Red Dots on pistols - Everything you need to know in selecting one

Published on August 28, 2022
Duration: 16:37

This guide, presented by The Humble Marksman, details how to select a red dot sight for pistols by considering intended use (concealed carry, duty, competition, recreation). It emphasizes target focusing, discusses reticle size (MOA) in relation to astigmatism and target acquisition speed, and covers factors like glass tint, battery life, housing durability, and optic footprint compatibility.

Quick Summary

The most effective way to use a red dot sight on a pistol is through target focusing. This means concentrating intensely on the target and superimposing the red dot over the exact point you wish to hit. This technique ensures accuracy and is confirmed by a simple drill where the target remains visible with your non-dominant eye.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Red Dots
  2. 00:54Choosing Based on Use Case
  3. 01:14Concealed Carry vs. Duty vs. Competition
  4. 02:03How to Properly Use a Red Dot
  5. 02:50Reticle Size: MOA Explained
  6. 03:29Astigmatism and Reticle Size
  7. 04:06Larger Dots vs. Finer Dots
  8. 04:38Popular Dot Sizes (2-3 MOA vs. 6-6.5 MOA)
  9. 05:07Practicality of Fine Aiming Points
  10. 06:19Optimal Red Dot Brightness
  11. 06:38Reticle Importance Summary
  12. 06:53Competitive Shooter Reticle Preferences
  13. 07:44Glass Tint and Notch Filters
  14. 08:49Glass Tint Matters Less with Target Focus
  15. 08:57Battery Life Considerations
  16. 09:49Factors Affecting Battery Life
  17. 10:08Battery Life for Competition vs. Duty
  18. 10:31Housing Design and Durability
  19. 10:59RMR vs. Enclosed Emitter Optics
  20. 11:35Advantages of Enclosed Emitters
  21. 12:00Bezel Thickness and Field of View
  22. 12:26Height Over Bore and Base Thickness
  23. 13:12Battery Access and Housing Thickness
  24. 13:53Optic Footprint Requirements
  25. 14:05Common Optic Footprints (RMR, DPP, RMSc)
  26. 14:34Less Common Footprints (Noblex DR)
  27. 14:55Adapter Plates and Height Over Bore
  28. 15:07Final Red Dot Tips
  29. 15:12Essential Tools for Red Dots
  30. 15:23Battery Life Management
  31. 15:34Circle Dot Reticles
  32. 15:47Conclusion and Future Optics
  33. 16:21Call to Action: Comment Your Favorite Optic

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to use a red dot sight on a pistol?

The most effective way to use a red dot sight on a pistol is through target focusing. This means concentrating intensely on the target and superimposing the red dot over the exact point you wish to hit. This technique ensures accuracy and is confirmed by a simple drill where the target remains visible with your non-dominant eye.

Should I choose a larger or smaller MOA red dot for my pistol?

For most pistol applications, a larger MOA red dot (6 MOA or larger) is recommended. Larger dots are less affected by astigmatism, telegraph motion less, and are easier to keep steady due to natural hand wobble. While smaller dots offer finer aiming points, their advantage is often lost at typical pistol engagement distances and shooting speeds.

How does astigmatism affect red dot sight selection?

Astigmatism can cause red dot reticles to appear as starbursts or blobs. Larger MOA dots (6 MOA+) tend to bloom less and are more forgiving for individuals with astigmatism. Some glass tints, like Trijicon's blue notch filter, can also help clean up the dot's appearance by reducing brightness requirements.

What are the key differences between RMR and enclosed emitter red dots?

RMR-style red dots are open-emitter designs, while enclosed emitters (like Aimpoint ACRO, Steiner MPS) feature two lenses, protecting the emitter from environmental debris like dust and mud. Enclosed emitters offer superior durability and easier lens cleaning, making them ideal for harsh conditions or duty use.

What are the most important optic footprints for pistol red dots?

The most prevalent and valuable optic footprints for pistol red dots are the RMR footprint, followed by the Delta Point Pro footprint (used on military pistols), and the RMSc footprint, which is popular for micro-compact firearms. The Noblex DR footprint is less common but still viable for certain pistol models.

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