Smoothbore weapons are preferred by both beginners and experienced hunters. Most shotguns are relatively inexpensive, easy to use, and have a wide variety of cartridges on the market. And, of course, they are suitable for almost all types of hunting (not to mention self-defense). Therefore, such guns are most common among hunters, and the most popular is the 12-gauge due to its greatest lethality. And, despite the fact that in this article we will primarily talk about the collimator for the 12-gauge, everything said for it is also true for calibers of lower power: 16-gauge, 20-gauge and Lancaster calibers (.366 and 9, 6/53), adjusted for recoil energy.

Regardless of the type of striking elements (shots, buckshot or bullets), the main difference smoothbore weapons 12 gauge from other types of firearms are:

• The most powerful muzzle energy(up to 4,500 J for Magnum cartridge);
• Shortest sighting distance(usually no more than 100 meters for a bullet).

Both of these parameters, due to the simplicity and reliability of the optical design, are satisfied by most collimator sights. And since smoothbore firearms- the most common question among hunters and shooting enthusiasts is which red dot sight to install on a 12-gauge shotgun - one of the most common questions that our specialists have to answer. In this article, we have collected all the experience in operating red dot sights, collected based on the results of numerous reviews from our customers, mainly hunters.

We have grouped the catalog of collimator sights for smooth-bore weapons by type of mounting on the weapon: using the links below you can go straight to choosing a sight.

If it is difficult for you to choose from a variety of models, below in this article is presented, which is based on hunter reviews, the number of sales and the number of complaints (or more precisely, the complete absence of returns for these models). Still, we strongly recommend that you read the article below.

Impact limit

In case you don’t read to the end of the article, we will make the main warning at the very beginning:

Important! Muzzle energy of 12 gauge - 4200 J, 12 Magnum - 4500 J. Basic collimators can withstand 3800 J.

Accordingly, the recoil of the weapon causes a colossal shock load on the sight and bracket. When choosing a sight, first of all pay attention to the muzzle energy of the cartridge, correlate it with the weight of the weapon and the characteristics of the sight, which are indicated in its passport. Despite the relatively high cost shotguns, you need to take the choice of a sight based on shock load seriously: most cheap models of sights are not suitable for smoothbore guns. And you definitely shouldn’t order unknown brands (or fakes of famous ones) from China.

At this point, you should separately warn about the dangers of ordering scopes directly from China and the counterfeit products that have flooded the market. Each domestically produced sight is tapped on a stand (like) to eliminate defects. Chinese manufacturers save on technological processes and, if they do not control the technological chain, skip the stage of mechanical tests. By ordering from China at your own peril and risk, you lose the opportunity to return the scope, as well as warranty support. This also applies to counterfeit products - here we can give only one recommendation:

Pay attention to the price (famous brands cannot cost a couple of thousand rubles) and information about the seller: companies that have been operating in the optical market in Russia for a long time care about their reputation.

What is the unreliability of such sights? For example, with a collimator sight, a fairly simple optical device, after several shots the aiming mark deviates from the axis of the shot. Hunters have repeatedly approached us with requests to repair such sights, which, of course, is impossible. In the saddest case, the scopes completely “scatter” - they literally lose the lenses...

In most cases, installing an optical sight on a smooth-bore weapon is pointless (there are special cases when 12-gauge optics would be justified). This is due to several factors. First of all, this is a short firing distance from smooth-bore guns - at such distances everything can be seen quite well, without the magnification that standard optics provide. In addition, when shooting from a shotgun, “catching a target,” especially a fast-moving one, will be much easier with full vision, that is, with two eyes, which is impossible when using optics. And the last thing is the weight of the optical sight, which upsets the balance of the weapon (often very light). As a result, the optimal choice for a smoothbore gun is a red dot sight, which is used when shooting at short distances, allows you to aim without covering your other eye, and is usually lightweight.

The photo shows the Hakko Flipup II sight based on the Weaver-IZH-43

The influence of the design of 12-gauge weapons, striking elements and type of hunting on the choice of a collimator sight

The collimator sight is better suited than other types of sights for smooth-bore weapons and in particular 12-gauge weapons at all target firing distances:

• 30 meters for self-defense,
• 50 meters for hunting with shot and buckshot,
• 100 meters for hunting with a bullet.

And although the distance range indicated above is approximate, it is primarily influenced by the design of the weapon and the type of striking elements. Weapons and striking elements are selected according to the type of hunting and type of game. And yet, more often than not, a 12-gauge smooth-bore gun is used mainly for hunting summer game (goose, duck) or large animals (elk, wild boar). These are fast moving targets and the speed of aiming at the target largely depends on the viewing angle of the sight. And the viewing angle is better with an open collimator sight...

Open or closed

Regarding the belief of many hunters regarding an open collimator sight that such a sight gets clogged more often than a closed collimator, we briefly note that this is true, for example, during a snowfall. Of course, snowfall or heavy rain are not the best weather conditions for hunting.

