Red dot sights and iron sights are the two options for aiming devices for firearms. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and understanding how to use them effectively can greatly improve shooting accuracy.
Red Dot Sights
Red dot sights use a red dot or other illuminated reticle to help shooters aim their firearms. These sights are popular for their ease of use and quick target acquisition. They work by superimposing a red dot or green onto the target, allowing the shooter to aim with both eyes open. This makes them ideal for fast-paced shooting scenarios.
How To Use A Red Dot Sight:
Zero
Put the dot on the target
Shoot
It's that simple...
Red Dot Pros:
Learning Curve: There is little to no learning curve to accurately aim your firearm.
Quick target acquisition: Red dot sights allow for rapid target acquisition, making them ideal for fast-moving targets.
Parallax-free: Red dot sights are parallax-free, meaning the point of aim remains constant regardless of the shooter's eye position.
Dark Encounters: Red dot sights are effective in low-light conditions.
Visual Impairment: Many people with vision issues say a red dot sight is easier to see. Some even report that the visual capabilities of the dot's green and red color options differ.
Red Dot Cons:
Battery Dependency: Many red dot sights rely on batteries to power the illuminated reticle, so there is a risk of the sight failing if the battery dies.
Fix: The batteries for red dots last about a year; set a reminder in your phone to change the battery every six months to be safe.
Fix 2: Backup sighting system: Many shooters use iron sights as a backup to their primary optic, providing redundancy in case of optic failure.
Many forget that a red dot needs to be zeroed, and they need to be zeroed to aim accurately.
Fix: This task should be easy using a stabilizer, and zeroing your own firearms is an important skill to learn. If you need help zeroing for the first time, make sure you verify the zero yourself with ten rounds. You should also make sure you zero with the ammunition you will be carrying.
Iron Sights
Iron sights are the traditional aiming method for firearms and consist of a front post and a rear notch. They are reliable and do not rely on batteries or electronics to function.
How To Use Iron Sights:
Check zero, but 8/10 times, they come zeroed when stock.
To use iron sights, first, you need to make sure they are properly aligned. This means that the front post should be centered in the rear notch.
Once you have aligned the sights, focus on the front post and place it on your target.
You should be able to see the target on either side of the front post.
Keep both eyes open and ensure that the front post is centered in the rear notch and aligned with the target.
Once you have a good-sight picture, pull the trigger to fire your shot. Note: It may take some practice to get comfortable with iron sights, but with time, you should be able to shoot accurately using this traditional aiming method.
IRON SIGHT PLACEMENT
EYE FOCUS FOR SHOOTING WITH BOTH EYES OPEN
Iron Sights Pros:
1. Reliability: Iron sights are durable and do not depend on batteries, making them a reliable choice in all conditions.
2. Affordability: Since Irons are a stock design, there is no extra price tag attached to this option.
3. Flex and flexibility: Personally, I find it a major flex when someone can shoot accurately with iron sight, especially if they can do it with both eyes open! This also lends to flexibility because you can pick up any gun and shoot with accuracy.
Iron Sights Cons:
Slower target acquisition: Iron sights may take longer to align with the target, especially for shooters who are not as experienced.
Limited field of view: Iron sights can obstruct the shooter's view of the target, particularly under stress or in dynamic shooting situations.
The Quick Solution To The Red Dot VS Iron Sights Argument Is To Use Both
In conclusion, both red dot sights and iron sights have their strengths and weaknesses. Red dot sights excel in quick target acquisition and versatility, while iron sights offer reliability and precision. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on the shooter's preferences, shooting style, and intended application. Some shooters may even choose to use both, leveraging the strengths of each depending on the situation.
My opinion on the Red Dot Vs. Iron Sights Debate
Now that I have given you the facts of Red Dot Vs. Irons, here is my honest opinion... Just get a Red Dot. While I really want to sit here and tell you that the proper way to do things is to learn Irons first because of the accessibility and reliability FIRST, I also realized a long time ago the average gun owner is just looking to defend him or herself won't take the time to learn to shoot Irons especially with both eyes open. Most won't spend the time. Just like you should really learn to drive stick and automatic, moist just won't, and I accepted that a long time ago, haha. So, the reality is that a Red Dot has a much easier learning curve and superior functionality. They are so common now that they are even decently affordable!
However, if you want to learn Irion sights and better yet learn how to shoot with both eyes open, more power to you! I think it's a major flex! I did it with about 15-30 minutes of dry fire a day for just about two weeks. Maybe it will take you even less, so with that, I would say just give it an open-minded try, and you might surprise yourself.
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