What collimator sight to put on a pump-action shotgun. Optical sights for a carbine. Collimator sight mount type

The problem of choosing the right red dot sight worries many 12 gauge gun owners. On the one hand, if you do not plan to shoot at long distances, collimators with their light weight and the ability to quickly aim will be the best choice. But on the other hand, many models are very sensitive to shock loads and recoil. Thus, the reliability of the collimator comes first.

So, let's figure out which red dot sight to choose for 12 gauge. The main requirements here will be:

• robust design and good anti-shock system;
• light and durable body material - best of all aviation aluminum;
• secure mounting - Weaver or Picatinni rail is preferred.

Many of the expensive imported collimators meet these requirements - for example, EOTech or Aimpoint products, but you can also find suitable options among domestic models.

Before choosing a red dot sight for the 12th gauge, ask about its caliber stability - information about this is in the technical data sheet. Ideally, you'll want a collimator with a muzzle energy limit of around 5000J - a scope that can withstand the recoil of a 12 gauge weapon (even with a little margin of safety that won't hurt).

Inexpensive collimator for 12 gauge - Pilad P 1x42

Review of the best collimators for 12 gauge weapons

– compact and lightweight, they are distinguished by two-color illumination of the reticle (red and green), allowing you to successfully aim in different conditions and in different lighting conditions. Among them there are both models with an integrated Weaver rail and sights for dovetail mounts - the latter are convenient for domestic rifles.

- an almost universal red dot sight that can be mounted on a smoothbore gun, on a carbine and even on a sports bow. It is characterized by high frost resistance (down to -30°C) and water resistance when immersed to a depth of 5 meters.

- unlike the previous options, this is an open type collimator that gives the widest possible view. Specialized mount allows you to easily install it directly on the aiming bar of the weapon. Despite the ultra-light weight - only 25 gr. without mounting plate - it can be used with shotguns of almost any caliber.

If the purchase budget does not allow you to choose a reflex sight for 12 gauge from the range of expensive prestigious brands, there are quite reliable budget models.

– an inexpensive open collimator with a wide field of view and dual-mode reticle illumination. It mounts on a Weaver rail, has a durable anodized aluminum body, and is suitable for many types of weapons.

- budget domestic sights, among which there are both open and closed models. All of them have impact resistance up to 800 g, which is enough to withstand the loads when used on 12 gauge weapons. One of the advantages of this line is the large temperature range that allows the use of collimators in northern latitudes.

Which reflex sight to choose for a 12 gauge smoothbore weapon? Fans of 12-gauge smoothbore rifles sooner or later face the choice of a high-quality and reliable sight.

It makes no sense to install a large and bulky optical sight on a smoothbore and is useless for several reasons.

Firstly, the firing range of a hunting rifle is small, a fast-moving target is clearly visible through conventional optics, and even better with the naked eye.

And the second point is the mass, with its weight it introduces an imbalance to the weapon. Therefore, the choice of amateurs and professionals stops at collimators.

It is light in weight, ideal for close range targets and quite comfortable to use, unlike a mechanical one.

It's important to know: basic models of collimators withstand 3800 J, with a muzzle power of Magnum 4500 J and smoothbore weapons 12 gauge 4200 J.

Advantages

The main advantages include:

1. Aiming speed. Compared to an open shot, where three marks must be aligned for an accurate shot, the rear sight and front sight are already aligned in collimators, so the time to aim is reduced and it is easier for the eyes to focus.
2. Misrepresentation error. The lenses on red dot sights are simply concave to reflect light, so distortion is minimal. Almost all models on the market do not have a magnification effect.
3. Wide view. When aiming, there is no need to cover the second eye, which is undoubtedly very convenient.
4. Due to its low weight it is very easy to use.

Kinds

All collimators can be divided according to the following indicators:

• on energy consumption;
• by type of hull;
• by projection;
• by type of fastening on the bar;
• by functionality.

Now let's look at each classification in more detail.

By energy consumption

The most common type of device is battery operated. Many have the ability to remove the battery without removing the sight itself, without losing the target, which is very convenient.

Self-powered devices are much higher in price and are not intended for hunting, but rather for the army. They have a built-in battery with a large margin for several years of use. Many devices are designed for use in difficult climatic conditions.

From the type of body

Closed models are installed on large and medium caliber, have several lenses.

