Collimator sights for smoothbore weapons. Optical sights Collimator sight for a rifle

For hunters and sports shooting enthusiasts who want to increase the effectiveness of their weapons, improve the accuracy of combat, a collimator is best suited for "tuning". Exactly red dot sight for 12 caliber fishing weapons - this is the most rational version of the optical device. Aiming is carried out by simply pointing the target beam at the target, which significantly increases the speed of preparation and the shooting itself. The shooter's eye is at a safe distance from the device, which eliminates injury during recoil. And for novice hunters, you can’t think of a better assistant. Such sights provide comfortable shooting for people with insufficient

Collimator sight for smoothbore weapons

This type of sight is an electronic optical device. Applies to low power devices. For most serial samples, it is equal to one. The brand is projected onto the front lens (output screen) of the device. The label itself can be various forms: be in the form of a circle, a square, or intersecting lines. Each of the options is designed for a certain distance of fire: up to 100 meters, up to 400 and more than 400 meters. The stamp color can be red or green. Ease of use lies in the fact that the device does not block the target, transmits light and transmits a clear image.

Types and types of sights

Depending on the brand of fixture, illumination methods can be active if they use energy or passive. Active ones allow you to accurately shoot at night and in bad weather conditions. Active stereoscopic ones project a mark for only one right eye. Passive ones can only be used during daylight hours, their brand is not bright and does not differ in contrast.

Sights are produced in two types: in the form of a tube resembling appearance optics, or in the form of a frame with a front lens. The tube consists of an LED emitter and two or more lenses. Such a device is more compact and lighter than classical optics, but slightly larger than an open type device. The advantage is good visibility of the tag in bright sunlight. All elements are reliably protected by a durable case from shaking when firing. The 12 gauge closed red dot sight is not very convenient, as this type of weapon is most often used when shooting from an unstable position.

Open-type devices have better visibility when shooting and significantly less weight. However, it is difficult to use them even during light rainfall. A variation is the halogen sight, although some experts classify it as a separate type of equipment. Outwardly, it looks like a frame of an open fixture. However, the brand image is projected onto the output screen by a laser beam. Depending on the hunting conditions, the screen-plate can be quickly replaced. It can be used in any weather and in fog.

Features of use

Application practice shows that the aiming device is best installed on a quick-detachable console. If necessary, the equipment can be quickly dismantled and the pursuit of game can be continued. The device allows you to fire from a moving vehicle, as well as hit fast-moving objects. On automatic weapons, it is usually mounted on the side of the receiver. Collimator sights are very sensitive to low temperatures. In severe frost, the battery may fail, and the entire device will fail.

Real Japanese quality

One of the most common are the Hakko BED red dot sights. They are manufactured by the Japanese company Tokyo Scope Co., LTD. This means a lot, given that almost all goods are made in China. Brands of almost all industries have their own production facilities in China. Hakko collimator sights are assembled in Japan to the last screw. Products differ in high optical characteristics and durability of a design. Available in both closed and open versions. Both of them provide for the choice of one of four labels. In closed fixtures, 11 light levels can be used.

Owners who use these devices confirm that the devices are truly waterproof and shockproof, and the gas filling of the interior prevents fogging. The Hakko collimator sight is highly reliable and is able to withstand the recoil of 12-gauge guns. The device provides for mounting on the Weaver mounting base. Although any Hakko BED reflex sight is not critical to the distance from the shooter's eye: the most acceptable distance of the pupil from the exit screen is at least 100 mm.

Ultimate Holographic Scope

Many experts and professional shooters recognize the American EOTech holographic red dot sight as the best example. This is a direct descendant of a military product. The difference between these open-type devices and their counterparts is that they have a laser optical device (the label is recorded in the form of a hologram and is illuminated by a laser), which provides considerable advantages. Firstly, the brightness of the label can be adjusted in a wide range - the variator assumes 21 levels. This makes it possible to shoot in all weather conditions. Some samples are equipped with thermal imager and night vision functions. And secondly, the EOTech collimator sight has practically no. This was achieved thanks to the complex brand projection system. It is visible even in rain, snow and heavy pollution. The device remains operational in case of mechanical damage.

