Red Dots or Iron Sights ... Which Is Best? (Former Navy SEAL Reveals PROs and CONs)

Published on March 21, 2025
Duration: 7:57

This guide, presented by Mike with USCCA, details the pros and cons of red dot sights versus iron sights for firearms, particularly for everyday carry. It emphasizes the importance of raised iron sights as a backup for red dot optics and provides a training technique focusing on natural point of aim and rear sight acquisition to ensure consistent red dot alignment. The advice is geared towards informed decision-making for firearm owners.

Quick Summary

Raised iron sights are essential when using a red dot optic, serving as a critical backup if the red dot fails due to mud, damage, or battery depletion. For everyday carry, motion-activated or 'always on' red dots are preferred over button-activated models to ensure immediate readiness in a defensive situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main advantages of using raised iron sights with a red dot optic?

Raised iron sights are crucial as a backup for red dot optics. They ensure you can still aim and engage targets if the red dot fails due to mud, damage, or a dead battery, providing essential redundancy for reliable firearm operation.

What is the best type of red dot activation for everyday carry?

For everyday carry, motion-activated or 'always on' red dot sights are recommended. These ensure the sight is ready to use immediately upon drawing your firearm, unlike button-activated models which require an extra step in a high-stress situation.

How should I train to effectively use a red dot sight?

When training with a red dot, focus on your natural point of aim and acquiring your rear sight first. This technique helps the red dot consistently fall into alignment, making target acquisition faster and more reliable, rather than fixating on finding the dot itself.

Are red dot sights necessary for self-defense?

Red dot sights can enhance shooting speed and accuracy, but they are not strictly necessary for self-defense, especially at close ranges (under 10 yards). Proficiency with iron sights and fundamental skills like point shooting are sufficient for many defensive scenarios.

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