Absolute VS 1/3 Co Witness – What Sight Height Works For You ?

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  • Post last modified:January 17, 2022

One of the most popular rifle questions is co-witness configuration. Absolute or the lower 1/3rd co-witness?

In this guide, we explain it all.

What Is Co-Witness 

Co-Witness refers to the line of sight the shooter sees in between iron sights and the optic reticle.

Sight Picture

Referenced LaRue Tactical

Absolute Co-Witness - It aligns the iron sights perfectly with the middle part of the optic view window.

1/3rd Co-Witness - It sets the front iron sight post at the lower 1/3 portion of the optic FOV. It's biggest advantage is to unclutter the field of view, and this is the most popular co witness height on most rifles.

aimpoint micro 2 moa

Night Vision Height - NV height doesn't co-witness with iron sight, and it's main purpose is to raise the optic height for night vision goggle users

Co-Witness Pros & Cons

ABSOLUTE CO-WITNESS

Pros

  • Verify Zero Immediately
  • Sight Sits Low
  • Perfect For Low Cheek
  • Perfect For AK Style Setup
  • Perfect For Shotguns

Cons

  • Front sight gets in the way
  • Bulky hearing protection gets in the way

For shooters with a short neck, or using low cheekweld rifles should, and go with the 1/3 co witness and night vision height.

No matter which co-witness configurations you pick, make sure it's comfortable for you first.

Don't forget! the shooter can also have the option to flip down the iron sight after zeroing if it's a foldable sight.

Read more: Clear A2 Front Sight Optic Interference 

LOWER 1/3 CO-WITNESS

vortex uh 1 gen 2 pov

Pros

  • Clears Iron Sight Obstruction
  • Much better neck positioning
  • Clears bulky hearing protection
  • Clears Rail Attachment Obstruction
  • Comfort

Cons

  • None

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