rear sight and front sight completely block the sighting picture in the lower hemisphere, which does not play into your hands - you have to aim longer, moving the barrel, to find the target. The proposed solution is to install a diopter sight, with it the situation is a little better, but it has its own “jokes”.

Among other things, it is quite difficult to make adjustments to the front sights of some designs - a special tool is required. Or you have to make a mental correction, which is much more difficult. Among the advantages, it is worth noting the simplicity, versatility and lowest price of a mechanical sight among all sighting devices.

Collimator/holographic sight

They say that with collimator sight, they say, pointed the red dot at the target and all you know is to pull the trigger. However, as practice shows, only every third beginner gets the hang of it quite quickly and begins to effectively hit targets (although it is still easier to shoot with a collimator than with a mechanical open sight).

Therefore, a collimator is not a remedy for inability, but a good addition for an experienced shooter; it will help in the dark, from awkward positions, when... They also say that the collimator is not subject to parallax. No matter how it is, how susceptible it is! And an inexperienced shooter can easily shoot into the milk.

The cost of high-quality modern collimators is quite high. There are, of course, cheap Chinese models, which are often used in military-tactical games such as airsoft. But on firearms, such sighting devices can simply fall apart. At a minimum, the aiming mark gets knocked to the side after a shot.

Holographic sight differs from the collimator in a different way of forming an aiming mark visible to the shooter. As the name suggests, this is done using a hologram. Such sights turn out to be more compact; due to their higher requirements for technological process manufacturing, the parallax effect is much less observed, so they are significantly more expensive than collimators. Another plus is that the holographic sight is perfect for .

One of the main advantages of both the collimator and the holographic sight is the ability to conduct accurate shooting with two with open eyes. It is much easier for the brain to process an aiming picture from both eyes, with an overlay of an aiming mark visible in only one eye.

Also a separate advantage is the fact that the collimator and holographic sights are perfectly combined with a magnifier (magnifier), which is placed in line with the main sight, and simply folds back on a special bracket when shooting at short and medium distances is necessary.

And still, this design is cheaper than a full-fledged optical sight.

Optical sight

So, good and modern (read - reliable and high-quality) optics are much more expensive than all previous options. At the same time, an optical sight with variable magnification from 1.5 to 6 at minimum magnification completely replaces a collimator, and at maximum it allows you to shoot further and more accurately than the same collimator with a magnifier.

Aiming through optics at long distances with both eyes is difficult. And closing one eye means limiting the viewing area, narrowing it to the size of a sight. What is dangerous in real combat conditions, but in sports is simply fraught with a small loss of time.

There is an opinion that an optical sight is a fragile thing and therefore requires especially careful handling. Unlike, for example, the same mechanics, even if you hit it with a hammer, nothing much will change. So, it's again a question of price. Top models With expensive optics you can even hammer in nails. A simple models Yes, they require care and respect.

It is also worth considering that optics are exactly what people with poor vision need, since they allow you to customize the parameters to suit your own needs. Another point is the weapons tab. Considering the fairly close location of the optical sight to the shooter's eye, you can easily get a bug during recoil. Therefore, experience with weapons plays an important role - optics are definitely not suitable for beginners.

However, all this is applicable for a carbine or rifle, but if you have a shotgun, then optics are definitely not needed. Maximum sighting range when firing a special bullet from smooth trunk- about 100 meters. Here a simple collimator will be more than enough.

To summarize: which sights should you choose?

Optical sight needed for a rifled carbine or rifle, but it greatly narrows the field of view, does not allow you to aim quickly, and makes an already fairly heavy weapon heavier. A modern optical sight with variable magnification is ideal for civilian shooters with high level income, it will allow you to hit targets at close, medium and long distances.

Collimator or holographic sight– an option for experienced shooters and special forces personnel, as it significantly speeds up aiming and expands the shooter’s capabilities.

Mechanical open sight– the basic option that everyone should start with.