Long runtime is achieved by automatic shutdown. The device can be programmed for 4 or 8 hours. An important advantage is the small size and curb weight. The device is very convenient when used on 12-gauge shotguns. Many devices provide for the use of standard batteries: AA batteries. Batteries can be found in any store. Their replacement occurs by simple manipulation and takes no more than a minute. When changing batteries, sighting of the collimator sight is not required. Overseas products are very expensive. Top models cost over 60 thousand rubles.

Another American product

The Sightmark red dot sight is significantly cheaper, but that doesn't mean it's low quality. Sightmark is a subsidiary of the Yukon holding, which manufactures products for law enforcement and the Ministry of Defense. Products are mostly open type, have up to 7 levels of brightness settings and are designed for installation on smoothbore weapons up to 12 gauge. Dovetail mount, bar 11 mm wide. Some samples are mounted on a Weaver/Picatini base. The sights are lightweight and highly reliable. A significant part of the products is produced in China.

Domestic is not worse

In 2009, the Kobra collimator sight appeared on the market in the EKP-8-21 version. This is the first and so far the only digital optical device for civil use. The open-type device is intended primarily for installation on semi-automatic weapons of the Bekas series. The Russian sight is mounted on a dovetail mount. Electronic circuit allows you to select four types of labels, 16 brightness options, as well as memorize information about the type of label and the brightness of the glow. The maximum range of ballistic corrections is up to 600 meters. Collimator sight "Cobra" is highly reliable. The owners note that after several dozen shots, the settings are saved and the seat is not deformed. Moreover, aiming in poor light conditions improves over time. Some owners complain that the device has a significant weight and height. The device can be used with the strap of the MP-251, IZH-18, IZH-27, IZH-94, Taiga shotguns. You can aim with one or two eyes.

How to mount?

An important issue that overshadows the choice of the device itself is the method of attachment to the weapon. Most samples smoothbore weapons does not provide for any standard fixtures or consoles for installing additional devices. The exceptions are the domestic "Saiga", "Bekas", pump-action shotguns and some samples designed for self-defense. The hunter should independently look for a technical solution. The choice is not rich: “dovetail” and bases (they are also called slats) Weaver and Picatini. The mounting of the red dot sight in the vast majority of samples provides for placement on Weaver rails using integrated seats. Only sights equipped with special mounting rings can be mounted on a dovetail fixture. Some models are attached directly to the aiming bar of the gun. As a rule, such electronic optics has small dimensions and weight. These include the well-known compact Docter sights. The light mark of this device is clearly visible in the snow, and even against the sky. However, their cost may exceed the price of the weapon itself.

Not very reliable

Domestic craftsmen mount a seat under the Weaver and on the dovetail. For this, special adapters are made. When choosing adapters, each sample requires an individual approach. So, the Vologda Optical and Mechanical Plant manufactures a product of the same name (VOMZ). The steel console is designed to accommodate an additional sighting device of any type of mounts on it. But, for example, 16-gauge can only be placed on a ventilated rib up to 7 mm wide. Such a design leads to a significant weighting of the weapon and a violation of its centering. The weight of one adapter alone is more than 100 grams. According to user reviews, such a mount is not durable and begins to loosen after a dozen shots. Alternatively, a not too heavy optical device should be installed. Based on this, the same collimator sight on the IZH-27 should weigh no more than 90 grams. What can we say about more powerful weapons and the corresponding technical means?

Expensive stone - a worthy frame

If an expensive optical device is purchased, it makes no sense to save money on its installation. The bar and bolted connections must have a sufficient margin of safety in order not only to fix a relatively heavy sighting device, but also to withstand recoil loads over a long period of operation. The 12 gauge red dot sight must only be mounted using specially designed stock mounting hardware. Dovetail and Weaver/Picatini slats in a large assortment are available for free sale and in online stores.

