Optics on your concealed carry?

[Rexster]

I chose the “No” response, but, this is a complex issue. I am open-minded regarding optics on defensive handguns. I tested the theory on a Glock G19 MOS, with a tritium-“powered” RMR, that I borrowed from a long gun. I sold-off* that G19 MOS, but then bought a G45 slide that had been milled, by one of the best in business, for an Aimpoint ACRO P-1, to use on my G19x. (Handguns with full-duty-sized grips are now my friends.) The most-difficult part of a striker-fired pistols, for me to conceal, is the top rear of the slide. That is, in most conditions, what is most likely to “print,” against my cover garment. Even a high-profile iron rear sight makes concealment more of a problem. So, when concealment matters, a red dot optic is not normally going to be part of the equation. A pistol with a red dot optic does make plenty of sense for open carry situations, and for a “bag gun.” (I do not, generally, carry openly.)

I did just order ten of the Renata batteries that are needed to feed my Aimpoint ACRO P-1. It was a relief to see that the Panic-Demic-induced supply chain issues are now mitigated. For a while, what I could find, tended to be expired. New OLD Stock.

I do prefer closed-emitter optics. Dirt and debris happen, in my real world. Mud, around here, tends to be a black, sticky clay, that goes flying in sticky clumps, when bullets strike it, and those flying clumps SPLAT into things.

A reason I like Aimpoint Micro and ACRO optics is because their red dots seem to be the least-bad for my astigmatism. Notably, my eyes’ astigmatism is yet another reason I would rather not have any red dot on my primary daily concealed carry handgun. Even a tritium dot, or fiber optic insert, in an iron sight, can flare. I am not being a die-hard traditionalist when I say I like bold-profile iron sights.

*The G19 is uniquely painful for me to shoot, with my aging hands. The G17, and other Glocks with G17-sized/shaped grips, are nicely “orthopedic.”

 

[bearcreek]

I don't even really need iron sights at self defense distances

Could you define "self defense distances"?

 

[bearcreek]

A red dot on a pistol does not work for me because much of the time the "screen" of the optic, and thereby the backup irons, would be obscured by dirt and sawdust.

 

[Craig_AR]

BUIS - Back Up Iron Sights. They work.

To elaborate, I have been carrying and practicing with RDS for three years. I routinely practice alternately with RDS and with iron sights. When I had my first RDS installed, the machinist/gunsmith recommended I add suppressor-height sights for back up. Was very glad I ahd done that, because during formal lessons the screws broke and the RDS flew over my head. I immediately engaged the irons and completed the drill.

Optics are not essential, and not for everyone, but I like them and find them helpful. Biggest challenge on conversion is learning to use them properly.

Note, that on some sub-micro EDC pistols it is not reasonaby feasible to have BUIS when you add a RDS.

 

[Lo-Profile]

Nope, once less thing to malfunction when I need it not to

 

[Shawn Dodson]

Murphy’s Law says the one time you need it instantly the battery will be dead or it will have turned off.

“Please wait Mr. Terrorist while I turn my red dot back on!”

If the dot isn't there, then the backup iron sights are - and the iron sights are usually better aligned on target due to the user's experience shooting with the red dot.

 

[Mannlicher]

optics are just not for me

 

[epags]

I checked 'No" but my CCW (Glock 36) has a Crimson Trace red laser, Tritium front and rear sights and during the daytime I use the tops of the front and rear sights. Carried in a Crossbreed holster. I have both a OWB and IWB holster.

 

[hso]

No, and I won't.

 

[AlexanderA]

Kind of a contradiction in terms: concealability versus a bulky optic.

 

[trackskippy]

Kind of a contradiction in terms: concealability versus a bulky optic.

I havent found that to be the case. Im using the same holster, in the same place that I was using without the red dot on the gun, and haven't had any problems.

And with the new Holosun SCS models, the sights are getting smaller and smaller.

 

[Hasaf]

It isn't likely to happen, not because I don't like optics, but because I don't like poly-strikers.

 

[trackskippy]

Been seeing them on lots of different guns, strikers arent the only ones. What are you carrying?

 

[Hasaf]

Been seeing them on lots of different guns, strikers arent the only ones. What are you carrying?

Sometimes an HK P30 (DA/SA Paddle release) but generally a PK380 (DA/SA Paddle Release. . . but lighter).

