The best reflex sights for hunting for 2020

Efficiency is always behind comfort, and if you are a hunter, you, like no one, want both. One of the pieces of equipment that will help you in shooting is a collimator sight. Modern manufacturers offer a large assortment. But how to choose them, which ones are and where to buy - are quite pressing questions now.
The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared a rating of the best reflex sights for 2020, based on the opinions of buyers, to help you understand the questions posed.

What it is?

Optical collimator - a device that allows you to produce any number of parallel beams of light rays, it consists of a concave reflector and a small light source.

A collimator sight is a system that builds an image of an aiming point. They are often compared to lasers, but these are fundamentally different devices. In the collimator, the beam from the light source is reflected by a special lens and directed in a parallel stream into the arrow's eye. The laser, on the other hand, projects a mark on the target, which adds to the inconvenience in the process of hunting, because the animal can get scared of a random reflection and run away.

Using a collimator, the shooter can easily position his eye at any point on the optical axis of the sight, the main thing is to be within the projection of the lens. The position of the mark will move with the eye to indicate the target.

Nuances of work

• You need to be prepared that the aiming point will be higher with the collimator.
• To set up and target such a device, it is not necessary to make shots, it is enough to install the laser in the muzzle, combine both target designators and then check by shooting.
• It will become easier for you to shoot offhand.
• Unlike a conventional laser, here the aiming point is visible only to you.
• Reflex sights are compatible with air rifles, and there are some optimized for crossbow shooting.
• There are complex devices that combine the functions of collimators, proximity, rangefinder, night vision, etc.
• The shape of the mark in the collimator lens depends on its type, which is due to the specific requirements of various types of weapons. There are also universal sights where you can change the shape yourself.

They are widely used in military aviation. They were used on different types of combat aircraft in hostilities since the beginning of the 20th century and continue to serve successfully to this day.

Operating principle

Knowledge of the principles of action is necessary in order to understand why this tool works, in one way or another, in different situations.

The diagram shows the cross-section, its main parts are shown: reflector lens and light source.

The optical system here, as can be seen from the diagram, is quite simple. Inside there are special concave lenses, with the deposition of a complex mixture of metals, all colors of the spectral range, except for red, pass through. Also inside there is an LED source that projects an aiming mark onto the lens.We will see our mark in the scope, but in fact it will not be on the target.

The adjustment, like the circuit, is not complicated, there are only two adjusting screws with which you can move it horizontally and vertically.

Varieties of collimator sights

Now they are mainly divided into open and closed.

Open type

These scopes have one large lens enclosed in a frame, and the light source is located at the base. Thanks to their size, the lenses give a good view, and the compact design does not disturb the center of the weapon. However, this arrangement has its drawbacks - an unprotected lens must be kept perfectly clean, protected from rain and sun glare.

Technologies do not stand still and today there is a new type of open collimator sights on sale - holographic. Here the hologram acts as an aiming mark.

Closed type

It has a cylindrical hermetically sealed case, in which a diode light source is located, in the front it is closed by the objective lens, in the back - by an eyepiece. This design is excellent for extreme operating conditions and is well protected from splashes and dirt and is the preferred choice for most hunters.

What is the convenience of red dot sights?

Here you do not have to combine anything, you will look at the target and direct the luminous reticle at it. This provides an increase in aiming speed by 3 times.

It makes it possible to shoot without closing one eye, which means a wider view, and this is especially important when working on a fast-moving target.

Lack of parallax - no matter how you shift your eye relative to the aiming axis, the mark will accurately point to the target. You will hit accurately, even if you had to fire a shot quickly and without proper preparation.

They are equipped with a multiplicity mode and night vision attachments, which means the possibility of replacing some optical sights and shooting in the dark.

Disadvantages of such scopes

One of the main bottlenecks is the nutrient, which can fail in the event of water ingress or shock.

You need to monitor the charge level, ideally - carry a set of spare batteries.
In closed sights, the emitters can fog up or clog. In a severe case, laborious cleaning will be required.

High cost of new equipment.

Hunting with a reflex sight

Discussions about the applicability of collimators for hunting are ongoing. As usual, there are two camps. Some are convinced that this is an incredibly useful device, others believe that it is an expensive trinket, and as in any dispute, the truth is somewhere in between.
A collimator can be very useful for you when:

• You shoot in the dark and the classic mark is invisible;
• Shooting is carried out at a sudden target and at a short distance;
• The target is far from you and requires a ton of aiming.

Fastening process

More than choosing the best model, buyers are interested in the issue of mounting on a weapon. Most modern smoothbore shotguns were not originally designed to mount additional devices. Therefore, for fastening, you will have to use ready-made technical solutions presented on the market. The choice here is not big, it can be a dovetail mount or a weaver, but there are models that can be planted directly on the aiming bar.

How to choose?

More than 100 years have passed since the invention, and a huge variety of these devices has appeared. They differ in weight, dimensions, type of mounts, as well as additional options.