It is necessary to choose a product that follows the contour of the receiver. Also, the thickness of the body of the box itself should allow drilling a hole and cutting at least three turns of thread. It is best to cut the thread on professional equipment. You should also take into account the distance from the eye at which the collimator sight will be located. Feedback from experienced owners indicates the need for additional sealant treatment of the threads and the surface of the junction of the console itself to the plane of the receiver. All other installation methods are money thrown to the wind.

Zeroing optics

Like any other optical device, after mounting on a gun, the sight requires zeroing. The shooter must have a clear idea of where the bullet or shot will hit at a distance of 35-50 meters. Most devices are equipped with regulators. In this case fine tuning is carried out by means of adjustment in two planes with the help of two rotary regulators-drums. For a certain distance, you should remember the position of the regulators. Many people think that the so-called cold sighting is enough. In this case, the ammunition used with the red dot sight may not give the desired result. This is due to the fact that sometimes in hunting weapons there is a mismatch between the axes of the barrel and the chamber. Cold alignment can turn into chamber zeroing. It is necessary to take into account the correction when shooting from hand, as well as tangible recoil, because a 12-gauge collimator sight is most often mounted.

Another way to adjust the optics is by fixing the barrel in a special machine or vise. The barrel is aimed at a fixed point, and then the sight is adjusted. Cold zeroing can be replaced by a procedure of several dozen trial shots. Any optics requires painstaking adjustment, including a red dot sight. Reviews that experts post on thematic forums often contain advice to fire several series of four single shots. According to the results of hits on the target of a particular series, the average point of the hit and its deviation from the center of the target are recorded. The sight is adjusted and after that - the next series of shots. And so on until a satisfactory result is obtained.

In bullet shooting, alignment is carried out using the same type of cartridges and at the same distance that will be used in real conditions. However, in practice this is not possible. It is best to zero the device for use at several likely ranges of fire, and mark the results of hits on the object with notes in a notebook. In this case, corrections of angular indicators proportional to the firing distance are fixed.

GSS 30-12-2008 03:30

Well, the time has come to sort out the question of the actual use of the KP on hunting weapons. Is the collimator generally suitable for our hunts and climatic conditions whether it is convenient for the average hunter. These and other questions will be discussed below.
First of all, it must be said that the KP, in comparison with other sighting devices, has a number of generally recognized and important advantages. Namely:
1. Simplicity and speed of aiming. When using the CP, the shooter has to align only two points on the axis: the target and the aiming mark. That is, the aiming mark (Red Dot) is simply aimed at the target. Since the mark itself is a point projected to infinity, the target will be visible to the arrow as clearly as possible (sharply), since his gaze is completely focused on it. Whereas when aiming at the aiming bar with the front sight, or even more so the front sight and rear sight, it becomes necessary to focus on one of these elements. In this case, no matter how hard you try to make out the target as clearly as possible, because this is how the accommodative apparatus works: the human eye has a certain depth of field.
This feature of the gearbox determines the convenience of its use in sports shooting. Many have already appreciated the advantage of aiming at a sharply defined circle of the target over aiming the front sight into a blurry black circle.
Now imagine how it works on the hunt. Actually, you don’t need to imagine anything, just try to turn on your home computer and start any shooting simulator. It looks about the same. You see the aiming mark (in a computer this is the image of a front sight, a crosshair or the same red dot, in the case of an imitation of a collimator sight) and you see the target. Both images are equally visible. It remains only to point the mark at the target. The same is observed by the shooter and on the hunt. At first, this feeling of unreality of what was happening did not leave me. Then it gradually became a habit. One more feature should be noted. Since the mark itself is projected to infinity, the sighting line also appears to the arrow as infinitely long. Therefore, when looking through the sight, the shooter does not leave the feeling of confidence that the projectile will reach the target. This is an undeniable advantage when shooting at a distance of 50 m or more. Although this illusion can cause some problems for novice hunters, since one should not forget that, unlike the sighting line, the distance of a projectile in a smoothbore weapon is very limited.
From my own experience, I want to note that the use of a CP gives the hunter a lot of interesting and beautiful moments. I will give just one example. On the next autumn paddock, a fox came to my room. At first, without noticing my presence, she jumped up to me at a distance of about 7 meters. Finally, seeing something towering above the grass, the moth stopped and froze, looking in surprise at the emerging obstacle. I managed to carefully raise the gun so as not to frighten away the beast. What I saw, many saw, perhaps, only in a Hollywood movie: the red head of a fox, half rising above the yellowed autumn grass, two alert, surprised red eyes and: a red dot is clearly between them. So I kept the mark on the fox's forehead for three seconds. And then, with a movement of his hand, he frightened her away, since there was no command to shoot the fox, and the "enemy" had already been "conditionally destroyed."
The next striking example is shooting at a moose at a distance of 50 meters, when all the features of its morphology were visible. WITH open sight it would be simply impossible to achieve such a result. Another feature is the subjective feeling of the unreality of what is happening. The shooter observes the target through the sight glass. The body itself, as it were, isolates the shooter from the outside world and separates him from the target. To some extent, this allows you to cope with the excitement and gain the necessary confidence in the shot.

