Switching to a Red Dot Optic

[PeteT]

Why I switched to pistol dots when front-sight focus became a struggle

I reached a point where getting a clear focus on my front sight was really difficult. I also had the demanding challenge of TCDW to prepare for. There was no second chance to get it right—and in a defensive situation, there may not be one either.

That made the decision about more than buying an optic. I needed a setup I could see clearly, train with consistently, and use responsibly under pressure.

Some of the questions behind my decision:

• Could I see the scene clearly, as well as the aiming reference?
• Could I get comfortable with the dot revealing movement that was less obvious with irons?
• Did I understand my zero and its limits?
• Would my preparation address stress and narrowed attention alongside marksmanship?

The dot gave me a different way to approach the sighting problem. The responsibility for fundamentals, identification, and judgment stayed with me.

I wrote up the mindset, equipment considerations, and knowledge behind that decision here:
Red Dot Sights & Changing Vision: A Safety Guide | NY Safe

For anyone who switched because front-sight focus became difficult: what was your biggest adjustment?

 

[Brawny71]

I’ve embraced the red dot. My kid was pushing me for a while. It put me back up to his young eyes when we compete against each other.

No obscuration of my area scan.
As you look and consideration consider:
-MOA of dot; larger is easier to see but can obscure target area. I stick with 4
-Battery access WITHOUT removal of site (LOVE THE DeltaPoint Pro and Trijatrons)
-Halosun has solar heath charge; inherited on with an estate sale
- Look at a power save/ movement on feature

 

[Will556]

If anything, you’ll see more clear with a red dot than you will with irons since with an optic you stay target focused instead of using irons where you need to align three separate focal planes (rear sight, front sight, target). With an optic you have only one focal plane to worry about…just the target and superimpose the dot over it. Dots are just better than irons.

The biggest change is really just getting used to drawing and finding the dot right away. Which for me, wasn’t hard at all. Just do lots of dry fire and you’ll pick it up quick and it becomes second nature.

 

[Beerman]

I think the OP is way overthinking this. Dot sights allow shooting with both eyes open, thus helping to Increase situational awareness. There’s one focal plane vs front sight/target. Put dot on intended target, projectile will hit target. This still requires good mechanics and shooting skills, but dot sights help a lot. Especially in low light or very bright situations when iron sights can be harder to align easily. That said, iron sights never need batteries.

 

[Will556]

I think the OP is way overthinking this. Dot sights allow shooting with both eyes open, thus helping to Increase situational awareness. There’s one focal plane vs front sight/target. Put dot on intended target, projectile will hit target. This still requires good mechanics and shooting skills, but dot sights help a lot. Especially in low light or very bright situations when iron sights can be harder to align easily. That said, iron sights never need batteries.

Totally agree that it still requires skill and all the same fundamentals apply and that having a dot definitely helps. It’s nice to have a finer point of aim and a clear view of your intended target. As for the batteries, just change them out once a year on your birthday and they’ll never die. Batteries are cheap. I buy bulk packs from Sam’s Club and have enough batteries your years for all my optics, lam’s, and nods. Is it a possibility and optic can have an issue, sure. But I’ve also seen irons fail and I’ve had them fall or break off too. But if I had the option to take a gun with a quality optic over just irons, I’m hands down taking the optic.

 

[Brawny71]

I think the OP is way overthinking this. Dot sights allow shooting with both eyes open, thus helping to Increase situational awareness. There’s one focal plane vs front sight/target. Put dot on intended target, projectile will hit target. This still requires good mechanics and shooting skills, but dot sights help a lot. Especially in low light or very bright situations when iron sights can be harder to align easily. That said, iron sights never need batteries.

I keep both eyes open steel or optics.

Some folks with vision issues have done really well with optics as well.

 

[Will556]

I keep both eyes open steel or optics.

Some folks with vision issues have done really well with optics as well.

Facts, both eyes should be open all the time for irons or dots. Reducing your field of view is a big no no.