If you have ever seen an action movie then you have probably seen the benefits of mounting a red dot on a 45-degree mount. The hero switches his weapon to a 45-degree angle where he aims through his red dot that is mounted on the side of the weapon. It is a combination gaining both popularity and notoriety for urgent situations in the hunting and self-defense community. It may look like a complete Hollywood setup and difficult to use in real life. When done right it is very useful and practical and could even give you an advantage in your next firefight.

Red Dot At 45 Degrees Explained

If you have no idea what a 45-degree mounted red dot is, then picture your rifle. On the top of the rifle, you have a riflescope of some description. Then you have a secondary optic, usually a red dot, mounted to the handguard at a 45-degree angle. When in use, the hunter simply rotates his or her weapon to a 45-degree angle so they can use the red dot instead of the Osprey scope.

There are multiple benefits to mounting your red dot at a 45-degree angle. Aside from looking and feeling like John Wick, it is a very practical setup. Today we are going to go over how to mount a red dot at 45 degrees on your weapon and why.

5 Reasons To Mount A Red Dot at 45 Degrees.

Improved Situational Awareness:

One of the key advantages of mounting an Osprey red dot on a 45-degree mount is the significant improvement in situational awareness. Traditionally, optics are mounted in a straight line along the rifle, limiting the shooter's field of view. However, a 45-degree mount allows the red dot sight to sit off to the side, providing a wider and more panoramic view of the surroundings.

This expanded field of view is particularly crucial in dynamic shooting scenarios where targets may appear from unexpected directions. By having a red dot sight at a slight angle, shooters can maintain awareness of their environment while keeping the primary optic focused on the target area.

Rapid Transition Between Optics:

The Osprey 45-degree mount facilitates quick and seamless transitions between optics. hunters often pair a magnified optic, such as a long range precision Osprey scope, with a red dot sight to cover both short and long-range engagements. When a target appears at close range, the shooter can effortlessly tilt the firearm, bringing the red dot into view for rapid target acquisition.

This versatility is especially beneficial in some competitions, where stages may feature a mix of close-quarters and long-range targets. The ability to switch between optics without adjusting the rifle's orientation significantly reduces transition times, enhancing overall efficiency.

Its Good To Have A Back-Up Optic:

In a world where things go wrong it is always good to have a backup, and this is true for optics as well. A lot could go wrong with your optic, from mud covering the lens or it getting damaged in the field, having that Osprey Red dot mounted on a 45 degree site may be a life saver.

Improved Shooting Comfort and Ergonomics:

Mounting an Osprey red dot on a 45-degree angle allows for a more natural head position and cheek weld when transitioning between optics. Traditional in-line configurations may force shooters into awkward or uncomfortable positions, affecting their accuracy and speed.

With the red dot at a 45-degree angle, shooters can maintain a consistent cheek weld on the primary optic while smoothly transitioning to the red dot without compromising their natural shooting stance. This improvement in ergonomics contributes to enhanced overall comfort and accuracy

Enhanced Close-Quarters Performance:

For applications such as home defense or close-quarters combat, an Osprey red dot on a 45-degree mount excels in providing rapid target acquisition. In situations where split-second decisions are critical, the ability to bring the red dot into play quickly can be a game-changer.

The parallax-free nature of red dot sights ensures that the reticle remains on target, regardless of the shooter's head position. This feature, coupled with the 45-degree mount's advantages, makes Ospreys red dots optics an ideal choice for scenarios requiring speed and precision.

How Do I Mount A Red Dot on A 45 Degree Mount

Mounting a reflex sight on a 45-degree angle can significantly enhance your speed on target and ability to switch between ultra-long range and home defense scenarios. It is crucial to follow best practices to ensure optimal performance. Here are key considerations when mounting a reflex sight on a 45-degree mount:

45 Degree Mount Alignment:

Ensure the 45-degree mount is properly aligned with your primary optic. Misalignment can lead to inconsistencies when transitioning between optics. Take the time to align the mounts precisely for a seamless transition.

Red Dot Eye Positioning:

Maintain proper eye relief and positioning to achieve a clear sight picture through the reflex sight. Adjust the mount and sight placement to accommodate your shooting style, ensuring a comfortable and natural line of sight.