You should make a choice in favor of an open sight in case of hunting “offhand”, moving targets or in self-defense; in favor of a closed sight - if the animal does not see you and there is time to take aim: stealthily, in ambush or when hunting with a bullet at large animal. Additionally, a closed sight has less parallax, making it “more accurate,” which is important when hunting at long range (with a bullet).

The advantage of self-loading smoothbore carbines is their rate of fire. To enhance this advantage, it is necessary to quickly compensate for the weapon’s deviation from the target with the powerful recoil of the 12-gauge. And here again the wide-angle open collimator wins.

Without straying too far from the characteristics of collimator sights, in order to understand which ones are better, let’s figure out what other types of collimator sights exist and what criteria should be used to choose one. On our website we talk about the characteristics of red dot sights; here we will consider only factors that are significant for 12-gauge.

Kinds

Collimators are a class of sights that include several types that are perfect for smoothbore guns. They are united by a number of undeniable advantages, which are as follows:

1. Fast and easy aiming. Unlike an open sight, with a collimator, the mark combines both the rear sight and the front sight. Thanks to this, aiming becomes easier and faster, as it is easier for the eye to focus.
2. Prevents distortion of target dimensions. Unlike an optical collimator, the collimator does not magnify the image; you can aim with both eyes.
3. Provides a wide field of view. This is especially important for hunting offhand and fast-moving targets, such as birds.
4. Much easier compared to other types. When hunting from the approach, when you have to track an animal, this is especially important. Also pay attention to the weight of the bracket.

Thus, a hunting collimator sight for a smoothbore shotgun of this type is the optimal choice for almost any hunt. It is perfect for a hunting rifle. Such devices are divided into several types:

1. By type of energy consumption:

with built-in batteries. Unlike optical ones, almost all modern collimator devices belong to this type. Their special feature is that they operate on batteries, so their aiming mark is constantly on.

American Rubicon sight from Bering Optics (battery-powered illumination)

working offline having a built-in element, the charge of which is sufficient for several years of operation. For example, the reticle of which is illuminated using a tritium element for 5-8 years. This one was developed specifically for Kalashnikov assault rifles and, thanks to the monolithic design of the body with a side bracket, it is better suited than others for smooth-bore Saiga, Vepr, etc. collimators operating due to the glow of fiber optic front sights, for example, sight PFO 1x25, which, despite the simplicity of its design, is popular among hunters and we have repeatedly received positive reviews about it.

PFO 1x25 sight, operating without batteries due to the fiber optic front sight. Ventilated strip.

1. By type of housing:

Open. They have compact dimensions and light weight. Their advantages also include a wide viewing angle.	An open type option is the Pilad 1x30 Weaver. Completely covered with a protective cap.
Closed. Equipped with a protective housing and lenses. They have somewhat larger dimensions, but are more unpretentious to weather and operating conditions.	Option closed type- Pilad 1x20 Avis

1. By type of mark projection:

• collimator The design of the tag is carried out on the face, which is located on the front of the device. Externally, the mark can be in the form of a dot, a dot in a circle, a square, or crossed lines;
• holographic. This collimator sight is of the open type and is suitable for smooth-bore weapons. The peculiarity of this type lies in the hologram on which the aiming mark is located, visualized by a laser beam. Conventional and three-dimensional reticles are applied to it. They are always clearly visible, regardless of the light level, and they are always in the center, even if the hunter looks from different angles. Compared to other types of collimators, holographic ones are more expensive;
• dioptric ( for sport shooting, not used for hunting). Thanks to the large sighting line, this type provides maximum shot accuracy. In addition, diopter sights guarantee high aiming speed, since the process of combining the front sight and the aperture-hole is greatly simplified.

1. By type of fastening

Most red dot sights already have a monolithic bracket with the body. Such a mount greatly reduces the overall cost of the sighting device, especially when the gun is already equipped with a corresponding rail. For your convenience, we have grouped red dot sights by type of attachment to the weapon:

There are usually no issues with installing a red dot sight on a smoothbore shotgun under Weaver - here you just need to pay attention to the length of the bar on the weapon (or the adapter bar), so that it is not shorter than the length of the sight. But for the dovetail and ventilated strip - be sure to measure the width of the strip before ordering! They are different even within the same model ().

Pilad 1x42 on Weaver	Pilad 1x42 dovetail	Pilad 1x42 on ventilated strip

1. In terms of internal functionality:

• with the presence of laser target designators (laser designators) - which can be convenient for self-defense at close range or shooting a bullet at medium range, without changing the sight to an optical one or a magnifying attachment;
• with replaceable aiming marks. This option allows you to adapt to the time of day (for example, at dusk), the type of terrain (dense forest or open field) and the type of game;
• with magnification or magnifying attachments (tactical).

