Red dot for concealed carry

[Steved13]

I'm wondering if anyone is using a red dot on their concealed carry pistol. My eyes are not what they used to be, and I'm going to Red dot on a full size for the range, but would love to use the same for concealed carry, maybe on a compact.

Just wondering if anyone has any experience they could share?

 

[clarkz71]

Depends, I know a few people that carry red dot guns.

In most defense situations, you'll be point shooting by the time
you decide to fire.

 

[Aldonola]

Sort of. I often carry a Sig P226 with a Trijicon RMR OWB. Covered by a jacket. Works pretty well although I'm not in love with the Sig version of the Blackpoint P226 holster.

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[lefty_jake]

There is a lot of info about red dots for carry in this thread:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/concealed-carry-self-defense/495516-red-dot-carry-gun.html

I gave my general opinion in post #18 in that thread.

In your case, I also have a couple of additional thoughts. How much shooting have you done with the red dot sight on your full size range gun? If you are not very familiar with the red dot yet, I recommend taking some time to get used to it. Try doing some quick close work from the holster with the red dot on your range gun. This training will give you a personal sense of the pros and cons of a red dot.

Also, if you do want a red dot for a defensive pistol, I recommend getting a top quality unit. The small red dots that I would trust for duty use start at around $500. If you choose a pistol with the slide cut for an optic, and add raised height suppressor sights that will co-witness through the optic, then the overall budget is nearly $1000 more than a base model carry pistol.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[Steved13]

There is a lot of info about red dots for carry in this thread:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/concealed-carry-self-defense/495516-red-dot-carry-gun.html

I gave my general opinion in post #18 in that thread.

In your case, I also have a couple of additional thoughts. How much shooting have you done with the red dot sight on your full size range gun? If you are not very familiar with the red dot yet, I recommend taking some time to get used to it. Try doing some quick close work from the holster with the red dot on your range gun. This training will give you a personal sense of the pros and cons of a red dot.

Also, if you do want a red dot for a defensive pistol, I recommend getting a top quality unit. The small red dots that I would trust for duty use start at around $500. If you choose a pistol with the slide cut for an optic, and add raised height suppressor sights that will co-witness through the optic, then the overall budget is nearly $1000 more than a base model carry pistol.

Good luck with your choice.

Thanks, I will read that thread.

I have no experience with Red Dot. PC ported full size is being brought by Santa, and a red dot will go on it shortly after. I wouldn't carry red dot until 100% ready for it (If at all).

Maybe I should have asked, once I get used to the red dot, will it be detrimental to train between the 2? IE: red dot on the full size, and iron on the carry?

 

[shell627]

I sometimes carry a shield with a jpoint.Iam waiting on a new holster for it if I am happy with holster I will carry it more.I am also getting a trijicon rmr 02 to put on my core.If that works out I will carry it more.I have a Glock 17 cut for a rmr but I have had to send that rmr back to trijicon twice and now I have to do it again.

 

[Aldonola]

Thanks, I will read that thread.



I have no experience with Red Dot. PC ported full size is being brought by Santa, and a red dot will go on it shortly after. I wouldn't carry red dot until 100% ready for it (If at all).



Maybe I should have asked, once I get used to the red dot, will it be detrimental to train between the 2? IE: red dot on the full size, and iron on the carry?

If you do 100% cowitness there should not be a problem.


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[lefty_jake]

Maybe I should have asked, once I get used to the red dot, will it be detrimental to train between the 2? IE: red dot on the full size, and iron on the carry?

Nearly everyone who uses a handgun with a red dot sights also owns other guns with iron sights. I have never heard of anyone who has a red dot on their pocket gun, backup gun, or deep concealment gun. Unless you never expect to touch a handgun without a fully operational red dot, you will need to maintain a comfort level with iron sights. Training with both types of sights is just an expected part of owning a red dot.

 

[rrockefe]

I have a Burris Fastfire on a M&P 9 and to turn on the red dot takes a thumbnail in the right spot to push in the small 'on button'. Also, finding the red dot in the sight window takes some training. I wouldn't use mine for carry!

