Collimator sights for smoothbores. How to choose a red dot sight? Choosing a night vision scope

The effectiveness of shooting depends not only on the practical skills of the hunter or athlete. You can train for years, but still not achieve the desired precision in combat. There are several types of devices that become indispensable assistants for novice shooters and people with impaired vision during the fishing process (or at the stand). One of them is a collimator sight, which is a type of optical device.

Not everyone understands why a red dot sight is preferable to traditional optics for a 12-gauge smoothbore shotgun, and this should be explained for those who do not have sufficient experience in hunting with a smoothbore shotgun.

Firstly, any shotgun has a limited range of shots. The maximum is up to 120 m, and this is subject to an enhanced charge, which is rarely practiced. It is unlikely that multiple magnification is required at such distances. Therefore, the purchase of expensive optics is not justified.

Secondly, fishing with smoothbore weapons is most often carried out using the running method. Consequently, shooting is predominantly done offhand. The slightest delay and a miss. Therefore, in such situations, a traditional optical sight is a poor help.

A collimator is essentially a universal device. In it, the mark (dot) replaces both the rear sight and the front sight of a smoothbore weapon. When hunting at close ranges, a red dot sight is much more effective than any expensive optics and cheap frame devices that are installed on the muzzle of the barrel. Therefore, it is considered an intermediate option, and for a 12-gauge shotgun it is the best choice.

Aiming does not require closing one eye, as is done when installing traditional optics on a weapon. It is more than convenient for walking hunting and saves a lot of time, allowing you to make an accurate shot at a running (flying) object in a matter of seconds.

Another argument in favor of installing a collimator on a 12-gauge smoothbore weapon. Firstly, shooting is usually done with shot. And its spread is such that maximum alignment of the aiming line is not required to hit the target. Secondly, 12 gauge is the largest. Consequently, its area of ​​coverage with “shot residue” (at equal distances) is greater than that of other guns. The main thing is to wisely choose the best red dot sight for a specific type of hunting.

Rating of the best red dot sights for a 12 gauge smoothbore shotgun

There are several series of optical devices of the same brand on sale. All their advantages are noted based on reviews from athletes and hunters, which are easy to find on forums and websites of the relevant topic.

Prices are approximate, for the Moscow region, in Russian rubles.

SIGHTMARK

Model SM1

Series 3005. This red dot sight is perfectly suited for fishing in low temperature conditions. At temperatures down to -25 ºС, the brightness of the glow does not change. The light weight of the device, protection from mechanical damage and falls from a height make it attractive for lovers of outdoor hunting. Price – 9,000.

Series 3003B (BOX 1x33). Open type collimator. Advantages - excellent panoramic visibility, the presence of several types (up to 4) of aiming marks, which ensures the accuracy of the shot with both a bullet and a shot charge. Price – 6,290. Series 3001. Attracts, first of all, with its small dimensions. This device belongs to the category of mini-sights, so it is perfect for those hunters who prefer to fish in places with dense vegetation (forest belts, etc.). The specific design of the lens provides visibility in a large sector without moving the barrel of a 12-gauge weapon. Price – 8,190.

Model SM2

The 6003 series collimator sight stands out here. Such models are called ultra-compact (weight - 60 g). Type – open. The battery capacity allows for continuous illumination (when fully charged) for 8–9 days. Hunters note the ease of use when proactively shooting, that is, at a moving object (hare, ducks taking off, etc.). Price – 8,430.

LEAPERS

Model SCP

Series RD40RGW-A. Collimator type – closed. The main advantage is quick installation on smooth-bore weapons. This allows you to carry the device in a special case while moving to the hunting location. Another plus is that there are 2 colors for the aiming mark: red – clearly visible against the background of foliage and grass; green – for autumn and winter fishing. Price – 2,680.

DS3028W Series. Another closed-type collimator sight. Advantages - good protection from impacts, ease of installation on smooth-bore weapons, sufficient viewing angle (at a distance of 100 m it is equal to ± 160). Price – 3,890.

Aimpoint Micro

This model of red dot sight is considered one of the best for 12 caliber smoothbore weapons. It optimally combines the advantages of open (ease of use, light weight) and closed (reliability, inertness to recoil) types of optical devices. The battery is designed for 48,000 hours of operation, and the quality of the backlight does not decrease even at extremely low temperatures.

This collimator is not afraid of water (allowable immersion is 5 m) and can be installed not only on a 12-caliber smoothbore shotgun, but also on other types of weapons equipped with a ventilated rail. Price – from 32,990.

