Sighting Systems: 3 Sights and How to Choose the Right One

Aug 31, 2022

An important feature of a rifle is a sighting system. This allows the shooter to more accurately target their shots, which can be crucial in hunting or competition situations. A well-designed system will also help to improve the overall accuracy of the rifle.

Sighting systems are important for several reasons: they help improve accuracy, they make it easier to hit targets at long range, and they can make follow-up shots quicker and simpler. In addition, certain types of sights can be used in low-light conditions or to magnify the target. If you are looking for a new rifle, be sure to pay attention to the type of sighting system that is included. It could make all the difference in your shooting performance.

The most common is the open, otherwise known as iron, which is typically found on hunting rifles. These use a front and rear sight that line up with each other to help the shooter aim. Other options for sighting systems include red dots and lasers.

Let’s take a closer look at each.

Iron / Open

Iron sights are the simplest and most basic type of sighting system. They consist of a front and a rear sight that line up with each other to form an aiming point. Irons are typically the most accurate out of the options, but they can be more difficult to use in low-light conditions or when targets are moving quickly.

Red Dots

The red dot option is similar to irons in that they consist of a front and rear sight. However, instead of lining up the two, the red dot on the front is placed on top of the target. Red dots are easier to use than irons, but they can be less accurate at long range.

Lasers

Lasers project a small red dot onto the target, making it easy to aim without having to align the traditional front and rear sights. Lasers are the easiest type of sighting system to use, but they can be easily damaged or obscured by dirt and debris.

Tips for choosing the right sight

If you are considering adding one to your rifle, there are a few things to keep in mind. There’s a wide variety of options when it comes to the sighting systems available on the market, so you should take some time to research the different options to ensure your choice will help you shoot most accurately.

  1. First, make sure that the sight you choose is compatible with the specific model of rifle you have. With so many options available, be sure to find one that will work with your particular gun.
  2. Keep in mind what type of shooting you will be doing most often and consider the most common environments in which you will be taking your rifle. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so select the one that will work best for your shooting style.
  3. No matter what type of system you choose, be sure to practice using it before heading out into the field. Spending some time at the range will help you to get used to aiming with it and ensure that you are able to hit your target accurately. Becoming familiar with how your particular sight will help you make the most accurate shots possible.

Each has its own set of pros and cons that should be considered before making a final decision on your investment. With a bit of careful consideration and a little practice, you will be able to take full advantage of the benefits that a sighting system can provide.

You can visit our Build Your Own Rifle page to customize your next rifle, or you can call us at (360) 559-6210 for more information.