I can’t think of ANYTHING that’s revolutionized “combat shooting” more than this…
(Which is why you even see spec-ops soldiers using it…)
I’m talking about “red-dot sights” – and whether you’re in combat, a competition shooter, or simply the “protector” of your family and home, if you don’t have a red-dot system for your firearms, you’re really missing out.
Unfortunately, even those shooters who are using red-dots, aren’t using them correctly and whether it’s with a pistol, rifle, or shotgun, there’s one big mistake I see the most, and it will absolutely hold you back from experiencing this sight’s true “super powers”.
I’ll explain why – and how to fix it this common problem – in just a minute, but first…
Here Are 4 Reasons Why You Should Consider A Red-Dot Sight On ALL Of Your Firearms…
… And Why Even “Expert” Shooters Aren’t Tapping Into All The Advantages A Red-Dot Has Waiting For You!
Ok, first let’s turn you into a “red-dot evangelist” with an understanding of WHY you really should consider a red-dot sight for your defensive firearms…
1. Shoot Faster Than Ever!
Anyone who owns a gun for protection knows that you can’t pull the trigger until your weapon is pointed at the bad guy.
The faster you can get your sights on your attacker, the faster you can pull the trigger… and the faster you can make sure you and those you protect are safe.
Because red-dot sights allow you a much larger field of vision to acquire your target – and the bright dot reaches out and grabs you by the eyeballs – you’re able to easily get “on target” faster than regular sights and scopes.
This applies whether you’re using them on your handgun, rifle, or shotgun.
2. Customizable Sight Picture (For Rifle & Shotgun)
With all weapons, you start with the sights the gun comes with.
But “different strokes for different folks”, right?
The best red-dot sight options for long guns should allow you to select the type of reticle sight that best fits the way you shoot, such as:
-
- Star
- Cross
- Bulls-Eye; or
- Dot
I highly recommend you experiment with each reticle on the range to find the sight picture that you like the most, but a good quality red-dot system will also allow you the option to change your sights any time you like.
That way, you can keep it in “Dot Mode” for close-quarters defense… but switch it to “Star Mode” for a longer distance shot (like for hunting or an active shooter scenario).
3. Negligible “Parallax”
If you’ve ever looked through a magnified scope, you noticed that as you move your head, the reticle moves all over the target.
This not only makes it more difficult, and takes longer to acquire a sight-picture (remember, fractions of a second count when you’re in a real gun battle)… it can also drastically reduce your accuracy.
Red-dots don’t have that problem.
The dot is always visible when in the line of sight between you and your attacker and isn’t going to move around on you.
Wherever that reticle is, that’s where your bullet is going.
4. Near “Stress-Proof” Accuracy In A Real Gunfight!
I’m sure you’ve heard me (and others who have been in real gunfights) state how difficult it is to understand your body’s response under stress unless you’ve actually pointed your gun at a live human being.
Ramp that up a couple thousand points if you’ve ever had a gun pointing back at you!
When your life is on the line, your brain is starved for “input data” on your attacker so it can decide if you should fight back or take off running (“freeze” shouldn’t be an option).
That data requirement means that your brain is hard-wired to focus your eyes and attention on your attacker… which – if you’re shooting standard “iron sights” – takes your focus off of your sights.
But a red-dot sight automatically allows you to keep both eyes open to identify and track your target without having to shift your focus… and that bright red dot will be right where you need it to be – even at night – as you fight for your life!
But, There’s One Huge Mistake That Most Shooters Make When Shooting With A Red-Dot…
… And Here’s How To Fix It Quick By Doing The OPPOSITE Of What You Think You Should Do…
Ok, this might sound like a weird phrase to use, but, when it comes to unleashing the true potential of shooting “reflexively” with a red-dot sight, most shooters are a “slave to the gun”.
Here’s what I mean…
Your weapon is an extension of YOU – not the other way around.
YOU are the true “weapon” and your firearm – whether it’s a pistol, rifle, shotgun, or bazooka – needs to function at your command and control.
