Red Dot Sights

[jeffj13]

I'd like to add a red dot sight to a S&W 22s that I just purchased. I don't know anything about red dots except that I don't want to spend a lot of money (didn't spend a lot on the firearm). I'm wondering if you guys could answer a couple of questions for me:

I notices that red dots sights usually contain a measurement such as 42mm or 1 x 30mm. Is the 42mm or 30 mm the diameter of the sight? If so, is there an advantage and disadvantages to one vs the other?

In looking at post on this sight, it seems like Tasco and Simmons are pretty good brands for entry level sights. Any other brands to consider? Are there any brands to avoid?

Any appreciable difference between 4 MOA or 5 MOA?

Thanks for your help.

jeff

 

[jeffj13]

I'd like to add a red dot sight to a S&W 22s that I just purchased. I don't know anything about red dots except that I don't want to spend a lot of money (didn't spend a lot on the firearm). I'm wondering if you guys could answer a couple of questions for me:

I notices that red dots sights usually contain a measurement such as 42mm or 1 x 30mm. Is the 42mm or 30 mm the diameter of the sight? If so, is there an advantage and disadvantages to one vs the other?

In looking at post on this sight, it seems like Tasco and Simmons are pretty good brands for entry level sights. Any other brands to consider? Are there any brands to avoid?

Any appreciable difference between 4 MOA or 5 MOA?

Thanks for your help.

jeff

 

[butchd]

I can't answer your tech. questions but I'll tell you what I know. Break the choices down the the tubular type and the "Docter" style. Of the tube types check the Bushnell Trophy. You get a choice of various recticles in green or red. New around $150.00. Of the Docter types I went with the Burris Flash fire. I have had good luck with mine but hear bad things about their customer service. $200.00 over the net. Do a search in Auto Pistol and you'll find a post of a net company that sells all types of optics. Good company to deal with. You'll also see in those posts various of the Docter types on 41s and 52s. Weaver rails are the most common mounting but if you have to do as I and mount in the place of the rear sight, Look for a guy on the Forum who goes by "Kend". If he's still here he sells for or owns a company in GA. He's top shelf and very helpful. I wish I could be more exact but along with my vision, age has worked on my memory. The red dots have made plinking a lot more fun. Best wishes.

 

[Toxic Avenger]

Ultra Dot's Match Dot is very nice.

 

[handgunner356]

I've used several different brands/types and have settled on the Millett tube type. I'm right handed/left eye dominant and found that my left eye wanted to take over because I could see the screen with both eyes. With the tube type only my right eye sees the dot. The other thing you'll notice is that you need to focus on the target as opposed to the gun/sights. The MOA is the size of the dot that is seen, 5min would appear to be 5"@100yds. I find the smaller dot/tube good for fixed targets like Bullseye. The larger dot(10-20min) and tubes or moving games like IPSC/USPSA are easier to pick up quickly and for close in targets. I have several friends that use 3-5min dots on their shotguns for deer hunting, they like them becuse they are quick to get on target and let them focus on the deer even if they're moving. You mention not spending a great deal on one but you'll find that the cheaper ones don't always have a nice sharp dot, one of the reasons I went with the Millett, although they are not overly expensive.