Red Dot Sight

Beginner shooters need to learn an armory’s worth of information when they first start. Perhaps the most important rules they learn are:

  1. Always treat a gun as if it were loaded.
  2. Never point your gun at anything you aren’t willing to shoot.
  3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
  4. Be sure of your target and what is behind it.

Once beginners understand these four cardinal rules, they can focus on being successful and enjoying themselves. A way to simplify the learning process is to start shooting with a red dot sight.

What are red dot sights?

Red dot sights used to be heavy and clunky, but now they are compact, lightweight, and durable. They are used to aim at targets–simple!

Tradition advocates learning to shoot with basic iron sights first. However, it’s more difficult to use iron sights because there are three focal points: both sides of the rear sight and the front sight. All three points need to align with the target before the trigger is pulled. Otherwise, the shooter will probably miss.

The red dot optic is simpler and much more precise. Place the dot on the target and pull the trigger. The shooter is less likely to miss. Beginners using red dot sights will quickly hit more targets, their learning curve will flatten, and they will have a more rewarding experience.

Not only does a red dot sight offer simplicity and precision over basic iron sights, it also offers speed. Red dot sights dominate speed-based shooting competitions because they are faster to use. Again, instead of aligning three focal points, shooters only need to focus on one point.

Non-magnified red dot optics also allow for quicker target acquisition. This is due to the ability to use the red dot sight from any position so long as the reticle is visible to the shooter. This includes modern shooting techniques that teach the shooter to shoot and move with both eyes open.

However, using a magnified optic of any kind does not allow the same ability to operate the weapon when transitioning between targets in close quarters without a high level of training and practice. The only clear choice for your everyday shooter is a red dot sight.

Once the beginner shooter is brimming with confidence using the red dot optic, they can always learn how to use iron sights as well. By then, they will be more comfortable using their gun, which will enable them to focus on their target. Learning to use both would make beginners well-rounded shooters.

Interested in getting your own red dot optic? Save money and support 2A-friendly business with special perks and discounts as a U.S. LawShield member. Join now. Original article can be found here.

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