Red Dot vs Iron Sights: Which is Better?

When it comes to shooting, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing between a red dot sight and iron sights. Both have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to understand the differences in order to make an informed decision. In this article, we'll take a closer look at red dot vs iron sights, including their pros and cons, and help you decide which is the best option for you.

Iron Sights

First, let's start with iron sights. Iron sights are the classic option for shooters. They've been around for centuries and have been used by military and law enforcement for decades. Iron sights are simple, reliable, and accurate. They consist of a front and rear sight that are aligned to aim at the target. The rear sight is typically adjustable for windage and elevation, allowing you to fine-tune your aim. Iron sights are best used for hunting, target practice, or situations where precision is important. They're slower than red dot sights, as they require a minimum of three points of alignment, but experienced shooters can use them for just about anything.

At Ozark Armament, we offer a variety of iron sights, including our Flip Up Backup Iron Sights for AR-15. These sights are made from aircraft-grade aluminum and are spring-loaded for quick deployment. They're fully adjustable for windage and elevation, and they mount to any standard Picatinny rail system. Plus, they have a low profile when folded down, so they're out of the way when you don't need them. With our 45 Degree Flip Up Backup Sights, you can get an offset to not interfere with other accessories or optics. They're lightweight, durable, and fits any standard Picatinny rail system.

Pros of Iron Sights:

• Simple and reliable
• Accurate
• Durable
• Adjustable for windage and elevation
• Low profile when folded down
• Suitable for close-range target acquisition
• Good for precision shooting

Cons of Iron Sights:

• Slower to use compared to red dot sights
• Not as good for fast-paced shooting situations

Red Dot Sights

Now let's take a look at red dot sights. Red dot sights are a relatively new addition to the shooting world, but they've quickly become popular among shooters of all skill levels. Red dot sights use a red or green dot to indicate where the bullet will hit the target. They're designed to be quick and easy to use, which makes them ideal for fast-paced shooting situations and short-range shooting or defense. Red dot sights allow you to keep both your eyes open, and they work well in low-light settings.

At Ozark Armament, we offer a lineup of red dot sights, including our Rhino Red/Green Dot Reflex Sight. This sight is ultra rugged, waterproof, and fog proof, and it's sealed to prevent dust and moisture from getting inside. It excels in short and medium range shooting with 4 MOA accuracy and has a wide field of view. It also comes with a red or green dot with adjustable brightness and co-witness capability out of the box. Plus, it's backed by our no B.S. lifetime warranty.

Pros of Red Dot Sights:

• Quick and easy to use
• Different colors available
• Adjustable to light differences
• Keep both eyes open
• Good for fast-paced shooting situations and target acquisition

Cons of Red Dot Sights:

• Not as good for long-distance shooting
• More expensive than iron sights

Conclusion

In conclusion, both red dot and iron sights have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, and it's important to consider your needs and preferences before making a decision. Iron sights are a classic, reliable option that are built to withstand heavy use. Red dot sights, on the other hand, are designed to be quick and easy to use, making them ideal for fast-paced shooting situations & target acquisition.

Think of red dot sights as a GPS system for your firearm, like the one in your car. Just as a GPS system quickly and easily guides you to your destination, a red dot sight quickly and easily guides you to your target. It's simple to use, easy to understand, and allows you to get to your destination (or target) fast.

Iron sights, on the other hand, are like a traditional paper map. They take more time to use and understand, but they provide a detailed and precise information. They are reliable and accurate, and are built to withstand heavy use. Just like a map, iron sights allow you to fine-tune your aim and navigate your way to your destination, but it takes more time and practice to master.

At Ozark Armament, we offer a wide range of iron sights and red dot sights to suit your needs, and all our products are backed by our no B.S. lifetime warranty. Ultimately, the choice between red dot vs iron sights will depend on the type of shooting you'll be doing and what you're most comfortable with, but with the right product, you can't go wrong.

FAQs

What are the main differences between red dot sights and iron sights?

Red dot sights are designed to be quick and easy to use, making them ideal for fast-paced shooting situations and short-range shooting or defense. Iron sights, on the other hand, are a classic, reliable option that are built to withstand heavy use and typically add less weight to your build.

Which is better for close-range target acquisition, red dot sights or iron sights?

Red dot sights. Red dot sights are great for close-range target acquisition because they are quick and easy to use. They have a red dot aim point, allow for both eyes to be open and have adjustable brightness for different lighting conditions. They are perfect for fast-paced situations and short-range shooting or defense.

Can red dot sights be used for long-distance shooting?

Red dot sights are not as well-suited for long-distance shooting as the dot can be too large to be precise at longer ranges, and the lack of magnification can make it more difficult to hit targets that are far away.

Can I co-witness with iron sights and a red dot sight?

Yes, some red dot sights like the Rhino Red/Green Dot Reflex Sight from Ozark Armament are designed to co-witness perfectly with any Ozark Armament iron sight or standard iron sights.

Is it better to use a red or green dot sight?

The choice between a red or green dot sight is a matter of personal preference. Some shooters find that the red dot is easier to see in bright light, while others prefer the green dot because it's easier to see in low-light conditions.

Are red dot sights more durable than iron sights?

Both red dot sights and iron sights are generally durable, but iron sights do not require power of any sort leaving them less vulnerable to be taken out of commission. With that being said, typically speaking iron sights are more durable than red dot sights.

Does Ozark Armament offer a warranty for their sights?

Yes, Ozark Armament offers a No B.S. Lifetime warranty for all their sights, ensuring that customers have a hassle-free experience with their products. In case of any issues, the customers are guaranteed a replacement or repair of the product.

Article Written By Matt Rice, Owner Operator of OZARK ARMAMENT Matt Rice is the founder and owner operator of OZARK ARMAMENT. He started the company in 2016 with a vision to bring quality, affordable firearm accessories to every person who wants to improve their shooting experience. With his dedication to providing old-school customer service and his attention to detail in the development and manufacturing of gear, Matt has helped OZARK ARMAMENT become a respected name in the firearm accessories industry.

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