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The Difference Between Reflex Sight vs Red Dot? The Truth You Should Know

Ever wondered whether a red dot sight vs a reflex sight will be better for your rifle?

For starters, most people are confused about the difference between a red dot sight and a reflex sight. But what is the truth?

“Red dot sight” IS NOT a specific type of sight.

It is actually a general term that is used to describe any kind of weapon optic that uses a red dot as an aiming point. In place of red dots, some sights have green dots or similar electronic images, such as a crosshair, as an aiming point.

There are three different types of “red dot sights”:

Prism sights
Reflex sights
Holographic sights

Each of which is slightly different. As you can see, a reflex sight is actually a type of red dot sight. The two are somewhat interchangeable. When the average person thinks of a “red dot sight” they are commonly thinking of an exposed reflex sight, which we will talk about later.

In this article, we will go over some key similarities and differences between the different styles of sights.

By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of various weapons sights. So now, we're going to find each type of red dot sight. Related that, if you are planning buy a red dot, read my article about best red dot sights for AR 15, you will find the good one for your AR

1. Prism Sights

What is A prism sight?

A prism sight is a short, tube-style optic.

While traditional rifle optics use a series of lenses, prism sights use a prism to focus the image you see down the scope.

As a result, a prism scope is much smaller than the traditional rifle scope.

Vortex Optics SPR-1303 Spitfire 3x Prism Scope with EBR-556B Reticle

The pros of a prism scope are that they are commonly available with a small magnification and they allow for either etched or illuminated reticles.

The biggest downfall is the smaller eye relief, which means that your eye has to be closer to the optic to pick up a proper sight picture.

Prism scopes are somewhat more expensive than reflex sights, but the prices have been on the decline.

Prism sights are ideal for the average target shooter or distance shooter. When using a prism sight, it is harder to reacquire the target due to the eye relief. For someone who is trying to shoot targets at extended distance, the magnification and precision of a prism sight will be perfect.

2. Reflex Sights

What is the Reflex Sights?

Reflex sights use a lens that functions somewhat like a mirror.

Field Sport Red and Green Reflex Sight with 4 Reticles

The aiming point is projected forward onto a lens, which reflects it back and allows you to see the red dot.

This type of reflex sight, commonly referred to as an exposed reflex sight, has a very distinct look.

There is no tube-shaped sight, only a small, clear window that the user can see the aiming point on.

However, there is a second type of reflex sight, which is tube shaped.

Tube type is the type of reflex sight will have TWO different lenses, and the aiming point is projected forward from the rear lens to the forward one.

The beam of the light is contained within the tube. Additionally, this type of reflex sight could use tritium in place of a battery powered light beam.

The biggest advantage of a reflex sight is the lack of an eye relief.

This means that your head can be positioned anywhere, you can keep both eyes open while using the weapon, and it is extremely easy to reacquire targets.

Reflex sights are also generally somewhat cheaper than prism sights. Another pro of a reflex sight is the fact that some are available for battery-free use. The one downfall of the reflex sight is that they aren’t magnified, however, some reflex sights are sold with a paired scope that doesn’t have an aiming point.

Reflex sights are an excellent option for many different weapons uses. They are excellent for home defense or tactical uses, some hunting, and for any type of general shooting. For the average rifle user, a reflex sight is what I would recommend.

3. Holographic Sights

So what is Holographic Sights?

Holographic sights are not as common as reflex sights or prism sights.

EOTech 512.A65 Tactical HOLOgraphic AA Batteries Weapon Sight

A holographic sight essentially uses a picture of a reticle that is in between glass layers.

EOTech has the patent for holographic sights, so they are the only type you will see. They have a rectangular field of view and a very small reticle for aiming, which allows for more accurate shooting.

The pros of an EOTech sight are that they are extremely precise and accurate, and they are easy to use.

Similar to the reflex sights, they allow for you to shoot the weapon with both eyes open and easily reacquire targets.

The only con of EOTech sights is the price. While they aren’t much different than the basic exposed reflex sight, EOTech sights are much more expensive.

An EOTech sight costs roughly 10 times what a cheap exposed reflex sight will cost. While they are certainly better quality, my opinion is that the difference between the two isn’t enough to justify spending that much more money.

However, I would recommend EOTech sights for anyone needing extremely accurate shooting abilities, such as a competitive shooter.

There’s a reason that they are so popular with the United States military. EOTech sights are very precise, and will allow for more accurate shooting over distance.

Conclusion

Overall, reflex sights are often what people consider to be a “red dot sight,” despite the fact that there are THREE different styles of red dot sights.

Most people don’t know, but “red dot sight” is more of a general term than a specific kind of sight.

