Red dot sight tips for beginners: Fear not the dot

[@okgentfarmer]

I have been iron sight shooting for 63 years but, it's time to switch to a Red Dot (Holosun 407C-2X) for my EDC gun. The older I get the harder it is to get a good sight picture and focus on the target (threat). For defensive shooting, I want to focus on the threat not on front sight. Being strictly target/threat focused with a Red Dot makes it easier to pick up little changes down range that could effect the decision to finish pressing the trigger, or not. I have no issues right now at 72+ but I want to be carrying (safely) for a many more years and I think being good with a good Red Dot sight will help me do that.

[@allenhuang7581]

We have some new red dot sights and iron sight for free , but you need to give us feedback on the experience of using the product after use. If any friends are interested, please contact me.

[@WesleyPipes-wc3gl]

@@allenhuang7581 I’m interested

[@pawpawstew]

I guess compared to you, I'm a young buck at 58, but moving away from iron sights still seems counter-intuitive. I learned on iron sights, qualified "expert rifleman" out to 300 on iron sights, and have used iron sights my whole adult life. It seems to me that a red dot is really only useful inside of 100. If I really need to reach out and touch someone, I need magnification, which a red dot doesn't give me. If I'm close in and using a pistol, it seems a laser would be better, because all I need to do is put the laser on the target. I don't even have to look down the barrel. Honestly, I'm still not sold on the value of using a red dot, especially if using it is a "perishable skill". To each his own, I suppose.

[@silverbackhayabusa]

@@pawpawstew "If I really need to reach out and touch someone, I need magnification, which a red dot doesn't give me." I use a magnifier on my AR with my red dot and I love it. Example: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHyXfXytgsh_a8k Hits target at 420 yards. Watch from 15 minutes into the video until about 16:30 to see the shot and sight set up. To clarify, this is a holographic sight not a simple red dot.

[@allenhuang7581]

@@WesleyPipes-wc3gl please contact me： Email：[e-mail] LINE ID:jadenana123 WhatsApp:[phone]

[@streetfighteralpha9891]

Being able to threat focus is the number one reason I purchased a red dot. Knowing there’s a learning curve and expecting the adjustment should make it easier. Good explanation and tips.

[@herbvergara1]

Due to eye issues (astigmatism + farsightedness) I've had to transition to a red dot as both front and rear sight as well as the target were blurry. It took me 2 weeks of stringent dry fire practice starting slowly from the holster, holding follow-thru to establish proprioceptic "memory", and then eventually speeding up before I could begin to target/threat focus. A red dot has actually cleaned up my presentation and breaking the shot in the off chance that I'm shooting a pistol with iron sights as you can really see that dot moving if you're jerking the trigger compared to the top of a front sight.

[@bigbullet9224]

I have the same thing bugs me how it starburst my dot going to have to get use to it

[@russ3022]

Very good explanation. I have just recently put my first red dot rig together. For me the dot is usually high at presentation, out of the window, so I have learned to focus on making sure that my wrist is locked down when I bring the gun up for presentation, which for me puts the dot pretty much center of the window. Also like you mentioned, it's a change from focusing on the front site to looking downrange at the target and superimposing the dot on your focal point. You are also correct that they are very accurate, especially for 60 yr old eyes that don't see iron sights as well as they used to.

[@joeadair3906]

I’m mid 60s old and have an astigmatism which makes it hard to use iron sights. I’ve found though that the red dot is a savior for me. I can see it plainly and only see one dot where when using my irons sights I see several dots all mixed together. Now I can shoot that way as I’ve been doing it a long time and I know about where the blurry cluster of dots needs to be overall. Not good for pin point accuracy but it works. When target shooting I have a pair of flip down readers so I can see the sights really well but the target is a bit blurry. Still can see the target fine but it’s a blur. With the red dot.. everything is clear. Now I just have to work on finding it quickly and keeping it still when I shoot. Thanks for the video it was very helpful ..

[@CA2ATrucker]

Excellent explanation on proper sight alignment with a red dot! Very easy to understand, thank you!

[@gwslingblade]

Just got my red dot on a masada thanks for the tip . Very helpfull . Will be shooting tomorrow.

[@blakerh]

Thank you. Just ordered a red dot for my Glock 19. Looking forward to trying it out.

