Which size dot?

[northbay shooter]

As my eyes continue to get older, I am going to add a dot to my M&P CORE. I have been shooting production and going to switch to carry optics. I have read the threads on which one and so forth but not sure about dot size? Is the 6.5 too big? Meaning will it cover plates at say 15 or 20 yards? What about for head shots at longer distances? Hate to spring for a dot and then need to change out again in a year or two.

Thanks,

 

[ACORN]

I use mine on handguns at sub 50 yds paper punching. I just eight for a 6 o’clock hold so size doesn’t matter much.

 

[AzShooter]

I use a 12 minute dot on my C-More and don't have problems of it covering plates at 25 or 50 yards. You should have no problem with the 6.5.

 

[g8rb8]

My experience is with 3 MOA and 8 MOA red dot scopes.

3 MOA dot scope is a little more precise at distances of about 15-20 yards or further out but the 8 MOA red dot is easier to acquire quickly.

For what you describe I think a 6.5 MOA dot would work very well.

 

[ExRanger714]

I like UltraDot 2 moa vs run of the mill 3 moa sights.

2 moa doesn't occlude much target @ 25 yards and good enough for fine shooting and a hoot at 100 yds plus.

 

[Macinaw]

I use an 8moa C-More Railway for Steel Challenge competition. It is more than accurate for any competition shooting. I use a 6moa C-More railway on my S&W Victory 22 in RFPO category.

 

[northbay shooter]

Thanks for the help guys. Sounds like the 6 MOA is going to be my choice. I think the trijicon RMR 07 will be the optic.

 

[6actual]

The longer the range, the smaller the dot. My Garand has a 2MOA dot, for example, great out to 200yds with my eyesight. My G17 has a 6.5 MOA dot fast pickup and very accurate for me @ 20yds and closer

 

[H Richard]

For precise bullseye shooting a 3 MOA is about best, but for any kind of action pistol a much bigger dot helps acquiring the target. I'd say a 6 to 8 MOA dot would work well.

 

[TAROMAN]

That's why I like the Ultradot Matchdor II.
Adjustable 2-4-6-8 MOA.

 

[Protocall_Design]

The Ultradots are super good scopes for the money. The Ultradot II has a target turret on top as well as the dot sizes.

 

[kmanick]

I've been using a JPoint 4 moa on my 9L but this weekend at a USPSA match I checked out a guys STI with a 6.0 Trijicon on it and for the Distances (most) in USPSA and Steel challenges , I think I may like the 6 better..........................(great even more $$$ to explain to the Mrs.) LOL!

 

[Racer X]

For 50 feet or 25 yards, we usually use Ultradot 25s or 30s, which have a 4moa dot, or Matchdots at 2 or 4. But this is rimfire bullseye. For plates, I'd use something just smaller than the plate, so you can see plate all around the dot when it is centered.

 

[Horn]

Depends: For Fast SD or Target Shooting

The 8MOA (or even 6) is the one I use for acquiring the threat
fast. At a hundred yards it'd likely cover most of a threat's "mass".
But then who is using a pistol at that distance? Or fifty yards?

For precise shooting___like target shooting paper or for 6"
steel gongs at thirty-five yards you might prefer the 3MOA.
Although I've used my 8MOA for 6" steel gong targets.

Its my belief and understanding the size appears larger the
brighter it's set.
I'm familiar with the Burris FF3 and Sig's Romeo 1.that's set at
3 MOA.
My very most favorite sight is the Shield RMS. (Made in UK) I chose the 8 MOA. (For SD ) It's small. Its on constantly with no
buttons at all. The brightness (Big in bright daylight) adjusts automatically instantly to the environment.
The battery lasts 2-3 years. Sells most places for $400. Lone Wolf
sells them for $349. (If you buy from Mfg.in UK> $400 + shipping.
So, it depends on how you intend to use your reflex sight.
Hope this helps.
Stay safe
Poli Viejo

 

[Wise_A]

Well, for starters, I don't think that dots are any advantage at all in reacting to or picking up a target in a defensive setting. A few guys have done reasonable tests with this (multiple shooters and so on) and concluded the same thing. If you want to be efficient at defensive shooting, learn to shoot while looking at the target and not the sights. It's not that hard once you commit to it, and you'll learn a lot about things like grip and upper-body "stance" while you're at it.

Now, for competition? I think it comes down to three factors:

--Target size
--Distance
--Optic size

Smaller targets, further away, demand a smaller dot. If the optic itself is smaller, a smaller dot is better, because it occupies less of the viewing area.

I would also make a distinction between "precision" vs "good'nuff". In BE, my "target" is actually only a portion of the bull measuring ~.9" across. Now, I'm not actually trying to put the dot on that itty-bitty circle and somehow shoot when that happens, because that's a great recipe for never shooting a single 10.

What I'm actually doing is just squeezing the trigger, and the dot helps me aim. I'm not so much watching it as I am observing the behavior, and letting the shot happen. I shot six 10s on one SF just tonight, and I can tell you that I only had a perfect sight picture maybe once.

In steel, any hit on the plate is good'nuff. So you can get away with a bigger dot. However, I think if you made me shoot steel, I'd still probably use a 3-4 MOA size, because it's more a matter of personal preference than anything else. I even know guys that shoot BE with everything from a 2 MOA to an 8 MOA dot.

 

[northbay shooter]

I've been using a JPoint 4 moa on my 9L but this weekend at a USPSA match I checked out a guys STI with a 6.0 Trijicon on it and for the Distances (most) in USSA and Steel challenges , I think I may like the 6 better..........................(great even more $$$ to explain to the Mrs.) LOL!

That was kind of what I was looking for. Considering most USPSA stuff is less than 25 yards, thinking the bigger dot would not cover up all that much but allow for fast acquisition. My only concern is shooting a 6 in plate out at 20 yards or so and having the dot completely cover the plate. I shot a IDPA match a few years ago using my MP 40 with Trijicon HD's. At 20 yards the front sight covered the head box. Don't want the same thing to happen when I switch to carry optics.

 

[Protocall_Design]

A 6 minute dot covers 6 inches at 100 yards. At 20 yards, it will cover 1/5 the size, or 1.2 inches.

 

[gwpercle]

I prefer 3 MOA for accuracy. The big dots are fine for fast shooting at big targets . But I enjoy target shooting and tight bug hole groups and hitting small targets. The big dots don't allow that.

When you get old , suffer from macular degeneration , have had lenses removed because of detached retinas and can't see iron sights any longer you appreciate red dot sights .
Without them my shooting days would have been over 25 years ago. I love the red dot.
Gary

 

[DS-10-SPEED]

Here is a dot size reference I made for shooting pins at 25 feet. I use an 8MOA dot also for steel challenge and it works fine for me.

 

[northbay shooter]

great reference DS.

Thanks