Ken Hackathorn analyzes Red Dot Sights on handguns and gives the pros and cons - Masterclass EP 31

[@gowilsoncombat]

It seems everyone has an opinion about this topic. We want to hear your thoughts too! Please leave a comment and join in the conversation!

[@PerfectTangent]

Don't forget the standard practice of 'pinning' your comment so it appears at the top and everyone can see it.

[@billybushmaster]

The only thing about a Red Dot in my opinion is when it rains or like you said when you have debris on it your battery goes out iron sights are Superior then you also have to consider you have to have a holster to carry a Red Dot in more expense more ways to be hung up on where if you have iron sights and you get proficient with them you are much better off there's an old acronym kiss keep it simple stupid that's my opinion and like you said most gun battles are within 10 maybe 20 yards if you can't shoot it with iron sights you need to run away

[@GodGunsGills]

IRON SIGHTS ON ALL MY PISTOLS!

[@LuvBorderCollies]

0:49 nipple heads on the internet. That is so accurate dealing with the zero life experience, ultra low shooting practice and even lower skills. Zit poppers would be another accurate descriptor. They always identify themselves quickly like the kid in class that jumps up excitedly waving his arms...pick on me pick on me. Sometime I oblige them by picking on them with razor sharp wit backed with decades of experience.

[@LuvBorderCollies]

With my eyesight red dots turn into vague irregular shaped thin cottonballs. On a rifle a peep sight sharpens the red dot. I do just fine at 50 yards with traditional S&W irons. The short ranges that actual defensive shootings occur I just don't see the need for a red dot. Also, I found out that green dots work MUCH better than red. Easier to see in daylight, not as blurred out to my eyes. Personally I would take the red dot money and put it into a good laser. That really opens up usability in awkward positions. Much more practical IMHO.

[@regularbob]

Very thorough explanation. This cleared up a lot of questions for me. Thank you!

[@ChadHargis]

I had the opposite experience with red dots. I am 51yo and have been shooting iron sights since I got my first BB gun at 8yo. I got my first dot sight 2 years ago. The time it takes to get the gun on target, do the "equal height, equal light" assessment, and pull the trigger is MUCH slower than raising the gun into your field of view and "dot - bang". No focusing on the target, then focusing on the front sight, break the shot, and focus back on the target to see where you hit. I'm getting old eyes, and it takes more time to change my focus these days. With a dot you target focus, see the dot, "bang". I shoot IDPA competition and recently stopped shooting carry optics and went back to irons. I'm FAR slower with the irons than the dot. Those fractions of a second it takes to focus on the target, then the front sight, then align the sights, and fire is much slower for me.

[@CtrlAltRetreat]

Fair enough, my eyes do not like red dots. I get 7 dots with starbursts around each in a big dipper like pattern when I see one. On a rifle, the peep sight gives me the clarified picture you get out of a peephole and putting the front blade at the tip of the muzzle where I want my shots to go is a lot faster for me. To each their own, but my astigmatism says I like irons and magnified optics better.

[@tuttifongul2006]

im the exact opposite. i had Romeo's and Primarys Arms on many weapons. my eyes getting into my 50's with just needing readers, ive removed all my red dots and went back to irons because i seem to have issues with sight pictures not giving me enough of a field of view in low light.

[@shovelhead2155]

​@@CtrlAltRetreatIm sure you probably already know this but a 1x or 3x prism optic really helps with astigmatism my brother has a primary arms and I have a vortex. He sees alot better now.

[@keithkreatives]

You're essentially referring to your eyes adjusting to different focal planes. I agree....that's one advantage of the red dot.

[@gunsnwater2668]

That equal hight equal light assessment is not for defense. Defense is muscle memory and front sight and if spitting distance just muscle memory. Longer shots nice groups yeah do all that stuff. Learning? Definitely do all that.

[@williamjones6652]

At 59 I found the Holosun Green multi-reticle signt was a game changer for me. I took to it very well in just 200 rounds after shooting iron signts for approximately 40 years. It has drastically helped me get on target much faster as well as improved my follow up hits. I know it is a subjective choice but I haveoved to dot signts on my lever action .357, my shotgun and all my hanguns. As you stated range time is a must but that applies to any sight you choose be it iron or dot. I for one am extremely glad I took the chance because it has help me get on target & enjoy shooting even more than I did before which I didn't think was possible

[@jimc793]

This is an EXCELLENT video--at lest for people like me who shoot a few times a year, maybe totaling 500-600 rounds, annually. Also, since I'm mostly interested in concealed carry, I'm not looking to add something that's going to make the firearm more difficult or more complicated to conceal carry. I admire your courage in speaking so candidly about who the red dot is well suited for and who it is not well suited for. And your detractors need to remember that you are obviously not anti red dot on a wholesale basis but just pointing out why it's not for everyone. The 1 percenters are probably the best customers for red dots. Thanks for your expertise.

[@shevetlevi2821]

I read an article recently comparing red dots to iron sights. They did a side by side comparison with the same pistols and same ammo with the sights being the only variable. They seemed to conclude that out to 10 yds. the iron sights held its own perfectly well against the red dots. Beyond 10yds the red dots pulled away and had increasing advantage as yardage increased.

[@THESLlCK]

How many bump in the night confrontations are from more than 30 yards anyway? I’d like to know the real life value of each in a real life situation, but I doubt will be able to gather that kind of data

[@bullaaron]

That’s what I have found with mine.

[@thedumbguncollector5546]

red dots struggle to keep up with irons sub 10. And the situation reverses the further you get out.

[@Libertarian_Neighbor]

@@THESLlCK Irons are fine. However, if there was a hostage scenario I would want a red dot within 10 yards. I shoot a lot of squirrels, coyotes, etc out here and the red dot makes those shots possible. But I used to hit with irons too. The dot gives me an extra 15-20 yards of range. Lastly, I live on land, so that long shot is actually a possibility if someone was shooting at me or my family out here in the open. I like red dots, but irons have advantages at close range imo. Training is key.

[@1984mrdale]

@@THESLlCK you are only thinking of one engagement scenario. What about the mass shooter that’s 40 yards away? Not every encounter will be a 3 yard robbery. At 3 yards and less you are better off point shooting than using sights.

[@ParkerUAS]

I've carried for about 15 years and put a red dot on my XDM OSP. It didn't significantly improve my performance, but was cumbersome to have in my concealed holsters. I ultimately decided that I would rather have typical Trijicon HD night sights that I was used to. I won't knock red dots, they definitely help in acquisition, but nobody should feel pressured to use them or not use them. As with everything, try as many options as you can and then go with what YOU like. You want to mount a scope on top of a derringer, best of luck... You do you.

[@jimc793]

Trijicons are excellent.

[@dirkderolf4021]

I really enjoy listening to both Ken and Bill. These guys know what they are talking about because they have mountains of experience, they reason, and they say what they think. It is so very refreshing. Huge thumbs up!

[@sucha603boy]

We are transitioning to red dot sights at my PD and it’s definitely a learning curve when your used to iron sights. I will say that with some training my groups were tighter at 20-30yds plus with the red dot. It probably took a few hundred rounds just to get used to acquiring the dot when drawing.

[@austinmurphy6359]

Or you can learn how to aquire the red dot through dry fire. Seems cheaper. Took all of 10 minutes lol

[@jimc793]

@@austinmurphy6359 Actually, Hackathorn addressed that and his experience and opinion was that the second you fire a live round and experience the recoil you'll lose the red dot after you fire the first live round after dry firing only. I'm convinced the red dot is best suited to shooting on a range and/or greater distance than 20 yards.

[@five-oonsene545]

Former LEO, Firearm Instructor, Gunsmith and Master Class shooter. Every single thing that Ken said is absolutely, positively 200% true. Period.

[@jonarnett3018]

Then you are stuck in your ways and can’t see the Forrest for the trees. Tools that make you a better shooter should be used. Just because it takes a minute to adapt is a horrible excuse. This is a kin to you should still shoot a revolver bc it’s more reliable than a semiautomatic and by god you have to change a magazine. That’s just ridiculous thinking

[@retiredshredders]

This was exactly my case. I'm glad I'm not alone. 26 years of law enforcement had me front sight focused. Learning the red dot was exactly as you described. And, your are right about dry firing not helping. It took me 500 rounds to start getting synced in. I was able to accelerate the curve by taping my front lens on red dot. Now, I'm practicing acquiring dot after magazine exchanges, because it is also different. Great talk!!