DOCTER Sight (Model III 3.5)

The type of collimator sight is open. The main highlight is the ability of the optics to independently adjust the brightness of the backlight depending on the lighting conditions. This creates convenience during winter hunting - you don’t need to press against the cold butt for a long time and take aim. The mount is proprietary, universal. Price – from 18,190.

The red dot sights given as an example are not the only high-quality ones. There are also models on sale from other manufacturers, to which there are no special complaints - “Hakko BED” (Japan), “EOTech” (USA). But this is explained not only by their high reliability, but also by low demand - they are much more expensive, which is why they are purchased less often by owners of smooth-bore weapons. Accordingly, there are not so many reviews.

To be fair, it should be noted that all devices under these brands entering our market are manufactured in China.

There are many positive reviews about the Russian development of optics for smooth-bore weapons. The Cobra collimator (EKP-8-21 series) is excellent for 12 gauge. The price is significantly lower than many foreign analogues - 12,780, and the quality is not inferior to them.

For smooth-bore weapons, including those, it is advisable to focus on open-type devices. They are more compact and provide good visibility. If the sight is closed, then it should be a holographic collimator, and not the old-style model, when when aiming you had to close one eye to connect 2 dots.

Mounting type

You should immediately clarify whether it is suitable for a specific 12 gauge weapon. There are collimator sights on sale with a universal locking mechanism. They are preferable for two reasons. Firstly, you don’t have to do “trying on” right in the store (and to do this, come to it with your gun). Secondly, if you plan to purchase a more advanced weapon instead of the old model, then the collimator will not need to be changed.

Type of marks

There are several options, depending on the collimator manufacturer - a single dot, also in a circle; intersecting lines; triangle. It is advisable to try out the ease of aiming from different models of the device. Here, third-party recommendations are unnecessary - only your own feelings. The only thing that needs to be clarified is at what distance this sight is most effective.

Dimming limits

A collimator is considered good if it has at least 5 replaceable marks. But these are active types of sights, suggesting their use in the dark. They cost more, so you should think about whether this optical device is really needed for running hunting, during the day. But for a sit-down it’s an excellent choice.

Power supply

Here it is short - battery is preferable. The fact is that all battery-type elements, colloquially called “tablets”, are sensitive to sub-zero temperatures. During winter hunting, this will directly affect the quality of functioning of the collimator sight.

Price

One of the main points when choosing a device. By definition, high-quality optics cannot be cheap. Example – branded binoculars, glasses, microscopes. There are various models of collimator sights manufactured “in China” everywhere on the market. In many respects, they are characterized quite well, but there is a significant drawback that completely eliminates all the existing advantages - they are sensitive to recoil. Since we are talking about 12 gauge smoothbore weapons, it is quite significant.

No professional can predict how the device will behave after the first shot, especially if it is fired with a Magnum cartridge. Therefore, it is better not to take risks and spend money on a more reliable red dot sight from a well-known manufacturer.

The law of the Russian Federation, which regulates the circulation of firearms, limits the permitted types of firearms for novice hunters, and therefore smooth-bore guns are most widespread. In addition, there are many inexpensive models on the market (especially the secondary market) with low cost of cartridges and maintenance. Therefore, choosing a sight for a shotgun is the most common question we are asked. We will cover this topic very briefly and with reference to other articles.

The content of the article

To select a scope, you need to understand three key features of smoothbore shotguns:

1. Cartridge power
2. Hunting conditions
3. Installation method for the selected sight

To begin with, let's look at the first two factors common to all guns of this type - cartridge power and hunting conditions (we will narrow the range of recommended sights), offer the best sights of each type (and explain why): optical, red dot and night vision, and then consider the options.

Cartridge power and hunting conditions

The 12th is the most popular caliber for smoothbore guns in Russia. It should be borne in mind that the muzzle energy of a heavy bullet, buckshot or shot is 4,000 ... 4,500 Joules - the maximum, and when using Magnum cartridges it can be even higher. Accordingly, the recoil of the weapon causes a colossal shock load on the sight and bracket. When choosing a sight, first of all pay attention to the muzzle energy of the cartridge and correlate it with the weight of the weapon and the characteristics of the sight, which are indicated in its passport. Despite the relatively low cost of smoothbore shotguns, you need to take the choice of a sight based on impact load seriously: most cheap scope models are not suitable for smoothbore guns. And definitely not worth ordering.