The American Precision Reflex sight is equipped with a laser sight with an external button	The compact and lightweight Hakko BED-35 Panorama (wide-angle) sight has a MR-02 reticle changing system	Veber Wolf Prismatic 4x32 RGB sight has 4x magnification

How to choose

1. Muzzle energy and recoil resistance. This parameter is always indicated in the scope's specifications.
2. Optical design of the sight. Open sight - wider viewing angle, which will be an advantage at short distances, for shooting at moving targets. Closed - better protected and has less paralysis.
3. Changing the brightness of the aiming mark - the maximum brightness will “illuminate” the target.
4. Sight weight.

Additional technical issues and questions can be clarified by contacting sales consultants in the store when choosing a model.

Rating of red dot sights

To simplify the selection process, below is a brief overview of the models and the best collimator sights with optimal characteristics for smooth-bore weapons:

1. Pilad P1x42 Weaver sight from the manufacturer VOMZ.

Pilad P1x42

This option is rightfully considered one of the best. Features include the ability to withstand any caliber. Pilad P1x42 Weaver is an affordable open collimator. Distinctive feature This particular model is that it provides the hunter with a wide field of view - 180 degrees, which creates the necessary conditions for accurate shooting at moving targets or shooting "on the fly". The aiming reticle is available in three types, the reticle is illuminated in three options, and its brightness can also be adjusted. Excellent characteristics and low weight (0.15 kg) make Pilad P1x42 Weaver the optimal option for various types weapons. Models for dovetail mounting and ventilated strip are also available.

1. American scope for 12 gauge Rubicon, 3 MOA - Weaver.

Rubicon Weaver

An open-type model with compact dimensions and a lot of advantages: a wide field of view, clear image transmission without distortion, a durable aluminum body, manual switching on and adjustment of the brightness of the mark, a simple installation and adjustment process. A reliable choice for mounting on a 12 gauge shotgun. The 3 MOA reticle is perfect for shooting both large game bullets (such as wild boar) and bird shot. The manufacturer Bering Optics has a similar model with automatic switching on and auto-adjustment of the tag brightness bigger size 5 MOA, which is more suitable for birds - OP-LA Reflex.

1. Compact closed-type collimator Hakko BED-70 weaver.

Hakko BED-70

Hakko BED-70 is a universal compact model of a closed-type red dot sight. Can be installed on any Weaver based weapon. The 4 MOA reticle is best suited for medium to large game at 200 meters and closer. The advantages include the presence of 11 gradations of brightness, the absence of parallax up to 100 meters, a light weight- only 100 g, and also a simple battery replacement process. The sight does not allow water to pass through and is waterproof. Traditionally for Japanese Hakko sights, the sight has a lifetime warranty.

1. Collimator.

PKU-2 is a closed-type sight and closes the rating of red dot sights. Of the models presented in the rating, PKU-2 is cheaper than its Japanese (Hakko) and American (Aimpoint) counterparts, but is not inferior to them in terms of characteristics: resistance to any caliber, high resistance to damage. Compact and lightweight - its weight is only 0.14 kg, the sight is practically not felt on the gun, making its use especially convenient. It has an extremely durable body - made of aircraft-grade aluminum. There is a possibility of adjusting brightness - 12 gradations. The model is suitable for use in the most extreme conditions, since the temperature ranges from -40 to +50 °C. Separately, it should be noted that the sight is mounted on a Weaver sighting rail. PKU-2 is a worthy choice for smoothbore weapons.​

Other types of sights for shotguns

Most likely, you no longer have doubts about the type of sight. And, despite the fact that the red dot sight is indeed better than other types for all firing ranges from 12-gauge smoothbore weapons, for special cases other types of sights can be used, for example:

• laser or a combination of laser + collimator - for self-defense (at short distances, indoors);
• optical - for people with low vision, sports or amateur target shooting;
• night vision - obviously for use in the dark.

The effectiveness of shooting depends not only on the practical skills of the hunter or athlete. You can train for years, but still not achieve the desired precision in combat. There are several types of devices that become indispensable assistants for novice shooters and people with impaired vision during the fishing process (or at the stand). One of them is a collimator sight, which is a type of optical device.

Not everyone understands why a red dot sight is preferable to traditional optics for a 12-gauge smoothbore shotgun, and this should be explained for those who do not have sufficient experience in hunting with a smoothbore shotgun.

Firstly, any shotgun has a limited range of shots. The maximum is up to 120 m, and this is subject to an enhanced charge, which is rarely practiced. It is unlikely that multiple magnification is required at such distances. Therefore, the purchase of expensive optics is not justified.

Secondly, fishing with smoothbore weapons is most often carried out using the running method. Consequently, shooting is predominantly done offhand. The slightest delay and a miss. Therefore, in such situations, a traditional optical sight is a poor help.

