Can You Shoot Optics Backward?!

Published on April 17, 2024
Duration: 15:50

This video tests the functionality of various firearm optics (red dots, holographic, prism, magnified) when mounted backwards on a rifle. While some etched reticle optics, like the Trijicon VCOG and Primary Arms 2x prism, can be used for basic aiming at close range, performance degrades significantly at distance. Red dot and holographic sights often become unusable, with some red dots failing to display a visible reticle. The video highlights that while technically possible in some cases, mounting optics backwards is not recommended for practical use due to severe limitations in clarity, field of view, and aiming precision.

Quick Summary

While some firearm optics, like etched reticle prism scopes, can technically be used when mounted backwards for basic close-range aiming, their performance is severely degraded. Red dot and holographic sights are generally unusable in this configuration, often due to the reticle not being visible or properly aligned. Mounting optics backwards is not recommended due to significant limitations in clarity, field of view, and precision.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The Backwards Optic Phenomenon
  2. 00:14Testing the Hypothesis: Can Optics Work Backwards?
  3. 01:00Optics Under Test: VCOG, Primary Arms, Aimpoint, Holosun, EOTech
  4. 02:27Close Range Test: Trijicon VCOG Backwards
  5. 03:30VCOG Backwards: Field of View and Eye Box Issues
  6. 04:08Testing Primary Arms 2x Prism Backwards
  7. 04:43Magnification Distortion with Backwards Prism Optic
  8. 05:34One Eye vs. Both Eyes Open with Backwards Optics
  9. 06:17Aimpoint T1 Red Dot Backwards Test
  10. 07:15Holosun AMS Red Dot Backwards Test: Multiple Reticles
  11. 08:31Brightness Comparison: Backwards vs. Forward Optic
  12. 08:56EOTech Holographic Sight Backwards Test
  13. 09:30Long Range Test: Difficulty with Backwards Optics
  14. 10:39Clarity Issues at Distance with Backwards Optics
  15. 11:29Post-Range Analysis: Which Optics Worked Backwards?
  16. 11:51Why Etched Reticles Perform Better Backwards
  17. 12:31Conclusion: Is it Possible, But Recommended?
  18. 13:40Serious Note: Educating the Community
  19. 14:39Final Thoughts and Channel Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any firearm optics work when mounted backwards?

Yes, some optics can technically function when mounted backwards, particularly those with etched reticles like the Trijicon VCOG and Primary Arms 2x prism. These allow for basic aiming at close range, though performance is severely degraded at distance. Red dot and holographic sights are generally unusable in this configuration.

Why do etched reticle optics work better backwards than red dots?

Etched reticle optics have the aiming point physically engraved into the glass, making them visible regardless of orientation. Red dot and holographic sights rely on internal emitters projecting a reticle, which often cannot be seen or properly aligned when the optic is reversed.

What are the main drawbacks of mounting an optic backwards?

Mounting an optic backwards drastically reduces field of view, eliminates a usable eye box, causes magnification distortion (making targets appear farther away), and severely degrades aiming precision, especially at longer distances. It is not a recommended practice.

Are there any safety benefits to optics not working backwards?

Yes, for red dot and holographic sights that become unusable when mounted backwards, this is a positive safety feature. It prevents the optic's internal light emitter from being visible from the front, which could inadvertently give away a shooter's position.

More Tactical & Gear Videos You Might Like

More from Tactical Advisor

View all →