That means that, when getting your line-of-sight on your attacker to engage them, you shouldn’t have to bring your body to the gun.
The gun comes to YOU – and here’s the proper technique:
- First (and this is important!), once you’ve decided to draw your weapon to defend yourself, KEEP BOTH EYES OPEN and maintain your focus on your attacker.
(Remember, red-dots offer “reflexive” shooting so things are going to move VERY fast!)
- Now, MOST shooters bring their head down to the rifle (or shotgun, or even a handgun!), tilting their head to conform to the weapon as they raise it to fire.
DON’T! Do this instead…
- Keep your head as close to the same start position as you can – with your eyes locked on your target – and bring the stock of your weapon as close to the center of your chest as possible.
When you follow this method, the red-dot will naturally “appear” in your sight picture WITHOUT you even having to adjust your stance, body position, or vision.
Just let the dot come onto the target naturally, then pull the trigger… and KEEP pulling it until your attacker goes down (or you hear “click”).
I promise that when you use this technique, you’ll discover your target acquisition, engagement, shooting speed, and ACCURACY skyrocket almost like magic!
I used red dot reticles in call of duty video game. Accuracy was quicker than iron sights.
What is the best red dot is good for a Glock 19, v5?
Your need to look at some Red Dots and see what you think will work best for You. You can get just a “Dot” – Red, Green, etc and diff sizes/Diameter Dots. Bigger for close encounter, rapid fire. Smaller for more precision. You can get a Circle-Dot – ie A dot with a surrounding Bigger Circle to aid with target acquisition. And Red v Green – What works best “For You”. Also you need an Optic-Cut on the back of your slide for mounting the Red Dot. Or replace your slide with one that already has an Optic Cut in it. Or a new gun with an “Optic Cut Slide” already cut into it.
When practicing for a close quarters encounter,point and shoot center mass , I find the red dot slows me down because I tend to hesitate for the red dot
Yeah, this is so, so very common Bill. The issue is in trying to use a red-dot the same as iron sights. They work differently so you need to “think” differently about how you’re aiming. With iron sights, we’re taught to “line up your sights” and the focus is always on “center, center, center”. Red-dots don’t require “lining up” the same way and the dot doesn’t need to be in the center of the window – so there’s a bit of a learning curve with transitioning to them. But they really are a game-changer and worth your time if you’re willing to give them another try. Ox’s book has the at-home drills that drastically shortcuts this learning curve and helps you get the most out of their potential power for defensive shooting, so I’d recommend getting a copy. Keep up the shooting man! 🙂
I have been shooting Combat Pistol Competition every month
for 10yr now.
This last yr with a Red Dot Optic – Sometimes.
I Had trouble with the Bolts for it breaking off.
Like now.
It DOES take some getting “used to”.
Many Reps.
Once you do – it IS More Accurate.
Especially at Distance – Say 60ft plus.
But Not Necessarily Faster than “Open Sights”.
But most Defensive Encounters happen at say 10ft.
So Far – it is a Frustrating “Mixed Bag”.
But has Promise.
Thanks for sharing your experience Defender! With your massive experience in shooting under pressure, this is great feedback (and proof that you really can teach an old dog new tricks? hahahahaa)
One lesson “For Me” has been – Don’t come to “Depend” on a red dot. Still practice to be proficient with “Open Sights”. You never know when or where you might lose your Red Dot. Mine came flying-off in a Combat Pistol Match last mo. “My Luck” it will next be in a Real Fight. Been in 3 already in my life : Attacks/”Shot at” up in the Mtns. An “Old Dog” indeed. I am 77 y.o.(Gods miracle) – You have no idea. But I still have a Sub 1 sec “Draw” to Target. And State & DHS Certified Instr. Now – I don’t get Scared – I get/stay “Ready”. Since I cannot just run-away anymore – Bad Leg. Plus, I am a Retired Degreed Mechanical Engineer. So I know some things about Machinery – ie what a gun is – fundamentally – a Manually Operated machine.