A collimator is essentially a universal device. In it, the mark (dot) replaces both the rear sight and the front sight of a smoothbore weapon. When hunting at close ranges, a red dot sight is much more effective than any expensive optics and cheap frame devices that are installed on the muzzle of the barrel. Therefore, it is considered an intermediate option, and for a 12-gauge shotgun it is the best choice.

Aiming does not require closing one eye, as is done when installing traditional optics on a weapon. It is more than convenient for walking hunting and saves a lot of time, allowing you to make an accurate shot at a running (flying) object in a matter of seconds.

Another argument in favor of installing a collimator on a 12-gauge smoothbore weapon. Firstly, shooting is usually done with shot. And its spread is such that maximum alignment of the aiming line is not required to hit the target. Secondly, 12 gauge is the largest. Consequently, its area of ​​coverage with “shot residue” (at equal distances) is greater than that of other guns. The main thing is to choose wisely best option collimator sight for a specific type of hunting.

Rating of the best red dot sights for a 12 gauge smoothbore shotgun

There are several series of optical devices of the same brand on sale. All their advantages are noted based on reviews from athletes and hunters, which are easy to find on forums and websites of the relevant topic.

Prices are approximate, for the Moscow region, in Russian rubles.

SIGHTMARK

Model SM1

Series 3005. This red dot sight is perfectly suited for fishing in low temperature conditions. At temperatures down to -25 ºС, the brightness of the glow does not change. Light weight The device, protection from mechanical damage and falls from a height make it attractive for lovers of running hunting. Price – 9,000.

Series 3003B (BOX 1x33). Open type collimator. Advantages - excellent panoramic visibility, the presence of several types (up to 4) of aiming marks, which ensures the accuracy of the shot with both a bullet and a shot charge. Price – 6,290. Series 3001. Attracts, first of all, with its small dimensions. This device belongs to the category of mini-sights, so it is perfect for those hunters who prefer to fish in places with dense vegetation (forest belts, etc.). The specific design of the lens provides visibility in a large sector without moving the barrel of a 12-gauge weapon. Price – 8,190.

Model SM2

The 6003 series collimator sight stands out here. Such models are called ultra-compact (weight - 60 g). Type – open. The battery capacity allows for continuous illumination (when fully charged) for 8–9 days. Hunters note the ease of use when proactively shooting, that is, at a moving object (hare, ducks taking off, etc.). Price – 8,430.

LEAPERS

Model SCP

Series RD40RGW-A. Collimator type – closed. The main advantage is quick installation on smooth-bore weapons. This allows you to carry the device in a special case while moving to the hunting location. Another plus is that there are 2 colors for the aiming mark: red – clearly visible against the background of foliage and grass; green – for autumn and winter fishing. Price – 2,680.

DS3028W series. Another closed-type collimator sight. Advantages - good protection from impacts, ease of installation on smooth-bore weapons, sufficient viewing angle (at a distance of 100 m it is equal to ± 160). Price – 3,890.

Aimpoint Micro

This model of red dot sight is considered one of the best for 12 caliber smoothbore weapons. It optimally combines the advantages of open (ease of use, light weight) and closed (reliability, inertness to recoil) types of optical devices. The battery is designed for 48,000 hours of operation, and the quality of the backlight does not decrease even at extremely low temperatures.

This collimator is not afraid of water (allowable immersion is 5 m) and can be installed not only on a 12-caliber smoothbore shotgun, but also on other types of weapons equipped with a ventilated rail. Price – from 32,990.

DOCTER Sight (Model III 3.5)

The type of collimator sight is open. The main highlight is the ability of the optics to independently adjust the brightness of the backlight depending on the lighting conditions. This creates convenience during winter hunting - you don’t need to press against the cold butt for a long time and take aim. The mount is proprietary, universal. Price – from 18,190.

The red dot sights given as an example are not the only high-quality ones. There are also models on sale from other manufacturers, to which there are no special complaints - “Hakko BED” (Japan), “EOTech” (USA). But this is explained not only by their high reliability, but also by low demand - they are much more expensive, which is why they are purchased less often by owners of smooth-bore weapons. Accordingly, there are not so many reviews.

To be fair, it should be noted that all devices under these brands entering our market are manufactured in China.

Many positive reviews about Russian development optics for smoothbore weapons. The Cobra collimator (EKP-8-21 series) is excellent for 12 gauge. The price is significantly lower than many foreign analogues - 12,780, and the quality is not inferior to them.

For smooth-bore weapons, including those, it is advisable to focus on open-type devices. They are more compact and provide good visibility. If the sight is closed, then it should be a holographic collimator, and not the old-style model, when when aiming you had to close one eye to connect 2 dots.

Mounting type

You should immediately clarify whether it is suitable for a specific 12 gauge weapon. There are collimator sights on sale with a universal locking mechanism. They are preferable for two reasons. Firstly, you don’t have to do “trying on” right in the store (and to do this, come to it with your gun). Secondly, if you plan to purchase a more advanced weapon instead of the old model, then the collimator will not need to be changed.

