Red Dots or Iron Sights?

[alan]

Just a quick poll for everyone

As optics gain popularity among those who carry, I can’t help but wonder what your setup is. Are you using red dot on your EDC or do you still lean towards traditional iron sights?

 

[Amelia100]

I’ve gotten comfortable with a red dot in my EDC though I was an iron sight lover for years, and I’ll admit, I was pretty doubtful at the start.

 

[alan]

I’ve gotten comfortable with a red dot in my EDC though I was an iron sight lover for years, and I’ll admit, I was pretty doubtful at the start.

I agree with you on that one....

 

[xchecker]

I have yet to go RD on any of my pistols as none have an optic cut slide.
Recently put a Holographic on a rifle. Was very impressed with ease of target acquisition and accuracy.
Next pistol purchase will likely have an RD or Holo.

 

[Javbike]

I voted iron only but I have some classes coming up in Jan the instructor like red dot so we shall see maybe I will change my mind

 

[alan]

I have yet to go RD on any of my pistols as none have an optic cut slide.
Recently put a Holographic on a rifle. Was very impressed with ease of target acquisition and accuracy.
Next pistol purchase will likely have an RD or Holo.

I used to be all about the traditional iron sights for a long time since none of my carry guns were set up for optics. But after spending some quality time at the range with a red dot, especially after trying one on a rifle, that's when I changed my perspective. I found that I could acquire targets faster, track them more easily, and it was way easier on my eyes once I got the hang of it. When it comes to EDC, I still believe that iron sights are totally effective if that’s what you’re used to and have trained with. But if you’re thinking about your next pistol purchase, opting for one that’s ready for an optic is a smart choice, even if you don’t plan to attach a dot right away. It keeps your options open without committing you to one setup.

 

[Steve Hendry]

This is my first attempt at a red dot. This dot is the top of the line that my LGS carries. This is my SnW 41 beater from Gunbroker. After a month of shooting once a week, I still have some trouble acquiring the dot. I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, so there is that. My eyes are waning, and this does make for tighter shot groups. I have another 41 that will probably stay with iron sights.


on this

 

[alan]

View attachment 382

This is my first attempt at a red dot. This dot is the top of the line that my LGS carries. This is my SnW 41 beater from Gunbroker. After a month of shooting once a week, I still have some trouble acquiring the dot. I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, so there is that. My eyes are waning, and this does make for tighter shot groups. I have another 41 that will probably stay with iron sights.


on this

I get you. Switching to red dots can feel like stepping into a whole new realm after years of using irons, and it definitely takes some time to adjust your eyes and muscle memory. I've seen many shooters face challenges at the beginning, even with the best optics, so don’t be too hard on yourself.

Your strategy of keeping one 41 with irons while using the other as a red-dot practice gun is really smart. It allows you to hone your skills with the dot while still maintaining the fundamentals you've built over the years. From my experience, once it clicks, you’ll see a noticeable boost in both your accuracy and confidence, especially since changes in eyesight can make using iron sights a bit trickier.