Not that you were asking me but I like my MPS. Big clear open window.
Lets talk Red Dots on handguns
- Thread starter Edwardteach72
- Start date
Tinman
.308 Win
I want to put a red dot on my SW22 Victory. What would you guys recommend? I want something that is easy to use and good quality. Thanks in advance.
I'm fairly new to the Pistol Red dot. One thing I learned is don't go with a 1x dot. Hard as hell to pick up for any kind of speed. I might need much more time with it though. Holosun, Trijicon, Aimpoint, Steiner are top tiers and can't go wrong with any of them. SIG came out with a new one that has great reviews also. lots of options and depends on what you need it for.
Tinman
.308 Win
I have been told that a 6moa dot is best for a handgun
For my 22, I went with hobby grade. Burris Fastfire 3 and it has been pretty damn good. The dot brightness settings are fairly limited but it has worked well for me.
Bustedknees
12-gauge slug (smooth bore)
New models from CZ.
p-09nocturne.czub.cz
P-09 Nocturne
p-09nocturne.czub.cz
Picked this up to replace the Vortex on my EDC. Leaps and bounds better. Nothing against Vortex as I have their products on many other guns and their customer service and warranty are second to none, I wanted something more suitable for a duty or self defense gun.
MikeyCNY
6.5 Creedmoor
I have several Holosuns and I agree, though their price has gone up over the years and from reading comments on Reddit from vendors, MAPs are being enforced. That's why you see a lot of "add to cart" or "contact us" for pricing.. the vendors can't advertise below a certain price.
I haven't tried the SCS yet - heard good things. I did recently pick up a Glock 20 (10mm best mm amirite?) Gen5 MOS, maybe I'll keep an eye out for a sale (though it's only a range toy at the moment).
I did add a Holosun EPS to my Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol shotgun, wicked awesome.
I concur. I put 200+ rounds through the VP9SK after I zeroed it in and the 32 MOA circle without the dot is the ticket for me with this SCS. I have an astigmatism and sometimes the dot or the circle with the dot is a blurry blob with contact lenses.
Phazer
.450/400 Nitro Ex
Bustedknees
12-gauge slug (smooth bore)
Comes across like a douche.
Looks familiar! I also have a Holosun green dot on an RMR cut slide on one of my P80’s. Fun to acquire and shoot targets with it, but too large to pocket carry as an EDC, so I have a Tagua RH thumb break OWB holster I modified for it. I also added a small container that inserts into the bottom of the grip and is just big enough to hold a cleaning cloth for the Holosun optic.
Last edited:
kev74
20×102mm Vulcan
He is. Sometimes entertaining and/ or informative though.
Necro thread time! But it's okay as long as it's new and relevant info right? Honestly I don't give a shit either way, y'all not even my real dad!
Anyways I have ordered the new S&W Carry Comp Compact and will have enough money for a red dot out the gate.
I'm thinking either a Holosun 507 or 509.
I'll be forgoing Smith and Wessons awful plastic plates in favor of the CH Precision metal ones. I'll also be throwing a weapon light on, probably a TRL-7.
Then I can be one of the cool kids with my Instagram gun what has all the things on it.
Anyways I have ordered the new S&W Carry Comp Compact and will have enough money for a red dot out the gate.
I'm thinking either a Holosun 507 or 509.
I'll be forgoing Smith and Wessons awful plastic plates in favor of the CH Precision metal ones. I'll also be throwing a weapon light on, probably a TRL-7.
Then I can be one of the cool kids with my Instagram gun what has all the things on it.
nortatoga
.338 Win Mag
1075tech
.338 Win Mag
I think the 509 will be a little big on that gun.
For an enclosed emitter, take a look at the EPS Carry.
I put one on my 365XL
Primary Arms had them on sale a couple weeks ago, +10% military discount + $80 bonus bucks coupon for future purchase.
For an enclosed emitter, take a look at the EPS Carry.
I put one on my 365XL
Primary Arms had them on sale a couple weeks ago, +10% military discount + $80 bonus bucks coupon for future purchase.
