Sight for a 12 gauge shotgun. Sights on a smoothbore gun. How is the shooting

The goal of using any firearm since its invention has been to quickly and accurately hit the bullet on the target. All the developments and improvements in weapons business over the course of several centuries are aimed at increasing the speed of aiming at the target and the accuracy of the shot. So at one time an ordinary front sight appeared, with the development of science called "optics" - optical sights, and with the development of electronic technologies - collimators.

Features of the collimator sight

The fundamental technical difference between this model and other types of sighting devices is that it does not have a permanent front sight or reticle. Aiming is based on directing a beam of light into the shooter's eye with the help of a lens, which is compared with the target and gives very accurate aiming at the target.

With a slight deviation of the weapon along the horizontal or vertical axis, the mark also shifts, still indicating the direction of the bullet's flight. Such qualities are unimaginable for sighting devices of other types.

Principle of operation

The device of a collimator sight is to use simple electronics and optical effects. The light source is directed into a reflective lens, which forms a stream of light in the direction of the shooter. A person holding a weapon in a combat position sees this flow in the form of a point that shifts along the lens depending on the displacement of the weapon axis relative to the shooter’s axis of view and makes it possible to quickly and accurately aim the weapon at the target to fire a shot.

The collimator uses the features of human binocular vision, giving the shooter the ability to aim without closing the other eye.

Difference from other types of sights

When using a standard open front sight, the shooter, before firing a shot, must combine his gaze on the same axis, the front sight on the nose of the barrel and the rear sight on its near edge. Only when these conditions are met can the shooter be sure that the bullet from the barrel will fly in the right direction. This method reduces mobility during shooting and visibility, since the shooter needs to close the second eye so that binocular vision does not knock down accurate aiming at the target.

In the case of using an optical sight, shooting on the move is almost impossible due to the strong fluctuations of the mark. In this case, high shooting accuracy is achieved by a stable position of the weapon, in which it is possible to aim the crosshair at the target. For such measured shooting, only the conditions of large distances between the shooter and the target are admissible - the conditions of sniper shooting.

This device allows for accurate shooting at close and medium distances. It is only required to combine the direction of the gaze and the light flux, after which the shooter sees where the bullet will hit. Compared to a conventional open sight, the red dot sight, which allows you to spend a shorter amount of time aiming, gives you more room for accurate shooting on the move.

In conditions of long-range shooting, the collimator does not allow accurate shooting, since the marker can cover almost the entire target, so it does not compete with sniper optical devices.

An important difference between the collimator and other devices is the use of electricity for operation. Without power, the light source will stop working, then accurate aiming will become impossible. Therefore, when using a device of this type, you should remember that it works until the battery runs out.

Application

Since its inception, collimator sights have spread to many areas of human activity related to weapons. In addition to military and police units around the world, they are most common among hunters and airsoft players. In some cases, the collimator is even placed on the bow.

This device is suitable for almost any type of small arms designed for close and medium ranges, including heavy shotguns and even machine guns. So why do you need a collimator sight? Shooting in combat conditions or ordinary hunting with a collimator sight after getting used to it will definitely become easier and more convenient.

Types of collimators

Collimators distinguish between open and closed. Initially, these classes meant two types of collimator sights that seriously differed in their structure.

In the classical sense, closed devices were called such devices in which there was no transparent lens. Through it, the shooter did not see the space behind the scope with the eye that sees the front sight.

Aiming was achieved by the need to use two eyes at once, one of which sees the space ahead, and a mark is projected onto the second at this time by a collimator. Thanks to binocular vision, the human brain in this case compares different images from two eyes and the shooter sees a front sight in front of the target and can aim.

Open was called a model with a transparent lens and an open front wall. Through such a sight you can see the target. Therefore, shooting with a collimator sight using only one eye is possible only with an open type.

With the development of collimators, the need for sights closed in the classical sense has disappeared. A new understanding of the difference between closed and open devices has come. At the present time, an open sight is called a sight in which the lens is fixed in a small frame and does not have an auxiliary protective structure around it.

Closed is a device in which the focusing lens is in a sealed design of a massive frame and an additional front lens. This design protects the focusing lens from rain, dirt and other foreign objects that can spoil the quality of aiming. It is this understanding of the concepts of closeness and openness that is widespread at the present time.

Operation, care, storage rules

So that a high-quality collimator does not fail during shooting, you need to install it only on weapons with the appropriate caliber. A device designed for pistols and light semi-automatic weapons should not be placed on weapons with high recoil, as this can quickly disable them.

It is easy enough to damage this device. Lenses do not tolerate any physical impact, scratches easily remain on them, which reduce the quality of aiming. It is better to wipe them from dust with the help of special napkins and without the use of improvised means, as some fabrics can leave scratches.

Batteries are inserted into the device just before firing and removed after it is completed. Batteries must be kept separate during weapon storage to protect the device's electronic components from possible damage if the batteries fail.

It is also advisable to remove the device while transporting the weapon, or use special covers that protect it from possible physical impact.

How to choose?

When choosing, first of all, you should know what caliber weapon it will be installed on.