They look like a shortened version of standard optics, they work in any weather.

Good in their own way, but quite bulky, weigh more than their open counterparts.

Open type collimator. In everyday life they are called "single-lens" because of the number of built-in optical elements.

The size allows not to cover the sight with the body, they are light in weight. A very common type of device, due to its budget and functionality.

By projection

1. Diopter. Thanks to the simplified front sight and aperture alignment, the holes have an increased aiming speed. The large aiming line guarantees the accuracy of the shot.
2. Holographic. Used in the open type. It is characterized by the presence of a hologram with an applied reticle, which is visualized by a laser beam. Reticles are always visible and do not depend on lighting. They have a high price range.
3. Collimator. The simplest type of device and in its own way reliable.

By type of fastening on the bar

According to the method of mounting on the bar, collimators are:

• weaver;
• "Dovetail";
• ventilated bar.

By functionality

According to the functional purpose, there are:

• tactical (with magnification);
• with the ability to change aiming marks;
• 3With the presence of laser pointers.

Expert Tip: powerful recoil also plays an important role in the life of the collimator. Based on this, the purchase of a sight should be approached more consciously so that the chosen model will last a long time.

Any type of collimator sight is suitable for a smoothbore, not necessarily good optics will cost a lot of money.

The market of optical sights is presented in a wide range.

Among the proven brands, you can find inexpensive models of Russian or Chinese production, inexpensive models of Russian or Chinese production, which will adequately show themselves in the “battle”. Basically, sights are produced with a bracket for mounting on the aiming bar. Watch an overview video about the HAKKO BED5 collimator on IZH-27 and IZH-58 guns:

To improve the shooting results, it is not enough to modify the weapon, it is also necessary to use more advanced sights. Collimator sights allow to significantly speed up aiming at the target, while maintaining high shooting accuracy. Their design is quite simple and can be reproduced at home, adjusted for the lower strength of homemade devices.

The device got its name from the principle of collimation used - the transformation of light beams that correspond to the objects of observation into parallel beams. In the same plane with the objects of observation (focal plane, opt.) there is an aiming marker, the glow of which is provided by a working LED.

The shooter's eye observes the marker at an indefinite distance. It never blurs and is on the target. From the side of the target, the light source is not visible, which is explained by its low intensity and the reflection of most of the rays in the direction of the shooter.

The advantages of the collimator are the ability to aim with two eyes. This expands the field of view and allows you to move the middle point of impact in time.

Video review of the collimator sight, the principle of its operation and application:

Distinguish between open and closed collimator sights. When using the open type, the shooter observes the target with both eyes, fixing the aiming marker at the same time. The scope cavity is translucent, which also makes it possible to aim with one eye, as in the case of an optical sight.

When aiming a weapon equipped with a closed collimator, one eye observes the target, and the other fixes the aiming mark. It is impossible to aim with one eye, since the space behind the optics is made of an opaque material.

Difference from mechanical, optical, holographic sights

Types of collimator sights and their difference from others

The fundamental difference between a collimator sight and classic sights is as follows:

• to provide an aiming marker, a source of electricity is always used - a battery or a battery;
• for aiming at the target, it is not necessary to achieve the combination of the mechanical parts of the sight (front sight and rear sight);
• the optical system does not provide target approximation (although recently collimators with a small increase began to appear);
• the role of the aiming mark is performed by a light spot, and not by a metal mesh in the focus of the lens or marks engraved on it;
• when the shooter's eye shifts relative to the axis of the weapon, the aiming marker almost does not change its location and remains on the target (practical absence of parallax).

There is another type of collimator -. This type is a development of the classical collimator scheme and uses a laser instead of a point light source, as well as a holographic mark. The latter can take any form, including visually apparent three-dimensional.

Holographic sights are considered more advanced than collimator sights, as they allow better orientation in conditions of rapidly changing targets. However, reflex sights are more versatile, being equally useful at short and long distances.

Application

Collimator sights have become widespread on medium and close combat weapons, although they can sometimes be installed on . Most often they are used together with, assault rifles and.
The installation of collimator sights on pneumatic weapons has gained great popularity. This is especially true for airsoft drives.

In conventional 4.5mm pneumatics, collimators are often used by beginners, as they allow accurate shots even with minimal training.