Type of marks

There are several options, depending on the collimator manufacturer - a single dot, also in a circle; intersecting lines; triangle. It is advisable to try out the ease of aiming from different models of the device. Here, third-party recommendations are unnecessary - only your own feelings. The only thing that needs to be clarified is at what distance this sight is most effective.

Dimming limits

A collimator is considered good if it has at least 5 replaceable marks. But these are active types of sights, suggesting their use in the dark. They cost more, so you should think about whether this optical device is really needed for running hunting, during the day. But for a sit-down it’s an excellent choice.

Power supply

Here it is short - battery is preferable. The fact is that all battery-type elements, colloquially called “tablets”, are sensitive to sub-zero temperatures. During winter hunting, this will directly affect the quality of functioning of the collimator sight.

Price

One of the main points when choosing a device. By definition, high-quality optics cannot be cheap. Example – branded binoculars, glasses, microscopes. There are various models of collimator sights manufactured “in China” everywhere on the market. In many respects, they are characterized quite well, but there is a significant drawback that completely eliminates all the existing advantages - they are sensitive to recoil. Because we're talking about about smooth-bore weapons of 12 caliber, then it is quite significant.

No professional can predict how the device will behave after the first shot, especially if it is fired with a Magnum cartridge. Therefore, it is better not to take risks and spend money on a more reliable red dot sight from a well-known manufacturer.

Using an open sight, the shooter achieves the location of three objects on one line, called the sighting line: the target, the front sight and the rear sight. Since, according to the laws of optics, it is impossible to simultaneously keep three objects in focus, it accommodates the eye to a point located on the front-rear sight segment and dividing this segment in a ratio of approximately 2:1. By this he achieves approximately equal clarity of observation of both the front and rear sights. The target is visible blurry. A type of open sight for hunting life-threatening animals, provides faster aiming. Uses a V-shaped rear sight and a large front sight with bright color point, which at the moment of aiming is “placed” in the slot. Due to the large front sight, it is difficult to aim at a target beyond 200 meters and therefore is not used in military weapons.

Closed sight

There are several types of similar sights, structurally united entirely in the form of a disk, located in close proximity to the shooter’s eyes, with an aperture hole.

Annular— with this sight, the shooter seems to directly look through the aperture at the front sight, aligning it with the target and instinctively aligning the line of sight with respect to the light spot projected by the aperture onto the eye. This type is superior in many ways to the open sight: the aiming speed is higher due to the simplification of the procedure for combining the front sight with the rear sight (the eye intuitively finds the position at which the front sight stump is aligned with the middle of the ring), a large aiming line ensures higher accuracy (the rear sight of an open sight must be located from the shooter’s eye at a significant distance, otherwise when aiming it blurs, which forces you to shift it forward, sacrificing the length of the aiming line - the ring, on the contrary, should be located in close proximity to the eye, which is why weapons with a ring sight get a longer aiming line), more convenient to aim in low light conditions; The disadvantages include: the rear sight partially blocks the visual field, the time it takes to transfer the sight from one target to another is often higher, in addition, this type of sight is prone to getting clogged. It should be noted that in Russian literature this type of sight is often called “dioptric” - in fact, such a definition is erroneous due to a completely different optical principle used in it.

Ghost Ring- a type of ring sight for use in smoothbore weapons, a very large aperture and a thin rear sight rim. Provides the highest pointing speed at the expense of some loss of accuracy, which is not a critical point in this type of weapon.

Dioptric- a special type of aperture sight, in this version the rear sight completely blocks the view of the eye from the front, and the very small aperture itself (about the size of a human pupil) works like a pinhole camera, projecting an image onto the shooter’s pupil with greater contrast. This type of sight provides the highest accuracy of all possible mechanical sighting devices, the price for which is a long aiming time and difficulties with aiming in twilight and night conditions, it is for these reasons that this type of sight is installed almost exclusively on rifles for target shooting at long distances, and also requires especially the right way aiming.

Holographic sight

The holographic sight is an open type sight, so the shooter does not have to close his other eye while aiming. The large field of view allows the shooter to use peripheral vision and instantly react to an emerging threat. The hologram forms an image of the aiming mark and performs the functions of an aspherical reflector, like a lens in a conventional CP. The holographic aspherical reflector provides significantly smaller parallax errors than a conventional spherical thin lens and allows the sight to be made very compact. Typically, GPs are significantly more expensive than their collimator counterparts, since the hologram can be obtained as a result of an expensive and complex technological process. If the technical requirements are not met, the hologram can distort and decompose bright objects observed through it into a spectrum. It should be noted that the aiming speed with a holographic sight is much higher than with a closed collimator or optical sight, so it is often used when shooting at moving targets.