2. Accuracy and convenience when shooting. This feature is determined by the fact that the use of the CP allows you to navigate in the corrections for exceeding and lowering the average point of impact of a bullet at different distances. Needless to say, in order to use this feature of his sight, the owner must shoot it well at a certain distance and know how much the STP shifts when deviating from the zeroing distance. In this case, the excess and decrease of the STP are easily selected by the shooter, who, out of habit, focuses on the gap between the brand itself and the body of the sight. All this also gives the shooter confidence in the shot and insures him against possible errors in the form of overestimation or underestimation.
The same effect can be achieved when using standard sights, but only at the cost of long training. And for remembering and selecting the aiming point on the hunt, time is very limited.
The same effect allows you to correctly choose the lead. It can be said that with no sighting device it is impossible to choose the lead in the required number of figures as quickly and accurately. Of course, this is not particularly relevant for a shotgun shot, since the spread of the shot ensures reliable hitting of the target if the direction in which the projectile will be sent is chosen correctly. This is the convenience of aiming at a vskidka along the bar, or as the hunters say, “by the trunks”. However, it is rather difficult to call such shooting actually aimed. Rather, it is a technique to "hook" the target with a scree of shot. The method, of course, is time-tested and fast, but ... When shooting at a moving target, the result of the shot depends entirely on the accuracy of the choice of lead. The CP allows you to shoot at a running animal with the highest possible (with the allotted time interval) aiming accuracy. This eliminates the factors of nervousness and indistinctness of the target, which lead to the “wandering” of the fly and, as a result, a miss.
This advantage of using the CP allowed the author to completely abandon the canister shots in animal hunting. Whereas many hunters prefer buckshot to a bullet and put a bullet cartridge only if a very large animal is likely to come out. As a result, the absence of irrevocably disappeared wounded animals, affected by one or two buckshot.
I'll give you a small example. On one of the drive hunts for roe deer, the shooter, who was standing in the room next to me, fired twice at the animal that came out on him. At the same time, only the muzzle of the beast was to blame for him. So to speak in "full face". The double-barreled shotgun was loaded with large eight-millimeter buckshot. As a result, the buckshot, having flown around the muzzle, shot off one ear of the goat, and the goat, marked by the “good” hunter, serenely galloped away. As a result of the “debriefing”, it was found out that the shooter from that number, instead of taking a little lower, fired at the visible part, since he psychologically could not bring himself to point the fly below the head of the roe deer, which he also could not clearly see on grass background. If the CP of many mistakes had been installed on the weapon of that hunter, perhaps it would have been possible to avoid and the long-awaited trophy would have been obtained.