When choosing from models designed for weapons of a suitable caliber, you need to understand that cheap options are not complete and reliable, and will go astray during firing and sharp shaking. A stable and reliable design can only be expected from well-known and time-tested manufacturers, so you can’t save here. A cheap device during active operation will quickly fail and you still have to purchase a new one, therefore, it is better to immediately buy a more expensive, but reliable one.

The choice between an open and closed device is based on the conditions in which it will be used. For mobile shooting at close range, where unforeseen physical impact on the device is possible, blows, pieces of earth falling into it, it is better to purchase a device of a strong closed design.

For installation on rifles intended for long-range shooting, you can choose an open collimator suitable for such a weapon, but a closed one is also suitable, since the viewing angle in this case does not play an important role.

Sniping with the standard device is not possible, but there are options with lenses that provide some zoom for more comfortable long-range shooting.

Shooting Features

After acquiring the device, it must be shot. First you need to study the theoretical part, understand how the collimator sight works and how to adjust its aiming at the target, and then zeroing the collimator will not cause any problems.

Installation and setup

High-quality branded devices are provided complete with mounts for two mechanisms - a dovetail and a Picatinny rail. Small arms are also made with appropriate mounts on the body, therefore, installing the device on the barrel consists only in firmly fixing it in the right place by tightening the clamping screws tightly. They need to be tightened tightly, but in moderation so as not to break the thread.

Before you shoot a collimator sight, you need to carry out its initial adjustment. Setting up is not particularly difficult, any hunter will figure out how to set up a collimator sight. In expensive models, you can adjust not only the brightness, but also the shape of the front sight. Most often, there is a choice between a dot, a cross, a circle with a dot and a cross with a dot. The brightness is adjusted depending on the lighting.

At night, lower the brightness level of the light flux so as not to illuminate the target.

At the same time, there is no need to be afraid that the enemy located on the other side of the weapon will see the dot in the sight, because the visible beam of light is very weak and is reflected in the direction of the shooter's eye. Thanks to such a device, the front sight is visible only to a person looking through the scope, and no one else.

Choice of position and distance

To zero in a weapon with any sight, you need to ensure a calm atmosphere in the place where the zeroing will be carried out. Ideally, there should be no wind and precipitation, and there should not be places with changes in humidity, such as flowing rivers, near the trajectory of the bullet. The sighting of a collimator sight begins with shooting at targets located at close range. With each adjustment step, the distance to the target can be increased.

Target selection

For zeroing weapons with a collimator, targets are selected depending on the type of weapon. For the first stages of zeroing, it is preferable to choose large targets, as the error before zeroing in can be very high. When using firearms, dense targets for firing live ammunition are suitable, and when shooting from pneumatic weapons, thin targets for pneumatics are sufficient.

Shooting process step by step

Shooting takes place in a few simple sequential steps.

1. Before sighting the collimator, you need to place the weapon in a stable position so that the wiggle of the shooter's arms has as little effect as possible on the accuracy of the shooting. You can use an emphasis in the stand, or fix the weapon very tightly in a vice with soft pads.
2. The weapon is aimed at a target located 10 meters from the shooter.
3. Fire 3 shots.
4. According to the results of shooting, a deviation of the trajectory of the bullet from the aiming point is observed. With the help of the appropriate screws, the collimator sight is adjusted and the position of the marker is corrected.
5. Fire 3 more shots.
6. If the shooting results are acceptable, then the target is moved to a distance of 30 meters.
7. Shooting is repeated and adjustments are made in accordance with the results of the shooting.
8. When the accuracy of shooting at a target at a distance of 30 meters becomes satisfactory, the target can be transferred to a distance of 100 meters.
9. Again, the process of sighting and adjustment is repeated until satisfactory accuracy is obtained.

When shooting at close and long distances becomes accurate enough, the sighting of the red dot sight is completed.

cold zeroing

In addition to the usual zeroing method, there is also the so-called cold zeroing. It happens without a single shot. To do this, a special tube with a laser is inserted into the barrel of the weapon, which is directed exactly along its axis.

As a result of using such a device, a laser marker appears, which points exactly to the point where the barrel of the weapon points. This is the point of impact of the bullet without taking into account the decrease in its trajectory during the flight.

After installing the guide laser, the position of the marker is corrected for the laser marker, taking into account the lowering of the bullet's trajectory. After that, the device can be considered zeroed, but for reliability, you should still check the accuracy of firing weapons with live ammunition after cold zeroing.

Brief overview of models

There are several well-known manufacturers producing collimators. Each brand has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

Cobra

A Russian manufacturer that specializes mainly in open-type models with the ability to adjust the brightness and type of marker. The differences between the models are mainly in the method of attachment.

• EKP-8-02 is fixed on the barrel using a side mounting system with movable levers located in hidden places to minimize the possibility of accidental pressing.
• EKP 8-18 has a different mounting method - a Picatinny rail.
• EKP-1S-03 is a device with a side aiming bar, the location of the locking levers in which ensures maximum ease of installation and removal.

Eotech

American manufacturer with a good reputation. Devices of this brand are common among the military and tested in combat conditions. The high quality of these products corresponds to their high price. The manufacturer specializes in compact size open sights and are standardly mounted on a Picatinny rail.

• Eotech 552.A65 is the standard model with good moisture protection and customization options.
• Eotech EOLAD-1V - has a laser designator built into the design, making it easier to fire from the hip.
• The Eotech XPS3 is a very compact model and is completely waterproof.

