When shooters first transition from traditional iron sights to a red dot sight, one of the most common questions is: should the red dot align with the front sight? The answer depends on your firearm setup, sighting method, and personal preference.

Understanding the Red Dot Concept

A red dot sight is designed to allow shooters to aim with both eyes open, projecting a red dot onto the lens that represents the point of impact. Unlike iron sights, the shooter doesn’t need perfect alignment between front and rear sights to achieve accuracy.

Co-Witness with Iron Sights

In many setups, shooters use a co-witness configuration where the red dot aligns with iron sights:

• Absolute Co-Witness – The red dot sits directly on top of the front sight post.

• Lower 1/3 Co-Witness – The red dot appears slightly above the iron sights, giving a less obstructed view.

Both methods are effective; it comes down to shooter comfort and situational use.

Do You Need Alignment?

Strict alignment with the front sight is not necessary for a red dot sight to work. As long as the red dot is zeroed to your firearm, placing the dot on the target is enough for accurate shots—even if the dot doesn’t perfectly align with the front sight.

Conclusion

So, should the red dot align with the front sight? Not always. While co-witnessing provides a backup and increases confidence, modern red dot sights are designed to deliver accuracy without strict alignment. The key is to properly zero your optic and practice until you’re comfortable with your setup.