Sights on a smoothbore gun. Red dot sights Red dot sight for a rifle
Many hunters, having acquired a smoothbore gun, begin to think about how to tune it. The first thought is to install optics. But it seems to me to set optical sight on a smoothbore gun does not make sense, and here's why.
Firstly, shooting from a smoothbore gun is carried out at relatively short distances (up to 50 m with shot, and up to 100-120 m with a bullet). At such distances, any increase would be redundant. Secondly, they shoot from a shotgun most often offhand, and catching a target, especially a fast moving one, will be very difficult.
What does a reflex sight do? Having a special optical scheme, the collimator allows you to replace the rear sight and front sight with one point. It is no longer necessary to combine three points at different distances from the eye: the target, the front sight and the rear sight.
When is a collimator needed? It is most advisable to use a collimator sight when shooting at short distances up to 100 m, especially if the target is moving quickly. These are bird hunting, driven hunts, the selection of wounded animals, etc. Can a collimator sight replace an optical one? In short, no.
Rather, the red dot sight replaces open sights. From what has been said, it can be seen that the optimal magnification is 1x. In addition, it is highly desirable when shooting to look at the target, as they say, in both directions. We should also not forget that most sights, even 1.2-4x20 variable scopes or analogues, are quite large in size and weight.
So, we can conclude that for installation on a smoothbore gun, the most suitable are compact devices of small size and mass, which make it possible to shoot with two eyes open. Collimator sights are very close to the described formulation. Let's take a closer look at them.
A common feature of all collimators is the lack of focus (they simply do not need it) and the ability to place it at any distance from the shooter's eye. Collimators can have interchangeable aiming marks, which makes it easier to aim and make corrections for distance or lead (in the case of a moving target). First of all, collimator sights can be divided into closed and open.
CLOSED TYPE COLLIMATORS (CCT)
KZT is a tube similar to an optical sight, the difference is that KZT is much lighter and more compact. Quite recently it was possible to meet "deaf" devices, looking into which, we will be surprised to find that nothing is visible at all, except for one luminous point.
He worked as follows: throwing up a gun, the shooter looked into the collimator with one eye and saw a point, with the other - at the target. In the head of the shooter, the images were combined, and with the right pointing, the point was projected onto the target. Such devices quickly disappeared from sale, as they had a huge parallax and “turned off” one eye of the shooter, greatly limiting the view. Fortunately, they have been replaced by normal closed collimators.
KZT is smaller and lighter than optical sights, but still quite bulky. But they have one advantage over open collimators: at the same price, a closed collimator sight will be more tenacious and protected. Also a big plus is the good visibility of the tag in any light, even on a bright sunny day.
OPEN COLLIMATORS (CAT)
CAT is a small device on which the image of the aiming mark is projected onto a small screen or lens. CATs can be both quite massive and ultra-compact (literally the size of a matchbox). Open-type collimators are the most compact, practically do not reduce the view and, in my opinion, are more aesthetic, although, of course, they taste and color ...
The disadvantages include lower service strength (mainly due to the lens) and deterioration in the visibility of the brand in bright sunlight. Very interesting option CAT is a holographic sight. Its main difference is the complete absence of parallax, the aiming mark is focused in the plane of the target, the aiming mark itself can be any, including three-dimensional, the aiming mark is changed by changing the holographic screen.
A feature of a holographic sight is that a shot can be fired when the aiming mark and the target are aligned, with an arbitrary position of the shooter or weapon.
Like an optical sight, any collimator after installation must be zeroed in, for which they have adjustment drums. For most tasks, especially on smoothbore weapons, it is enough to combine the aiming line with the collimator mark using a cold sighting device.
To install a collimator sight, it is necessary that there are seats on the weapon (“dovetail”, weawer, etc.). It is important to note here that it is highly desirable that the collimator be mounted on a quick-release bracket and that additional slats and the counterparts of the bracket did not block the aiming bar of the shotgun. Like it or not, no matter how compact the collimator is, it still strongly protrudes beyond the dimensions of the weapon, so it can be knocked down or damaged when moving with a weapon, flooded with water or splashed with mud when hunting waterfowl.