If the main application of pneumatics is shooting at frequently and suddenly appearing targets, then a red dot sight fits perfectly. There are also night sights that allow you to hit the target exactly in the dark.

General device and circuit

The conditional design of an open and closed collimator sight is shown in the figure below.

Closed collimator sight (scheme b) is a tube in which a convex lens and a point light source are mounted. The front of the sight is closed, that is, you need to aim with two eyes. After combining the marker and the target, you can fire.

Open collimator sight (diagram a) includes in its design a reflecting mirror, often translucent. You can look into such a sight with one eye, observing the target and the luminous marker. The greatest effect is achieved when using both eyes.

If you have the enthusiasm and practice of working with mechanical devices, the simplest collimator sight can be assembled independently. To do this, you need a rectangular or circular case, a reflecting mirror or a piece of glass of the correct shape, as well as a working LED. You need to place the mirror or glass at an angle to the arrow so that the reflection of the LED is visible in the middle of the case.

Examples of the simplest designs of collimator sights that even a child can build with his own hands (in the literal sense) are shown in the video:

Operation and care

When using a collimator sight, you must:

• wipe the optics as they get dirty, using specially designed wipes. A simple rag can ruin (scratch) lenses and mirrors;
• check batteries or accumulators before installing them in the sight - relevant for devices with non-standard batteries;
• transport the sight separately from the weapon, with the exception of specially designed cases for transportation. A properly adjusted scope will maintain a mid-point of impact even after repeated mounting and dismounting cycles.

Storage rules

To maintain the performance of a collimator sight, you need to fulfill the basic requirements for their storage:

1. remove the battery for a period of inactivity so as not to damage the electrical circuit when the electrolyte flows;
2. keep the sight in a dry place with constant humidity - this will protect the device from corrosion;
3. avoid physical impact on the sight, since the repair of the optical system is quite expensive even for budget models.

How to choose a reflex sight

How to choose a reflex sight

There is an unspoken rule - all collimator sights with a purchase price below 15 USD. That is, they are not fully sights. This is due to the extremely unreliable design of cheap crafts, which will go astray at the slightest shock (even when reloading).

Installation

Modern (brackets) have two main mechanisms - the dovetail and the Picatinny rail. The most expensive models can be fixed on any of them, thanks to the universal mounting kit.

When installing the sight, its location is rigidly fixed with clamping screws, and sometimes it is additionally locked in a special groove. Tighten the screws firmly, but be careful not to strip the threads or bend the guide rails.

You can watch the installation of a collimator sight on a rifle with a transition bar in this video:

Setting

The process of setting up a collimator sight can be reduced to two manipulations - setting the brightness and zeroing. The change in brightness is carried out depending on the external illumination - the stronger it is, the brighter the aiming marker should be. When shooting in cloudy weather or at dusk, the emitter power must be reduced in order to prevent target illumination.

In the absence of experience, zero the weapon from the stop. It is most convenient to use a special stand or a bag filled with sand.

It is carried out at a standard distance for each type of weapon. In the case of pneumatics, it is advisable to start from ten meters, adjusting the midpoint of impact and the location of the marker in several stages:

1. the weapon is directed at the target through mechanical sights or a bore. Also, a luminous collimator marker is aimed at the target (by rotating the adjusting screws in the horizontal and vertical planes);
2. a series of shots is fired (usually no more than three), which determine the average point of impact. The position of the marker is again adjusted by screws, taking into account the deviation of the aiming point from the point of impact (in accordance with the instructions for the used sight);
3. after the initial zeroing, another series of shots is fired to make sure that the corrections made are correct;
4. when the weapon is sighted at a given distance, it is necessary to check the point of impact at other distances. The observed reduction or excess of hits should be recorded and learned. Knowing the deviations from the aiming point and the distance to the target, it will be possible to fire without making adjustments to the collimator settings.

Brief overview of popular brands

Cobra

Refers to the line of combat collimator sights designed for installation on serial military weapons. Depending on the conditions of use, you can choose not only the brightness of the marker, but also its appearance (dot, crosshair, etc.). Russian-made sights have a predominantly open design and allow you to quickly transfer fire to emerging targets.

Eotech

It is a line of collimator sights of various modifications, including holographic ones. The devices are high priced and have a wide range of features, many consider them to be the best in the business. Most are compact open structures.

