Red dots on concealed carry guns - thoughts?

[BAC]

Afternoon gents.

The bug bites again. Since I'm shopping for a new concealed carry gun, I'm once more considering the viability of a red dot sight on a CCW. The Norwich University study in 2011 makes a pretty compelling argument for the use of an RDS on a handgun, but my questions specifically relate to the usability of such a sight on a concealed carry gun. I know some departments have allowed RDS equipped duty guns; mine is not among them so I have never had the opportunity to try any handgun at all with an RDS, let alone talk to someone who's tried using one on an off-duty gun.

Does anyone have experience carrying a red dot equipped CCW? If so, can you share your experience with it? Holster availability, RDS reliability, printing concerns, everything is up for discussion.

[SkyLine1]

I have AIWB a G17 rmr and a M&P9 rmr for some time. With AIWB I found it not hard at all to conceal or to keep protected from the elements. I have used the rmr02 and rmr05, no issues to report with the rmr02. The rmr05 does wash out in the dark when a bright white light is used but good suppressor height sight eliminate that concern in my opinion. Working with a rmr equipped gun will make you a better irons only shooter period. Working the dot shows you deficiencies in your grip and trigger control and is bar none a no brainer at distance when fast follow up shots are needed. Paint the target and do your trigger right and you will hit.

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[yoni]

I started with a DR Optic in 2001, that sight is still going strong on my sons carry gun.

I now carry a RMR on my Glock 17 or 19 and have never had an issue with them.

I went with a red dot because my eyes were getting old and it was harder to shoot at longer distance.

[Voodoo_Man]

From my very limited time with an rmr'd gun, I can say for thr statically likely distance of engagement an rds is not capable of out performing iron sights when used from concealment. Meaning they are nearly identical until you actually take the time to find the dot. At 5 feet there is no time to find the dot.

The only advantage it has over iron sights is if you already have the gun out and/or you need to actively engage a target that is 25y and out.

Realy world info here, not square range.

[Grip]

G19 gen 3, Trijicon RMR RM06 carried daily. Not a single issue with printing, the iron sights are Ameriglo suppressor sights (plan black rear/tritium w/white outline front)

Change the battery yearly, if the optic fails use the iron sights.

Dont rely on the dot from the draw. Use the irons how you normally would. The dot is great for distance and follow up shots in my opinion.

[CCK]

From my very limited time with an rmr'd gun, I can say for thr statically likely distance of engagement an rds is not capable of out performing iron sights when used from concealment. Meaning they are nearly identical until you actually take the time to find the dot. At 5 feet there is no time to find the dot.

The only advantage it has over iron sights is if you already have the gun out and/or you need to actively engage a target that is 25y and out.
Realy world info here, not square range.

I disagree with this. I think at 5ft or those kind of ranges point shooting is more important than any sight picture. outside of that up to 10ish yards the hood make for a very effective put the target inside of the hood, press trigger, make hits. outside of that is where the dot is awesome in terms of accuracy.
YMMV,

Chris

[Quick Draw]

I carry my M&P 9 CORE 4.25" with rds in cold weather. It fits in my Comp Tac holster just fine.

As others have said distance determines which sights to use or point shoot. I compete in point shoot competition monthly.

[_JD_]

What does any of this have to do with RDS'?

SQUIRREL!!!

[Apricotshot]

What does any of this have to do with RDS'?

SQUIRREL!!!

Sorry for the thread drift. But some of the crap people are spewing here are the kinds of things you see on TOS.

[_JD_]

Sorry for the thread drift. But some of the crap people are spewing here are the kinds of things you see on TOS.

It happens.

Going from close quarters / retention to extended / sighted fire with a RDS is about the same as transitioning to irons. As you move back and create space you bring the RDS into your focal plane the same way you do irons.

Just like everything there are pros and cons. For some the pros of the RDS outweigh the cons, for others the inverse is true.

Unfortunately it's a costly endeavor to "try out" and see how you like it. I was fortunate enough to get to play with one and I found the benefits of it to be worth experimenting in.

I'm cross dominant and I get a much better sight picture shooting both eyes open with the RDS than I do irons but for me I had troubles getting the first shot off as fast as I did with irons. With more dedicated practice I could overcome that, but my time for such has was limited (been working more on physical conditioning & H2H) so I reverted back to irons.

One thing about the RDS, it will show you exactly how much slop you have in your presentation until you work at it a lot and the dot starts showing up where it's supposed to every time. The rear sight behind the RDS may help with this and has been reported to by some, but I have not tried that set up so I don't know but it makes sense.