Okay so I am not super up on the latest Holosun offerings.
first of the Carry Comp Compact is a full double stack G19 sized gun, actually it longer with a 3.9" barrel and tge comp bringing the slide length to an equivalent 4.25" length.
@nortatoga- is tge SCS the no battery solar only optic? I like the idea of that but I don't think the execution is quite there yet.
@1075tech I am not very familiar with the EPS. I did notice that my LGS had a good selection of the EPS, some looked narrow to fit slim micro 9 types pistols and one looked wider that maybe is meant for a full double stack gun. Is that right? Is the eyes also a solar only optic or does it run replaceable batteries?
Does the EPS co-witness with standard height optics? I must say I did like the form factor of tge EPS sights but I thought they were just a new variety of the 509 but apparently not.
The purpose Intend for the Carry Comp is much like my other guns: a fun do-it-all all-rounders. Something that is fun on the range but also at home on my hip just like my L-Comp which is exactly just that.
I have decided that I am going to coalesce around Glock and S&W for my polymer framed practical pistols. I sold off both my Walther PPQ and my SIG P320 RXP to do so. I plan on getting both a G48 and G20, both with plans to put red dots on. These two Glocks will Neatly bookend my Shield and now the Carry Comp. The Shield I will keep slick as that is my deep concealment gun and the one I mostly carry at work in a shoulder rig. Shoulder holsters complicate adding red dots considerably.
first of the Carry Comp Compact is a full double stack G19 sized gun, actually it longer with a 3.9" barrel and tge comp bringing the slide length to an equivalent 4.25" length.
@nortatoga- is tge SCS the no battery solar only optic? I like the idea of that but I don't think the execution is quite there yet.
@1075tech I am not very familiar with the EPS. I did notice that my LGS had a good selection of the EPS, some looked narrow to fit slim micro 9 types pistols and one looked wider that maybe is meant for a full double stack gun. Is that right? Is the eyes also a solar only optic or does it run replaceable batteries?
Does the EPS co-witness with standard height optics? I must say I did like the form factor of tge EPS sights but I thought they were just a new variety of the 509 but apparently not.
The purpose Intend for the Carry Comp is much like my other guns: a fun do-it-all all-rounders. Something that is fun on the range but also at home on my hip just like my L-Comp which is exactly just that.
I have decided that I am going to coalesce around Glock and S&W for my polymer framed practical pistols. I sold off both my Walther PPQ and my SIG P320 RXP to do so. I plan on getting both a G48 and G20, both with plans to put red dots on. These two Glocks will Neatly bookend my Shield and now the Carry Comp. The Shield I will keep slick as that is my deep concealment gun and the one I mostly carry at work in a shoulder rig. Shoulder holsters complicate adding red dots considerably.
Hokay, did my research. The EPS series are a low profile optic designed for direct to slide mount applications. The EPS Carry uses the Holosun K footprint for use on slimline guns such as the Glock 43, Shield, P365 ect. The EPS (just EPS, no carry or any other follow on nomenclature) is an unusual optic in that it still uses the K footprint but is a wide body version meant for traditional double stack guns like the G19, M&P 2.0 ect. This is odd since no double stack guns use the K footprint and therfore requires the use of an adapter plate which kind of negates the point of the EPS. However the EPS still sits low enough that with a thinner adapter plate, which the CH Precision ones seem to be, a cowitness with standard height sights may still, be possible. Another oddity of the EPS series is the use of teeny tiny 1632 size batteries. I'm leaning into the EPS in any case since my LGS offers them at a surprisingly competitive price.
1075tech
.338 Win Mag
@Podmonkey I guess I should have looked into what you were putting it on. I was thinking (assuming) it was a smaller gun.
G19 size, the 509 should be fine.
The C&H plates have (had) a lot of negative reviews. When I put the 509 on my P320, I went with a Springer Precision. But even with factory (Sig) suppressor height sights, it barely makes 1/3 lower co-witness.
G19 size, the 509 should be fine.
The C&H plates have (had) a lot of negative reviews. When I put the 509 on my P320, I went with a Springer Precision. But even with factory (Sig) suppressor height sights, it barely makes 1/3 lower co-witness.
