The debate between red dot and iron sights for handguns is fine, but there is a sight That I’ve never seen get disgussed, that is better than traditional iron sights or red dots. It is faster, more compact, more durable, Less expensive, better in dim light, better total darkness with a weapon light, and still allows for precision shooting.
I’m not sure if it is possible to upload a video or photo, and honestly neither one gives the system true justice, what I have found is that It is possible to have the advantages of an electronic red dot without the disadvantages. In particular, there is a lot of hardware and bulk to a red dot that not only effects comfortable carry, but more importantly obscures the view downrange. Ordinary iron sights appear to avoid some of that but they all obstruct pretty much everything that is below the angle of the target, meaning anything that is closer to you or coming towards you. That’s kind of a problem in a self defense scenario.
The other problem with red dots is they are great for range competition where you can practice over and over getting your perfect stance and your perfect presentation so you can have your perfect score. In the real world that’s not likely to happen. You might already be knocked down, and you may be shooting with your off hand, and are nearly always going to be shooting from an awkward an unpredictable position. That’s not an ideal time to relearn how to find that elusive red dot in your optic. The system I have found allows you to see that red dot before the gun is even up into firing position so your eye naturally assists in final aiming. The larger ring of the allows incredibly fast snap shooting because as soon as the red dot is within that ring you’re going to be within the torso of someone at typical self defense distances. By taking an extra half second to aim your eye will naturally draw you to use the inner aperture which will allow you to hit an 8 inch gong at 50 yards consistently. Probably better if you are a better shot than I am, which is likely.
The other nice thing about this system it is perfect for older eyes, unlike ordinary iron sights.
For somewhere around $30 or less, you can get the rear sight which is the fixed version of the Marbles Bullseye (I know it’s sold as a ‘rifle’ sight). The front should be an ordinary fiber-optic sight, but needs to be a bit taller than most factory sights (not all). Lower than most ‘suppressor height’ sights though, so not too protruding. The setup is WAY less bulky and protruding than an electronic red-dot system.
I will try see if I can add photographs or even maybe a 5 second video that shows the advantage of the sight system but basically you need to try it to see how good it is. Find a firearm that has a rear dovetail similar to the Marbles Bullseye (my 9mm 1911 was the same size), and try it. And then if your preferred concealed carry gun does have a different dovetail size, You will probably find it worthwhile to get a couple files and a vice and contour the site to fit your particular firearm. In my case I also had to make the front sight out of a regular suppressor height sight, which I filed down to the proper height and drilled with a Dremel tool for a fiberoptic (same stuff you use in a bow sight).
I could only upload the one ‘allowed’ image, but this at least captures the less-bulk, (you don’t need ‘backup irons’ since this IS an iron, plus the frame/shell is so much lighter). The side view shows the sight to be maybe twice the height of an ordinary ‘iron’ sight but super light weight. What another picture could show is that you see the ‘red dot’ on the Marbles/fiberoptic system long before the sight is ‘fully aligned’, enabling far faster target engagement. It also works better in dim light or with a weapon light at night.
