Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Red dot on a handgun?

Thinking about a G19 MOS and RDS to stimulate the economy. Never used anything but standard sights.

Yes or no?

I shoot a Glock 34 MOS with a Leupold DeltaPoint Pro in competition. I like it, and it gives you a little more precision than irons. I also shoot some matches with iron sights. For carry, I use iron sights.

I use a dept. issue Trijicon ROR on my duty carry G34. Once you get used to acquiring the dot out the holster, scores on the range go up on all. It's the future and I think you'll love it. Alittle harder to teach an old dog new tricks but once you buy in ( especially with aging eyes ) you'll love 'em. Do it !!!

Razorhog

P.S. Mine stays on 24/7. Battery changed yearly

Do you use the delta or dot version?
Most reviews I've read prefer the dot, but the delta makes more sense to me.

I’ve thought about putting a RMR type red dot on my G20 but since I don’t compete and my handgun training has become instinctual I’m hesitant to do anything that changes that. I’m consistent and accurate with it now so a slight increase in accuracy doesn’t outweigh the potential confusion in the stress of the moment from years of muscle memory.

If I do eventually switch to an RMR style I would have to have a lot of rounds down range and many hours of practice before I’d feel comfortable enough to use it for my EDC. For hunting, target shooting, competition, etc I wouldn’t hesitate to use a red dot. The accuracy I am getting using either factory sights (G19) or hi-vis aftermarket sights (G20) is excellent and I don’t know how much a red dot would improve it, at least at the distances I practice which are 5, 10 and 25 yards.

If you do go with a red dot I’ll be interested in your opinion about it. Good luck!

That's exactly where I'm at. I like the idea, but not sure I should be changing things up. Would be fun to mess around with, but should probably be conserving ammo.

I've got a G-17 MOS but I don't care for the MOS. The mounting plate puts the sight too high. If you want a red dot on a glock get an after market slide milled for the sight you want. Or send your slide off and get it done.

I use the 2.5 MOA dot. It works well for me and is plenty bright, even on sunny days. I'd say the choice is personal preference.

I was looking at some little reflex/red dot sights today. Under $200.

Anybody use the Athlon, Sig Zero, or other cheap red dot?

Many good comments have been offered up. All seem good and valuable in my view.

I tried the red dot on a pistol and really tried to like it but I never could quickly get the red dot up to the proper sight picture. Took too much time. I could not overcome the contraption factor. Might be great if one becomes quick with it.

Then there was the problem of using the red dot in the dark......was more difficult for me to get any target clarity and then even if I did, I could not see the target very well. Did better all in all squinting with just a big old orange glow dot.

The night presents some issues. Difficult to see the sights and bring to bear on a target out there in the dark. If real dark, I can’t see the target without a flashlight. Even then, if then with the light in front of the pistol, the iron sights don’t stand out very much. So, my night pistol has a laser and a light on it. Flashlight can be used if needed and the laser dot enables quicker targeting. I find it to be especially handy at longer than normal pistol ranges.

For general carry, I just use iron sights and a big dot of some kind.

Red dot for hunting is a no brainer. It’s amazing how accurate the red dot is and fast accusation on target. I don’t recommend for EDC because you are trusting your life on a battery that “should” be working when needed.
I had a Sig Romeo on my EDC and I shot great with it until the battery quit working only after about 300 hrs. It did not last the 10k that it was supposed to. I use a Vortex Venom on my G40. I’m confident out to 50 yards while hunting. I can’t see that far with iron sights.

Hunting yes!
EDC no.

I have a g20 with a vortex venom. It’s not a RMR but use a sight adapter.
I like it so far. I waited to mill the slide just to see if I liked it and because I’m cheap.

Fun gun for sure.....

My g20 is minute of Copenhagen can at 25 yards. Rested I must admit.

I just got my son a G40 MOS for Christmas. He wanted a handgun to use during alternative season and didnt care for my 629. Topped off with a Holosun 507c x2, its amazingly fast and accurate out to 75yds. It's our first 10mm, luckily Sportsmans Guide had Fed 180gr 10mm for .47/rnd

Yes.

I have one on a 41 mag Blackhawk, it is a game changer for hunting. 100 yards is easy with it, my eyes aren't good enough for open sights with a pistol anymore.

As some of us get older, we are changing to RD as the ability to focus changes and slows. I don't compete, so I don't shoot nearly as much as you. Could you fill me in on why you prefer irons for carry over a reliable high end RD like your Leupold?

I have a Trijicon RMR on a MP CORE 5 in 9mm. The irons co witness with the 3.25 moa dot. I got it just to check out the RD on a pistol thing, its fun at the range but I have a ways to go before using one for carry. The one big thing is I can see the dot and target without any correction. Not so with irons anymore.

I’m waiting on a holosun hs507c x2. I’ve been gunning irons for decades so this will be a new experience

You'll like it once the paranoia of Auto Off passes.