Aim point

Manufacturer from Sweden. The range of this brand includes many models for various purposes, both sights for military special forces and for hunters. Available with various mounting systems that allow installation on almost any weapon. The quality and price are very high.

• Aimpoint 9000L is an enclosed long sight for hunters. One of the most popular models due to the versatility of setting with many levels of brightness, water resistance and resistance to mechanical damage.
• Aimpoint CompC3 is a more compact closed model, more suitable for medium and short distances.
• The Aimpoint Micro T-1 is a compact device primarily used on close range weapons.

sightmark

Chinese manufacturer with a moderate price of devices. Satisfactory product quality and affordable price contributed to the widespread use of this brand among amateur shooting and hunting. They use dovetail mounts and a Picatinny rail, and also have good resistance to weapon recoil up to 12-gauge. Sightmark devices typically have 4-6 brightness levels.

• The Sightmark SM13003B is a compact and lightweight device that is widely used by airsoft players.
• Sightmark SM13005 is a compact model with a short body.
• Sightmark SM13001 is the most compact and lightweight model with 2 brightness levels and no choice of marker type.

Video

See in our video how to shoot and set up a red dot sight using the Aimpoint Micro T-1 model as an example.

Smoothbore weapons are preferred by both beginners and experienced hunters. Most shotguns are relatively inexpensive, easy to use, and have a wide range of cartridges on the market. And, of course, they are suitable for almost all types of hunting (not to mention self-defense). Therefore, such guns are most common among hunters, and the most popular caliber 12 is due to the greatest striking ability. And, despite the fact that in this article we will primarily talk about the collimator for the 12 gauge, everything said for it is also true for lower power calibers: 16, 20 and Lancaster calibers (.366 and 9, 6/53), adjusted for the recoil energy.

Regardless of the type of striking elements (shot, buckshot or bullets), the main difference between 12-gauge smoothbore weapons and other types of firearms are:

• The most powerful muzzle energy(up to 4,500 J for the Magnum cartridge);
• The shortest aiming distance(usually no more than 100 meters for a bullet).

Due to the simplicity and reliability of the optical design, both of these parameters are satisfied by most collimator sights. And since smoothbore firearms are the most common among hunters and shooters, what kind of red dot sight to install on a 12-gauge gun is one of the most common questions that our specialists have to answer. In this article, we have collected all the experience of operating collimator sights, collected from the results of numerous reviews from our customers, mainly hunters.

We grouped the catalog of collimator sights for smoothbore weapons according to the type of mounting on the weapon: using the links below you can immediately go to the choice of sight.

If it’s difficult for you to choose from a variety of models, below in this article is presented, which is based on hunter reviews, the number of sales and the number of claims (or, more precisely, the complete absence of returns for these models). Nevertheless, we strongly recommend that you read the article below.

Impact limit

In case you didn’t read to the end of the article, we will make the main warning at the very beginning:

Important! Muzzle energy 12 gauge - 4200 J, 12 Magnum - 4500 J. Basic collimators withstand 3800 J.

Accordingly, the recoil of the weapon causes a colossal impact load on the sight and bracket. When choosing a sight, first of all, pay attention to the muzzle energy of the cartridge, correlate it with the weight of the weapon and the characteristics of the sight, which is indicated in its passport. Despite the relatively low cost of smoothbore guns, the choice of sights for impact load must be taken seriously: most cheap models of sights are not suitable for smoothbore. And you definitely shouldn't order unknown brands (or fakes of well-known ones) from China.

At this point, you should separately warn about the dangers when ordering sights directly from China and counterfeit products that have flooded the market. Each sight of domestic production is tapped on the stand (like ) to exclude marriage. Chinese manufacturers save on technological processes and, if the technological chain is not controlled, they skip the stage of mechanical tests. When ordering from China at your own risk, you lose the opportunity to return the sight, as well as warranty support. This also applies to counterfeit products - here we can give only one recommendation:

Pay attention to the price (famous brands cannot cost a couple of thousand rubles) and information about the seller: companies that have been working on the optical market in Russia for a long time care about their reputation.

What is the unreliability of such sights? For example, in a collimator sight, a fairly simple optical device, after several shots, the aiming mark deviates from the axis of the shot. Hunters have repeatedly approached us with a request to repair such sights, which, of course, is impossible. In the saddest case, the sights completely "scatter" - they literally lose their lenses ...

Mounting an optical sight on a smoothbore weapon in most cases is pointless (there are special cases when optics for the 12 gauge will be justified,). This is due to several factors. First of all, this is a small shooting distance from smoothbore - at such distances everything can be seen quite well, without the magnification that standard optics give. In addition, when shooting from a shotgun, "catching a target", especially a fast moving one, will be much easier with a full view, that is, with two eyes, which is impossible with optics. And the last thing is the weight of the optical sight, which upsets the balance of the weapon (often very light). As a result, the best choice for a smoothbore gun is a red dot sight, which is used when shooting at short distances, allows you to aim without closing the second eye and is usually light in weight.