Shot and Buckshot

The distance for shooting with shot or buckshot does not exceed 35 meters. At such a distance, it is advisable to use only a red dot sight for hunting. If you already know for sure that you will only hunt in this way (for example, birds), go straight to.

For self-defense, the conditions of which involve closed spaces and short distances, it is possible to use a collimator or laser sight. There are also combined models - collimator + laser, all of them are listed in. Functionally, they do not differ from conventional collimators and we will not dwell on them in detail.

Bullet

The debate about the effective range of a bullet fired from a smoothbore gun will never subside. Some craftsmen achieve good accuracy: using an optical sight, a muzzle attachment (paradox) or a special barrel (Lancaster) and self-made bullets, they get a spread of 200..300 mm even at a distance of 150 meters! But still, it’s not worth talking about mass hunting in this way. In general, the effective range for a bullet from a smooth-bore weapon does not exceed 70 meters, and a confident kill of an animal is 50 meters. This distance is sufficient for hunting all large animals of the CIS countries, perhaps except for the swift bear. It is worth noting that a distance of 50 meters is suitable for almost all types of hunting.

Types and best models of sights for smoothbore

So, having dealt with the limitations on cartridge power related to the accuracy of a smoothbore gun - distance and, as a result: hunting options, we will consider all types of sights and models of sights suitable for a smoothbore gun.

Optical sight for smoothbore weapons

An optical sight on a smoothbore gun will most likely disappoint the hunter: unnecessary magnification for short distances will reduce the field of view and complicate aiming.

However, the use of such sights is justified in the following cases:

• for sports or amateur target shooting;
• to increase accuracy when firing a bullet at the maximum distances for a smoothbore (about one hundred meters);
• for hunters with low vision.

Below we list the best models of optical sights for smooth-bore weapons.

	Civilian equivalent of the legendary sight PU 3.5x22
Due to its low cost, lightness and reliability, the Vologda PO 3.5x20 sight is one of the most popular optical sights for smoothbore guns
Optical sights of variable magnification on smooth-bore weapons. A small magnification provides a wide field of view for quickly identifying an animal, and a small magnification (usually up to 4 times) helps to aim more accurately at medium distances. A universal and inexpensive variable magnification optical sight, the Hakko Hunter 1-4x20 can withstand the recoil of any smoothbore caliber.
Optical sights from the Novosibirsk plant are the standard of reliability. The new series of sights PO with the letter P are designed for installation on a rail. This quick-release mount will allow you to quickly replace the sight, for example, with a collimator one. If the weapon does not have a factory rail, a bracket is used to position the barrels.
	The compact and lightweight Japanese collimator sight Hakko BED-35 Panorama also has a MR-02 mark changing system (4 marks) and 7 steps of brightness adjustment. The thinnest body that holds the lens literally dissolves while aiming and focusing on an object, providing a panoramic view of the target. This is very convenient when shooting at moving targets, such as birds.
	The American Rubicon collimator sight from Bering Optics is no less compact and has an adjustable backlight, which is more convenient for those who do not like the “surprises” of automation. The scope has a universal 3 MOA mark, which is suitable for both slug and shotgun hunting. Its analogue with auto-adjustment of the brightness of a larger reticle (5 MOA, for game birds) is OP-LA Reflex.

Hunting for nocturnal animals is popular in Russia. It is difficult to hunt long distances in the dark, so smoothbore shotguns with their short range are often used for this type of hunting. To select a night vision scope, keep in mind that the sighting distance of a smooth-bore weapon will be short, so you should not chase expensive 2nd or 3rd generation image intensifier sights and, especially, thermal imager sights. However, when hunting at night you don’t have to shoot at a greater distance (for more details, see the article). Thus, it is more practical to use 1st generation sights, which allow you to aim up to 150 meters. But here, as with collimator sights, the muzzle energy of the weapon is important. Not all 1st generation scopes can withstand heavy recoil. If we consider the most popular 12 gauge, then the following night vision scope options are suitable for it:

Separately, it is worth noting digital night vision sights. Their design eliminates the glass bulb of the image intensifier tube, and therefore digital cameras can withstand any recoil. The first samples of digital sights were much inferior to sights with image intensifier tubes in the viewing angle and, which is important for smooth-bore weapons, in price. Now the cost of digital sights has decreased and continues to decrease, and if you have the opportunity, we recommend considering the option of purchasing an inexpensive digital one.

Types of smooth-bore weapons and sight mounting options

Smoothbore weapons have many varieties. The difference lies in the number of barrels and their location, as well as in the use of different calibers and reloading method.

