A Brief History of Reflex Sights
Optical Sights Pave the Way to Easier and Quicker Focus on the Target
Optical Sights Pave the Way to Easier and Quicker Focus on the Target
With the development of science and technology and the rising different demands, the evolution of firearms has been changed so as the sight systems in time.
The idea of getting image by collimator was implemented by Howard Grubb in early 1900s. Grubb utilized sunlight in the first “reflex” sight he designed. In this design, a reticle existed in the lens that passed the incoming sunlight through. The shadow cast by this reticle was then reflected on the lens the shooter was using. [1]
Even though, Grubb applied this concept and produced it in a compact form and mounted on a rifle, the design was first used by military during World War I, in fighter aircrafts. [2] These sights were preferred constantly during the Second World War, especially on planes and ships. However, these newer sights use electronic lights instead of sunlight or ambient light. The first patent of the modern reflex sights, powered by batteries and reflecting LED light directly to the lens, was registered in 1975 [3]
Traditional iron sights are used by lining up the front and rear sight together with the target and are still a common sight on firearms, but electro-optical sights are becoming more widespread day by day as well.
Electro-optical sights have similar functionality to holographic or prismatic sights but it could be produced with different mechanisms and operating principles. The electro-optical sights used in pistols are considered “reflex sights” most of the time. In this structure, LED light is directly reflected on the lens, and the shooter sees the light collector in the lens as a dot.[3] These products are also known as “red-dot sights” by the public/general usage due to the fact that the aiming point is seen as a dot.
Why Are Reflex sights Picking Up Momentum?
1. Line of Sight in a Single Point
With reflex sights, simply putting the dot on the target is enough to get a correct line of sight, instead of traditional sights, which require lining both front and back sights with the target. This convenience during aiming both increases accuracy and prevents faulty aim that may appear with iron sights. According to a study conducted by 30 participants, shots taken with traditional iron sights were 75 percent on target, while this number was 98 percent with a reflex sight. [4]
On the other hand, reflex sights can help users with light or medium refractive error to aim much more easily and precisely, with a much clearer line of sight. The conveniences offered by reflex sights are making them more popular day by day.
2. Speed and Smoothness
It is easier to aim with reflex sights, increasing the user’s engagement speed at the target. This makes a great difference in situations where the shooter must fire multiple targets. The shooter can engage in the target quicker and move from one target to another much more rapidly and smoothly.
The speed advantage by reflex sights to the shooter leads to sport shooters preferring to use these kinds of sights in competitions like IDPA or IPSC where every millisecond matters. Many sport shooters today use reflex shooters in the competitions. These competitions have different categories, like IDPA’s “Carry Optic” division, for pistols with reflex sights. At the IDPA European Championship held in 2022, when the top 10 pistol competitors were analyzed by category, it was seen that there are more competitors in the Carry Optic category compared to other categories. In the 2022 IDPA Turkey Championship, it is seen that 9 athletes in the top 10 are athletes competing with reflex sights.
3. Effects on Situational Awareness
The field of vision of an eye approximates an ellipse about 150° high by about 210° wide, and it cannot focus on two different points at the same time. [7] A Shooter using traditional iron sights to aim must focus on the sights to ensure no errors are made. On the other hand, another shooter using reflex sights can focus on the target rather than the sight, ensuring s/he can track the target much more effectively.
In addition, the shooter may aim with both eyes open, utilizing the field of view of both eyes, and prepare for potential threats that may come from other angles by having a much higher situational awareness.
4. Target Acquisition during Low Light Conditions
Even though shooting during low light conditions is possible with various techniques, it is very hard to do with traditional iron sights. In addition, iron sights may limit our field of vision, already hampered by the dark, even more. However, reflex sights work with their own light sources, making aiming in low light conditions possible.
Reflex sights do not shrink the field of vision like iron sights thanks to their transparent lenses, and they allow other devices to get in between the eye and the sight. This device may be simple glasses, but something complex like night vision devices.
What to Consider When Choosing Reflex Sights
The advantages we have listed above influence the military and law enforcement, sport shooters, civilian users, and more to choose and use reflex sights. On the other hand, these users must choose the most suitable optic for their situation, and this is a significant issue. We have listed the fundamentals of choosing reflex sights for you.
1. Size and Compatibility
One of the most important criteria to consider when choosing an optical sight is the compatibility between the firearm and the sight. If this firearm is a pistol, certain factors must be known the level of optical suitability for the pistol, if a mounting interface exists for the sight to be fitted and if the size of the sights is compatible with the pistol, etc.
It is recommended to use a pistol with an optical housing that supports the co-witnessing feature.
2. Area of Use
As with pistols, various designs for different user profiles exist for reflex sights. In this statement, the user should choose a reflex sight suitable for his or her usage case and needs.
