AR competition sight

[sbu sailor]

I had this in accessories, but a member suggested I move it here:

Help! Trying to decide on the "dot size" for a new sight. I have searched threads and forums til my fingers were numb. For those of you who compete in three gun (tac iron/limited) here in Indiana... Do the nominal ranges for rifles require smaller than a 3.5 moa dot for a reticle? I understand how it all works, and I am content with 3.5 out to 200 yds. I suppose what I'm really asking is, do you see targets past 200 yds in the competitions often, at venues from Indy South?

 

[42769vette]

Dot size is all about preference so you wont find a definitive answer. I personally prefer a 2 MOA dot, but I'm probably in the minority. I sell a lot more 4 moa dots. To be a 4 MOA dot feels like Im throwing a round in an area not at a spot.

 

[mertbl]

I'm shoot tac limited this year. I had no issue with the 3 MOA dot on my bushnell trs 25. So far we've shot out to 300. Definitely agree though, is feel like I'm aiming at a spot instead of picking a point I want to hit.

 

[sbu sailor]

Thanks guys. You hit the nail right on the head, if the venues have a lot of 300yd or greater shots, I'm looking at a '10.5" + wide' dot technically. I would definitely want to drop to more like 2 moa as a preference. If, however, there are mostly 200yd and shorter shots, I am comfortable with what I currently have. Hence the curiosity on the venues and range set ups... I know what moa(s) I like.

Aim small, miss small... right?

 

[scheesman]

Only 3 of the INMG clubs have anything over 300 yards, so there's plenty to shoot at close range. I definitely wouldn't hangs my mind on a purchase based on 3-4 targets per month. If you like the 4MOA, I say stick with it!

 

[sbu sailor]

Only 3 of the INMG clubs have anything over 300 yards, so there's plenty to shoot at close range. I definitely wouldn't hangs my mind on a purchase based on 3-4 targets per month. If you like the 4MOA, I say stick with it!

Thank you! That is EXACTLY the info I was looking for!

 

[rvb]

You need a ballistics calculator to help you decide.
Just as an example....
if you have a 100yd zero and at 300 yds you have 4 minutes of drop, then you can zero on the top of a 4 min dot and have some drop built in by using the bottom of the dot at 300. Anywhere in between will hit inside the dot. Playing games like that can help you figure out if 2moa or 4 is better for you. Don't get wrapped up which is more "precise" because If your hold is consistent it doesn't matter.

-rvb

 

[sbu sailor]

With all due respect rvb, especially since you sound like someone I can glean a lot from, I don't need a ballistics calculator. I know what I like. Scheesman gave me exactly the info I needed. I'm not going to drop 5 bills on a new sight for a few long range targets. I will, however, pm when I hit that magical 50 posts. You see, I am new to long range shooting a weapon below 20mm... (that was many moons ago) and I have a feeling if you can put up with me, I would enjoy some range time with you.

 

[scheesman]

I think Ryan was trying to help, not get you to spend money. His recommendation on using a ballistic calculator wasn't meant as an insult, but as a tool. By knowing your holdover at say 300yd, you could sight your gun at 100 or 200yd to where you could place the dot like a "hat" on top of the target at 300yd. Your 100yd hold may be "low" on the target, by at least the reticle becomes useful at multiple distances. There are many ways to skin a cat, we're all just offering differing opinions.

 

[mertbl]

You need a ballistics calculator to help you decide.
Just as an example....
if you have a 100yd zero and at 300 yds you have 4 minutes of drop, then you can zero on the top of a 4 min dot and have some drop built in by using the bottom of the dot at 300. Anywhere in between will hit inside the dot. Playing games like that can help you figure out if 2moa or 4 is better for you. Don't get wrapped up which is more "precise" because If your hold is consistent it doesn't matter.

-rvb

I had never thought of zeroing on the top of the dot. That makes a lot of sense now that I see it written out. Now I need a chrono...

 

[sbu sailor]

I think Ryan was trying to help, not get you to spend money. His recommendation on using a ballistic calculator wasn't meant as an insult, but as a tool. By knowing your holdover at say 300yd, you could sight your gun at 100 or 200yd to where you could place the dot like a "hat" on top of the target at 300yd. Your 100yd hold may be "low" on the target, by at least the reticle becomes useful at multiple distances. There are many ways to skin a cat, we're all just offering differing opinions.

I think you are absolutely right! I wasn't trying to come off rude, and I appreciate rvb' input! So much so, that I would like to spend a day at the range with him! Oh, and rvb... congrats on escaping MD!

 

[rvb]

Help! Trying to decide on the "dot size" for a new sight.

With all due respect rvb, ... I know what I like.

I thought rather than directly tell you what size to buy I'd give you some ideas to help you decide for yourself. But if you already know what you like then I'm not sure why this thread exists....

not sure how suggesting using a ballistic calculator will cost you more money...
Handloads.Com Ballistic Calculator
Ballistics Calculator - Hornady Manufacturing, Inc
google will find dozens more....

-rvb

 

[rvb]

I think you are absolutely right! I wasn't trying to come off rude, and I appreciate rvb' input! So much so, that I would like to spend a day at the range with him! Oh, and rvb... congrats on escaping MD!

ok, well good luck w/ your decision. hope to see you at a match soon. they're a lot of fun!

in jest:
[video=youtube;xVTpCViyUwM]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVTpCViyUwM[/video]

 

[rvb]

I had never thought of zeroing on the top of the dot. That makes a lot of sense now that I see it written out. Now I need a chrono...

I find w/ the dot brightness turned down, it's easier to be precise using the top of the dot (like a front sight post). shooting it that way it matters less if it's 2 or 4 moa dot size. up close hoser stuff it really doesn't matter at all. if I do want to be zero'd on the center of the dot, I'll shoot it that way and just adjust the poi to be 1/2 the dot size down from my poa. or you can do games w/ the drop like I mentioned above.

-rvb

 

[17 squirrel]

You need a ballistics calculator to help you decide.
Just as an example....
if you have a 100yd zero and at 300 yds you have 4 minutes of drop, then you can zero on the top of a 4 min dot and have some drop built in by using the bottom of the dot at 300. Anywhere in between will hit inside the dot. Playing games like that can help you figure out if 2moa or 4 is better for you. Don't get wrapped up which is more "precise" because If your hold is consistent it doesn't matter.

-rvb

Where in Merlin are you from ?

 

[sbu sailor]

...if you already know what you like then I'm not sure why this thread exists....
-rvb

To find out if I would run into a lot of 200-300+ yd shots. If so, I would change dot size. I'm supposing I shoulda made that more clear?

Oh and... Ricky Bobby was a nice touch.