Switching Between Iron Sights and a Red Dot

[Doublehelix]

I shoot iron sights for both USPSA and Steel Challenge, but I have a new .22 rimfire pistol that I have added a red dot sight to (haven't shot it with the red dot yet).

I was thinking of shooting it for Steel, but have been reading that for a red dot, you need to be target focussed rather than front sight focussed.

I can see how this will would a difficult thing to train for and be able to switch back and forth between the two techniques. Any comments or experiences that might help?

Also, while I have your attention, I purchased a 3 MOA red dot, and I have been reading that for speed shooting like SCSA, larger dots are preferred (easier to acquire at speed). Any comments there???

Thanks for any insight or advice.

 

[egd]

Here's my 2 cents, FWIW
I have never shot a red dot on a pistol, but I hear it takes practice to acquire it for first shot. As for rifle, I don't think there is a big difference for steel challenge where you're standing in one place with the gun already at your shoulder. But for USPSA where you have to move and reshoulder the gun I think a dot has a bigger advantage. There is just one thing, the dot, to put on the target as opposed to lining up two things, sights, on target. Minor difference but those differences add up.
I'm still working on keeping both eyes open and focusing on the target, but I do believe it is a better-faster- way to shoot. As you look at the next target you kinda instinctively bring to dot to it, if that makes any sense.
I like a bigger dot. I use the 12moa c-more, but it is mostly personal preference I think. I don't know if a smaller dot on a pistol is common though, but I think it might be.

 

[jmorris]

To me shooting a red dot on a pistol feels more like “driving” than “aiming” your not aligning things as much as pointing the dot where you want the bullet to go.

And yes draw, draw and draw some more. Strong hand/weak had as well. Once you are acquiring the dot on every dot, right where you want it, the hard part is over.

 

[ATLDave]

I have only shot a couple of stages ever with a red dot (on borrowed open guns, just for fun), so I can't directly answer the question. However, I know there are quite a few high-level shooters/instructors who believe that it is easier to learn shot-calling, as well as to develop a feel for what "fast" feels like, using a dot, even if the shooter intends to go back to iron sights later.

You may want to check out CHA-LEE's (Charlie Perez) range diary and other posts over on the Enos forum... he's a national-level guy in Limited, but, due to his eyesight, he uses open guns for indoor matches. So he evidently goes back and forth on a weekly/daily basis. I think he has written about this in the past, and is generally responsive to questions about things.

 

[ATLDave]

And yes draw, draw and draw some more. Strong hand/weak had as well. Once you are acquiring the dot on every dot, right where you want it, the hard part is over.

It's funny when someone brings a dot-gun to a USPSA match for the first time... we all get to enjoy watching them make little circles and figure-8's in the air as they hunt the dot on draws and re-grips. But after a couple of weeks, they usually get that sorted out.

 

[jak67429]

biggest issue you will have is finding the dot. I shot iron sights for many years in IDPA and USPSA. first match I shot with my carry optics gun almost quit using it. Now I have no issues switching between them.

 

[Slamfire]

biggest issue you will have is finding the dot. I shot iron sights for many years in IDPA and USPSA. first match I shot with my carry optics gun almost quit using it. Now I have no issues switching between them.

Been shooting Bullseye with a red dot. Bullseye Pistol has timed fire and rapid fire stages, the first is five shots in 20 seconds, the second is five shot in 10 seconds. I have to work on followup to rapidly acquire the dot, basically it means a harder hold. I do center the dot in the sight, I think the groups are tighter. Any ideas of focusing on the dot, or the target, heck both are pretty good, just line them up and pull the trigger!

 

[Doublehelix]

Thanks everyone for the replies.

I am prepared to practice with the red dot, and I have heard that it takes a lot of practice to get the quick acquisition needed, and I am sure I will be one of those guys hunting around for the red dot to come into focus for a while!

The rimfire pistol and Steel Matches are not my primary competition desire, I much prefer USPSA with my Limited gun with the iron sight, so I don't want to jeopardize my techniques in USPSA by "playing around" with a red dot shooting at steel. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy shooting steel, but it is not my primary competitive concern.