 

[cfullgraf]

Do you have a optic on your ccw?

No

This is the only semi-auto firearm that I have that has an optical site on. A Tasco Propoint on a Weigand mount on the 1911. (notice, no iron sights on the gun.)

It works fine but a bit cumbersome for emergency deployments. I guess a smaller optical site could be used but...

But note, batteries never wear out with iron sites.

If a an optical sight works for you, why not.

I'm an old dog that has difficulties with new tricks.

 

[Old Dog]

I've got a couple SIG P-320s with Romeo-1 RDS on them, and it's been interesting. I love the optics for shooting at longer distances (25 yards or out) but for 3-15 yards, I haven't seen the need.

I worked with an RDS on my last duty pistol before I retired and had... issues. Just couldn't bond with it. But, I did score 10-point hits a tad better at 25 yards.

To date, I haven't indulged in any optics on my carry pistols (SIG 228, 229, 1911 Commander-sized or SIG P-365/365XL).

But I've got this CZ Shadow 2 Compact with the optics cuts and the pistol is too good not to carry regularly. So, I'm looking hard at the Aimpoint ACRO or the Trijicon RMR.

I'm an old dog that has difficulties with new tricks.

Yep. Who knows, maybe this is a new challenge...

 

[herrwalther]

My full size carry option has an optic. My pocket gun does not. I like them but they will probably never be on my smallest carry firearms. Having a window on one sort of eliminated the advantage of a small gun.

 

[JDeere]

I was in that aww hell no camp for awhile until I tried one especially for longer shots. And that 5 to 7yd stat is not set in stone. Just like anything else to each his own though...

 

[21H40]

It isn't likely to happen, not because I don't like optics, but because I don't like poly-strikers.

I have switched to the Girsan HP clone - it has an aluminium frame, hammer and external safety, shorter barrel and slide, AND comes ready for a red dot. I had to say "NO" because I haven't added a red dot yet, but I've found that I really like them on rifles and carbines. It makes low light hits easier for me. I do prefer the "red dots" with green dots, though. Something about the green is easier for my eyes to pick up.

 

[WisBorn]

It isn't likely to happen, not because I don't like optics, but because I don't like poly-strikers.

Lots of folks are using red dots on their 1911s, 2011s, and other hammer fired platforms.

 

[Walkalong]

I do not, but I haven't ruled it out for the future.

Yep, my P-365 Macro might get carried for sure, just hasn't yet.

Thing is, even with old eyes, I can shoot my P-365 plenty good enough at combat ranges. Heck, I hit the 16" plate at 53 yards
the other day one handed, which is the only reason a P-365X with a dot sight hasn't replaced it for carry. I shoot it well. Can't
say that for most open sights/guns.

 

[mm93]

Carrying concealed and keeping my CCW hidden from view is already enough trouble. Adding optics that sit above the barrel just makes it tougher to conceal. I carry a compact 9mm Kahr mostly, but in winter when I'm wearing more clothing or a coat I often switch to my 1964 Colt .45 as I like it a lot. But don't want optics making either larger.

 

[Larry in wyoming]

I put my first RDS on my government model 1911. I just couldn't see the tiny sights on it any more. I debated larger irons but figured for the price? On a mostly range gun? Might just as well go with an RDS.
Which leads me to.....the RDS that I just put on my PSA dagger compact. It does make concealment a little tougher, but it's manageable.

 

[Tallball]

Nope. I don't see the need. Have shot my friend's pistol with one, and it didn't help anything.

 

[Craig_AR]

Have shot my friend's pistol with one, and it didn't help anything.

For those following this thread, a few pointers on changing from iron sights to RDS:
1. With RDS treat the dot as your rear sight and the target as front sight. That is, focus on the target and align the blurry dot on the target; the dot does not replace the front sight, it is an entirely new mode of aiming. A major advantage here is that when in adrenaline mode, your natural tendency is to focus on the threat (target).
2. If the dot is anywhere in the window and aligned with the target (#1, above), you are properly aimed; the dot does not need to be centered in the window glass or aligned with the front and rear iron sights.
3. Experienced RDS trainers (eg; Correia and Jedi) say it can take hundreds, maybe thousands, of dry fire practice instances to shift gears to the above steps from your deeply embeded front-sight-focus experience.