If you play shooting games or visit the shooting range often, you must be familiar with the red dot sight optic. This optic that was first introduced in 1900 has rapidly increased in popularity and is now the most used optic. The reason behind this is the optics’ low price and easy-to-use design. Thus, many beginners opt for it.
So after reading all these good things about the red dot sight online, you decide to go ahead and buy one for yourself. You spend 10 minutes tweaking the attachment trying to put it on your weapon and turn it on. However, you just can’t wrap your head around how to. Many beginners face this problem when first using the red dot sight.
So if you are struggling with turning on the red dot sight optic, buckle up because, in this article, I will teach you exactly how to turn on a red dot sight.
Turning On A Red Dot Sight
There are two ways you can turn on your red dot sight. You can either do it manually or automatically.
1. How To Turn On/Off A Red Dot Sight Manually?
Now that you have installed the batteries in your sight let’s learn how to turn the sight on. Before we go any further, I would like to tell you that there are two ways of turning on a red dot sight; automatically and manually. Most red dot sights need to be turned on manually; therefore, I’ll be discussing how to turn a red dot sight on manually first.
Turning your sight on manually is a very short and simple procedure. All you have to do is turn the rheostat knob to any numbered position. And to switch the sight off, select the “0” (illumination level=zero) between any two numbers. This means that no light is emitted from the sight, so you would not be able to see anything through it.
Some optics also use push buttons for activation and deactivation. Follow the instructions on the manual to know which button will work for the activation and deactivation of your red dot.
2. How Do Red Dot Sights Turn On/Off Automatically?
Thanks to technological advancements, we now have red dot sights that can turn on and off automatically without human effort. These sights use motion sensors to detect vibration and switch on when they detect the slightest movement. They also automatically turn off after 5 minutes of inactivity. You can activate the auto adjustment feature by pressing a button or flipping a switch. Consult your sight’s manual for specific instructions on activating the auto adjustment feature.
Why Is My Red Dot Sight Not Turning On?
Sometimes even after following the steps mentioned above, your sight may still not turn on. This can happen for two reasons: dead batteries or a faulty sight.
You can solve the first problem by installing new batteries. The process of installing new batteries is as follows:
- Remove the sight’s protective cover and then use a small Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen and remove the battery cover before inserting the batteries.
- Once the batteries are in place, you can then replace the cover and screw it back into place.
There are many ways to troubleshoot a faulty sight. Some of them are mentioned below:
- Inspecting the lenses: Dirty or scratched lenses are another common issue with red dot sights. Inspect the lenses and clean them with a soft, dry cloth if necessary.
- Adjusting the sight: Sometimes, a red dot sight may need to be adjusted to work properly. Consult the owner’s manual for instructions on properly adjusting the sight.
- Contacting the manufacturer: If all else fails, the best course of action may be to contact the manufacturer of the red dot sight. They may be able to provide troubleshooting tips or even replace the unit if it is under warranty.
Conclusion
Turning on your red dot sight is a very short and simple procedure. If you follow all the steps mentioned in this article, you should face no problems. Now that you have attached a red dot sight to your gun, you should improve your aim and accuracy.
Remember to practice a lot to familiarize yourself with this optic to learn how it works. I hope my article was helpful and that I was able to solve your problem. Happy shooting.
FAQs
Following are some frequently asked questions about red dot sights:
Do red dots turn on automatically?
No, most red dot sights do not turn on automatically. You will need to turn on the sight manually. However, some red dots turn on automatically, like Athlon Midas TSR1 Red Dot Sight, Leupold Deltapoint Pro, various Holosun models, and SIG Sauer Romeo Zero. These red dot sights use motion sensors to detect movement and turn on when it senses the slightest vibration or movement.
Can you turn a red dot sight off?
Yes. You can turn a red dot sight off when it’s not in use and conserve battery life.
Do red dot sights need batteries?
Yes, red dot sights need batteries to function. It is important to keep spare batteries on hand so that you can replace them when needed.
Why would I want to use a red dot sight?
A red dot sight is easier and more intuitive than iron sights.
What types of red dot sights are there?
Red dot sights come in many different shapes, sizes, and styles. Some of the most common types of red dot sights are:
- Open red dot sights
- Closed red dot sights
- Mini red dot sights
- Large red dot sights
- Holographic red dot sights
What are the main differences between red dot sights?
The main differences between red dot sights are size, weight, battery life, and reticle.
How do I choose a red dot sight?
You should choose a red dot sight by deciding what you want to mount it on, your budget, and what you will use it for.
