This is another episode of Optics Trade Debates. Today, we are answering another question, that is whether a red dot sight is a laser or not. No, red dot sights have nothing to do with lasers, and function in a completely different way.
Some red dot sights have integrated lasers, but this is not the same thing. Holosun, for example, has 2 or 3 models equipped with a laser on the side, but it has nothing to do with how the red dot sight functions. Red dot sights are far better for rapid engagement, and a laser is usually used only for professional use.
When looking through the dot, you are able to point the dot directly towards the target, see your reticle and see through your optic, but someone on the other side of the optic cannot see your reticle. But with a laser, other people can see it too.
Basically, the laser emits the dot towards the target, while the red dot sight does not. Professionals use the laser in very specific conditions, in most cases paired with night goggles. By using a red dot sight, the usage will be much faster and more accurate than with a laser.
A red dot sight is also much simpler to use, as even if your hand is shaking, you can locate it easily, while a laser is always moving around – it is difficult for it to stay still. But for the simple answer, red dots are not lasers. If you have any questions, leave them in the comment section or write us an e-mail. See you next time.
Products mentioned in the Is a Red Dot Sight a Laser? debate:
Red dot sights: https://www.optics-trade.eu/en/dot-sights.html
Source and author: Maruša Justinek, www.optics-trade.eu