3. Possibility of aiming from uncomfortable positions and constant control of the target. In view of the peculiarities of the projection of the KP brand, it allows the shooter to aim from a variety of positions. Including the uncomfortable ones. The shooter does not need to rigidly fix the head on the butt. Although it would never hurt to do so. It is enough just to point the mark at the target. This advantage is clearly manifested when hunting from stealth, when you have to open fire from an initially unfavorable and unstable position, and there is no time for the correct tab in the gun. This advantage of the CP has long been appreciated by athletes from the "practical shooting" (IPSC). Therefore, the presence of the CP on their weapons has already become a ubiquitous phenomenon. And the collimator itself received well-deserved recognition.
The only downside. Due to the fact that the sight is in any case mounted above the standard sights, the aiming line will also be raised above the barrel. As a result, the shooter's head can no longer be fixed on the original stock. in a classic way". The head is no longer fixed by the cheek, but by the chin. Which, in principle, can be tangibly manifested in the form of a blow to it. There are two ways to solve this problem. The first is to build up the butt comb and install cheek pads (similar to those used on SVD). The second is to forget about it and get used to fixing the head as it is, remembering the experience of WWII snipers armed with three-line rifles with PU sights on the Kochetov bracket, which showed excellent results and without any "frills" (the sight was mounted high and the head was also fixed on the butt chin). I’ll add on my own that I went the second way and, after a certain amount of time, I stopped noticing the inconvenience in the tab. In addition, for me, such a “specific” tab turned out to be even more convenient, and, importantly, faster.
As for the control of the target, the CP has a nice feature, thanks to which the moving (running, flying) target is constantly in the field of view of the hunter in any direction of its movement and is not covered by the body of the weapon. Thus, shooting with the use of the CP is always aimed. Recall that the correct aiming through the CP is carried out with two open eyes. This allows you to maximize the potential of the shooter's vision.

4. Possibility of firing at night. Actually, this advantage of the KP is obvious. Shooting with it is possible as long as the silhouette of the target is still visible. No fiber optic front sight, of course, can provide such an effect.
In general, it should be noted that the above advantages of the use of CP open the way for him to the world of amateur and sport hunting. Perhaps in the near future the "sight" on the hunter's smoothbore gun will no longer look so unusual.
By the way, as that hunter, who had marked the roe deer with a shot, later admitted to me, the first thing he remembered when he lowered the gun was that very “red dot” he had seen on my eve.

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 rifles. different kind 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 a long service life.

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 will be external conditions, the caliber of the weapon and what goals the shooter pursues. 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.

Online store site offers and sports shooting for 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.

For those who literally cannot imagine their life without weapons and hunting, the question of how to choose the right scope is very relevant. This is not surprising, because regardless of whether the hunt is for a wild boar, a hare, or any other game, this element performs many functions that allow the hunter to aim and make accurate shots. The choice of sight should be carried out based on many factors, and you need to approach the choice as competently as possible. You should first find out what types of sighting devices for hunting exist.

collimator;
optical;
laser;
night vision scopes.

Each of the listed types of sights has both its advantages and disadvantages, as well as features of operation and different efficiency. Below is more detailed information about each of them.

Reflex sights for hunting

Such models are used for driven hunting, as a rule, for shooting at short distances. The main advantage of a reflex sight for shotguns is its versatility. Due to the peculiarities of its design, such an optical means can significantly increase the efficiency when firing at moving targets. Also, the collimator sight allows you to freely move your head and change the viewing angle without losing sight of the animal at all. Suitable for both wild boar and smaller targets.

A distinctive feature of collimator sights is the presence of an aiming mark with a pronounced bright dot, which occurs due to the operation of the LED. Depending on whether any power source is used in the design of a collimator optical device, they are classified into passive and active.

Passive sights do not have a power source and can be used at any time of the day. Active Views operate on a power source.