Many hunters, having purchased a smoothbore gun, begin to think about how they can tune it. The first thought is to install optics. But it seems to me that installing an optical sight on a smoothbore gun makes no sense, and here’s why.

Firstly, shooting from a smoothbore gun is carried out at a relatively short distances(up to 50 m with shot, and up to 100-120 m with a bullet). At such distances, any increase will be unnecessary. Secondly, they most often shoot from a shotgun offhand, and catching a target, especially one moving quickly, will be very difficult.

What does a red dot sight do? Having a special optical design, the collimator allows you to replace the rear sight and front sight with one point. You no longer need to combine three points at different distances from the eye: target, front sight and rear sight.

When is a collimator needed? It is most advisable to use a red dot sight when shooting at short distances up to 100 m, especially if the target is moving quickly. This is bird hunting, driven hunts, picking up wounded animals, etc. Can a red dot sight replace an optical sight? In short, no.

Rather, a red dot sight replaces open sights. From all that has been said, it is clear that the optimal magnification is 1x. In addition, it is extremely advisable to look at the target, as they say, both ways when shooting. We must also not forget that most scopes, even 1.2-4x20 variable sights or analogues, are quite large in size and weight.

So, we can conclude that the most suitable devices for installation on a smoothbore gun are compact devices of small size and weight, which make it possible to shoot with two with open eyes. Red dot sights are very close to the described formulation. Let's take a closer look at them.

A common feature of all collimators is the lack of focusing (they simply don’t need it) and the ability to position it at any distance from the shooter’s eye. Collimators can have interchangeable aiming marks, which makes it easier to aim and make corrections for distance or lead (in the case of a moving target). First of all, red dot sights can be divided into closed and open.

CLOSED TYPE COLLIMATORS (KZT)

The KZT is a tube similar to an optical sight, the difference is that the KZT is much lighter and more compact. More recently, it was possible to come across “deaf” devices, looking into which we are surprised to find that nothing is visible at all, except for one luminous point.

It worked as follows: raising the gun, the shooter looked into the collimator with one eye and saw the dot, with the other - at the target. In the shooter's head, the images were combined, and when aimed correctly, a dot was projected onto the target. Such devices quickly disappeared from sale, as they had enormous parallax and “turned off” one of the shooter’s eyes, severely limiting the view. Fortunately, they have been replaced by normal closed collimators.

KZTs are smaller and lighter than optical sights, but still quite bulky. But they have one advantage over open collimator sights: at the same price, a closed collimator sight will be more durable and protected. Also a big plus is the good visibility of the tag in any light, even on a bright sunny day.

OPEN COLLIMATORS (CAT)

CAT is a small device on which the image of the aiming mark is projected onto a small screen or lens. CATs can be both quite massive and ultra-compact (literally the size of a matchbox). Open type collimators are the most compact, practically do not reduce the view and, in my opinion, are more aesthetically pleasing, although, of course, they differ in taste and color...

Disadvantages include less durability (mainly due to the lens) and reduced visibility of the brand in bright sunlight. A very interesting version of the CAT is the holographic sight. Its main difference is the complete absence of parallax, the focusing of the reticle is in the target plane, the reticle itself can be anything, including three-dimensional, the reticle is changed by changing the holographic screen.

A special feature of a holographic sight is that a shot can be fired when the aiming mark and the target are aligned, in an arbitrary position of the shooter or weapon.

Like an optical sight, any collimator must be sighted after installation, for which purpose they have adjustment drums. For most tasks, especially with smooth-bore weapons, it is enough to align the aiming line with the collimator mark using a cold sighting device.

To install a collimator sight, it is necessary that the weapon has seats (“dovetail”, weawer, etc.). It is important to note here that it is highly desirable that the collimator be mounted on a quick-release bracket and that the additional rails and mounts of the bracket do not block the sighting rail of the shotgun. Whatever one may say, no matter how compact the collimator is, it still protrudes greatly beyond the dimensions of the weapon, so it can be knocked down or damaged when moving with a weapon, flooded with water or splashed with mud when hunting waterfowl.

Another weak link in the collimator is the power supply. Most of them are battery-operated, as are open collimators, which are powered by small coin-cell batteries that are very sensitive to low temperatures.

First of all, you need to decide on the type of collimator. For shotguns and large-caliber rifles, in my opinion, closed or open holographic collimators are more suitable. For small-caliber rifles and rifles of caliber up to 7.62x39 (and analogues), open collimators are more suitable. After choosing the type of sight, you need to find out whether the collimator mount will fit the base of your gun.

The fact is that most closed collimators and all open ones have integrated brackets, and it will be almost impossible to change them later. The collimator you choose should have an adjustable reticle brightness, and it is advisable that it be replaceable. Good collimators have from 5 to 9 different marks.

A lot of red dot sights have appeared on our market. There are very cheap models, from 15 USD, which can only be used for toys or light pneumatics.

