How to Sight In a Red Dot on your Pistol

Whether you're new to pistols or a seasoned vet, here's a complete guide to mounting and sighting in a red dot on your favorite handgun.
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[@RWMAirgunsmithing]

Clicked on 3-4 videos before this one... This is exactly what I wanted to know, didnt learn anything from the others.

[@davidugarte3826]

Glad this guy got to the point quickly. Previous video I was watching was at the 10 minute mark and the guy was still babbling about god knows what.

[@knockoutartist101]

DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE!!!! SAME HERE!!! I don't like subscribing but I had to on this one. This guy is so thorough. A++

[@calm707]

Right???

[@sandeepthakur6825]

.

[@trevorfife9241]

Same same haha

[@leon21th64]

I just bought a handgun and installed red dot (SIG P226 Extreme). I watched about a dozen you tube videos but the more I watched the more it became confused. Not until I watch your video, it is clear. Thanks Vortex Optics, you have a very concise video which explain just the main points without wasting time like others did. Just one thing. If you also show how you aimed the red dot (the little window) to the target then it would be perfect

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Hi Leon! Thanks so much for tuning in! We're happy to hear our video helped you out. We also really appreciate the feedback and will take it into consideration for future videos. Thanks again!

[@donrollo7329]

Excellent video, this is by far the best one I have seen on how to sight in a red dot. Simple and concise, you can toss out ALL the other videos on the topic because this is all you need. Thank you very much!

[@hughjassole1430]

Wish I could say the same, but this is like watching a video in Russian for me. I can’t figure out what these guys are talking about. I’ve added a dot to my pistol & my AR & for the life of me cannot get it to zero in. I’m much better sticking to irons. Or I need to take a class somewhere on these dots.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

We sure do appreciate you tuning in Don! Glad you found it helpful!

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

@@hughjassole1430 Hey Hugh! If you could still use some help on this, give us a call at 1-800-4VORTEX ext. 5 and we can go through it/answer questions for you!

[@willybober2]

IMO vortex makes the best quality optics for the price. And their customer service is top-notch as well. I'll be a lifelong customer

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

We appreciate that, my friend! Thanks for being a part of Vortex Nation!

[@AaronSmith-vx4pp]

Cant forget the logo looks awesome to

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

@@AaronSmith-vx4pp heck yeah! 👊

[@ThatGuy-sc5rx]

I can attest to them having some of the best customer service around.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

@@ThatGuy-sc5rx 🤜🤛

[@shawnbalch6046]

I ran a 10 yard zero for a while, but I switched to a 25 yard zero recently. I read an article where it was shown how a 25 yard yard actually helps with tightening groups at closer ranges such as 12, and 5. Last time at the range my shots at all types of distances were on point. A 10 yard zero is great for most self defense distances.

[@thewatcher4552]

Yeah seems more logical 10-15

[@oneweak8938]

So 10 or 25? Which is better?

[@craignowlan9667]

@@oneweak8938 Best to do both. Do ten first the 25. If you go back to ten your shots will be damn near through the same hole. This video is good but check out the one Swampfox did. Even better!

Best video on this subject I have seen so far. The others are overly complicated and long-winded. Thanks.

[@HuntertheHunter9964]

I’ve never used a red dot on a pistol before, I picked one up for my edc gun. I was struggling hard to zero it. I was aligning my irons with the dot. I watched multiple other videos and no one mentioned not to do that. Thank you!!!

[@jmejia4321]

Recommend showing in video the red dot on the target, i.e., show in video what your eye sees

[@amorton94]

Your eyes will show a red dot on the target... Doesn't add much to the video.

[@MuayThaiTherapy]

Professionally done. Currently in market for red dot to go with my pistol. Very helpful.

[@HitSTXLax]

Just a reminder to everyone to make sure that you confirm zero with your carry ammo. Odds are they are quite different POIs.

