Aftermarket Reflex Sights for Better Accuracy
One of the better aftermarket parts available for weapons are reflex sights which are designed to be used with both eyes open. In essence, reflex sights are to guns what a heads-up-display (HUD) was to fighter jets. The reflex sight allows for quicker response and the ability to stay on target longer than before.
Older iron sights use the front and rear sight to line up with the target, creating three sighting planes in total. A reflex sight uses a laser to place an aiming point into a sight window. The result is that you place the aim point on the target and pull the trigger. A reflex sight is simpler, more accurate and allows you to keep both eyes open comfortably without training.
Reflex sights offer numerous advantages such as being compact, lightweight and having a small footprint. Depending on the size chosen, they also run on common batteries, tritium, fiber options or a combination of them. They are designed for close-range work and have proven to be quite reliable in all types of situations. In addition, reflex sights are non-magnifying and are free of parallax as well.
Reflex sights for pistols generally fall under two different philosophies when it comes to their mounting. One is that they attach the rear section of the slide and then connect that to the reflex sight which is also to the slide. This means that the iron sights can stay in place, but the reflex sight itself is taller much like it would if a suppressor was attached and the iron sights needed to be raised.
Another method is to use a mounting plate where the reflex sight is attached and place it on the dovetail of the iron rear sight located on the pistol slide. In either configuration, the reflex sight will help the user find the target faster and shoot more accurately. What follows are brands of common reflex sights which are currently available.
Hi-Lux Tac-Dot
This is a 4 MOA red dot aim point that can easily be adjusted with no need to center the dot since it is all parallax free. This also means that you don’t have to focus and your eyes will thank you for that. Once you find the target, it will hit where the dot strikes. At just over 2 ounces, this is a very lightweight unit that automatically adjusts for light levels.
Bushnell First Strike
Weighing in at less than 2.5 ounces, this particular model offers a 50 MOA dot reticle that will automatically adjust to the lighting conditions. Powered by a common battery, there is an integrated photocell that automatically turns it on when removing the protective lens cover. Shockproof, fog-proof and waterproof, this particular reflex sight is lightweight and very functional.
JPoint Micro-Electronic Reflex Sight
A nylon-polymer housing that is reinforced by glass, this particular reflex sight offer two choices in either 4 or 8 MOA. The latter is larger, brighter and easier to use than the smaller version and it features an automatic illumination sensor. This sight is also quite durable and temperature resistant as well. Waterproof, shockproof and using a single common battery, this is one of the more popular reflex sights on the market today.
Millett M-Pulse TRD2001
Shockproof and waterproof, this reflex sight offers precision, speed and accuracy with a footprint that is less than 2” long. Automatically adjust to the lighting conditions of the environment, the M-Pulse by Millet sports an all-aluminum housing for lightness and durability. Plus, it features a precision-click elevation and windage adjustments as well.
Redfield Accelerator
Designed to find the target quickly, the Redfield is a low profile sight that offers a considerably wide field of view. The red-dot reticle is augmented by the high quality sight window. The battery window is easy to access and it even comes with a lightweight mounting plate, battery, adjustment wrench for the site and a protective cover as well. The aluminum construction means that this reflex sight will last for a long time under normal conditions.
Trijicon RMR
Offering three versions that include a standard LED, adjustable LED and Dual-Illuminated LED with the first two powered by batteries while the latter uses tritium in low light conditions, the sights are certainly powerful and well crafted. Fiber optics help adjust the reticle and the illumination is set by the environmental conditions. Crafted from forged aluminum, all three sights are rugged and very durable, able to hold up against the elements and the normal bumps, scrapes and impacts as well. The reticle choices have a range from 3.25 to 13 MOA. While the standard LED and adjustable LED use the red dot, the Dual-Illuminated version offers either a green or amber dot or a chevron-type aiming point. There are also eight adjustable illumination settings for the adjustable LED version.
Vortex Razor Red Dot
This particular reflex sight weighs a mere 1.4 ounces and uses two buttons to operate the sight, an “up” button turns on the sight while the “down” button must be pressed for five seconds to turn the sight off. The buttons are also used to adjust the illumination levels of the red dot as well, making it easier to see in bright lighting conditions. There are two versions, the 3 MOA and the 6 MOA which are available. The battery will last up to one year, but the nifty part is that if the unit is accidentally left on, it will shut itself off after six hours.
Leupold Delta Point
This particular reflex sight represents a new generation Leupold. Complete with a motion sensor that activates the sight, the Delta Point 2 also will adjust to the light levels in the environment. Tough, durable and using a common battery that will last over 9,000 hours of use, this particular unit comes with either a 3.5 or 7.5 MOA dot.
Any of these eight different reflex sights make for a perfect addition to your firearm. For those who want better accuracy and quicker target acquisition, the reflex sight is made for you.