If you're transitioning from irons to dots (or thinking about it) and have any questions, let em rip. I'm the Handgun Editor for Guns & Ammo Magazine, so I've already made all the mistakes for you!
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If you're transitioning from irons to dots (or thinking about it) and have any questions, let em rip. I'm the Handgun Editor for Guns & Ammo Magazine, so I've already made all the mistakes for you!
Hey Jeremy, I just put a Holoson on my G17 for the first time. I've been pretty floored by the accuracy improvement that I've had with a little bit of practice.
I spend a lot of time hunting in bear country and carry a 10mm Glock for general protection (I know that's a whole other discussion). I've become so excited about the red dot on my G17, that I'm leaning to putting one on my 10mm. I'm a little hesitant because I haven't put the red dot through its paces enough to have confidence in it in a more rugged environment. My question is if you think modern red dots are durable enough or reliable enough to use on a bear protection gun in rough country. Would you trust them on a bear protection handgun?
Hey Man, sorry about the delay, had some family stuff going on. Anyways, as far as durability goes for a hard use back country gun, @Gunfighter_6 has some valid points regarding mud and debris. For a back country gun I'd go with an Aimpoint ACRO or the Holosun version with an enclosed emitter. My experience with Every day carry type pistols and Duty style pistols is different, as I've never had debris obscure my dot, even when shooting in the rain.
I run red dots on my race guns. I had an Trijicon RMR on my Glock 40 (long slide 10 mil which I use as my bear gun when archery hunting) but after half a dozen or so trips I decided to move away from glass on a gun that is going to see some abuse. (maybe because I was tired of digging out mud and dust). I've since switched to a Glock 20 (medium slide 10 mil) and don't think I'll be putting an rmr on it going forward.
To answer DB37's question: overall yes. The issue when adding those type of items to a "last resort" tool you increase the chances of something failing. For me, every time I pulled my G40 out it had some sort of debris in the glass. Not ideal if I need to use that in a pinch.
On my "race guns" and guns that I carry in our stores, they are outstanding. Sight acquisition is faster and overall draw-to-shot speed is less. I'm a big fan of the Trijicon SRO.
I have the same philosophy when it comes to my everyday carry guns. I run night sights and weapon mounted lights, but no RMR style optics. (G43x, M&P Shield 2.0)
I have to agree with Gunfighter 6 here. I run one on a Glock 21 SF with suppressor height sights that I occasionally use as a carry gun. The glass is almost always dusty, even when just carrying around town. Last year I carried it up the mountain while deer hunting and the glass got really dirty.
Also, if you're not running an optic that is constantly on, then you have to physically turn it on to be able to take advantage of it. So, if you do choose to run a red dot or other electronic sight on a "last resort" gun, make sure it will be on and functioning when you need it.
@Jeremy Stafford I’m working on trying to change the mind of firearms policy in my federal law enforcement agency. He’s been reluctant to adopt RDS systems on pistols, but hasn’t had a problem with their use on rifles. I have a few studies, a lot of anecdotes, and a few agency adoption examples to send him. However, I’m looking for some really substantial articles on the improvements of RDS systems on pistols over iron sights.
The agency is 20 years behind on most technology. It recently adopted the P320 and P365 platforms, and that’s been the most excellent move they’ve made in decades. I’m trying to ride the current modernization culture that seems to be happening.
Looking forward to hearing anything you have that might help!
check out SageDynamics.org they have a 78 page report on the benefits of RDS and how to get them implemented into your agency should be really helpful
Hi, I think Sage Dynamics wrote up a report with accuracy statistics and other data in support of RDS for pistols. I'm not entirely sure where to find it but it may help you out.