Scope image is on the left and red dot sight is on the right.

Scopes Versus Red Dot Sights. What’s the difference?

Scopes and sights have been around for a while, but time and time again, we get questions asking does this have a battery, does it magnify, do I need a peep? However, I think a lot of the questions we get about our bow mount can be cleared up with answering, what is the difference between red dot sight and a scope. 


Scopes


Scopes can magnify. Similar in the idea of a microscope, it helps create a better visual. This helps for shooting at long ranges. Scopes have eye relief and are usually much heavier than sights. Likewise, they do not require a battery to use. 


Red Dot Sights


There is no magnification, however, there are a few you can put a lens in to magnify the sight. Additionally, an advantage to using a red dot sight is that you can shoot with both eyes open, they are light, and fast to use. A few downsides are that they use a battery, but with today’s technology batteries last pretty long. The issue for bow hunting is that a select few states do not allow batteries on your bow. 


Bow Hunting with a Red Dot Sight


Just like gun hunting, a red dot on a bow helps with speed, target acquisition, and field of view (no need for a peep sight). This is important for bow hunters because it helps broaden your field of view and prepares you to move quickly for unexpected hunting scenarios. Or if you are into shooting TAC, competition archery, or 3D this will help you focus on your target and simplify your shooting routine. 

We prefer the Ultradot red dots but with our picatinny rail set up, you can use just about any red dot or reflex sight you prefer. 



Helpful Links:

https://scopeitoutdoors.com/whats-the-difference-between-a-scope-and-a-sight/ 

https://diffsense.com/diff/scope/sight 



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3 comments

Will these mount on a cross bow?

Larry

Interested, I’m 63 years young but the eyes aren’t what they used to be.
How much do these cost? Can it be mounted on a Bear Species EV?

Jack

I’m interested in this and would like more information about it

Greg Dreyer

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