Do Red Dots Really Make You Faster? Real Test, Real Results...

Published on April 25, 2025
Duration: 3:52

This video tests whether red dot sights genuinely increase handgun shooting speed and accuracy compared to traditional iron sights. The instructor found that for his specific test, red dots did not significantly improve speed and, in some cases, resulted in slower times with 100% accuracy. He plans further testing in low-light conditions, suspecting red dots may offer a greater advantage then.

Quick Summary

A controlled test comparing red dot sights to iron sights on handguns revealed that red dots did not significantly increase shooting speed and, in some instances, led to slower times with 100% accuracy. The instructor plans further testing in low-light conditions, where red dots are expected to offer a greater advantage.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Reasons for not liking red dots
  2. 00:17New smaller red dots like Olight S
  3. 00:31Acquiring red dots and testing theory
  4. 00:43Test setup: CZ P07 & Springfield XDS with Olight S
  5. 01:00Target setup and shot timer
  6. 01:10Test procedure: two shots per target, switching optics
  7. 01:30Test begins
  8. 01:55Last set of shots
  9. 02:01Results: Red dot didn't make as much difference as expected
  10. 02:14Fastest times with 100% accuracy were slower with red dot
  11. 02:24Specific results for CZ P07 (iron vs red dot)
  12. 02:39Still likes red dots, but not sold on them for all guns
  13. 02:51Future test: low light conditions
  14. 03:20New Olight S Mini for subcompacts
  15. 03:39Viewer question: Iron sights vs. red dots for CCW

Frequently Asked Questions

Do red dot sights actually make you faster when shooting a handgun?

According to a controlled test by CajunBoyJake, red dot sights did not significantly increase shooting speed and, in some cases, resulted in slower times with 100% accuracy compared to iron sights on a CZ P07 and Springfield XDS.

What are the main reasons someone might hesitate to use red dot sights on a handgun?

Hesitations include the cost of the add-on, the potential for failure in critical moments, increased bulk for concealed carry, and a belief that in a real-life situation, one might not aim down sights.

When might red dot sights offer a significant advantage over iron sights?

The instructor suggests that red dot sights may provide a substantial advantage in low-light shooting conditions, such as in dark alleys or parking lots, where acquiring a sight picture with iron sights can be more challenging.

What specific firearms were used in the red dot vs. iron sight speed test?

The test utilized a CZ P07 and a Springfield XDS, both equipped with Olight S red dot sights. The firearms had less than 50 rounds fired through them to ensure no pre-existing shooting preferences influenced the results.

Related News

All News →

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from CajunBoyJake

View all →