How To Sight In A Red Dot Scope Without Shooting? – 2023 Guide

While hunting, you need something basic and precise possessing great speed. A red dot scope overwhelms rapid shooting and is quick. If you are a shooter of handguns, shotguns, or rifles, you can profit by the red dot. For an amateur, it may not be simply having an ideal sight of your target without jolting and pulling the trigger.

To sight in a red dot scope, it is a process of setting the scope where your target is; by pointing the barrel of the gun. The barrel is used for deciding the direction of your bullet and it offers no adjustments.

To hit the bullet on the desirable point, you need the reticle. But know that, the reticle is unable to control the bullet.

What is a Red Dot Scope?

A red dot scope is an optical device used for magnifying a target. This scope is mostly used when you make a target in a shorter range. A red dot scope works by placing the reticle and the target in a similar line and gives you a focal point. So, you can hit your target precisely without missing any chance.

How to Sight in a Red Dot Scope Without Shooting?

To learn sighting in a red dot scope without shooting, there are some steps including loose installation, stability, lining up, making adjustments, and tightening it; follow these steps to appreciate a precise sight.

Loose Installation

The first step is to install the scope but make sure it is not tightened up but loose. You just need to tighten it to a degree where it can provide you with better eye relief. So, just check the distance if it is good from your eye to the scope or not.

Stability

The rifle or shotgun must be stable as it is a critical step to be followed. Make sure the rifle is on a stable and secure surface i.e., on an absolute level.

Line It Up

Lining up your reticle is a crucial point. With appropriate positioning, you need to line up the reticle with your target. The target is squared in the crosshairs providing proper eye relief. Lining up needs to be done at a specific distance. Now get the bore of the gun down to a particular point in a specific range, and sight the target.

Make Adjustments

Turn on your red dot sight and change the rifle so the beam of laser is straightforwardly in the center of your objective. The laser will show where the slug will hit to tell you when the sighter is totally lined up with the barrel.

In case you are operating a laser that heaps into the chamber, make sure it is planned for the exact type of your rifle to guarantee a protected and precise shot.

Tighten It Down

At the point when you are sure of the arrangement, the last step is to fix the sighter. Inquire as to whether you have done everything cautiously and with a reason. Likewise, make sure your objective is on an absolute level.

The following video will help you in understanding it better:

Why Sight Your Rifle Scope?

Since the bullet travels in a parabolic direction rather than straight to the target, you must sight the rifle scope before firing. And if you believe the target is clear to the naked eye, this is important.

You must sight your rifle scope regardless of what task you are doing, such as hunting or rifle shooting. In this regard, the type of ammunition used is also essential. You will also have the following advantages:

  • It allows you to hit the target with pinpoint accuracy. You will be in a safer shape to strike the mark in the first place if you do not fire wildly.
  • You will get a good estimate of the maximum distance at which you can reach the target. Since you can fire and miss from a certain distance, you can get a feel for the range, and the hit-and-trial technique can help you figure out the ideal distance from which to hit the target.
  • You will fire safely, and you know exactly where the bullet would go. In any scenario, safety comes first. As a result, you must ensure that neither you nor anybody else in the vicinity is injured during the shooting process.
  • It is something of a morale builder, which is crucial for newcomers who lack the inspiration they need.

Why Sight in a Scope Without Shooting?

Now that you know why sighting is useful, you should learn how to sight in scope without firing. But first, let us see why it can be done without shooting.

  • It guarantees protection on and around the shooting range since everything must be checked before firing.
  • When you are running low on ammunition or don’t want to waste them, it is a good idea to sight your rifle scope without firing. This is especially useful if you are not an expert.

Significant Factors To Remember Regarding Red Dot Sight

When you go through the sighting process with your lens, keep in mind that it operates on the same general premise as a scope with a mirror. As a result, you can keep the following points in mind:

Specifications of Lenses

It would be helpful if you knew what your rifle scope’s two lenses were like. The Ocular lens is the one nearest to the ears, and the Objective lens is the one at the other end of the spectrum. As a sniper, you should be aware that the above is crucial because its scale decides how much light you can have within your lens, and therefore how much magnification and illumination of your target you will have.

Magnification of your Rifle Scope

The amount of magnification you need depends on your preferences. Often remember that the magnification you set for yourself will eventually decide how accurate your magnification is when adjusting your rifle’s sight.

Before sighting your rifle lens, you can always change the magnification; else, precision would be affected. You must adjust the magnification such that the scope remains light, and keep in mind that even the highest magnification does not guarantee brightness.

Types of Red Dots

Red dots are adaptable, and they can be used on a variety of firearms. There are many styles to choose from, each with its own purpose. These types are;

  • Standard Rifle Optics
  • Red Dot Miniature

Rifle Optics (Standard)

how to sight in a red dot scope

Normal rifle optics resemble a tube and are sized to fit the palm of an adult’s hand. Their architecture would encourage them to fire on a standard range. Other functions include a 2 or 3 MOA red hot, as well as the ability to use a magnifier to fire from a greater distance.

Red Dot Miniature

The miniature red dots are used on small handguns and are very small. They can also be used with a conventional rifle. The majority of designers are creating tiny red dots in limited sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best red dot sight for the money?

The best budget red dot sight can be chosen by considering some significant factors like the type of red dot sight (reflex red dot sight, prismatic red dot sight, and holographic red dot sight), compatible size, battery, reticle size, and price. In our recommendation, the best budget red dot sight is Ade Advanced Optics Compact RD3-009 Red Dot Reflex. This sight is waterproof, shockproof, fog-resistant, and offers unlimited eye relief.

Are red dot sights good on pistols?

You will need a red dot scope for your gun if you want quicker target acquisition, better low-light firing, and more precise long-range shots. The abundance of choices is excellent news for snipers looking to add a quality reflex sight to their CCW, home protection, or service weapon.

What distance should you zero a red dot sight?

The best distance to set your zero for a fixed height rear sight or a red dot is 50 yards. Along with your red mark, you will typically have backup iron sights, which are both simple to zero at 50 yards. The 50 yd/m zero is around the same height as a 200 yd/m zero at 100 yards.

What’s better 3 MOA or 6 MOA?

A 3 MOA dot would cover a 1.6 MOA dot at 50 yards while you are staying on a goal “a circle A 6 MOA dot will surround a ~3.2 inches a circle. A smaller dot has more accuracy, but the larger dot is easier to pick up and easily position on goal. We would recommend 6 MOA for your purposes.

Why use a riser for a red dot?

how to sight in a red dot scope

The primary purpose of risers is to clearly set front sights. However, if the red dot is set too low, the front sight will obscure the entire dot, making it impossible to see where it is pointing, and the riser helps you to raise the height to your liking.

Is a red dot sight good for hunting?

They are ideal sights for hunting for someone who needs to fire quickly and close while not requiring a high level of accuracy. This includes the majority of deer hunters. You keep your head in any direction you want as long as you can see the red dot, place the dot on what you want to target and shoot. So, yes, red dot sights are useful for hunting because they allow you to enjoy accurate hits.

Conclusion

The red dot sight is your personal decision and for accurate, ideal, and better shooting, you need to follow the above rule. And now you can easily sight in the scope even without shooting. This article covers the installation of a red dot sight, types, significance, and some frequently asked questions.