Have to pay attention to dot size when shopping for Red-Dots. Most have a 4 MOA dot and thus will cover 4" at 100 yards. Some have a 2 MOA dot which is better, but still not great for precision work. There are a few that have 1 MOA dots (Leupold just announced their new Freedom RDS at SHOT which has a 1 MOA dot), but you really have to search them out and you'll pay a premium for them.
In the grand scheme of things though, you don't put a red-dot on anything if you're looking for precision accuracy at anything over 25-50 yards. They're effectively a reflex sight for quick target acquisition, not precision work. Think CQB, SHTF or dangerous game situations. As BHJ discovered, a low-power variable with illuminated reticle is a much better choice if you're wanting to do any precision work.
With the new 5x, 6x and 8x zoom scopes on the market you can get a good 1x or 1.5x on the low end for fast and close, yet still have as much as 8x on the high end for those longer precision shots. I only wish they didn't all have 24mm objectives as that doesn't bode well for low-light hunting at dusk/dawn. Amazes me someone hasn't come out with a 1-8x36mm yet.
As always, you gotta get the right tool for the job you wanna do.
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