Anthony Thomas Do you feel you were aiming at a moving target, only to find that your red dot and iron sights were completely out of sync?
Well, It has happened to me many times, but don’t worry!
In this guide, I’ll guide you exactly how you can align your Red Dot with Iron Sights easily and quickly.
So, if you’re tired of missing your mark and want to improve your shooting accuracy, keep reading.
Table of Contents
Align your Red Dot with Iron Sights
Importance of Proper Alignment & Quick Adjustments
Aligning your red dot with an iron sight correctly is super important for accurate shooting.
A laser bore sighter is a great help.
It quickly lines up your sights with the gun’s barrel, saving you time and preventing bullet waste.
When aligning your red dot with iron sight, avoid rushing.
Take your time to get it right. Also, adjust the windage (left-right) and elevation (up-down) settings carefully.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Check for loose screws or mounts too, as they can throw off your alignment.
Tighten them well.
Finally, always zero (adjust) your sights for a specific distance to ensure accurate shooting.
Understanding the Causes of Misalignment
Misalignment of the red dot with iron sights can occur due to various factors.
Understanding these causes can help you troubleshoot and rectify the issue.
Improper installation & Zeroing
A frequent mistake that causes misalignment is not installing or Zeroing the red dot sight correctly.
For example, if you zeroed your sight using both eyes but now you aim with only one eye, this could lead to misalignment.
Also, if the sight is not installed firmly or lined up right, it might not align with the iron sights
Shooting technique
Another factor to consider is the shooter’s technique.
Inconsistent shoulder positioning or grip can affect the alignment of the sights.
Maintain a consistent and stable shooting position to ensure proper alignment.
Surrounding Environment
Environmental factors can also play a role in misalignment.
Changes in temperature, humidity, or even shooting from different distances can affect the point of impact.
To troubleshoot the issue
Start by checking the red dot sight’s mounting and ensuring it’s secure and aligned properly.
Then, evaluate your shooting technique and make the necessary adjustments.
Finally, consider any environmental factors that may be impacting the alignment and make adjustments accordingly.
Method 1: Adjusting the Red Dot Sight
To adjust the red dot sight, start by ensuring that the sight is properly mounted and secured.
Troubleshoot any common issues that may be affecting the alignment of your red dot sight with the iron sights.
One common issue is parallax error, which can cause the red dot to appear off-target.
To fix this, make sure your head position is consistent and centered behind the sight.
Another issue could be the brightness settings on the red dot sight.
Adjust the brightness setting to match the lighting conditions in your shooting environment.
Method 2: Adjusting the Iron Sights
To do this, align your firearm’s barrel with a target and look through the iron sights.
If the front and rear sights aren’t aligned with the target, adjustments are necessary.
To adjust the iron sights, most firearms have windage and elevation screws.
The windage screw moves the rear sight left or right, while the elevation screw moves it up or down.
Start by making small adjustments and test your firearm’s accuracy after each adjustment.
It is important to note that adjusting iron sights requires practice.
It may take some time to get the alignment just right.
Avoid making large adjustments at once and not properly tightening the screws after making adjustments.
Take your time, be patient, and make small adjustments until the alignment is perfect.
With practice and attention to detail, you’ll be able to align your iron sights properly.
Method 3: Opting for Co-Witness Sights
Using co-witness sights can provide a reliable solution for aligning your red dot with iron sights.
A riser mount can also achieve the perfect alignment.
A riser mount rises the red dot sight to the same height as the iron sights, allowing for a clear line of sight.
You can use Feyachi’s TRM10 Adjustable Mount or Monstrum Lockdown Series Adjustable Mount.
Both are good. I tried them personally, along with thousands of other shooters.
Opting for co-witness sights is especially beneficial when using a holographic sight.
Holographic sights, like the popular EOTech models, have a window that displays a reticle superimposed on the target.
By using co-witness sights, you can have both the holographic sight reticle and the iron sights visible at the same time.
This dual-sighting system provides redundancy and allows for quick target acquisition, even in high-stress situations.
Method 4: Using an Offset Mount
Consider utilizing an offset mount as another effective solution.
I never personally used this method, but I’ve seen many fellow shooters use it, and it can be a really good solution, too.
An offset mount is a device that allows you to mount your red dot sight or scope to the side of your firearm.
This allows you to maintain your iron sights while also having the option to use your red dot sight.
When choosing an offset mount for your firearm, there are a few factors to consider.
Firstly, you’ll want to make sure that the mount is compatible with your specific firearm and red dot sight or scope.
You’ll want to consider the mount’s height and offset to ensure that it aligns properly with your iron sights.
Consider the quality of the mount to ensure that it can withstand the recoil and harsh conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
With the right techniques and adjustments, you can achieve perfect alignment between your red dot and iron sights, enhancing your shooting performance and confidence on the field.