Hakko

They belong to the sights of the middle and upper price range and are made in Japan. Implemented designs are varied and include both small-sized collimators with a single lens, and tubular designs for long-range shooting.

sightmark

A large assortment has gained fame due to the use by hunters and sportsmen. The price of gauges has been shifted towards moderate values, and significant durability allows firing from weapons of large calibers, such as 12th. Sightmark has collected a number of awards for the high quality of its products, some of which are used by the US law enforcement forces.

Aim point

The company manufactures high-quality sights that are used on a variety of small arms. Most are made in a shock-resistant and water-resistant case that can withstand heavy mechanical loads. The prices of scopes are quite high and maintain the reputation of an expensive brand, but you can always get Chinese replicas at a lower cost.

Comparison of red dot sights from Aimpoint and Eotech:

Burris

These collimator sights are characterized by open design and are compact devices for installation on sporting and hunting weapons. For military use, sights are less common due to the open optical part. The devices are quite durable and compact, and also have high ergonomics.

Leapers

Models of collimator sights from Leapers gained popularity when installed on smoothbore hunting weapons and small pneumatics. The rigid construction allows the scope to withstand high recoil. Among the large selection there are budget models that allow you to fully use inexpensive gas-cylinder pistols with installed collimator sights.

Doctor

German-made devices are popular for being ultra-small and strong enough to withstand high recoil. Docter collimators are used in recreational, hunting and sports shooting, and are also used for installation on shotguns and submachine guns.

bushnell

Samples of American production are complemented by a wide selection of sights, including not only collimator sights, but also optical sights. We can say that collimators are rather an exception for this brand, which does not affect their quality in any way. Most Bushnell reflex sights are budget models used for sporting and hunting purposes.

Many hunters, owners of 12-gauge smoothbore weapons are faced with the problem of choosing a decent red dot sight for their rifle. Shooting at short distances, the target is clearly visible even to the naked eye, so there is absolutely no need to install more bulky optical sights that upset the balance of the gun.

Naturally, when choosing a collimator for a 12-gauge smoothbore, there is a question about the stability of the sight to powerful recoil. Of course, when buying Docter or Aimpoint, you can be 99% sure that the device will work without fail. However, often the task is to purchase a relatively inexpensive, but reliable sight.

It is also important to clearly understand the goals that the shooter pursues when choosing a collimator. And it's better to be prepared before buying.

So, for example, there are still heated debates among hunters about whether a collimator is needed at all on a 12k smoothbore. And neither side can win in this dispute.

Proponents of the use of collimators confidently claim that their shooting has improved both in aimed shooting and in offhand shooting. At the same time, shooters often give reasoned and documented reports in the form of photos of shot targets. And, as you know, it is difficult to argue with a practitioner, relying on only one theory. The theory, by the way, just speaks of the usefulness of using collimator sights (“KP”) in terms of improving the rate of fire, and at the same time with better hit statistics. Indeed, in fact, if you shoot only at the barrel, then before the shot the shooter performs the following algorithm (in short):

1. Threw up and put the weapon
2. Aligned the bar with the front sight and the target
3. Shot

The second point just occupies a very responsible role. It must be done quickly and accurately. And since you need to combine three points, the hunter, if he is not an athlete with a crazy shot, often misses. Well, in any case, someone more often, someone less often, but they all smear. Our brain and eye are not fast enough to instantly align three objects for an unmistakable hit, so it will take some time for the brain to “process” the information (and therefore often experienced shooters make such a shot without thinking, relying on experience and intuition to reduce the time of the shot , and at the same time have a very good result).

When the shooter uses a collimator, then only two objects need to be combined: the aiming point and the target. It is obvious that it is much easier for the brain to perceive this information for a much faster decision on the correctness of the insert and assessment of the accuracy of the shot. Be that as it may, with a collimator, the shooter still needs to have good experience in throwing up with a quick and correct butt, if he wants the collimator not to turn out to be just an expensive and unnecessary toy on the weapon. It is not enough just to buy a collimator in the hope that now you fill your entire basement with game stew. No, this cannot be achieved without experience. And when experience is achieved, then such a shooter no longer thinks about stew.