For example, security forces assigned to field duty may need a “closed system” reflex sight as this kind is more resilient against environmental factors like rain, mud, and sand. On the other hand, for civilian users who need to carry their pistols concealed, a compact size sight may be more suitable rather than closed system sights, which are bulkier by comparison.
3. MOA
Technical specifications for the sight must be considered as well. MOA (Minute of Angle) is among these specifications and an angular measurement unit defined as one-sixtieth of a degree. The size of the aiming dot in reflex sights, the reason these sights are known as “red-dot sights”, is measured by MOA.
The dot of sight with 1 MOA is smaller than a sight with 3 MOA. An accurate and precise analysis of the target can become difficult in high light environments with intense sunlight, rain, and glass surfaces.
Likewise, if dust, grime, or other external factors in the field that may affect the optics are prevalent, then a smaller dot may be a disadvantage again.
A sight with a larger MOA will be a better choice in these situations.
Depending on the size of the aiming dot, a dimmer reticle in low light conditions disrupts the shooter’s vision less, and in bright conditions, a brighter reticle may be more useful for a correct sight picture. The reticle brightness is adjusted automatically in some sights depending on the ambient light, while some others offer their users the ability to set the reticle brightness manually.
4. Parallax Free
A must go for reflex sights, “Parallax Free” is the feature that ensures the shooter can see the aiming dot on the correct place, regardless of the distance or angle seen from the sight.
Technology Is Meaningful Only If it is in good hands
It must not be forgotten that neither reflex sights nor any other kind of accessory can transform a user into a sharpshooter if there are no correct shooting fundamentals. The way to being a sharpshooter requires correct training and practice.
CANiK Academy opens its doors to everyone who would like to develop up-to-date techniques and tactics!
Stay safe and stay tuned!
References:
[1] John Murray, Science Progress, Volume 76, page 498
[2] Harry Woodman (1989). Early aircraft armament: the aeroplane and the gun up to 1918. p. 239. ISBN 9780874749946.
[3] US Patent and Trademark Office No 3942901
[4] Comparative Pistol Project. (2011). Norwich University, Department of Justice Studies and Sociology, 6.
[5] IDPA European Championship 2022. Practiscore. (2022, November 14). Retrieved February 24, 2023, from practiscore.com/results/new/2e7655e8-b076-4b9a-809a-f21258f8da5b
[6] Turkish National Championship 2022. Proctiscore. (2022, December 4). Retrieved February 24, 2023, from https://practiscore.com/results/new/838dce47-aaee-4572-b2df-e2f23ea51cbc
[7] Smith Warren J., Modern Optical Engineering, Third Edition, Mc-Graw-Hill Inc, 2000.
With the development of science and technology and the rising different demands, the evolution of firearms has been changed so as the sight systems in time.
The idea of getting image by collimator was implemented by Howard Grubb in early 1900s. Grubb utilized sunlight in the first “reflex” sight he designed. In this design, a reticle existed in the lens that passed the incoming sunlight through. The shadow cast by this reticle was then reflected on the lens the shooter was using. [1]
Even though, Grubb applied this concept and produced it in a compact form and mounted on a rifle, the design was first used by military during World War I, in fighter aircrafts. [2] These sights were preferred constantly during the Second World War, especially on planes and ships. However, these newer sights use electronic lights instead of sunlight or ambient light. The first patent of the modern reflex sights, powered by batteries and reflecting LED light directly to the lens, was registered in 1975 [3]
Traditional iron sights are used by lining up the front and rear sight together with the target and are still a common sight on firearms, but electro-optical sights are becoming more widespread day by day as well.
Electro-optical sights have similar functionality to holographic or prismatic sights but it could be produced with different mechanisms and operating principles. The electro-optical sights used in pistols are considered “reflex sights” most of the time. In this structure, LED light is directly reflected on the lens, and the shooter sees the light collector in the lens as a dot.[3] These products are also known as “red-dot sights” by the public/general usage due to the fact that the aiming point is seen as a dot.
Why Are Reflex sights Picking Up Momentum?
1. Line of Sight in a Single Point
With reflex sights, simply putting the dot on the target is enough to get a correct line of sight, instead of traditional sights, which require lining both front and back sights with the target. This convenience during aiming both increases accuracy and prevents faulty aim that may appear with iron sights. According to a study conducted by 30 participants, shots taken with traditional iron sights were 75 percent on target, while this number was 98 percent with a reflex sight. [4]
On the other hand, reflex sights can help users with light or medium refractive error to aim much more easily and precisely, with a much clearer line of sight. The conveniences offered by reflex sights are making them more popular day by day.
2. Speed and Smoothness
It is easier to aim with reflex sights, increasing the user’s engagement speed at the target. This makes a great difference in situations where the shooter must fire multiple targets. The shooter can engage in the target quicker and move from one target to another much more rapidly and smoothly.