[@ripjohnson2121]

Good point

[@GOmegaPHD]

Does that really make a difference within 5-10 feet? I feel like most 9mm is going to act identically within around 10 feet

[@HitSTXLax]

@@GOmegaPHD shouldn’t be an issue at short range but if you plan on making 15+ yard shots on target, don’t expect them to impact identically.

[@DanielAngelLuna]

At 25 yards? Like an inch.

[@HitSTXLax]

@@DanielAngelLuna I would say closer to 3” at 25 yards with a 7 yard zero.

[@NZbo-.-.-614]

Just bought my first dot. Holoson 407C. Really excited. This video is going to be a great help! So simple and straight forward!!

[@williamstanley9722]

Within the glass of the red dot, where are you locating/putting the dot? I’m new to red dots and thought that the red dot had to be viewed through the glass on top of the front sight.

[@mnmonkey101406]

I just bought my first gun with a red dot attached and your advice at 2:10 put my mind at ease.

[@hunt4life56]

The one thing everyone with this type of instruction on sighting in a red dot never says. Where in the window should the red dot be? Center or towards the bottom? In other words where in the window should you put the dot? I am new to trying a red dot sight sorry if some may think this a dumb question!

[@frankmischler4424]

When I aim with my Glock 19 I have to slightly tilt it forward to catch the red dot

[@dominic6634]

​@@frankmischler4424same for my vp

[@royalewithcheese25J]

It needs to be centered in the window. If it’s at bottom you are aligning to your iron sights.

[@stevenlocklear7546]

With both eyes open correct?​@@royalewithcheese25J

[@rogercaruthers2584]

Not a dumb question. Parallax and distance youd like for anything suitable and realistic for pistol itll be fairly negligible. Unless youre hoping to be within 3-4” each and every time which I’ll tell you past 25 yards with a pistol youd be hard pressed to find ppl who can consistently hit within that. If youre getting that deep into it just keep your dot smaller but the work is really going to be keeping your pistol or revolver solid regardless of recoil snd other things like that. Think about what you're wanting from it. Hunting vs carry vs range. Be realistic in what snd how you practice for which scenario snd roll with it

[@stephendenlinger3514]

Outstanding video. I'm about to sight in an SMSc on my Springfield Hellcat and your video is perfect. Right to the point. Nothing extraneous, especially blah, blah. A++

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Right on, Stephen! Thanks for tuning in and let us know if you have any questions!

[@davidcunningham6856]

Dude, great tutorial! You really dialed that Red Dot in!

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Thanks for tuning in, David!

[@numberone-kb2kh]

You mean nailed

[@bigvalona]

So just to make sure, you align the red dot sight to the x on the target correct? And when it's off you make the adjustments based on everytime you aim at the x ?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

You are 100% correct!

[@billtshudy3653]

AWESOME video. Everything you need to know to do this correctly. Thank You Sir.

[@stonezz8863]

Awesome easy to understand and perfect timing! I just bought the vortex viper for me Canik elite combat. Just made it that more better

[@ripjohnson2121]

Did Make a mistake I got the razor on my SFX

[@JoEYHiiGHRoLLER]

This is such a good video dude props to you! Well explained.

[@TADDs101]

GREAT easy to understand video, just purchased my first red dot the Holosun 407k and wanted to get a heads up before heading to the range to sight it in. Thanks!

[@liberty9348]

Due to the price of ammo and its availability... I spent 49 bucks on a bore laser that activates when struck by the striker/firing pin. I know that there are tons of different cartridges for the same caliber. I also know that the different projectile weights and charges will affect POI. I got the red dot dialed in perfectly with the laser. It will be interesting to see where live rounds end up downrange.

[@AKDanMusicMan]

Which bore laser did you get?

[@geraldarmstrong5861]

The VORTEX “professors” are AAA+++, world-class instructors with their product!!! That’s why I own a boatload of VORTEX scopes of every kind!!!!!

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Thanks for being a part of Vortex Nation, Gerald!

[@joeflyer1]

Good that you mentioned the shim. I had to use one with a Viper on a Ruger Standard.

