It’s becoming more and more common to see accessory optics added to personal handguns. Many are designed to be installed quickly with minimal tools required.
Firearms manufacturers are recognizing the trend. Check out M&P Competition Optics Ready Equipment from Smith & Wesson for an example.
The Modular Optic System available on some Glock models offers some nice examples too. It comes with several plates allowing users to switch between their choice of optics and coverage allowing the use of traditional iron sights as well.
These specialized optics for pistols aren’t only for competition shooters anymore.
Benefits of Red-Dot Optics
Technologies introduced in competition shooting and military battlefields tends to find it’s way to civilian use. Here are a few reasons red-dot sights will keep showing up on more and more handguns in the future.
- Mounting is easy and interchanging optics of your choice takes few tools. Expect to see more handguns built to accommodate this.
- The red dot is easy to see, even with both eyes open in some models. With that speed of target acquisition, all you have to worry about is the trigger press.
Benefits of Iron Sights
Don’t count out traditional iron sights just yet. There are many reasons they’ve been effective for hundreds of years.
- Going with iron sights keeps costs down. Buying handguns equipped for optics and interchangeable pieces can end up making a serious impact on your wallet.
- Relying on batteries always holds some danger. Although they do have hundreds of hours of power, you’ll need to continuously asses the level.
- Making the transition to red-dot optics after years of training on iron sights takes time and practice.
How to Choose
Red-Dot sights aren’t for everyone. If you’re carrying concealed every day, which you should, do some research before making the change.
- Train with and master iron sights first, then modify with red-dot optics if you choose. There’s no easy way to expert marksmanship, so you need to put in the time.
- Red-dot sights cause differences in weight, balance, and concealment. The larger optic accessories add bulk to self-defense handguns.