The photo shows the Hakko Flipup II sight based on the Weaver-IZH-43

Influence of the design of the 12-gauge weapon, striking elements and type of hunting on the choice of a collimator sight

The collimator sight is better than other types of sights for smoothbore weapons and in particular 12-gauge at all aiming firing distances:

• 30 meters for self-defense,
• 50 meters for hunting with shot and buckshot,
• 100 meters for bullet hunting.

And although the distance interval indicated above is approximate, it is primarily influenced by the design of the weapon and the type of striking elements. Under the type of hunting and the type of game, weapons and striking elements are selected. And yet, more often, a 12-gauge smoothbore is used mainly for hunting summer game (goose, duck) or large game (elk, wild boar). These are fast-moving targets and the speed of aiming at the target largely depends on the angle of view of the sight. And the viewing angle is better with an open collimator sight ...

open or closed

As for the belief of many hunters regarding an open collimator sight that such a sight clogs more often than a closed collimator, we briefly note that this is true, for example, during a snowfall. Of course, snowfall or heavy rain is not the best weather conditions for hunting.

A choice in favor of an open sight should be made in the case of hunting "offhand", moving targets or in self-defense; in favor of a closed sight - if the animal does not see you and there is time to aim: stealthily, in an ambush or when hunting with a bullet at a large animal. Additionally, a closed sight has less parallax, thanks to which it is "more accurate", which is important when hunting at a long distance (with a bullet).

The advantage of self-loading smoothbore carbines is their rate of fire. To enhance this advantage, it is necessary to quickly compensate for the deviation of the weapon from the target with a powerful 12-gauge recoil. And here again the wide-angle open collimator wins.

Without deviating far from the characteristics of collimator sights, in order to understand which ones are better, let's figure out what other types of collimators exist and by what criteria to choose it. We have a site about the characteristics of collimator sights, here we will consider only significant factors for the 12 gauge.

Kinds

Collimators are a class of sights that include several types that are great for a smoothbore gun. They are united by a number of undeniable advantages, which are as follows:

1. Fast and easy aiming. Unlike an open sight, in a collimator, the mark combines both the rear sight and the front sight. This makes aiming easier and faster, as it is easier for the eye to focus.
2. Does not allow distortion of the dimensions of the target. Unlike the optical one, the collimator does not magnify the image; you can aim with both eyes.
3. Provides a wide field of view. This is especially important for offhand hunting and fast moving targets such as birds.
4. Much easier than other types. On hunting from the approach, when you have to track down the beast, this is especially important. Also pay attention to the weight of the bracket.

Thus, a hunting reflex sight for a shotgun of this type is the best choice for almost any kind of hunting. It is great for a hunting rifle. Such devices are divided into several types:

1. By type of energy consumption:

with built-in batteries. Unlike optical ones, almost all modern collimator devices belong to this type. Their peculiarity is that they run on batteries, so their aiming mark is constantly lit.

American Rubicon sight from Bering Optics (battery-powered illumination)

working offline having a built-in element, the charge of which is enough for several years of operation. For example, the aiming mark of which is illuminated with a tritium element for 5-8 years. This one was developed specifically for Kalashnikov assault rifles and, thanks to the monolithic design of the body with a side bracket, it is better than others for smooth-bore Saiga, Vepr, etc. collimators that work due to the glow of fiber optic flies, for example, sight PFO 1х25, which, despite the simplicity of its design, is popular with hunters and we have repeatedly got positive feedback about it..

The PFO 1x25 sight, which works without batteries due to the fiber optic front sight. Ventilated strap.

1. By hull type:

Open. They are compact in size and light in weight. They also have a wide viewing angle.	An open type variant is the Pilad 1x30 Weaver. Completely covered with a protective cap.
Closed. Equipped with a protective case and lenses. They have somewhat larger dimensions, but at the same time they are more unpretentious to weather conditions and operating conditions.	Closed variant - Pilad 1x20 Avis

1. By type of label projection:

• collimator. The design of the label is carried out on the lens, which is located in front of the device. Externally, the label can be in the form of a dot, a dot in a circle, a square, crossed lines;
• holographic. Such a collimator sight is of an open type and is suitable for smoothbore weapons. The peculiarity of this type lies in the hologram, on which there is an aiming mark, visualized by a laser beam. Conventional and three-dimensional sighting grids are applied to it. They are always clearly visible, regardless of the light level, and they are always in the center, even if the hunter looks from different angles. Compared to other types of collimators, holographic ones are more expensive;
• diopter ( for sports shooting, not used for hunting). Due to the large aiming line, this type provides maximum accuracy of the shot. In addition, diopter sights guarantee a high aiming speed, since the process of combining the front sight and the aperture-hole is greatly simplified here.

1. By type of attachment

Most collimator sights already have a bracket with a monolithic body. Such a mount greatly reduces the cost of the overall cost of the sighting device, especially when a corresponding bar is already provided on the gun. For your convenience, we have grouped collimator sights according to the type of mounting on the weapon:

With the installation of a collimator sight on a smoothbore gun under the Weaver, there are usually no questions - here you just need to pay attention to the length of the bar on the weapon (or transition bar), so that it is not shorter than the length of the sight. But with a dovetail and a ventilated strap - be sure to measure the width of the strap before ordering! They are different even within the same model ().

