CONSIDER A MICRO RED DOT FOR YOUR EDC PISTOL

STORY BY RICHARD SCHUTZ

PHOTOS BY MANUFACTURERS

It may seem counterintuitive to mount a micro red dot (MRD) optic on a small pistol designed for concealed carry, but that is just what many CCW practitioners are doing. Many who carry concealed feel that the added bulk and weight of the optic is outweighed by the ability to obtain a clear sight picture quickly. Some older CCW practitioners also face declining eyesight, which leads them to look for an alternative to open sights. Superimposing a red dot on the target is much easier for the eye to accomplish than aligning open sights, while putting the front sight on the target.

SELECTION CRITERIA

When selecting a red dot optic, it is important to make sure that the MRD fits in the slide’s cut properly and that the pistol mounting holes and/or adapter plates are compatible with your preferred red dot optic.

Some pistols only have mounting plates or mounting holes for certain MRDs. Even when using the proper mounting hardware, the MRD itself may be wider than the slide. Also, some MRDs taper out going up from the base, making the upper part, including the lens, considerably wider than the base.

KEEP IT ON

One question that I often hear when discussing the pros and cons of mounting an MRD on a concealed carry pistol is how do you turn on the MRD quickly when the pistol is drawn? The simple answer is to leave the MRD turned on whenever you are carrying the pistol.

Most MRDs have a very long battery life (one to four years), but battery life is dependent upon the dot’s intensity setting. Some MRDs are motion activated, so they go to “sleep” when not in use. Some MRDs also utilize solar energy to power the reticle. If you use an MRD that depends upon a battery for power, make sure it works every time you holster the pistol.

PRACTICE REQUIRED

One must devote considerable practice drawing an MRD-equipped pistol in order to develop the muscle memory required to present the red dot in the middle of the lens every time. If the red dot does not present itself in the lens immediately upon drawing the pistol, it can be difficult to determine whether it is hiding up, down, left or right of the lens. Only after considerable practice will target acquisition be quicker with an MRD than with open sights.