An important factor for selecting a sight for a smooth-bore weapon is its installation. So many guns were made with the calculation of aiming exclusively using a mechanical sight, which often affected the lack of seats. To solve this issue, consider popular smoothbore shotguns.

Double-barreled hunting rifle IZH-27

The IZH-27 shotgun has a number of features. Firstly, it is a double-barreled shotgun with a vertical position, and secondly, reloading is carried out by breaking the barrel. There is no seat on the receiver. But the presence of a ventilated rail allows you to install sights. Mounting scopes to a vented rail is quite easy, which has led to the popularity of adapter mounts, such as:

Transition strip from ventilated to Weaver UM-07. This adapter bar allows you to use the mechanical sight without dismantling it.

It is also possible to buy a red dot sight with an already installed mount for a ventilated rail, the most popular ones are:

PFO 1x25 collimator sight. Operates without batteries and is very lightweight.

Pilad P1x42 collimator sight for ventilated rail. The collimator has a large lens of 42 mm.

The use of a vented rail for many shotguns has become an easy solution for mounting a scope on a shotgun. But this type of mount is only suitable for installing red dot sights. This is due to the weight limitation of devices that are installed on a ventilated bar. For night vision sights and in the absence of a seat on the IZH-27 receiver, the Novosibirsk plant has manufactured a unique bracket, which is installed by compressing two gun barrels:

Bracket for Vertical Weaver smoothbore. The bracket is installed by wrapping around two trunks.

The MP-153 hunting rifle is characterized by a swinging fore-end or, in other words, a pump-action reloading method. The presence of a ventilated strap, as described above, is already an installation method, and for heavy night lights there are adapter brackets installed using standard receiver pins:

Weaver bracket for MP-153. The bracket has a cutout for the bolt handle.

Self-loading smoothbore carbines Saiga 12 and Saiga 410

The advantage of AK-based smoothbore carbines is their rate of fire. To enhance this feature, you must use the appropriate sights:

• Laser sight - for self-defense (short-range shooting)
• Collimator sight - for all other cases

Often combined sights are used - laser + collimator, or even more “sophisticated” models - with a tactical flashlight, for example.

AK-based smoothbore shotguns have a side rail. To install collimator and night sights, adapter brackets from the side to the top Weaver are most often used. This type of mount will allow you to use one bracket for two types of sights. Nevertheless, hunters often use scopes with a side mount already installed. Such sights eliminate additional fastening (for example, rings), which increases the reliability of the design. In addition, scopes with a side bracket most often have a quick-release mount, which allows you to quickly change optics, for example, depending on lighting conditions or changing the type of hunting. Below are a few of our recommended models.

Collimator sight Rakurs-A1 (PO1x20 A1). The sight has diopter adjustment.

Collimator sight "Cobra" EKP-1S-03. An open-type collimator sight with a side bracket for a Vepr smoothbore. IZHMASH is produced in small batches. You can see analogues in

If you need to install a compact red dot sight taking into account its low weight, we recommend that you become familiar with this type of mount, such as installing a Weaver rail to replace the standard front sight:

Weaver bracket for rear sight "Rybka-AK". An easy-to-install bracket that allows you to shoot with a mechanical sight.

In summary, what should you consider when purchasing a scope for a shotgun:

• take into account the distance you are shooting at; optical sights are useless for smooth-bore shotguns;
• Each scope has limitations on muzzle energy, for example, 12 gauge has 4200 J;
• Mounting a scope is sometimes more important than the scope itself. Please note whether installation on your gun is possible.

For hunters and sports shooting enthusiasts who want to increase the efficiency of their weapons and improve combat accuracy, a collimator is best suited for “tuning”. It is the collimator sight for 12 gauge fishing weapons that is the most rational option for an optical device. Aiming is done by simply pointing the marker beam at the target, which significantly increases the speed of preparation and shooting itself. The shooter's eye is at a safe distance from the device, which eliminates injury from recoil. And for novice hunters, you can’t imagine a better assistant. Such sights provide comfortable shooting for people with limited

Collimator sight for smoothbore weapons

This type of sight is an electronic optical device. Refers to low frequency devices. For most production samples it is equal to one. The brand is projected onto the front lens (output screen) of the device. The mark itself can have different shapes: be in the form of a circle, a square or intersecting lines. Each option is designed for a specific firing distance: up to 100 meters, up to 400 and more than 400 meters. The color of the stamp can be red or green. Ease of use lies in the fact that the device does not block the target, transmits light and transmits a clear image.

