Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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Originally invented in 1900 for use on small arms, reflector or reflex sights use the principle of light collimation to produce an illuminated reticle that does not move relative to the shooter's sightline, making aiming easier. They were extensively used aboard military aircraft from the 1930s until the 1960s when they were supplanted by Heads Up Displays (HUDs).


Reflex Gunsights Part 2 video: youtu.be/CDdrggsC3VY
GD-16 Gun Camera video: youtu.be/GBmZTuIN6Wc
G.S.A.P. Gun Camera video: youtu.be/UrX4mnaqJBE

TIFO WWI Optics-for-Rubber Trade video: youtube.com/watch?v=o3azuTt8DII&pp=ygVaQSBEZWFsIFdpdGggdGhlIERldmlsIC0gVGhhdCBUaW1lIEJyaXRhaW4gYW5kIEdlcm1hbnkgQmVjYW1lIFBhcnRuZXJzIGluIHRoZSBNaWRkbGUgb2YgV1dJ

0:00 Introduction
0:51 The Parallax Problem
2:50 The Grubb Sight
4:18 Early Aircraft Reflex Sights
5:28 Free Gun Sight Mk.III
9:30 Mk.III Variants
10:14 Fixed Gun Sight Mk.II
13:54 Projector Gunsights
14:55 Mk.II Variants
15:30 Other WWII Reflex Sights
16:19 Outro

SOURCES

aviatorsdatabase.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Gyro-gunsights.pdf

scribd.com/document/200868938/Reflector-Gun-Sights-2-Nov-25th-1943

modelersalliance.org/threads/reflector-gunsight.156902

rochesteravionicarchives.co.uk/items/reflector-gunsight-2
scribd.com/document/182059262/Reflector-Gun-Sights-1-Nov-25th-1943-pdf#google_vignette
aviatorsdatabase.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Reflective-sights.pdf
hi-luxoptics.com/blogs/history/early-reflex-sights?srsltid=AfmBOor8Ag_EiHwE0QJTbIifBF5GkSIGwc3DcHW_HNbzS87-ZfrZ1XAH