[@bradrook3919]

I'm an old Jarhead Rifleman... I've never used a Red Dot before...and want one on the new pistol...thank for explaining the application for using one and how it works... excellent video!

[@garypollard9770]

Finally have found a video that is helpful as far as sighting in my red dot!

[@jerry2847]

the way i sighted my rmr to my glock 19 was with a HYSKORE pistol rest all i did was was line the rmr up on the center of the x on a pistol target at 15 yards and then i took the side champs of the rest and camped the gun down so i do not have to hold it and the rmr red dot is in the middle of the x of the target this is after me shoot one shot i then took my 10 power scope and looked though the rmr so i could see the dot and where the bullet hit all i had to do then was move the reddot on the rmr where the bullet hit ,remember the pistol is clamped down so it is not going to move once the red dot from the rmr is on the hole where the bullet hit this the zero from that distance and it only took me one shot hopes ths helps

[@relentlesstrading1090]

The finest red dot video available.Concise and to the point, thank you so much !!!

[@teambeforeself6839]

Just a preference, I do only one at a time. This means I adjust for L/R and once I have that where I want it, I go to elevation. This affords opportunity to ensure we are using good fundamentals while shooting. I caveat that generally reserve this when I teach new shooters as I can identify other shooting issues.

[@TheOneTrueAJ]

That is good advice!

[@MrSrtman18]

Thats a lot of ammo.

[@RedEmpire36]

Not a bad way, but once you are comfortable it can be done with less than 5 rounds. Don't need to shoot a full string just to make a correction if you know your POA and fundamentals on that particular shot were solid.

[@russlatham7400]

Love the patience and showing each adjustment. Excellent stuff

[@jdeer2790]

Great, brief, video! Answered my question in a clear and concise way, I think I'm ready to go to the red dot system...

[@king.novice0ne156]

Your a humble man, mad respect brother great video straight forward and to the point 😎

[@ChrisB-zz8dh]

This was the best explanation I’ve seen! Thank you brother!

[@hollowpointdefense]

One of the better videos with good explanation....

[@ShiftyKen08]

Great video! I'm actually thinking about getting a Holosun 407k for my 43X and was wondering how difficult it would be to zero. You made it look way too easy!

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Thanks for tuning in - let us know if you have any questions! 👊

[@jonfisher9214]

Clear and concise information. Thank you for the tutorial.

[@agmsmith4079]

Also ppl should realize the best zero depends on the ammo you use in your gun. Your barrel length effects it. I did the ballistics calculations... with my Glock 17 using S&B or PMC 124gr FMJ 9mm, 11 yards is the best zero. With an 11 yard zero you get a +2inches over the dot at around 50 yards and -2inches under your dot at 100 yards. It’s the flattest trajectory out to 100yards that I’ve found. 115gr and 147 grain are no where near as flat. If you have a shorter or longer barrel it will change the arc of the bullet and this zero may not be perfect. But I set it up with my glock34 and glock19 as well as my 17, all with an 11 yard zero (using S&B and/or PMC 124 gr FMJ range ammo) and the over/under of the dot is pretty close still pretty close to +/-2in out to 100 yards. Shooting USPSA, I’ve had courses where we had 50 and 100 yard shots on steel with our handgun and everyone struggled. I walked up, put the dot dead center on the steel silhouette and nailed it every time. With a 15 or 25 yard zero and 115gr bullets, by 100 yards you are hitting something like 12 or 15 inches below your dot, so you really need to be good at knowing your hold overs. With an 11 Yrd zero and 124 gr bullets you don’t have to really think about hold overs until you start getting out to 130 or 150 yards... and remember, this is with a handgun!!! 😱

[@Sunnysky321]

Handgun shooting to 150 yards offhand? Wow, I think most people cannot hit an elephant at that distance.

[@agmsmith4079]

@@Sunnysky321 ...there is a class at California Tactical Academy called “Long Range Handgun”. It’s a great class, teaches everyone how to hit silhouette sizes targets out past 200 yards with a handgun and iron sights.