Another weak link in the collimator is power. Most of them are battery operated, as are open collimators powered by small button batteries, which are very sensitive to low temperatures.
First of all, it is necessary to determine the type of collimator. For shotguns and rifled rifles of large caliber, in my opinion, closed or open holographic collimators are more suitable. For small-caliber rifles and rifles of caliber up to 7.62x39 (and analogues), open collimators are more suitable. After choosing the type of sight, you need to find out if the collimator mount will fit the base of your gun.
The fact is that most closed collimators and all open ones have integrated brackets, and it will be almost impossible to change them afterwards. The collimator you choose should have a reticle brightness adjustment, and it is desirable that it be interchangeable. In good collimators, there are from 5 to 9 different marks.
A lot of collimator sights have appeared on our market. There are very cheap models, from $15, which can only be installed on toys or light pneumatics.
When choosing a sight, it should be remembered that a collimator sight is exactly a sight, i.e. rather complex optical device. In addition, when shooting, it experiences large overloads, so it cannot be cheap.
In the end, I would like to mention Chinese-made collimators. At a fairly low price, they can have very impressive performance. Often "by eye" they are difficult to distinguish from the products of branded manufacturers. Unfortunately, they have one very unpleasant drawback - unpredictable quality.
Almost all of them survive the recoil of small calibers well (.22Lr, 7.62x39, .223, etc.). But not everyone is able to withstand the recoil of a shotgun, especially with magnum cartridges. Sometimes they just go out, but more often the aiming mark begins to shift, which leads to inexplicable misses. This state of affairs makes one wonder whether it is worth saving on a collimator and risking a long-awaited hunt.
The effectiveness of shooting depends not only on the practical skills of a hunter or sportsman. You can train for years, but never achieve the desired accuracy of the battle. There are several types of devices that become in the process of fishing (or on the stand) indispensable assistants for beginner shooters and visually impaired people. One of them is a collimator sight, which is a kind of optical device.
Not everyone understands why a reflex sight is preferable to a traditional optic for a 12-gauge shotgun, and this should be explained for those who do not have enough experience in hunting with a “smoothbore”.
Firstly, any shotgun has a range limit. The maximum is up to 120 m, and this is subject to an increased charge, which is rarely practiced. It is unlikely that at such distances a multiple increase is required. Therefore, the acquisition of expensive optics is not justified in any way.
Secondly, fishing with smooth-bore weapons is most often carried out under way. Therefore, shooting is predominantly offhand. The slightest delay, and a miss. Therefore, in such situations, a traditional optical sight is a poor helper.
Aiming does not require closing one eye, as is done when installing traditional optics on a weapon. It is more than convenient for running hunting and saves a lot of time, allowing you to make an accurate shot at a running (flying) object in a matter of seconds.
Another argument in favor of installing a collimator on a 12-gauge smoothbore weapon. Firstly, shooting is carried out, as a rule, with shot. And its expansion is such that maximum alignment of the aiming line is not required to hit the target. Secondly, 12 gauge is the largest. Consequently, the area covered by the “shot sediment” (at equal distances) is larger than that of other guns. The main thing is to choose wisely best option collimator sight for a specific type of hunting.
Rating of the best collimator sights for a 12 gauge smoothbore gun
On sale there are several series of optical devices of the same brand. All their advantages are noted on the basis of feedback from athletes and hunters, which are easy to find on forums and websites of relevant subjects.
Prices are indicative, for the Moscow region, in Russian rubles.
SIGHTMARK
Model SM1
Series 3005. This red dot sight is well suited for fishing in low temperatures. At values up to -25 ºС, the brightness of the glow does not change. The small weight of the device, protection from mechanical damage, falls from a height make it attractive for lovers of sea hunting. Price - 9 000.