Besides, collimator sights for hunting differ in design features, according to which they are divided into two types: open and closed. Closed models are made in a case resembling a tube. The optical system and the aiming mark emitter are located inside it. Collimator sights of the closed type are characterized by smaller dimensions and weight. The label is perfectly visible even on a very bright sunny day.

In order for the shooting to be carried out correctly and accurately, after installing a collimator sight, careful zeroing is necessary, especially if smoothbore weapons are used for hunting.

Choice of collimator sight

Reflex sights, as a rule, are chosen for installation on carbines and shotguns for driven hunting for wild boar and other animals. Peculiarity this method hunting is that the hunter is constantly moving. The appearance of an animal is always sudden, and therefore aiming and shooting is very fast. Optical devices for this method of hunting are poorly suited, since the animal that runs away from the shooter leaves the field of view very quickly. And the difference between the collimator version is that it allows you to quickly monitor the environment.

Choice of collimator sight should be based on the following factors:

the presence of nutrients;
device design (open or closed);
its weight, since when shooting offhand, the balance of a smoothbore gun should not be disturbed;
type of aiming mark;
used types of fastening (can be found in the documentation that is included with the scope);
design features of the gun / carbine;
acceptable cost.

These features should certainly be taken into account in order for the selected collimator sight to be characterized high quality and allowed you to aim as accurately as possible.

optical sights

optical sights characterized by very high accuracy. This is due to the fact that they use a very complex optical system which takes into account many different factors. The conditions under which the sight will be used, and even the type of hunting weapon on which it is placed, are also taken into account.

This type of optics for guns is in great demand and is used by both beginners and experienced hunters. The optical sight will be properly used for long range shooting. In addition, such models allow you to monitor a wild boar or other animals.

Advantages of optical sights:

considerable distance, on which you can make accurate shots from hunting weapons;
reliable and durable design;
clear image regardless of weather conditions;
compactness and practicality;
ease of operation.

The disadvantages of optical sights include a higher cost, as well as complex settings that require careful zeroing, especially when shooting at long distances.

Choosing an optical sight

To select an optical sight for a shotgun or a carbine, there are many factors to consider. As a rule, such an aiming device is used for hunting in ambush, during which the hunter is in one position for a long time, waiting for the appearance of the animal.

This method of hunting allows you to aim correctly by carefully choosing the point of entry of the bullet. This makes it possible to kill a wild boar or other large animal with one shot, especially since most often the beast is not aware of the presence of the hunter.

At choice of optical sight for rifles, the following features should be considered:

Multiplicity . This indicator determines the degree of approximation of the object. It can be variable or constant, depending on the device's ability to zoom in or out. Most simple models have a magnification from 1.5x to 4x and approximate no more than 30 meters. Such models are suitable if the shooting is carried out from weapons with a short range. The best option for shooting at long distances - from 16x to 30x, such devices allow you to make an accurate shot from a gun or carbine at a distance of more than 600 meters.
Entrance pupil. Pupil diameter determines the light sensitivity of an optical sight. If this indicator is high, the hunter will clearly see the prey at a great distance even in very poor lighting, for example, at dusk or in cloudy weather.
Fastening . When choosing an optic, it is important to pay attention to the mount with which it is fixed to the weapon. It should be as strong and reliable as possible, because if the sight is not fixed properly, it will vibrate during firing, which can lead to the loss of the target from the field of view.
Setting method. In general, there are two groups of sights, depending on the method of adjustment. In the first group - sights that are adjusted using special tools. In the second - knobs or regulators, which are directly a structural element of the optical device.
Permeability. It is recommended to purchase waterproof optical sights. They are more comfortable to use, since their lenses do not sweat, and moisture does not affect the accuracy of work.
Equipment . It is desirable that a protective case or cover, tools, pupil covers be included with the scope.

Laser sights for hunting

Laser designators have only recently become popular with hunters. The main advantage of laser sights is that the duration of aiming for an accurate shot from a weapon is minimized. In this case, the hunter does not need to close his eyes, and the risk of losing prey from the field of view is excluded.