But if a person, in principle, has had little training and does not know how to handle a weapon, then no sighting devices will help him.

If hunting is not just fun for you, then you need to approach the process of choosing a scope with responsibility and knowledge. Not only your prey, but possibly your life depends on how accurately you shoot! The sight is an integral part of the gun. It doesn’t matter what kind of sight you have: an optical sight, a collimator, a laser target designator or a simple front sight. The main thing is that you shoot accurately with this scope. Your sight should be in place. If you are driving driven hunt no need to take a 20x optical sight. If you have a super perfect carbine with sighting range 400 meters, then there is no need to put a simple red dot sight on it. If you have an ordinary double-barreled shotgun, do not install the most advanced night sights or a super-strong optical sight on it. Approach this matter head-on and you will succeed.

Night devices

Human vision is far from the most best indicator in comparison with other living species, for example, in comparison with a cat. Our eye perceives a certain spectrum of rays and has a certain light sensitivity, which limits our visual abilities in the dark. Optical specialists have long been looking for a solution to this problem at a technical level and have finally found it. As is known, night devices originally developed for military purposes, for army units. Moreover, the original purpose night devices- this is the detection of the enemy in conditions of poor visibility, namely in the dark. First night devices had quite massive dimensions, and they weighed a lot; they could not be used as a mobile, wearable device, unlike modern night devices. Such night devices were installed on turret machine gun mounts and were used as night vision scope.

Earlier night vision scopes worked on the basis of the reflection of infrared light from a source; for this purpose, a searchlight with a red glow was installed on combat vehicles. This technology is far from perfect and has a number of serious drawbacks, take, for example, a simple failure of a spotlight and that’s it, what’s the point? night vision scope will not be. And the situation is completely different with products of this kind in our time.

Well, first of all, now night-vision devices are available for free sale, which by definition could not have happened before, and secondly, the operating principle night vision devices and their mobility have stepped far ahead compared to the first samples. Modern night-vision device- this is mobility, ease of use, reliability! The only obstacle to purchasing such a device is the price, unfortunately. domestic industry in terms of production night vision devices occupies far from the first place, so this market is predominantly dominated by foreign samples. The device itself is specific, since not every person has the need to observe something or someone in the dark of the night. For civilians night-vision devices- this is a privilege, first of all, of hunters. There is no doubt that any hunter who goes night hunting dreams of having such a device, at least as an observational tool, not to mention night vision scope, which can be mounted on a rifle.

To the simplest, and, accordingly, cheapest night vision devices can be classified as a night vision monocular. A night vision monocular is a device similar to binoculars that has one sight. These devices differ only in the magnification factor, since the basis is, of course, optics. A monocular cannot be called a comfortable device, although this is already determined by the user whether he is satisfied with such a product or not.

The next device that can be classified as the same type is night vision binoculars, which, unlike a monocle, have two sights, which is much more convenient to use. In addition, another equally well-known night vision device is the spotting scope. The advantage of a spotting scope over a monocle and binoculars is its magnification power. Spotting scopes usually have very good optical lenses. As for the price of spotting scopes, there is nothing to brag about; the price is at the same level as binoculars, and often much more expensive than night vision binoculars. The above night-vision devices can be classified as one class. They are popular not only among hunters; they are increasingly being acquired by various security structures whose activities involve round-the-clock security of various objects, which, unfortunately, do not always have good lighting due to the specifics of their location.

One cannot help but recall here another device called night vision optical sight, which has in its set of capabilities not only the detection and observation function, but also aiming, which makes the device universal in its class. Optical night vision scopes until recently, they were used exclusively in special army units and were (and are) installed on sniper rifles. The modern range of hunting weapons is so diverse that it allows you to install optical sights night vision for some types of hunting rifles. Known to all hunters (and not only) the Saiga carbine is perfectly suited for night sight. With this “tuning” the rifle is not particularly different from a sniper rifle, which is why the question of banning the use of optical sights while hunting. Based only on the fact that such a weapon leaves no chance for the beast to survive, it is already difficult to underestimate the superiority night vision scope. As for their classification, they have no special differences, with the exception of the magnification factor, which is characteristic of almost all optical instruments. Prices night vision scopes are quite high, but according to statistics this does not affect the desire of hunters to acquire such a “toy”.

