Optics help

[Picknlittle]

I see a lot of different types of high tech optics, or at high tech to me because I've never seen then up close and personal. Of course I know what a rifle scope is, now will someone explain red dot, laser, holographic, and others?

I'm guessing each has a specific function in the world, but with an SKS in mind, and ranges from 50 to 250 yrds being the norm, how would each play in that role?

Sorry if this seems elementary, but I reckon that's where I am. I purchased my first ever scope last fall. I'm 54!

 

[PPGMD]

Red Dot is most often applied to the Eotech, and the Aimpoint optics and their clones, basically it's just a red dot that is 1MOA to 8MOA large, you put the dot on the target and pull the trigger.

Holographic is what people use for Eotechs because Eotech offers a bit more options as they have one that has a 7-8MOA circle, with a red dot in the center. Same idea, dot on pull trigger.

Trijicon makes the Reflex sight that uses a fiber optics tube, and Tritium (the same stuff that makes night sights glow), and provide a red dot sight. Some people call it a micro ACOG.

For most red dots they are parallax free so you don't have to be in a certain position behind them to accurately aimed the rifle, also you can use them with both eyes open (in fact that is suggested for most people). Off course the disadvantage is that they provide no magnification of the target.

Anyways picking a brand is entirely upto personal choice, some people prefer Eotechs, others like myself prefer Aimpoints. There are a couple of other threads in this forum explaining the pros and cons of each system.

Now if you want a magnified scope you can get either an Aimpoint or an Eotech and put the magnifier module that flips out of the way on it, what I suggest if you plan to use it mostly unmagnified, or you can get an ACOG and put a Doctor's Optics micro dot on top of it.

 

[Picknlittle]

In respect to an SKS, and the possibility of being used for HD, is there any real benefit with any particular type, beyond a typical scope for target shooting.

Keep in mind I don't mind shooting iron sights, but my eyes are forcing me to make changes.

 

[PPGMD]

Well for SD shooting a red dot like a Aimpoint or a Eotech would be the best because it's just place and press, though I am not sure that I would use a SKS as a SD weapon, my 9.25" AR maybe, but a SKS, probably not.

 

[Picknlittle]

though I am not sure that I would use a SKS as a SD weapon, my 9.25" AR maybe, but a SKS, probably not.

I'm curious as to why not. It's what I can afford therefore it's what I have, it's semi auto loading 10 quick to go bang rounds, goes bang every time I pull the trigger and it pretty well hits what I point it at. Also I can reload it faster than anything else I have.

For inside the home first choice would be a pistol, but I have a 22 revolver at this time; not my first choice though through proper shot placement is a heck of a lot better than nothing.

 

[striker3]

I think what PPGMD may have been alluding to was that the SKS is a little hard to wield properly inside of a building due to its size. Although a trusted rifle at hand is better than nothing at all. If an SKS is all that you have right now, well, that weapon system is battle proven and still used by some to this day.

One concern that you should think about though, is what is on the other side of the walls in the rooms you will be shooting in. 7.62x39 has enough oomph to go through drywall and tag something on the other side.

To answer your question about optics, for a home defense rifle I would choose to go with either straight iron sights, or a red dot such as an EoTech or Aimpoint. At the distances you will find in most homes, teaching yourself to point shoot with your rifle would be more cost effective than mounting a $400-500 optic on it, with practice it can be just as effective as well.. But red dot sights are really quick to acquire and are very accurate. When it comes down to which brand to buy, go to a store and look through all the optics you are comparing. They each have their strong points and their weak points. As long as you stay with the brand name manufacturers, such as Aimpoint, EoTech, and Trijicon, I think it comes down to your personal preference.

 

[PPGMD]

I think what PPGMD may have been alluding to was that the SKS is a little hard to wield properly inside of a building due to its size.

Bingo unless you have an aftermarket stock you are talking about a very large rifle.