The sights on a gun are the main way beginner and experienced shooters achieve accuracy when using a firearm. This is modified by the type of sight and the type of firearm you are using. For example, rifle optic types are often different from the various types of pistol sights. However, to achieve optimum accuracy, it is crucial to understand the different types of gun sights and how to use each of them.
While some sights are more advanced than others, the general purpose of using one is to align the shooter’s eye with the bore for precision when aiming at the target. This gives the shooter an idea of where their shots will hit.
To help you better understand this topic, we’ve put together this guide to explain the most common gun sight types and how to determine which one is right for you.
The 5 Main Types of Sights on a Gun
Although there are several different sight variations, each falls within one of these five categories. The five primary types of gun sights are:
Iron or Open Sights
An iron sight is typically the standard type of sight on pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Most guns that you buy from a manufacturer will come with some form of basic iron sight, although this depends on the manufacturer.
This type of sight on a gun consists of two different components:
- Front sight: Also called a front post, this sight piece is located near the end of the muzzle and is often shaped like a post, blade, or bead. The shooter typically uses this piece for aiming, focusing on the sight when it is on the target.
- Rear sight: This section helps you to align the rest of the gun with the front sight. It is sometimes referred to as the rear notch, but peep apertures and other rear sight designs pair with different front sights.
Essentially, the shooter tries to line up the front sight with the rear sight. When it is done correctly, you should see the front sight evenly distributed in the rear sight. This will depend on your sighting “hold,” but usually, the front sight will be where you want your round to go.
Peep Sights
Like the open sight, a peep sight also allows shooters to aim using a rear and front component. However, the difference comes with the look of the rear. Rather than a notch on a gun, this type of sight consists of a circular "lens" that you look through.
With its circular lens style, using a peep sight provides more accuracy than using the standard open sight. All the shooter has to do is align the front sight with the center of the rear peep. This style provides an easier way to perfect your aim compared to using an open sight since the circular shape helps you focus your view.
Usually, you can see the most accuracy when using a peep sight on a rifle. However, these sight types can be configured for other firearms as well.
Telescopic Sights (Scopes)
If you are looking to see further and achieve accuracy at greater distances, the use of a telescopic sight on your gun, commonly known as a scope, is the right choice.
These sights are commonly found on the rifles used by hunters, target shooters, and snipers.
When looking through a telescopic sight, the shooter can see a magnified view of their target to pick a more specific point of aim. Depending on the type of telescopic sight, you may be able to adjust the magnification to accommodate longer shots.
A scope will contain a reticle, such as a set of crosshairs that the shooter places where they want the bullet to impact. Like other sights, you must go through the process of zeroing your scope. This involves using the external controls to align the reticle with the rifle's bore so the projectile will impact the correct location.
Reflex Sights
The use of a reflex sight provides increased accuracy at medium to short distances. Using a wide field of view, it projects a red dot onto its reflective glass, which the shooter places on the target for easy aiming. Much like a scope's reticle, the red LED indicates where the bullet will impact once the sight is zeroed.
Reflex sights generally have three main adjustment settings:
- Day time
- Brightness level
- Night vision mode
This type of sight on a gun is beneficial for those looking for more accuracy and speed with their aim. Additionally, the shooter can aim with both eyes open, making it easy to see the entire field of view. However, red dot sights do require a power source.
You can choose between open and closed sight options:
- Closed reflex sight: With a closed sight, the light source is enclosed within a protective covering, making it better for shooting in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
- Open reflex sight: The light source is not enclosed and is therefore susceptible to conditions that may affect dot visibility, but it allows for faster target acquisition.
Laser Sights
Laser sights on a gun serve as another type of aiming device used to increase a shooter’s accuracy. A laser is mounted in line with the barrel and projects a light onto the target. This dot of light provides shooters with an easy view of exactly where they are aiming the firearm.
Depending on your specific application, you can choose between two standard lasers:
- Visible lasers: Visible lasers are available in red or green. Red lasers are more common and require less power for longer use. Green lasers stand out better, especially during the day, but consume more energy.
- Infrared lasers: These types of lasers can only be seen with night vision devices since they project light that is just outside of the visible spectrum. These have a higher risk of injury as infrared light can damage the eye without it being seen or noticed.
Laser sights provide an ideal solution for rapid-fire situations and are more accurate than the basic iron sight. However, it is essential to remember to “zero in” your sight before using it to avoid accuracy issues.
How Do I Know Which Sight Is Right for Me and My Gun?
When determining which sights go on a gun, it is crucial to consider a few factors. Do you know how to use a particular sight? What distances will you be shooting at? Will you have to transition quickly between targets? What type of lighting and weather will you most likely be shooting in?
If you’re looking for a simple and cost-effective option for shooting at shorter ranges, the iron sights are the bare minimum you should have. These sights can be used up to several hundred yards if you know what you’re doing. They are a good option if you are worried about battery life or lens damage.
When choosing a sight for hunting or precision target shooting, many shooters go straight to telescopic sights on a gun. The magnification adjustments on a quality scope make it easier to achieve accuracy at greater distances, making this the ideal solution for precision shooting. The use of long-range reticles helps with aiming the firearm, making it easier to adjust for environmental factors. However, telescopic sights get expensive if you want durability and glass clarity.
Lastly, red dots and laser sights are perfect for short- to medium-range shooting. With both varieties, shooters can aim quickly and accurately with rapid target acquisition. However, both of these types of gun sights require a power source.
Choose Wing Tactical for Gun Sights You Can Trust
Though there are many components that go into making a gun accurate, the sights on a gun are one of the most important pieces when it comes to actually making the shot. At Wing Tactical, we stock many types of quality gun sights to help you find the perfect setup for your firearm. Our skilled team only selects components we would use on our own guns.
Browse through our selection of gun sights today to see how we can help you give yourself an edge when it comes to accuracy. We also have an extensive inventory of other firearm components to help you put together the perfect tack driver.
Still unsure about the right type of sight for your firearm? Feel free to contact our team with any questions about our products or how to choose the right type of gun sight for your shooting needs.