Secure Mounting:

Use high-quality, torque-appropriate mounting hardware to secure the reflex sight to the 45-degree mount. Regularly check for any loosening due to recoil or handling, and retighten if necessary.

Zeroing a 45 degree mounted red dot:

Zero the reflex sight independently from your primary optic. Each sight has its own zero, and zeroing them separately ensures accuracy for both short-range and longer-range shots. We suggest zeroing your red dot at 25 yards and your primary optic at 100 yards. You can play with this to see what mounting setup suits your style, preferences, and needs the best.

Practice With Your Red Dot On A 45 Degree Mount

Practice transitioning between your primary optic and the reflex sight to build muscle memory. Familiarity with the movement and positioning will enhance speed and efficiency during live shooting scenarios. This may seem silly, but practice firing it on target as well. It does take slightly different techniques to be accurate when firing a red dot at a 45 degree angle. You r hand, arm and shoulder rs in a torqued position and it takes practice to get reliable groupings in the new position.

What Distance Do I Site In My Red Dot If It Is At A 45 Degree Angle?

Osprey Scopes recommends a 25-yard zero for any red dot mounted at 45 degrees. The reason for this is that there is no need to take a longer shot with a 45-degree mounted optic. If you are ever in a situation where you have to use this setup, then it is a tactical, get your loved ones, and get the hell out type of scenario. You also have your primary optic for regular to long-range targets.

Check for Interference:

Ensure that the 45-degree mount and reflex or red dot sight do not interfere with other accessories, such as backup iron sights, magnifiers, bi-pods or slings. Check for any potential obstructions that could impede the functionality of the optic. As always, the best bet is to keep your set up simple so when it gets serious, you don’t have to think too hard.

Regular Red Dot Maintenance:

Perform regular maintenance checks on both the reflex sight and the mount. Inspect for any signs of wear, damage, or misalignment. Address issues promptly to maintain optimal performance. Turn it on to ensure the battery is still powered and take it to the range regularly so you are comfortable with it and to make sure it is still accurate.

Pro Tip For 45-Degree Mounted Red Dots.

Since a 45-degree red dot is for quick acquisition and tactical scenarios, it is best to site it at 25 yards. Yes red dots are capable of much more than that but the 45-degree mounted red dot is not built for that. They are built to get on target and unleash hell. A 25-yard zero will get you a center of mass grouping confidently up to fifty yards. Beyond fifty yards you can use your primary optic.

Osprey Scopes Red Dot on a 45-degree mount | Gear Suggestions

Best Osprey Red Dot For 45 Degree Mounts

The RSMR is Osprey's best-selling reflex site and is very popular with the 45-degree mounting system. The reason it is so popular is that it is slim and streamlined but still has a large window making it compact yet easy to find your target. It has a Quick Detach mount meaning you can remove it and install it quickly. You can also choose between 4 reticles. There is a dot, a circle, a dot and circle, and a hybrid crosshair so no matter your conditions or preferences there will be something to suit you. We call it a red dot but you can also select green for the illuminated reticle color as well. All this combines to deliver one of Osprey Scopes best selling reflex sites and is ideal for mounting on a 45-degree angle as your secondary optic.

Osprey Globals 45-degree Mount Recommendation.

Get a 45-degree mount that locks in tight and suits your specs. If you have a key-mod or other plate you may be able to get one that attaches directly to your handguard. Should you only have the Picatinny rail on top of your rifle and want a simple solution without purchasing a new handguard, then the Osprey 45-degree mount is a reliable choice. It will mount directly to the Picatinny rail, either on top of or on the side of your handguard, and locks down in place with a nut. You can simply mount most small red dots directly to it.

Final Thoughts On Mounting Red Dots At 45 Degrees:

In conclusion, the benefits of mounting a red dot on a 45-degree mount are clear and compelling. From improved situational awareness to rapid transitions between optics and enhanced shooting comfort, this configuration offers a versatile solution for shooters across various disciplines. Whether engaged in competitive shooting or navigating dynamic tactical environments, the 45-degree mount with a red dot sight proves to be a valuable addition to any shooter's arsenal. As the pursuit of innovation continues in the firearms community, this unconventional setup stands as a testament to the adaptability and efficiency sought by today's discerning shooters.

Still struggling between which is better? A red dot or a riflescope? Check out our recent article "Red Dots Verse Riflescopes : When Speed Matters"