Types and types of sights

Depending on the brand of the device, lighting methods can be active, if they use energy, or passive. Active ones allow you to shoot accurately in the dark and in bad weather conditions. Active stereoscopic ones project a mark for only one right eye. Passive ones can only be used during daylight hours; their brand is not bright and does not have contrast.

Sights are produced in two types: in the form of a tube, resembling optics in appearance, or in the form of a frame with a front lens. The tube consists of an LED emitter and two or more lenses. This device is more compact and lighter compared to classical optics, but slightly larger than an open-type device. The advantage is good visibility of the tag in bright sunlight. All elements are reliably protected by a durable case from shaking during shooting. A closed red dot sight for 12 gauge is not entirely convenient, since this type of weapon is most often used when shooting from an unstable position.

Open type devices have better visibility when shooting and significantly less weight. However, it is difficult to use them even during light precipitation. A variation is the halogen sight, although some experts classify it as a separate type of equipment. Externally, it resembles the frame of an open device. However, the brand image is projected onto the output screen by a laser beam. Depending on the hunting conditions, the screen plate can be quickly replaced. Can be used in any weather and in fog.

Features of use

Application practice shows that the sighting device is best installed on a quick-release console. If necessary, the equipment can be quickly dismantled and the pursuit of game can continue. The device allows you to fire from a moving vehicle, as well as hit fast-moving objects. On automatic weapons, it is usually mounted on the side of the receiver. Red dot sights are very sensitive to low temperatures. In severe frost, the battery may fail and the entire device will fail.

Real Japanese quality

One of the most common are Hakko BED red dot sights. They are produced by the Japanese company Tokyo Scope Co., LTD. This means a lot considering that almost all products are manufactured in China. Brands from almost all industries have their production facilities in the Middle Kingdom. Hakko red dot sights are assembled down to the last screw in Japan. The products are distinguished by high optical characteristics and structural strength. Available in both closed and open versions. Both provide a choice of one of four labels. In closed devices, 11 levels of illumination can be used.

Owners who use these devices confirm that the devices are indeed waterproof and shockproof, and the gas filling of the internal space prevents fogging. The Hakko collimator sight is highly reliable and can withstand the recoil of 12-gauge shotguns. The device requires installation on a Weaver mounting base. Although any Hakko BED collimator sight is not critical to the distance from the shooter’s eye: the most acceptable pupil distance from the exit screen is at least 100 mm.

The Ultimate Holographic Sight

Many experts and professional shooters recognize the American holographic collimator sight EOTech as the best example. This is a direct descendant of a military product. The difference between these open-type devices and their counterparts is that they have a laser optical device (the mark is recorded in the form of a hologram and illuminated by a laser), which provides considerable advantages. Firstly, the brightness of the mark can be adjusted over a wide range - the variator offers 21 levels. This makes it possible to fire in any weather conditions. Some samples are equipped with thermal imaging and night vision functions. And secondly, the EOTech reflex sight has practically no. This was achieved thanks to a complex brand projection system. It is visible even in rain, snow and heavy pollution. The device remains operational in case of mechanical damage.

Long operating time is achieved through automatic shutdown. The device can be programmed for 4 or 8 hours. An important advantage is the small size and curb weight. The device is very convenient when used on 12-gauge shotguns. Many devices use standard batteries: AA batteries. Batteries can be found in any store. Their replacement occurs through simple manipulation and takes no more than a minute. When changing batteries, zeroing the red dot sight is not required. Overseas products are very expensive. Top models cost over 60 thousand rubles.

Another American product

The Sightmark red dot sight is significantly cheaper, but that doesn't mean it's low quality. Sightmark is a subsidiary of Yukon Holding, which produces products for law enforcement and the Department of Defense. The products are mostly open-type, have up to 7 levels of brightness adjustment and are designed for installation on smooth-bore weapons up to 12 gauge. Dovetail type mounting device, strip has a width of 11 mm. Some samples are mounted on a Weaver/Picatini base. The sights are lightweight and highly reliable. A significant part of the products is produced in China.

Domestic is no worse

In 2009, the Cobra collimator sight appeared on the market in the EKP-8-21 version. This is the first and so far the only digital optical device for civilian use. The open type device is intended primarily for installation on semi-automatic weapons of the Bekas series. The Russian sight is mounted on a dovetail mount. The electronic circuit allows you to select four types of marks, 16 brightness options, and also remember information about the type of mark and the brightness of the glow. The maximum range of ballistic corrections is up to 600 meters. The Cobra collimator sight is highly reliable. Owners note that after several dozen shots, the settings are saved and the seat is not deformed. Moreover, aiming in low light conditions improves over time. Some owners complain that the device has significant weight and height. The device can be used with the rail of MP-251, IZH-18, IZH-27, IZH-94, and “Taiga” shotguns. You can aim with one or two eyes.

