One of the great things about red dot sights is their versatility. You can mount them just about anywhere on your AR-15, which gives you a lot of options for configuration and personalization. But with all those choices comes the question: where should you mount your red dot sight?
In this guide, we’ll go over some of the best places to mount a red dot sight on your AR-15, as well as some things to keep in mind when making your decision.
• 3 Factors To Consider Before Placing The Sight
• Best Placements For Red Dot Sights On AR-15
• What Are The Benefits Of Using A Red Dot Sight On An AR-15?
• How To Choose A Red Dot Sight For An AR-15?
3 Factors To Consider Before Placing The Sight
There are a few factors to consider when deciding where to mount your red dot. The first is what type of optic you’re using. If you’re using a magnified optic, you’ll want to mount it further forward on the rail so you can get the full benefit of the magnification. But if you’re using a non-magnified red dot, you can mount it just about anywhere.
Another factor to consider is what type of shooting you’ll be doing. If you’re going to be doing a lot of long-range shooting, you’ll want to mount your red dot closer to the rear of the rail so you can get a full field of view. But if you’re mostly going to be shooting close-range, you can mount it closer to the front.
Finally, you’ll want to consider your own personal preference. Some people like to have their red dot close to the rear of the rail so they can use both eyes when shooting, while others prefer to have it closer to the front so they can use their dominant eye. Ultimately, it’s up to you where you mount your red dot sight.
Best Placements For Red Dot Sights On AR-15
1. On the receiver – This is one of the most popular locations to mount a red dot sight. It gives you a clear and unobstructed view of the dot, and it’s out of the way of your charging handle.
2. On the handguard – This is a popular location for close-range shooting or if you’re using a magnified optic. It puts the dot closer to your eye so you can get on target quickly.
3. On the gas block – This is another popular location for close-range shooting. It puts the dot closer to your eye and keeps it out of the way of the charging handle.
4. On a scout mount – This is a good option if you want to keep your red dot sight close to the rear of the rail. It gives you a full field of view and keeps the dot out of your way when you’re charging the gun.
5. On a 45-degree offset mount – This is a good option if you want to be able to use your red dot sight for close-range and long-range shooting. It puts the dot in the corner of your eye so you can use both eyes when shooting.
Ultimately, it’s up to you where you mount your red dot sight. There are a lot of different factors to consider, but the most important thing is that you’re comfortable with the placement. Experiment with different locations until you find one that works best for you.
What Are The Benefits Of Using A Red Dot Sight On An AR-15?
There are a lot of benefits to using a red dot sight on an AR-15. Red dot sights are extremely versatile and can be used for a variety of different applications. Here are just a few of the benefits:
1. They’re fast – Red dot sights are very quick to get on target. This is because they allow you to keep both eyes open when shooting. This gives you a wider field of view and makes it easier to find the dot.
2. They’re accurate – Red dot sights are very accurate. This is because they allow you to align the dot with your target quickly and easily.
3. They’re easy to use – Red dot sights are very easy to use. They don’t require you to align your eye with the sight like traditional iron sights. This makes them much easier to use, especially for people with vision problems.
4. They’re durable – Red dot sights are very durable. They’re often made from aircraft-grade aluminum, which makes them very resistant to damage.
5. They’re versatile – Red dot sights are very versatile. They can be used for a variety of different applications, including close-range shooting, long-range shooting, and even competition shooting.
How To Choose A Red Dot Sight For An AR-15?
Now that you know the benefits of a red dot sight and where to mount it, it’s time to choose the right optic for your gun. There are a few different factors to consider when choosing a red dot sight, including:
1. Magnification – One of the first things to consider is whether or not you want a magnified optic. If you’re going to be doing a lot of long-range shooting, you’ll want an optic with magnification. But if you’re mostly going to be shooting close-range, a non-magnified optic will suffice.
2. Dot size – Another thing to consider is the size of the dot. If you’re going to be doing a lot of long-range shooting, you’ll want a smaller dot so you can get on target more easily. But if you’re mostly going to be shooting close-range, a larger dot will suffice.
3. Battery life – Finally, you’ll want to consider the battery life of the optic. If you’re going to be doing a lot of shooting, you’ll want an optic with a long battery life. But if you’re only going to be shooting occasionally, you can get by with an optic with a shorter battery life.
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you should have a good idea of what type of red dot sight you need for your gun. If you’re still not sure, feel fee to take a look at our post on the best red dot sights for AR-15 for some concrete product suggestions and reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you mount a red dot sight on an ar15?
When mounting a red dot sight on your AR15, it’s highly recommended to place it on the forward half of your top rail. This advantageous position comes taking into account the unique characteristic of red dot sights which is its non-existence of eye relief. This means you are graciously given the liberty to position your head as near or far from the sight as you wish. I have consistently found this position beneficial from my countless times on the range. In comparison to magnified scopes, this flexibility allows for effective operational handling and targeting.
What is the best height for a red dot on ar15?
The optimal height for mounting a red dot on an AR15 is something many continue to discuss, yet a common preference is either at 1.93 or 2.26. The reason behind these specific heights lies in their capacity to maintain the shooter’s head in an upright position for improved shooting comfort. Drawing from the vast variety of scenarios I have encountered, I tend to recommend a height of 1.93 over 2.26. This is due to the consideration that 2.26 is frequently higher than necessary in most cases, thus contributing to needless strain and potential shooting inconsistency.
Where should the red dot be when aiming?
Positioning the red dot when aiming highly depends on your personal preference. However, it’s generally recommended to have the dot hover over your target without obscuring it. This way, you can see both the dot and the target clearly, which fosters an accurate shot. Using my experience as a tale of caution, I once made the error of placing this dot directly on my target, which obstructed my view and led to a disappointing miss.