Black Hawk Down Red Dots

Published on May 10, 2024
Duration: 0:31

This video compares the effectiveness of early red dot optics mounted on carry handles versus modern high-rise mounts on AR-15 platforms. Despite historical limitations like large MOA dots and significant height over bore, retro setups proved surprisingly shootable. Modern optics offer advantages, but the comparison highlights the enduring practicality of well-executed older designs.

Quick Summary

Early red dot optics used during the Black Hawk Down era had large MOA values, potentially covering multiple targets. Mounting them on carry handles created significant 'height over bore' issues requiring aiming adjustments. Despite these drawbacks, retro setups proved surprisingly shootable in a live fire comparison against modern high-rise mounts.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Historical Optic Limitations
  2. 00:08Height Over Bore Challenges
  3. 00:15Live Fire Comparison
  4. 00:23Performance Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the main issues with early red dot optics like those used in Black Hawk Down?

Early red dots often had large MOA values, meaning the aiming dot could cover multiple targets at longer distances. They were also frequently mounted high on carry handles, creating significant 'height over bore' challenges that required aiming adjustments.

How did retro red dot setups compare to modern optics in the test?

The video demonstrated a live fire comparison where a retro AR-15 with a carry handle-mounted red dot performed surprisingly well, mirroring the shootability of a modern AR-15 with a high-rise optic mount.

What is 'height over bore' and why is it important for optics?

Height over bore is the vertical distance between the gun's barrel center and the optic's center. A large height over bore requires shooters to adjust their point of aim, especially for close-range targets, to compensate for bullet drop.

Are vintage red dot optics still viable for modern use?

While modern optics offer improvements, the test suggests that older setups, like those with carry handle mounts, can still be effective and practical, especially if the shooter understands and compensates for their inherent limitations like height over bore.

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