We spent a lot of time discussing how to upgrade our handguns and rifles with various internal components to improve their function, reliability, and curb appeal. Another extremely common upgrade for handgun owners – that does not involve the guts of the firearm – is mounting micro red dots to them. There is a bevy of benefits to switching from iron sights to a red dot, but how do you choose what is best for you?... There are a lot of factors to consider. Let’s walk through the different features you should be looking for in a handgun that might be best for you.
One of the most immediate traits that you are going to want to account for in a red dot is the size of the dot. Not the size of the red dot housing – we’ll get to the later – but the size of the dot you are aiming for. For simplicity’s sake, we can place all red dots into two camps: large dots and small dots. If you primarily are doing close shooting (25 yards or less) with your handgun for defense or competition, you will want a larger dot. The reason for this is it is easier to acquire the sight (it’s a larger object that will catch your eye’s attention). Conversely, if you shoot further distances (25 yards or more) maybe for hunting with a handgun, you will likely need/desire a smaller dot, so it covers up less of your target.
The next internet debate is whether you should go with an open versus closed emitter. To state this debate more plainly, are you OK with a glass window exposed to the elements, or would you like a fully enclosed box for your red dot? Some examples of these are a Trijicon RMR (open emitter) versus a Holosun EPS (closed emitter). The devil’s advocate argument is that you may not want an open glass window because dirt and crud could obscure your sight. For some people, they view that as a one-in-a-million chance so it doesn’t bother them to own an open emitter. For others, they don’t want to take chances and go with a closed emitter.
Something else to think of is the screw or attachment pattern that will be needed to get your red dot attached to your handgun. Some optics have a very generic pattern (Trijicon RMR, Leupold Delta Point Pro, etc) while others might be so pigeon-holed you will have no chance of attaching them unless you pay a gunsmith an exorbitant amount of money. So, it is important to consider if you can directly mount a red dot, if optic plates can bridge the gap, or maybe it is not even possible at all.
One last consideration is whether your optic-equipped handgun will still fit in all your current holsters (or potentially future ones you may purchase). Most holster companies are pretty cognizant of optics, so it is a non-issue most of the time, but it is still something to consider. So, if you are entertaining putting a red dot on your handgun, be sure to keep in mind the various elements we talked about. It will help ensure you are much happier with your purchase. In the end, make sure to get out there training, honing your craft, getting reps with your firearms, and likely Tyrant can help you along the way with some rad accessories. Until next time, continually check out our blog, join our newsletter, and watch the website for new and exciting updates! As always, let us know all your thoughts in the Comments below. We love it when you participate in our articles and keep the conversation going!
