When choosing reflex sights, you may notice that some models offer multiple reticles. Do you know what the most common types of reticles are and what shooting scenarios they are suitable for?
What Are the Different Types of Reflex Sight Reticles?
There are many different reticle patterns on the market now, but the most common ones for reflex sights are standard dot, crosshair circle and crosshair circle with a dot. Then which red dot reticle is the best? Keep reading.
How Does a Reflex Sight Work?
The reflex sight uses a clear lens and a LED reflector to display the red dot. This tiny LED point behind the lens that generates a colored dot of light, the light is then reflected off the back of the lens toward the shooter’s eye. Check out Picture 2 for reference.
What Is A Good Size for Your Red Dot Reticle?
The size of the dot is usually measured in MOAs. 1 MOA is approximately 1″ at 100 yards, 2″ at 200 yards and so on. So if the dot size is 3 MOA, this means that the dot covers a 3″ area on a target at 100 yards. See Figure 3 for reference.
Therefore, red dot sight size depends on how far away your target is. If your target is within 100 yards, the dot size should be between 3 and 5 MOA. This will allow you to see your target easily and acquire it quickly without the dot blocking your line of sight. For example, Victoptics SPX V3 1X22 dovetail red dot sight with a 3.5MOA dot size is a good choice when your target is not that far.
Which is Better, 2MOA or 4MOA Dot?
Then, we come to the dot size choosing. 2 MOA dot size and 4 MOA dot size, which one is perfect for you?
The 4 MOA dot size will cover up more of your targets and bigger dot is more useful in close-range shooting. Therefore, for longer-range precision shooting, 2 MOA dot size reflex sight is a better choice.
Also, we cannot ignore the blooming of red dot. When in high level brightness settings, the red dot will bloom. Compared to 2 MOA dot size, the 4 MOA dot will bloom less at higher intensities.
What Shooting Scenarios Do They Fit for?
Let’s first talk about the dot reticle. The dot reticle is the simplest and most common type of reticle used in reflex sights. It consists of a single dot in the center of the sight window, which acts as the aiming point. The size of the dot can vary depending on the sight, but typically ranges from 1 to 5 MOA. A smaller dot size provides greater precision, enabling the shooter to make accurate shots at longer distances. The dot reticle is ideal for shooting at small targets or hunting small game, where precision is key.
As for crosshair circle reticle, it is a popular choice due to its versatility and ease of use.
Compare to the dot reticle, the crosshair circle reticle provides a larger aiming point for quick target acquisition, but it may obstruct the view of the target, especially when shooting at long distances. The diameter of the crosshair reticle usually ranges from 30 to 50 MOA. The crosshair circle allows for easier tracking of moving targets and is ideal for close-quarters shooting scenarios.
Now let’s move on to the crosshair circle with a dot reticle. This type of reticle consists of a circular outer ring with a small dot in the center, it combines the advantages of both dot reticle and crosshair circle reticle. The large circle makes it easy to track moving targets, while the dot provides precise aiming. This reticle is suitable for close-range engagements and medium-range shooting.
Please note: This reticle is not suitable for long-range shooting as the circle may cover too much of the target at longer distances.
Here’s the chart that allows you choose the best red dot reticle based on your needs.
To sum up, if you focus on precision, then choose the dot reticle; if you want to acquire moving targets in close-quarters shooting scenarios, then choose the crosshair circle reticle; If you want to track moving targets as well as precise aiming, then choose the crosshair reticle with a dot. Choose wisely based on your shooting needs.