Model SM2
The collimator sight of the 6003 series stands out here. Such models are called ultra-compact (weight - 60 g). Type is open. The battery capacity allows you to provide continuous illumination (when fully charged) for 8 - 9 days. Hunters note the ease of use during preemptive shooting, that is, at a moving object (a hare, ducks taking off, etc.). Price - 8 430.
LEAPERS
SCP Model
Series RD40RGW-A. The type of collimator is closed. The main advantage is a quick installation on a smooth-bore weapon. This allows you to carry the device in a special case in the process of moving to the place where the hunt began. Another plus is that 2 colors are provided for the aiming mark: red is clearly visible against the background of foliage, grass; green - for autumn and winter fishing. Price - 2 680.
Aimpoint Micro
This reflex sight model is considered one of the best for 12 caliber smoothbore weapons. It optimally combines the advantages of open (ease of use, low weight) and closed (reliability, inertness to recoil) types of optical devices. The battery is rated for 48,000 hours of use, and the quality of the backlight does not decrease even at extreme low temperatures.
This collimator is not afraid of water (permissible immersion is 5 m) and can be installed not only on a 12 gauge smoothbore gun, but also on other types of weapons equipped with a ventilated strap. Price - from 32 990.
DOCTER Sight (Model III 3.5)
The type of collimator sight is open. The main "highlight" is the ability of the optics to independently adjust the brightness of the backlight depending on the lighting conditions. This creates convenience during winter hunting - you do not need to cling to the cold butt for a long time and aim. Mount branded, universal. Price - from 18 190.
The collimator sights given as an example are not the only ones of high quality. On sale there are models from other manufacturers, to which there are no special complaints - "Hakko BED" (Japan), "EOTech" (USA). But this is due not only to their high reliability, but also to low demand - they are much more expensive, and therefore are purchased by owners of smooth-bore weapons less often. Accordingly, there are not so many reviews.
In fairness, it should be noted that all devices under these brands entering our market are manufactured in China.
Lot positive feedback about the Russian development of optics for smoothbore weapons. For 12 gauge, the Cobra collimator (EKP-8-21 series) is excellent. The price is much lower than many foreign analogues - 12,780, and in terms of quality it is not inferior to them.
For smoothbore weapons, including, and, it is advisable to focus on open-type devices. They are more compact and provide good review. If the sight is closed, then it should be a holographic collimator, and not an old-style model, when when aiming it was necessary to close one eye in order to connect 2 points.
Mount type
It should immediately be clarified whether it is suitable for a particular 12 gauge weapon. On sale there are collimator sights with a universal locking mechanism. They are preferred for two reasons. Firstly, you don’t have to do “fitting” right in the store (and for this you need to come to it with your gun). Secondly, if instead of the old model it is planned to purchase a more advanced weapon, then the collimator will not need to be changed.
Label type
There are several options, depending on the manufacturer of the collimator - a single point, it is in a circle; intersecting lines; triangle. It is advisable to try out the convenience of aiming from different models of the device. Here, third-party recommendations are superfluous - only your own feelings. The only thing that needs to be clarified is at what distance this sight is most effective.
Dimming limits
A good collimator is considered to have at least 5 interchangeable marks. But these are active types of sights, which involve their use in the dark. They cost more, so you should think about whether this optical device is really needed for hunting during the day. But for a sit-down - an excellent choice.
Source of power
Here it is short - the battery is preferable. The fact is that all battery-type elements, colloquially called "pills", are sensitive to sub-zero temperatures. In winter hunting, this will directly affect the quality of the functioning of the collimator sight.
Price
One of the main points when choosing a fixture. High-quality optics, by definition, cannot be cheap. An example is branded binoculars, glasses, microscopes. Found ubiquitously on the market various models red dot sights made in China. In many respects, they are characterized quite well, but there is a significant drawback that completely eliminates all the existing advantages - they are sensitive to recoil. Since we are talking about 12 caliber smoothbore weapons, it is quite significant.
How the device will behave after the first shot, especially if it is made with a Magnum cartridge, no professional will undertake to predict. Therefore, it is better not to take risks and spend money on a more reliable red dot sight from a well-known manufacturer.
