Introduction: Red dot sights (RDS) have gained immense popularity in recent years, finding their way from competition shooting to duty use and even everyday carry pistols. Many firearm manufacturers now produce pistols specifically designed for optics like the Trijicon RMR. One crucial aspect of maintaining a red dot sight is regularly changing its batteries. In this informative blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of changing batteries on your red dot sight, including tips, tools, and best practices.
Step 1: Safety First Before beginning any work on your firearm, always ensure it is unloaded. Visually and physically inspect the gun to confirm there is no ammunition present. Cleaning the firearm, including the optic, is also recommended before changing the batteries.
Step 2: Tools You’ll Need To change the batteries on your red dot sight, you’ll need the following tools:
- Torque wrench
- Q-tips
- Paper towel
- Loctite
- Markers for witness marks
- Replacement batteries (e.g., CR 2032)
Step 3: Removing the Optic Most red dot sights require you to remove the optic from the pistol to access the battery compartment. Use a torque wrench or appropriate tool to remove the screws securing the optic to the slide. Take care not to overtighten or damage the screws during removal.
Step 4: Cleaning and Inspection Before replacing the battery, it’s a good idea to clean the emitter and lenses of your red dot sight. Use a Q-tip to wipe away any dirt or debris that may have accumulated. If necessary, apply anti-fog or rain-x products to enhance performance in adverse weather conditions.
Step 5: Battery Replacement Remove the old battery from the compartment, noting the date of installation if desired. It is recommended to date the batteries to keep track of their lifespan. Replace the old battery with a fresh one, ensuring the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals are correctly aligned.
Step 6: Maintenance and Sealing If you use a seal plate, remove it and clean any accumulated dirt or grime. Inspect the optic for cleanliness and reattach the seal plate if desired. Apply a small amount of blue loctite to the screws before reinserting and tightening them. The loctite helps secure the screws against the forces generated by the firearm’s recoil.
Step 7: Witness Marks To monitor the stability of your optic, create witness marks on the screws and the optic body using a marker. This will allow you to detect any movement or loosening of the screws over time. If the witness marks misalign during use, it indicates that the screws may be backing out, requiring retightening.
Step 8: Range Confirmation and Maintenance After reassembling the red dot sight onto the pistol, head to the range to verify its zero. Ensure that the optic did not shift during the battery replacement process. Additionally, inspect the overall performance and functionality of your pistol.
Conclusion: Regularly changing the batteries on your red dot sight is essential to ensure its optimal performance and reliability. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this blog post, you can confidently maintain your red dot sight and be ready for any shooting activity. Remember to prioritize safety, use the appropriate tools, and conduct regular inspections to keep your firearm and optics in top condition.
