Still talking about red dots

Published on March 24, 2024
Duration: 7:26

This video discusses the increasing prevalence and perceived necessity of red dot sights on handguns, particularly in competitive shooting and professional training. Ben Stoeger, a firearms instructor, acknowledges his own shift to using red dots due to their prevalence in open enrollment classes and agency/military units. He addresses audience comments regarding the cost and perceived complexity of red dots, emphasizing that while they can improve scores and accuracy, especially for aging eyes, they are not a prerequisite for proficiency. The discussion highlights that for dedicated shooters, the cost is often secondary to performance gains, while for casual shooters, the expense and learning curve remain significant barriers.

Quick Summary

Red dot sights are becoming increasingly common on handguns, especially in competitive shooting and professional training. While they can improve accuracy and scores, particularly for those with vision challenges, they are not a prerequisite for proficiency. Cost remains a significant barrier for casual shooters, though dedicated enthusiasts often find the performance benefits outweigh the expense.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction: Red Dots for Pores
  2. 00:16Iron Sights vs. Red Dots
  3. 00:35Divisions in Competition
  4. 00:45Market Trends and Red Dots
  5. 01:05Shooting with Red Dots Again
  6. 01:13Instructor's Perspective on Red Dots
  7. 01:40Audience Questions: Cost of Red Dots
  8. 02:12Comment: Red Dot Prices and Reliability
  9. 02:34Comment: Casual Shooters and Red Dots
  10. 02:58Comment: Why People Don't Buy Red Dots
  11. 03:12Red Dots Improve Focus and Accuracy
  12. 03:23Red Dots for Aging Eyes
  13. 03:35Accuracy Based on Fundamentals
  14. 03:42Optics on Most Firearms
  15. 03:50Tighter Groups with Red Dots
  16. 04:02Cost vs. Fun Factor
  17. 04:34HoloSun vs. Trijicon
  18. 04:45Cost of Optic-Ready Guns
  19. 05:03Optics Ready Slides
  20. 05:15Overcoming Red Dot Price Barriers
  21. 05:41Cost is a Big Issue
  22. 05:54Counterproductive 'Need' for Red Dots
  23. 06:07Proficiency Without Red Dots
  24. 06:27Red Dot Requirement is Unhelpful
  25. 06:38Rifles and Optics Analogy
  26. 06:47Dot or No Dot: Doesn't Matter
  27. 06:55Don't Tell People They Need a Red Dot
  28. 07:08Red Dots Not Required for Training
  29. 07:13Get a Red Dot If You Like It

Frequently Asked Questions

Are red dot sights becoming standard on handguns?

Yes, red dot sights are increasingly becoming the standard on handguns, especially in competitive shooting divisions and for professional training like law enforcement and military units. This trend makes it practical for instructors to use them.

What are the main reasons casual shooters don't adopt red dot sights?

The primary barriers for casual shooters are the cost of the red dot sight itself and the potential expense of modifying their firearm with an optic-ready slide or milling. Many perceive the cost as being equivalent to purchasing another firearm.

Can you achieve high proficiency with a handgun without a red dot sight?

Absolutely. High levels of proficiency can be achieved with a standard handgun through dedicated dry fire practice and limited live ammunition. The idea that a red dot is a mandatory requirement for proficiency is considered counterproductive.

Do red dot sights improve shooting accuracy?

Yes, many shooters report tighter groups and improved accuracy with red dot sights. They can be particularly beneficial for those with aging eyes, as they provide a clear, focused sight picture and target, making it easier to achieve consistent hits.

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