[@BossHog007]

LEO here as well. Came here to say, at the end of the day. If I put two identical guns (one with a dot, one with combat good irons) in front of you and said in 2 minutes a bad guy with a gun is going to come in here to get in a gunfight with you. I’m willing to bet you’d still pick up the one with good combat irons. Long story short: if it ain’t broke. Don’t fix it

[@retiredshredders]

@BossHog007 if it's close, I don't use sights until 10 yards or further. I've been able to point shoot since the 70's. I've also been able to shoot two guns simultaneously on police courses with perfect scores. Picking which gun isn't an issue. I'll take both.

[@Treblaine]

There's also the stress factor, if you are trembling from extreme exertion or pressure can you "read" a red dot effectively if its dancing around like crazy? Okay, obviously your shooting will be impaired from that but you're now no longer "just lining up the dot over the bad guy" you're lining up the mean central position of the dot's erratic orbit over the bad guy. Under stress, iron sights may give you what's unambiguously a good enough sight picture, it's not "equal light equal height" but it's enough that you know the cone of dispersion will still be on target.

[@DeePunter]

This channel like the guns it produces is gold.

[@000one]

A message that needed to be spoken. I’m 72 and I never liked any red dot device I have tried/used in the last 10 years. If you cant use sites for 15-20 yards, you need glasses. I can out shoot most at my club, and most use a dot device. Dots have things that can malfunction, loosen, battery death, bump, bang, drop, or break the glass till its out of function. Less is better. This is the best advice most can hear. You can buy a lot of practice ammo for the price of a trustworthy plate and red dot. Use that practice ammo and learn your gun and how it shoots. Thanks for that word of wisgom Mr Hackathorn

[@T30-z5w]

I’ve been shooting these for years. You are spot on that compared to irons it is more perishable if you don’t practice with the red dot. I have several identical guns, one with a red dot and one without. I find myself using the ones with irons more. I’m no spring chicken either, we’re pretty close in age.

[@definitelynotaheretic.7295]

Not to mention the fact that for the cost of simply putting a red dot on my current carry gun, I could buy 2,000 rounds of ammo to train with…

[@jessegpresley]

@@definitelynotaheretic.7295 yeah too bad it's only one or the other.

[@definitelynotaheretic.7295]

Well I can only afford one or the other, so yeah, it is.

[@Visual217]

​@@definitelynotaheretic.7295but you won't, because everyone who makes this argument doesn't actually do that or seem to grasp the concept of training with your tools anyways. Get the dot and 2,000 rounds anyways. You're presumably an adult with income. Save up if you have to. You're already carrying a lethal tool you should be as proficient and accurate as possible with.

[@guitfiddle]

I agree with you on all points. I'm a casual shooter and iron sights are natural to me. Putting a red dot on a rifle was a very easy transition; on a pistol it is not at all easy. I have decided I like one on my Ruger 22/45 for hunting, but never on my CCW. I only carry a .40 S&W because I carry it for animal defense while hunting. For two legged enemies, I would choose 9mm because it's easier to make follow-up shots accurately.

[@mrdclark2003]

I appreciate the straight talk. We need more of it.

[@Horror-Fan1313]

Finally! Someone giving a mature and realistic assessment of red dot sights on self defense pistols!

[@MrClark68]

You are 100 percent Correct Ken. I’m an instructor and work in a gun store. The vast majority of the guys out there aren’t interested in actually learning to shoot and master the handgun. They just want the latest and greatest to be tacticool on the range.

[@lovetopew9054]

That’s fairly funny as HACKathorn and his crew of fudds probably couldn’t get out of C class as mediocre as their shooting is.

[@HennesseyNCigarz]

They’re nuts lol

[@wiskkeetango]

Way to completely miss the point...your words are those of a fool

[@wtcb7892]

Red dots are Tact Tards treats.

[@michaelparks2398]

@@wtcb7892 the future always scare you or just the future of gun stuff?

[@joshpuh2010]

As a cop, I honestly see less than 10% of my department being willing or able to put the time in on the red dot to become average let alone proficient. However, I have put in rounds and dry fire time, and I have seen fantastic results from the switch, much more consistent shooting coupled with the ability to focus on the threat in front of you makes a difference.

[@wildrangeringreen]

the moment I scored well on quals without looking at the sights (kind of a personal "I wonder if..."), I stopped worrying about target sights and optics. You don't need sights 90+% of the time. Look where you want to shoot, point the pistol, fire. basic eye-hand coordination. Move out past 25 yards, sights start to matter a little more, but you still can do well with only a small front blade. Before I left LE, my last sidearm was a 9x19 chambered government-style 1911 (sheriff authorized private purchase in a handful of chambers). Once it wasn't being used for work, i reamed the chamber out for 9x23 Winchester.

[@evocati6523]

Cops have a 15% hit rate with irons anyway so you can't get much worse LOL

[@jessegpresley]

@@wildrangeringreen your "quals" are equal to placing a mirror to your mouth and fogging it up.

[@wildrangeringreen]

@@jessegpresley field expedient cleaning? makes sense.

[@masteryofself9329]

Red dot is without a doubt superior but at the end of the day we all need to do what’s best for our preferences.

[@mikedesantis8623]

This is refreshing. Im a new gun owner and been contemplating getting a red dot but personally i want to learn to use iron sights properly and become a good shooter that way - basically feel like im doing myself a disservice as a gun owner not learning how to use iron sights and going straight to red dot. Also, that is such a good point about the argument about having back up iron sights if you cannot find the red dot. The brain will continue to look for that dot. So true

[@samusiran2243]

your dot may go out or get blocked... but unless your front post flies off, you iron sights will always be there.

[@dishsoap1]

Iron is fine. Get nights sights if you like.

[@RelaxingWalks]

When addressing the challenge of quickly locating the dot in reflex sights, the ACSS Vulcan offers an innovative solution. It features a unique large circle reticle that's normally outside your field of view but becomes visible if you're misaligned with the target. This design ensures you instantly know if you're off-target without the need to search for the dot. Moreover, if the optic fails, you won't see the reticle at all, allowing you to immediately switch to iron sights without hesitation. In my opinion, these features make the ACSS Vulcan not just a solution, but arguably the best optic choice available.

[@CurtisThomas-x3y]

Your brain will do better under stress with standard “enhanced” concealed carry sights. I’ve been shooting a long time and none of my everyday carry arms have red dots. I do own several, but they’re all on my hunting firearms, i e my turkey shotguns, 22lr “squirrel” pistols and my night hunting hog guns (scopes with lighted dots or cross hairs) but I’d never consider “looking for a dot” in a mass shooter/self defense situation-because you’re liable for every round that comes out so you need to not have “dot tunnel vision”.

[@chuckclark6162]

Not knowing how to use irons is like not knowing how to drive a manual transmission.

[@jrf5418]

I can hear Ken all day long. The wisdom and authority from which he speaks based on his experience is awesome. I am a 1%er been shooting since childhood. 60 year young this year. I was at a Range Officer Class this past week, 6 guys with Red dot me and other one with iron sights. Have to tell you we did better than the red dots, our groups were tighter. the instructor even said, you guys better go check the sighting... anyway, conning myself to get a Red Dot, your wisdom sharing is invaluable. THANK YOU.

[@erniegarland5689]

I have to say that I am a one percenter. I shoot weekly. I compete regularly. Recently I began preparing to shoot an IDPA match called "The Sheepdog", which requires all shooters to use compact carry guns with iron sights. I had been using a Sig 320 X5 Legion with a Sig Romeo 1 for all my matches. Coming back to iron sights for this upcoming match was difficult. After several matches and practice I am just now getting back to my previous accuracy and speed levels with iron sights that I had with the RDS. I am 70 years old and I know that I do shoot better with an RDS. But you are right, Ken. There is a learning curve and switching from iron sights to RDS or vice versa is a challenge. The best advice I can give is to pick one and stay with it.

