Will red dots replace lasers on pistols?

[johngalt]

Red dots are definitely the game changer for those of us with 'old eyes.' Easier to use than irons, faster and more accurate. Granted, there is a learning curve but not much of one, if you make any effort at all.

I don't consider myself to be old, although I have reached that age where my close up vision is gone when wearing my glasses.

The game changer for me was to switch to a monovision prescription. My non dominant eye is corrected for distance, my dominant eye has a weak prescription that allows for reading up close.

I can now focus on the front sight without any trouble. I also vastly prefer shooting outside where the light is much better.

 

[haywood]

I’m staying with standard sights on all my carry guns. Don’t need a visit from “Murphy” if anything did happen.

 

[LostintheOzone]

My feeling is dots won't replace lasers or iron sights. I have a dot on a 625 and MKII. I've shot lasers also. They all have their place. I prefer irons on my carry, but that's just me.

 

[Mark8]

Isn't this setup missing a light?

 

[Toyman]

I know a LEO who was in officer involved shooting. He carries Glock model 34 with handgun optic. I asked him how the optic worked in regard to the shooting. He said the red glowed like a big cherry, 4 hits at 25 yards on a moving target.

 

[tajada]

This should cover most eventualities.

Apocalypse ready handgun

 

[Banjo 10-79]

I have been intrigued by the idea of red dot equipped pistol for about a decade. I was reluctant initially for several reasons mainly the cost and I carried a Glock 17 on duty with Trijicon irons. I wanted to keep my muscle memory and manual of arms consistent. Prior to retiring red dots were only approved on issued my Colt AR. As anybody who has worked for a government agency knows inertia and reluctance to change is standard procedure.

I had a Glock 19X milled and put a Trijicon RMR on it and suppressor height Trijicon night sights. Pretty incredible in my experience. Hits on steel out to 100 yards if the shooter does their part. All the fundamental principles of shooting still apply. It won’t turn a poor shooter into a Jerry Miculeck. I still enjoy and carry a J frame too. That’s what’s great about America, choices!

Mission drives gear and every adult makes their own decisions. If the choice is between ammo and training or a red dot I’d vote for the former. I believe Tom Givens said it best “I won’t be at your gun fight.”

 

[kbm6893]

I used to have a laser on my 642 when I owned it. Hip shots at soda cans at 7 yards were easy. Can’t do that with a red dot. My wife’s house gun, a 681, has them. Great for night time and low light.

I agree they weren’t easy to spot outside on a sunny day. But red dots just look so impractical to me. They add size and weight to something that I want to be as small and light as possible.

 

[Banjo 10-79]

Once a slide is milled the added weight is negligible. I can’t discern a weight difference between my iron only equipped 17 and my RDS equipped 19X. Now a light equipped Glock adds some weight towards the muzzle which helps mitigate muzzle rise. The best way to test any of these theories is to invest in a shot timer. Training trumps gear and the best weapon is between our ears. I heard many of these same arguments when we started putting Aimpoints on patrol carbines.

 

[kbm6893]

Once a slide is milled the added weight is negligible. I can’t discern a weight difference between my iron only equipped 17 and my RDS equipped 19X. Now a light equipped Glock adds some weight towards the muzzle which helps mitigate muzzle rise. The best way to test any of these theories is to invest in a shot timer. Training trumps gear and the best weapon is between our ears. I heard many of these same arguments when we started putting Aimpoints on patrol carbines.

True. The weight issue isn’t as big a deal. The red dots are feather light. But it certainly adds size. They look like a tumor growing out of the gun. For me every inch counts, and at the distance a self defense shooting is going to be, I just don’t see the need.

Red dots on rifles are a different story. They aren’t carried in my waistband. I’ve got a red dot in several of my rifles and one in my Ruger Mark IV. I’m not against them. Just not on a concealed carry weapon.

 

[Banjo 10-79]

Fair point. Myself I wouldn’t carry without quality suppressor height sights in addition to the RDS. On the other hand I had a front sight fly off my colt commander that used to be my off duty piece. The price of admission is steep to dip your toe into the RDS pool. I held out for a long time myself. Training, fitness, mindset will always trump gear, but let’s be honest most of us “gun guys” love gear, guns etc. Plus it’s fun to have friendly banter with our brothers and sisters in arms.

 

[4MUL8R]

I like laser for its coincidence on the threat. I focus on the threat and the bouncing dot is visible there. However I still find myself seeking a traditional sight picture as I squeeze the crimson trace laser switch.

 

[Banjo 10-79]

I have crimson trace on a smith 340 that was a backup gun on duty. I typically prefer wood grips on a revolver so they don’t cling to cover garments. Those grips have the nice cushion/pocket on the back strap. There is a niche for laser grips for sure although they are limits ie bright daylight etc. Target focus is one of the main benefits to an RDS for me. Press out, put the dot on the threat and press. Another benefit of an RDS is it will reveal flaws in presentation in my experience. The sheriffs office where I reside and where I still have a few old friends have gone with RDS equipped Glock 45 9 mm’s. Why Glock decided to name a 9mm 45 is beyond me but it’s a nice package.

 

[Baltimoreed11754]

A better question would be ‘will red dots replace iron sights on pistols?’ I have two Burris FF3s on a couple of .22 pistols and a crimson trace on a .45 Colt compact with a trench sight but no cf handgun with a red dot. Love them on my pcc’s.

 

[Racer X]

Once a slide is milled the added weight is negligible. I can’t discern a weight difference between my iron only equipped 17 and my RDS equipped 19X. Now a light equipped Glock adds some weight towards the muzzle which helps mitigate muzzle rise. The best way to test any of these theories is to invest in a shot timer. Training trumps gear and the best weapon is between our ears. I heard many of these same arguments when we started putting Aimpoints on patrol carbines.

when you take out that steel, and replace it with mostly aluminum, and a little bit of steel and glass, its gotta be about the same, down in the ounce or less range. I have a Riton reflex red dot without the button cell that is .7 ounces. Mill out some steel and the difference doesn't matter.

 

[ameridaddy]

Looks like the scope mount might block the ejection port.

That's OK; one shot and then go to the bayonet. That worked fine at Bunker Hill.

 

[Oldsalt66]

I'm at the range several times a week and red dots certainly do appear to outnumber lasers by a large margin these days.

 

[Banjo 10-79]

Hey now bayonets never run out of bullets! What makes the grass grow....

 

[tajada]

Lasers can do one or 2 things red dots can not. 1) others can see what you are pointing at, 2) they don't have a cross eye paralex (really screws me over at night). I prefer IR lasers to NV compatible red dots pretty much all the time.