To what's new on the market night vision devices include night vision goggles. It is premature to talk about the effectiveness and usefulness of such glasses, since this new technology and like any new invention, most likely, it has its shortcomings. In general, before purchasing night vision devices should be guided, first of all, by the goal that is planned to be achieved, and it is also necessary to pay attention to specifications, which determine how well the device will meet your expectations.

During operation night vision devices Be sure to follow all the requirements prescribed for the device in the operating and maintenance instructions, this will increase the service life of the device. Under no circumstances should mechanical damage be allowed that could affect either the integrity of the lenses or their position in the frame. night vision device.

Collimator sights

Not every person knows the meaning of the word “collimator”, but, for sure, everyone has seen the principle of operation of a collimator sight on TV screens. This is nothing more than the so-called “red dot on the forehead.” Collimator sights used with almost any type of modern small arms - from pistols to sniper rifle. Collimator sights, like any electrical product, have their disadvantages and advantages. The main goal in the manufacture of such sights was set for the company's employees to develop systems for targeted firing, fast and accurate aiming of weapons, and aiming in conditions of limited visibility. Mostly red dot sights are used for aiming at a target at short distances and good weather conditions, when the target is moving, or when there is no time for a very accurate shot. Principle of operation collimator sight is based on the supply of electrical power (battery) to a light source (manufacturers often use an LED), after which a beam of light, passing through the lenses, forms a light beam, as a result of which the shooter sees a “marker”. Markers have different shapes: it can be either a circle or a diamond, as well as a triangle, crosshair, or grid.

So, about the shortcomings. Reflex sights have batteries that periodically need to be changed, in addition, it is worth taking into account the operating conditions of the device; the presence of sources of moisture is not welcome here, although, according to the manufacturers, the sights are waterproof, but no one gives a 100% guarantee against an electrical circuit. The next disadvantage is self-detection, which is extremely unpleasant and negative indicator during combat operations and military operations.

To the benefits collimator sights applies high speed targeting and the ability to constantly hold a moving target in the firing sector. Collimator sights have a narrow application in relation to sniper weapons. This is again due to shortcomings in terms of self-detection. The sniper must be out of sight of the enemy, and the light sources of the sight reduce the shooter's stealth to zero, and it is simply pointless to disguise them. Red dot sniper sights have a number of differences from conventional red dot sights. The main difference is the presence of the optical sight itself, which has an illuminated aiming scale, which significantly improves the quality of shooting due to the difference in the contrast between the light balance of the target and the aiming scale. In this case, the shooter’s task in order to make an accurate shot is to combine the aiming scale in the optical sight with the marker on the target. On shotguns, red dot sights are used mainly with a marker in the form of a grid, since a shot shot has a large affected area at short distances.

Collimator sights also found their place in certain circles civilians, which include hunters and fans of bullet shooting. Collimator sights have mechanisms for adjusting the marker, and in the case of a sniper scope, they also have a number of settings that are regulated by the manufacturer. To properly configure the sight, use a form or an instruction manual (depending on the release form of the device).

What is parallax?

In the conversations of “experienced” people, when it comes to optical sights, the concept of “parallax” often “pops up”. At the same time, many companies and models of sights are mentioned, and various assessments are made.

