RMR & backup sights on a pistol

**myrdraal0** · 04-03-11, 21:25

I'm seriously thinking about getting an RMR milled into an M&P slide and I've come across multiple options for setting up some type of co-witness with the RMR.

My question is: Is that really worth-while? I can see the point of co-witnessing and BUIS on a rifle - but I'm not sure if it's really worth it on a pistol. If I ever had to use a pistol in a self defense situation, it seems like it would happen too fast to be hunting for backup sights if the primary optic failed.

Does anyone else agree with that? Or is everyone else onboard with needing backup sights?

**Don Robison** · 04-03-11, 21:48

I'm running backup sights on mine because even though sights aren't needed inside 7 yards sight aren't needed; they sure are nice when you do need them. If the RDS goes down I want a way to still be able to make a precision shot.

**MrMiller** · 04-03-11, 22:28

You can read more on the subject here

http://www.reddotpistols.com/?pg=tsdfaq

**willowofwisp** · 04-03-11, 23:08

I am having my slide machined for an RMR now and I am included the BUIS, wit the rear sight behind the RMR..i think its just added insurance.

**MarkG** · 04-04-11, 08:38

You should also mill the front of the RMR, just below the lense, as it is curved. It is more of an aesthetics issue but also makes fitting the unit easier.

**TAZ** · 04-04-11, 09:37

I generally find that it's better to have and not need that the inverse, especially when your rear end is on the line. Also if you machine to have the RDS placed in front of the existing rear dove tail then there really is no added work being done, just the mounting of higher suppressor sights.

If the sights are truly cowitnessed then there would be minimal hunting for the BUIS. Just a switch in what you are focusing on. It's not like on an AR where you have to flip up the BUIS before you can use them.

**myrdraal0** · 04-04-11, 11:10

Thanks for the responses guys!

The main thing that convinced me was one of the FAQs at reddotpistols.com where they mentioned the training aspect. That makes more sense to me than needing backup sights - just because I have 10s of thousands of practice rounds where I've trained myself to pick up those iron sights.

Now I need to get this thing ordered and installed!

**Don Robison** · 04-04-11, 11:21

Originally Posted by MK18Pilot

You should also mill the front of the RMR, just below the lense, as it is curved. It is more of an aesthetics issue but also makes fitting the unit easier.

TSD mills the radius in the slide.