 

[Steved13]

Nearly everyone who uses a handgun with a red dot sights also owns other guns with iron sights. I have never heard of anyone who has a red dot on their pocket gun, backup gun, or deep concealment gun. Unless you never expect to touch a handgun without a fully operational red dot, you will need to maintain a comfort level with iron sights. Training with both types of sights is just an expected part of owning a red dot.

Thanks, I always love the common sense approach (kind of a "duh")...I'm worrying about nothing.

 

[Bkreutz]

The reason for concealed carry is personal protection. Self defense usually happens at close quarters. If you shoot someone at more than 10 yards there probably is an alternative to shooting them. I heard once that in the eyes of the court, self defense ends at 7 yards. Not sure how true that is but given the attitude of the courts about guns, I don't want to find out. I shoot USPSA open division and use a red dot at all my matches. I CC a 9 compact with iron sights. I have no trouble switching between the two sighting systems. (and I have old eyes too ) I'd CC my open gun but I'd have to wear a trench coat to conceal it.

 

[Steved13]

The reason for concealed carry is personal protection. Self defense usually happens at close quarters. If you shoot someone at more than 10 yards there probably is an alternative to shooting them. I heard once that in the eyes of the court, self defense ends at 7 yards. Not sure how true that is but given the attitude of the courts about guns, I don't want to find out. I shoot USPSA open division and use a red dot at all my matches. I CC a 9 compact with iron sights. I have no trouble switching between the two sighting systems. (and I have old eyes too ) I'd CC my open gun but I'd have to wear a trench coat to conceal it.

Jeez, clean your darn desk!!! LOL, cool gun!

RE: your reason for concealed carry...personal defense. I carry in the unlikely event I would need to defend myself and/or OTHERS. There could be a scenario where a loved one is in grave danger do to an attacker, and someone might need to take a longer shot, to save that life. I realize this is a remote possibility, but if we started thinking only in what's probable, that logic would disarm us all. I'm not trying to talk anyone into red dots, just saying why it might be considered.

 

[CBStuard]

Have you thought about a CTC laser? The gun specific models all come on automatically when you grip the gun. They have more and more available in green which shows up better in lighter situations.

 

[Rett Skutt]

The reason for concealed carry is personal protection. Self defense usually happens at close quarters. If you shoot someone at more than 10 yards there probably is an alternative to shooting them. I heard once that in the eyes of the court, self defense ends at 7 yards. Not sure how true that is but given the attitude of the courts about guns, I don't want to find out. I shoot USPSA open division and use a red dot at all my matches. I CC a 9 compact with iron sights. I have no trouble switching between the two sighting systems. (and I have old eyes too ) I'd CC my open gun but I'd have to wear a trench coat to conceal it.

I agree with your sentiment. In my CC class the instructor basically stated the same. Unless you have a huge home, most self defense situations at home will be less than 30 feet. The outside of my house is 26 x 30 feet.

On the street,I have yet to meet someone who actually had to defend themselves with a gun. My Dad did many times, but he was a LEO. If you stay in condition Yellow, you most likely will not need to go to condition Orange or Red. Just my opinion.

Take care,

 

[Steved13]

Have you thought about a CTC laser? The gun specific models all come on automatically when you grip the gun. They have more and more available in green which shows up better in lighter situations.

I have the Tlr6 (light and laser) on my shield now. It's not auto on, but if I have the time to use it, I probably will have the time to push the button, when pushing out. I get that the more passive system is better, just letting you know what I have.

 

[martybee]

Come on guys, lets be practical! A red dot sight on a CCW for SD is close to being worthless IMHO. Best defense is a small or compact handgun that is easy to conceal and carry. You are not going to have the luxury of red dot acquisition in your sights and placement on your target in extreme emergencies! You will no doubt be in a very close and hazardous situation with little time to do anything but shoot! You will probably, "Point Shoot" anyway, so a CCW with a 10-14 rd. capacity is your best bet! Something comfortable to Carry and Shoot! Also it will take a lot of practice. You must get very familiar with your piece! Settle on a good SD round and, "Practice...Practice... Practice!