Price is also a distinguishing feature. Budget models, although they do not empty the pocket, do not boast of reliability either. You shouldn't buy collimators cheaper than 2000 rubles.

When choosing, try to focus on trusted manufacturers and specialized stores, and not Chinese Internet sites.
Below is a rating of quality modern scopes based on user feedback and preferences.

10th place - UTG "Leapers" New Gen 1 × 30, closed type

Leapers, Inc. has been operating in the hunting and sports scopes market since 1992, headquartered in Michigan, USA.It develops and manufactures its products under strict control in America and the countries of the Asian region. The company has a wide dealer network, which includes more than 70 countries around the world. Consumers value the brand for its value for money.

This model is suitable for installation on firearms and pistols, complete with a bar.

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Average price: 2 810 rubles.

9th place - ZENIT PKM 1 × 25 without fastening

Zenith is one of the oldest domestic enterprises of this profile, traces its history back to 1973. The experience accumulated over the years of existence makes it possible to create competitive products all over the world.

The sight is designed for mounting on hunting rifles. Suitable for harsh environments. Compatible with dovetail and wyver rails.

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Average price RUB 5,044

8th place - Veber Wolf Reflex 132 RG DnD

Veber is a Russian company founded in 1992 by specialists from
Leningrad ITMO. The company's products stand out among Russian and international competitors for their high quality.

Closed scope with zoom capability and green or red markings. The main mounting option is the Weaver rail. Designed for pneumatics and rifled firearms to meet specific requirements.

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Average price: 4 252 rubles.

7th place - Hawke RD 1 × 25 (3MOA)

Hawke Sport Optics supplies products to more than 45 countries around the world and is the leading optics manufacturer in Europe. Consumers choose scopes of this brand for a reasonable price and excellent quality.

The sight is designed for target shooting and hunting. Its characteristics allow it to be used on long guns, pneumatics and some types of crossbows with a narrow bar.

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Average price: 5 900 rubles.

6th place - VOMZ AVIS PK 1x20 military

The Volgograd Optical and Mechanical Plant is one of the most successful enterprises in the Russian defense complex, operating in 1971. The plant produces optics for both military and civilian purposes.

The closed-type sight allows you to quickly and accurately conduct aimed fire at stationary and moving targets both in clear weather and at dusk.

The sight is designed for use at temperatures from -40 to + 50 ° C. The device is protected from dust and water drops.

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Average price: 6 730 rubles.

5th place - Patriot 1x22x33

Patriot is the largest shooting accessories manufacturer in China.

The collimator is of open type. Equipped with an advanced electronic system that controls the brightness and type of reticle. Provides enviable accuracy and speed of aiming from firearms at different types of targets. Differs in reliability, has a wide coverage of the field of view. Capable of withstanding the recoil of powerful weapons.

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Average price RUB 3,190

4th place - Holosun Open Reflex HS-510C

Holosun Technologies was founded by an active OEM-manufacturer of optics, in 2013 the headquarters are located in Walnut, USA. The manufacturer's vast experience, gained while working with other leading brands, allowed the young company to burst into the world of top companies and push many competitors out. Holosun products are loved by consumers for their excellent quality, unique features and optimal cost.

The open sight is suitable for close range shooting and hunting. It is unique in that it can operate both from a battery and from the sun, while it has a very high energy efficiency and is ready to work on one battery for more than 5 years.

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Average price: 27,600 rubles.

3rd place - SIGHTMARK SM13003B-DT 1 X 33-24, open

Sightmark is the American division of the Yukon Corporation, based in Texas.
The company's products were initially focused on the needs of the police and the army, but quickly expanded the range and established the production of high-quality scopes for the civilian sector. Continuous improvement of technology, customer orientation and strict requirements for product reliability have made the company a leader.

The open sight is designed to improve the accuracy and speed of capturing a target from small arms for various targets, including those that appear for a short time. Refers to panoramic sights, made of anodized aluminum alloy.

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Average price 5,290 rubles.

2nd place - Marcool ACOG 1X40

Marcool is a manufacturer of tactical scopes with various characteristics for a wide range of tasks for shooters of different levels and directions.

Marcool scopes are both fixed and variable magnification optics in a light, compact body for hunters and the flagship range of scopes that allow accurate shooting at long distances.

Cast from a special aluminum alloy. Vertical and horizontal adjustment is done with a pair of micrometer screws. Which are made in seats on the body and are protected by removable caps.

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Average price: 4 380 rubles.

1st place PK-01VI Zenit-BelOMO

OJSC Zenit-BelOMO is a part of the BelOMO holding and is a recognized leader in optical instrumentation. The company's specialists are constantly working to improve the consumer properties and the quality of the products.

The body of the sight is made of metal, sealed, filled with dry nitrogen to reduce the appearance of condensation inside with possible temperature drops, which allows using this device in 40 minutes and plus 50 degrees Celsius.
The developers have endowed the sight with a large margin of safety, which allows it to be confidently used on weapons with a large caliber.

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We hope our review will help you better understand the design and range of red dot scopes. If you have experience using this or that sight, share it in the comments.