When choosing a collimator for 12k, it is also worth considering what the shooter plans to shoot from. After all, in the same disputes between hunters, both sides came to a more or less unequivocal conclusion: for a bullet, the collimator is still not so bad. But for fractions - we argue further. In any case, even if the shooter shoots with shot, how much the presence of a collimator will interfere is another question, but with a certain skill it can even help. So in this case, you should not brush aside the purchase of a collimator. Take a couple of shots with a friend who has a CP installed to see if you're interested. However, remember, if the CP is new to you, then keep in mind that when shooting with a collimator, you need to aim with both eyes! Here it will be difficult to cope with the practiced habit of squinting the other eye, but the essence of the collimator just assumes that the shooter does not waste time playing hide and seek, but simply sees a dot on the target and makes a shot. Everything.

A very important point in choosing a collimator is understanding how the shooter will install this CP on his weapon. Is it equipped with the necessary bar, if not - can it be equipped, if so, which one - under the dovetail, or the Picatinny rail. Or maybe the hunter has a ventilated bar (very often), in which case you need to make sure that the collimator, on which he has his eye, can be installed on a ventilated bar. In any case, if the master will install the CP for you, ask him better if it is possible to fasten the CP that you like to your weapon. And if you dare to put the CP on a ventilated bar, be careful in choosing, because a mixture of a heavy sight and powerful recoil can adversely affect the bar itself, as it may turn out to be too soft, and it can bend with recoil if the collimator is installed without taking this feature into account.

Since we are talking about recoil, it is quite natural that you need to choose a CP that can cope with it. I remember when I was a kid, I went hunting with my stepfather. For me, he made a light charge, and I almost did not feel the recoil, although they frightened me with bruised shoulders. But here we are sitting in the seat on the reeds, my stepfather has a gun at the ready, I can hardly breathe nearby, and then a duck flies up, about six. I don’t know how it happened, but after the shot, my stepfather was thrown onto the reeds. And he is an uncle of enviable size and weight. The collimator will have to withstand powerful recoil many times. You need to be sure that after the first shots the collimator glass will not fly out, the point will not start to “float” as it wants. In this case, you will have to rely on the experience and honesty of the seller, you should turn to the forums for help, or maybe your friend has a KP that has served him faithfully for more than one year. Recently, collimators have been very often installed on 12k smoothbore, therefore, there has long been some experience in recoil for the most popular models. An honest seller will always tell you which model holds returns and which one is best avoided. At the same time, a collimator that is guaranteed to withstand recoil will not always be very expensive. Often even expensive gearboxes cannot withstand the load, and the point begins to “float”. But even the cheapest sights should not be coveted, because this is how you can buy a manual, which can be put on airsoft guns at most.

Another thing to think about when choosing a collimator for 12 gauge is what type it is: open or closed. Here we will not go into too much detail, but will only limit ourselves to the fact that open is light, but it is very unlikely to work in bad weather, closed is more overall, heavy, but you can still shoot with it in bad weather. And you can read more about the types of collimators.

In conclusion, I would like to write only the following (after all, we are a store, and as sellers we also have some experience). Based on the many years of experience of our store employees and our customers - experienced shooters, we can safely recommend a range of open and closed collimators that will definitely not let you down on the hunt. So, among the most compact devices are open collimators Delta Optical MiniDot, Delta Optical MiniDot HD 24, Delta Optical MiniDot HD 26, Hawke RD1x WP Digital Control (Weaver), Konus Sight-Pro Fission 2.0. By the way, these models are also popular among shooters with carbines 7.62x39. Closed collimators include Delta Optical MultiDot HD 36, Hawke RD1x30M WP (9-11mm), Hawke RD1x30M WP (Weaver), Konus Sight-Pro TR. You can be sure that you can easily shoot these sights, and they will definitely not let you down “in battle”. The "survivability" of the listed sights has been tested for years. And we specifically don’t give Docters, Burrises and Zeiss here as examples, these collimators are quite expensive and at the same time they have strong brand support: everyone knows them, but not everyone can afford them, that’s why many shooters are looking for something more affordable but reliable.

A device that is useful for sports shooting fans and professional hunters is a red dot sight. With its help, the effectiveness of conventional weapons is increased, shooting becomes more accurate. In other words: a reflex sight is a proven way to improve weapons.

Consider collimator sights mounted on 12 gauge. After installation, a beam will be aimed at the target. And this means: faster preparation, and faster and more accurate shooting. The device is such that the shooter's eye is located far enough from him, and the likelihood of injury due to recoil is minimized.

