I’m rapidly becoming more than infatuated with them. I started with an RMR on a 1911, and now have 4 pistols with optics–most recently a Glock 19 with a 1 moa RMR.
The sight are cowitnessed, so failure isn’t an issue. They noticeably improve my shooting (after the learning curve of target acquisition) especially at longer than self defense ranges. I have vortex and trijicon and all have been flawless in operation and maintaing zero. 2 on 9s, one on a .45 and one on a 5.7 x 28.
Next one will be on my 10mm 1911 for hunting.
1 Like
I’ve got a Holosun green dot on my VP9 and am very pleased with it. It DOES take considerable practice to find the dot if you’ve been shooting with one eye closed using iron sights.
The lessons learned for me was:
•lots of dry fire work on fundamentals
•both eyes open, focused on the target
•consistent grip
•raise the pistol in front of dominant eye
•squeeze trigger as soon as dot is on target
•zero at 15 yards is just +/- half inch from five to 25 yards
I’m currently irons only on my carry pistol, but I am highly considering putting a red dot.
The major hurdle is the cost. Up until recently, the only “battle tested” with a great reputation for durability pistol red dot was the trijicon RMR (indeed all of Trijicon’s stuff is nearly bomb proof) and that cost as much or more than the firearm itself. The Trijicon RMR is still the gold standard by which all others are measured. But at least we do now have some less expensive, but still quality, options from Holosun and going down just a little bit you also have Leopold and Swampfox.
Plus you have the cost of a new slide with cuts on it. And new taller sights so you can still use them irons if the RDS fails.
But I think the benefit of accuracy, especially at extended distance is a massive benefit. The short sight radius of most carry pistols doesn’t impact much at common ranges < 10 yards. Indeed you can probably argue there isn’t much difference between an RDS and irons at < 10yards. But as you approach 25yards and beyond that short sight radius on irons really has an impact, not to mention the front sight post mostly covering the target at extended ranges. This is where a red dot shines.
2 Likes
I have three red dot optic sights on a few of my carry firearms. I’ve gone with Shield out of the U.K. The firearms I’ve installed them on all have the removable optic sight plate on the slide.
On two firearms I had to change the stock iron sights to a higher set. So if the red dot goes for any reason I can always use the Iron Sights looking right through the red dot glass.
Working just fine the past 2 years for all my training of all types.
I’m a point and click guy. In practice I square of with what I’m shooting at offset to target. A narrow target to in coming fire. I guess I follow the KISS method. Alot of planning also goes out the window. In the heat of the moment. I say what ever works go with it.
Yep. Still doing the irons here.
Purchased a new slide from Sig with the Romeo 1 Pro on it for my P320 subcompact. It came with the suppressor-height sights. All pre installed. Still trying to get used to it, just need more practice I think.
I was noticing it was harder to focus on the sights and target sine I started wearing glasses. This has helped as I can just focus on target and the dot goes where I need it.
Used iron sights for 50 years w/no problems. Age sucks.
2 Likes
Have you seen new Leupold Micros for better concealment?
Quite good idea… 
Looks like it makes removing the backplate from the slide a little difficult. If you have to replace your firing pin or extractor, you have to re-zero.
No worries though, because they don’t have one for Sig, so I’m not even tempted. 
1 Like
Yeah. First of all, only 2 manufacturers supported. Additionally no way it would ever work for hammer fired handguns.
But the idea reminds me Meprolight’s FT BULLSEYE concept.
There might be few shooters interested to use them.
1 Like