Complete and total newb needs help

[nosmatt]

Man, I am embarrased to even ask this, but....

I bought a cheap *** red dot, and need to figure out how to use it correctly.

this is it -> http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ef=oss_product

I know, junk... but, ill be using it @ 10-15 yards for the most part, and I have a date with some destructive ground squirrels tomorrow!

I have mounted it to my M&P 15/22.

Do I need to remove my front sight? The dot is about dead center in my front sight (like 1" down from the top), and most pics I have seen are with the sight in place...Or, do I need a riser of some sort to raise it up?

Sorry for the lame question, but I have no clue. I have never used optics before, Only iron sights.

[fliparch]

Did you adjust the elevation control (raise the dot up)?

[coq]

No, don't remove your front sight post. With an optic like that, you'll want a backup. You can install a flip up rear sight behind your red dot...not sure on the height of that red dot, but I believe you should be able to see your sight picture right through the optic, power on or off. This is good, since your iron sights don't rely on tiny watch batteries. If you do see front and rear sights through the optic, then great...they should align with the dot...this is co-witness. Now just flip down the rear sight and ignore the front one. Until of course, you choose or need to use the iron sights.

...just re-read the question—if the dot shows up too low on the sight post, obstructing your view, then you may need a small riser. This is better than if the red dot were too high, as that would eliminate your co-witness options.

[nosmatt]

Thanks.


The red dot is halfway up my front sight, smack dab in the metal.


the optic is a pos, and to use it, I needed to mount it at the rear most area possible, making in neccesary to remove the rear sight entirely.


As for fliparchs' question, the elevation raised it maybe 1/8" on the front sight...

I shall pull it out, and check again right now.

Appreciate the help, and no flaming guys!

[fairfaxjim]

You need a scope riser to get the dot either exactly equal to the line of your iron sights or slighly higher so that your iron sight line is about 1/3 up from the bottom of the red dot window. I prefer this as it leaves the dot clear of the irons but still allows you to use the irons.

If the dot is below the top of the front iron, then it is also probably too low for proper cheek weld and eye positon. Red dots are very forgiving with eye alignment and don't have the eye relief issues that scopes do, but should still be mounted at the correct height.

[nosmatt]

thank you.

Now off to amazon to find one