Do I hate Auto Adjusting Red Dots?

Published on January 19, 2026
Duration: 1:27

This video discusses the potential drawbacks of auto-adjusting red dot sights, particularly in dynamic shooting scenarios where sudden changes in lighting can cause the dot to disappear. The speaker, a firearms instructor, advocates for manual adjustment of red dot brightness for consistent visibility. He shares an anecdote from training a SWAT team where multiple officers experienced issues with auto-adjusting sights in specific lighting conditions. The recommendation is to use sights with variable brightness controls that allow the user to manually set the illumination level based on ambient light.

Quick Summary

Auto-adjusting red dot sights can be unreliable because they may fail to maintain a visible aiming point in certain lighting conditions, such as transitioning from dark to bright environments. Firearms instructors recommend manual, variable brightness controls to ensure consistent visibility, preventing the dot from disappearing during critical moments.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Auto Adjusting Red Dots
  2. 00:19Problems with Auto Adjusting Sights
  3. 00:26SWAT Team Training Incident
  4. 00:48Recommendation: Manual Brightness Control
  5. 00:56Adjusting Brightness for Concealed Carry
  6. 01:18Importance of Consistent Visibility

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main drawback of auto-adjusting red dot sights?

The primary drawback of auto-adjusting red dot sights is their potential to fail in certain lighting conditions. They may dim too much in bright sunlight or become too bright in darkness, sometimes causing the dot to disappear entirely when you need it most for aiming.

Why do firearms instructors recommend manual brightness controls for red dots?

Manual brightness controls allow the shooter to consistently set the red dot's illumination to a visible level, regardless of ambient light. This prevents the aiming point from disappearing during critical moments, unlike auto-adjusting sights which can be unpredictable.

Can auto-adjusting red dots be unreliable in tactical situations?

Yes, auto-adjusting red dots can be unreliable in tactical situations. An instructor shared an experience training a SWAT team where multiple officers couldn't see their dots due to the auto-adjust feature failing in specific lighting, highlighting the risk of relying on this technology.

How should a concealed carrier adjust their red dot sight in varying light?

A concealed carrier should manually adjust their red dot brightness. Before entering a dark area like a movie theater, dial it down one or two settings. When moving into bright sunlight, dial it up one or two settings to ensure the dot remains visible.

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