Meopta MeoSight II

Red dot sights are useful short range alternatives to the full blown, magnifying telescopic sight. OK effective range is very much dictated by dot size (the bigger it is the more of the target it covers). In truth these x1 power optics are more electrical iron sights with a maximum effective range of around 100-yards, though they are parallax-free and you only have to place the dot on target. Plus they are light, compact and do not require a set eye relief and can be used with both eyes open.

Window of Opportunity

Meopta of the Czech Republic make some excellent optics, including a reflex-type red dot – the MeoSight II. There are two versions the 30 (3 MOA dot) and the 50 (5 MOA) but apart from that they are identical in size and shape. Weighing 1.9oz and measuring 2.1 x 1 x 1.3” the package is small and includes a plastic lens hood and soft cover. It does not however include the base. Power is supplied by 2 x CR1632 batteries with a quoted run time of 300-hours.
The design is L-shaped and of an open build with the dot being projected onto a 17 x 13mm oval screen. Adjustment is a generous 120 MOA in both plains and also lockable, with a small screwdriver supplied for the purpose. I picked the 3 MOA dot, which seemed more suitable for ranges out to 100-yards, where the aim point is subtending approximately three inches.
There are five levels of brightness combined with an ON/OFF facility all incorporated into a small rubber button at the front of the unit. One press turns it ON, continual pressure runs it up and down the levels of illumination and a 2-second hold turns it OFF. When the battery gets low the dot will flash and there’s an integral automatic shut off after 3-hours.

Across The Board

As I said you have to get a base, which was solved by Sentry Trading who brings in EAW (Apel) mounts. They can accommodate just about all base designs – 11, 14.5 and 16.5mm, Weaver, swing-offs, BRUNO/CZ 19mm dovetails and Blaser QD. I used the Weaver and fitted the MeoSight II to a cross section of rimfire/centrefire rifles and also a pump-action shotgun. The mount adds a little height to the package, which I found makes for a better, heads-up position. I later discovered that Meopta also offers a mount.

Though only offering five illumination levels these were more than enough to deal with direct/bright sunlight and near dark conditions equally well. Overall this is a good design being compact, light and well-engineered with practical controls. It is however, quite expensive when compared to the plethora of budget, far eastern red dots available. However and as with all optics – quality will out.