Night Vision Red dot at night

[Sidewinderwa]

I am going to put a red dot on my AR-15 for close up coyote shots, at a 45 degree angle. Has anyone used them for hunting varmints at night? I presently use a red light but have a difficult time seeing my cross hairs in a regular scope at night (old eyes). I am retired and cannot afford a thermal scope. I used one for hunting hogs in Texas with Tactical Hog Control and what a blast! I was thinking of getting the new Vortex Spitfire with the DRT reticle, circle rather than dot in the center. I believe it goes red and green. I am open for suggestions. I have only hunted at night a few times and not sure if I want to put all me fun shekels in a Gen 3. Appreciate any help on this.

 

[IR-V]

I am going to put a red dot on my AR-15 for close up coyote shots, at a 45 degree angle. Has anyone used them for hunting varmints at night? I presently use a red light but have a difficult time seeing my cross hairs in a regular scope at night (old eyes). I am retired and cannot afford a thermal scope. I used one for hunting hogs in Texas with Tactical Hog Control and what a blast! I was thinking of getting the new Vortex Spitfire with the DRT reticle, circle rather than dot in the center. I believe it goes red and green. I am open for suggestions. I have only hunted at night a few times and not sure if I want to put all me fun shekels in a Gen 3. Appreciate any help on this.

An illuminated dot will definitely improve your eye's ability to acquire your aiming point in dark conditions, especially compared to un-lit reticles and iron sights. However, it will do nothing to illuminate your targets down range. That's where the night vision becomes useful. You need to be able to see your targets before you can put your aim point onto them.

When you select your red-dot sight, choose one with a low-intensity mode that is compatible with night vision -- this will keep your red-dot "scope" relevant and useful in case you decide to invest in night vision later. Reflex type red-dot sights have nearly infinite eye relief and permit aiming even with your eyes viewing from off-axis positions.

IR-V

 

[Sledge1]

I'll second the need for low intensity. Most red dots are too bright in low light conditions. The dot will bloom and you won't be able to see your target. The green option of the Vortex may help. My son has a little Bushnell with a green reticle and it works real well at night. Eotechs are another great option but a little big I think for what you want to do with it.

Good luck,
Steve.

 

[Sidewinderwa]

I would still be using a red light. The eyes will be illuminated. I thought that I would just put the eye(s) in the middle of the circle and fire. I know that this will probably only be good for shots under 100 yards. My very limited experience has been that the coyotes were within 50 yards. I hunt in sage filled desert country. I agree with you that the light would need to be on a low setting. This is a new red dot and it is not out yet. My experience with Vortex is that they do have some low light settings. Please keep the comments and suggestions coming.