The collimator sight is also very popular among novice hunters - after all, they get an excellent assistant who constantly trains their accuracy. And people with vision problems feel more confident and achieve better results when using this device.

The sights considered here are optical devices with electronic filling. Most of the mass-produced products of this type have a single magnification (that is, officially, these are devices with a low magnification). The design of the label goes to the lens located in the front of the device. The appearance of the labels can be different (a dot, a dot in a circle, crossed lines, or squares). It is advisable to use different types of marks for targets located at different distances (less than 100 meters, up to 400 meters and over 400 meters). You can select either the red or green label option. Another advantage is that sights of this type do not block the view, giving a clear image.

Video: Collimator sights - the main tool for a shooter to work at short distances

Varieties of sights

The brand of the sight also determines whether it has an active or passive illumination method. When the active mode is selected, energy is taken from a compact battery. It is advisable to use the active mode in adverse weather conditions, as well as at night. The label is projected exclusively for the right eye. The passive brand does not differ in either brightness or contrast; it can only be used in good lighting (during the day).

Now manufacturers offer devices for aiming of 2 types: they look like tubes, or in the form of a frame, in front of which there is a lens. The main components of the tube: it is a LED emitter and several lenses (usually 2). If we compare this device with a variation of the open type, then it is somewhat larger, but next to standard optical solutions, it looks more compact and weighs less. Such tubes are produced in a durable case, which is designed to protect all elements from sharp shaking during firing. Such weapons are usually used when firing from a securely non-fixed position, so the closed version of the 12-gauge red dot sight is not very convenient for this.

Devices of the open variety have the advantage of low weight and decent visibility. But if even a little rain drizzles, then using them is very problematic. Sometimes a halogen sight is also used, although professionals disagree on this matter, referring it to a separate type of equipment. At first glance, it looks like an open variation frame. But the brand is projected onto the output screen by means of a laser beam. Such a screen in the form of a plate is easy to change if the weather conditions require it. Neither fog nor precipitation is an obstacle to the use of such a device.

How to use

Consoles that can be quickly changed are the preferred place to mount the sighting device. If the need arises, such a device can be quickly removed and the movement of game resumed. You can use this device to fire from a moving car or shoot at rapidly moving targets. If fire is fired from automatic weapons, then collimator sights are installed in the side of the receiver. Severe frost is the enemy of collimator sights, because. under its influence, the power element may cease to perform its functions.

About collimator sights made in Japan

Considering that most of the goods (whatever their type) are made in China, then connoisseurs of special quality will be interested in the reflex sights of the Hakko BED brand, which are made in Japan. When buying a Hakko scope, you can be sure that it was made in Japan, and from Japanese components. The construction is extremely durable, designed for years of service. Excellent optical characteristics of these products are confirmed by experienced hunters. At the choice of the buyer: closed or open versions of the product. Closed devices have 11 lighting levels. Those who have tried these products in action, including in extreme conditions, say that the sights really withstand strong impacts, they are not affected by heavy precipitation. And to prevent fogging - the inside is filled with gas. The recoil from 12-gauge guns is not at all terrible for the Hakko collimator sight. The distance from the shooter's eye when using "Hakko" does not matter (although it is better to keep at a minimum distance of 100 mm.).

What is the best holographic sight?

When asked which reflex sight is preferable, experts who have tried many options say that this is EOTech produced in the States. They make it on the basis of the sight used in the army. Such open-type devices differ from their closest competitors in that their component is a laser optical device. Large selection of label brightness control (21 stages in total). This ensures accurate shooting even in adverse weather. For those who want to hunt in any conditions, there are also models with a thermal imager and night vision. EOTech uses a sophisticated brand projection system. It is used to avoid the parallax effect. Practice shows that even mechanical damage does not affect the operation of this device.

The automatic shutdown mode is used, which gives a significant operating time. Can be programmed for either 4 or 8 hours. Other advantages: compactness, lightness. Recommended for use on 12 gauge shotguns. The battery uses standard AA batteries, which can be purchased at your nearest store or ordered online. You can replace them in a minute, without any complicated actions, without subsequent zeroing. The disadvantages of such high-quality overseas products can only be attributed to the high cost (for sophisticated models - 60 thousand rubles and more).

