RED DOT EXPLAINED
INTENSITY SETTINGS
WHEN AND WHY TO ADJUST THE RED DOT INTENSITY SETTING
Aimpoint red dot sights are designed for the user to easily adjust the intensity of the red dot to accommodate different lighting conditions, from dusk till dawn.
Adjusting the intensity can result in an apparent change of the size of the red dot.
Some shooters prefer to increase the intensity of the red dot in a situation where fast-moving targets require extremely fast target acquisition.
Similarly, decreasing the intensity can make the red dot appear smaller and provide better precision for longer shots.
RED DOT SIZES
WHY DIFFERENT MOA SIZES?
The dot in red dot optics is measured in MOA, which stands for "minutes of angle" - a unit for angular measurement of a circle.
It refers to the size of the dot and how much it covers at a certain distance.
A smaller red dot covers less of the target than a larger one. However, a larger red dot can be advantageous for moving targets.
1 MOA equals 1/60th of 1 degree.
2 MOA
The small dot does not obscure the target, even if the target is compact and far away.
If necessary, you can increase the intensity to over expose the dot, making it look little bit bigger. The target will be easy to see.
4 MOA
The 4 MOA red dot offers a perfect balance between the ability for close-up shots as well as engaging targets at a distance with maintained precision. The 4 MOA red dot could also be a solution if you have difficulties with seeing the smaller 2 MOA dot as round.
6 MOA
For close and fast-moving targets where the shooter might only get a split second to line up a shot, the 6 MOA dot is the optimal choice. The dot is big, bright, and easy to find encouraging fast target acquisition every time. Perfect for IPSC disciplines, dog handlers, etc.
HOW MUCH DOES THE RED DOT COVER AT CERTAIN DISTANCES?
| DOT SIZE | 5 M | 15 M | 25 M | 50 M | 100 M |
| 2 MOA | 0,3 cm | 0,9 cm | 1,5 cm | 3 cm | 6 cm |
| 4 MOA | 0,6 cm | 1,8 cm | 3 cm | 6 cm | 12 cm |
| 6 MOA | 0,9 cm | 2,7 cm | 4,5 cm | 9 cm | 18 cm |
1 in at 100 yards = 3 cm at 100 meters.
This means that the dot size will appear to be 1 inch in diameter on a target 100 yards out.
IMPROVE YOUR SHOOTING
Place the firearm in a safe condition prior to handling or making any of the exercises demonstrated below.
There is one rule and it’s simple. Keep both eyes open!
You lose valuable time focusing through the sight rather than focusing on the target. You also lose eye contact with the target and you don’t get a general view of the situation and surroundings.
After performing the exercises below you are ready to get the most out of your Aimpoint® sight and you will see how much easier and faster it is to aim your firearm with an Aimpoint® sight and you will improve your shooting.
EXERCISE 1
For a moment, lower your firearm and focus both eyes on the target. Next, without taking your eyes off the target, bring your firearm into position so that you are now looking at the target through the Aimpoint® sight (see image).
With your firearm shouldered, with both eyes open and focused on the target, the dot will naturally appear where you want your shot to hit (see image).
It’s that easy! When the dot is on target, so are you. Since all Aimpoint® sights are parallax free, you never have to worry about centering the red dot inside the sight.
EXERCISE 2
Are you having trouble with shooting with both eyes open? Try this simple training exercise:
Cover the front of your Aimpoint® sight with the lens cover.
Then bring your firearm into position while keeping both eyes focused on the target (see image).
The red dot will now be on the target.
Practicing this simple procedure will get you comfortable with keeping both eyes open while aiming at the target. That’s because with a traditional sight, your field of view is limited.
NIGHT VISION COMPATIBILITY
Some Aimpoint® sights are compatible with NVDs (night vision devices). This means that the sights can be used during the daytime, but also in darkness or low light conditions with NVDs.
The performance of Aimpoint® sights is optimized for use with all generations of night vision devices, but is especially suited for 3rd generation night vision technology.
Aimpoint's unique band-pass coating on the front lens reflects select frequencies of red light at almost 100% efficiency. This allows the highest possible dot brightness while transmitting nearly 100% of light in the infrared and near-infrared part of the spectrum.
This results in the clearest, brightest image possible when used with a 3rd generation NVD.
HOW IT WORKS
To maintain zero, the NVD must be used behind the sight. It can be mounted on a helmet or on the rail behind the sight.
When you turn the dot intensity switch, the first four to seven settings (depending on the sight model) are intended for use with NVDs. This means that the dot will only be visible through an NVD.
If you continue turning the switch past the nighttime settings, the dot becomes visible to the naked eye, and the sight can be used in daylight.
For a visual illustration, watch the animation below.
MAINTENANCE
Aimpoint® red dot sights don't require any particular maintenance while used under normal conditions.
Even so we recommend our sight users to read the following information.
UNDER SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS
EXTREME HEAT (MOIST OR DRY)
No special procedures required.
EXTREME COLD
Extreme cold might shorten battery life.
DUST STORMS AND SAND STORMS
Keep lens covers closed when sight is not being used.
SALT AIR
No special procedures required.
HIGH ALTITUDES
No special procedures required.
SEA SPRAY, WATER, MUD AND SNOW
Ensure that the battery cap and the two adjustment caps are tightened before exposing the sight to sea spray, mud, snow or before immersing the sight in water - hand tighten only. Clean lenses with lens paper or cloth and wipe the sight dry as soon as possible after exposure to water, sea spray, mud or snow.
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AIMPOINT® SIGHT LENS CLEANING
HOW TO CLEAN AND KEEP THE LENS IN GOOD CONDITION
The lenses shall never be cleaned with fingers, always use lens paper or cloth.
If no lens paper or cloth is available:
- To clear away debris (sand, grass etc.): blow away the dirt.
- To clean lenses: mist up the lenses or pour clean water on the lenses. Wipe them dry with a soft piece of cloth.
