It is confusing that the multiplayer mode allows two separate weapon attachments that feel essentially similar. Well, it was confusing to me in the beginning. But when you get past the huge learning curve of MW2 and start noticing the subtleties of the game — those details that give you the slight needed edge — you’ll start seeing more than a few differences between the holographic sight (HS) and the red dot sight (RDS).
Here’s what those differences are.
Quickness to Aim and Fire
Unlike the red dot sight (RDS), the actual dot in the holographic sight (HS) is larger and transparent. Therefore, it enables the player to more quickly point it over the enemy and fire. On the other hand, the red dot in RDS is small and solid. Because of its small size, you’ll have to adjust a little more before you start firing.
Ability to See Target While Firing
The RDS attachment is thin and small. It goes right on top of the beginning of the barrel. So, when you’re looking through your RDS while firing you may not be able to see your target clearly because of the lights that the bullets make as they’re being shot through the muzzle. Comparatively, the HS doesn’t suffer as much from this limitation because it is raised up from the muzzle level. So, the lights that your bullet make don’t block your vision as much as they do with RDS.
The Field of Vision
You should know that your gun obstructs a big portion of your view. The bigger the size of your gun, the bigger your blind spot will be. Even though the HS attachment has some advantages over RDS, it is significantly larger than the RDS and therefore it obstructs your view more so than RDS.
So, which one should you use?
That depends on your style. Because holographic sight allows you to quickly aim and shoot, it is good for mid-long-range shots. It would’ve been a good option for some short range shots as well if it weren’t so large and blocked your view. Generally, RDS is better option, but in specific maps such as Favela, the HS could be a better option.