Laser models are ideal for shooting at short distances. Most often they are used for driven hunting for moving animals, such as a wild boar, a hare. Some hunters use laser sights for wild birds.

Disadvantage of a laser sight is that it is inconvenient to hunt with him during the day, especially if the weather is sunny. The mark, which indicates the place where the bullet will enter, can be completely invisible, and then it will be very difficult to shoot correctly. The same applies to other weather conditions that may affect visibility. In addition, such a device consumes energy, and the battery may be discharged during tracking. Therefore, in the absence of a spare battery, suitation will lead to the fact that the hunter will lose the aiming aid on his carbine.

Choosing a laser sight for hunting

To choose the right laser sight should take into account the features of such a device. The main requirement for it- hull strength. Obviously, the design of the device must be as reliable as possible in order to withstand the load in any conditions.

Besides, various conditions applications should not affect the alignment of the laser sight. It is important to pay attention to the mechanism for turning the device on and off. It is best to choose models with inclusion through a button that is installed on the side of the body of a shotgun or carbine.

Night vision scopes

Night vision sight has a very complex design. The principle of operation is to enhance the brightness of the image, so that it becomes visible in the dark. Most modern night vision scopes can operate in two modes.: day and night, depending on the time of day, respectively.

Such a device allows for accurate shooting, both at long distances and at short distances. Many models are equipped with a zoom system, thanks to which you can change the magnification in the lens depending on the conditions and which weapon is used for hunting.

Among the disadvantages of such models:

very high cost in comparison with other types of sights;
complex structure, which can fail if dropped or some other negative external influence.

Choosing a night vision scope

The choice of night vision devices is carried out depending on the generation of the device. Differences between generations lie in different design features, which in turn affect the degree of accuracy of shooting from a carbine, as well as the range of conditions in which the sight can be operated.

Generations of night vision scopes:

1st generation. It is the most affordable option, but it has many disadvantages, including: reduced image clarity, lack of protective equipment from third-party illumination, as well as a small lens diameter, which also affects the light sensitivity of the device. Besides, 1st generation night vision devices are quite large and have a significant weight, which can cause inconvenience during operation.
2nd generation. Night vision scopes 2nd generation feature an improved design. Most models have a large lens with a diameter of 40-60mm, which in turn provides good light sensitivity. The magnification of the image varies from 3x to 5x. This allows you to view a wild boar or other animal from a distance, while fixing its every movement. The disadvantage is that the image may be overexposed in the presence of third-party light sources, such as the moon.
3rd generation. Characterized by high-quality image resolution, excellent detail, clarity. In addition, such night vision scopes are small in size, so they do not affect the overall weight of the weapon and its balance. Such a device allows you to aim correctly even in conditions of zero visibility and gives a clear picture of the environment, allowing the hunter to fully control the process of tracking prey.

Characteristics to consider when choosing a night vision scope:

lens diameter;
the ability to enlarge the image;
review;
the presence of an automatic focus function;
permission;
device dimensions;
fastening method.

Generally, night sight- it is universal electronic device, which can be chosen correctly only by understanding the intricacies and specifics of this type of optical instruments. Considering the high cost of sighting aids for night vision, the choice should be approached as competently and responsibly as possible.

Conclusion

Scope for hunting- This important element, which makes it possible to aim correctly and accurately, as well as to fire at various distances. It is a must for those who wish to successfully hunt wild boar and other animals. The choice of such a device should be carried out taking into account many features and factors that will directly affect the quantity and quality of trophies obtained during the hunt.

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 selecting a sight for the most common type of 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 for a hit it is not necessary to align the aiming line as accurately as possible. 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 among this variety the appropriate option for 12 gauge?

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 has quite big weight. 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 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 brightness of the aiming mark, 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 scope, 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 hunting weapon 12 gauge. But when choosing a sight, you should carefully study its characteristics and method of attachment.