• You are using the old High Contrast theme. We have installed a new dark theme for you, called UI.X. This will work better with the new upgrade of our software. You can select it at the bottom of any page.

Red Dot Sight Size??

Status
Not open for further replies.

sig123

Member
Joined
Feb 9, 2004
Messages
13
Hi,

I'm looking to get a red dot sight for a Browning Buck Mark or MKII. What are the pros and cons of the size difference? 25mm vs. 30mm? What's the difference between the above mentioned and the 1 inch Ultra Dot 4? Thanks!
 
Can't comment on the Ultra Dot 4 but to be honest the 25 or 30mm are equally useful.

If I can ... as with my 2 srh's ... I fit 1" ... Millet's in this case ... they are quite compact. On my 22/45 tho I have a 30mm .. mainly because the ''SoLow''â„¢ mounts are currently only done 30mm.

Only downside to me is the extra bulk of the 30mm .. and I don't really put too much importance on light transmission as one would with a scope and so 1" is fine when feasable.

I think the dot size is worth noting tho .. regardless of tube size. I prefer a 3 to 4 MOA dot for more serious work . and when possible use the lowest intensity too .. that way the dot is usually ''cleaner'' looking and does not obscure the target too much.

One or two cheapies I use on plinker guns have a rather irregular shape dot .. and sometimes more like 6-8 MOA .... but they do .... still way better for my tired old eyes that struggling with irons. Just have to remember to keep spare 2032 batteries on hand .. in case!

Here's the 22/45 with those mounts and inexpensive Simmons 30mm red dot ... immense fun to shoot!


22-45_dot_s.jpg
 
I bought 2 at the web site that I listed. $150 is very reasonable. Usually go for $210 or more.

The Docter sight goes for $280 and up.
 
Thanks for the replies

I appreciate the quick responses. I'm new to the red dot sights so I'm not sure I know the difference between dot sizes. Which of the Ultra Dots are the adjustable? Also, how do Millets compare? I do like the Hakko and Doctor Optics but they seem a bit pricey. Are they much better or just smaller? Thanks again.
 
how do Millets compare
sig .... depends what we compare them with!! I'd like the Docter or Hakko but cost prevents that . I have red dots comin out my ears and so have to go a bit cheaper!

I find the Millet is good value at around $100 .. it is low mass and seems to hold up to astonishing punishment on my cannons!

Re dot sizes ...... have a cruise around some of the suppliers .. do a search on ''red dot sights'' or similar and see what's out there. I saw one or two with adjustable dot size options but for me ... as long as dot small enough that's good. Can't see much benefit to larger dots.

If a dot is described as 4 MOA then it is like having that dot cover a 4" dia circle at 100 yds (approx 2" at 50 yds). So - it is not IMO a long range sighting device really and would not beat a good scope with fine reticle crosshairs, or even post and crosshair.

But ... closer in - certainly 50 yds .. they are very effective .. and big bonus is .. very fast target aquisition. Even if groups open a bit .. you shoot em quicker!:)
 
armabill

What's the difference between the Doc Optic and Reflex sights compared to the tube (right word?) models from Ultra Dot and Millett (besides size and cost)? Also, is the 3.5 or 7 Doc Optic better--not sure what the difference is? Thanks.
 
P95carry

Can you tell me more about the Hakko and Doctor Optic. Why are they better than the Ultra Dot or Millets? Are they adjustable? Thanks.
 
sig .. excuse my ignorance but ... no experience of them at all .. I just know they are ''available''!! armabill hopefully might clue you in as to their operation and design.

All I know is hear good things of them but had looked no further due to cost. Sorry not to be much help on that.:)
 
armabill

Thanks for the response. So what's the scoop on them for target and competition. Are the Doctor Optics better than Ultra Dot? Why?
 
Docter sight is more open for quicker target locating. Uses one battery and grows or dims automatically due to light brightness.

The Hakko's brightness is regulated by a turn switch and also uses one battery.
 
1" vs. 30mm - 1" sights were simply first, and then 30mm came along. The larger tube gives a larger field of view, which helps with rapid target acquisition (necessary for certain types of competition.) Either is fine for Bullseye or plinking.

Dot size - An adjustable dot size is more important for Bullseye shooting. For example, I set my dot to barely cover the black of the target. The larger dot is more defined and is easier to center on the black field, giving me better shot placement. However, for most other applications a larger dot simply obscures the target, especially if you’re hunting varmints or shooting long distances.

Parallax – All dot sights have parallax error. It is very easy to see. While on a pistol/rifle rest, center the dot in the sight and sight a target. Now simply move your head to take the dot to the edge of the sight. You will see the dot come off target. That’s parallax. Millets supposedly have the least parallax.

Sights – I believe that Millets are the best, while UltraDots are by far the best for the money. I have an UltraDot and an UltraDot 4Dot. Both are great sights. You can go wrong with a Millet, by spending more than you need to for your application. You can go wrong with a BSA, by spending money on something that doesn’t last or who’s parallax is causing issues. But you simply cannot go wrong with an UltraDot.

Go to www.Bullseyepistol.com and look at category Tools of the Trade. There’s a good article titled Facts and Figures About Red Dot Sights. Unfortunately, you can't link to Bullseyepistol articles anymore...it just takes you to the homepage. OTherwise I would have posted a link.
 
Graystar

Thanks for the great feedback and info. What do you think of the Docter Optic and JPoint type of sights?
 
I haven't used either sight so I can't really comment on them. These sights sits low, and that's a good thing. I just wonder what happens when you're out on a bright sunny day...will the sunlight obscure the dot? They're awfully expensive too.

BTW the SoLow mounts, pictured on P95Carry's 22/45, is the best way to put a red dot on a ruger .22.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top