How to mount?

An important issue that overshadows the choice of the device itself is the method of attachment to the weapon. Most types of smoothbore weapons do not provide any standard devices or consoles for installing additional devices. The exceptions are domestic “Saiga”, “Bekas”, pump-action shotguns and some models intended for self-defense. The hunter should look for a technical solution on his own. The choice is limited: dovetail and bases (also called slats) Weaver and Picatini. The mounting of the collimator sight in the vast majority of samples involves placement on Weaver rails using integrated seats. Only sights equipped with special mounting rings can be mounted on a dovetail device. Some models attach directly to the rifle's sight rail. As a rule, such electronic optics have small dimensions and weight. These include the well-known Docter compact sights. The light mark of this device is clearly visible both in the snow and even against the sky. However, their cost may exceed the price of the weapon itself.

Not very reliable

Domestic craftsmen install a seat under Weaver and on a dovetail. For this purpose, special adapters are made. When choosing transition devices, each sample requires an individual approach. Thus, the Vologda Optical-Mechanical Plant produces a product of the same name (VOMZ). The steel console is designed to accommodate an additional sighting device of any type of mount. But, for example, a 16-gauge rifle can only be placed on a ventilated rear sight up to 7 mm wide. This design leads to significant weighting of the weapon and disruption of its alignment. The weight of the adapter alone is more than 100 grams. According to user reviews, such a mount is not durable and begins to loosen after a dozen shots. Alternatively, install an optical device that is not too heavy. Based on this, the same collimator sight on the IZH-27 should weigh no more than 90 grams. What can we say about more powerful weapons and the corresponding technical means?

An expensive stone needs a worthy setting

If you purchase an expensive optical device, there is no point in saving money on its installation. The bar and bolted connections must have a sufficient margin of strength to not only fix the relatively heavy sighting device, but also withstand recoil loads over a long period of operation. A 12-gauge red dot sight must be mounted only using specially designed standard mounting devices. A wide variety of dovetail and Weaver/Picatini trims are available for sale and in online stores.

It is necessary to select a product that follows the contour of the receiver. Also, the thickness of the body of the box itself should allow drilling a hole and cutting at least three turns of thread. It is best to cut threads using professional equipment. You should also take into account the distance from the eye at which the collimator sight will be located. Reviews from experienced owners indicate the need for additional sealant treatment of the threads and the surface of the junction of the console itself and the plane of the receiver. All other installation methods are money thrown away.

Optical zeroing

Like any other optical device, after mounting on a gun, the scope requires zeroing. The shooter must have a clear idea of ​​where the bullet or shot will hit at a distance of 35-50 meters. Most devices are equipped with regulators. In this case, fine tuning is carried out by adjusting in two planes using two rotating drum regulators. For a certain distance, you should remember the position of the controls. Many people believe that the so-called cold shooting is enough. In this case, ammunition with a red dot sight is used. Zeroing in a red dot sight may not give the desired result. This is due to the fact that sometimes in hunting weapons there is a mismatch between the axes of the barrel and the chamber. Cold alignment can turn into zeroing the chamber. It is necessary to take into account the correction when shooting handheld, as well as noticeable recoil, since a 12-gauge red dot sight is most often mounted.

Another way to adjust the optics is by fixing the barrel in a special machine or vice. The barrel is aimed at a fixed point, and after that the sight is adjusted. Cold zeroing can be replaced by a procedure of several dozen test shots. Any optics requires painstaking adjustment, including a red dot sight. Reviews that experts post on thematic forums often contain advice to fire several series of four single shots. Based on the results of hits on the target of a particular series, the average point of impact and its deviation from the center of the target are recorded. The sight is adjusted and after that - the next series of shots. And so on until a satisfactory result is obtained.

When shooting bullets, adjustment is carried out using the same type of cartridges and at the same distance that will be used in real conditions. However, in practice this is not possible. It is best to zero the device for use at several likely firing distances, and record the results of hits on the object with notes in a notebook. At the same time, corrections of angular indicators proportional to the firing distance are recorded.