Another interesting offer from America

Another Sightmark reflex sight is also from the states, but its cost is noticeably lower than EOTech. But it does not follow from this that it is of unworthy quality. It is enough to download that the Yukon holding that produces it is a regular supplier for American cops and for the army. These devices are easily installed on 12-gauge weapons, they have 7 levels of brightness. They weigh little and are quite reliable. Some of them are produced under license in China.

About domestic goods

If we talk about collimator sights produced by domestic manufacturers, then the only option is the "Cobra" (because we do not make other similar devices). They put it with the help of the dovetail mount on the Bekas weapon. The shooter's choice: 16 gradations of brightness, 4 types of marks with the ability to remember data about them. At a distance of up to 600 meters, ballistics corrections apply. The owners of such devices say that after intense shooting (multiple shots), the settings do not go astray, there are no noticeable deformations on the seat. Good aiming is guaranteed with both one and two eyes. Of the shortcomings, the weight is more than the average and the height. In general - quite reliable and recommended products.

Video: Red dot sight testing

Mounting process

How to mount the device on a weapon is a question that worries buyers no less than the choice of model itself. With the exception of "Saiga" and "Snipe" - most varieties of smoothbore guns initially do not involve mounting other devices due to consoles. Therefore, the hunter will have to make a choice from those technical solutions that currently exist. And there are few of them, either it is a “dovetail” or a base (another name for a “bar”).

More often they put a collimator sight on the slats of the Wever model, with the addition of seats. If the sight has mounting rings, then it can be mounted on a dovetail. In addition, there are models designed to mount directly on the aiming bar. Such electronic devices are small in size and light in weight. For example, high-quality Docter scopes. The light mark of such a device is clearly visible in the snow and in the cloudy sky. But such an option is affordable only for wealthy people, because. maybe even more expensive than the gun itself.

About unreliable options to avoid

Sometimes domestic "masters" set the Weaver landing even on the "dovetail". They make special adapters for this. Moreover, there are no standard fixtures - each time a special approach is needed. For example, on the steel console of a device manufactured in Volgograd (VOMZ), another sighting device with various mounting options can be placed. But the collimator sight designed for the IZH-27 16-gauge can only be placed on the aiming bar with a maximum width of 7 mm. Such designs are not recommended to be used not only because of the increase in the weight of the weapon, but also because of the fact that its alignment is disturbed. Such adapters weigh 100 grams or even more. Those who have already used such homemade mounts in business say that they have little reliability and after a dozen shots they are already starting to come loose. You can install an optical device with a minimum weight. But according to the calculation, for IZH-27, the collimator sight should have a weight within 90 grams.

Decent frame for top optical devices

If you already have money for a high-class optical device, then it makes no sense to save money when installing it, it is then that the funds invested in the device itself will pay off in full due to the quality of shooting. During installation, it is worth remembering not only about the reliable fixation of a fairly massive sighting device, but also that both the bar and bolted connections must be immune to recoil loads. And - for a long time. Any home-made devices, no matter how they are praised by the authors, do not fit here - there is no certainty in their reliability. Only proprietary developments are suitable for guaranteed reliable mounting of a 12-gauge red dot sight, and they can be easily purchased in online stores.

When choosing a product, make sure that its contour is the same as that of the receiver. Look at the thickness of the box: it should be sufficient for cutting a hole and for cutting at least 3 turns. For cutting use prof. equipment.

How is the shooting

With the help of 2 rotary knobs-drums that come with most of these devices, make adjustments in 2 planes. Select the target that the charge should hit (at a distance of 35-50 meters), for the selected distance, remember the position of the regulators. There is also an opinion that only “cold zeroing” can be used. This means that a laser pointer is used. But with such a shooting, the desired result is not always achieved, because. in hunting rifles, the axes of the barrel and chamber do not always coincide. Cold alignment is used to zero in the chamber. When mounting a collimator sight on 12 gauge, one should not forget about the correction when shooting from hand and about significant recoil.

Video: Sighting a collimator sight on IZH-94.

Among users, there is no unequivocal opinion on which model of the sight is the best. It all depends on the conditions in which it will be used, on the skill of the hunter, on which weapon it will be mounted, and what ammunition will be used. It is also said that on 12-gauge guns it is preferable to use open devices. Also, the choice depends on how much the hunter is willing to pay.