These sights can be held away from your eye without distorting the image. Reflector sights are an alternative to iron sights. Reflector sights are an excellent choice for amateurs and professionals alike. Reflector sights provide a single, parallax-free virtual image that focuses on the target and removes the problem of aiming. Since the invention of the red dot and LED reticle technology, reflex sights have become far more popular as they are durable and dependable. They are often used when there’s a fast-moving target. In the past, they’ve been used on fighter aircraft in both world wars and for military applications like anti-aircraft guns and anti-tank guns. These reflex sights are a type of optical sight invented in 1900 and often used on various weapons. There are two kinds of reflex sights: compact sights with one lens and a reticle close to the shooter’s eye and a tubular sight that looks similar to a scope with two lens pieces on either end.

This small dot is typically illuminated by an LED light at the rear optic that points towards the front lens. There are many different types of rifle sights that you can choose between, which we discuss in more detail below.Ī reflex sight, also known as a reflector sight or red dot sight, is usually a tube or a single piece of plastic or glass with a small dot or rectangle. They are also helpful for shooting at night if the lens includes illuminating lights. However, they are suitable for fast action shooting, target shooting, and hunting as they allow you to view the entire field with both eyes. Sights aren’t as good as scopes for long-range shooting.

For example, if you’re hunting at night, you want to be entirely sure that you’re shooting at a deer and not a person. Because rifle sights enhance accuracy, they also help keep you safe. Rifle sights are useful for competitive shooters as they help with quick target acquisition. You’ve probably seen snipers in films using scopes to ensure pinpoint accuracy from incredible ranges. Most people like to use rifle sights and scopes to help them accurately aim and shoot, especially for long-distance shooting. Reasons to Use a Rifle Sight for Shooting There are two main categories of sights: electronic sights (like reflex, holographic, laser, and prism sights) and iron sights. However, it doesn’t typically include magnification.Ī rifle scope, also called a telescopic sight, uses a magnifier that allows you to see distant objects more clearly. The Difference Between a Rifle Scope and a Rifle SightĪ rifle sight is usually just a piece of glass with a limited scope that lets you focus your attention on a particular object in the distance.