So what is parallax?
Parallax is the apparent shift in the target image relative to the reticle image when the eye moves away from the center of the eyepiece. This occurs due to the fact that the target image is not focused exactly in the focal plane of the reticle.
Maximum parallax occurs when the eye reaches the end of the scope's exit pupil. But even in this case, a scope with a constant 4x magnification, adjusted for parallax at 150 m (at the factory), will give an error of about 20 mm at a distance of 500 m.
At short distances, the parallax effect has virtually no effect on the accuracy of the shot. So for the scope mentioned above at a distance of 100 m the error will be only about 5 mm. It should also be kept in mind that when you keep your eye centered on the eyepiece (on the optical axis of the scope), the parallax effect is practically absent and does not affect shooting accuracy in most hunting situations.

Sights with factory parallax adjustment

Any sight with a fixed lens focusing system can be adjusted against parallax only at one specific distance. Most scopes have a factory parallax adjustment of 100-150 m.

The exceptions are low magnification sights, oriented for use with a shotgun or combined weapon (40-70 m) and so-called “tactical” and similar sights for long-distance shooting (300 m or more).

According to experts, you should not pay serious attention to parallax, provided that the shooting distance extends within: 1/3 closer... 2/3 further than the distance the sight is factory adjusted for parallax.

Example: The KAHLES ZF 95 10x42 "tactical" riflescope is factory set for parallax at 300 m. This means that when shooting at distances from 200 to 500 m you will not feel the parallax effect. In addition, when shooting at 500 m, the accuracy of the shot is influenced by a lot of factors related, first of all, to the characteristics of the weapon, the ballistics of the ammunition, weather conditions, the stability of the position of the weapon at the time of aiming and firing, leading to a deviation of the point of impact from the aiming point by values ​​significantly exceeding the deviation caused by parallax when firing from a rifle clamped in a vice in an absolute vacuum.

Another criterion: parallax does not appear significantly until the magnification factor exceeds 12x. Another thing is scopes for target shooting and varmint, like, say, 6-24x44 or 8-40x56.

Sights with parallax adjustment

Target shooting and varming require maximum aiming accuracy. To ensure the required accuracy at different shooting distances, sights are produced with additional focusing on the lens, eyepiece or on the body of the central tube and a corresponding distance scale. This focusing system allows you to combine the target image and the image of the aiming mark in the same focal plane.

To eliminate parallax at a selected distance, you must do the following:
1. The image of the aiming mark must be clear. This must be achieved using your scope's focusing mechanism (diopter adjustment).
2. Measure the distance to the target in some way. By turning the focusing ring on the lens or the handwheel on the body of the central tube, set the measured distance value opposite the corresponding mark.
3. Securely secure the weapon in the most stable position and look through the scope, concentrating on the center of the reticle. Raise your head slightly and then lower your head. The center of the aiming mark must be absolutely motionless in relation to the target. Otherwise, perform additional focusing by rotating the ring or drum until the movement of the center of the mark is completely eliminated.

The advantage of sights with parallax adjustment on the body of the central tube or on the eyepiece is that when adjusting the sight, the shooter does not need to change position when preparing to shoot.

Instead of output

Nothing happens for nothing. The appearance of an additional adjustment unit in the sight cannot but affect the overall reliability of the design, and, if properly executed, the price. In addition, there is a need to think about additional settings in stressful situation cannot but affect the accuracy of your shot, and then you will be to blame for the miss and not your sight.

The above values ​​are taken from materials provided by Leupold (USA) and KAHLES (Austria).

– This is a separate class of optical sights for installation on military, hunting and sporting weapons. The collimators have a magnification of x1, which eliminates distortion of target sizes, and an unlimited field of view. Even with active movement of the eye relative to the center of the sight, due to the rapid alignment of the luminous mark with the target, the aiming speed is several times higher than with other devices. The luminous reticle is clearly visible both during the day and in relatively low light, and with several interchangeable reticles, you can change them depending on specific conditions. Some models are combined with laser pointer for targeted shooting from any position.