[@gallantdon]

I have coached relatively few shooters, but seeing the improvement on the timer and the target with just a switch from irons to a red dot has been undeniable. People that want the quickest way to be able to safely hit their target with minimal training can easily see the value of a red dot and they will honestly be the ones to fund them, not the 1% that shoot 20k+ rounds a year, compete, go to courses and train to high performance.

[@jameskirk3]

Try XS big dots for fighting pistols. They're very good.

[@RamikinHorde]

I shoot more than 20k rounds a year and red dots still improve my performance. They are just superior.

[@gallantdon]

@revseanchan I agree, my comment was specifically addressing the "re-training" theme that was in the video. It's easier to communicate what is happening with a new shooter that uses a red dot and that will lead to better performance with fewer rounds.

[@762N8O]

Anyone who says Hackathorn doesnt know what he’s Talking about automatically goes to the ignore list for me

[@elmateo77]

@@southernpartisan1772 I mean a lot of the time when you ask why they don't like something new their response is "well x was good enough for me, so there's no reason anybody would need y".

[@elbryan9]

I've been shooting with iron sights for over 30 years now but I recently bought a Holosun 507 with the ACSS Vulcan reticle and am pretty pleased thus far. My eyesight has always been pretty bad; I have to wear glasses to see at distance and have astigmatism in both eyes. Without my glasses on, it's incredibly hard to find the front sight post so I've always preferred either a laser and/or tritium night sights. With that ACSS Vulcan reticle, it's super easy for me to find that red dot with or without my glasses on. I also practiced clearing my house recently and (especially at night), found that the ACSS reticle dramatically helped keep my aim true; particularly with awkward shooting angles like aiming around corners or walking up or down the stairs. It might be a fad for now. I don't know. But for me, I find the benefits greatly outweigh the cons.

[@Falconryder]

That's a point that wasn't mentioned; eye glasses. I wear them too. If I have to respond to a "bump in the night" at home, I may or may not have time to get my glasses out of their case and on my face. Without my glasses, iron sights are unrecognizable.

[@toddm9501]

He's spot on about new and older shooters. Hickok45 rarely uses optics. The brain is a great thing, when you use it.

[@raifcluster]

Ken hit the nail on the head for me. During a live-fire training exercise recently, I used my P365X with a red dot. The sky was clouded over, so my dot was visible to my satisfaction. Right in the middle of an exercise, the clouds parted and that bright hot Texas sun made the dot disappear. My old brain that was with me through the previous months of red dot training could not quickly make the transition back to the iron sights. I could have kicked myself for dropping so many points due to that issue.

[@RJT80]

Instinctive shooting needs to be taught more. On the worst day of your life it's almost certainly going to be more important than the red dot or your iron sights. The case of the young guy recently ending a mass shooter at 40 yards or whatever is a major outlier even for law enforcement. And you should be making those shots with irons anyhow.

[@Racer88]

If it's the Sig Romeo red dot, then I'm not surprised. Frankly... it's a low quality sight.

[@raifcluster]

@@Racer88, admittedly, yes. It was the Sig Romeo. Upon returning home from that training class, I ordered a Holosun. Much easier to ratchet the brightness up or down.

[@evocati6523]

Set it to a higher power, looking at a brighter dot is a much better tradeoff than not seeing your dot

[@mengdynasty6034]

I just recently got into red dots after 15 years, and for me it helps. Faster acquisition and follow ups. I can say that my shooting has improved.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

I'm 51 & my 👓 is going bad 📉. I like the concept & +s of rear optics but in 2022, the rear optics are WAY off for me, $ & design(practical) points. Maybe in 5-6yr, 2028, maybe. Now? 2023? No. For the record, I prefer to buy new "optic" plate semi auto pistols. Guns & optics will fall in line 2024 2025. Not now.

[@WGH-ef5ze]

What is being discussed is the difference between fighting with a pistol and shooting for sport. Less is more with the fighting tools. Great sound advice from a been their done that man. Thanks much Mr. Hackathon. Appreciate the option.

[@gator7082]

I’m actually transitioning some of my pistols back to irons. I bought into the modern trends for the past few years and have decided I like to keep it simple, especially for EDC. There’s something magical about a full size frame in a leather holster. It just plain works.

[@RockinRack]

Same I still run a dot on fun guns but it's unrealistic and an inconvenience on my edc. I started practicing with no sights and found I could easily dump a mag into center mass at 15y with no sights Which is the more realistic scenario in self defense which usually happens in milliseconds at less than 7y

[@woodystube1000]

I could not agree more, thank you for saying this. There is nothing “Fudd” about an edc with irons. Like you, I ended up removing my red dot from my edc for a myriad of reasons. I just practice a lot more with it now. I still love red dots on my full-size pistols.

[@woodystube1000]

@@RockinRack I’m with you except for the “usually” thing. I get it, all we have is stats, but they don’t tell you anything about what YOUR potential defensive shooting might look like. The Eli Dickens shooting may not be “typical” but it still happened. Several people owe their lives to the fact that Eli did not have the mentality that he should only train and gear up for an incident within 15 yards. We can neither choose the time nor the place.

[@RideOnTimePH]

I love iron sights being low profile. I have fired guns with red dots and i agree it is easier to shoot, but i don't like to make my subcompact bigger because of the enormous size of the sights.

[@bernardconeghen]

problem is like that guy on active shooter he likes to say see I have a this expensive I believe is an H&K upgraded grip and primo optics and is his carry how many people have 3 to 5 grand on a pistol to spend these are the people who get everyone hyped on optics could be wrong have not heard anyone saying my life got saved cause I had an optic on the pistol if you want one fine but there not a miracle device

[@TheTruthis5285]

Great video Ken!!! Awesome information to help others decide if the red dot option is right for them. I consider myself in the 1% group. After 40 plus years shooting iron sights, 30 as a cop, my eyesight got too bad to get that separation between the front and rear sights. I mounted a Holosun, dry fired for 30 days straight with it, then started shooting live and have several thousand rounds with it. For me, it was a game changer. I agree, the key is to train. Thanks again Sir and h keep speaking the truth!!

[@donables1200]

Love me some KH (as a matter of fact Ameriglo Hacks are my default sight), but one of the big positives is that in dry firing and even live fire (with attentiveness) the dot gives you so much more information on trigger pull and basic fundamentals. Iron sights mask sight picture wobble and bad trigger press. When you can dry fire without the dot jumping around, and in live fire when the dot goes straight up and returns to a place very close to where you were aiming, your fundamentals are sound. It is much harder to develop this with irons unless you have a good instructor and lots and lots of rounds downrange. So even if someone doesn't like it for duty/carry, it is still a valuable training tool to shorten the learning curve on basic fundamentals.

[@bunsguns8222]

@Don Ables Mantis x and laser academy will show you way more than a red dot in that regard.

[@Quality_Guru]

All excellent points that Ken made as I have transitioned from irons to red dots with some difficulty. As Ken points out, it can be overcome with lots of dry fire time and range sessions. I have also picked up some outstanding tips from Tactical Hyde and Sage Dynamics that have made the presentation much more efficient and natural using a red dot. The drills that they put together are nothing short of excellent (I wish that I knew about them during my transition). An interesting observation that I made is that using red dots has made me a better shooter with irons, not that I was any good to begin with, but improvement is the journey to becoming better.

[@cagneybillingsley2165]

i love vids like this because it upsets gen x and millenials who think red dots and other gadgets will improve their shooting. what's implied is that the people who buy red dots have no talent

[@Quality_Guru]

@@cagneybillingsley2165 That's a bold statement. I completely understand where Ken is coming from as I'm no spring chicken, but I would not discount the Gen X and Millennials nor the use of a Red Dot. Let's recall that they were the ones that actively volunteered to join the Arm Services when there were two Gulf Wars, and they knew that they would be seeing active combat. I have a great deal of respect for the Gen X and Millennials, as some never came back alive after active service. In regards to using Red Dots, you might want to consider a class with Sage Dynamics or the Modern Summary Project. I believe that they can add to the conversation and present a different perspective than Ken's point.

