Hey readers! Are you overwhelmed with the plethora of information search engines throw your way when you want to know which sight to choose between an iron sight and a red dot sight?
Well, this is where we come in! We love shooting and everything that makes it better, so our reviews have the most relevant and up-to-date information about them.
You can take the back seat while I get you through the basic functioning of our prestigious competitors – iron sights and red dot sights – and their pros and cons.
Our review would compare both sights on accuracy, speed, size, reliability, and price.
Let’s not waste any time and get right to it!
What Is A Red Dot Sight?
A red dot sight uses a red dot as its reticle; the reticle is also green sometimes, but we call them red dot sights for simplicity.
Some red dot sights also use a circle-dot reticle like the Holosun optics.
A red dot works with an LED and lens to project the reticle through the front window.
What Is An Iron Sight?
Iron sight is a system of two sight posts, a front sight near the muzzle and rear sight, near the eye post – called front post and rear post, respectively. For aiming, you need to align both posts with the target.
It is a mechanical system that has a history dating back to the early 1450s; red dot sights came relatively later.
Which Is Better?
After briefly introducing both sights, let’s see if one is better than the other. If yes, which one?
We’ll consider the following parameters to compare them:
- Accuracy
- Speed
- Durability
- Reliability
- Size
- Price
I will also announce the winner at the end of the article.
Let’s compare
Red Dot Vs. Iron Sights: A Comparison
Mentioned below is the comparison of the features of the two sights.
1. Accuracy
The primary purpose of any sight is to get accuracy. You need to make sure the sight you choose gives that. I’ll list a few things here to know which of the two sights gives more accuracy.
Alignment
Iron sights work on the three object alignment principle. It means you need to align the front post, rear post, and the target to acquire aim. It is a mechanical task and engages your brain and eyes more than you could afford when you encounter a threat.
Let me break it down for you. Imagine you come face-to-face with a threat. Your brain automatically goes into “fight or flight” mode. At such hours, it can be tough for some people to keep calm and engage in aligning the sights. And even if you maintain your calm, it will be time-consuming, which is a disadvantage when facing an imminent threat.
Now, this is where the red dot sights shine. They only require the alignment of the red dot with the target, and then that bright red dot isn’t easy to miss.
So, they do most of the job you’d have to perform if you had gone for an iron sight instead.
Parallax
Ok, I know you’re aware that no sight is 100% parallax free. That aside, you should go for the ones with the least parallax.
Most red dot sights have the least parallax and allow you to retain the aim at the target if you move your head around, while evidently, iron sights are all about mechanical alignment, so it doesn’t happen with them.
Shooting With Both Eyes Open
Red dot sights allow the shooter to aim with both eyes open, giving maximum situational awareness. In contrast, with iron sights, to mechanically align the posts with the target, people close the non-dominant eye to increase their focus level.
When you do that, you intentionally reduce the amount of information being fed to the brain, which makes it easier to retain your focus on the target. This has become a typical shooting habit, but it could be dangerous if there is an incoming threat from the side of the closed eye.
Field Of View
In the case of iron sights, the bottom section of the target usually becomes blocked by the front post, while in red dot sights, you can view the target better, especially with 1 or 2 MOA dot. Yes, you have an option of installing a thinner front post, but that wouldn’t make a significant difference.
Bottom line–Red dot sights are more accurate because of their parallax-free design, a better field of view, more situational awareness, and easier alignment.
2. Speed
To be frank, the comparison between red dot sight – an optic, and iron sight – a mechanical sighting system, isn’t even fair. It’s like comparing a traditional phone to a smartphone.
You see, acquiring a target after carefully aligning the front post, rear post, and target takes a good deal of time. While simply turning on the red dot sight and having the reticle ready to be aimed is much quicker. Also, with features like the Shake Awake in some red dot sights, your red dot is always ready to go.
Bottom line – Red dot sights are faster than iron sights because of fewer alignment requirements.
3. Durability
As you must have witnessed in many red dot sights, manufacturers keep introducing features for durability. From the external build to the lenses, everything is being taken care of when it comes to durability. They’re waterproof, impervious to shocks, built with high-grade Aluminum, and possess multi-coated lenses.
All this being said, they can’t possibly match the ultimate durability of iron sights since iron sights do not have to deal with problems like shattering of the glass window or faulty functioning due to water immersion.
And damage to housing because of dropping or minor shocks is out of the question. I mean, come on, they’re iron.
So, iron sights would last more than the red dot sights.
Bottom line – Iron sights are more durable because of their building material and mechanical nature.
