Want to try a micro red dot

[Linejudgemick]

I'd like to give a red dot a try for my aging eyes, so I've been considering a Sig P320 RX. The RX comes with a Sig Romeo 1 already installed.

However, after some research I've found I can get a Performance Center Slide Kit (SKU 11873) for my full size 1st generation M&P 40. A slide kit goes for about half of what the Sig costs "on sale". An advantage of the kit is it would let me get an optic of my choosing. The Sig comes with suppressor height night sites and the slide kit only comes with tall contrast sites. One other concern would be how much I will like a ported barrel/slide?

I already have a FS 9mm barrel and magazines I use to convert my 40 to 9mm and could use that barrel if I didn't like the porting. I'm leaning towards getting the kit and a Holosun, or some other optic. I don't think the Sig will work with any optic other than the Romeo 1?

I'd appreciate any information anyone would like to share that has used a slide kit, a P320 RX and/or the Romeo vs Holosun. Finally any thoughts on going this route opposed to having my existing slide milled would be great too.

Thanks!

 

[Lab4Us]

Well, all I can offer is that I have a Sig P229 RX (w/Romeo 1) and a P320 X-Compact w/DeltaPoint Pro. I like the DPP much better.

You are correct on the RX you're looking at taking only the Romeo1. Many of the newer Sigs have other options. That's why I went with the P320 X-Compact vs the RX model already mounted w/Romeo1. Plus I get the professionals discount at Leopold, so DPP price was reasonable and very easy to self install w/ YouTube video assistance).

You are also correct in that RDS' help old eyes. I'm 61, wear trifocals, and have an astigmatism. I enjoy shooting the RDS equipped guns immensely. I do still practice with my EDCs, but I'm hoping when the Romeo Zero starts shipping, it will make a Romeo Zero equipped P365XL a viable option.

Regardless of how you go, i think you're going to LOVE using any red dot sight!

 

[CB3]

What is your intended purpose for the gun w/RDS?
Range?
Home defense?
Concealed carry?
Competition?
Budget?

Do you want the best to start, or just entry level try it out?

There are so many searchable threads on this issue here and other sites that you should have no problem narrowing down your options, but knowing your priorities is important to get good advice.

 

[Saudade]

I topped my FS 9 (1.0) with the ported slide kit. Works great. Got a Trijicon RMR on sale so the new top end still cost $750 with tax.

While I have noticed some reduced muzzle rise, I can't say it's due to the ports or the extra weight. Cleaning is a bit more effort.

Cabelas has the 320RX on sale.
Cabela's Online Store - Quality Hunting, Fishing, Camping and Outdoor Gear

 

[BigDog48]

I have an M&P Pro9 that I put the CORE ported performance center slide and barrel kit on. Then I added a Vortex Venom (lifetime warranty). As I've said in another post, is has made it much more fun to shoot, and made up for my old eyes; however, it didn't make it a USPSA Competition pistol.

I do believe RDS's are the future...and they are fun...so if you're curious, do it!

 

[Linejudgemick]

What is your intended purpose for the gun w/RDS?
Range?
Home defense?
Concealed carry?
Competition?
Budget?

Do you want the best to start, or just entry level try it out?

There are so many searchable threads on this issue here and other sites that you should have no problem narrowing down your options, but knowing your priorities is important to get good advice.

Very good point. Mostly as a full-size range and home defense pistol. I don't necessarily have a budget, but have always been the type that tries to get the best possible for what I consider a good value. That said I'm not someone that thinks he needs an Ed Brown either.

 

[Granddad]

It will be easy to spend more on a slide, suppressor height sights and a red dot than the cost of the RX (especially if you get an RX on sale). I've had three different MRD sights (Romeo 1, DPP, and RMR) and they are all fine, although I think the RMR has the most going for it (battery life & reliability) and is a good defensive handgun choice. If you are just going to "try" an MRD, maybe you should rent or borrow one to see what you think.

Overall, I think they are a great choice for those of us with older eyes and I really like the target/threat focus aspect of using MRDs.

Good luck.

 

[CBStuard]

Have you looked through any dot sights? I ask because you mention having astigmatism as I do. It makes the dot look like a star. What seems to help is a smaller dot (1-2MOA) and adjustable brightness.

 

[Linejudgemick]

This is a follow-up to let those that responded earlier know what I decided to do...

While oogling a Sig P320RX in the store, I had a hard time picking up its red dot. So I decided to go with the S&W Performance Center upper slide for my M&P FS. Then I bought a Holosun HE507C-GR and mounted it. While I haven't shot it a great deal yet, I think I made the right decision. The PC slide came with different adapter plates and allows several sight options. The Holosun's green circle dot is easy for me pick up and can be changed between dot only, circle only, or circle and dot. It fit perfectly on the included RMR plate and co-witnessed with the suppressor height sights that came with the PC slide. Another plus (I think?) is that I managed to keep a little more room in the safe.

Thanks to all who gave me feedback both here and on SigTalk!

 

[HardToHandle]

Good points. I started out with the RMR, which totally won on paper attributes. However, the tint and dot didn't work well for me. The DPP was another option, but not dramatically better for me.

Awhile later, the Shield RMS came out. After I tried that out, I found it worked well enough.

Getting hands and eyes on with actual sight is strongly recommended.