Lets talk Red Dots on handguns

[Will556]

I've been thinking about getting a red dot. Probably a Holosun 507. Still researching.

I have progressive lens glasses and older eyes. Trying to find that sweet spot where I can bring all 3 elements into decent focus is a pain. With glasses my target is in focus but my sights are fuzzy. Without my glasses (range glasses only) my front sight is in good focus but my target is a bit fuzzy. Focal length changes with age. I can still hit my target but it's not ideal and of course it limits my range and speed.

To compensate I run XS Big Dots on my EDC and I have a TLR-8 mounted on my "house" gun.

What you mentioned sounds like the ideal reason for me to go that route. Does your experience bear that out? Have you encountered people with a similar situation? Seems like for me it would allow me to only really have to focus on the target. Agree?

I agree and it sounds like you’d definitely benefit from running a red dot. If the target is in focus when you’re using your prescription lenses you should see a clear reticle from the red dot as well. Even with people who have an astigmatism (which prescription lenses can correct), a slightly “starbursted” reticle is still a finer point of aim than most front sight posts to begin with. What do you plan on putting a red dot on?

 

[lrick]

I agree and it sounds like you’d definitely benefit from running a red dot. If the target is in focus when you’re using your prescription lenses you should see a clear reticle from the red dot as well. Even with people who have an astigmatism (which prescription lenses can correct), a slightly “starbursted” reticle is still a finer point of aim than most front sight posts to begin with. What do you plan on putting a red dot on?

Thanks for the input.

That's probably a tougher question. I have a CZ P-01 I'm considering, obviously I'll have to get it milled. Or I may go with another platform. I tested a CR920 and I liked it quite a bit but it was a bit more than I wanted to spend at the time. M&P Shield is in the running too.

 

[Will556]

Thanks for the input.

That's probably a tougher question. I have a CZ P-01 I'm considering, obviously I'll have to get it milled. Or I may go with another platform. I tested a CR920 and I liked it quite a bit but it was a bit more than I wanted to spend at the time. M&P Shield is in the running too.

For what it’s worth, I’ve heard some iffy things with Shadow Systems lately. I myself would stay away from them and go one of your other routes.

 

[lrick]

For what it’s worth, I’ve heard some iffy things with Shadow Systems lately. I myself would stay away from them and go one of your other routes.

Good to know. Maybe a case where the novelty doesn't withstand longevity.

If I were to get the CZ milled, do you think I should have the front end of the slide custom cut (and likely port it) to offset the weight of the optic? My goal is more practicality and performance rather than anything tacticool.

 

[Will556]

Good to know. Maybe a case where the novelty doesn't withstand longevity.

If I were to get the CZ milled, do you think I should have the front end of the slide custom cut (and likely port it) to offset the weight of the optic? My goal is more practicality and performance rather than anything tacticool.

If you’re not looking to have any performance increase, then I wouldn’t port it. Maybe possibly just some front serrations for manipulations would be helpful and it would still remove a tiny bit of weight. When you get into porting sometimes it’s turns into a balancing act to get it to function correctly. Due to the redirected gasses being pushed upward from a comp/port, it takes away some of the rear inertia that’s created to cycle the slide. I’m not saying it would definitely be an issue, plenty of guns run fine with porting and don’t require a ton of tuning, just a heads up.

 

[lrick]

If you’re not looking to have any performance increase, then I wouldn’t port it. Maybe possibly just some front serrations for manipulations would be helpful and it would still remove a tiny bit of weight. When you get into porting sometimes it’s turns into a balancing act to get it to function correctly. Due to the redirected gasses being pushed upward from a comp/port, it takes away some of the rear inertia that’s created to cycle the slide. I’m not saying it would definitely be an issue, plenty of guns run fine with porting and don’t require a ton of tuning, just a heads up.

That makes sense. No point in screwing up a good gun. I'm going to continue to explore other options. Thanks.

 

[Will556]

There are parts that are almost verbatim to what I said…weird.

 

[Defilade]

Yes! Some HK Love!

 

[Drinkthekoolaid]

Any feedback on Burris fast fire 3?

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/723037322/apx-a1+full+size+9mm+2-17rd

 

[Will556]

Any feedback on Burris fast fire 3?

https://www.budsgunshop.com/product_info.php/products_id/723037322/apx-a1+full+size+9mm+2-17rd

I wouldn’t! That housing isn’t going to protect that lens from impacts much at all.