So, when getting some range time in with my pistol equipped with a red dot I noticed something that I’m finding rather frustrating.
I’m chasing the dot so to speak. When i pull up to shoot i have to stop and make adjustments in how I’m holding my pistol so that the dot is on target. After the first time I can keep it fairly close to where I want it.
Anybody else that uses a dot have or had this issue? Is it just a case of needing to practice my draw and presentation more?
Look up the Jerry michulek videos on YouTube. His daughter does a good presentation on finding the dot. Look for the dot during the pressout of your draw. Find before you reach full extension. That’s the just of it. But good video and she does a great job of explaining.
Try this. Hopefully your iron sights co-witness.
Don’t look for the dot. Look for your sights and the dot will/should be there.
I never had a problem on my rifle with the red dot but getting use to the viper on the G19 is taking more effort.
@James gave me a great exercise for red dot acquisition. I won’t put it out yet til I get his permission (I don’t know if he uses his expertise to be an instructor.
I will say it helped a ton.
Unfortunately they don’t co-witness. The Burris has a little too thick of a base for that. It’s not in my budget to get a different dot at this time either.
Thank you all for the suggestions!
While I use a laser on some of my weapons, the laser is not the last word, the iron sights are. The laser for me is a deturrent the iron sight will make the final call. Now in the case of a red dot that is different because that has taken the place of the iron sights. Most of my red dot sighted weapons also carry a weapon light.
Larry
@larry84 Intresting perspective on the red dot replacing the iron sights. I have one combination where my iron sights don’t co-witness with the red dot. M17 w/ a DP-Pro. It’s fun on the range, but I wouldn’t bet my life on it without upgrading the sights.
I tend to agree with your opinion of lasers. I ran 300 rounds through a sidearm with a TLR8 on it yesterday. Exactly 10 of them were with the lazer on. ‘Yup, it still hits where the dot is’ .
I could however envision using the light/laser combination to ‘draw fire’ about 3 feet from my noggin, while still maintaining perspective of where the round will impact. You know, in case I am ever in a shootout with invading zombies. Of course I would probably get the zombie that shot at the light and popped my grape instead.
I have a M-17 with the Remeo 1 Red Dot, co-witnessed to the iron sights, great shooting weapon.
Larry
I have three different red dots. There is a great deal of variance for me on ‘chasing the dot’. The first one I got was a Trijicon RMR on a Sig 1911. This one is the hardest for me to find. Without regular (more frequently than weekly) practice drawing, I can’t consistently acquire the sights.
The second one I got was a vortex viper on a canik. Instant, easy acquisition. Honestly, this was a breath of fresh air after the difficulty I had with the trijicon.
The most recent one (last week) I got is a vortex viper on a ruger 57. This one falls somewhere between the viper and the RMR, but definitely on the easier side. I think within a week or two (I hope) I’ll be consistently able to instantly acquire targets.
If you’re on the fence–get one. They are totally worth it. Faster acquisition, follow up shots, and much tighter and faster groups.
It has suppressor height sights. Came stock with them. The very top of the rear and front posts are visible in the window. Like i said earlier, it’s not in my budget right now to change to a different red dot.
I had a Romeo 5 dot on my AR. I changed to a Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6x24 with Lighted reticle.
I like the scope better.
I put a Vortex Venom on an Optics Ready Springfield XDM 9mm with co witness sights. I’ve put only about 600 rounds through the XDM and while I’m hitting my targets just okay, I’m not timely. I’m still searching for the dot.
I’ve watched the Miculek video several times. End result is that I have practice more bringing the pair up and on target till I finally get it.
Welcome to the forum, enjoy, take away some information and by all means add to the knowlege base.
@Zavier_D share away, I didnt come up with it, and even if I did, I want people to be safe and protect themselves. Eventually I will have my own curriculum, but not now. I just parrot stuff I can explain and that is rooted in correct information.
@Spence I find 2 reasons why people chase the dot and have frustrations, #1 is because you are treating the dot as a back up and still focusing on the irons. The irons are now your back up. Don’t worry about them. There does not need to be a cowitness to the irons. Once your mrds is zeroed you can put the dot in the upper corner of the window and get a hit as long as you are focusing on where you want impacts. #2 people are focusing on the dot and not the target. To effectively use a MRDS you have to focus on the target.
The best way that I have found for dot acquisition and the drill @Zavier_D mentioned is to go in a pitch black room and draw or present over and over until you retain the muscle memory to be able to find the immediately. Dont adjust the dot after zeroing, adjust your shooting.
It took me over 1k rounds to get ok with mine and another 1k to be good. The MRDS is great because they exacerbate your mistakes and show you what you need to do to improve.
@MikeBKY what are you having issues with?
Definitely just a case of needing more practice then! Thanks again!
My issue @James comes down to practice. I plan on adding suppressor sights as a backup to the dot but at first I was having issues finding it. It has gotten easier but, until I have visible sights on it, I won’t carry it regularly.
As @Spence said. It is a practice issue.
I put about 500 rounds through it yesterday with the red dot. I’m getting better bringing the dot into the sight picture as soon as the weapon is drawn but still need more practice. It won’t be my EDC until in have iron sights on there too because we all know electronics fail.
Electromagnetic Pulse Defense teams continue building resiliency > Air Education and Training Command > News
https://www.aetc.af.mil/News/Article/2188248/electromagnetic-pulse-defense-teams-continue-building-resiliency/
