For firearm enthusiasts, especially those who utilize red dot sights or holographic weapon sights (RDS/HWS), achieving the perfect co-witness height is crucial for optimal performance. This guide delves into the intricacies of absolute co-witness, explaining what it is, its advantages and disadvantages, and how to determine the correct height for your specific setup.
What is Absolute Co-Witness?
Absolute co-witness refers to a sight mounting configuration where the iron sights are perfectly aligned with the optic's window. When looking through the RDS/HWS, the front and rear iron sights are clearly visible within the sight picture. This provides a significant backup aiming system in case of optic failure.
Understanding the Sight Picture
The "sight picture" is the visual relationship between the shooter's eye, the front and rear sights, and the target. In an absolute co-witness setup, the iron sights are not obscured by the optic, offering a reliable fallback aiming method. This is particularly advantageous in situations where the optic malfunctions or its battery dies.
Advantages of Absolute Co-Witness
- Redundancy: The most significant advantage is the built-in redundancy. If your primary aiming system (the RDS/HWS) fails, you still have a fully functional backup aiming system ready to use.
- Faster Target Acquisition (in some situations): Some shooters find that the iron sights provide a faster target acquisition in certain conditions, especially in low-light situations or when dealing with a malfunctioning optic. The simplicity of the iron sights can be advantageous under stress.
- Improved Situational Awareness: The ability to see the iron sights through the optic can enhance situational awareness, allowing you to quickly assess your surroundings while maintaining a sight picture.
Disadvantages of Absolute Co-Witness
- Higher Mount Required: Achieving absolute co-witness generally necessitates a higher mounting solution for the optic, which can slightly alter the weapon's handling characteristics and potentially affect cheek weld.
- Potentially Higher Optic Profile: The higher mount also increases the overall height of the optic, potentially making the weapon less compact and potentially affecting weapon handling.
Determining the Correct Absolute Co-Witness Height
The ideal absolute co-witness height is dependent on several factors:
- Firearm: The type of firearm, its specific design features, and the existing sight configuration all play a role in determining the appropriate mount height.
- Optic: Different optics have varying heights and footprints, affecting the required mount height.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best height is often a matter of personal preference and shooter ergonomics.
Finding the right height often involves experimentation and trial and error. Begin by researching mount heights specific to your firearm and optic combination. Many manufacturers and online resources provide guidance on compatible mount heights for absolute co-witness.
Beyond Absolute Co-Witness: Lower 1/3 Co-witness
It is important to note that absolute co-witness is not the only option. Lower 1/3 co-witness is another popular configuration where only the bottom third of the front sight post is visible through the optic. This offers a lower profile, which can improve weapon handling, while still providing a backup aiming system.
Conclusion
Absolute co-witness height offers a valuable redundancy for shooters using RDS/HWS. While it requires careful consideration of various factors and may not be ideal for all applications, the enhanced reliability and improved situational awareness it provides make it a popular choice for many. Thorough research and experimentation are crucial for finding the perfect co-witness setup tailored to your individual needs and preferences.
