I was going to install a red dot on my M&P22 for steel challenge, but installed fiber optic sights instead. Let a friend who is the state champ borrow it and he shot the "Smoke and Hope" in the low 1.70's a few times, which he said is almost as fast as his Ruger Paclite with optic. He then went on to shoot the longer distance stages, just as accurately and as fast as with his optic gun. At that point, I decided to train harder to do the same and forget the optic.
On another note, for those who are concerned about optic weight affecting slide function: Would Stingers work better, giving more oomph to the slide? I know from experience that Federal Champion won't reliably push my slide all the way back sometimes, due to what seems to be underpowered rounds and I end up with an empty chamber.