The collimator sight is considered best choice for shooting at short distances (100-150 m) at moving targets of medium and large sizes. These red dot sights can be mounted on different types firearms, but they are most popular among fans of pneumatic weapons. Along with this, collimators are great for pistols, bows and crossbows. These sights usually have built-in mounting brackets, so when purchasing, you need to make sure that the device is compatible with the weapon you are using.

TYPES OF COLLIMATOR SIGHTS:

Active and passive. The first type of sights operates on batteries, so their reticle is always visible. In passive sights, the mark glows only when there is sufficient ambient light.

Open. The simplest in design and affordable sights, designed for standard shooting conditions. Open sights are also called single-lens sights because they only have a front lens in a frame. Due to the fact that these devices are less protected from atmospheric precipitation, they are not advisable to use during rain and snow, as drops can fall on the glass and distort the brand. At the same time, unlike closed sights, open sights are much lighter and more compact, therefore they do not block the view with their body and allow you to aim with both eyes. Their advantages include a clear, unobscured field of view. Open sights are the most optimal solution for small-caliber carbines.

Closed. Models in this category are a shortened version of an optical sight, where the optics are located in the spotting scope. Closed sights, in addition to the front lens, also have an eyepiece lens. They are better protected from external factors, therefore they are all-weather devices, but they are characterized by shading of the aiming area. Closed red dot sights are larger in size, but due to their durable housing they can withstand greater recoil. If you install a special optical attachment, you can double the magnification of the sight and, accordingly, its range. Fixed sights are usually mounted on long guns of medium and large calibers.

Holographic. Devices of this class are of the open type, so they do not block the view and allow you to aim with both eyes. Main feature holographic sights are the presence of a flat hologram with an aiming mark, which is visualized by a laser beam. Both standard and 3D reticles are applied to this transparent hologram. They are perfectly visible in any lighting and are always located in the center, regardless of what angle the shooter is looking at. Holographic sights, like closed-type models, have proven themselves to be excellent when used with shotguns. Their cost is higher than other types of collimators, since the process of producing a hologram is complex and expensive.

BEST RED SIGHTS:

FEATURES OF COLLIMATOR SIGHTS:

It is believed that collimators increase the weight of the weapon, although even when using closed sights the weight is not so significant. In addition, the installation of any optical sighting devices, one way or another, affects the total weight of the weapon, but this does not mean that this deteriorates its balance. Red dot sights (especially open sights) get dirty quickly, but regular cleaning or protective caps on the lens and eyepiece will reduce the likelihood of dirt getting in. There is an opinion that when low temperatures The battery life of active collimators powered by alkaline batteries is reduced to a minimum. However, as practice shows, even with a decrease in capacity at subzero temperatures, alkaline batteries can provide several hours of full operation of the sight. Along with this, you can always have a spare set or use lithium cells that are less sensitive to cold.

Collimator or optical sight: what is the difference?

Often, those who have recently taken up an air gun or a firearm are wondering what kind of sight to choose for it: optical or collimator? Open or closed? With constant or variable frequency?

The presence of various options always raises the question, which one is the best for your particular case?

There are only two main types of sights: sights are optical and collimator. The question of which of the two options is better to choose makes many novice hunters or just those who like to shoot with pneumatics think. The main thing in this matter is not to think about what will be “more solid”, but to think about the purposes for which you want to buy a scope.

If you need a sight for shooting at fast-moving targets, and you will be shooting from a relatively short distance, you will need a collimator type. A collimator sight will also help you out if you lack visual acuity and this prevents you from aiming; Many sights of this type provide the possibility of diopter adjustment, which in most cases varies from +3 to -3. Plus, on such a sight the brand does not cover the target, as inevitably happens with conventional optical models. In general, a collimator sight was created precisely to make it easier for the shooter to aim in conditions when:

There's no time to take careful aim

You have to shoot from an awkward position.