A device that directs the beam of the aiming mark into the shooter's eye parallel to the beams that form the image of the terrain in the lens of the sight. Therefore, no matter how the shooter moves the eye relative to the lens, the position of the aiming mark will still correspond to the aiming line. This feature significantly speeds up the search for a target through the sight and alignment of the aiming mark with the contour of the target.
When choosing such a high-precision device, a red dot sight is usually compared with traditional optics. When choosing a sight for the most common type hunting weapon- 12 gauge smoothbore guns - the collimator has the following important advantages:
- The range of an accurate shot from a smooth-bore weapon is limited to a distance of 100 - 120 m. At such a distance, the possibility of increasing the target is not needed, which means that the characteristics of an optical sight turn out to be clearly redundant. Or, in other words, the scope is sharper than the shotgun itself. And since the characteristics of a complex optical sight are redundant, there is no need to overpay for them. The characteristics of the collimator sight are quite consistent with the capabilities of the weapon itself.
- When hunting with smoothbore weapons, in most cases, shooting is offhand. The time that can be spent on aiming is minimal under such conditions, and delaying aiming will almost certainly end in a miss. The speed of aiming through a collimator is much higher than the speed of aiming with traditional optics, so the choice should be made in favor of a collimator.
- Aiming through the collimator does not deprive the shooter of the opportunity to use both eyes, and the narrow frame of the open collimator sight does not interfere with observing the movement of the target. This allows you to quickly adjust the sight when shooting at a moving target, such as flying game. An optical sight often does not provide such an opportunity.
- Shooting from a 12-gauge gun is usually carried out with shotgun ammunition, which means that it is not necessary to accurately align the aiming line to hit. Therefore, aiming through the collimator will be quite effective and fast.
What to look for when choosing a scope?
Today on the shelves of hunting stores you can find a wide selection of collimators. Sights for every taste and budget, built on various schemes and made of different materials, domestic and foreign ... But how to choose the right option for 12 gauge among this variety?
First of all, you should pay attention to the characteristics of your weapon. 12 gauge has a powerful cartridge, and therefore a lot of recoil. Shooting from such weapons is usually carried out offhand, and the weapon itself is quite heavy. Knowing these characteristics, it is clear that when choosing a collimator, you should pay attention to the following:
- Aim type. Best of all for 12 gauge smoothbore weapons, open-type collimators are suitable, with a single lens enclosed in a thin frame. They provide the fastest aiming, are comfortable when tracking a moving target or quickly transferring the device. But closed collimators are best left for other weapons.
- Attachment type. There is a variety here that exceeds the wildest expectations. Many scopes are sold with mounts, while others (for example, ) will have to purchase a landing base separately. Before buying, you should clarify which type of mount is suitable for your weapon. Or bring the gun to the store to be able to try on the scope before buying and make sure it can be installed.
- Aiming mark type. Modern sights can have one label (most often - a dot), or several switchable ones - a dot, a crosshair, a circle, and combinations thereof. The diameter of the reticle dot is expressed in MOA. For a 12-gauge shotgun, scopes with large dots (at least 7 MOA) or a circle mark are best suited.
- Aiming mark brightness. As a general rule, a good scope should have at least 5 levels of reticle brightness. But here it is worth proceeding from a real need: if you plan to hunt at dusk, then such a variety of brightness modes will be really useful. But for hunting during the day, a smaller number of adjustment modes may be enough.
- Scope power supply. Batteries should be sufficiently reliable and not run out at low temperatures. It is believed that batteries - "tablets" are quickly discharged in the cold, so on a winter hunt you can suddenly be left without a sight due to a dead battery. But modern high-quality lithium batteries are devoid of this drawback.
- Price. Usually the price of a high-quality collimator sight is quite high. There are many options for cheap Chinese-made collimators, but the possibility of their effective use on 12 gauge is extremely doubtful. A powerful 12-gauge cartridge creates high recoil, and low-quality cheap sights are very poorly protected from this. Therefore, such a "high-precision element" after each shot, the settings may go astray.
