The truth is that optics will not fix lack of shooting fundamentals. You need to learn how to shoot and it doesn’t matter if you use iron sights or optic. Sighting mechanism only helps to shoot accurately, doesn’t teach how to do so. You can even shoot without any sights, using slide top serrations for your sight alignment.
Using optic as the first choice, or transitioning from iron sights - these are really personal processes.
I’m the living prove that optic is faster and better that irons. But I also know people, who actually struggle with optic and stayed with iron sights.
So you shoot the way that works for you.
On one hand I have a maniac 30’ away charging at me with an ax in his hand. On the other a stationary B27 target 25 yards down range. For one of these scenarios I need to hit vital organs less than 2.5 seconds after they are identified. For the other I can take a coffee break between rounds. Let purpose drive function!
Firearm engagements occur under 10 feet (often cited around 3 to 10 feet). Statistical data from law enforcement and self-defense studies show that a large portion of defensive firearm engagements happen at close range. At this point if you need a red dot to hit the target or even sights, you have not trained enough or are mental.
If you have to engage a threat at 3 to 10 feet, there’s no difference whether your firearm is equipped with iron sights or an optic… you won’t be using either of them.
So train smart… distance dictates if you use sight picture or not…