Do You Really Need a Red Dot on Your Pistol?

Brian48

· #21 · 8 mo ago

Haven't had a need for it in 30 years. Don't see a need for it now. At least for my purposes anyway.

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I bought one just for the hell of it as my FN's came optics ready. I figured why not have the complete package? After owning one I don't think that they serve any useful purpose especially on guns I plan on carrying. Target shooting maybe? But I do not want to become dependent on one for any serious self defense situations.

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lubers

· #23 · 8 mo ago

When your old and can't make out that front sight, yes I need a red dot and love it.

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Nerostarr

· #24 · 8 mo ago

I had the opportunity to shoot with a red dot for the first time on a pistol today, it was very different at first but I adjusted very quickly. I normally shoot at 7 and 10 yards with just open sights, and my shooting accuracy is nothing to write home about. But after trying a red dot for a few mags I noticed my groups were half their normal size and that alone really impressed me. I'm 63 years old and my eyes aren't what they use to be and the red dot really helps me a lot. I was shooting a Taurus G3c toro with a Vortex venom mounted, not an optimal setup by any means but I did well with it and enjoyed the experience. I stopped on the way home from the range at Cabelas to see what better optics ready pistols they had, and after looking at several different manufacturers offerings I settled on a Sig P365 XL. The 365 fits my hand perfectly and I think it's going to be a good addition to my collection. Also picked up a Holosun 507k2 for an optic and hopefully it all goes together well. Anyway, that's my red dot experience story for today.

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Belt Fed

· #25 · 8 mo ago

Nerostarr said:
enjoyed the experience.

That right there is all that matters. nice gun and optic you bought too.

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mur.cap

· #26 · 8 mo ago

gwpercle said:
Well the truth is ... Yes . I have suffered Detached Retina's in both eyes , complications have left me nearly blind in my right , dominant eye, and only half blind in my left eye . 7 rounds of surgeries and I no longer have a natural or implanted lens in either eye . Pistol competition (NRA Target Match Bullseye) was my passion for 20 years but the Detached Retina's and then later onset of Glaucoma robbed me of the ability to see / use iron handgun sights . Then one day I picked up a used Ruger MKII Target that had a Millet SP-1 Red Dot Sight mounted on it ... the dealer say's you ever shoot with a red dot ? ... I say No ... He turns it on and says just put the dot on what you want to hit and squeeze the trigger ... Oh My Lord ...my prayers were answered ... I could accurately shoot again ! So ... Some of us , with vision problems so bad that regular pistol sights don't work , NEED red dot's to shoot with . The Millet SP-1 is a large 1" dia. tube type sight , big and bulky but it worked ... the small compact red dot's that are available now are just a God Send to some of us older shooters ... I hate to say it but I Need the Red Dot on my handgun ! Gary

It's really great that you can continue the sport you like so much plus being able to defend yourself if required. As our vision ages we sometimes need changes in our shooting glasses just to see those iron sites. I've had double cataract replacement lenses and don't require Rx for shooting, just reading and the computer. Down the road, I will be trying a red dot on the carry pistol. Best of Health!

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Fredward

· #27 · 8 mo ago

ks1 said:
I don't use it. It's an external dependency and potential point of failure.

Well and good, until your eyes begin to fail. Tell me again when you're 70.

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mur.cap

· #28 · 8 mo ago

Fredward said:
Well and good, until your eyes begin to fail. Tell me again when you're 70.

Guess you're not 70 yet. Eyes begin to fail way before then. For example, keeping cataracts in mind, your lenses begin to start clouding at the age of 10.

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Gary1952

· #29 · 8 mo ago

Arizona Desertman said:
I bought one just for the hell of it as my FN's came optics ready. I figured why not have the complete package? After owning one I don't think that they serve any useful purpose especially on guns I plan on carrying. Target shooting maybe? But I do not want to become dependent on one for any serious self defense situations.

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I've got a Vortex Venom on mine but wish I didn't get it. I'm 70 yrs old and I've had cataract and corrective surgery that helped but I also have a astigmatism so the dot looks like a cotton ball. But I'm look at maybe getting a can for it

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mur.cap

· #30 · 8 mo ago

That seems to be a good sight. I have no personal experience, just online reviews. I also had two corrective surgeries for IOL replacements but, funnily enough, I also had a laser surgery at the same time which corrects any astigmatism, plus a hydra stent implant which helps reduce eye pressure to treat open angle glaucoma. Two pistols have iron sights. Revolver and 9 Shield have red and green laser. I might try a red dot on a future semi-auto down the road.

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ks1

· #31 · 8 mo ago

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guydodge

· #32 · 5 mo ago (Edited)

i was against it for a while.but man they are a lot of fun and once past 15yards or so a ton of fun.
still a old iron sights guy but you cant take anything away from a red dot either.no limits here
im putting it all on the table BRING IT ON WILLY !!!

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Babbalou1956

· #33 · 2 mo ago

I would never put red dots on my carry guns & I never considered putting them on my range guns but no one make the iron sight I need for my new pistol so, I'm now shopping for a red dot. Looking for something that won't cover up a 2" target at 25 yards or need constant adjusting.

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