Experienced Opinions on red dots.

[rhtwist]

Hello,
This is a probable stupid question, but one that I am sincerely interested. I have used a Barska(returned) and currently a Redhead 30mm Red dot. Partially due to my eyesight the dot did not appear to be a dot, but varying between several dots with a smear to a dot with a smear. I understand that these are cheap optics, so my question is will a real Aimpoint or Eotech produce a more precisely defined red dot? I've found on the cheap ones that turning the intensity down helps marginally. Thanks for any replies.
rhtwist

 

[benEzra]

If you have any astigmatism or spherical/chromatic aberration in your eyes or glasses/contacts, a point source of light will appear distorted or multiple. Looking at a dot through the top of your glasses lenses instead of the center will do that, for example. Turning down the brightness helps with that, as they "bloom" less. If your eyes are dried out, that can also make the dot bloom; eyedrops will help.

I have messed around with a cheap Wal-Mart Tasco Propoint, and the dot is crisp and round even on that sight, at low brightness levels. My primary optic on my AK is a Russian Kobra, and again that is crisp and clear.

I'd head over to Wal-Mart or you local shop and look through a few. It may be the optics' fault, or it may be that you need vision correction.

 

[rhtwist]

Hello benEzra,
Thank you for your experienced response. My problem is that I fire a pistol without glasses and trying the same with my red dot. I must admit that with the glassed the red dot is better.
rhtwist

 

[Canuck-IL]

I'm astigmatic and regularly get a 'comet' appearance instead of a clear dot. It's also more apparent at the end of a work day w the cumulated eye fatigue. Same effect w the low or high-end models - I've settled on UltraDots because of their robust build and warranty.
/Bryan

 

[Ed Ames]

It's a common complaint with the EOtech as well. I haven't noticed it as a problem on any red dot or EO I've looked through but my vision is corrected 24/7.

 

[rhtwist]

Thank you for your replies Gentlemen. It appears that my eyes are main problem. Take care.
rhtwist

 

[woof]

If I may slightly hijack the thread, I'm wondering who has experience with red dots that are 2x magnification. Are the different issues with those? Are there lower priced ones that are decent? My application is for a compact dense woods deer rifle where typical range is 50 yds and never over 100.

 

[Hungry Seagull]

Here is the one I use.

http://media7.dropshots.com/photos/620679/20090502/150706.jpg

After my recent eye surgery to remove a cataract I set the item to display a small dot in the reflex glass itself.

If I use larger icons in the glass or use the laser emitter, sometimes the return view I see in the eye has a line through it like a ring of saturn viewed edge on due to the edge of the implanted lens inside the eyeball itself.

Prior to my cataract removal I experienced rapid and progressive diffusion, blurring and loss of vision in that eye. There were also blue and yellow halos around every bright light at night. That was the item that motivated me to get help for that eye.

I am careful to shoot ammunition that flies at less than 1400 fps through the guns. I dont want to put too much pressure on that lens and break it via recoil shock.

It's a cheapo solution to start off. Eventually it might be replaced by better sights.

 

[danweasel]

FOR THE HIJACKER: haha

I have a baraska red dot with a screw on 2X magnifier. It sucks. The sight itself is fine but with the 2X lens it does not focus on anything. Maybe I am an idiot but I haven't found a way to focus it in.