[@wesbrown5601]

@@Quality_Guru I'll toss my two cents in here about Gen-X, Millennials, and the Gen-Z sheeple that I've talked to about RDOs, and the usual response that I get is that it's absolutely necessary to have one to be a good shooter, these are also usually the same ones that have to have a 1000 lumen light on the front. Those are a completely different group from the ones that served, I work at a LGS and have talked to many ex-servicemen and women, they tend to have a more practical mindset when it comes to their firearms and it comes from real world experience. As for my opinion on RDOs in general, I tend to agree with Ken, do or don't, it's your choice.

[@Quality_Guru]

@@wesbrown5601 I'm no expert but I suspect if you are a new or occasional shooter without years of ingrained iron sights use you don't have the neural pathways locked in. I have witnessed the the transition to using pistol optics for newbies to be much easier. I have used the tips from Tactical Hyde to convert a newbie to using red dots to the point that they have explained that it is like cheating. Once you get to used to using pistol sights it just becomes more natural to be target focus as humans have been doing so for thousands of years. I can see why they would make that point since they see it as a more natural presentation. I'm like you, I like to keep my options and training flexible.

[@ACGBLR]

@@wesbrown5601 what is wrong with having a bright weapons light on their firearm? Should you not take the precaution of being 100% sure of your target? You speak ill of the younger gens, yet are spewing some real fuddery. Did you seem to forget that these younger gens have been fighting a 20 year war?

[@ccjj9970]

Very well presented. I enjoyed hearing your perspective on both the pros and cons. I personally consider myself more of a 5 percenter. I do train regularly, but can no longer afford to burn through 150 to 250 rounds a week. I am in the process of going to a red dot setup strictly because I can no longer see the iron sights with any reasonable clarity. I use reading glasses. They work great for reading but suck for shooting. I can either wear them and see the sights but not the targert, or vice verse. I'm hoping the dot will bring back my ability to efficiently hit targets at distance.

[@wraith0018]

I'm 54 an had get glasses about 10 years ago. As a avid shooter seeing my front sight was getting to be a problem. What you need to see better is trifocal lenses. Readers are for close up(10-12inchs). Trifocal are top is distance, middle are arms distance, bottom is reading distance. The arms distance will allow you to see your sights. There are line (etched line separating the focal plane) or no line (smooth lenses, slight blur between planes). I personally prefer line as it a crisp transition. I hope this helps to keep you enjoying shooting for many years to come.

[@elnach3240]

This is the best analysis I have heard yet on this issue. I live in ND where my pistol is against my warm body and may be drawn into sub-zero air temperatures at certain times of the year. I have also noticed a lot of lint accumulating on my red dot lenses when I carry them IWB for extended periods. You validated my decision to discontinue having red dots on my CCW's. Thank you Sir!

[@MADDOG100ful]

Absolutely agree, dots are constantly getting lent in them and still adds weight and a rougher shaped gun to attempt to carry without any comfort issues.

[@ShitboxFlyer]

That issue can very easily be solved with closed emitter red dots like the holosun 509, eps, aimpoint acro, and Steiner red dots.

[@abc4781]

​@@ShitboxFlyer exactly

[@abc4781]

An easy fix for both is 1. Using a closed emmitter optic, and 2. Take a dove soap bar wipe in on your optic lens and buff it in with a rag to prevent fogging.

[@pocketsand4404]

I like the Leupold Deltapoint Micro on my Glock 21. It sits low on the rear sight keeping a small profile. Its small size has served well for concealed carry and duty purposes in a vehicle. The red dot aligns naturally with the iron sights so I don't have to hunt for the dot. It also has a closed emitter so it can work in all conditions. Just my go to red dot sight, but it still takes a lot of practice to be proficient with it.

[@josepharnold1345]

Thank you sir. As an instructor running transition classes for LEOs who want to run dots, I agree with you in most respects. I have observed so many problems, from flying off the gun to obscured glass to the battery literally flying out of one, that the course we designed for our officers focuses more on how to shoot it broken than how to shoot it when everything is perfect. About the only place I see an advantage is the farther you get from the target, as long as they stay zeroed and I’ve seen every brand lose zero. During our last academy session, took a shot from 100 yards expecting to ring steel and was off. Rang it twice in a row with the back up iron sights. In the real world, that’s a bullet you don’t get back so hopefully the miss doesn’t hit anyone or anything it shouldn’t. I’ll train both but I’ll carry without unless I’m teaching a red dot class.

[@blacksheep3]

I like the concept of "what works best for you". I like the red dot on my AR, but not so much in my pistols. Old shooter set in my ways, maybe, but accuracy and comfort is important. For some reason my old eyes (57) can pick up the iron sight better than a red dot.

[@pmorin313]

They said the same thing in the 90's when Red Dots showed up on top of carry handles and here we are today...pistol dots are here too stay. 👍 BTW Ken that Holosun with the ACSS Reticle is a game changer cuts the learning curve significantly.

[@baalzamon3593]

Oddly enough it was the carry handle that went away. The reflex optic just changed its mounting system. I run a red dot on all of my rifles, even the ones with magnified optics. Its a vastly superior backup sight to irons

[@Cpt_RB]

This is the answer but Elmer's gonna fudd

[@Bob-ub4gl]

@@baalzamon3593 I FINALLY went to illuminated red dot rifle scopes, just last year, probably about five years late! Had a 2x42 TruGlo red dot on my AR, but at distance, it was a joke! Just put a Burris FULLFIELD IV 2.5X10 illuminated reticle scope on it--Wow! What a difference. Its "red dot" is actually an illuminated "cross," which I happen to really LIKE. I keep all of my red dots on a lower power setting, so that they don't interfere with easy target acquisition. Old eyes don't work as well as "young" ones, at least in MY case... lol

[@xtrastrengthfukitol7733]

I think you inadvertently reinforced one of his points about RDS on EDCs with the nod to the ACSS reticle. Within that typical self-defense 10 yard range the ACSS isn't bringing anything useful to the table. (Big fan of those ACSS btw and have one on my AR.)

[@pmorin313]

@@xtrastrengthfukitol7733 the ACSS Vulcan isn't the same as a BDC style reticle you find in rifle optics. It's a Chevron with a giant outer circle that is completely out of view until your misaligned. It shines when dry firing to build muscle memory, so when you "Point Shoot" at self defense distances you will present the gun and line up your shot intuitively. Or you can turn off the ring and it becomes just a regular RDS.

[@harrydexter8426]

Excellent points! Thank you. As a person who does shoot often you expressed exactly my thoughts about red dots. You have a winner with this video! Stay healthy, safe & shoot straight with irons!👍😊🇺🇸

[@bernardconeghen]

the fanboys do not like saying the optic is not the wonder gadget they think it is

[@terrycostakis6284]

Excellent video. I'm 72 years old and not long ago obtained my first red dot sight. Two things which were covered in this video that I rarely hear people talk about but that I wholeheartedly agree with are the learning curve and the questionable need for a red dot on an EDC pistol. I have about 600 rounds through my RDS equipped Canik and have only recently started to enjoy using it. I had a lot of trouble acquiring and keeping the dot after recoil when shooting quickly. Also, knowing that the majority of self defense encounters are within 10 yards, at those distances I don't want my eyes trained to be looking for the dot when acquiring only the front iron sight or point shooting would in my estimation be more intuitive and much faster.

[@wpymes]

Great video. The voice of experience. Im a 99%er starting shooting guns 3 yrs ago. Purchased 4 and have red dots on 3 of them. I shoot around 500 rounds a year. On the 4th gun I put a laser/light combo because I just couldnt get groups with iron sights as good as with red dots, and it got much better. But I feel exactly as you described. At close range they all shoot great. At 10 yards or more red dots are the better choice. Thumbs up. And thank you for the advice!

[@arocketgal]

LOVED this analysis Ken! Fantastic and extremely helpful to me making a decision about this. Thank you for your time!

[@PrimaryAndSecondary]

I could listen to another hour of this. I had lots of nods and smiles with knowing what he is saying is accurate- he just has a great way of saying it.