On collimator sights, the aiming mark is aligned directly with the target, which significantly increases the likelihood of a successful shot. In addition, it is often possible to adjust the brightness of the reticle depending on the lighting. So, a mark glowing in the twilight simply will not allow you to miss. On the one hand, this is without a doubt a plus, on the other hand, this function involves powering the collimator sight from a battery. This means that everything will be perfect until the battery runs out or you get caught in the rain. In conditions high humidity At the very least, a red dot sight may quickly discharge, and in the worst case, a short circuit may occur. Of course, many sights of this type have good moisture protection and even nitrogen filling, but such a sight will cost a little more. The presence of an infrared pointer can result in both pros and cons. On the one hand, the probability of missing is reduced to zero, on the other hand, such a pointer detects the hunter.

To sum up the discussion of collimator sights, we can definitely say that they are absolutely indispensable in cases where it is necessary to fire at fast-moving targets from a distance of 100-150 meters. Open-type collimator sights are considered the most convenient, but they are not recommended for use in the rain, since if a drop of water gets on the glass of the beam exit, the aiming mark begins to fragment. If you want your scope to be ready for battle at all times, you won't regret choosing a closed-type scope. It is less convenient than an open one, but with it you definitely won’t have to complain about the aiming mark even in rainy weather.

In many ways, a red dot sight is almost ideal, but just as good as it is for rapid-fire shooting, such a sight is not suitable for long-distance shots at a slow-moving target. Therefore, if you are the happy owner of a gun with a firing range of 300-400 meters, buying a red dot sight is pointless, because here you will need good old, trouble-free optics.

A regular optical sight is different low price, unpretentiousness and reliability. One of its disadvantages is the small angle of view compared to collimator sights. And the greater the magnification of the sight, the narrower the field of view will be. However, optical sights are ideal for long-range shooting at large targets from pre-selected positions.

An optical sight, like a collimator sight, can be mounted on rifled and smoothbore firearms, as well as crossbows and air guns. Since these sights are designed for shooting at distant targets, their optics very often have variable magnification with a maximum magnification of up to 40 times or more. If the magnification of an optical sight is constant, it will still be greater than 1. Optical sights with a constant magnification have a higher aperture ratio than sights with a variable magnification, however, an optical sight with a constant equal magnification is less versatile, since it is only effective if you know in advance at what distance It’s more convenient for you to shoot and based on this you choose a sight.

The Helioscope optical equipment store offers optical sights with both variable and constant magnification equal to 4. Collimator sights for the most part have a constant magnification equal to 1.

Optical sights are installed mainly on heavy weapons: shotguns, carbines, hunting rifles. However, optics can also be quite different and can be characterized by different indicators of impact resistance. You can choose an optical sight for both heavy and lighter weapons.

Another feature of optical sights is the wide variety of aiming marks. If on collimator sights this is a luminous red dot, then in the case of optics, the pattern of the aiming mark can be very different.

As a rule, optical sights operate without batteries and do not have the function of illuminating the reticle, but some modern models have illumination. The ability to choose the most convenient, and often simply familiar, aiming mark often forces hunters to give preference to optical sights. A huge variety of sighting marks is one of the undeniable advantages of sights of this type.

To improve shooting results, it is not enough to modify the weapon; it is also necessary to use more advanced sighting devices. Collimator sights allow you to significantly speed up targeting while maintaining high shooting accuracy. Their design is quite simple and can be reproduced at home, adjusted for the lower strength of homemade devices.

The device got its name from the principle of collimation used - the transformation of light beams that correspond to objects of observation into parallel rays. An aiming marker is located in the same plane as the objects of observation (focal plane, opt.), the glow of which is provided by a working LED.

The shooter's eye observes the marker at an indefinite distance. It never blurs and stays on target. The light source is not visible from the target side, which is explained by its low intensity and the reflection of most of the rays in the direction of the shooter.

The advantages of a collimator are the ability to aim with two eyes. This expands the field of view and allows you to move the midpoint of impact in time.