[@Sunnysky321]

@@agmsmith4079 No kidding. I will take a look. Thx.

[@agmsmith4079]

@@Sunnysky321 yup. It’s taught by Mike Lazarus. They usually offer it two or three times per year.

[@Cortney_Whitecotton]

How is the poi at closer rangers like inside 50yds?

[@EZALAS]

Well done. Helped me sight in my new Romeo1 red dot. Thank you.

[@dsjr1166]

Since there is no sights to line up or cross hair to tell you that you're looking at the center of your optic ,how do you know where the center of your optic is?

[@rahulxsood]

This might be the best video I’ve seen on zeroing.. thank you!

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Right on! Thanks for watching!👊

[@cliffymiracle]

Finally a video that gets right to the point and answers the "co-witness" question...

[@richiev63]

2 years later... I just installed a Crimson Trace Rad Pro on a new Hellcat Pro. Thanks for the video, I'll be sighting in this weekend.

[@aaronray768]

Outstanding video now we get it without all the trying to sound smart BS ...I've seen this effect at the range low left or right with almost everyone who has a red dot & nobody has a clue ..I was on the fence about trying a red dot I'm a classic iron sight guy ,but now I'll try it thanks man

[@panamalee]

OMG 2:08 I just sighted in my red dot and red dot was way far left from my iron sight. But they both shot spot on when using one or the other. SO this section answered my question. Thanks for this part of the video.

[@navyvet88]

This answered all my questions

[@justinhutchinson6517]

Excellent how to video. Great grouping at the end.

[@mr.ros-gamerbr1511]

This is the best video about mounting and adjustment a sighting in a red dot.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@kissforever1970]

Vortex optics are #1 😎

[@michaeldade9325]

Great demo!

[@johnnyb2799]

Great information with a very professional presentation. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

Just picked up the last venom from bass pro, 150$. It's mounted,but not torqued to specs and it looks nice! Gonna watch this multiple times 😅

[@mtnride4930]

Excellent! Just got a red dot and now off to the range. THANKS

[@NBWDOUGHBOY]

i love sight in videos this is one of the best for sure

[@flimsyankle6389]

Just did this last night and got the new toy set and ready to go for next time now thanks a million 🎉🎉

[@vitaly6312]

I appreciate it! Vortex has been good to me, and although my RMR isn’t a vortex, I look forward to their future releases.

[@chief137mike]

These people are so much more than just an optics manufacturer!

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

🤜🤛

[@paulrampon1167]

Extremely professional and informative..thank you

[@xenomorph6665]

Great video. Just bought two, one for my 509 Tactical and FNX Tactical. Found them in FDE. Can’t wait to go to the range and site them in.

[@durhambuildingcompany7356]

Very good video. No unnecessary dialogue, just concise and to the point. Thank you!

[@thuder2]

Excellent video and very clear, precise, and to the point with what you wanna say! Good Work man

[@gregoryselner7261]

Thanks for your easy to understand instructions on how to sight in your handgun with the vortex red dot 🔴 sight. Excellent video.👍

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Thanks for tuning in, Gregory!

[@cheese.n.crackers]

Excellent video. Thanks. I would love to see what your optic site picture looks like once you have it dialed in. The mistake I’m making as a new optic user is trying to cowitness the optic to the iron sights which as you explain is incorrect.

[@jefflanduyt6750]

I have a 3 MOA Venom in my G19 Gen 4 MOS and have had a heck of a time sighting it in. After watching this video, I think I have figured out the problem. Thanks for the great video.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Awesome! Glad to hear that this video helped you, Jeff! If you ever have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

[@RickyJr46]

That was really helpful, thank you so much!

[@mattdaniel2395]

Thabk you for using the visuals, being simple and informative. Keep it up man

[@froggymann65]

I agree with some of the others, I would have liked to see where the dot ended up in relation to the irons. In every case of my having adjusted a red dot on a pistol or rifle, the dot sits right on top of, or just below, the front sight. Lined up with the front sight left to right, of course. Also like mentioned by others, I too have seen dots and scopes where turning the adjustment knobs/screws sent the POI in the opposite direction of what was needed. No rhyme or reason...different brands have done this at various times.