Overview of collimator sights for 12 gauge
- . Very high quality collimator made in Germany. Advantages of the sight - high-quality Zeiss-class optics, automatic adjustment of the aiming mark brightness, very compact size and low weight. It is worth considering that Docter scopes do not have brackets for attaching to weapons, so the sighting base will have to be purchased separately. This makes the sight more versatile, but it forces you to spend extra money on the purchase of an aiming base.
- . Inexpensive sight, well adapted for hunting in winter conditions. Even in cold weather, the manufacturer guarantees that there will be no negative effects such as a drop in the brightness of the aiming mark or premature battery discharge. The device weighs little, tolerates recoil or accidental impact well. This makes the scope popular with hunting enthusiasts.
- . Another device from SightMark. Its main advantages are compactness and a wide viewing angle. Due to its small size and compact landing base, this sight will not cling to branches or grass. Its lens is enclosed in a narrow body, which practically does not interfere with the transfer of the sight.
- Affordable wide-angle collimator, very useful for hunting moving game (for example, a hare). The aiming mark can be adjusted in brightness and size. The weight of the sight is small, and the characteristics are quite sufficient for effective hunting. The sight withstands recoil well, so it can be mounted even on 12 gauge.
- The Redring Mark II is a very high quality 12 gauge scope. This device was developed by the coach of the Swedish Shotgun team. The aiming mark is made in the form of a ring, the diameter of which corresponds very well to the diameter of the shot siege at a distance of 100 meters. The sight holds recoil very well, provides greater accuracy of hits on fast-flying game. The only drawback is the high price.
Thus, a properly selected red dot sight will be quite effective when used with a 12 gauge hunting weapon. But when choosing a sight, you should carefully study its characteristics and method of attachment.
One of the most popular optical devices for hunting or sports shooting (after weapons, of course) is a scope. It is designed to simplify aiming weapons at the desired target. Manufacturers today make a variety of models that can be used for different types of rifles, both firearms and pneumatics.
Modern sights have high quality optics, as well as a lightweight and shockproof body made of aircraft-grade aluminum. Most owners of hunting carbines and air rifles equip them with an optical sight, which fully reveals the potential of accurate weapons.
The online store site offers a wide selection of models from reputable world manufacturers. The sights presented in the catalog are made of reliable high-strength materials that can withstand severe loads and are distinguished by long term operation.
How to buy an optical sight for a hunting carbine
When choosing, it is important that the model matches the weapon with which to interact. It should be understood at what distances it is planned to shoot, what the external conditions will be, the caliber of the weapon and what goals the shooter is pursuing. First of all, you should pay attention to such parameters as the magnification and diameter of the lens, the tightness of the body, resistance to recoil, mounting brackets and the reticle.
The online store site offers and sports shooting at affordable prices. Delivery is possible to any city in Russia. If you have any questions, our experts will professionally advise and help you make the right choice.
A device that is useful for sports shooting fans and professional hunters is a red dot sight. With its help, the effectiveness of conventional weapons is increased, shooting becomes more accurate. In other words: a reflex sight is a proven way to improve weapons.
Consider collimator sights mounted on 12 gauge. After installation, a beam will be aimed at the target. And this means: faster preparation, and faster and more accurate shooting. The device is such that the shooter's eye is located far enough from him, and the likelihood of injury due to recoil is minimized.
The collimator sight is also very popular among novice hunters - after all, they get an excellent assistant who constantly trains their accuracy. And people with vision problems feel more confident and achieve better results when using this device.
The sights considered here are optical devices with electronic filling. Most of the mass-produced products of this type have a single magnification (that is, officially, these are devices with a low magnification). The design of the label goes to the lens located in the front of the device. Appearance labels can be different (dot, dot in a circle, crossed lines, or squares). Different types it is advisable to use marks for targets located at different distances (less than 100 meters, up to 400 meters and over 400 meters). You can select either the red or green label option. Another advantage is that sights of this type do not block the view, giving a clear image.
