Red dot reflex sights are modern high-tech wonders. Lightweight and compact, they provide a single point of aim in the form of—you guessed it—a red dot that simplifies and speeds the aiming process.
Red dot reflex sights are “parallax free.” Being parallax free means that, unlike open sights or certain optical sights, your eyeball does not have to be in perfect alignment with the sighting window and the dot in order to hit what you’re aiming at. As long as you can see the dot on your target you will hit what you are aiming at, even if you only have a partial view of it through the optic.
Various companies have been working on downsizing red dot sights for some time, with the goal of making them small enough to eventually fit on pistols. Meopta, a European optics maker since 1933, has introduced the MeoSight III, a “micro” red dot reflex sight designed for use on rifles, shotguns, and handguns.
Featuring 1x magnification, the MeoSight III, like other reflex sights, allows the shooter to aim with both eyes open, which is important in combat situations. The MeoSight III’s red dot is 3 MOA (Minutes of Angle), which means that at 100 yards, the red dot will cover an area of three inches in diameter. This is a good compromise between rapid close range target acquisition and precision at longer ranges.
The MeoSight III weighs a little over an ounce, and has a viewing window that is 17mm x 23mm. It comes with a soft rubber cap that protects the entire unit. The MeoSight III features easy-to-operate controls and is powered by a single CR2032 battery, which is included. The on/off control switch is a large round button located at the front of the sight. Pressing and holding for at least one second turns the sight on and sets it in automatic mode, which varies the brightness of the dot based on ambient light conditions. Pressing and holding the switch again shuts the sight off. If you wish to manually control the red dot brightness settings through the eight available levels, start out by pressing the button for no more than a half second. Short pressing of the button will cycle the dot through those levels. When the MeoSight III is shut off while in the manual mode, it will remain at the last level it was set at when turned back on again. I prefer the manual settings rather than trusting an automatic mode, and would leave it set at a step or two down from the brightest level, which works best in most conditions for my eyes.
Windage and elevation adjustment screws are accessed on the base of the sight. There are locking screws to hold the settings, and a screwdriver is included in the package along with an optics cloth. The instruction manual explains the proper operation and sight adjustment procedures in excellent detail.
The MeoSight III comes with a Picatinny rail mounting bracket, which is affixed by two screws to the sight. The mount uses a small lever to tighten the mounting screw to the rail. It is much easier to use than a thumb screw mount.
I decided to test-mount the MeoSight III on my Del-Ton (www.del-ton.com) Alpha 220-H AR-15 rifle. I prefer an AR-15 rifle over a carbine because the 20-inch rifle barrel allows the standard 55-grain 5.56 bullet to exit the barrel at its maximum velocity of 3200 FPS, thus wringing all the potential power out of this diminutive round.
The Alpha 220-H features a standard A2 upper with a fixed-carry handle. In order to mount the MeoSight III, I needed to add some railing. I used a fiberglass Picatinny rail adaptor from Tapco. This inexpensive unit mounts through the hole in the AR carry handle, mating to the angle of the handle to keep the optic level. The Tapco mount is hollow, so the iron sights can still be used as a backup.
I went to the range with some 55-grain FMJ ammo to get a feel for the sight. The higher mounting position of a carry handle optic allows you to keep your head up for a full field of view. If you want to mount the MeoSight III on a flat-top-type AR mount, you will need to purchase a riser (since the small diameter of the sight puts it below your line of sight). If the optic fails while mounted in the carry handle position, it is easy to revert to the iron sights through the Tapco mount. There is no “co-witnessing” between the optic and irons needed, as they don’t cross each other’s optical path. Even with the high-mounted MeoSight III, my 220-H still fit easily in its soft case, and the carry handle can still be used as a carry handle with the sight in place.
The MeoSight III red dot was quick to acquire and easy to adjust, and held its zero throughout the test, allowing me to deliver tight double-tap pairs at 50 feet. The sight stayed firmly mounted to the base, and obviously added no weight to the gun. MSRP of the MeoSight III is around $400. The quality is commensurate with the price. If you want to upgrade your defensive or recreational rifle with a reflex red dot, the MeoSight III would be a good way to go. Learn more at www.meoptasportsoptics.com.