[@markscott9179]

same with me. my dot always seems to be aligned with the front iron dight to be at zero. I don't know if I'm doing something wrong?

[@andycap1980]

Excellent job explaining and demonstrating the process!

[@TheTexasViking]

I just got this red dot optic, shown in the video, with my Canik TP9 SFX. Looking forward to going and sighting it in! As well as looking forward to putting some rounds through my new Canik 9mm!

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Let us know how it goes!

[@jinxthegreat6533]

Thank you for this,lot of info easy to understand. Great job

[@ArtistisMe]

Best video I've seen on this subject. Well explained & shown. Thank You.

[@Whiplash1937]

excellent,informative video sir.well done

[@markrasch]

Excellent informative video. Nice work. Thank you sir! Heading to the range today with a Sig Sauer P320 Pro RXP sight adjustment. Was supposed to be zeroed in at factory, but needs a little tweaking.

[@fujiwaramichaelm6686]

Spot on ! Do the X, then the Y. Thanks. (maybe,😁 use simple clean paper. )

[@tkeeg]

OUTSTANDING video my friend! One of the best and I've seen. Very concise and to the point. I would like to know where I can find a chart that specifies the MOA adjustment amount at certain distances, like you described at 5:08 into the video where you said "at 10 yards one moa is equivalent to about 1/10 of an inch". Thank you again for a great video!

[@bobgibson874]

This is the best video I have seen on the net in awhile. Being a seasoned shooter I like to see how others do things. Well done 👍🏻 All the pistols in the house have vortex red dots. Thanks 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@shenton18]

How you liking those VTX so far, I'm in the market right now . .. the options is ridiculous lol, any help in regards to your personal experience and why you may reccomend.

[@bobgibson874]

@@shenton18 Actually love mine. My edc is a full size 1911 with vtx red dot. With my eye sight getting worse as I get older, I find target acquisition a lot faster. Best investment I’ve ever made. New online 250 couple different options. If it’s not optic ready order the plate and sight mount. Everything is less than 300. If you shop around eBay is my go to. Actual dealers warranty and all. Hope this helps. 🇺🇸

[@VincitOmniaVeritas7]

Tip: If you have one of those mounts for cleaning that have an insert into the mag well, you can keep your handgun stable enough to zero the red dot without measuring the target or counting the clicks. After shooting your first group, just put the red dot in the middle of the target and WHILE KEEPING THE GUN PERFECTLY STILL, adjust elevation and windage so the dot is centered on your first 3 to 5 shot group (if you don’t correctly the barrel is still facing the same POI). Congratulation, your red dot is zeroed and you only need to shoot again if you want to confirm it.

[@ChrisHansenSWFL]

This is a great video full of good, practical advice. Thanks

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@markroath98]

Excellent presentation, and very informative.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@PeterFusco]

Excellent video. Great job.

[@shredwerd009]

I got the same sight for my Walther and found this video. Half way through I thought "wow what a really helpful video" and what do you know, I look down and see who it's by. Great video. Can't wait for Walther to send my mount plate to put that viper on and get to the range.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Heck yeah - we appreciate you tuning in! Let us know what you think of the Viper once you get it on your Walther 👊

[@shredwerd009]

@@VortexOpticsUSA EDIT: i saw you answered this in another question in the comment section. the answer is "remove the optic to unlock and adjust sights". but i'll leave my comment as is anyway. I actually just got the mount. Should I remove the rear sight because otherwise I'd have to take off the entire sight in order to unlock the windage, which seems like a hassle. Sorry if a dumb question, but it looks like in the video you don't have one on there (at 4:28). Never really used a red dot so excuse my ignorance. just seems like removing the viper to unlock, then adjust, then lock again would lead to problems. i'll do it if i have to, but the process of removing the rear sights seems excessive based on the videos, but like i said, i'll do it if i have to.

