Red dot: cowittness pros/cons

anotherred · #1 05-19-2017, 10:26 PM

New member, but I've been poking around here for a long time. Anyways the newest Smith coming is a 40L CORE. For a red dot I'll end up with Vortex Viper or Venom. From what I've found is the Viper will co witness with raised sights and Venom will NOT but I'll still be able to see the top 1/2 of the sights. Now pardon my ignorance but whats the advantage of co witness? Wouldn't I want to just use the dot? (still have the irons somewhat available if I needed back ups) with the Venom. If it helps, the gun will only be a range toy and 3 gun shooter.

CDR_Glock · #2 05-19-2017, 10:47 PM

I had the Venom on a Glock MOS. I acquired suppressor height Tritium sights to clear it. It serves as a backup in case of failure. I don't see the dot at 15 yards or less. Only when I'm further out do the red dots come into play.

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CB3 · #3 05-20-2017, 12:27 AM

For a range toy I would remove the iron sights and sight the red dot so the dot covers the point of impact at 15 yards with the dot centered in the window.

This gives you the greatest margin for sighting error without occluding the window at the bottom.

When the system fails--either the red dot no longer appears or the unit flies off the slide because of the weak attachment method, just use another gun.

Red Dot Sight Mounting (1)

Co-Witnessed Sight Systems (2)

Crmcdm · #4 05-20-2017, 11:23 AM

I put a Viper on my CORE to shoot USPSA Carry Optics, and put my factory suppressor height sights back on for cowitness (I'd replaced them with normal height Dawsons). I find I really don't use the sights at all as long as the dot is on. I depend on index and finding the dot fast. Certainly if I lost the dot Id be glad for the irons, but I wouldnt make the decision to get absolute cowitness if you prefer the Venom. FWIW...I love the Viper 6MOA dot perfect for Carry Optics.

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CDR_Glock · #5 05-20-2017, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crmcdm

I put a Viper on my CORE to shoot USPSA Carry Optics, and put my factory suppressor height sights back on for cowitness (I'd replaced them with normal height Dawsons). I find I really don't use the sights at all as long as the dot is on. I depend on index and finding the dot fast. Certainly if I lost the dot Id be glad for the irons, but I wouldnt make the decision to get absolute cowitness if you prefer the Venom. FWIW...I love the Viper 6MOA dot perfect for Carry Optics.

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Agreed. A bigger dot is more ideal for carry.

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anotherred · #6 05-20-2017, 12:28 PM

Good info guys

Andyk · #7 05-20-2017, 12:53 PM

I find it helps me find the dot faster from a draw.

CB3 · #8 05-20-2017, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CDR_Glock

Agreed. A bigger dot is more ideal for carry.

Except when you want more precision at longer ranges.

Smaller dots (3-5 MoA) are still visible at close ranges.

They also "flare" less than larger dots depending on your eyesight. Older, less focused eyesight is one of the main reasons red dots are gaining in popularity.

Smaller dots occlude the target less.

Aim small, miss less.

CDR_Glock · #9 05-20-2017, 01:12 PM

For concealed carry I'm not concerned about precision. I can still hit my gongs out to 50 yards. This is strictly for self defense at more reasonable distances. 6-8 MOA is good. Anything bigger is outright silly.

If you are shooting for precision, yes, smaller MOA is best.

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anotherred · #10 05-20-2017, 01:55 PM

I'm leaning towards the 6 moa dot, as the shots are more about speed than accuracy