"I know that I am going to get hate mail from all you red dot optic enthusiasts, telling me that no one aims over a hundred yards in real life and that speed is more important..."

   

Osprey Scopes have excellent red dots and phenomenal hunting scopes. Here I will lay out exactly why I would choose a rifle scope instead of a red dot nine times out of ten. I know that I am going to get hate mail from all you red dot optic enthusiasts, telling me that no one aims over a hundred yards in real life and that speed is more important than precision. Just remember, I don’t hate red dots, I just prefer riflescopes.

The choice between a rifle scope and a red dot sight has been a subject of debate for years, ever since reflex optics have been available there has been an argument as to which is superior and why. While both optics serve their unique purposes, this article aims to explore why a riflescope is often considered better than a red dot sight in various shooting scenarios. Riflescopes offer a level of precision, versatility, and performance that red dot sights can't quite match, making them an essential choice for every hunter.

Understanding Riflescopes and Red Dot Sights

Before delving into the advantages of a riflescope over a red dot sight, it's crucial to understand what these two optical systems are and their primary functions.

Riflescope Basics:

A riflescope takes advantage of magnification. A “fixed” magnification means that the optic is set at a specific magnification. 4X, 6X or 10X magnification are common magnification numbers. You also have “variable” riflescopes. These are more common and offer more flexibility when hunting. Common magnifications on riflescopes are 4-16, 6-24 and 3-9 but many others are available. Osprey Scopes makes magnification starting as low as 1-4 and up to 10-40 power.

Red Dot basics:

A red dot sight, on the other hand, is a non-magnifying reflex sight that projects an illuminated red dot onto a lens, which superimposes the dot onto the target. Red dot sights are designed for quick target acquisition, allowing for fast and accurate shooting in close to mid-range scenarios. They are popular for their simplicity and speed.

Why Riflescopes are better than Red Dots

"If rifle scopes are good enough for Chris Kyle then they are good enough for me,"

Long-Range Accuracy:

One of the most significant advantages of riflescopes is their ability to provide precise long-range accuracy. The magnification offered by a riflescope allows shooters to see distant targets in greater detail, making it easier to identify and engage them accurately. Whether it's for hunting, precision shooting, or tactical applications, riflescopes excel at extended ranges where red dot sights can fall short.

Riflescopes offer Versatility: 

Riflescopes are versatile optics that can be used in a wide range of shooting scenarios. They are equally effective for close-quarters engagements, mid-range shots, and long-range precision shooting. Riflescopes with variable magnification (e.g., 1-6X, 3-9X) offer shooters the flexibility to adapt to different situations, whereas red dot sights are primarily suited for short to mid-range use.

Enhanced Target Identification:

The ability to zoom in on a target with a riflescope provides a significant advantage when it comes to target identification. Whether you're a hunter trying to distinguish between game species or a competitive shooter aiming for precision shots, the increased clarity and magnification of a riflescope can make all the difference.

Improved Aim:

Riflescopes offer superior accuracy due to their precise aiming reticles and the ability to make fine adjustments for windage and elevation. The crosshairs in riflescopes aid in consistent and accurate shot placement, especially when dealing with small targets or distant threats.

Low-Light Performance:

In low-light conditions, such as dawn or dusk, riflescopes equipped with larger objective lenses and illuminated reticles outperform red dot sights. The added light-gathering capability and illuminated reticles make it easier to maintain accuracy when visibility is limited.

Drop Compensation:

Many modern riflescopes come with features like bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticles or turrets. Many Osprey Scopes have this function. These BDC systems allow shooters to compensate for drop at various distances, simplifying the process of hitting targets at different ranges.

Ospreys Top Selling Optics That Offer Drop Compensation:

Osprey Scopes has a few riflescopes that allow for drop compensation via a caliber-specific turret system. If you want to learn more about it check out the article  "Drop Compensation: Use, Installation, and commonly asked questions"

Windage and Elevation Adjustments:

Riflescopes are equipped with windage and elevation adjustment turrets that enable precise corrections for wind drift and bullet drop. This level of customization is essential for long-range trigger pullers who need to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Red Dots still allow for setting your zero with windage and elevation but lack longer range adjustments. They are ideal for up to 200 yards, beyond that grab for your big boy glass before pulling the trigger.

Scopes Just Hunt Better:

For hunting enthusiasts, riflescopes offer a crucial advantage in terms of ethical and humane shooting. The ability to make accurate, ethical shots at longer ranges minimizes the risk of wounding instead of killing animals and ensures a cleaner kill. Red dot sights, with their limited magnification, are not ideal for ethical long-range hunting.

Did I mention Long Range Precision? 

In long-range and sniper applications, riflescopes are preferred for their distance capabilities and precision. They are commonly used on sniper rifles and designated marksman rifles. Riflescopes allow snipers to engage targets at extended distances and ensure high accuracy, which is critical in these roles. If rifle scopes are good enough for Chris Kyle then they are good enough for me,

Competitive Target Hunters:

Competitive shooters often choose riflescopes, especially in precision shooting disciplines such as long-range rifle competitions. The magnification and reticle options in riflescopes assist shooters in achieving tight groups and scoring consistently.

So If You Don't Have A Magnified Riflescope, Go Get One.

While red dot sights are invaluable in certain shooting scenarios, the advantages of riflescopes cannot be overstated, particularly in situations where precision, long-range accuracy, and identification are paramount. Riflescopes offer hunters the flexibility to adapt to various ranges, lighting conditions, and shooting applications, making them a versatile choice for hunters, precision shooters, and tactical professionals.

Ultimately, the choice between a riflescope and a red dot sight depends on the shooter's intended use and preferences. Some shooters may opt for both, using a red dot sight for close-quarters engagements and a riflescope for long-range accuracy. Regardless of your choice, it's crucial to select the optics that align with your shooting requirements and improve your overall performance in the field or on the range.