How To Make A Range Kit For Reflex Sight Issues

by
posted on November 6, 2020
rx-5.jpg

Reflex sights, whether rail- or slide-mounted, have become very popular in action-shooting games. That fact—plus their complex assembly of lenses, batteries, electronics and mounts—also makes them the equipment most prone to malfunction at a match.

That’s not a knock on reflex sights. However, malfunctions do happen. But a simple kit can quickly “un-malf” them.

Dirty lenses cause problems. And no matter how clean they were when we left for the match, oil or powder blow back, fogging or an errant finger during the match can foul them. A small microfiber lens cloth and a LensPen can quickly make them pristine again.

Spare batteries for each sight should also be carried. If needed, they’ll save your match.

Tape for Allen wrench identification
A strip of duct tape can quickly identify the right tool, and can be a life-saver if a small wrench is dropped into the grass.


Screws can loosen, and a wobbly sight will trash a score. Appropriate wrenches and screwdrivers should be carried for all screws associated with the mount, battery compartment and sight adjustments. We could wish that manufacturers would settle on one size for all, but they don’t. That can result in a lot of tools. A small tab of silver duct tape applied to the shaft and marked with a Sharpie can quickly identify the tool you need.

There’s another advantage to using tape. Adjustments to a firearm are always performed at a Safe Handling area. These are often tables set up on the grass at the side of the range. Dropping a small, black Allen wrench into thick grass will provide a totally new understanding of the phrase “Where’s Waldo?” But, silver tape makes them easy to find.

Even with the above tools on hand, a sight can still die beyond range repair. A spare sight will let you continue the match. It doesn’t have to be the same model if it’s a Picatinny mount. The primary sight on my Steel Challenge RFRO gun is a SIG Romeo3 Max. The back-up sight is a Burris FastFire III. It’s been on the gun and zeroed. I have removed and re-installed it and there is virtually no point-of-impact shift. It keeps me close enough for Steel, and it’s quick to install. The key is placing it on the same spot on the rail where it was zeroed. A few marks on the rail with a silver Sharpie makes that easy.

Marking the rail position will allow a previously zeroed sight to be re-installed with virtually no POI shift.


With a direct slide mount, the replacement sight must use the same mounting footprint. My Carry Optics gun uses a Trijicon SRO. The back-up is a Trijicon RMR with the same mount footprint and screws. Once zeroed and removed, it’s close enough when re-installed to get me through a match.

This kit can easily be carried in a quart-sized Ziploc bag, and takes up little room in a range bag. And no matter what ails your reflex, the Rx will be at hand.


Read more: Review: JP GMR-15 Match 9mm PCC

Latest

1961 National Matches 5
1961 National Matches 5

More Than 6,000 Shooters Experience An Improved Range: 1961 National Matches

A refurbished range greeted the more than 6,000 competitors at the 1961 National Matches, a number which broke attendance records.

Rich Combination Of History & Shooting On Display At Creedmoor 150 Match

A weeklong competition with period and recreated rifles was held in October to recognize the 150th anniversary of the original 1874 Creedmoor International Match.

NRA Announces 2025 National Matches Locations & Schedule

The 2025 NRA National Rifle and Pistol Championships will be held at the Cardinal Shooting Center, Alliance Rifle Club, Oklahoma City Gun Club and Winnequah Gun Club next June and July.

2024 Holiday Gift Guide: Rifles

Five rifles that are excellent presents for competitive shooters this holiday season.

All About The 2024 USPSA Alabama State Championship

The 2024 USPSA Alabama State Championship was held at Cavern Cove Competitive Shooting Range in Marshall County, Ala., May 16-18.

$50,000 Total Prize Purse At Inaugural Florida Shooters Cup

Apex Shooting Center is hosting the inaugural Florida Shooters Cup Tournament in January 2025 with $50,000 in cash and prizes.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.