[@ronniebowers1241]

Because you are a complete dumb ass red dots will get you killed real quick

[@rudukai13]

This is a little bit analogous to why younger generations take to new digital technology so quickly. If you’ve already been using iron sights for decades, it will be much more difficult to adapt to the RDS than for someone who doesn’t have thousands of hours trying to use irons. If you give a new shooter two identical handguns, one with iron sights and one with a RDS, they *will* shoot better and more easily with the optic-equipped pistol

[@oklahomahank2378]

I have also heard Modern Samurai (Jedlinski) say in a video that young people like the dot right from the start and older shooters often seem to prefer the circle or circle dot and then gradually change to just a dot.

[@Sasha-b6m]

Excellent comment, Ken, thats exactly what I do think about it as well. For a self defense handgun no RD is required at all but good iron sights with low light capabillity.

[@ReapAndReave]

Fantastic video Hackathorn! Thank you for this. I've never seen one of the "tactical bros" on KZbin be able to have an intelligent conversation about red dots that's actually grounded in reality.

[@super1million11]

we have a similar problem in the car community. people talk about how you just gotta have that automatic transmission to the point that they don't even talk about engines anymore.

[@chrismarshall4486]

I’m 41 been shooting my entire life. I completely agree with you. There are a lot of pluses but there are negatives too. The biggest thing for me for a negative is people don’t train enough but that’s with anything. Me personally, I have astigmatism and can’t use a red dot because they all starburst with me. I do just fine with iron sights like I always have though. So…

[@kameelramdhin7403]

Loved this video, it's 1 of the more realistic gun videos out there on the internet

[@candidob8683]

Completely agree.

[@turtletruth]

Politicians, Police, and MADD understand that Non-violent VICTIMLESS felony convictions that permanently abolish gun rights are key to trickery in abolishing all guns and ammunition! Eternally removing 2nd Amendment rights for victimless non-violent crimes (Without vehicle accidents, victims, or even incidents) while conveniently allowing these same newly created felons to keep their "voting rights" (based on victimless crimes) is for anti-gun & bullet reasons! Government wisdom: Allowing new (Non-violent) "felons" with eternally removed gun rights to keep their voting rights, would persuade a vote to abolish all guns & bullets! If Non-violent felons can't legally possess a single bullet then nobody should possess bullets! PERIOD. Make no mistake these newly created (Non-violent) felons (Moms and Dads) are coming after your guns next, with vengeance, for equality!!

[@davidfrank6432]

Ken...Outstanding overview! Fair and balanced with context to all your key points. I'm "older guy" too so I went to MRDS on my Sig P365X. You nailed it! I'm decent and comfortable after maybe 800-1,000 rounds plus some dry firing, but really, with unaided vision using slide focus and natural point of aim my shots are combat effective IMHO out to 7 yards...at 10 decent. When a guy like you talks about MRDS, old guys like me listen intently!! Lots of hype out there. Thanks for sharing years and thousands of rounds worth of real experience!

[@ashbrodie3275]

Absolutely GREAT video...I am 73 years old with over 34+ years as a LEO, and I agree with everything you have said. I've tried all the holsters, lights, lasers and now red dots, BUT, my most carried gun is a full size 1911 45acp or an Officer's size 1911 45acp. Keep up the good work.

[@ava9oh1282000]

Remember when cops carried revolvers? Why did we change again? Oh that's right because the semi autos were better in every way... The same way dots are better than irons in every way?... Lol geezers gonna geezer.

[@bernardconeghen]

have you ever heard anyone in a gun fight say an optic made the difference

[@MaxQ2989]

Great vid, great wisdom and experience, and all common sense. Just removed an RMR from my VP9 and went back to iron nightlights (Trijicon). Not being a 1%er but practicing often I find the iron much quicker to acquire since that’s what I’ve always used (going on 70). Thanks

[@gowilsoncombat]

Right on

[@ramoncote1620]

Same here. Just more comfortable with iron sights. 43 years with iron sights I’m fine without a red dot on a pistol. My rifles I do like them

[@4242SLAYER]

Very good information, especially after going through a recent training I truly realized how much work the transition to red dot requires after shooting my whole life with iron sights

[@disgracebook5708]

I’ve thought about this topic for years, and find myself most comfortable with open sights, especially in a quick decision moment (practice scenarios). Prefer good iron sights & a flashlight.

[@tvstevie9594]

How dare anyone call you an old geiser. Your an excellent instructor and a world class shooter. Your opinion is valued and greatly appreciated.

[@RedHuntsman]

Being an old geezer is a badge of honor I wear proudly.

[@faiz_bham]

How is he a world class shooter?

[@musicman1eanda]

Does he compete? Where are his videos showing him pushing accuracy and speed?

[@tvstevie9594]

@@faiz_bham In 1980 Mr. Hackathorn was ranked #10 in competitive shooting. Thats #10 in the United States.

[@Sheild_against_the_wicked556]

These guys definitely created many common drills we all use. That said, this video is, sadly, fuddlore. This is a prime example of becoming "stuck in your ways."

[@sk8erguyjake]

I love this video. As a relatively new concealed carrier and firearm owner, sometimes it can be overwhelming with all the gear recommendations and trends. I like the focus on simplicity. I also laughed at this description of the “cool kids”. It does seem like all of the Internet influencers carry appendix and have red dots haha. I recommend if you’re curious that you try a red dot. When I’ve tried them on handguns, I’ve been surprised at how long it took time to find the dot itself. I think in a short range defensive scenario that irons are going to be preferable for amateur firearm owners

[@Tonympiotrowski]

I agree %100, I'm not that new to concealed carry but I consider my knowledge of firearms to be relatively new, I train for the reason i'm carrying, self defense, I think for me iron sights are going to be the best, 10 yards or shorter, this guy has fired more rounds than I would fire in 3 lifetimes, I have all the respect in tbe world for his opinoin.

[@andrewaldrich3602]

Train to draw to the dot. It doesn’t take THAT long to get used to

[@paulrietveld9837]

​@@andrewaldrich3602lol no

[@jimhartzell5092]

I glad to hear this; I've been shooting iron sighted 1911's 45 since the 80's. If I still handgun hunted maybe... Keep up the great job Ken ! Stay Strong and Be Safe !!

[@alienresearchlab]

Very valid points. Iron sights - clear front sight post / blurry target. Red dot sight - clear target / blurry red dot. I stick w iron sights too but I''m also old and was taught in the USMC. They generally know what they are talking about. Informative video!

[@doclucky1956]

Ken, a very worthwhile video that anyone considering putting a red dot on their pistol needs to watch. I think the 2 most important points you made pretty much sum it up. Firstly, the facts bear out the reality that if you’re proficient with iron sights at 10 yards and you practice at the range once a week, you really have little to no need of another 4-8 ozs. on your sidearm.

[@davidgaines8607]

4-8 ounces ?

[@jdev232]

Unless you want to be more accurate. Further distance, your ability to be more accurate greatly increases with a dot.

[@jonnsmusich]

Yeah I've seen this at the range I use. 10 yards? What's the point? If I couldn't put five rounds in a three inch target at 15 yards I'd go buy a shotgun.

[@davidgaines8607]

@@jonnsmusich Funny you say that . There's a test for that . It's actually called the test. Or 10/10/10 drill. 10 shots ,10 yards , under 10 seconds on a b8 bullseye repair center target. 95 score and above means your decent at shooting if you make time. Try it cold. Be honest and report back.

[@jdev232]

@@davidgaines8607 it's only 30ft. 10yrds is warm up distance for some people. Lol

[@paulheinz2145]

The reason "old guys" do know is they can still remember! Now "real old guys" like me don't remember a lot of what they experienced. Thank God we have guys like you Ken reminding us. It a shame young guys don't realize how smart those old guys were, until they are.

[@wilycoyote9091]

I am old and able to remember pretty much everything of significance that has ever happened to me. I've had guns since I was a teenager and then went more than a decade without picking up a gun. I went to a range with a friend and found that although I wasn't able to put them through the same hole, I was quite comfortable and able to get some decent groupings which would have been tight enough to get the job done if I was involved in a "bump in the night" incident. It wasn't as much any retained muscle memory as it was mentally focusing on what I wanted to do and then being able to execute it at a respectable level. Sort of like the riding a bike saying I guess. The part about anyone listening to an old guy anymore is due in part to our culture not valuimg wisdom gained from lifes' experiences, which I just realize is the way it is so go ahead and burn your hand on the hot stove if that's what makes you feel better, everyone to their own.

