In addition to fast target acquisition, there are plenty of other reasons to use a red dot optic. Instead of focusing on the sights, the shooter focuses on the target, placing the red dot where he wants the projectile to strike. Then he has to align both with a fuzzy target somewhere downrange.Ī red dot optic makes the whole process easier, especially for inexperienced shooters. Thus, the shooter is left to focus on the front sight while aligning it inside a blurry rear notch. It is impossible for the human eye to focus on three different objects at three different distances. When using fixed sights, the shooter must incorporate objects at three different distances into the sight picture – the rear sight, the front sight post, and the target. How do red dots speed up target acquisition? I’m glad you asked. This also makes them well-suited for other uses, including hunting, tactical applications, and personal defense. Red dot sights dominate in speed-based competition for this very reason. Why Use a Red Dot Sight?įast target acquisition is the main benefit of red dot optics. The shooter uses the illuminated red dot to aim at a downrange target. The lens bounces a reflection of the dot back to the shooter’s eye.