The speed advantage by reflex sights to the shooter leads to sport shooters preferring to use these kinds of sights in competitions like IDPA or IPSC where every millisecond matters. Many sport shooters today use reflex shooters in the competitions. These competitions have different categories, like IDPA’s “Carry Optic” division, for pistols with reflex sights. At the IDPA European Championship held in 2022, when the top 10 pistol competitors were analyzed by category, it was seen that there are more competitors in the Carry Optic category compared to other categories. In the 2022 IDPA Turkey Championship, it is seen that 9 athletes in the top 10 are athletes competing with reflex sights.
3. Effects on Situational Awareness
The field of vision of an eye approximates an ellipse about 150° high by about 210° wide, and it cannot focus on two different points at the same time. [7] A Shooter using traditional iron sights to aim must focus on the sights to ensure no errors are made. On the other hand, another shooter using reflex sights can focus on the target rather than the sight, ensuring s/he can track the target much more effectively.
In addition, the shooter may aim with both eyes open, utilizing the field of view of both eyes, and prepare for potential threats that may come from other angles by having a much higher situational awareness.
4. Target Acquisition during Low Light Conditions
Even though shooting during low light conditions is possible with various techniques, it is very hard to do with traditional iron sights. In addition, iron sights may limit our field of vision, already hampered by the dark, even more. However, reflex sights work with their own light sources, making aiming in low light conditions possible.
Reflex sights do not shrink the field of vision like iron sights thanks to their transparent lenses, and they allow other devices to get in between the eye and the sight. This device may be simple glasses, but something complex like night vision devices.
What to Consider When Choosing Reflex Sights
The advantages we have listed above influence the military and law enforcement, sport shooters, civilian users, and more to choose and use reflex sights. On the other hand, these users must choose the most suitable optic for their situation, and this is a significant issue. We have listed the fundamentals of choosing reflex sights for you.
1. Size and Compatibility
One of the most important criteria to consider when choosing an optical sight is the compatibility between the firearm and the sight. If this firearm is a pistol, certain factors must be known the level of optical suitability for the pistol, if a mounting interface exists for the sight to be fitted and if the size of the sights is compatible with the pistol, etc.
It is recommended to use a pistol with an optical housing that supports the co-witnessing feature.
2. Area of Use
As with pistols, various designs for different user profiles exist for reflex sights. In this statement, the user should choose a reflex sight suitable for his or her usage case and needs.
For example, security forces assigned to field duty may need a “closed system” reflex sight as this kind is more resilient against environmental factors like rain, mud, and sand. On the other hand, for civilian users who need to carry their pistols concealed, a compact size sight may be more suitable rather than closed system sights, which are bulkier by comparison.
3. MOA
Technical specifications for the sight must be considered as well. MOA (Minute of Angle) is among these specifications and an angular measurement unit defined as one-sixtieth of a degree. The size of the aiming dot in reflex sights, the reason these sights are known as “red-dot sights”, is measured by MOA.
The dot of sight with 1 MOA is smaller than a sight with 3 MOA. An accurate and precise analysis of the target can become difficult in high light environments with intense sunlight, rain, and glass surfaces.
Likewise, if dust, grime, or other external factors in the field that may affect the optics are prevalent, then a smaller dot may be a disadvantage again.
A sight with a larger MOA will be a better choice in these situations.
Depending on the size of the aiming dot, a dimmer reticle in low light conditions disrupts the shooter’s vision less, and in bright conditions, a brighter reticle may be more useful for a correct sight picture. The reticle brightness is adjusted automatically in some sights depending on the ambient light, while some others offer their users the ability to set the reticle brightness manually.
4. Parallax Free
A must go for reflex sights, “Parallax Free” is the feature that ensures the shooter can see the aiming dot on the correct place, regardless of the distance or angle seen from the sight.
Technology Is Meaningful Only If it is in good hands
It must not be forgotten that neither reflex sights nor any other kind of accessory can transform a user into a sharpshooter if there are no correct shooting fundamentals. The way to being a sharpshooter requires correct training and practice.
CANiK Academy opens its doors to everyone who would like to develop up-to-date techniques and tactics!
Stay safe and stay tuned!
References:
[1] John Murray, Science Progress, Volume 76, page 498
[2] Harry Woodman (1989). Early aircraft armament: the aeroplane and the gun up to 1918. p. 239. ISBN 9780874749946.
[3] US Patent and Trademark Office No 3942901
[4] Comparative Pistol Project. (2011). Norwich University, Department of Justice Studies and Sociology, 6.
[5] IDPA European Championship 2022. Practiscore. (2022, November 14). Retrieved February 24, 2023, from practiscore.com/results/new/2e7655e8-b076-4b9a-809a-f21258f8da5b
[6] Turkish National Championship 2022. Proctiscore. (2022, December 4). Retrieved February 24, 2023, from https://practiscore.com/results/new/838dce47-aaee-4572-b2df-e2f23ea51cbc
[7] Smith Warren J., Modern Optical Engineering, Third Edition, Mc-Graw-Hill Inc, 2000.