[@WorldClassSatanist]

@paul Heinz what?

[@willmo8238]

Some old guys still want to sell buggy whips. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGPOqYOvg795abM

[@charlieandhudsonspal7031]

Amen

[@sampleentry5253]

Listening to "old guys" all the damn time is how you get stagnant and never develop anything new.

[@cjguitarman7991]

Ken’s main point: “you need to practice with a red dot optic to become good at it.” But it’s the same for iron sights: you need to practice to be good at it. And he starts the video by saying that for new shooters a red dot is quicker to learn. Most of this advice is about whether someone who is already highly proficient with iron sights should switch to a dot optic.

[@96stealth]

He came across as dogmatic to me. He said you’re on crack if you think it’s better inside of 10 yards. Just an absolute false statement. He put himself on a pedestal. Meaning if he doesn’t see better results, then no one else will. Also by insulting the viewer, he showed he unwilling to hear any arguments. He will and did just dismiss any.

[@thatsmytwocents4372]

Not sure if that was the internet, but perception plays a huge role. My feeling is that inside 10 yards it’s a point and shoot game, not much aiming needed. That’s how i understood what he said, but hey, That’s just My Two Cents !!!

[@96stealth]

@@thatsmytwocents4372 For me using a dot pretty much is point shooting except you are actually confirming that you are on target. Iron sights for precision requires proper sight alignment and is a more gross way of aiming due to the size of irons, more obstruction due to (for me personally) not being able to shoot with both eyes open with irons. I present the gun properly and get a clear and precise sight picture. No alignment. Just, is the dot on target then press trigger. I would love to see someone point shoot a .5” dot consistently at even 5 yards. I would not feel comfortable point shooting at someone 7+ yards away just because I can do it. We are talking about moving targets under stress. There’s a video of a guy selling air Jordan’s to someone in a parking lot. Both men had a group of friends around them. They both pulled guns on each other point blank firing multiple rounds. As far as I know no one was hit. Just stupid luck that no one did. I’m not putting faith in not aiming with precision when it matters. Again, for me personally both eyes open on a clear target and a dot on that target is better than one eye closed aligned sights on a fuzzy target. Point shooting only acceptable at maybe 6’. I’ve done bill drills sub 2 sec, so I’m more than competent.

[@UrsineArms]

​@@96stealthyouve articulated the reality of the situation far better than my short patience for fudds

[@UrsineArms]

@@IronsitePistols did I ruffle the little fuddy buddy's feathers, poor little guy

[@kahunaal1631]

I shoot red dots. 65 years old. I agree with everything this video says. Learned something about emitters too. Practice, practice, practice. Thanks. I mix use iron and red dot shooting. It requires objectivity and awareness of what I am doing.

[@thinman8621]

Thank you, Mr. Hackathorn for a well thought out, pros and cons sharing of your views. Marketing folks are pushing the red dot narrative. Different people will find different answers. My edc pistol is fine without a red dot. I do have a red dot on one of my range recreation pistols. Again, great video. Thanks

[@phlashtheband4939]

Totally agree! Call me old school but I'll just stick with simple open sights. Easy, durable, idiot proof and just plain work!

[@twe_music]

Bet U Still Use Newspaper's Instead Of Internet 😅😅😅 Its Call Better Life Pops

[@phlashtheband4939]

@@twe_music You been watching?

[@phlashtheband4939]

It would be "It's called" if you are wanting to sound intelligent, Lol.@@twe_music

[@trailerhaul8200]

@@twe_musici bet you still use spoon and fork

[@Brett235]

Same here. I've tried the optics and I really see no point. To each their own.

[@johnfaris309]

Brilliant insights Ken. Thank you very much for sharing your considerable experience.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Magilla_Gorilla7.62x39]

The only considerable experience here is Johns ability to kiss ass. 😂 You sound so paid for.

[@maybe5883]

What an intelligent man sharing common sense truths. I was seriously considering a red dot, after considering the information offered as well as my frequency of practice, I opted to install upgraded hard sights. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience.

[@anonymousf454]

Do you have adjustable or fixed sights?

[@murder0ne]

I've never liked red dots on handguns until I started shooting with night vision. When using nods a red dot on your handgun is indispensable. Literally a game changer.

[@wesbrown5601]

It would be, but then you've also radically changed the parameters of the situation, Ken even acknowledged this in his comments. But it average daylight conditions, is there really a difference?

[@murder0ne]

@@wesbrown5601 I agree with Ken, just saying red dots do have a legit niche. I'm a 1% gun guy and I still don't run a dot on my carry gun.

[@Josh-mk7ok]

@@wesbrown5601 there’s plenty of videos explaining the pros of a red dot. They are factually better in a lot of areas. Garand thumb, 1911 syndicate, warrior poet, colion Noir all have videos on this subject.

[@wesbrown5601]

@@Josh-mk7ok there are pros and cons for any tool, the final decision is up to the user and what works best for them.

[@Visual217]

​@@murder0neif the niche is every use of a handgun, then yes, it is a niche

[@seanreese311]

Very good information. After shooting iron sights for 50 years it’s tuff to switch just to “keep up with the times”.

[@T20-c8f]

Ever get into the channel sage dynamics? He was a red dot hater back in the day and made videos on how it’s slower than irons and worse than irons. That’s if you dig deeeep into it like 8 years. Now he has a Bible of white papers on dots and single handedly converted so many LEO departments and agencies to dot. He goes into the science on it and he is the man. I love my irons but I also love my dot. The dot is superior. We went through the same thing with carbines not 30 years ago. Everyone was anti dots and thought they were a gimmick. They have since forever changed the battlefield and people dog on Russia for not having dots on everything. These are the same for pistols. It’s a matter of the eye being evolved for first focal plane shooting not front sight focus. It’s amazing. But irons are deadly as can be and won’t under gun you. Not to mention you look cool with em like driving an old sting ray without a seatbelt. It’s sick

[@Brett235]

I've only been hunting for about 35 years and I am going back to iron sights on my rifles. I will not shoot at an animal if it is farther than I can comfortable see with the iron sights. Just personal preference.

[@T20-c8f]

@@Brett235 for sure to that. There’s such a sport component to hunting it’s insane. The media will have you believe it’s all poachers jumping out the truck with a dip in and taking a shot off the hood. It can be that, but it can also be archery, muzzleloader, shotgun, pistol, rifle, irons vs optics, you name it. That’s my favorite part is hunting is more of a categorical term akin to the word sports. Going muzzleloader vs 300 magnum if ur pronghorn hunting is like comparing soccer and basketball.

[@Firstamongstslowbois]

If our pocket pistols don’t have 20 round magazines a compensated 3in barrel a weapon light and 1/4lb trigger we will lose the gun fight 😢😭😭😭🤪

[@jardinero9112]

Don't forget about the wizbang 2,000?

[@phillipneill7315]

Every self-defense pistol must have a bayonet!

[@Firstamongstslowbois]

@@phillipneill7315 and storage for a Tourniquet Band-Aids for USCCA membership card and skittles.

[@MrSomeofthem]

😂😂😂😂 100%

[@nmr6988]

👍🏼😆💯

[@livennick9]

Dang it I like this guy. So much truth in 20 minutes. Bad part is a lot of people anymore is they only listen to things they want to hear. The ones that need to hear this 20 minutes won’t actually listen to it. 2 minutes in they are probably already thinking about how they are going to argue against what Ken is saying instead of hearing him. Awesome job man!!!!

[@DavidJones-zv1tv]

Great video Ken! Your wisdom is greatly needed in the gun community.

[@Roswell850]

No wisdom there, just Fudlore

[@debelmeis2311]

Lol does not agree must disparage

[@ghostwolf4354]

Thank you for this discussion. I have a red dot on an AR pistol and another on a full-size SIG P320, and I like them. But none of my carry pistols have them, and the P320 is set up to co-witness with the tritium iron sights; I practice firing that one both ways. I think I'll keep being one of the "not cool kids" on my EDC pistols.

