StillStanding
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For the past year I've had a red dot and I wholeheartedly like it, better target acquisition and speed.
Are Red Dot/Green Dot optics really worth it?
- Thread starter dben002
- Start date
I have dots on two pistols. As was stated, they help as the range increases. especially with older eyes having to focus more on a front sight.
Personally I like dots past 15 yards. Because of that I only have them on guns I don't carry. I have one on a S&W 625 and one on a Ruger MKII. I can't see a reason to have one on a self defense pistol though.
I'm sure there are many people who have mastered dots on SD pistols and it isn't difficult to do if you train. I'm just not spending the money and time to acquire the skill to use a dot on a SD pistol. Iron sights work just fine for me at SD distances. Long ago I made the decision to forgo lasers, lights and dots on anything I carry. I don't like that stuff on my shotguns or rifles either.
That doesn't seem to be what most people want these days though. Many manufacturers are switching to slide cuts and dots on new pistols.
Personally I like dots past 15 yards. Because of that I only have them on guns I don't carry. I have one on a S&W 625 and one on a Ruger MKII. I can't see a reason to have one on a self defense pistol though.
I'm sure there are many people who have mastered dots on SD pistols and it isn't difficult to do if you train. I'm just not spending the money and time to acquire the skill to use a dot on a SD pistol. Iron sights work just fine for me at SD distances. Long ago I made the decision to forgo lasers, lights and dots on anything I carry. I don't like that stuff on my shotguns or rifles either.
That doesn't seem to be what most people want these days though. Many manufacturers are switching to slide cuts and dots on new pistols.
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just plain joe
Member
I always used iron sights because that was all there was when I began shooting revolvers and pistols. I'm one of those persons who must shoot with one eye closed because if I don't, my eyes cross and I get two front sights. Because only one eye is open, your field of vision is limited as is your situational awareness. When shooting paper targets on the square range this is a non-issue. On the "street", losing/not gaining sight of a perp or perps, could be a show-stopper.
I have an Aimpoint Acro P1 on my Sig M17. With it I am able to shoot with both eyes open and make consistent hits on metal IPSC plates at 75 yards. I still carry and shoot revolvers/pistols with iron sights. I'm just not as effective nor as quick as with the red-dot sights. Be advised however, there is a learning curve with these sights.
HTH.
JPJ
I have an Aimpoint Acro P1 on my Sig M17. With it I am able to shoot with both eyes open and make consistent hits on metal IPSC plates at 75 yards. I still carry and shoot revolvers/pistols with iron sights. I'm just not as effective nor as quick as with the red-dot sights. Be advised however, there is a learning curve with these sights.
HTH.
JPJ
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If you're eyes are in good shape, practice and develop good shooting skills using iron sights only. Once there, you'll likely decide you don't need any optical aids. That's not to mention how these devices hamper the clean lines of handguns and make them at least a bit more cumbersome. I'm not criticizing the devices if you have a true need like deteriorating eyesight. Gadgets don't make up for a lack of skill.
I'd never put one on a pistol I carry, but they can be most fun for killing paper at the range. Or possibly shooting yard vermin.
I'e used red dots (green is easier to see) on bullseye pistols for competition with good results. I have a red dot tubed scope on a hunting handgun and find that it works well. I'm a lot slower with a red dot on a defensive pistol, but more accurate at longer ranges. I admittedly haven't put in much time with the defensive pistol with red dot. OTOH, I like CT laser grips on defensive firearms.
smithra_66
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In my opinion, for a carry gun, no.
Rich Richardson
Member
Just thinking out loud. Wouldn't the idea of being in imminent danger justify the use of a firearm. I would think that would be within 10 feet or less which to me would be a point and shoot scenario. I could see the use of a red dot in a fire fight at greater distances but would that be a self defense scenario?
I'm 72, had cataract surgery on both eyes and have found that I can't focus on iron sights like I used to. I went to optical sights for .22 bullseye (I haven't got back to centerfire bullseye yet). As far as color, my experience has been that the sun wipes out red dots more easily than green dots. It's keeping me in the game.
I've heard this many times before. I'm not saying that it is your case, but often I've seen where people use this as an excuse to not learn to shoot at greater distances, because their lack of skill makes them uncomfortable. Anytime someone is at risk of being killed or maimed, it is justification for self-defense. The distance is irrelevant. Of course every self-defense case is judged on its own merits as it should be.
huntsman22
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OP
I am starting to be inclined to agree with you....concealed carry for personal defense does not seem to warrant the expense of Dot optics
OP
Huntsman22
Geesh ..... I take that as a yes.......
Geesh ..... I take that as a yes.......
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Without a doubt…worth it.
Doug M.
Member
Read the relevant portions of the article linked. Look at, among things, the tests/standards described. I know some of those instructors mentioned. I know of most of the others. The majority are coming from LE, usually coming from locales in which violent encounters are likely. That is a different perspective than most members here.
I, like most others here (I hope) am not in that world any longer. It is not my duty to hunt bad guys. The realistic analysis for me does include a slightly higher risk level, but it is collateral because I am a prosecutor, even though not directly involved in criminal law. I am not often in the public eye, and I pay attention.
FOR ME the RDS brings advantages based on age, eyesight and other factors. Figure out how those impact your life. To me, a few hundred bucks invested. For you, maybe not. In your case, most likely a duplicate of your carry gun, a couple of classes in the fundamentals, and a few thousand rounds of your carry/training ammo is a better use of money.
This is generalizable. When I was forty, my fitness training was pretty vigorous. At 65, still more than most, but not the same, because the needs changed. In a couple years, it will change more, with the goal of a good life; we want to travel and enjoy it. I still won't waste time and money on things that don't contribute to my well being, like golf, fishing, and hanging out in bars.
I, like most others here (I hope) am not in that world any longer. It is not my duty to hunt bad guys. The realistic analysis for me does include a slightly higher risk level, but it is collateral because I am a prosecutor, even though not directly involved in criminal law. I am not often in the public eye, and I pay attention.
FOR ME the RDS brings advantages based on age, eyesight and other factors. Figure out how those impact your life. To me, a few hundred bucks invested. For you, maybe not. In your case, most likely a duplicate of your carry gun, a couple of classes in the fundamentals, and a few thousand rounds of your carry/training ammo is a better use of money.
This is generalizable. When I was forty, my fitness training was pretty vigorous. At 65, still more than most, but not the same, because the needs changed. In a couple years, it will change more, with the goal of a good life; we want to travel and enjoy it. I still won't waste time and money on things that don't contribute to my well being, like golf, fishing, and hanging out in bars.
AJ
US Veteran
Put me down for not having dots or lasers........batteries fail......Iron sights do not.
AJ
US Veteran
Had both of mine done when I was 72 and see my irons just fine. My problem is that I do not shoot as well as when I was on active duty 32 years ago.
sigp220.45
US Veteran
AJ
US Veteran
Will stick with irons, have shot this way for to long to start over now. Besides I can buy a lot of other stuff for the price of the dots/lasers......ammo or more firearms for example.
Doug M.
Member
^^ A sound application of the cost/benefit assessment I describe. On my G42 & G33, XS big dots are just fine for my expected use. I have 2 G17s with the mag well cut to G19 length. One has an RDS, and when I shoot an LE course of fire, including LEOSA, the improvement at modest distances is very significant.
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