Questions about transitioning to red dot optics due to aging eyes.

[alistair]

I know I'm a little late to with this thread, but I've been fighting with my old-age eyes for several years. Time for me to come out of the closet and I transition to red-dot sights.

I have several questions that I'm sure I will get answered if I spend enough time on Google but why waste my time when I can waste all your time !

Firstly, all my handguns are non-optic ready.

If I have several guns that I like to shoot or carry - Do I have to get a red-dot for each one or can one optic be shared between guns without significant manipulation at the range?
Do dovetail mounting plates really work?
Is there a place in NY that does slide cutting?

Should I just buy all new guns ?

 

[HOOLIGAN]

I have red dots on my target / range guns and they work for me. You can see by my avatar, that I am no longer young with eagle eyes. So, I tried a red dot on a new carry gun. I bought a new Sig P365XL and put a Holosun red dot on it. That also works, just fine. It conceals well and is accurate at the range. But, I have come to realize that the red dot is not needed on a carry gun. Think about the kind of situations where you are actually going to be in, to shoot your carry gun. You are likely to only have time to point and shoot quickly. My recommendation to you is keep your old guns the way they are, but buy a new carry gun that is cut for a dot and try it out. The same goes for a range or target shooter. Buy something new that will accept a red dot and try it out. They take time to get used to, but you might see some improvement at the range. Rule #1, when in doubt always buy a new gun.

 

[Grimscale]

it is unlikely that you can buy one dot to move to different guns unless you want to spend a LOT of time at the range zeroing it in each time you move it.
Just moving a scope from one .22 rifle to another required a trip to the range to zero it.

dovetail plates do work. Had one on a Ruger P95. Just realize it, and the dot, add weight to the slide on large caliber pistols which can change the recoil and slide reset dynamics.
I have a mount for my GP100 that uses the front sight slot and rear elevation screw hole to fix it in place. Worked great, but I eventually wanted to go back to open sights. Might put it back on now that I'm getting older.

I did replace my carry. Got tired of the long heavy trigger draw on the LC9. New gun already had a dot on it and it is zeroed in in such a way that it matches the stock open sights. So if I draw and the dot isn't working I still have the open sights to fall back on.

And the only place I knew of that would do slide cutting I'm not sure if it is still open.

 

[thegatman]

I use green lasers on my handguns for EDC.

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

You're converting to .40?!?! Eeek

 

[Rocpo]

Are we talking glocks or something else?
If a Glock, Brownells has some precut slides you can buy instead of a new gun. Same for S&W M&Ps.

And did someone admit to actually buying a P95 in this thread?

All Optic Cuts | Nameless Armament

www.namelessarms.com

Theyve done a couple optics for friends. Theyve been happy with the results.
I may have them do a 4.25" M&P slide to go with my 5"

 

[RedBreast21]

Id say if you have a astigmatism, check a dot sight out first before purchasing. Especially if for a rifle.

 

[FP1201]

They do work and work well for close range, but there are limitations, and having to adjust the brightness, but generally they are quick, and when sighted in are very accurate...

 

[Defilade]

Get a Big dot front sight.

 

[Catskillkid]

You're converting to .40?!?! Eeek

Hey! I love me my .40s. I know they're not "in" anymore but I think they still have a lot going for them.

 

[TopShot]

I agree with Hooligan.
Buy yourself a carry size gun and have a red dot installed.
A Sig Sauer P365XL would be a perfect size and you can buy one with their new Romeo-X red dot already installed.
The new Romeo-X is pretty rugged, it gets pretty good reviews on YouTube. I have a Romeo-X red dot and also a Holosun green dot which is also a good choice but then you have to mount the red dot yourself or have a gunsmith do it for you. They say green is a little easier to pickup. I also have old eyes but have no problem with either color. If you decide to get a red dot then you need to decide on what type of reticle, red, green, 3 MOA, 6 MOA or a circle dot. Then you have to decide if you want the red dot co-witness or 1/3 lower mount. If you go co-witness you can use the same presentation as you do with irons, the red dot will be right there. All the agencies where I live that are going to red dots use a 6 MOA as they are deemed better for defense as they are bigger and faster to pickup.
Just some food for thought. Hope this helps.
C.B.