[@proverbialmind_spread9421]

I switched due to my eye sight. Getting near sighted and I had always stuck with iron sights but after trying an RDO it really helped. I imagine it's different from person to person and how they adjust.

[@9770G]

The thing I find dumb about this discussion is that no one talks about how u can get really good at BOTH. Not just one or the other. For a SHTF/Duty pistol seems a red dot with iron sights that cowitness is the way to go. But for EDC you’d probably be fine with just irons as your probably not gonna have to use that thing at further distances to depend yourself in public.

[@joshuabriggs7114]

An excellent overall treatment Ken; thank you!

[@jamestickle5668]

Great insights, sir! I agree, dots have their place. For me, I've tried them on several handguns. Some still sport them, others were returned back to irons. #1 Suppressed 1911, red dot. Raised sight above can and adjust to impact change. #2 Shield carry gun, irons. Dot has no advantage in sight acquisition at SD distance and irons have less bulk. #3 CP33 suppressed, red dot. More precise as this is used for squirrel hunting. Love it for this application! I have some "younger" friends who sware by dots. Personally, for SD I prefer irons but, dots have a definite advantage when more precision is needed.

[@dougr5379]

I prefer iron sights. However, as my eyes age, I find it harder to focus on them. I've been adding red/green dot reflex sights to a number of handguns along with suppressor height sights so I can co-witness. I recently added reflex sights to a couple of Glock G40s which I use almost exclusively for hunting and honestly improved my accuracy at long range significantly.

[@AverageGunPerson]

Have you tried XS big dot sights?

[@spyputs660]

They are GREAT!, Got the Big one on my front sight iron back ups on my AR.@@AverageGunPerson

[@johnwoo6488]

For me, RDSs opened up a whole new world. I certainly have not trained as much as Ken but I always felt "uncomfortable" with iron sights. The RDS as a sighting system was just a lot more intuitive. I feel like I've always wanted to employ target focus and so using a RDS is so much more natural...for me. I even started to enjoy pistol shooting more than when I only had iron sights. Everyone has to use what works for them and I'm not discounting anything Ken has to say. If you have co-witnessed irons, you can have it all without reservations.

[@John_Malloy]

Feel the same--never comfortable with iron sights. I think most people here are making a "cost benefit analysis." They feel that they shoot fine with irons. This is weighed against a lot of time and expense getting a dot when you consider the dot itself, and most likely a new holster and even a new gun or slide.

[@randykoster6587]

I have to disagree on the "0 - 10 yards no advantage" point. This may be an exception more than a rule, but it's a true counterpoint. My 80 YO dad carries a Sig P365XL. I went shooting with him over the summer and found that at 10 yards he can't hit s**t with the iron sights, even with careful aim. He wasn't even on paper. I gave him one of my guns with a green dot to try and he was hitting on target every single time. Guess what he got as an early birthday gift for his Sig. If he's going to carry, he should be able to hit something. My SWAT marksman brother agrees. You must concede that red dots (and green dots) are a wonderful thing for older eyes. I've seen the proof and am not the only one who's said as much. I don't think it's an outlier either.

[@charlieandhudsonspal7031]

I’m showing my wife the part where you said I was pretty smart. But seriously I’m out of commission right now from surgery and have been watching a lot of WC videos. Great info and wisdom. Thank you very much.

[@STANDupPhilosopher73]

About 25 years ago ( roughly half my lifetime ago) I bought my first set of XS big dots somewhat due to the fact that I was already familiar with Ashley express sights and I loved them, there is a bit of a learning curve to them but I put in the range time and became proficient with them, these days I not only love them, I kinda need them as my eyesight has diminished as most peoples do, I have them on everything pistols, rifles, shotguns, and even my scout rifle backup sight is an XS tritium stripe. I tried to go down the rabbit hole of red dots on pistols, I simply did not like them and the good ones are so damn expensive I choose to spend that money on ammo and range time and IMO that is a better investment, but then... I have never been one of the cool kids. great video and valuable information my friend, take care.

[@lancek3387]

Almost exactly what I do also, for the same reasons.

[@cwsmith17]

Big Dot is the way to go for fighting with a firearm.

[@graynotescartridgebox]

A lot of dudes are paying $120-150 for night sights that still need to be replaced every five or so years. If you don’t shoot the gun and tear them up, you will get maybe ten years when the tritium dies. A great dot can be had for $350. So it costs $200 more for a dot on your gun and it takes a $3 battery once every year.

[@M1911jln]

I tried an XS big dot. I absolutely despise them. I was much less accurate with an XS big dot than standard iron sights.

[@CWHolleman]

@@M1911jln They obscure far too much of the target..which may be fine for 5-7 yard shots but poor for anything else.

[@Paladin1873]

On a somewhat related topic, I have heard a rumor that in the past game have been successfully taken beyond 100 yards with nothing more than iron sights. Is such a feat humanly possible?

[@66smithra]

Yeah it's crazy! I even hit things at 500 meters with a black powder 45-70 and iron sights! I must be super human!

[@Paladin1873]

@@66smithra Indeed you must. Does the cape help?

[@timjohnson8390]

Guess it's all in what one is accustomed to shooting with or without

[@ifly64s]

The US Army rifle qualification course is from 50 to 300 meters. Iron sights were all we had until the last decade or so.

[@ronfox5519]

Only as a tictok stunt. But in real life- no way. Cant be done.

[@guillermowilliams2970]

Thank you sir for setting me straight, I thought it was just me, because I shoot poorly with multiple red dots. I do fairly well with my iron sites because I've shoot thousands of rounds that way. I have a hugh learning curve to get use to my red dots. Thank you again sir great video and thank you for your expertise.

[@michaelparks2398]

He didn’t set you straight. He isn’t capable of switching to a dot, so he fed you a list of excuses as to why you shouldn’t either and it was what you wanted to hear.

[@starboy3735]

all you just said was "im not willing to break my habits because it takes effort"

[@SeedFiddler-kp4eg]

Thank you for your objective presentation. That's kind of hard to find. What I needed to know is, a) whether a red dot is worth the investment for self defense, and b) and for longer distance just-for-fun competition. You've answered both of those questions clearly and I'm grateful to you for having shared your experience. God bless, Miles

[@uberspider1384]

The thing about extended yardage engagements is that if you needed a $400 red dot with the training to hit the 40yard or whatever shot, maybe just avoiding the engagement would be the best strategy either way. Situational awareness is the real skill we need to be safe, to be honest

[@thickseed]

Best comment.

[@edbigtruck]

Shooting in a competition like Steel Challenge and hitting a plate a 35 yards isn’t about tactical engagement. It is skill building Much like shooting Bullseye at 50’yards. While I agree situational awareness is key. Not every type shooting event isn’t about tactical. Some are building skill and accuracy just because.

[@kalashnikovdevil]

@@edbigtruck Sure, but people don't justify red dots for competition use. They justify them because a bad guy might get me.

[@edbigtruck]

@@kalashnikovdevil Apparently you can't comprehend my comment.

[@RealtorRod64]

Nice and good advice. I own many pistols even a few with antiquated lasers ;) But only one has a red dot, and it is a 44 mag 7.5 inch revolver I occasionally hunt with. You are spot on, red dots good at distance, iron is fine up close. For occasional shooters stick with simple and no batteries required.

[@mikekare79]

I agree with you. I’m doing it for the distance shots at fun time. For longer shots. Because at 1 to 10 yards, it’s not going to matter which system you’re using.

[@jfhucka1]

I agree, I have been working on getting good with a red dot sight for a while now shooting and dry fire every week. I am still faster (within 10yrds) with irons. Please do a video on how to reduce the issues with these downsides!

[@roberthaldi5253]

I agree - red dots CAN help but takes a lot of time and practice. I’m still a fan of regular sights and lasers. I shoot looking at the sights, but also practice with my lasers. Once lined up, lasers have an advantage: You have to be able to see the red dots for it to work. If you are in a defensive situation where you can’t line your gun and sight up they’re not going to help, whereas with a properly lined up laser only needs to put the dot on the target regardless of your gun positioning. Dot on target pull the trigger. Works for me. Bob Haldi

[@maj.kamper9314]

I like irons but lately I’ve been practicing a lot with RDS’s and I’m a fan now. I’m 40 and only getting older. It helps at night and long shots for sure. Quick target acquisition is key in a self defense situation but it’s always best to train with both. Warrior in a garden!