Many hunters, having purchased a smoothbore gun, begin to think about how they can tune it. The first thought is to install optics. But it seems to me that installing an optical sight on a smoothbore gun makes no sense, and here’s why.

Firstly, shooting from a smoothbore gun is carried out at relatively short distances (up to 50 m with shot, and up to 100-120 m with a bullet). At such distances, any increase will be unnecessary. Secondly, they most often shoot from a shotgun offhand, and catching a target, especially one moving quickly, will be very difficult.

What does a red dot sight do? Having a special optical design, the collimator allows you to replace the rear sight and front sight with one point. You no longer need to combine three points at different distances from the eye: target, front sight and rear sight.

When is a collimator needed? It is most advisable to use a red dot sight when shooting at short distances up to 100 m, especially if the target is moving quickly. This is bird hunting, driven hunts, picking up wounded animals, etc. Can a red dot sight replace an optical sight? In short, no.

Rather, a red dot sight replaces open sights. From all that has been said, it is clear that the optimal magnification is 1x. In addition, it is extremely advisable to look at the target, as they say, both ways when shooting. We must also not forget that most scopes, even 1.2-4x20 variable sights or analogues, are quite large in size and weight.

So, we can conclude that the most suitable devices for installation on a smoothbore gun are compact devices of small size and weight, which make it possible to shoot with both eyes open. Red dot sights are very close to the described formulation. Let's take a closer look at them.

A common feature of all collimators is the lack of focusing (they simply don’t need it) and the ability to position it at any distance from the shooter’s eye. Collimators can have interchangeable aiming marks, which makes it easier to aim and make corrections for distance or lead (in the case of a moving target). First of all, red dot sights can be divided into closed and open.

CLOSED TYPE COLLIMATORS (KZT)

The KZT is a tube similar to an optical sight, the difference is that the KZT is much lighter and more compact. More recently, it was possible to come across “deaf” devices, looking into which we are surprised to find that nothing is visible at all, except for one luminous point.

It worked as follows: raising the gun, the shooter looked into the collimator with one eye and saw the dot, with the other - at the target. In the shooter's head, the images were combined, and when aimed correctly, a dot was projected onto the target. Such devices quickly disappeared from sale, as they had enormous parallax and “turned off” one of the shooter’s eyes, severely limiting the view. Fortunately, they have been replaced by normal closed collimators.

KZTs are smaller and lighter than optical sights, but still quite bulky. But they have one advantage over open collimator sights: at the same price, a closed collimator sight will be more durable and protected. Also a big plus is the good visibility of the tag in any light, even on a bright sunny day.

OPEN COLLIMATORS (CAT)

CAT is a small device on which the image of the aiming mark is projected onto a small screen or lens. CATs can be both quite massive and ultra-compact (literally the size of a matchbox). Open type collimators are the most compact, practically do not reduce the view and, in my opinion, are more aesthetically pleasing, although, of course, they differ in taste and color...

Disadvantages include less durability (mainly due to the lens) and reduced visibility of the brand in bright sunlight. A very interesting version of the CAT is the holographic sight. Its main difference is the complete absence of parallax, the focusing of the reticle is in the target plane, the reticle itself can be anything, including three-dimensional, the reticle is changed by changing the holographic screen.

A special feature of the holographic sight is that a shot can be fired when the aiming mark and the target are aligned, in an arbitrary position of the shooter or weapon.

Like an optical sight, any collimator must be sighted after installation, for which purpose they have adjustment drums. For most tasks, especially with smooth-bore weapons, it is enough to align the aiming line with the collimator mark using a cold sighting device.

To install a collimator sight, it is necessary that the weapon has seats (“dovetail”, weawer, etc.). It is important to note here that it is highly desirable that the collimator be mounted on a quick-release bracket and that the additional rails and mounts of the bracket do not block the sighting rail of the shotgun. Whatever one may say, no matter how compact the collimator is, it still protrudes greatly beyond the dimensions of the weapon, so it can be knocked down or damaged when moving with a weapon, flooded with water or splashed with mud when hunting waterfowl.

Another weak link in the collimator is the power supply. Most of them are battery-operated, as are open collimators, which are powered by small coin-cell batteries that are very sensitive to low temperatures.

First of all, you need to decide on the type of collimator. For shotguns and large-caliber rifles, in my opinion, closed or open holographic collimators are more suitable. For small-caliber rifles and rifles of caliber up to 7.62x39 (and analogues), open collimators are more suitable. After choosing the type of sight, you need to find out whether the collimator mount will fit the base of your gun.