When choosing a sight, you should remember that a red dot sight is just that: a sight, i.e. quite a complex optical device. In addition, when shooting, it experiences large overloads, so it cannot be cheap.

Finally, I would like to mention Chinese-made collimators. At a fairly low price, they can have very impressive characteristics. It is often difficult to distinguish them “by eye” from the products of branded manufacturers. Unfortunately, they have one very unpleasant drawback - unpredictable quality.

Almost all of them withstand the recoil of small calibers well (.22Lr, 7.62x39, .223, etc.). But not everyone is able to withstand the recoil of a smoothbore gun, especially with magnum cartridges. Sometimes they simply go out, but more often the aiming mark begins to shift, which leads to inexplicable misses. This state of affairs makes you wonder whether it’s worth saving on a collimator and risking the long-awaited hunt.

A device that is useful for fans of sports shooting and professional hunters is a red dot sight. With its help, the effectiveness of conventional weapons increases and shooting becomes more accurate. In other words: a red dot sight is a proven way to improve a weapon.

Let's consider red dot sights mounted on 12 gauge. After installation, the beam will be aimed at the target. And this means: more efficient preparation, and faster and accurate shooting. The device is such that the shooter's eye is located far enough away from him, and the likelihood of injury due to recoil is minimized.

The collimator sight is also very popular among novice hunters - after all, they get an excellent assistant that constantly trains their accuracy. And people with vision problems feel more confident and achieve better results when using this device.

The sights discussed here are optical devices with electronic filling. Most of the mass-produced products of this type have a single multiplicity (i.e., officially, these are devices with low magnification). The tag is designed onto a lens located in the front of the device. Appearance marks can be different (dot, dot in a circle, crossed lines, or squares). Different types It is advisable to use tags for targets located at different distances (less than 100 meters, up to 400 meters and over 400 meters). You can select either the red or green label option. Another advantage is that this type of sights does not block the view and provides a clear image.

Video: Collimator sights are the shooter’s main tool for working at short distances

Types of sights

The brand of the scope also determines what type of illumination it has - active or passive. When the active method is selected, energy is taken from a compact battery. It is advisable to use the active mode in adverse weather conditions, as well as at night. The mark is projected exclusively for the right eye. The passive brand is not distinguished by either brightness or contrast; it can only be used in good lighting (during the day).

Manufacturers now offer two types of aiming devices: those that look like tubes, or those in the form of a frame with a lens in the front part. The main components of the tube are: an LED emitter and several lenses (usually 2). If we compare this device with the open type variation, it is somewhat larger, but compared to standard optical solutions it looks more compact and weighs less. Such tubes are produced in a durable casing, which is designed to protect all elements from sudden shaking during shooting. Such weapons are usually used when shooting from a securely unfixed position, so the closed version of the 12-gauge red dot sight is not very convenient for this.

Devices of the open variety have the advantage of light weight and decent visibility. But if it rains even a little, then using them is very problematic. Sometimes a halogen sight is also used, although professionals disagree on this issue, classifying it as a separate type of equipment. At first impression it is similar to an open variation frame. But the brand is projected onto the output screen through laser beam. This plate-shaped screen is easy to change if weather conditions require it. Neither fog nor precipitation is an obstacle to using such a device.

How to use

Consoles that can be quickly changed are the preferred location for mounting the sighting device. If the need arises, such a device can be quickly removed and the movement for game can be resumed. You can use this device to fire from a moving car or shoot at rapidly moving targets. If fire is fired from automatic weapons, then collimator sights are installed in the side of the receiver. Severe frost is the enemy of red dot sights, because... under its influence, the power supply may cease to perform its functions.

About red dot sights produced in Japan

If we take into account that most products (whatever type they are) are made in China, then for connoisseurs of special quality, the Hakko BED brand collimator sights, which are manufactured in Japan, will be of interest. When buying a Hakko sight, you can be sure that it was made in Japan, and from Japanese components. The construction is extremely durable, designed to last for many years of service. The excellent optical characteristics of these products are confirmed by experienced hunters. Buyer's choice: closed or open versions products. Closed devices have 11 levels of illumination. Those who have tried these products in action, including in extreme conditions, say that the sights really can withstand strong impacts and are not affected by heavy precipitation. And to prevent fogging, the inside is filled with gas. The recoil from 12-gauge rifles is not at all terrible for the Hakko red dot sight. The distance from the shooter's eye when using the Hakko does not matter significantly (although it is better to keep it at a minimum distance of 100 mm).

What is the best holographic sight?

When asked which reflex sight is preferable, experts who have tried many options say that this is the EOTech produced in the States. They make it based on a sight used in the army. Such open-type devices differ from their closest competitors in that their component is a laser optical device. Large selection of marker brightness control (21 stages in total). This ensures accurate shooting even in adverse weather. For those who want to hunt in any conditions, there are also models with a thermal imager and night vision. EOTech uses a complex system brand projection. It is enabled to avoid the parallax effect. Practice shows that even mechanical damage does not affect the operation of this device.

