S&B Short Dot Models Explained.

[VA_Dinger]

To avoid further confusion about the various Short Dot models:

Disclaimer: I do not consider myself to be a Short Dot expert but I do understand this much though.



1.1–4 x 20 CQB Short Dot (Gen I)



This is the first generation of the Short Dot. It has non-locking turrets and comes standard with changeable BDC cams for 5.56mm M855 & 75 gr. Hornady and .308 M118LR 16” & 20”.

1.1–4 x 20 CQB Short Dot (Gen II)



This is the newer version of the original Short Dot. It has the self-locking adjustment turrets. It comes standard with your choice of a M855 or M1118LR BDC cam.

- Both are first focal plane with 20mm objective lenses.

- The easiest way to tell the difference between the two models is to look for the taller/longer adjustment knobs found on the genII.

Both can be ordered with either the CQB or #7 reticles .

CQB:


#7:



The new Short Dot II is actually called the “S&B 1.1-4x24 Zenith Short Dot LE” in the U.S.

- I could not find an actual picture of it.

It differs from the original Short Dot’s in many ways:
- 2nd Focal Plane
- 24mm objective lense
- Spare battery cap replaces the locking windage turret.
- It's slightly over a 1/2" longer because it’s based on the 1.1-4x S&B Zenith line
- Available in the #2, #7, and #9 reticles.
- Supposedly $100 cheaper.

S&B FD2:

S&B FD7:

S&B FD9:

[VA_Dinger]

I figured it was best to just make this info a sticky considering I still see guys getting confused over the different Short Dot models.

This info seemed to have gotten lost in the big "1-4 Variable Optic Options" thread.

[Tuukka]

Here is a picture of the new Short Dot II, this one has the FD7 reticle.

[abnartyguy]

A short dot on a ?? upper and an H&K Lower? Interesting blaster! later!
-ZM

[HKPRO]

A short dot on a ?? upper and an H&K Lower? Interesting blaster! later!
-ZM

Er, how about an HK upper on an HK lower?

[Tuukka]

Yes, it is a factory HK416.

[GRSC]

Would anyone be interested in a Short Dot with the GRSC M4-62 reticle?

[UPSguy]

Would anyone be interested in a Short Dot with the GRSC M4-62 reticle?

You are asking this in a lot of threads so please forgive me for answering in more than one of them. I wouldn't and for the very same reasons I didn't end up liking the Meopta Kdot reticle. I wanted an Aimpoint bright dot combined with crosshairs.

That being said, what are your thoughts here. Are you thinking your reticle with the bright S&B dot, or your reticle as presently illuminated in a Short Dot?

[davemcdonald]

I think it would be interesting and worth trying but I wouldn't replace my FD7.

Dave

[Army Chief]

I too opted for FD7, though I didn't pick up the Short Dot model, per se.

The Gen II Short Dot that we tend to be most concerned with (locking turrets, CQB reticle) is the specialized PM II variant, but if you're navigating your way through the Schmidt & Bender web site, or perusing their catalog, that distinction is likely to be less than clear. The reason for this is that the Short Dot is closely related to -- and in some sense derived from -- the regular "Zenith" FlashDot line, which includes 1.1-4 x 24mm, 1.5-6x42mm, 2.5-10x56mm and 3-12x50mm variants. Thus, there is more than one Short Dot model on the market, and the distinctions from one to the next can actually be quite subtle.

Although I had some non-AR applications in mind when I made my purchase decision, I have found the Zenith FlashDot 1.5-6x42mm (non-PM II) to be an astonishingly versatile piece of glass that offers most of the advantages of the Short Dot with significantly more distance precision and light-gathering capability. I'm not suggesting this is the way to go for everyone, but for those who are drawn to the Short Dot concept, but are wishing for something with just a bit more headroom, the 1.5-6x42mm Zenith may actually be worth looking into.

Chief