Red dot vs Iron sites

Majicmike

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Red dot mo better:)
It took about 20 rds too dial it in to start shooting better groups than irons. I’m still taking a lot longer to pick up the red dot but hopefully it will come in time.
Burris FF on a Q5
 
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I like iron. Hard to break, no battery to puke out at crucial moment . Doesn't spoil the lines of a nicely flowing weapon. And sometimes i just can't find that stupid little dot. The iron is always right where i left it .
 
I like iron. Hard to break, no battery to puke out at crucial moment . Doesn't spoil the lines of a nicely flowing weapon. And sometimes i just can't find that stupid little dot. The iron is always right where i left it .

My CHP’s are always fixed sites.
 
Red dot mo better:)
It took about 20 rds too dial it in to start shooting better groups than irons. I’m still taking a lot longer to pick up the red dot but hopefully it will come in time.
Burris FF on a Q5

Bring the pistol up to the level of your eyes. That will help a lot.

Yes, red dots are faster to use, more accurate and you can hit further out more consistently than any iron sights....


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I have only in the past year put any kind of optic on my rifles (no, none on my pistols or shotguns). The verdict is still out for me, but I suspect that my problems with getting/being/staying on target, sadly, appear to be more age-related than anything else. My LGS apparently carries nothing that will help that. :(
 
I have a Vortex Venom on a Commander 1911 9mm. Fun to shoot and very accurate to 20 yards. But I wouldn't put one on my carry piece. A red dot might be faster than irons but the training required, I believe, is substantial.
 
I got old enough to finally go with the dot. Still have a lot to learn, but enjoying it.
 
I have only in the past year put any kind of optic on my rifles (no, none on my pistols or shotguns). The verdict is still out for me, but I suspect that my problems with getting/being/staying on target, sadly, appear to be more age-related than anything else.
Tried shooting Project Appleseed this fall. I initially tried with iron sites, but discovered my eyes aged to the point where it's not practical. If I wear correction for distance, I can't see up close which means I can't focus on the front site and the target. I did much better with a scope, but by point I switched, I was so behind everyone else in terms of practice progression.
 
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I am definitely faster and more accurate with a dot. Its just so much easier to put a dot on what you want to hit vs lining up front and rear sights. I did find out my iron sight shooting improved also. I don't have a dot on my carry gun (a 365) but that's entirely because I pocket carry. Looking at getting an XL 365 and Romeo 0 when they come out for IWB winter time carry though.
 
OK, 2 cataract surgeries, 2 detached retinas, needless to say my eyes suck!

I can read very well with glasses but due to bifocals it's time consuming because of the line.

I am not at all knowledgeable of what's available of the multiple types either.

Please suggest some optics and mounting systems needed for 1911s and Sig 220/229 usage.
 
This may be a dumb question, but I've never shot a red dot on a pistol...Do they cowitness with the irons? I suppose that could be firearm and optic dependent but curious nonetheless.
 
This may be a dumb question, but I've never shot a red dot on a pistol...Do they cowitness with the irons? I suppose that could be firearm and optic dependent but curious nonetheless.
Good question, generally if you want the dot to co witness? You will have to find a mount and dot built to be able to do so.. Most of time, if you want that feature you will have to mill the slide to accept the low mount base then chose the correct sight to do so. If you decide to go that way, your transition from iron to dot is easy. Your normal draw and point action will be actually the same, thru the glass you will see your rear sight, the front sight and a clear red or green hovering just over your front sight. If you chose to use a dot and base that elevated from the normal sight plane, that's when will need to relearn your sight picture draw/stance because its lower then your used to.Thats where the practice starts, you will have to relearn a new draw hold point. How long that takes depends on your adapting to something new and how long you have shot using iron sights.. Hope this helps..
 
I have tube type red dots on my target revolvers that I shoot over 25 yards and sometimes use them at 25 as well. Eyes don't do as well as they used to and I've found that I tend to wobble the gun even on a rest less when using a red dot. It makes a world of difference in my groups. I've had real good results with Simmons which at times you can find on sale at around $30-40 which is a steal in my opinion. If I remember correctly it has a 3,5,7 and 10 moa dots. Only problem is the cheap ass allen head screws are very easy to strip out. Never had a problem with recoil making then go haywire. Also have a Bushnell Trophy on one of my .357 Long Tubes. Cost more and has a few more features, but about the same quality. Does have a little better set of rings.
 
To co-witness a red dot to iron sites, most likely they will be suppressor size heights. I’ve seen and owned both Glocks and M&Ps that have those sights. They co-witness very nicely. I would highly recommend that if you are competing or going to carry a red dot, that you co-witness your red dot sight. JMHO. YMMV.


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And don’t go any smaller than a 6 MOA dot UNLESS you are going with a Leupold Deltapoint red dot. In this case, you can go down to the 2.5 MOA dot because it is that good. Others, not at all.


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I've had a tube type red dot on my 586 revolver for 30+ years (an ancient pro point). It's the original point&shoot! It really wasn't hard to get used to, and most folks love to shoot it. I switch back and forth between red dots and iron sights constantly and have no problems. I shoot some 3 gun, so irons on the M&P pistol, red dot or scope on the rifle and bead or irons on the shotty. For 2 gun it's iron on the pistol and red dot on the PCC. Practice a little and the transitions are easy.
 
I see some manuf. Are selling complete slides to interchange that are red dot ready.

Sig Sauer has been selling a slide with suppressor height sites and a Sig Romeo1Pro already milled and mounted at the proper height to co-witness. This is the route I am going since I am new to red dots on a handgun. Especially one I hope to carry.

The price point is impressive too, so a good deal for all!
 
OK, 2 cataract surgeries, 2 detached retinas, needless to say my eyes suck!

I can read very well with glasses but due to bifocals it's time consuming because of the line.

I am not at all knowledgeable of what's available of the multiple types either.

Please suggest some optics and mounting systems needed for 1911s and Sig 220/229 usage.
FYI, you may know this, but I finally took my doc's advise after cataract surgery. Use good eye drops like Sistain. It will really clear up any blurries. But I was a stubborn fool for awhile.
 
FYI, you may know this, but I finally took my doc's advise after cataract surgery. Use good eye drops like Sistain. It will really clear up any blurries. But I was a stubborn fool for awhile.

It took me a good while to figure that one out also. Thank you!

Aging may suck, but it certainly beats the alternative.
 
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