18. What is the difference between a scope and a red dot sight, and what should I buy?

The scope magnifies the image and is effective at longer distances, making it recommended for sniper rifles.

The red dot sight does not magnify, but allows for quick aiming at close and medium distances, making it an ideal choice for assault rifles.

It's important to choose an optic that suits the type of rifle and your playing style.

M4 / AR‑15 replicas                                                                                                                                                              

For M4 / AR-15 replicas, which usually have RIS rails, lightweight and compact red dot sights work 
well, such as:

https://www.taiwangun.com/red-dot-sights/reflex-sight-with-real-fiber-optic-black-pcs
https://www.taiwangun.com/red-dot-sights/standard-cqb-red-dot-sight-with-cantilever-mount-black-pcs
https://www.taiwangun.com/red-dot-sights/maverick-ii-plus-1x22-dbr-red-dot-sight-black-vector-optics

For greater versatility, a red dot sight with a 3x magnification is a good option. It mounts on a standard 22mm rail (Picatinny/Weaver):

https://www.taiwangun.com/scopes/maverick-3x26-magnifier-vector-optics

We recommend contacting the Customer Service Department to check the compatibility of the magnifier with the red dot sight.

AK replicas

On AK replicas the mounting type is critical — many models require a dovetail side mount or an adapter to a RIS rail. A railed scope mount for AK (M-METAL) that allows mounting optics on a 22 mm RIS rail can be used: Railed Scope Mount for AK: 

https://www.taiwangun.com/mount-rail/railed-scope-mount-for-ak-black-m-etal

This makes it possible to fit sights such as the 1P87-style Russian optic, for example:

https://www.taiwangun.com/red-dot-sights/airsoft-1p87-style-russian-optic-sight-for-ak-ak12-aksu-jj-airsoft

Check whether your replica has the left-side rail on the receiver cover (visible in product photos) before buying. Example of AK replica with left-siderail:

https://www.taiwangun.com/assault-rifle-aeg/cm-056m-full-steel-ak-replica-eshooter-etu-cyma

Sniper replicas

For sniper replicas such as M62, CM.707-U, MB08AE or M98B, precision and magnification matter. Example scopes are:

https://www.taiwangun.com/scopes/3-9x40e-rifle-scope-black-pcs https://www.taiwangun.com/scopes/scope-victoptics-s6-1-6x24-coyote-fde-vector-optics

These scopes offer decent image quality and parallax adjustment; mounting is usually with 25/30 mm rings onto a RIS rail.

CQB and SMG replicas (e.g. UTR45, WE06)

For CQB and SMG replicas (for example M917G UTR45 or WE06), lightweight open reflex sights are best, such as:

https://www.taiwangun.com/red-dot-sights/mini-pistol-carabine-red-dot-sight-black-jj-airsoft
https://www.taiwangun.com/red-dot-sights/hd118-electro-dot-sight-with-quick-detach-mount-black-pcs

which provide a wide field of view. Mounting is on a standard 22 mm RIS rail.

In summary: a red-dot (collimator) gives fast, intuitive target acquisition and is best for assault replicas and CQB; a scope (optic) gives distance precision and is suited for sniper replicas. Choose optics according to replica type, play style and mount type. Taiwangun’s English site has a wide selection of scopes and red-dot sights from brands such as JJ Airsoft, PCS and Vector Optics