I have been looking over a reflex sight like a Trijicon Reflex or a Mepro ML-21 for a short range carbine (AK). I am wondering why the amber reticle is still predominant on these sights, even when I read multiple reviews on how the reticle washes out in bright or changing lighting conditions. My Trijicon ACOG in the service used a red reticle powered by fiber optic / tritium lamp, and did not have problems in the bright sun or looking out to the open from a dark room or bunker (understanding though that the sight and reticle construction are somewhat different).

So I am not understanding the need for the amber reticle and its attendant blue background.

Not really responsive to your post--but I like the green trijicons the best under all light conditions

I asked Trijicon's tech contact about this - their response was:

"Amber is brighter to the average human eye than red. The filter is not required, but can help sharpen the dot in varying lighting conditions."

And though I read a number of reviews about the reticle washing out, I also read many that said that they had no problems seeing it. I guess it's situation dependent.