Pilad 1x42 on Weaver	Pilad 1x42 on dovetail	Pilad 1x42 on ventilated plank

1. For internal functionality:

• with the presence of a LCC (laser designators) - which can be convenient for self-defense at close range or firing a bullet at a medium distance, without changing the sight to an optical or magnifying nozzle;
• with interchangeable sighting marks. This option allows you to adapt to the time of day (for example, at dusk), the type of terrain (dense forest or open field) and the type of game;
• with magnification or magnifying nozzles (tactical).

The American sight Precision Reflex is equipped with a laser sight with a remote button	The compact and lightweight Hakko BED-35 Panorama (wide-angle) riflescope features the MR-02 brand change system	The Veber Wolf Prismatic 4x32 RGB scope has a 4x magnification

How to choose

1. Muzzle energy and recoil resistance. This parameter is always indicated in the characteristics of the sight.
2. The optical design of the sight. Open sight - wider field of view, which will be an advantage at short distances, for shooting at moving targets. Closed - better protected and has less parallx.
3. Changing the brightness of the aiming mark - the maximum brightness will "highlight" the target.
4. Aim weight.

Additional technical points and questions can be clarified by contacting the sales consultants in the store when choosing a model.

Rating of collimator sights

To simplify the selection process, below is a brief overview of the models and the best reflex sights with optimal performance for smoothbore weapons:

1. Sight Pilad P1x42 Weaver from the manufacturer VOMZ.

Pilad P1x42

This option is rightfully considered one of the best. Features include the ability to withstand any caliber. The Pilad P1x42 Weaver is an affordable open collimator. A distinctive feature of this particular model is that it provides the hunter with a wide view - 180 degrees, which creates the necessary conditions for accurate shooting at moving targets or shooting at a glance. The aiming mark is available in three types, there is a mark illumination in three versions, and its brightness can also be adjusted. Excellent performance and low weight (0.15 kg) make Pilad P1x42 Weaver the best option for various types of weapons. Also available are models for dovetail and ventilated rail mounting.

1. American scope for 12 gauge Rubicon, 3 MOA - Weaver.

Rubicon Weaver

An open-type model with compact dimensions and a lot of advantages: a wide field of view, a clear image transmission without distortion, a durable, aluminum case, manual activation and brightness adjustment of the tag, a simple installation and adjustment process. A reliable choice for mounting on a 12 gauge shotgun. The 3 MOA reticle is great for shooting both a bullet at a large animal (for example, a wild boar) and shot at a bird. The manufacturer Bering Optics has a similar model with auto-on and auto-brightness of a larger 5 MOA tag, which is more suitable for birds - OP-LA Reflex.

1. Compact collimator of the closed type Hakko BED-70 weaver.

Hakko BED-70

Hakko BED-70 is a universal compact model of a closed-type red dot sight. Can be installed on any weapon based on the Weaver. The 4 MOA reticle is best suited for working on medium and large game within 200 meters and closer. The advantages include the presence of 11 brightness levels, no parallax up to 100 meters, light weight - only 100 g, as well as an easy battery replacement process. The sight does not pass water and is waterproof. Traditionally for Japanese Hakko sights, the sight has a lifetime warranty.

1. Collimator.

PKU-2 is a closed type sight and closes the rating of collimator sights. Of the PKU-2 models presented in the rating, it is cheaper than Japanese (Hakko) and American (Aimpoint) counterparts, but it is not inferior to them in terms of characteristics: resistance to any calibers, high resistance to damage. Compact and lightweight - it weighs only 0.14 kg, the sight is almost not felt on the gun, making it particularly convenient to use. It has a super strong body - made of aircraft-grade aluminum. There is a possibility of regulation of brightness - 12 gradations. The model is suitable for use in the most extreme conditions, as the temperature ranges from -40 to +50 °C. Separately, it should be noted that the sight is mounted on the Weaver aiming bar. PKU-2 is a worthy choice for smoothbore weapons.​

Other types of sights for shotguns

Most likely you no longer have doubts about the type of scope. And, although the red dot sight is indeed better than other types for all ranges of fire from 12-gauge smoothbore weapons, other types of sights can be used for special cases, for example:

• laser or a combination of laser + collimator - for self-defense (at short distances, indoors);
• optical - for visually impaired people, sports or amateur target shooting;
• night vision - obviously for use in the dark.

Using an open sight, the shooter achieves the location on one line, called the sighting, of three objects: the target, the front sight and the rear sight. Since, according to the laws of optics, it is impossible to simultaneously keep three objects in focus at once, it accommodates the eye to a point located on the front sight-to-rear sight segment and dividing this segment in a ratio of approximately 2:1. By this, he achieves approximately equal clarity of observation of both the front sight and the rear sight. The target is clearly visible. A variation of the open sight for hunting life-threatening animals, providing faster aiming. A V-shaped slot is used in the rear sight and a large front sight with a bright color dot, which is “stowed” into the slot at the time of aiming. Due to the large front sight, it is difficult to aim at a target beyond 200 meters and therefore is not used in military weapons.

closed sight

There are several types of such sights, structurally united entirely in the form of a disk, located in the immediate vicinity of the shooter's eyes, with a hole-aperture.

