Suggestion for RDS for a shotgun

[jmjames]

I'm thinking about putting an RDS on my Saiga 12, both for the HD role and for the skeet field. It looks like my best bet is an Aimpoint. The problem is, the Aimpoint Web site is pretty useless in terms of figuring out which sight does what or why, they all share the same general "best, most advanced Aimpoint ever!" text and the stats do not mean much to me since I've never bought an RDS before. Which Aimpoint makes the most sense for this role?

It *seems* like the Micro H1, Micro T1, or Patrol Rifle Optic (PRO) will all be suitable, with the two Micro models being a better choice. Is there a different model I should be looking at instead? Will they hold up to being put on a shotgun throwing slugs and buckshot from time to time?

Thanks!

J.Ja

[GJM]

H1, H1, H1, since you likely don't need the night vision capability of the more expensive T1.

I am running a H1 on an 870 and Beretta now. Took API 260 at Gunsite with an older Aimpoint, and have never broken one on .416, .375 and 45-70 rifles.

Bigger issue is getting the stock comb height right, as many stocks are set-up for a bead sight, and a Aimpoint will beat your face with slugs if the comb height is too short. The Mesa Urbino stock on an 870 has the proper height for a red dot, as does the factory stock on the Beretta Storm.

[Al T.]

If PSA sells the H-1 for 450.00 again, that would be my recommendation. The T-1 gives you an option for night vision use which is of no interest to me.

Get a rail installed and we can stick either of my Aimpoints on your Saiga and see what you like.

[JMS]

H1, agreed, though the PRO would also do fine if the fact that it's bigger doesn't bug you.

Only differencees between the H1 and T1 are, as stated, that the H1 does not have specific NVG settings for use with image-intensification equipment, and the H1 is submersible to about 15', instead of 145' like the T1. Plus, price, but that matches their technical differences. There's no measurable difference between the two in ability to take abuse, in spite of some worrywarts that'll insist that the difference in water resistance MUST mean that the H1 is less durable. They're wrong, except in regard whether or not they expect their optic to survive the countless times they get launched out of a submarine's torpedo tube.

As for the Comp-series devices, essentially the same differences nearly across the board. The M-marked devices are NVG compatible and have a greater submersion resistance. The ML-marked devices are NOT NVG compatible and have lesser, though quite good, submersion resistance.

ANY of them are going to stand up the use on a shotgun.

[jmjames]

Sounds like my initial intuition on the H1 was right... the PRO could save me some money, but I'll just keep an eye on PSA for them to have the H1 on sale again, like Al says.

I'm working out the rail issue now. I'm either going to get a low profile scope mount that sits on the AK-side rail, or get one that attaches to the gas tube. Both have pros and cons. I like optics a bit further back and the side mount does that and is removable, but it is HEAVY (the good one that is properly centered over bore and is super-sturdy seems to be a Russian-made monster at 0.4 lbs.). It will also give me a rail on the side to mount a flashlight if I want (I'm also considering barrel clamps for that). The gas tube rail is a lot more expensive, puts the optic much farther up, is a fairly permanent item, and I could see it potentially not being square, causing problems.

I think I'll order the side mount today, and if I don't like it, then I'll send it back and get the gas tube rail...

J.Ja

[JeffJ]

and for the skeet field.

Man I wish I could have seen that show up back in college when I was chunking clays for extra money. You might have set the whole gun club into a conniption fit. A Saiga with RDS does not belong on the same field as a Kreighoff

[Al T.]

Jeff, just to make it sporting, I'll let him try my SKB 600 when we hit the range.

[JeffJ]

I am actually curious about RDS for wing shooting applications, although I also think that the ergos of the Saiga will kinda skew the whole thing - I would imagine that it's not ideal for fast moving side to side targets and just the thought of shooting a double from station 8 with an AK is both intringuing and off putting at the same time.

[jmjames]

Man I wish I could have seen that show up back in college when I was chunking clays for extra money. You might have set the whole gun club into a conniption fit. A Saiga with RDS does not belong on the same field as a Kreighoff

I've actually made the Saiga as "skeet club friendly" as possible... it's got walnut furniture on it.

Granted, it's still an 18.5" barrel and a pistol grip, and it still looks like an AK, but hey, I tried to make it blend in with the $3,000 over/under crowd...

http://pistol-forum.com/showthread.p...Saiga-12-build

J.Ja

[jmjames]

I am actually curious about RDS for wing shooting applications, although I also think that the ergos of the Saiga will kinda skew the whole thing - I would imagine that it's not ideal for fast moving side to side targets and just the thought of shooting a double from station 8 with an AK is both intringuing and off putting at the same time.

Jeff -

It's actually pretty nice for that purpose. The "poly choke" makes life easy. The short barrel let's it swing through nicely. I am officially The Worst Skeet Shooter In the South East and I often hit a double on station 8 with it, even though on the second shot I'm often rotated nearly 180. The big win on the skeet field with it is that it has a front bead and a rear leaf. It's not the longest sight radius in the world, since the front sight is on the gas tube and the rear sight is on the receiver, but it's better than the single bead arrangement. If I wasn't putting the RDS on it, I'd definitely consider one of the front sights that mount on the barrel at the end to get a longer sight radius.

J.Ja