Trijicon RMR on a .458 Lott

[Royal27]

What are the thoughts of a red dot on a big bore? I don't have an eye problen=m and can see the open sights. That being said, I'm simply more comfortable with red dots than open sights, which has surprised me. I'd never even shot anything with a red dot optic until just over a year ago. From the very first time though it seemed automatic - point and shoot.

As long as I go with something high quality, such as Triicon, Aimpoint, or Eotech is there any downside? For argument sake let's assume I'll be hunting Elephant, just don't tell my wife!!!

 

[Shakey]

I totally agree. I've taken 2 elephants, one with a .416 Rem and one with a .470 NE double, and I used a red dot on both firearms. Also took a kudu, waterbuck and zebra with the same guns and the red dots. On the bolt (.416 Rem) I used an Aimpoint H30L (or something like that - looks like a scope with 30mm tube), and on the .470 NE I used a Docter red dot (which I can highly recommend for a double). The Aimpoint has an adjustable brightness, so you need to be diligent about adjusting the brightness as conditions change. If set for early morning - low setting - and not adjusted later, it will not be bright enough for mid-day. Likewise, if set bright for mid-day, and not adjusted as the sun sets, it will be too bright at last light. The Docter (as well as some other models) adjust the brightness automatically as light conditions change.

I'm right handed, but left eye dominate. I shoot left handed, but the left eye dominance is not overwhelming (at times the right eye still registers and I see two front sights). The red dot eliminates this - only the eye in line with the barrel can see the red dot. You can leave both eyes open at all times and you'll only see one dot.

 

[Royal27]

I'm left handed and left eye dominant. My grandfather taught me to shoot with both eyes open as a kid and I've never known any different. I don't even close my right eye with a high power scope, at least not most of the time.

I do like the idea of the auto adjustment and hadn't thought about that. The red dots I have on my military weapons are all manual adjustment - they are just for plinking.

My thought had also been the true red dot like the Docter, not a tube style. I've never heard of that brand. Do you has the 3.5 MOA, or the 7 MOA? I can see where the larger MOA would have its advantages at 50 yards, or less.

 

[Shakey]

As for the MOA, the 3.5 is plenty. My tube-style Aimpoint is 2 MOA and that's plenty to catch your eye in a heated situation (from experience). I prefer the smaller MOA dots.

Docter is German made. The only reason I went that route is the used double I bought had the quarter rib already machined to accept a Docter mount. There are pros and cons to both Docter and Trijicon. The Trijicon is reportedly tougher, and I believe the lens is a plastic composite (hence the more abuse it can take). I find it has a fair amount of edge distortion, and a slight bit of magnification. The Docter has crystal-clear glass, no edge distortion, and no magnification effects; but it probably can't take the abuse the Trijicon can. You can find the Docter Model IIs (probably on Model III now) on ebay (new) for about half the price of an RMR.

The tube style red dots certainly have their place. I use Talley QD scope rings and mounts on the .416. I sight it in with both the Aimpoint H30L and a 1.5 by 5 scope, each with Talley QD rings installed, and carry both with me. I don't really care for the red dot out beyond 100 yards, or when trying to weave a bullet through cover.

Regardless, I feel a red dot is an advantage over open sights, especially for me since my eye dominance is not overwhelming.

 

[Royal27]

I think I'm definitely going to go down this road in some way, shape, or form. Foe me personally I just can't see putting a scope on a .458, but like you I feel there are advantages to a red dot. I also don't see shooting this rifle past 100 yards either.

I love the preparation. That's half the fun!!!