Annular- with this sight, the shooter, as it were, directly looks through the aperture at the front sight, combining it with the target and instinctively aligning the aiming line with respect to the light spot projected by the aperture onto the eye. This type is in many ways superior to the open one: faster aiming speed due to the simplification of the procedure for aligning the front sight with the whole (the eye intuitively finds the position at which the front sight stump is aligned with the middle of the ring), a large aiming line provides higher accuracy (the rear sight of an open sight must be located from the shooter’s eye at a significant distance, otherwise, when aiming, it blurs, which forces it to move forward, sacrificing the length of the aiming line - the ring, on the contrary, should be located in close proximity to the eye, therefore, a weapon with a ring sight has a longer aiming line), more convenient to point with a lack of lighting; the disadvantages include: the rear sight partially overlaps the visual field, the time for transferring the sight from one target to another is often higher, in addition, this type of sight tends to become clogged. It should be noted that in the domestic literature this type of sight is often referred to as "diopter" - in fact, such a definition is erroneous due to a completely different optical principle used in it.

ghost ring- a kind of ring sight for use in smoothbore weapons, a very large aperture and a thin rear sight rim. Provides the highest aiming speed at the expense of some loss of accuracy, which is not a critical moment in this type of weapon.

Dioptric- a special kind of aperture sight, in this version, the rear sight completely blocks the view of the eye from the front, and the aperture itself of a very small diameter (with a human pupil) works like a camera obscura, projecting an image onto the shooter's pupil with greater contrast. This type of sight gives the highest accuracy of all possible mechanical sights, the payoff for this is a long aiming time and difficulties with aiming in twilight and night conditions, it is for these reasons that this type of sight is practically only on rifles for target shooting at long distances, and also requires a particularly correct way of aiming.

Holographic sight

The holographic sight belongs to the open sights, so the shooter does not have to close the other eye while aiming. A large field of view allows the shooter to use peripheral vision and instantly respond to an emerging threat. The hologram forms an image of the aiming mark and acts as an aspherical reflector, like a lens in a conventional CP. The holographic aspherical reflector provides parallax errors that are significantly smaller than a conventional thin spherical lens, making the sight very compact. As a rule, HPs are significantly more expensive than their collimator counterparts, since a hologram can be obtained as a result of an expensive and complex technological process. If technical requirements are not met, a hologram can distort and decompose bright objects observed through it into a spectrum. It should be noted that the aiming speed with a holographic sight is much higher than with a closed collimator or optical sight, so it is often used when shooting at moving targets.

- This is a separate class of optical sights for installation on military, hunting and sporting weapons. The collimators have a magnification x1, which eliminates the distortion of the target size, and an unlimited field of view. Even with the active movement of the eye relative to the center of the sight, due to the rapid alignment of the luminous mark with the target, the aiming speed is several times higher than with other devices. The luminous aiming mark is clearly visible both during the day and in relatively low light, and if there are several interchangeable reticles, you can change them depending on specific conditions. Some models are combined with a laser designator for aimed shooting from any position.

A reflex sight is considered the best choice for shooting at short distances (100-150 m) at moving targets of medium and large sizes. These red dot sights can be mounted on a variety of firearms, but they are most popular with airgun enthusiasts. Along with this, collimators are great for pistols, bows and crossbows. These scopes usually have built-in mounting brackets, so when buying, you need to make sure that the device is compatible with the weapon you are using.

TYPES OF COLLIMATOR SIGHTS:

Active and passive. The first type of sights are battery operated, so their aiming mark is constantly visible. In passive sights, the mark glows only when there is a sufficient degree of external illumination.

Open. The simplest in design and affordable sights, designed for standard shooting conditions. Open sights are also called single-lens sights, since they have only the front lens in the frame. Due to the fact that these devices are less protected from atmospheric precipitation, it is not advisable to use them during rain and snow, as drops can fall on the glass and distort the brand. At the same time, unlike closed sights, open sights are much lighter and more compact, therefore they do not block the view with their body and allow you to aim with two eyes. Their advantages include a clear, unobstructed field of view. Open sights are the most optimal solution for small-caliber carbines.

Closed. Models in this category are a shortened version of the optical sight, where the optics are located in the spotting scope. In closed sights, in addition to the front lens, there is also an eyepiece lens. They are better protected from external factors, therefore they are all-weather devices, but they are characterized by shading of the aiming zone. Closed red dot sights are larger, but due to the robust body they can withstand more recoil. If you install a special optical attachment, you can double the magnification of the sight and, accordingly, its range. Closed sights are usually mounted on long-barreled weapons of medium and large calibers.

Holographic. Devices of this class are of the open type, so they do not block the view and allow you to aim with two eyes. The main feature of holographic sights is the presence of a flat hologram with an aiming mark, which is visualized by a laser beam. Both standard reticle and 3D reticle are applied to this transparent hologram. They are perfectly visible in any light and are always located in the center, regardless of the angle of view of the shooter. Holographic sights, as well as closed-type models, have proven themselves well when used with shotguns. Their cost is higher than other types of collimators, since the process of making a hologram is complex and expensive.