Reflex sights are the most common and the least expensive, but are somewhat limited. Dependent on your needs, a simple reflex sight will probably meet your needs. Prism sights are often magnified, so they are better at longer distances, but they have an eye relief. Holographic sights are similar to exposed reflex sights, but are much higher quality at a much higher cost. Exposed reflex sights can have an additional scope added, to allow for magnification.

All in all, given today’s technology, there is a reflex sight available that will meet your shooting needs, at a more affordable cost.

Is The Sightmark Ultra Shot Pro Spec Sight NV QD Really Good?

Sightmark is well known for their affordably priced weapon’s optics.

Initially, this made me uncomfortable, as I knew they weren’t as high quality as some other available optics.

After plenty of research and testing my friends’ optics, I eventually went with Sightmark’s Ultra Shot QD paired with a Sightmark 3x Magnifier. You can see that sightmark on my AR15 below:

Sightmark Ultra Shot Reflex Sight -1

Sightmark Ultra Shot Reflex Sight-2

For me, I knew exactly what I needed in a weapon’s optic, and knew exactly what to expect from the Ultra Shot QD.

Overall, I have not regretted this purchase whatsoever.

It has served the purpose that I bought it for, but I also realize that this sight is not for everyone. As I said previously, there are higher quality optics available, but for the average shooter, the Sightmark Ultra Shot QD will work.

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Comparisons

My reasons for selecting the Ultra Shot QD were the affordability and the ease of use.

My thought process is that a reflex style red dot sight is nothing more than a piece of glass with a laser dot in it. If the sight can be accurately zeroed, and will hold that zero, it works.

For my purposes, I will NOT be beating up my sight, using it in foul weather, or needing overly accurate shots at 300+ meters.

Higher quality sights will be waterproof, have smaller reticles to allow for more accurate shots, and will generally be more durable.

The Ultra Shot QD does not have all of these features. However, for the average shooter, it is more than acceptable.

I use it for range shooting and some hunting with no issues. I have shot far more accurate sights, but I am still able to shoot out to 300 meters accurately using the Ultra Shot QD.

Feature of Sightmark Ultra Shot Pro Spec Sight NV QD

Sightmark Ultra Shot Reflex Sight-4

The Ultra Shot QD offers four different reticle options and multiple brightness settings.

Some of the best features are how easy it is to install, zero, and use.

The easy clip on the side of the sight allows for it to easily be attached and unattached from the railings on an average AR or other tactical style weapon. The same clip also makes it easy to tighten to fit any railing system.

Compared to some sights, this is a huge positive. However, it will not be affixed to the rail quite as tight as more expensive sights are.

Some will argue that over time, this will affect the accuracy of the sight.

My response to that, is that a knowledgeable shooter should be confirming their zero frequently anyway, so it should be extremely easy to catch and fix this issue.

However, in months of shooting this weapon, I have not had this issue. I have confirmed my zero multiple times, and never had an issue.

Zeroing the sight is a breeze. It requires an Allen wrench, but is an extremely easy sight to zero.

The sight is also extremely easy to use. For the new and experienced shooter alike, it could not be easier. Simply turn the sight on, adjust your brightness, and shoot downrange with both eyes open. It is extremely easy to acquire targets and shoot accurately.

What about Sightmark 3x Tactical Magnifier

I bought this sight in a combo pack that came with a Sightmark 3x Magnifier.

The magnifier is a separate entity (see photos below), and the user is able to slide the magnifier over if they don’t wish to use it. While this magnifier does take some getting used to, it is equally easy to use.

Sightmark’s Ultra Shot QD paired with a Sightmark 3x Magnifier on my AR15

You will have to get used to where you are placing your head for each shot when you are using the magnifier.

However, once you have it figured out, it is a great addition to the reflex sight.

The fact that you can also slide the magnifier off to the side if you are shooting at a closer range is another awesome feature.

Similar to the reflex sight, there are much higher quality magnifiers out there, but for the average shooter, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this.

Conclution

For the competitive shooter, serious hunter, and optics snobs, I would avoid this sight.

For the new shooter, basic hunter, and especially the casual plinker, this sight is perfect for you.

If you are just looking for an easy to use sight to go out and shoot targets with every once in a while, this is the sight for you. It is affordably priced, easy to use, and reliable. I have had no issues with my sight, but I also knew exactly what to expect and what I wanted it for before I got it.

Learn More on Amazon.com

Overall, this was a great purchase for me.

About the Author: This post from Robert Sagona who is an Army Officer in Columbus, US. He has 2 rifle, and 2 shotgun. So amazing. He bought that product in 2016 and completely satisfied with it. So he write some review about this product and take some photo of his gun. Read my review about best gun safe for the money to pick for yourself the best,

When Do Bowsights Work Best?

