We've been experimenting with RDS on handguns since early this year. Some of the more common electronic sights used in this role include the J-Point, Dr. Optic, ITI MRDS, Trijicon RMR, and Leupold Delta Point. While the micro-Aimpoint T1/H1 will work in this role, they are a bit big for service pistols; however, they are outstanding on game guns and big bore revolvers. While a small 2-4 MOA dot works nicely for pure target shooting, a larger dot of 8 MOA or so seems to be better for most defensive purposes with duty/CCW handguns. As noted, certain lighting conditions can wash-out the dot on the Trijicon self-illuminating RMR, but the LED RMR does not suffer from this problem.
There are several options to mount a small RDS on duty/CCW handguns; the easiest method is to drift out the standard rear sight and simply add a dove-tail adapter allowing the RDS to bolt on to the side. The lowest profile method and the one that fosters the most natural shooting position is to permanently mil the slide to allow the RDS to sit lower and allow a more natural shooting position. Tall iron sights, as used with suppressors, allows a rough co-witness with the RDS and should be considered a mandatory item on a duty/CCW handgun. We have seen one RMR on a G19 stop working, however, it was no big deal, as the iron sights worked flawlessly and allowed an immediate transition with no wasted time or missed shots. In addition, the front and rear iron sights definitely help in finding the red dot if the initial presentation/index is a bit off.
There is no greater difficulty carrying an RDS equipped handgun compared to one with standard iron sights. The Alessi DOJ-open port, Comp Tac Belt Holster, and Peters Spada work perfectly with small slide mounted RDS, while the Raven RCS and CCC Looper required minor modification to the front edge of the shirt guard. The Dale Fricke (http://dalefrickeholsters.com) Seraphim IWB holster has become our favorite CCW holster as it is specifically designed for use with pistols having an RMR mounted--so far it is working very well when used for IWB at 3-4 o'clock, as well as AIWB at 12 to 1 o'clock or so. Fricke also makes an outstanding OWB holster for RMR equipped pistols--the Gideon Elite. We have modified a lot of 6004's and 6280's to work with RDS equipped pistols. As yet we have not come up with a good modification for Safariland ALS holsters. Holsters Plus (http://www.holstersplus.com) makes their nice Sure-Lock line of OWB concealable kydex holsters which offer a bit less retention than ALS.
It does take a lot of dry firing/drawing and several thousand live rounds to become proficient. I am still not as quite as fast using the RDS, however, I am substantially more accurate with the RDS, especially at longer ranges. In addition, the RDS allows me to remain fully focused on the threat and not have to transition back to the front sight prior to firing.
If I still had perfect vision, I might consider staying with irons; however, given the vision changes following my basilar skull fracture last year, as well as the onset of middle-age presbyopia, I personally NEVER want to go back to irons...


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