BEST ROLLIMATOR SIGHTS:

FEATURES OF COLLIMATOR SIGHTS:

It is believed that collimators increase the weight of the weapon, although even when using closed-type sights, the weighting is not so significant. In addition, the installation of any optical sighting devices, one way or another, affects the total mass of the weapon, but this does not mean that its balance worsens. Red dot sights (especially open sights) clog quickly, but regular cleaning or protective caps on the lens and eyepiece will reduce the chance of dirt getting in. There is an opinion that at low temperatures the battery life of active collimators powered by alkaline batteries is reduced to a minimum. However, as practice shows, even with a decrease in capacity at sub-zero temperatures, alkaline batteries can provide several hours of full-fledged operation of the sight. Along with this, you can always have a spare kit or use lithium cells that are less sensitive to cold.

For hunters and sports shooting enthusiasts who want to increase the effectiveness of their weapons, improve the accuracy of combat, a collimator is best suited for "tuning". It is the collimator sight for 12 caliber fishing weapons - this is the most rational version of the optical device. Aiming is carried out by simply pointing the target beam at the target, which significantly increases the speed of preparation and the shooting itself. The shooter's eye is at a safe distance from the device, which eliminates injury during recoil. And for novice hunters, you can’t think of a better assistant. Such sights provide comfortable shooting for people with insufficient

Collimator sight for smoothbore weapons

This type of sight is an electronic optical device. Applies to low power devices. For most serial samples, it is equal to one. The brand is projected onto the front lens (output screen) of the device. The label itself can have various shapes: be in the form of a circle, a square or intersecting lines. Each of the options is designed for a certain distance of fire: up to 100 meters, up to 400 and more than 400 meters. The stamp color can be red or green. Ease of use lies in the fact that the device does not block the target, transmits light and transmits a clear image.

Types and types of sights

Depending on the brand of fixture, illumination methods can be active if they use energy or passive. Active ones allow you to accurately shoot at night and in bad weather conditions. Active stereoscopic ones project a mark for only one right eye. Passive ones can only be used during daylight hours, their brand is not bright and does not differ in contrast.

Sights are produced in two types: in the form of a tube, reminiscent of the appearance of optics, or in the form of a frame with a front lens. The tube consists of an LED emitter and two or more lenses. Such a device is more compact and lighter than classical optics, but slightly larger than an open type device. The advantage is good visibility of the tag in bright sunlight. All elements are reliably protected by a durable case from shaking when firing. The 12-gauge closed dot sight is not very convenient, as this type of weapon is most often used when shooting from an unstable position.

Open-type devices have better visibility when shooting and significantly less weight. However, it is difficult to use them even during light rainfall. A variation is the halogen sight, although some experts classify it as a separate type of equipment. Outwardly, it looks like a frame of an open fixture. However, the brand image is projected onto the output screen by a laser beam. Depending on the hunting conditions, the screen-plate can be quickly replaced. It can be used in any weather and in fog.

Features of use

Application practice shows that the aiming device is best installed on a quick-detachable console. If necessary, the equipment can be quickly dismantled and the pursuit of game can be continued. The device allows you to fire from a moving vehicle, as well as hit fast-moving objects. On automatic weapons, it is usually mounted on the side of the receiver. Collimator sights are very sensitive to low temperatures. In severe frost, the battery may fail, and the entire device will fail.

Real Japanese quality

One of the most common are the Hakko BED red dot sights. They are manufactured by the Japanese company Tokyo Scope Co., LTD. This means a lot, given that almost all goods are made in China. Brands of almost all industries have their own production facilities in China. Hakko collimator sights are assembled in Japan to the last screw. Products differ in high optical characteristics and durability of a design. Available in both closed and open versions. Both of them provide for the choice of one of four labels. In closed fixtures, 11 light levels can be used.

Owners who use these devices confirm that the devices are truly waterproof and shockproof, and the gas filling of the interior prevents fogging. The Hakko collimator sight is highly reliable and is able to withstand the recoil of 12-gauge guns. The device provides for mounting on the Weaver mounting base. Although any Hakko BED reflex sight is not critical to the distance from the shooter's eye: the most acceptable distance of the pupil from the exit screen is at least 100 mm.

Ultimate Holographic Scope

Many experts and professional shooters recognize the American EOTech holographic red dot sight as the best example. This is a direct descendant of a military product. The difference between these open-type devices and their counterparts is that they have a laser optical device (the label is recorded in the form of a hologram and is illuminated by a laser), which provides considerable advantages. Firstly, the brightness of the label can be adjusted in a wide range - the variator assumes 21 levels. This makes it possible to shoot in all weather conditions. Some samples are equipped with thermal imager and night vision functions. And secondly, the EOTech collimator sight has practically no. This was achieved thanks to the complex brand projection system. It is visible even in rain, snow and heavy pollution. The device remains operational in case of mechanical damage.

Long runtime is achieved by automatic shutdown. The device can be programmed for 4 or 8 hours. An important advantage is the small size and curb weight. The device is very convenient when used on 12-gauge shotguns. Many devices provide for the use of standard batteries: AA batteries. Batteries can be found in any store. Their replacement occurs by simple manipulation and takes no more than a minute. When changing batteries, sighting of the collimator sight is not required. Overseas products are very expensive. Top models cost over 60 thousand rubles.

