Proper mounting/positioning of red dot reflex scopes

[Fordzilla]

For those of you in the know, is there an optimum amount of eye relief, as far as distance, for the mounting of these optics, or is it merely personal taste?


Is there a science of balance to this?

[EMDII]

Personal preference has a lot to do with it. MOST pros run it forward, even so far as forward over the barrel. this LER (long eye relief) allows you to keep both eyes open, and yet be able to see through the lens/projection and acquire the red-dot/reticle. Too far forward and the reticle is smaller, requiring more brightness for acquisition, etc. Try mounting your R21 as far foward as the rail will allow. Practice. Make adjustments. Practice.

Keep BOTH EYES OPEN at all times.

[bradterry]

Yes personal preference. I like mine forward on the M-4 because of bolt release.
Some guys leave it in the middle, but with a tactical sling and a scope right over the release a simple slap doesnt release the bolt. I havent tried one on a FAL, but only the charge handle would be in the area and probably would not conflict.

[BroncoMafia]

the further forward you mount it, the faster and more natural target aquisition will be with both eyes open (the correct way to use the optic).

There may be a point of diminishing returns as having more weight towards the end of the barrel may make the rifle a slower "pointer".

If you don't have a float tube with rail, I would recommend mounting as far forward on top of the reciever as your mount will allow.

Balance of rifle not effected and aquisition is as fast as mounting options will allow.

Oh . . . and on a FAL, mounting further forward will keep the brass from marking up your optic :shades:

[MarkBall]

Huh, I mounted mine as far back as possible on the G-3. Works great for me, but, I don't have the extended rail & this is the first one I've ever used.

Me & my buddy were sighting it in, it takes some getting used to having both eyes open. Head position relative to the dot seems to affect shot placement. Live & learn I guess.

Mark

[BroncoMafia]

Right on Mark.
Both eyes open shooting is something that you need to train to do.
It increases situational awareness dramatically.
If you are moving and shooting, it is critical.
It is not the technique most of us learn to shoot with at the range, or hunt with.

Once you understand the concept and practice a bit, it should become easier.
the idea is that when you move, the mounted rifle should move with you and you should be aiming it where you are looking.
the red dot should appear to be superimposed over the target.
if you see the dot there, you'll have a hit.

to practice and learn how all this is supposed to work, close the objective lens cap on your aimpoint and try to aim with both eyes open.
your left eye will see the target, the right eye will superimpose the dot without even being able to see through the scope.

it's cool

[Talyn]

I mount mine at the mid point of the rail. Everything balances well & I never have any problems.

[GySgt D]

The ACOG reflex on top of my FAL is located directly over the ejection port. Allows good peripheral vision.