Video review of a collimator sight, its principle of operation and application:

There are open and closed collimator sights. When using the open type, the shooter observes the target with both eyes, while simultaneously fixing the aiming marker. The sight cavity is translucent, which also makes it possible to aim with one eye, as in the case of an optical sight.

When aiming a weapon equipped with a closed collimator, one eye observes the target, and the other fixes the aiming mark. You cannot aim with one eye, since the space behind the optics is made of opaque material.

Difference from mechanical, optical, holographic sights

Types of collimator sights and how they differ from others

The fundamental difference between a red dot sight and classic sights is as follows:

• To provide an aiming marker, a source of electricity is always used - a battery or a battery;
• to aim at a target, you do not need to achieve alignment of the mechanical parts of the sight (front sight and rear sight);
• the optical system does not provide target approximation (although in Lately collimators with slight magnification began to appear);
• the role of the aiming mark is performed by a light spot, and not by a metal mesh at the focus of the lens or marks engraved on it;
• when the shooter's eye shifts relative to the axis of the weapon, the aiming marker almost does not change its location and remains on the target (virtually no parallax).

There is another type of collimator - . This type is a development of the classic collimator scheme and uses a laser instead of a point light source, as well as a holographic mark. The latter can take any form, including visually appearing three-dimensional.

Holographic sights are considered more advanced than collimator sights, as they allow better orientation in rapidly changing targets. However, red dot sights are more versatile, remaining equally comfortable at short and long ranges.

Application

Collimator sights have become widespread on medium and close-range weapons, although they can sometimes be installed on . Most often they are used in conjunction with assault rifles and.
The installation of collimator sights on Airguns. This is especially true for airsoft drives.

In conventional 4.5 mm pneumatics, collimators are often used by beginners, as they allow them to make accurate shots even with minimal training.

If the main use of pneumatics is shooting at frequently and suddenly appearing targets, then a collimator sight is perfect. There are also night sights that allow you to hit the target accurately in the dark.

General structure and circuit

The conventional design of an open and closed collimator sight is shown in the figure below.

Closed collimator sight (diagram b) It is a tube into which a convex lens and a point light source are mounted. The front of the sight is closed, meaning you need to aim with both eyes. Once the marker and target are aligned, the shot can be fired.

Open collimator sight (diagram a) includes a reflector mirror in its design, often translucent. You can look through such a sight with one eye, observing the target and the luminous marker. The greatest effect is achieved when using both eyes.

If you have enthusiasm and practice working with mechanical devices, you can assemble a simple red dot sight yourself. To do this you will need a rectangular or round body, a reflector mirror or a piece of glass correct form, as well as a working LED. You need to position the mirror or glass at an angle to the shooter so that the reflection of the LED is visible in the middle of the body.

Examples of the simplest designs of collimator sights that even a child can build with his own hands (in literally), shown in the video:

Operation and care

When using a collimator sight, you must:

• Wipe the optics when dirty, using wipes specially designed for this. A simple rag can damage (scratch) lenses and mirrors;
• check batteries or accumulators before installing them in the sight - important for devices with non-standard batteries;
• transport the sight separately from the weapon, with the exception of specially designed cases for transportation. A properly adjusted scope will maintain the center point of impact even after repeated mounting and removal cycles.

Storage rules

To maintain the functionality of the red dot sight, you need to fulfill the basic requirements for their storage:

1. remove the battery during periods of inactivity to avoid damage electrical diagram when electrolyte leaks;
2. keep the scope in a dry place with constant humidity - this will protect the device from corrosion;
3. Avoid physical impacts on the scope, since repairs optical system quite expensive even for budget models.

How to choose a red dot sight

How to choose a red dot sight

There is an unspoken rule - all red dot sights with a purchase price below 15 USD. That is, they are not fully sights. This is due to the extremely unreliable design of cheap crafts, which will go astray at the slightest shock (even when reloading).