Video: Collimator sights - the main tool for a shooter to work at short distances
Varieties of sights
The brand of the sight also determines whether it has an active or passive illumination method. When the active mode is selected, energy is taken from a compact battery. It is advisable to use the active mode in adverse weather conditions, as well as at night. The label is projected exclusively for the right eye. The passive brand does not differ in either brightness or contrast; it can only be used in good lighting (during the day).
Now manufacturers offer devices for aiming of 2 types: they look like tubes, or in the form of a frame, in front of which there is a lens. The main components of the tube: it is a LED emitter and several lenses (usually 2). If we compare this device with a variation of the open type, then it is somewhat larger, but next to standard optical solutions, it looks more compact and weighs less. Such tubes are produced in a durable case, which is designed to protect all elements from sharp shaking during firing. Such weapons are usually used when firing from a securely non-fixed position, so the closed version of the 12-gauge red dot sight is not very convenient for this.
Devices of the open variety have the advantage of low weight and decent visibility. But if even a little rain drizzles, then using them is very problematic. Sometimes a halogen sight is also used, although professionals disagree on this matter, referring it to a separate type of equipment. At first glance, it looks like an open variation frame. But the brand is projected onto the output screen by means of a laser beam. Such a screen in the form of a plate is easy to change if required. weather. Neither fog nor precipitation is an obstacle to the use of such a device.
How to use
Consoles that can be quickly changed are the preferred place to mount the sighting device. If the need arises, such a device can be quickly removed and the movement of game resumed. You can use this device to fire from a moving car or shoot at rapidly moving targets. If fire is fired from automatic weapons, then collimator sights are installed in the side of the receiver. Severe frost is the enemy of collimator sights, because. under its influence, the power element may cease to perform its functions.
About collimator sights made in Japan
Considering that most of the goods (whatever their type) are made in China, then connoisseurs of special quality will be interested in the reflex sights of the Hakko BED brand, which are made in Japan. When buying a Hakko scope, you can be sure that it was made in Japan, and from Japanese components. The construction is extremely durable, designed for years of service. Excellent optical characteristics of these products are confirmed by experienced hunters. At the choice of the buyer: closed or open versions of the product. Closed devices have 11 lighting levels. Those who have tried these products in action, including in extreme conditions, say that the sights really withstand strong impacts, they are not affected by heavy precipitation. And to avoid sweating - inner part fill with gas. The recoil from 12-gauge guns is not at all terrible for the Hakko collimator sight. The distance from the shooter's eye when using "Hakko" does not matter (although it is better to keep at a minimum distance of 100 mm.).
What is the best holographic sight?
When asked which reflex sight is preferable, experts who have tried many options say that this is EOTech produced in the States. They make it on the basis of the sight used in the army. Such open-type devices differ from their closest competitors in that their component is a laser optical device. Large selection of label brightness control (21 stages in total). This ensures accurate shooting even in adverse weather. For those who want to hunt in any conditions, there are also models with a thermal imager and night vision. EOTech uses a complex system brand projection. It is used to avoid the parallax effect. Practice shows that even mechanical damage does not affect the operation of this device.
The automatic shutdown mode is used, which gives a significant operating time. Can be programmed for either 4 or 8 hours. Other advantages: compactness, lightness. Recommended for use on 12 gauge shotguns. The battery uses standard AA batteries, which can be purchased at your nearest store or ordered online. You can replace them in a minute, without any complicated actions, without subsequent zeroing. The disadvantages of such high-quality overseas products can only be attributed to the high cost (for sophisticated models - 60 thousand rubles and more).
Another interesting offer from America
Another reflex sight, Sightmark, also comes from the states, but its cost is noticeably lower than EOTech. But it does not follow from this that it is of unworthy quality. It is enough to download that the Yukon holding that produces it is a regular supplier for American cops and for the army. These devices are easily installed on 12-gauge weapons, they have 7 levels of brightness. They weigh little and are quite reliable. Some of them are produced under license in China.
