Stupid optics question.

[digex]

OK, I couldn't find a forum to put this in, so hopefully this will do. I see alot of rifles (and revolvers) equiped with these "red-dot" sights lately. I'm not sure I understand the purpose though. Are they magnified? Do they actually project something? How do they work? Any help here would be appreciated. Thanks!
Tommy
P.S. The reason I'm asking is because I'm going to look at a Taurus .454 revolver tomorrow with one on top of it and didn't want to seem like a retard while I was looking at it.

 

[444]

Most red dots are not magnified although there are some that are.
Nothing is projected. It is an optical illusion. When you look through the optic, it appears that there is a red dot on the target.
The prefered way to use a red dot is with both eyes open. I personally have a real hard time with this and mostly use mine while closing one eye.
When you buy a red dot, one of the things to consider is the size of the dot. They are rated by how big they appear in minutes of angle. The one on my AR is a 4 minute dot. In other words it covers an area of approx. 4 inches at 100 yards.
For a handgun, I would want a fairly large dot. It is easier to see, and faster to pick up. Don't worry about the dot covering the target. If you are shooting far enough away that the dot covers the target, use the dot like a big front sight. Sight it in, and then hold so that the very top of the dot is where the bullet impacts. I don't see this being a big issue with handguns, but I don't know how far you intend to shoot. Some IPSC shooters use dots as big as 12 MOA.
It would take a very good quality optical sight and mount to stand up to .454 recoil. If it is something like a BSA, I would bet my next paycheck that it won't last three shots.

 

[Carlos]

Trust 444, as I'm certain he/she knows.

The first thing you will notice is the sensitivity of the weapon. Try and hold it still, then you'll have your answers

My .02

 

[pax]

Digex,

This is a great question for Firearms Accessories, so I'm going to move it down there for you.

Good luck in finding optics that work well for you.

pax

 

[digex]

Thanks Pax! I didn't even notice this forum down here or I would've put it here to begin with.
444 - Your help is much appreciated. I'll make sure I check it out carefully. Even if the scope ends up being a cheapie, the price of the gun is still a good one. I could go ahead and get it and pick up a better one later on. I'm actually considering trading in my AR for this pistol. My AR is a low dollar model anyway (hesse) but I haven't decided yet. I'll let you guys know what happens and I'll post some pics and more questions if I get it.
Again, thanks for your replies!
Tommy