MikeyCNY
6.5 Creedmoor
@Podmonkey Like you found the "Carry" series are for sub-combat type handguns. I had a 507k on my 365XL for a while but then upgraded to the EPS Carry - what a difference enclosed makes on keeping dust and dirt out.
507k Vs EPS Carry, though should have cleaned the 507k first:
The glass is clearer in the EPS Carry too, less blue tint.
I have a 509t (first gen) on my M&P 2.0 Compact, used the C&H plates as mentioned as they seemed like the best at the time, though I've also heard mixed things. Only issue I had is I torqued to the specs provided (believe it was 15 in-lbs), and I had a loose plate at the range. Removed, cleaned all threads with alcohol, re-applied blue loctite and torqued to 20 in-lbs and no problems. I also witness-marked the screws so I can see if they move.
If I had to do it again (or next pistol), I'd probably give the Calculated Kinetics DOGTAG Optic Plate a try from Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0and Carry Comp DOGTAG Optic Plate
Seems to help with gas from the Loaded Chamber Indicator (LCI), and also provides a little extra protection for the optic when doing one-handed manipulations. They even have one for EPS/SCS series. I have not tried the SCS myself - I have a Glock 20 MOS with no optic but trying to save money for other things...
On my Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol I put an EPS on it - unfortunately no pictures, need to fix that.. I prefer the glass on the EPS over the 1st gen 509t but not enough to upgrade my 509t at this time. My M&P 2.0 Compact is my range/competition gun.
Not a fan of the "suppressor-height sights" on this model. I've been wanting to replace the trigger with a flat Apex or similar but it's low priority right now. Within the past month I upgraded the TLR7a to the new TLR-7 HL-X I think? Getting so hard to keep track of these models.. It is slightly longer, but has TWICE as many lumens and FOUR TIMES the candela - excellent review here for it.
It still fits in my Safariland (since it's made to fit the larger TLR-1), but any other form-fit Kydex holsters will be a no-go. BUT if you're starting from scratch, may as well have a super-bright but still compact light.. This is my go-to site for Streamlight products but it looks like the 1913 model is out of stock. RED10 takes 10% off but I believe they're doing Black Friday specials of 15% off this month.
tl;dr - I've become an enclosed optic slob.. especially if you're carrying AIWB/IWB, tends to get more lint/skin cells/etc in there and harder to clean out.. sure it's still usable but becomes distracting. For OWB, if it's raining or snowing an open optic can lead to multiple dots.
507k Vs EPS Carry, though should have cleaned the 507k first:
The glass is clearer in the EPS Carry too, less blue tint.
I have a 509t (first gen) on my M&P 2.0 Compact, used the C&H plates as mentioned as they seemed like the best at the time, though I've also heard mixed things. Only issue I had is I torqued to the specs provided (believe it was 15 in-lbs), and I had a loose plate at the range. Removed, cleaned all threads with alcohol, re-applied blue loctite and torqued to 20 in-lbs and no problems. I also witness-marked the screws so I can see if they move.
If I had to do it again (or next pistol), I'd probably give the Calculated Kinetics DOGTAG Optic Plate a try from Smith and Wesson M&P 2.0and Carry Comp DOGTAG Optic Plate
Seems to help with gas from the Loaded Chamber Indicator (LCI), and also provides a little extra protection for the optic when doing one-handed manipulations. They even have one for EPS/SCS series. I have not tried the SCS myself - I have a Glock 20 MOS with no optic but trying to save money for other things...
On my Beretta A300 Ultima Patrol I put an EPS on it - unfortunately no pictures, need to fix that.. I prefer the glass on the EPS over the 1st gen 509t but not enough to upgrade my 509t at this time. My M&P 2.0 Compact is my range/competition gun.
Not a fan of the "suppressor-height sights" on this model. I've been wanting to replace the trigger with a flat Apex or similar but it's low priority right now. Within the past month I upgraded the TLR7a to the new TLR-7 HL-X I think? Getting so hard to keep track of these models.. It is slightly longer, but has TWICE as many lumens and FOUR TIMES the candela - excellent review here for it.
