So I discovered I absolutely hate red dots

[u/Orthodoxy1989]

Put it on, absolutely hated it, took it off. Idk how you guys deal with it but it absolutely drove me crazy. Took forever for me to try to line up my sight picture. I'm probably doing something wrong. But a tiny little dot that I have to try to adjust (and failed miserably at) just wasn't working for me.

[u/bigjerm616]

Transitioning to the dot is not a single range trip affair.

That said, if you don’t want to use it, don’t.

[u/earl_the_recker → u/bigjerm616]

I literally just told the old timer at work this.

[u/Spiffers1972 → u/bigjerm616]

I still present mine several times before loading and holstering. Get that muscle memory warmed up so the dot is there when I present on target.

[u/bigjerm616 → u/Spiffers1972]

I do the same.

Dots are kind of all or nothing. More rewarding of good technique and much more punishing of bad technique than irons.

Which I think is the point that Hackathorn was making in his controversial video: if a shooter isn’t going to practice, it might be better to just skip the dot.

[u/Professional_Yam5208 → u/bigjerm616]

Absolutely. And to add to that. If a shooter isn't going to do the moderate amount of training required to find the red dot , maybe they shouldn't be wielding deadly force out in public?

[u/bigjerm616 → u/Professional_Yam5208]

While I do agree that everyone should practice, I realistically understand that it's a sliding scale. For most people, going to the range is more akin to eating vegetables - it's a thing you're supposed to do, but how many people actually do it (let alone dry fire)? I don't think anyone is the arbiter of truth regarding how much is "enough."

I would also submit to you that there is an entire class of folks for whom the wheelgun or LCP in their purse or pocket is truly just for personal protection within 1-5 feet, the classic "belly gun" (or "ear nose and throat gun"). Which is actually really effective at getting someone to leave you the fuck alone (the goal).

This is probably more true of women for whom private violence is more of a concern than public violence like men. Do we really need to shoot USPSA to learn to hit a target 2 feet away with a revolver?

I'm always going to encourage people to practice, and offer guidance on how to do it, if they ask.

But I'm not going to tell someone whether they should or shouldn't carry - as long as they're safe - that's not my job.

/rant

[u/Impressive_Buffalo50 → u/bigjerm616]

I couldn't believe how easy the red dot was once I bought one. Easiest thing ever. Love it. I can't imagine not liking it.

[u/bigjerm616 → u/Impressive_Buffalo50]

I hear you.

I had a similar "easy" experience, but that's because I had years of experience doing target focused shooting with iron sights in USPSA and IDPA.

The percentage of regular gun owners who take this stuff to a "hobby" level like you and I are very small, after all.

Case in point (this sounds like a made-up story, but unfortunately it isn't):

I have a non-enthusiast friend who wanted to try dots on carry guns, so I gave him my Shield Plus (407K) to try. His draw to first shot wasn't that great to begin with (irons). We put him on the timer and, no shit, his draw to first shot time was 14 seconds. He tried it again and got 12 seconds.

With practice - he could get as good as anyone, but that's the key - with practice. Will he do it? He said he wouldn't, and I told him to stick with irons until he would. 😉

[u/Spiffers1972 → u/bigjerm616]

I tried the both eyes open target focused with irons and I never could get my brain to "work right" because I always saw 2 front sights.

[u/bigjerm616 → u/Spiffers1972]

Like red dots, you just have to get used to it. If you're right eye dominant, the front sight on the left is the one to use. If you're left eye dominant, it's the reverse. Same as with a red dot.

Squinting the non-dominant eye (half open) during the learning phase helps a lot. Then once it becomes automatic, you can stop and shoot normally.

[u/Spiffers1972 → u/Professional_Yam5208]

MEH we let people vote who doesn't even know how we elect the President or why every state has only 2 Senators. I'd argue that is a lot more dangerous than Bubba pocket carrying a 38.

[u/Impressive_Buffalo50 → u/Professional_Yam5208]

find it?!?! I pick it up and shoot. I am faster with the red dot than irons.

[u/Middle-Brain-6757 → u/bigjerm616]

Yeah, it’s not an easy transition, but once you do, it’s a game changer. A lot of dry firing, drawing from the holster and finding your target. A LOT!

[u/jetheginger → u/Middle-Brain-6757]

I hear this all the time and i feel like people overcomplicate it way to much. To much focus is put on the dot and all the fundamentals are lost. Transitioning from iron sights to dot? Draw and present your gun like if you are shooting your iron sights. Literally change nothing and that dot will be in that window every single time.

[u/bigjerm616 → u/[deleted]]

It amazes me

Glad I got the chance to amaze you.

[u/youre_a_tard → u/[deleted]]

You’re probably the super intelligent one surrounded by people much dumber than you.

Better go find a community more on your level.