Henry Rifle Forums

I've used red dots at the same distances as any of my iron sight guns, so I don't see that there is some built in "effective" range to red dots any more than there is some set effective range for iron sights. For me, the lack of magnification on both limits how I use them. When target size and distance (and target brightness) makes target visibility an issue, I go to a scope.

I've shot some very nice groups at 100 yards with my 4 MOA Ultradots using the top of the dot as the aiming point, rather than covering the bullseye with the dot. This requires a red dot with a sharp dot and good optics, though. A fuzzy dot and/or a blurry screen or a screen with a heavy tint to it won't work.

Be careful on that dot size, though. I've used some 2 MOA dots and I can guarantee you that a 2 MOA dot when set at the max brightness that does not cause flare can be very hard to pick up in a busy background back in the woods and the brush. That small a dot is fine for range work, but out in the field it can cost you a shot. It's happened to me. No way would I use a 1 MOA dot out in our woods.

For all around use, including field and target and big and small game hunting, I've always used 3 or 4 MOA dots and done well, but, again that's with a sharp dot and good clear screen.

Each to their own, as always, though.

That would work. Just remember to use a large enough dot to pick up, easily. There are some models that offer different size dots and some reticle options, too. I'm thinking of going with the Ultradot Matchdot II, for instance.

On a rifle, though, I still prefer a light, low power scope to a red dot. The Leupold UL 2.5x weighs about the same as the Ultradot and costs about as much, too. What I like about a scope is that it can see into the shadows in a way that a red dot can't.

I was in the hunt for a red dot for my BFR .500 S&W 7.5-inch barrel hand cannon. I settled for an Ultradot-4 as it can take the heavy recoil of my pistol. I can now reach out to 100 yards at 6-inch groups. They also make them for rifles.
https://ultradotusa.com/product/ultradot-4-m/

I've used a red dot out to 100 yds in practice. At 100 yds, it opened the groups up a lot. It was still acceptable.

I haven't tried any further out.

must say I'm impressed .... guess I can't get the level of perform out of a red dot that the rest of you guys .... I've found that lighting makes a huge difference .... the dimmer the light and the darker the background the longer distance I can see a red dot .... I have a good red dot on my Ruger Redhawk 44 mag .... under most conditions I can use it effectively out to 25 yards .... by 50 yards lighting really comes into play .... no way I'd hunt with one where shots would be much more than 25 yards

I've used red-dots, with a magnifier, out to 200 yards with good results.

Timely topic. I got a red dot for Christmas.