4. Reliability
The following features will determine the reliability of a sight.
Battery
Regarding relying on your sight for your life, I think iron sights have a slighter edge here since they do not require batteries like the red dot sights. I mean, I bet your worst nightmare would come true if you pick up your gun for defense and the sight is dead. With iron sights, you don’t have to worry about it since you can use it anywhere anytime you want.
Low Light Conditions
In low light conditions, red dots are effective since the bright red reticle is there, and now many of them are night vision compatible.
Not only this, but the new red dot sights come with the innovative automatic brightness adjustment feature that causes the reticle’s brightness to match the ambient light. It comes in handy when you’re under dim lighting.
While, no matter if an iron sight is illuminated with Tritium or Fiber optics, it doesn’t give as visible a sight as a red dot in a low light situation.
Bottom line – Both sights are reliable, each having the edge over the other in one aspect. If you want a sight that is always ready to go, iron sights should be your pick but if nighttime shooting is your thing, then go for red dot sights.
5. Size
Generally, you can get an iron sight weighing up to 9 ounces; if you go for flip-up sights, you’ll be looking at 2 to 3 ounces at most.
On the other hand, red dot sights vary in size depending on the brand and type but consider 9 to 10 ounces at most and 3 to 4 ounces minimum.
Bottom line –There isn’t much difference in size between the two sights, but still, iron sights are lighter.
6. Price
Iron sights are way cheaper than the red dot sights. Red dots are priced higher because of their convenience, speed, and accuracy.
Bottom line – Red dot sights will cost you more money from your pocket than iron sights.
Red Dot Vs. Iron Sights: Crux
- Red dot sights are more accurate.
- Red dot sights are faster.
- Both iron sights and red dot sights are reliable, varying on the battery factor and low-light performance.
- Iron sights are lighter.
- Iron sights are less expensive.
Red Dots Over Iron Sights
Red dots own a competitive edge over iron sights. Their invention’s purpose is to make shooting easier and aiming more precise. They’re a step ahead of our good old iron sights.
Red dot sights provide unmatched precision and accuracy in acquiring aim. Unlike iron sights, target acquisition is much faster with red dot sights because they do not require a manual alignment but instead allow you to aim right away with the reticle pointed at the target. Great, isn’t it?
And you’re not the only one intrigued by these qualities – red dot sights are trusted worldwide by the military, law enforcement agencies, and competitive shooters for these very reasons. Hitting the bull’s eye hasn’t been easier, has it?
Red Dot Sights: Examples
Here is a list of some great red dot sights you can check out:
- Holosun HS510C
- Holosun HS507C-X2
- Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight
- Trijicon MRO
- Bushnell Trophy TRS-25
- Vortex Venom
- Sig Sauer Romeo 5
Can You Use Red Dot And Iron Sights Together?
Why not?
It is advised to mount red dot sights and iron sights together so that if your red dot sight dies on you, you have iron sights as a backup.
Iron sights are mounted along with red dot sights and can be used through the red dot sight’s window when fixed at an appropriate height – a phenomenon known as “co-witness.” Also, there is no need to remove anything from the rail to switch between both sighting systems.
Hence, it’s great that you get the advantages of both sighting systems simultaneously.
Wrapping It Up!
My suggestion would be that, if feasible, you give a try to both and use them simultaneously since iron sights are a great way to reach a pro status – they demand a lot of practice. But yes, if you prefer to focus on convenience and great user experience, red dot sights won’t disappoint you. They’re less tiring, for sure.
Nonetheless, shooting is about having fun like any other sport. Make your statement with whatever equipment you choose. Leave your mark at the target!
See you next time with another amazing review!
If you have any queries left, head on to FAQs.
FAQs
How long do red dot sights last?
The minimum battery life for some red dot sights is 1000 to 3000 hours, but sights like Aimpoint or Holosun can go up to 10,000 to 50,000 hours.
Which is better: 2 MOA or 65 MOA?
2 MOA is used for acquiring targets at longer ranges; it provides more accuracy, while 65 MOA gives more speed and is used for target acquisition at a closer distance.
What would you suggest: red dots or holographic sights?
As I always say, it’s primarily about the user’s preference and application. Red dots are cheaper than holographic sights. They are also smaller and lighter and have more battery life. Both have durable options, but you can operate a holographic sight with a damaged front lens. Also, holographic sights are faster than red dot sights.
How far can you shoot with a red dot?
Typically a red dot sight gives maximum accuracy up to 100 yards. But this range can be increased or decreased considering the target’s and the dot’s size, type of sight, whether or not you’re using a magnifier, etc.
