Weapon optics

The effectiveness of shooting depends not only on the design, technical characteristics of the weapon, or the level of training of the shooter but also on the scope used. This is a very important part of the gun.

Along with the weapon, the sight also evolved. At first, it was only a front sight, in the 16th century a rear sight appeared, and a little later a circular orthoptic sight. Sighting optics began to be used only at the beginning of the 19th century.

Open sight

The open sight is the simplest in design. Its device is a rear sight and front sight located on the same line (differ in shape and design). The rear sight can have a fixed or fixed bar. To aim the weapon at the target, the shooter needs to visually combine the rear sight, front sight, and the target itself so that they are on the same line, exactly in the middle of the sight slot.

The advantages of open sights:

  • reliability;
  • low cost;
  • compactness and lightweight;
  • ease of maintenance, maintainability;
  • the simplicity of design;
  • mechanical strength;
  • unlimited operating temperature range.

Disadvantages:

  • at long distances, the front sight covers the target;
  • low aiming accuracy, limited by vision capabilities;
  • it takes a long time to train the skills.

Diopter sight

Diopter (ring or aperture) sight, although it refers to mechanical, but more precisely open. It is easier to use because the shooter needs less effort to aim, it is easier to find the desired position of the eyes, body, and barrel of the weapon.

The design of the diopter sight is a combination of an annular or ordinary hemp front sight with a special hole (a disc with a small hole 0.5 – 1 mm in diameter). This hole is scientifically called a diopter or aperture.

The rear sight disc serves as an obstacle that completely blocks the light flux in the direction of the target, and the aperture hole serves as a diaphragm. Through it, a contrasting image is projected into the lens. In this case, the shooter is forced to position the pupil exactly on the target line. This is the only possible position in which it will be visible. Aiming is intuitive.

The diopter sight provides the highest accuracy of all mechanical sights but has very low light transmission. In low light and at dusk, it is not used.

Starting with the simplest, diopter sight, the question arises of installing it on a weapon. It is most commonly used for small-bore or air rifles.

Main advantages:

  1. high accuracy;
  2. simplicity, reliability, mechanical strength;
  3. low cost;
  4. compactness and low weight.

Disadvantages:

  1. narrow field of view;
  2. low light transmission;
  3. covers the target (except for the point of impact).

Optical sight

To facilitate long-range shooting, optics are installed on the weapon. This is a telescope with a reticle. It simplifies the aiming process, increases accuracy and the chances of a successful shot.

The tubular metal housing contains the lens and eyepiece. These are two systems of lenses, between which a reticle is installed in one of the focal planes. To obtain a straight, not inverted image, an inverting system is used.

The sight is rigidly mounted on the weapon, and the precise adjustment of the reticle position is performed by the ballistic correction mechanism. Many examples have LED lighting for hunting at dusk.

Benefits:

  • high accuracy;
  • the ability to see the target at a great distance;
  • convenience, simplicity, and speed of guidance;
  • simple and reliable design.

Disadvantages:

  • small viewing angle;
  • an increase in the weight and dimensions of the weapon;
  • afraid of blows, mechanical damage;
  • overlaps the open sight: it is impossible to take a shot at close range (except for enclosures).

Laser sight

A laser range finding rifle scopes is a compact device that forms a light spot on the target that coincides with the midpoint of impact. This makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of the use of weapons at close ranges, the speed of guidance, and the accuracy of fire.

A laser designator is not a weapon sight in the literal sense of the word, but an auxiliary sighting device that has a limited range and accuracy.

Benefits:

  • simplicity and high speed of aiming;
  • minimum weight and dimensions;
  • simplicity and reliability of the design.

Disadvantages:

  • short-range;
  • the light spot of the radiation source is unmasked by the arrow;
  • bright sunlight can light up the mark.

Night sight

The night vision scope enhances the image of a target that has a low brightness. It allows for accurate shooting in almost complete darkness.

Benefits of night scopes:

  • high accuracy in poor visibility conditions;
  • range up to 300 meters or more, depending on the image intensifier;
  • relatively low weight and dimensions;
  • long-term continuous work;
  • high reliability (compared to digital ones).

Disadvantages:

  • relatively high cost of modern models (generation 2 and above);
  • snow, rain, fog, branches, and tall grass are obstacles;
  • in complete darkness, and IR illumination is required;
  • in the opposite light, protection against illumination is triggered.

Thermal imaging sight

A thermal imaging sight is a device that visualizes the target’s thermal radiation. It does not need external light sources, allowing you to aim the weapon in complete darkness. This uses data on the temperature of the object itself in comparison with the surrounding space.

Benefits:

  • the farthest detection distances for thermal targets;
  • work in complete darkness;
  • can work in light, there is no flare;
  • accuracy like telescopic sights;
  • snow, rain, fog, foliage, and grass are not a hindrance.

Disadvantages:

  • complex construction;
  • high price;
  • additional power supply required.

Choose your scope carefully and wisely.