Bow hunting is a whole different animal from other forms of the sport. I was attracted to it immediately, the second I held my dad’s bow in my hands for the first time. It’s so real – I’ve always felt a deeper connection to the land when I’m not hunting with an expensive rifle. The problem is, it can be hard to aim accurately with a bow in certain situations. The scope on a gun has all but eliminated sight problems, and bow sights aim to do that with bows. But https://www.dailyshooting.com/?p=448&preview=true“>when do bow sights work best?

1. When you’re not on level ground.

This is when I’ve found bow sights to work the best. They give you the ability to line up the appropriate sight pin on your target. As opposed to a bullet, which enters the body having the same impact as the bullet is rounded, bows are pointed. For maximum impact, you want the arrow to be as close to level and straight up-and-down as you can. When on slanted earth, this can be very tricky. Use a bow sight to:

Know the approximate degree/angle that you’re shooting from, so that you can correct as necessary.
See whether your target is on any type of slope. Also, whether or not the target is moving in a tilted manner or otherwise performing an action that might throw off the equilibrium of your shot.
Go even further by precisely aiming for the right spot on the target, despite any slope in your position or the target’s position.
These factors can eliminate the need for you to reposition yourself, which is particularly useful if you are in an area very dense with plants or other rustling, loud objects such as fallen leaves.

2. Ensuring that your bow is held in the right place.

When do bow sights work best for actual handling of your bow? Pretty much all the time, because they allow you to know immediately if you’re at an odd angle with the target. If you are shooting over multiple ridge lines, downslope, or upslope, bow sights work to better your odds of properly handling your bow for the situation.

Even for beginning hunters, bow sights help with handling because they make it very obvious if you aren’t https://www.dailyshooting.com/best–shooting–sticks–reviews/“>holding your bow the right way.
Bow sights help the shooter identify and utilize the correct anchor point.
They help immensely with aiming, as well as steadying the bow for an accurate shot.
They make it obvious if you are shaking or jolting the bow around to the point where your shot will be directly impacted. Here is a video on a 3-pin hunting bow sight.:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kh6AgTxDeg[/embed]

3. When you have the perfect fit for your hunting style.

Do you prefer a fixed pin bow sight or a single pin moveable slider? After trying out the two and identifying your favorite, you will be a lot more comfortable using your bow out in the field that you were without a bow. Personally, I’m all for the fixed pin, because I’m used to its aiming and positioning now so I can properly place myself for each shot. I use the second and third pins most of the time. Here are some situations where one is better than the other, however:

Single pin is better when you aren’t quite as sure about your distance from the target. You can adjust it a little higher if the target is further away than originally thought.
Fixed pin is much better for short-distance shooting. After some practice, you’ll know almost instantly https://www.dailyshooting.com/best–gun–safe–reviews/“>which pin to use based on how far away the target is. This article explains some times when you should and shouldn’t use a bow sight.
Both can be useful when shooting over uneven terrain. Take an extra moment (if you can) to get the perfect placement on the pin so that you’re not focusing on anything on the ground.

4. When you have an estimated distance between yourself and the target.

Speaking of short and long-distance shooting, when do bow sights work best all of the time? When you’re confident about how far away the beast is from you. https://www.dailyshooting.com/single–cam–vs–dual–cam–bows/“>Bow sights are impeccable for aiming help when you’re in a blind spot and have been tracking the animal for a bit.

They are also great if you’re in other hidden areas, such as up in a tree or shooting from a risen platform. The entire point of a bow sight is to increase your accuracy on a calculated distance, so the more familiar you are with your shooting location, the more you’ll be able to lean on your bow sight for that perfect shot.

When starting out with bow hunting, do some practice without a bow sight until you have some basic skill at gauging distance. Then try using a bow sight and see how much easier it makes everything.
For blind spots, I always recommend using a bow sight. Particularly when large branches, water, or other hazards are between you and the target.
When hunting big game like deer and elk, bow sights are incredible because they help you zero in on the specific part of the animal that you’re intending to hit.
On the other hand, with smaller game, bow sights aren’t as necessary unless you’re needing assistance getting the shot line up.

Conclusion

The basic gist of when do bow sights work best is basically a combination of the distance and the difficulty of the shot. If you know how far away the animal is, use a bow sight! If you aren’t sure or are still trying to get a hold on distance acquisition, try some shooting without one. I’d urge you to always have bow sight skills in your bag of tricks, in case the opportunity calls. Better to be safe than sorry!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide and know when to use a bow sight. Please feel free to leave a comment and chime in on the discussion, and as always, give this article a share on social media so as to increase hunter awareness- always a good thing.

Featured Image by https://www.flickr.com/photos/widnr/6545500709/“>Wisconsin