When firing, there are several key points: the aiming speed and the quality of the hit. In modern weapons, holographic sights are used to simplify targeting. Each of the types of this device differs in the method of application, has features in use, as well as a number of advantages and disadvantages.
Electron-optical devices (holographic sights) consist of a special hologram and a laser. The principle of operation is quite simple: an image is created due to the penetration of light beams from a laser onto a transparent hologram. To adjust the brightness in the fixture, you must change the backlight power. The holograms in the sights are interchangeable, and the replacement operation lasts no more than 30 seconds.
Among the advantages of the above sights are:
- The ability to install the sight at any distance from the eye.
- Ability to install on any type of weapon.
The main disadvantages are:
- Large dimensions and weight.
- The need for a current source (battery).
Domestic Sights
The domestic complex has developed a number of collimator sights. The most popular of them are Taiga-2U and Compact. The scope of the sights includes interchangeable nozzles: for "Taiga" - 2.5x, "Compact" - 2.5x and 4.5x. Removal of the exit pupil is 70 and 80 mm for both sights, respectively. The temperature mode of operation is from -40 to +40 ° C (in the case of using AA batteries). Dimensions "Taiga": 160 x 43 x 62 mm, weight - 250 g, and "Compact" - 45 x 60 x 95 mm, while the mass does not exceed 170 g. The device is publicly available and easy to use, unlike a holographic sight, operating principle and characteristics of which are given below.
Optical sight and its features
Common among users is the predecessor of the holographic sight - optical. The device is quite primitive in structure and consists of an optical tube and a mount. Designed for accurate aiming of weapons at the target. With the help of this device, you can correctly select the aiming angle taking into account amendments for wind and movement.
The sight is equipped with lenses, on one of which a graphic image is applied. Using special drums, the aiming grid is adjustable: up, down and to the sides. There are sights with constant and variable magnification. The latter is more convenient, since when using it, it becomes possible to bring the target closer to the lens, while at the same time, devices with a constant magnification provide a better image. In addition to the grid, a special system is placed in the tube, which consists of a lens (2 lenses), a system (4 lenses), an eyepiece (3 lenses, 2 of them are glued together).
Advantages of an optical sight:
- Possibility of use for people with visual impairments (myopia or hyperopia).
- Determining the distance to the target.
- Unlimited use at dusk.
Disadvantages of the optical sight:
- Large dimensions and weight.
- The need for additional equipment.
- Limited use in bad weather conditions.
Modern designator
A laser sight is also popular. The principle of its operation is simple: a radiation source, which is fixed parallel to the barrel, projects a point on the target. The beam is invisible to others, and the red dot on the target is visible only in the dark. The pointer is used both in the usual part of the spectrum and in the infrared.
The designator is mounted in the same way as a collimator and holographic sight. The difference lies in convenience: if the last two types of mounts require specially designated places on the weapon, the laser pillar is mounted on the barrel and on the bracket.
Among the advantages stand out:
- Easy to mount and use.
- The ability to use individually or in conjunction with an optical sight.
- A wide selection of power and color pointers.
The main disadvantages are:
- Limit the aiming range due to weather conditions (bright lighting) and the long distance to the target.
- Decrease in efficiency during group operations.
New technologies: the ability to see the target with two eyes
The holographic sight and collimator sight are recognized as more convenient in use. Their differences are not significant, and reliability in use is confirmed by experienced users. The collimator sight consists of a lens in which the brand and illuminator are mounted. There are two types of sight:
- Open. The mark, illuminator and lens in this type of sight are located outside the optical axis (in most cases, under it).
- Closed. This type is characterized by the consistent arrangement of all elements along the tube.
The upgraded scope also has advantages and disadvantages. The benefits include:
- The ability to hold the target on a moving target.
- In open sights, the aiming zone is not obscured.
- High speed targeting.
- Reliable protection of elements in sights of the closed type.
- Light weight and dimensions.
The main disadvantages include:
- Instability to bad weather conditions, especially to moisture and cold.
- The ability to shift the reticle.
- Slightly limited viewing in closed-type collimators.
Time-tested optics and fundamentally new technologies
The main advantage of a tactical holographic sight is its versatility: the ability to use both eyes simultaneously and at a convenient distance from the device does not lead to eye fatigue and visual impairment. In addition, when using a hologram, peripheral vision is not limited. Thanks to this, it becomes possible to respond in time to danger.
Modern technology allows you to build an optical image without the help of lenses. At the same time, the location of the trunk and eyes does not affect the accuracy of the hit. New models independently calculate correction factors and adjust the lead parameters.
The most popular models of modern holographs are the BUSHNELL HOLOSIGHT II, TASCO OPTIMA 2000 and the EOTech holographic sight. The latter has several advantages:
- Additional housing protection.
- Moisture resistant.
- The presence of side button control.
- The function of combining with night vision devices.
- Many levels of brightness control: 20 for normal shooting and 10 for night.
- Capacitive batteries and their quick replacement.
- Compatible with add-on modules.
The main differences between holographs and other sights
The holographic sight differs from other types by the presence of special aiming marks, which are holography. Other sights are equipped with a reflected laser beam from the viewfinder window to the visual organ arrow. In the compact device, a transparent window is installed, when illuminated, an image of the aiming mark appears in the target plane.
Autonomous work without replacing the power supply can last up to 8 hours. Public batteries are used as batteries. When replacing the power supply, there is no need to adjust the device.
The performance characteristics of the sights
A holographic sight, for example EOTech 552.A65, has the following characteristics:
- Sighting mark: circle with a dot.
- Lens size: 30 x 23 (mm).
- Dimensions of the sight: 137 x 51 x 57 (mm).
- Material of manufacture: anodized aluminum.
- Click Price: 1.27 cm by 91.4 m.
- Weight: 315 g.
This model also lacks parallax tuning. The mark of the sight is visible with a damaged or dirty window. It can be used in all weather conditions and temperature conditions (from -40 to +65 о С). Water resistance is maintained at a depth of 10 m.
Opinions of specialists
The most popular among hunters are holographic sights. The reviews of some models, for example, EOTech EXPS3-2, are as follows: thanks to the installation of a special aiming mark, it becomes possible to make ballistic corrections when firing without any additional actions. Before the fire regime, you only need to combine the target with a specific point on the mark.
The positive aspects also include the absence of parallax (due to the holographic projection).
EOTech sights are laser. The presence of such a device allows you to adjust the brightness of the brand. The device is also equipped with capacious batteries, so the holographic sight works without replacing the power source for a long time.
Users recommend using this type of sight both when paired with conventional weapons and with shotguns.
