Red dot styles

[Kevin]

I'm not sure if this subject has come up before or not, but it seems like the style of red dots have changed.

I've got an older Ultradot tube style red dot. It looks like a miniature scope about 3 inches long and it must be 30mm with regular old scope rings to mount it.

The new styles are smaller and well you know what they look like. I've got a few of them.

Which is better?

I was thinking of getting a new red dot. And actually thinking of a new Ultradot brand red dot.

Did they change the style because the number of carry pistols have increased, and it seems gotten smaller in the process?

 

[375hh1973]

I put a Leupold Delta Point on my Benelli M4 and couldnt be happier

 

[contender]

Red Dot optics are something that have varied uses & types.
A carry gun, vs a competition gun, vs a hunting gun.
Some of the earlier types didn't last because of recoil & abuses. Others,, like a C-More not only survived but thrived.
Currently we have a plethora of choices & types.
The UltraDot is a well known brand & type that is trusted by many,, especially for those hunting. They handle recoil, and last. I have several, and would not hesitate to get others.
The smaller, more compact types are used a lot on competition guns, and SD guns. They allow a wider field of view of the surrounding area to allow a person to transition to another target quickly.
A tube type is often used for better longer range accuracy, (with a smaller MOA dot,) to allow more precise accuracy. Remember, a 3 MOA dot will be like a 3" dot at 100 yds, while a 6 MOA dot will be a 6" dot at 100 yds.

As to which is better,,,???

It depends upon the primary purpose. In general,, if closer in targets are to be engaged, as well as multiple targets,, AND speed is desired,, the smaller reflective types work very well, and are the preferred type. If longer range, precision, & a little additional speed is desired, (say a snap shot at game,) then the tube types shine.

UltraDot makes both types. I would choose UltraDot, Burris, C-More, and a few models of Leupold, Sig, Trigiicon, (spelling,) with an eye towards the warranty & service policies of each company.

 

[RoninPA]

Kevin, Tyrone summed it up pretty good. The smaller reflex type on self defense handguns are good for use with both eyes open which helps with situational awareness as it may help you "see" what might be going on around you in an unpleasant situation. The tube type on a rifle or long range handgun may help you concentrate on your target. You can also get red dot sights for hunting that are magnified (or can be magnified - think EOTech with a magnifier in front of it). Pretty much nowadays there is a red dot sight/system for just about any shooting activity you can think of.

Just sit down and think about what you want the red dot to do for you and that will lead to the types that will be best for YOU. Read all suggestions/advice/reviews/etc. with a grain of salt. What might be great for one person may be terrible for another.

 

[Kevin]

Thanks! This is very helpful. A couple years ago I bought one of the Trijicon RMR sights. I bought that one because it is made in USA. It's a great sight, a little more expensive but worth it.

The Ultradot I have I bought used at least 15 years ago, still works great. Now they have the Match Dot 2. I might get one of those to see how they are.

I've had inexpensive red dots, and some are good, others just complete junk.

So yes, it's all very helpful thanks again!

 

[Hvymax]

The larger the screen the better. The micro's are fine for micro pistols. I prefer the Doktor for my full size pistols and the big ones for rifles and shotguns.

 

[GunnyGene]

I didn't get into reflex sights until about a year ago, and now have 4. I started cheap, but now have 2 Holosuns. One (SCS) on a Glock 34 Gen 5 MOS, and one on my TS12 (510C). Both are great, and have features that I wasn't even aware existed 2 years ago. Solar charging, Shake Awake, very long battery life (up to 50,000 hrs on some), multiple reticles, auto brightness, green, red, and blue reticles, and the list goes on. Other makes/models have also far surpassed the earlier ones in many ways. My point is there's much more to consider than just the glass and the size(or design/shape) of a dot - some don't even have a traditional dot - , whether it's a enclosed or open sight. Does it allow you to co-witness your BUIS? Tipoff base? Does it require an adapter plate to mount? And so on.