Are optics necessary?

[DH25]

For those of you rocking a dot sight, how's it going? Any suggestions or experiences you'd like to share? Is it really necessary?

 

[cp1969]

Not necessary, but..... I suppose it depends on how good your vision is. I've only got one; it came with a Browning Buckmark .22 auto pistol. I have yet to really learn how to use it. My habits are so accustomed to iron sights that whenever I raise the gun up with the red dot sight on it, I've raised it too high and have to lower it to see the 'dot.'

I'm an old dog. I have old ways.

 

[Michael Clark]

People who shoot professionally all use them, getting the right one for the handgun & dialing it in is a process, but well worth it in the end.

 

[jagdawg]

To answer your question:
No. But....

Changing old habits is always a challenge. Older eyes started making my front sight fuzzy. So my transition to dots was necessary.

Presentation practice is key. I shot M&P open sights for years. But none were cut. My first dot was on my suppressed G19.

After years of shooting M&Ps, any Glock was going to be a challenge because of the difference in grip angle. I'd pull the G19 up, then find that Id have to tilt it down to find the dot. I got better, but it still feels forced. I then bought a gap/dovetail "filler" that changes the grip angle some. Works decent.

When I finally got an M&P that was cut and added a dot, finding it on presentation was pretty automatic.

Up close, in a standard IPSC target, I could be just as fast, if not faster, without a dot. (But I'm mostly aiming slide, or, a blurry front sight). So..depends on what you need it for. For in close self-defense... probably not necessary.

Where they absolutely shine for me is more consistent, accurate hits 10 yds and out. Fast hits on head or COM at 10 to 25 yards is easy.

I can hit 100 yds with the dot pretty regularly now. Just saying that to emphasize the consistency factor. Not saying I'll ever need that for a self-defense situation...but it's nice to know it's available in the tool bag

Bottom line, practice is key. And, if you're able to experiment some, matching the gun/dot combo to maximize your natural presentation helps. My necessity was my failing eyes, and I'm glad I did it.

 

[DH25]

I’m not rushing, but I love hearing your insights. It seems like the move isn’t just something you have to do, but rather a way to unlock new opportunities, especially as our eyesight changes or if you’re looking for better clarity at a distance. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.

 

[Alpha-17]

Necessary? No. No more than they are "necessary" on a rifle.

Do they help? Do they increase/improve performance? Do I think that everyone should make use of them? Yes.

RDS on pistols are where they were on ARs 20ish years ago; gaining steam, but not the majority of users. Give it another 5-10 years, and they'll be seen as just another component in a practical build that most experienced shooters will use.

 

[natemusical_]

Id say give one a try first before you buy. You can borrow a friend's pistol or rent one at the range. Some shooters are all in on them, while others stick with iron sights. But for me, the dot sight has really made a difference.