Installation

Modern (brackets) have two main mechanisms - dovetail and Picatinny rail. The most expensive models can be fixed to any of them, thanks to the universal mounting kit.

When installing the sight, its location is rigidly fixed with clamping screws, and sometimes additionally locked in a special groove. Tighten the screws firmly, but carefully so as not to strip the threads or bend the guide strips.

The installation of a collimator sight on a rifle with an adapter bar can be seen in this video:

Settings

The process of adjusting a collimator sight can be reduced to two manipulations - setting the brightness and zeroing. The brightness changes depending on the external lighting - the stronger it is, the brighter the aiming marker should be. When shooting at cloudy weather or at dusk, the emitter power must be reduced to prevent illumination of the target.

If you have no experience, zero your weapon from a rest position. It is most convenient to use a special stand or a bag filled with sand.

Carried out at a standard distance for each type of weapon. In the case of pneumatics, it is advisable to start from ten meters, checking the average point of impact and the location of the marker in several stages:

1. the weapon is aimed at the target through mechanical sights or the barrel. Also, a luminous collimator marker is aimed at the target (by rotating the adjusting screws in the horizontal and vertical plane);
2. a series of shots is fired (usually no more than three), from which the average point of impact is determined. The position of the marker is again adjusted with screws, taking into account the deviation of the aiming point from the point of impact (in accordance with the instructions for the sight used);
3. after the initial zeroing, another series of shots is fired to ensure that the adjustments made are correct;
4. When the weapon is sighted at a given distance, it is necessary to check the point of impact at other distances. Observed under or over hits should be recorded and learned. Knowing the deviations from the aiming point and the distance to the target, it will be possible to fire without making adjustments to the collimator settings.

Brief overview of popular brands

Cobra

Belongs to a line of combat collimator sights designed for installation on serial military weapons. Depending on the conditions of use, you can choose not only the brightness of the marker, but also its appearance(dot, crosshair, etc.). Russian-made sights have a predominantly open design and allow you to quickly transfer fire to emerging targets.

Eotech

It is a line of collimator sights of various modifications, including holographic ones. The devices belong to a high price range and have wide range opportunities, many consider them the best in the business. Most are compact open structures.

Hakko

They belong to the scopes of the middle and upper price range and are manufactured in Japan. The implemented designs are varied and include both small-sized collimators with a single lens and tubular designs for long-range shooting.

Sightmark

A large assortment has become famous thanks to its use by hunters and athletes. The price of the devices is shifted towards moderate values, and the significant strength allows shooting from weapons of large calibers, such as 12th. The Sightmark company has collected a number of awards for the high quality of its products, some of which are used by American law enforcement forces.

Aimpoint

The company produces high-quality sights that are used on a variety of small arms. Most are made in a shockproof and waterproof case that can withstand heavy mechanical loads. The prices for sights are quite high and maintain the reputation of an expensive brand, but you can always buy Chinese replicas at a lower cost.

Comparison of red dot sights from Aimpoint and Eotech:

Burris

These collimator sights are characterized by an open design and are compact devices for installation on sporting and hunting weapons. For military use, sights are less common due to the open optical part. The devices are quite durable and compact, and also have high ergonomics.

Leapers

Models of collimator sights from Leapers have gained popularity when installed on smooth-bore hunting weapons and small-sized pneumatics. The rigid design allows the scope to withstand high recoil. Among large selection There are budget models that allow full use of inexpensive gas-cylinder pistols with installed collimator sights.

Docter

German-made devices are popular due to their ultra-small dimensions and sufficient strength to withstand high impact. Docter collimators are used in recreational, hunting and sports shooting, and are also used for installation on shotguns and submachine guns.

Bushnell

American-made samples complement a wide selection of sighting devices, including not only collimator sights, but also optical sights. We can say that collimators are rather an exception for this brand, which does not in any way affect their quality. Most Bushnell red dot sights are budget models used for sporting and hunting purposes.