Can someone explain the differences between red dot, holograhic red dot and holo-sights to me? I see these terms used interchangebly and I am somewhat confused as to their meanings and applications. Thanks in advance. . . .

Can someone explain the differences between red dot, holograhic red dot and holo-sights to me? I see these terms used interchangebly and I am somewhat confused as to their meanings and applications. Thanks in advance. . . .

Red Dot sights have an illuminated red dot. Some, have a standard scope-type tube with a standard erectors for the reticle. The holographic sights beam a read dot from the base onto a flat piece of glass, much like the Heads-up display of a fighter plane. They are generally smaller and lighter than the tube-type scopes. They also allow the shooter to see around the scope easier for quicker indexing (this is why IPSC shooters like them). The Holosight is the model name for the holographic sight made by Bushnell. There are others that are similar and differ in price and features - C-More, Doktor (sp?), Aimpoint, Oki-dot. Different brands offer different sized dots - from 1 moa to 10 moa. The brightness can also be adjusted. The only draw-back to these sights is that there is no magnification on the models I have seen.

I like the holographic type sights because I can see around them easier. I use a Bushnell Holosight on my Ruger Redhawk for hunting. I have found that pistol scopes are hard to see through in low light. The holographic sight allows me to see the target around the sides while I look at the dot - a big benefit in low light hunting. Mine has a 1 moa dot so it is easier to shoot at longer distances. the Bushnell sights are neat in that you can choose different reticles (crosshairs, circle in circle, etc). The draw back is that it is heavy and big compared to the other sights. However, it has lasted and taken the abuse of full-power 44 loads. Also, it keeps zero when the batteries die.

Hope this helps,

Jack

an evaluation of all types. take it for what it's worth. it seems good to me

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/rob.novak/Shooting/red_dot_sights.html

monty

Jack:

Thanks for the info - seems like there are quite a few different versions available, but in principle they work about the same. Appreciate the info.

Tallyman