Another American product

The Sightmark red dot sight is significantly cheaper, but that doesn't mean it's low quality. Sightmark is a subsidiary of the Yukon holding, which manufactures products for law enforcement and the Ministry of Defense. Products are mostly open type, have up to 7 levels of brightness settings and are designed for installation on smoothbore weapons up to 12 gauge. Dovetail mount, bar 11 mm wide. Some samples are mounted on a Weaver/Picatini base. The sights are lightweight and highly reliable. A significant part of the products is produced in China.

Domestic is not worse

In 2009, the Kobra collimator sight appeared on the market in the EKP-8-21 version. This is the first and so far the only digital optical device for civil use. The open-type device is intended primarily for installation on semi-automatic weapons of the Bekas series. The Russian sight is mounted on a dovetail mount. The electronic circuit allows you to select four types of labels, 16 brightness options, as well as memorize information about the type of label and the brightness of the glow. The maximum range of ballistic corrections is up to 600 meters. Collimator sight "Cobra" is highly reliable. The owners note that after several dozen shots, the settings are saved and the seat is not deformed. Moreover, aiming in poor light conditions improves over time. Some owners complain that the device has a significant weight and height. The device can be used with the strap of the MP-251, IZH-18, IZH-27, IZH-94, Taiga shotguns. You can aim with one or two eyes.

How to mount?

An important issue that overshadows the choice of the device itself is the method of attachment to the weapon. Most samples of smoothbore weapons do not provide for any regular fixtures or consoles for installing additional devices. The exceptions are the domestic "Saiga", "Bekas", pump-action shotguns and some samples designed for self-defense. The hunter should independently look for a technical solution. The choice is not rich: “dovetail” and bases (they are also called slats) Weaver and Picatini. The mounting of the red dot sight in the vast majority of samples provides for placement on Weaver rails using integrated seats. Only sights equipped with special mounting rings can be mounted on a dovetail fixture. Some models are attached directly to the aiming bar of the gun. As a rule, such electronic optics has small dimensions and weight. These include the well-known compact Docter sights. The light mark of this device is clearly visible in the snow, and even against the sky. However, their cost may exceed the price of the weapon itself.

Not very reliable

Domestic craftsmen mount a seat under the Weaver and on the dovetail. For this, special adapters are made. When choosing adapters, each sample requires an individual approach. So, the Vologda Optical and Mechanical Plant manufactures a product of the same name (VOMZ). The steel console is designed to accommodate an additional sighting device of any type of mounts on it. But, for example, 16-gauge can only be placed on a ventilated rib up to 7 mm wide. Such a design leads to a significant weighting of the weapon and a violation of its centering. The weight of one adapter alone is more than 100 grams. According to user reviews, such a mount is not durable and begins to loosen after a dozen shots. Alternatively, a not too heavy optical device should be installed. Based on this, the same collimator sight on the IZH-27 should weigh no more than 90 grams. What can we say about more powerful weapons and the corresponding technical means?

Expensive stone - a worthy frame

If an expensive optical device is purchased, it makes no sense to save money on its installation. The bar and bolted connections must have a sufficient margin of safety in order not only to fix a relatively heavy sighting device, but also to withstand recoil loads over a long period of operation. The 12 gauge red dot sight must only be mounted using specially designed stock mounting hardware. Dovetail and Weaver/Picatini slats in a large assortment are available for free sale and in online stores.

It is necessary to choose a product that follows the contour of the receiver. Also, the thickness of the body of the box itself should allow drilling a hole and cutting at least three turns of thread. It is best to cut the thread on professional equipment. You should also take into account the distance from the eye at which the collimator sight will be located. Feedback from experienced owners indicates the need for additional sealant treatment of the threads and the surface of the junction of the console itself to the plane of the receiver. All other installation methods are money thrown to the wind.

Zeroing optics

Like any other optical device, after mounting on a gun, the sight requires zeroing. The shooter must have a clear idea of ​​where the bullet or shot will hit at a distance of 35-50 meters. Most devices are equipped with regulators. In this case, fine tuning is carried out by adjusting in two planes using two rotary knobs-drums. For a certain distance, you should remember the position of the regulators. Many people think that the so-called cold sighting is enough. In this case, the ammunition used with the red dot sight may not give the desired result. This is due to the fact that sometimes in hunting weapons there is a mismatch between the axes of the barrel and the chamber. Cold alignment can turn into chamber zeroing. It is necessary to take into account the correction when shooting from hand, as well as tangible recoil, because a 12-gauge collimator sight is most often mounted.

Another way to adjust the optics is by fixing the barrel in a special machine or vise. The barrel is aimed at a fixed point, and then the sight is adjusted. Cold zeroing can be replaced by a procedure of several dozen trial shots. Any optics requires painstaking adjustment, including a red dot sight. Reviews that experts post on thematic forums often contain advice to fire several series of four single shots. According to the results of hits on the target of a particular series, the average point of the hit and its deviation from the center of the target are recorded. The sight is adjusted and after that - the next series of shots. And so on until a satisfactory result is obtained.

In bullet shooting, adjustment is carried out using the same type of cartridges and at the same distance that will be used in real conditions. However, in practice this is not possible. It is best to zero the device for use at several likely ranges of fire, and mark the results of hits on the object with notes in a notebook. In this case, corrections of angular indicators proportional to the firing distance are fixed.