Does Co-Witnessing Red Dots with Iron Sights Work?

Published on November 17, 2022
Duration: 7:44

This guide details the process of co-witnessing a red dot sight with iron sights on an AR-15 platform, as demonstrated by Dorr, Director of Training at Tactical Hyve. It covers confirming iron sight zero, mounting the optic, aligning the red dot to the front sight post, and validating with live fire. Co-witnessing is presented as a reliable starting point for zeroing optics.

Quick Summary

Co-witnessing aligns your red dot sight with your iron sights, allowing you to use both systems. It's done by zeroing iron sights first, then adjusting the red dot's windage and elevation to sit directly on the front sight post. This provides a reliable field zero, though fine-tuning with live fire is advised.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Co-Witnessing Red Dots
  2. 00:31Defining Co-Witnessing Explained
  3. 01:36Confirming Iron Sight Zero
  4. 02:13Optic Comparison and Mounting
  5. 03:56The Co-Witnessing Process
  6. 05:49Live Fire Validation and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is co-witnessing a red dot sight?

Co-witnessing means aligning your red dot sight with your iron sights so both appear in the same line of sight. This allows you to use either sighting system interchangeably or have a backup if your red dot fails.

How do you co-witness a red dot sight?

First, zero your iron sights. Then, mount the red dot and adjust its windage and elevation until the red dot reticle is perfectly centered on the tip of the front sight post when viewed through the rear aperture.

Does co-witnessing work for zeroing a red dot?

Yes, co-witnessing serves as an excellent starting point or field zero for a red dot sight. However, for maximum accuracy, it's always recommended to fine-tune the zero with live fire at your intended engagement distances.

What is the difference between absolute and lower 1/3 co-witness?

Absolute co-witness means the red dot sits directly on top of the iron sight post. Lower 1/3 co-witness means the red dot is positioned higher, with the iron sight post appearing in the lower third of the optic's view, offering a clearer sight picture.

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