Smythbusters: Red Dots On Revolvers

Published on November 25, 2024
Duration: 5:40

This episode of Smith Busters discusses the pros and cons of mounting red dot sights on revolvers. While acknowledging the benefits of a clear sight picture and single focal plane, the hosts highlight potential drawbacks like increased height over bore and the need for extensive training to transition to iron sights if the red dot fails. The discussion also touches on the appeal of red dots for younger shooters and for specific applications like small game hunting.

Quick Summary

Red dot sights on revolvers provide a clear sight picture with a single focal plane, aiding target acquisition. However, they increase height over bore, impacting carry practicality, and require training for backup iron sight transitions. Resources like Brownells can assist with mounting hardware.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction with Roy Huntington
  2. 00:24The Inevitability of Red Dots on Revolvers
  3. 00:55Moral of the Story: Keep Shooting
  4. 01:13When Iron Sights Fail
  5. 01:44Red Dots for Young Enthusiasts
  6. 02:11Pros and Cons of Red Dots on Revolvers
  7. 02:37Carry Practicality and Red Dot Height
  8. 02:46Red Dot Sight Failures and Transitions
  9. 03:02Red Dots for Defensive vs. Play Guns
  10. 03:12Training for Red Dot Sight Usage
  11. 03:27Red Dots for .22 Revolvers and Training
  12. 03:37Mounting Optics on Smith & Wesson Revolvers
  13. 03:44Adapter Plates and Brownells Resources
  14. 04:09The Decision to Put a Red Dot on Your Revolver
  15. 04:16Red Dot: Not a Useless Gadget
  16. 04:37Is a Red Dot on a Revolver Sacrilege?
  17. 04:53Uses for Red Dots on Revolvers
  18. 05:14The Importance of Fun in Shooting
  19. 05:27Conclusion and Next Episode

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main advantages of using a red dot sight on a revolver?

Red dot sights offer a clear sight picture with a single focal plane, making target acquisition faster and more intuitive. This can be particularly beneficial for shooters who struggle with traditional iron sights or for those seeking to improve their shooting speed and accuracy.

What are the potential drawbacks of mounting a red dot sight on a revolver?

A significant drawback is the increased height over bore, which can make the firearm less practical for concealed carry. Additionally, red dot sights can fail, requiring shooters to be proficient with their iron sights as a backup, which necessitates dedicated training.

Are red dot sights suitable for all types of revolver use?

While red dots can be useful for general shooting, training, and small game hunting, their practicality for concealed carry is debated due to increased bulk. For defensive firearms, thorough training on transition to iron sights is crucial if a red dot is used.

Where can I find resources for mounting a red dot sight on my revolver?

Websites like Brownells offer a wide selection of red dot sights, mounting plates, and adapter kits. Their site is designed to help users easily find the correct components for their specific firearm model, simplifying the installation process.

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