[@NotedDesperado]

Under the stress of a firefight most people are going to threat focus. I don't care how much range time you've put in with irons, when there's a dude trying to take your life you are going to be focused on him. Red dots work with our instincts and for that reason, i'm in.

[@Dean-b2f]

#! most balanced (yet comprehensive ) presentation on this subject ! I could no longer shoot fast and accurate at distance w/my big Bomar target sights on my 1911 (my EDC for 30 years). I had no choice . . . After 500 Rnds. I am STILL not as effective below 18 yards !! It will take much more/longer to get to 100%.

[@notmyrealname2516]

I’ve been using red dots since a few months after I started shooting. The reason for this swap(for me) is that I’m cross dominant and irons are complicated to shoot at speed and at distance for me. Dots are really an advantage for shooters with bad vision.

[@SasquatchComposites]

I’m new to shooting and I have tried to learn to shoot with both eyes open and haven’t been able to figure it out yet. My uncle let me try his red dot once and immediately I could shoot with both eyes open no problem.

[@loganpinkham2000]

@@SasquatchComposites most people use only one eye when shooting iron sights.

[@vintagejoehill]

I'm also cross dominant and I picked up the red dot very quickly, despite a couple of decades of shooting with iron sights. Much better on my eyes and honestly I just shoot better with a red dot than I ever did with irons. I never have been able to shoot a 2 inch target with a pistol even at 15 yards, until I did with a red dot. Whole new experience. Once it's zeroed it's like a cheat mode has been activated.

[@ShaunShearman]

I'm cross dominant and shoot really well with iron sights, try adjusting your hold and position of the gun to help with dominant eye focus. I've seen plenty of left eye shooters hold their gun like they're right eye dominant and then question why they have poor groups ! It only takes a small adjustment to the angle of grip to reap huge benefits, practise is the key

[@vintagejoehill]

@@ShaunShearman yeah I had to learn to turn my head sliightly to the right so I could sight with my left eye lol. It was just small adjustments (cheats) that helped me with iron sights

[@joelk9603]

Ken, great thoughts about using a red dot sight, very practical perspective. At self-defense distances with a carry piece, I never use a red dot. Just one more costly thing to break with no increase in accuracy. When shooting for fun at a B8 target at 25 yards, a red dot on my Ruger Mark-4 puts them all in the black. Different tools for different jobs.

[@joebudde3302]

I'm 2 months from 70 and decided not to go red dot, spent my career (33 yrs LE) using iron, too hard and too expensive to relearn. You make excellent points, great episode.

[@killjoy117007]

I mean if you’re 70 then yea bro just stick with irons

[@bernardconeghen]

its kind of like that old saying if its not broke it does not need fixing

[@ColonialMinuteman]

Absolutely correct! Well said sir! I’m a 15 yards and under shooter. After 56 years, my eyes can’t see well enough to be confident in shooting beyond that. Being responsible for every round that misses is a chance I’m not willing to take at those distances. I have my pistol set up with iron sights (XS Big Dot) for fast acquisition to get rounds on target fast. I’ve tried red/green dots and I just could never get comfortable with electronics on my pistol. We’ve fought many wars with iron sights and they work. If I was younger and my motoring skills were as sharp as they used to be, I’d be on board with dots (maybe). I qualify a minimum of twice a year for a security team, and I see many guys with dots on their pistols, yet none of them are tearing a hole in the center of the target. When you’re firing three rounds in 3 seconds from a concealed carry position, time is not your friend. Rounds on target in seconds are the only thing that matters!

[@egmjag]

I prefer red dots on long guns. I purchased lasers on my pistols years ago, including a Crimson Trace laser-light combo. I feel exactly the same as you do about red dots, especially for my EDC gun. In most cases, you will point and shoot during an imminent threat in close quarters where a laser is more practical for an older person like me in his late 50s. Plus I’m more used to lasers on my hand guns because I’ve had them for about 7 years.

[@ronaldjohnson1474]

The "best" red dot sights for "long guns" (rifles) have a 2moa dot. That won't work well at 300 yards, because it obscures 6 inches of the target.

[@dennisjones9044]

I was thinking about getting a red dot sight, I shoot about 50-100 rounds a week at 10-25 yard targets, but after fifty years of shooting I have "Front post" burned into my brain and muscle memory, if I get one it will go on the range toy, Ken has me convinced to go with what I know for self defense

[@addisonclark1883]

Adrenaline increases your heart rate, elevates your blood pressure and boosts energy supplies. It also makes it almost impossible to focus on something small, 2 or 3 feet in front of you. You will be threat focused anyway, red dot is superior for target focus shooting

[@spencegame]

Why not train yourself to use something objectively better? Just because it goes down doesn't mean you instantly forget how to shoot irons.

[@williamj4538]

Solid content and knowledge as always. 👌

[@gowilsoncombat]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@markpickett5898]

I’m new to sidearms and I really appreciate your opinion. I’m old enough to know when starting anything you, you end up spending tons of money on things you regret later. Much respect.

[@dts1910]

Thoughtful presentation. Agree 100% about practice. I have two dot pistoles and was stunned when I grabbed one and the bat was dead. I really didn't believe it, so you must check your bat condition regularly.

[@the-original-ghost]

You may want to look into shake awake red dot. I am forgetful and its forgiving.

[@larrymajor1487]

In a world full of "experts" whose primary experience is doing a google search and quoting each other, it's refreshing to hear real world thoughts from a man who has been there for a while. Thank you for what you do.

[@libra7624]

its handed down the grapevine from one so called expert to the next and many worship them as a god not being a free thinker and questioning how the experts got the data and if they are cherry picking, building a straw dummy or having a personal bias that keeps them stuck thinking only one way is the right way, to many people are sheep to the experts and need to do independent research for themselves and stop believing famous gun gurus and experts as so kind of god who is always right, like some kind of gun cult mentality

[@libra7624]

@Strelok Stalker thats why good information is often just smoke and mirrors, the gun community is so much into marketing and youtube channels with a buck to be made they will find a way to make it look like you need some product or gizmo for your gun, notice how only money making channels support each other, they will never pin a channel to top comments like mine who never never made a dime or who wants to make a dime, they all stick together for a buck and other youtube channels they often will never look at or see good old wisdom we can offer about topics, if a youtube channel sells a product its more that person is into marketing and could care less for the second amendment cause unless there is a buck to be made, they use optics as a gold rush trend but after things cool off and they dont make money its off to some other dumb gizmo, like clint smith said at thunder ranch, stop putting junk on your guns, the optics companies this video treads on their greedy deep pockets and they hate this video so they jump in with reasons why you need a optic, as a veteran also i know that marketing uses giving to vets as a measns to validate why they rip off people on prices or convincing someone they need something they dont, charity is often used to manipulate people, they use it so you will think they are decent people but most want to rip you off and have an extra house somewhere and could care less about the second amendment cause or our constitution or our veterans

[@tm1180]

He also SELLS RED DOTS

[@tm1180]

I assume we're NOT talking about either home , EDC or general self-defence, because at 7 yds, if you need red, you're dead

[@DK-gy7ll]

I've been experimenting with a red dot for close to a year now, and so far my experience has been the same. At distance I can hit much better than with iron sights. Up close I'm actually slower on target and the accuracy is no better. Red dots have their place, and I encourage others to try them out, but don't let them replace something that works (irons) until you are sure you have gotten good enough with them to exploit the advantages and mitigate the issues.

[@signal-0productions183]

Same for me.

[@musicman1eanda]

You're likely slower up close because you're looking for the dot. Try taking Scott Jedlinski's red dot course. He talks about using the top of the optic body, the glass, or the butt of the gun to aim within 5yds.

[@spacep0d]

I appreciate your point of view. I'm a new shooter and from day one I've had a red (green) dot, so I'm used to it. You're right though, it offers no advantage for close-range shooting or even home defense unless for some reason you're lying in wait for someone who's in the process of busting a window or door. That's where it can be useful, even in the dark (theoretically). Either way, I'm glad they exist.