Collimators

Professional military and civilian collimators

Collimator sights successfully replace conventional mechanical weapon sights. They determine dynamic aiming and conduct precise fire while maintaining a wide field of view. Thus, shooting with a collimator provides a tactical advantage, often determining the success of field operations.

In the Detective Store you will find collimators for firearms from reputable manufacturers in the optics industry, such as Vortex, Holosun, Eotech and Aimpoint, Their proposals are popular among hunters, sport shooters and uniformed officers around the world.

Collimator - what is it?

The collimator sight is an optoelectronic sighting device for accurate shots at short and medium distances. It works with firearms, airsoft replicas and airguns. It allows it to be aimed quickly without the need to align the bowtie and the pinniped or close one eye. Thus, it makes it easier to assess the situation in real time, even in unfavorable lighting conditions.

So, as you can easily guess, the use of collimators is versatile, and their popularity is due to their effectiveness and easy operation.

How does the collimator work?

The collimator is based on a simple electronic circuit. Using the phenomenon of collimation, it emits a coherent beam of light with low divergence and projects it on an object. This spot, usually in the form of a red dot, is visible only to the shooter and does not limit the field of view. All the shooter has to do is point it at the target, maintaining any distance between the eye and the lens. Importantly, in the case of more advanced models, it does not change position when looking at a different angle.

Which collimator should I choose?

Collimator sights vary in design, size and functionality. Each has its own advantages, and which one turns out to be the best for you will depend on your individual preferences, working conditions or type of weapon.

When choosing a collimator, first of all, pay attention to:

• brightness adjustment,
• the shape and size of the aiming mark,
• robust mounting,
• cooperation with night vision,
• waterproofness and nitrogen filling,
• resistance to recoil, mechanical damage and weather conditions.

Closed or open collimator? Differences

In a closed collimator (closed red dot sight) all the components are inside a closed tube, so it can work with additional accessories, such as an enlarger. The housing itself also protects it from weather conditions, such as rain, which could degrade the quality of the aiming mark.

On the other hand, the lack of a sunshade makes the open collimator (red dot sight) smaller. It provides a wide field of view. It does not significantly increase the weight of the weapon, but is characterized by greater susceptibility to dirt, evaporation and damage.

Collimator - price and recommended models

Prices vary depending on the manufacturer's reputation and features. Cheap collimators cost from 20 to 60 GBP. However, in this case it is not worth saving on quality and it is better to go for proven solutions. Recommended models of collimators are distinguished, among other things, by the material from which they are made (most often it is anodized duralumin).

Holosun collimator

Holosun HS510C Open Reflex holographic sight allows you to change the brightness and color of the target mark. It is energy efficient, and the built-in solar panel extends its operating time up to 50,000 hours on a single battery. The aluminum and titanium body ensures it is resistant to drops and recoil shock.

EOTech collimator

The EOTech HWS EXPS 3 holographic sight is one of the heaviest models on the market. It offers 20 levels of aiming point brightness and 10 additional modes for night vision cooperation. It exhibits water, dust and shock resistance. It is powered by a single CR123 battery, which lasts up to 1000 hours of operation. It additionally has a stand for quick mounting. The model is commonly used by units specifically of NATO troops.

How to set up the collimator? Mounting

A properly mounted collimator for dynamic shooting has the aiming point aligned axially with the barrel line of the weapon. Ease of use is one of its advantages. It is enough to "shoot" the sight by trial and error, adjusting it so that the aiming spot coincides with the hit point at the selected distance. As a rule, two screws for vertical and horizontal adjustment are used for this.

A recommended practice is a visit to the shooting range. There you can calmly compare the results obtained and make any corrections.

What kind of collimator for a gun? - FAQ

Learn the answers to the most frequently asked questions about collimators.

Which collimator for a shotgun?

When choosing a collimator for a shotgun, it is worth paying attention to its durability during recoil and the possibility of displaying the aiming point in the form of a circle. After all, these weapons are not precise, and this type of solution increases the chance of hitting the target. The Spy Shop specialist recommends the previously mentioned HS510C model or the Holosun HS503GU. Both offer 3 variants of the aiming point to choose from.

Which collimator for a windshield?

Collimators for air rifles require a different mounting, as practically none of them have Picatinny or Weaver rails. On the other hand, when it comes to the aiming point - the dot itself is enough.

What kind of collimator for a glock?

Collimators for pistols can have a larger aiming point than in other cases, since they are used for aiming and firing at short distances. They are used primarily by police officers and soldiers, as well as sport shooters. Among the recommended models are collimators such as Holosun HS407K X2.

Which collimator for a hunter?

The choice of a hunting collimator depends on the personal preferences of the shooter. Most models available on the market work well for hunting.