About domestic goods
If we talk about collimator sights produced by domestic manufacturers, then the only option is the "Cobra" (because we do not make other similar devices). They put it with the help of the dovetail mount on the Bekas weapon. The shooter's choice: 16 gradations of brightness, 4 types of marks with the ability to remember data about them. At a distance of up to 600 meters, ballistics corrections apply. The owners of such devices say that after intensive shooting (multiple shots), the settings do not go astray, there are no noticeable deformations on the seat. Good aiming is guaranteed with both one and two eyes. Of the shortcomings, the weight is more than the average and the height. In general - quite reliable and recommended products.
Video: Red dot sight testing
Mounting process
How to mount the device on a weapon is a question that worries buyers no less than the choice of model itself. With the exception of "Saiga" and "Snipe" - most varieties of smoothbore guns initially do not involve mounting other devices due to consoles. Therefore, the hunter will have to make a choice from those technical solutions that currently exist. And there are few of them, either it is a “dovetail” or a base (another name for a “bar”).
More often they put a collimator sight on the slats of the Wever model, with the addition of seats. If the sight has mounting rings, then it can be mounted on a dovetail. In addition, there are models designed to mount directly on the aiming bar. Such electronic devices are small in size and light in weight. For example, high-quality Docter scopes. The light mark of such a device is clearly visible in the snow and in the cloudy sky. But such an option is affordable only for wealthy people, because. maybe even more expensive than the gun itself.
About unreliable options to avoid
Sometimes domestic "masters" set the Weaver landing even on the "dovetail". They make special adapters for this. Moreover, there are no standard fixtures - each time a special approach is needed. For example, on the steel console of a device manufactured in Volgograd (VOMZ), another sighting device with various mounting options can be placed. But the collimator sight designed for the IZH-27 16-gauge can only be placed on the aiming bar with a maximum width of 7 mm. Such designs are not recommended to be used not only because of the increase in the weight of the weapon, but also because of the fact that its alignment is disturbed. Such adapters weigh 100 grams or even more. Those who have already used such homemade mounts in business say that they have little reliability and after a dozen shots they are already starting to come loose. You can install an optical device with a minimum weight. But according to the calculation, for IZH-27, the collimator sight should have a weight within 90 grams.
Decent frame for top optical devices
If you already have money for a high-class optical device, then it makes no sense to save money when installing it, it is then that the funds invested in the device itself will pay off in full due to the quality of shooting. During installation, it is worth remembering not only about the reliable fixation of a fairly massive sighting device, but also that both the bar and bolted connections must be immune to recoil loads. And - for a long time. Any home-made devices, no matter how they are praised by the authors, do not fit here - there is no certainty in their reliability. Only proprietary developments are suitable for guaranteed reliable mounting of a 12-gauge red dot sight, and they can be easily purchased in online stores.
When choosing a product, make sure that its contour is the same as that of the receiver. Look at the thickness of the box: it should be sufficient for cutting a hole and for cutting at least 3 turns. For cutting use prof. equipment.
How is the shooting
With the help of 2 rotary knobs-drums that come with most of these devices, make adjustments in 2 planes. Select the target that the charge should hit (at a distance of 35-50 meters), for the selected distance, remember the position of the regulators. There is also an opinion that only “cold zeroing” can be used. This means that a laser pointer is used. But with such a shooting, it is not always achieved desired result, because in hunting rifles, the axes of the barrel and chamber do not always coincide. Cold alignment is used to zero in the chamber. When mounting a collimator sight on 12 gauge, one should not forget about the correction when shooting from hand and about significant recoil.
Video: Sighting a collimator sight on IZH-94.
Among users, there is no unequivocal opinion on which model of the sight is the best. It all depends on the conditions in which it will be used, on the skill of the hunter, on which weapon it will be mounted, and what ammunition will be used. It is also said that on 12-gauge guns it is preferable to use open devices. Also, the choice depends on how much the hunter is willing to pay.
