Depending on your playing style and your weapon choice, the type of scope or sight you choose may vary. Here is a brief comparison of both the “Pros” and “Cons” of each major type of sight and scope for different types of guns (rifle, pistol or AEG), playing environments (CQB & field), and budgets.

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Red Dot Gun Sights

The red dot sight is quite common in optics.  It utilizes a non-magnifying reflector (or reflex) sight , which gives the user an aim-point-target in the form of a red dot, which is projected forward from a point behind the lens.  The standard design implements a red LED (light-emitting diode) which generates an illuminated red dot style reticle that stays in alignment with the weapon it’s attached to.  The reflective lens is coated and carefully tuned to reflect only the wavelength of the light being emitted by the reticle illumination system. Since LEDs have a very narrow band output, they are perfect for this type of application.

The Pros:

The red dot is usually affordable to purchase and replace, should it become damaged, providing basic optics at an affordable price. This compact design doesn’t add much to the overall profile of your weapon.  Additionally, the red dot provides faster target acquisition over the iron sights.

The Cons:

If the lenses are made of plastic they tend to be less effective.  Lacks any magnification capabilities and is very breakable.

 

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Iron Sights

Iron sights are a system of shaped alignment markers (usually comprised of metal) used as a sighting device to assist in aiming of a weapon; Most commonly a rifle. The iron sight is most commonly the standard sight which comes equipped on most rifles, prior to any upgrading. These sights are typically composed of two component sights, formed by metal blades; A rear sight mounted perpendicular to the line of sight and a front sight post, bead, or ring.

The Pros:

Iron sights are the most affordable choice as they generally come standard with the weapon at purchase. The sight is almost invisible and doesn’t add much to the weapon profile.  No need for tactical rail or batteries when it comes to the iron sight.

The Cons:

It can be very difficult to acquire the target on the run.  The iron sight offers no magnification and can be difficult to see through if wearing a face mask or goggles as you have to align your eye perfectly with the sight axis.

 

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Holographic Gun Sights

A holographic sight is a non-magnifying gun sight that allows the user to look through a optical window and see a superimposed reticle image at a distance on the field of view.  The hologram of the reticle is built into the window and is illuminated by a polarized laser diode. 

The Pros:

It’s one of the best targeting sights on the market. The sight eliminates parallax (movement of the point of aim when the shooter shifts the eye position) , allowing the user increased visibility of targets, thus increasing the overall accuracy of the optics.  This makes it easy to take your eyes off of the target as the sight will remain aligned on the target, if it hasn’t moved.  This open and compact design doesn’t add a lot to the overall weapon profile.

The Cons:

This site requires a top rail and is one of the more expensive choices. As such, it is best to purchase a sight shield to increase durability.  These optics will increase overall gun profile and offers no magnification. These sights can offer visibility issues to those who choose to wear polarized shooting glasses(though modern technology is slowing rectifying this).

 

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Adjustable Gun Scopes

A telescopic sight, often referred to as an adjustable scope, or scope, is a sighting device that is based on an optical refracting telescope.  They are equipped with a graphic image (a reticle) mounted in an optically appropriate position to give an accurate aiming point. They are used in many types of systems and require accurate aiming to be effective.

The Pros:

A great option for players that like to keep distance between themselves and other players.  The magnification allows the user to see a great distance, making it a great choice for snipers. These scopes are great for using against enemies hiding in structures and barricades as they allow you to get the drop on the enemy from a great distance away.

The Cons:

As telescopic scopes can be quite expensive, it is best practice to purchase a sight shield to increase durability. Increases weapon profile dramatically and requires a top rail to mount. The adjustable scope is not effective in any run-and-gun situations.

 

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Laser Gun Sights

The laser is used as a tool to enhance targeting for many types of weapon systems.  A laser sight is a small, usually visible-light laser places on the handgun or rifle and is aligned to emit a beam parallel to the weapons barrel. The laser beam has low divergence, enabling the laser dot to appear on surfaces at long distances. The user points the laser at the designated target and the barrel of the gun is aligned (though it doesn’t necessarily allow for bullet drop, windage, or distance between the direction of the beam and the axis of the barrel).  Depending on the model size, laser colour and range can vary.  This green laser gun sight is quite large yet has a half-mile range, making it ideal for outdoor field play.  In comparison this micro laser sight is ideal for smaller guns like handguns.  It’s small size and shorter range makes it an ideal choice for indoor CQB play.

The Pros:

This sight is ideal for run-and-gun situations as it paints the target with a visible laser dot, thus alleviating the amount of time needed to line up the shot. It can be used in combination with other sights, can be turned on and off easily and is ideal for CQB (close quarters battle). Lasers are ideal for dark areas, such as night games, dark warehouses and things of that nature.

The Cons:

Can be costly to implement with your weapon and makes the user more visible to the enemy.  The sight is affected by many variables, including distance, reflectivity of the target, daylight, and by atmospheric conditions; Such as fog, rain, snow, and smoke.  Therefore it requires a lot of power to operate. A rail is also required to attach the sight to the weapon.

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Ultimately, every optic system works better in certain kit types and for certain playing styles.  At the end of the day, the trick is finding which system you can adapt to your style as a tactician.

Leave us a comment; Share your optic set-up for what works best for you and your playing style.