[@RobotCoder1951]

Thanks for putting co-witnessing in its proper perspective. There's a lot of online misinformation on that subject.

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

Of course! Happy to help!

[@kingd3823]

thank you for not trying to over complicate this! also muffling the sound of the gun shots! lol

[@traviscase447]

Good video. I only have 2 things to say. Number 1. If you are running out of elivation and useing a bor sight make sure your slide is fully in battery or seated some bore sights dont allow it to seat properly and its like a 16th of an inch but it cants the barrel just enough to put u an inch or to off down range. Number 2. PLEAS STOP RIDING THE SLIDE its driveing me nuts lol. Great job

[@moxiecooper]

Nice tutorial adjustments but would have like to have a few frames viewing thru glass optics to see the red dot sight picture as you aim.

[@amorton94]

Why? What does that add? Do you not know how or where to aim?

[@TalkingHands308]

If you have a pistol where you can have cowitnessing iron sights, then it's pretty easy. Line up the iron sights, then move the red dot to just the top of the front sight post, or right on top of the dot, depending on if your pistol hits point of aim or right above the front sight post. Since red dots are zero (or near zero) parallax, this trick will work. I do this with rifle red dots and it gets it right on the paper every time, a few times it was dead on without needing any further adjustments if my irons were dead on already.

[@peters303]

Pros & Cons of Red dot sights? Considering having one fitted to my P320 X Carry. How practical are they for a carry gun?

[@tigerbob888]

I ❤️ Vortex Optics

[@DasWaldCafe]

Locking screws BEHIND the rear sight so it has to be removed for maintenance is a deal-breaker for me with all the other, more easily adjustable options on the market.

[@garrettcarper3438]

I know this is an old video but has anyone ever noticed Jimmy looks like Eminem after he stopped dying his hair lol love y’all at vortex, keep up the good work.

[@kevinmyers771]

Excellent video ! So many people don’t understand co witness and think the red dot need to be in the Center of the glass.

[@donlang2661]

I have to admit, I thought that the dot had to be in the center. Learn something new every day. :)

[@MrMe1280]

The only thing holding me back from buying the viper is battery replacement. It would be great if you had a side entry door so we don't have to remove the sight to change the battery. I love vortex products and have them mounted on both my hunting rifle and my AR9 just not sure what I want for my new shadow systems pistol

[@TheOneTrueAJ]

Great instructor! How long should one expect a pistol to stay zeroed?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

It entirely depends how it is used. There shouldn't be an issue keeping the dot zeroed unless it is unmounted or something happens to the red dot itself. In which case we would suggest reconfirming your zero!

[@perrymcneil9887]

Great Video - Clear precise Explanation. thank You

[@johnpan78]

Thank you for the video. My first experience of sighting the new red dot on my Glock 19 was so terrible. I was thinking when you are relying on your shooting when sighting the red dot, every time you hold the gun and point it to the target, how can you be sure if the gun is 100 vertical. Just a little bit of tilting will make you shoot different every time. It was so frustrating for me and after shooting mote than 100 rounds, I just quit.

[@nextlifetime5113]

Does the red dot have to be perfectly in the center of the glass when you shoot before and after adjustments?

[@VortexOpticsUSA]

It does not - that is one of the benefits of shooting with a red dot. As long as the red dot is on the target you can go ahead and pull the trigger.

[@bobvedder2451]

I wonder if it would be good to actually measure the impact point from where the center is for a better adjustment plan?

[@TheBoricuaPetChannel]

Great vid, ready to go to the range to set my RMR on my Cz10.

[@tcbkkb1]

Right on man...solid video!

[@buckeyes06]

watched a few vids before this one, this was right to the point thanks so much...now not to waste any more ammo :D

[@briancollins4569]

clear, concise, to the point. everything you want out of a "how to" video... thanks a lot!

[@sulimbek2025]

I like Viper form factor more over Venom, but those adjustment locks are big cons.