The fact is that most closed collimators and all open ones have integrated brackets, and it will be almost impossible to change them later. The collimator you choose should have an adjustable reticle brightness, and it is advisable that it be replaceable. Good collimators have from 5 to 9 different marks.

A lot of red dot sights have appeared on our market. There are very cheap models, from 15 USD, which can only be used for toys or light pneumatics.

When choosing a sight, you should remember that a red dot sight is just that: a sight, i.e. quite a complex optical device. In addition, when shooting, it experiences large overloads, so it cannot be cheap.

Finally, I would like to mention Chinese-made collimators. At a fairly low price, they can have very impressive characteristics. It is often difficult to distinguish them “by eye” from the products of branded manufacturers. Unfortunately, they have one very unpleasant drawback - unpredictable quality.

Almost all of them withstand the recoil of small calibers well (.22Lr, 7.62x39, .223, etc.). But not everyone is able to withstand the recoil of a smoothbore gun, especially with magnum cartridges. Sometimes they simply go out, but more often the aiming mark begins to shift, which leads to inexplicable misses. This state of affairs makes you wonder whether it’s worth saving on a collimator and risking the long-awaited hunt.

Using an open sight, the shooter achieves the location of three objects on one line, called the sighting line: the target, the front sight and the rear sight. Since, according to the laws of optics, it is impossible to simultaneously keep three objects in focus, it accommodates the eye to a point located on the front-rear sight segment and dividing this segment in a ratio of approximately 2:1. By this he achieves approximately equal clarity of observation of both the front and rear sights. The target is visible blurry. A type of open sight for hunting life-threatening animals, provides faster aiming. A V-shaped rear sight slot and a large front sight with a bright-colored dot are used, which is “placed” into the slot at the moment of aiming. Due to the large front sight, it is difficult to aim at a target beyond 200 meters and therefore is not used in military weapons.

Closed sight

There are several types of similar sights, structurally united entirely in the form of a disk, located in close proximity to the shooter’s eyes, with an aperture hole.

Annular— with this sight, the shooter seems to directly look through the aperture at the front sight, aligning it with the target and instinctively aligning the line of sight with respect to the light spot projected by the aperture onto the eye. This type is superior in many ways to the open sight: the aiming speed is higher due to the simplification of the procedure for combining the front sight with the rear sight (the eye intuitively finds the position at which the stump of the front sight is aligned with the middle of the ring), a large aiming line ensures higher accuracy (the rear sight of an open sight must be located from the shooter’s eye at a significant distance, otherwise when aiming it blurs, which forces it to be shifted forward, sacrificing the length of the aiming line - the ring, on the contrary, should be located in close proximity to the eye, which is why weapons with a ring sight get a longer aiming line), more convenient to aim in low light conditions; The disadvantages include: the rear sight partially blocks the visual field, the time it takes to transfer the sight from one target to another is often higher, in addition, this type of sight is prone to getting clogged. It should be noted that in Russian literature this type of sight is often called “dioptric” - in fact, such a definition is erroneous due to a completely different optical principle used in it.

Ghost Ring- a type of ring sight for use in smoothbore weapons, a very large aperture and a thin rear sight rim. Provides the highest pointing speed at the expense of some loss of accuracy, which is not a critical point in this type of weapon.

Dioptric- a special type of aperture sight, in this version the rear sight completely blocks the view of the eye from the front, and the very small aperture itself (about the size of a human pupil) works like a pinhole camera, projecting an image onto the shooter’s pupil with greater contrast. This type of sight provides the highest accuracy of all possible mechanical sighting devices, the price for which is a long aiming time and difficulties with aiming in twilight and night conditions, it is for these reasons that this type of sight is installed almost exclusively on rifles for target shooting at long distances, and also requires a particularly correct method of aiming.

Holographic sight

The holographic sight is an open type sight, so the shooter does not have to close his other eye while aiming. The large field of view allows the shooter to use peripheral vision and instantly react to an emerging threat. The hologram forms an image of the aiming mark and performs the functions of an aspherical reflector, like a lens in a conventional CP. The holographic aspherical reflector provides significantly smaller parallax errors than a conventional spherical thin lens and allows the sight to be made very compact. Typically, GPs are significantly more expensive than their collimator counterparts, since the hologram can be obtained as a result of an expensive and complex technological process. If the technical requirements are not met, the hologram can distort and decompose bright objects observed through it into a spectrum. It should be noted that the aiming speed with a holographic sight is much higher than with a closed collimator or optical sight, so it is often used when shooting at moving targets.