The “red dot” on a pistol is an electronic optic sight that uses a light and a reflector. Its main purpose is to improve aim. Red dot sights can take some getting used to, especially if you’re a newer handgun user or one used to iron sights. However, they do have some appealing benefits that can make them worth it.
Naturally Shift Your Eye’s Focus
Our vision is intended to naturally focus on certain targets. If you go back to the very early days of human experience, this was important for hunting and basic survival. Today, most people don’t rely on this skill too often. This isn’t to say it’s not possible to retrain your eyes and improve your aim and precision. The red dot on a pistol can help you do this by shifting your focus to a clear target. When using iron sights, you want your main focus on the front sight of the handgun. Whereas with a red dot sight, your primary focus can be on the target itself.
Improve Aim in Low-Light Situations
Red dot sights can be very much appreciated in low-light situations. In instances of dim lighting, your chances of hitting your intended target naturally diminish. Red dots give you back the same advantage you would have with sufficient natural light. A red dot won’t help you see your target in extremely dark conditions. However, assuming some light is available, a red dot can make target acquisition quicker in low light situations.
Give You a Helping Hand if You Have Vision Issues
Over time, age affects eyesight to some degree. The extent of age-related vision loss varies, but it can have a noticeable impact on your ability to accurately hit your target. Even if you don’t yet have noticeable vision issues, it’s good to know red dots can provide a subtle and discreet helping hand should it be needed.
Provide a Much-Appreciated Confidence Boost
Once you get accustomed to red dot sights, you’ll likely notice improvements in your precision and accuracy. If you’re a newer handgun user, you may appreciate the extra boost in confidence that comes from being more accurate. This may seem like a small perk, but confidence is a big part of being an effective and responsible handgun owner and user. To gain even more confidence in your knowledge and skills, consider taking a Texas online LTC course.
Additional Considerations
If you’re used to iron sights, you may have some initial difficulty adjusting to a red dot sight. It takes considerable time and practice to become proficient with a red dot on a pistol. If using a red dot, it’s also important to be able to switch between iron sights and the red dot and be proficient with both. As for which is better, it comes down to what you prefer and how well you acclimate. It’s also worth noting these sights are often waterproof, shock-proof, and fog-proof. Plus, there are several different types of red dot sights, so it’s easy to find one that fits your preferences. Improve your ability to effectively use a red dot sight by:
• Aiming with the dot and not the iron sights
• Practicing as much as possible
• Correctly adjusting the brightness setting—a common feature on most red dot sights
• Making sure it’s properly mounted to prevent shifting while shooting
If you own a firearm, it’s vital to know how to use and store it safely, which includes understanding its components and how they work. Online Texas LTC is dedicated to providing the finest firearms training possible. Whether you want to take a Texas CHL class or you simply want to learn how to handle a gun and store it safely, Online Texas LTC has what you need. Give us a call today at 512-675-2124.