It still fits in my Safariland (since it's made to fit the larger TLR-1), but any other form-fit Kydex holsters will be a no-go. BUT if you're starting from scratch, may as well have a super-bright but still compact light.. This is my go-to site for Streamlight products but it looks like the 1913 model is out of stock. RED10 takes 10% off but I believe they're doing Black Friday specials of 15% off this month.
tl;dr - I've become an enclosed optic slob.. especially if you're carrying AIWB/IWB, tends to get more lint/skin cells/etc in there and harder to clean out.. sure it's still usable but becomes distracting. For OWB, if it's raining or snowing an open optic can lead to multiple dots.
I'll start with the plates but I see that CH also can modify the factory cut to allow for direct mounting of the optic and at a cost that seems cheaper than a new set of tall sights.
And yeah, the TRL-7 HL-X is what I'm targeting. The Carry Comp has an overall slide length that is the same as a full size M&P so the extra length is irrelevant.
All I need to figure out is what holster to go with. BlackPoint Tactical is usually my go-to.
And yeah, the TRL-7 HL-X is what I'm targeting. The Carry Comp has an overall slide length that is the same as a full size M&P so the extra length is irrelevant.
All I need to figure out is what holster to go with. BlackPoint Tactical is usually my go-to.
MikeyCNY
6.5 Creedmoor
Love my Blackpoint Tactical holsters - though I'm waiting for Black Friday deals, probably getting a T-Rex Ragnarok for my M&P w/ TLr7 HL-X. I also picked up the new TLR7-sub HL-X for my 365XL but that means all new holster as well... sigh... that holster is usually JM Custom Kydex AIWB or Blackpoint Tactical IWB. (Since I've lost weight I prefer AIWB, but in summer months in a t-shirt sometimes it still prints too much for my liking)
Phazer
.450/400 Nitro Ex
Last edited:
MikeyCNY
6.5 Creedmoor
I haven't used this particular site (I've used Ibex Armament, Shop Black Rifle, and Modern Warriors for my Holosun optics over the years) - but this has a good breakdown of the different optics (do quote by e-mail for Black Friday MAP pricing)
Holosun | AA Armament
Green vs Red is a personal decision that I've posted out before. Having tried both, any future optics I get will be RED, as I did not perceive the green to be that much clearer to my eyes. I use prescription safety glasses at the range, but it's also clear enough to me un-aided (slight astigmatism) to use in emergencies. For roughly $100 less the red is perfectly usable to me. (I've compared 507k red and green, and now EPS Carry in green against EPS in red)
Supposedly under night vision the green dot is too bright even at lowest setting, no personal experience there.
For reticle options - for a pistol I think a dot is just fine, but on my shotgun I'm using the EPS Red MRS (Multi Reticle System) so it has circle+dot, also has solar backup if that's important to you. According to the site above there's about a $70 savings going with regular dot and no solar.
Holosun | AA Armament
Green vs Red is a personal decision that I've posted out before. Having tried both, any future optics I get will be RED, as I did not perceive the green to be that much clearer to my eyes. I use prescription safety glasses at the range, but it's also clear enough to me un-aided (slight astigmatism) to use in emergencies. For roughly $100 less the red is perfectly usable to me. (I've compared 507k red and green, and now EPS Carry in green against EPS in red)
Supposedly under night vision the green dot is too bright even at lowest setting, no personal experience there.
For reticle options - for a pistol I think a dot is just fine, but on my shotgun I'm using the EPS Red MRS (Multi Reticle System) so it has circle+dot, also has solar backup if that's important to you. According to the site above there's about a $70 savings going with regular dot and no solar.
The T-Rex Ragnarok is an excellent holster, I have one for my G19. I do think it's better suited for range or competition use, or open carry situations but that might just because I have it on a Tech Mount which has it sticking out from tge belt a bit.
I think I'm just gonna purchase from my LGS so whichever model EPS they have available. The ones on display were all the solar ones and they are asking $395 for those.
Given my druthers I'd prefer without the solar and I'm thinking of trying a green dot. I really like a green fiber optic front post so maybe I'd loke a green dot as well. If all they have is red that's fine. There is also the dot size to consider. I think the 6 moa dot would ve better for a speedster pistol like the Carry Comp.