Top Mounted or Angled Mounted Red Dot? Adding a Secondary/Backup Optic to Your Rifle

Published on January 11, 2022
Duration: 6:48

This video compares angled versus top-mounted red dot sights as secondary optics on a rifle. It highlights the benefits of red dots for faster target acquisition and use with night vision. The primary difference lies in how the shooter acquires the target with their dominant or non-dominant eye when transitioning from magnification, and the potential for point of impact shifts with top-mounted systems.

Quick Summary

Secondary red dots on rifles enhance target acquisition speed and are vital for night vision. Angled mounts use your dominant eye and maintain consistent height over bore, while top-mounted dots require non-dominant eye use and can cause minor point of impact shifts. The choice depends on shooting side preference, night vision use, and desired versatility.

Chapters

  1. 01:11Introduction: Angled vs. Top Mount Red Dot
  2. 02:12Why Use a Secondary Red Dot?
  3. 03:01Benefits: Night Vision & Transitions
  4. 03:39Angled vs. Top Mount: Key Differences
  5. 04:06Point of Impact Shift Demonstration
  6. 05:20Gear Considerations: Plate Carriers
  7. 05:54Which Setup is Right for You?
  8. 06:17Conclusion & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main advantages of using a red dot as a secondary optic on a rifle?

A secondary red dot offers faster target acquisition than iron sights and is crucial for night vision operations. It also enables quick transitions from magnified LPVO settings to a one-power view by simply canting the rifle.

What is the difference between an angled and a top-mounted red dot setup?

With an angled red dot, you use your dominant eye for both primary and secondary optics, maintaining consistent height over bore. A top-mounted red dot requires using your non-dominant eye when canting the rifle, which can introduce a slight point of impact shift.

How does wearing a plate carrier affect optic choice?

When wearing a plate carrier, canting the rifle inward for a comfortable neck position aligns you perfectly for using either a top or angled mounted red dot, making transitions smoother and more ergonomic.

When should I choose an angled red dot versus a top-mounted red dot?

Opt for an angled red dot if you prioritize using your dominant eye and speed. Choose a top-mounted red dot for greater versatility, especially if you frequently use night vision or train shooting from both sides, despite the learning curve for non-dominant eye use.

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