WHY AM I NOT SURPRISED?

Description:

Dick Eussen has been writing about shooting matters for about 60 years as I recall, and I suspect he knows what he’s talking about. I did not know that red-dot sights had a reputation for breaking down but it makes sense to me – anything that relies on batteries and electrical circuitry is trouble waiting to happen.

My complaints go further, though.
- Such short-but-high sights are more vulnerable to bumps than iron sights or small scopes with steel mounts 10cm apart.
- Some types have absurd tunnel vision, making a dangerous dark place for grumpy herd companions to hide.
- Models without open sights visible through them might see you high but not dry, on the horns of a buffalo dilemma.

They can get you on target quick, though, encourage keeping both eyes open and, if you’re hunting pigs, probably help to shoot more critters. Some dangerous-game hunters want them on their best double rifles, however, because they can’t focus on express sights any more.

Not only is that an aesthetic abomination but, in my humble opinion, akin to a new form of Russian roulette.

– Samuel B. Mann

'LIGHT AT THE START OF THE TUNNEL - Are rifle scopes off the rails?' has a chapter on illumination, too, as the title suggests.

The price of $20 plus $5 postage includes 24 pages of additional information to be sent by email; other options with additions printed: $30-$45 posted.

The tear-out comes from 'Take it as red' by Dick Eussen, on page 44 of the ‘Australian Shooter’ April 2026.