The automatic shutdown mode is used, which gives a significant operating time. Can be programmed for either 4 or 8 hours. Other advantages: compactness, lightness. Recommended for use on 12-gauge shotguns. The batteries used are standard AA batteries, which can be purchased at your local store or ordered online. You can replace them in a minute, without any complicated actions, without subsequent shooting. The disadvantages of such high-quality overseas products include only the high cost (for sophisticated models - 60 thousand rubles and more).

Another interesting offer from America

Another Sightmark red dot sight is also from the states, but its cost is noticeably lower than EOTech. But this does not mean that it is of unworthy quality. It is enough to download that the Yukon holding that produces it is a regular supplier for American cops and the army. These devices can be easily installed on 12-gauge weapons and have 7 brightness levels. They weigh little and are quite reliable. Some of them are produced under license in China.

About domestic goods

If we talk about collimator sights produced by domestic manufacturers, then the only option is “Cobra” (since we don’t make other similar devices). They install it using the dovetail mount on the Bekas weapon. The shooter can choose from: 16 gradations of brightness, 4 types of marks with the ability to remember data about them. At a distance of up to 600 meters, ballistics corrections apply. Owners of such devices say that after intense shooting (multiple shots), the settings are not lost, and there is no noticeable deformation in the seat. Good aiming is guaranteed with both one and two eyes. Disadvantages include weight above average and height. Overall, a very reliable and recommended product.

Video: Red dot sight testing

Installation process

How to attach the device to a weapon is a question that worries buyers no less than the choice of model itself. With the exception of Saiga and Bekas, most types of smoothbore shotguns do not initially require mounting of other devices using consoles. Therefore, the hunter will have to make a choice from those technical solutions that this moment exist. And there are not many of them, either dovetails or bases (another name for “planks”).

Most often, a collimator sight is installed on Wever model rails, with the addition of seats. If the scope has mounting rings, it can be dovetail mounted. In addition, there are models designed to be mounted directly on the sighting bar. Such electronic devices are small in size and light in weight. For example, high-quality Docter sights. The light mark of such a device is clearly visible on snow and cloudy skies. But such an option is affordable only wealthy people, because maybe even more expensive than the gun itself.

About unreliable options that should be avoided

Sometimes domestic “masters” install a Weaver landing even on a dovetail. Special adapters are made for this. Moreover, there are no standard devices - each time a special approach is needed. For example, on the steel console of a device manufactured in Volgograd (VOMZ), you can place another sighting device with various mounting options. But the collimator sight designed for the 16-caliber IZH-27 can only be placed on a sighting bar with a maximum width of 7 mm. Such designs are not recommended for use not only because of the increased weight of the weapon, but also because its alignment is disrupted. Such adapters weigh 100 grams or even more. Those who have already used such homemade mounts in practice say that they have little reliability and after a dozen shots they already begin to become loose. The optical device can be installed with minimal weight. But according to calculations, for the IZH-27, the collimator sight should weigh within 90 grams.

Decent frame for top optical instruments

If you already have money for a high-class optical device, then it makes no sense to save money when installing it; then the money invested in the device itself will pay off in full due to the quality of shooting. During installation, it is worth remembering not only about the reliable fixation of a fairly massive sighting device, but also that both the bar and bolted connections must be immune to recoil loads. Moreover, for a long time. All sorts of homemade devices, no matter how much they are praised by the authors, are not suitable here - there is no confidence in their reliability. Only proprietary developments are suitable for guaranteed reliable installation of a 12-gauge collimator sight, and they can be easily purchased in online stores.

When choosing a product, make sure that its outline is the same as that of the receiver. Also look at the thickness of the box: it should be sufficient for cutting a hole and for cutting at least 3 turns. For cutting use prof. equipment.

How does the shooting go?

Using 2 rotating drum regulators, which come complete with most similar devices, make adjustments in 2 planes. Select the target that the charge should hit (at a distance of 35-50 meters); for the selected distance, remember the position of the controls. There is also an opinion that you can use only “cold shooting”. This means that a laser pointer is used. But with such shooting it is not always achieved desired result, because In hunting rifles, the axes of the barrel and chamber do not always coincide. To zero the chamber, use cold adjustment. When installing a 12-gauge red dot sight, you should not forget about the adjustment when shooting handheld and about significant recoil.

Video: Zeroing the collimator sight on the IZH-94.

There is no clear opinion among users about which scope model is the best. It all depends on the conditions in which it will be used, on the skill of the hunter, on what weapon it will be mounted on, and what ammunition will be used. It is also said that open guns are preferable on 12 gauge shotguns. The choice also depends on how much the hunter is willing to pay.