Author Topic: red dot vs holo sight?  (Read 841 times)

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Offline lakestatebob

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red dot vs holo sight?
« on: January 18, 2008, 12:04:25 PM »
I have a browning buckmark and am thinking of something other than open sights.  My question is - what are the advantages of a red dot or holo sight?  I'm thinking of a holo sight because they appear to me to be lighter, better ballanced on this gun and the dot looks the same.  So, what do you like better and why.  I will probably be looking at the cheaper ones that I've seen for 40-70 dollars.

Offline Savage

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Re: red dot vs holo sight?
« Reply #1 on: January 18, 2008, 12:43:43 PM »
I have both the tube sights and the holo. They both work great. I have a Tasco and a BSA tube red dot. Both in the under $50 group. The Tasco dot is not very crisp, it has a star effect around the edges. Be sure and turn on any sight you are interested in a check for that problem. The BSA has a pretty crisp well rounded dot. It is my preference of the two. The other holo type sight I have is also a BSA. I bought it from Midway for $50. It was supposedly marked down from $100. It really works great! I shot a 25yd .307" group with it on my Ruger Slabside.  The only downsides I have found with it is the dot washes out a little when the sun is behind you. Still works ok, just not quite as fast finding the dot for the first shot. The only other negative I have found is that the sight must be removed from the gun to change the battery, as the battery compartment in on the bottom side. In all fairness, these sights are not Eotechs, but they don't cost $400 ether! For what it's worth, the sights seem to hold zero when removed and reinstalled on the gun. I think you'll like either style. I think the holo type sights look a little cleaner tho.
Savage
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Offline mangulator

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Re: red dot vs holo sight?
« Reply #2 on: January 19, 2008, 07:06:35 AM »
I have a red dot Simmons on my single six and it has a 30 mm tube. The red dot is a 4 min. dot, is accurate and reliable. I carry it in the field hunting cottontails, jackrabbits and while hunting coyotes. 

Offline lakestatebob

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Re: red dot vs holo sight?
« Reply #3 on: January 19, 2008, 03:45:44 PM »
I agree the holo sights look cleaner but is there any advantages of one over the other that I should consider?

Offline Savage

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Re: red dot vs holo sight?
« Reply #4 on: January 20, 2008, 01:38:40 AM »
I agree the holo sights look cleaner but is there any advantages of one over the other that I should consider?
The "Holo" lends it's self to shooting with both eyes open for an unlimited field of view. On the other hand, it may not be as rugged as the tube. They're cheap, get both!
Savage
An appeaser is one who feeds the crocodile hoping it will eat him last,

Offline lakestatebob

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Re: red dot vs holo sight?
« Reply #5 on: January 20, 2008, 02:26:57 AM »
Its beginning to sound like the choice is based mainly on personal preference.  I shoot with both eyes open so I'm not sure the red dot field of view would be a problem, but it does seem like it would be easier to carry or find a holster for a holo sight.  Any pictures with holo or red dots on buckmarks or holsters used to carry?  Sorry if this has been asked before, I've had pistols before but never with alternative sights on them.