[@tr9165]

got one on my g19, amazingly accurate

[@mikebyerly2344]

I have the 2020 VP9 HK, which is optics ready. They dont make suppressor heights sights for this model yet to be a cowitness situation.. I always found the dot out of sight in the top part of the window. So when I present the gun, I keep the barrel slightly pointed down as I push out, then the dot is right on target. But I am a beginner with the red dot. Mine is the Trijicon RMR

[@Nr15121]

I was taught and saw that pulling the pinky works to get it for both draw and follow up

[@SirJamesDTech]

I just use mine as confirmation, lined up with iron as co-witness. My vision is 20/15 but it's nice for low light and keeping eyes on the target rather than the front sight.

[@MrBilld75]

Cool, I'm new to red dots and I had a bit of trouble understanding them. This is so crystal clear and intuitive, I loved the explanation, excellent job. I get it a lot better now. I like the idea of them, because I like compactness and these old eyes and iron sights, could be better. I am not a fan of those tube red dots (too small a sight picture) and even the smallest scopes are not so great for pistols in terms of size (although they certainly have got better). They go alright on my bigger pistols, but really, I don't need it. All I need, is a better sight than iron and it seems like the small reflex red dots like that, suit the bill. Nice to know they are crazy accurate, that's what I'm after, not really magnification, that I save for the rifles/carbines and they are super cheap too, that's a bonus. Reflex red dots are probably the cheapest sight possible. I really thought I needed a tube and they were better, but after watching someone else's video I was like, "no, omg no! ". These have a way wider FOV. I don't want to feel obstructed and these seem so open and unobtrusive. Nice to know there is an adjustment though and not to get frustrated with it, those were some great tips, like with how you change the grip slightly when coming up. It makes perfect sense really. It's an led projected onto a lens, tilt it/present like an iron sight, it's not going to work. I totally get it, optics are funny like that. It makes much more sense to be target focused and then bring the dot up to meet it. By the time your arm is extended fully to shoot, you should be relatively adjusted right, to see the dot right away. After some practice of course.

[@duaneelsbree3460]

Focus on the target and squeeze! Don't let that bouncing dot distract you. Practice dry firing, it is very revealing and will show you how good your trigger control is. You will eventually get a more steady dot.

[@matthewriegner5180]

I think that was the biggest challenge for me switching from irons to red dot, remembering its meant to be target focus not dot focus.

[@jaclark34]

Thanks so much for hitting exactly all the thoughts and problems I have. I was beginning to think I was the only one . And I can’t wait to work with your advice.

[@snail415]

Excellent rundown. Learned a lot in a short (and painless) amount of time.

[@randolph6511]

Love shooting with red dot sights. I have three pistols with red dot sights and one more on order. I am invested in them.

[@robertramirez1019]

Awesome just got me a red dot and been trying to get the red dot on sight been hard for me but you helped me alot practice makes perfect but needed this stepping stone appreciate it 💯💪

[@marksmola2025]

Great video. Thanks for the help

[@richardraine2075]

Nice remarks. I have jumped in with both feet by getting an RMR for my Glock 29 and an EOTECH for my AR-15. I will use your tips. Thanks

[@wilder7bc]

Red Dot is really requirement for people who cannot see well close up. It allows you to shoot without readers and still see. Which happens to a lot of people who are older as their is hardening in the eyes. In addition, if not for eye sight issues I would be fine with iron sights and prefer them as that is what I grew up with. In my case now though its not a choice as age gets us all.

[@tomconley2458]

Exactly! I need progressive lenses. Can’t see well close up or at a distance. Blurry. At least with a 3 or 6 moa red dot, I can get reasonably close to hitting a bullseye.

[@mattmanzano51]

Love the M11 A1 with the Romeo1Pro! I just bought the complete slide for my 40 Elite to convert to 9mm. Looking forward to carrying a dot!

[@keithkent8126]

One of the best explanations I’ve seen on rmr Mounted on a pistol . And yes the mos over a milled slide, timing is always a issue . Your gaining a better focal point of aim with rmr over iron sights specially if your older . More consistent hits , better groups . Amazing results with practice. K

[@cjmala3370]

Excellent! Thank you!

[@brightideas5782]

So look at the target first and can’t the mussel up a tad then line up the reddot got it thank you it makes sense 😁 thank you for your video J !!

[@jamesgallant3553]

First time with a red dot, had the dealer put it on my Rugar 9mm carbine, however it appears to be high when viewed through the view window. I will take it to the range this week, but it just does not be correct as the point of aim is so high that the front sight is not visible? Jim

[@alj.granda8252]

Very helpful, thanks

[@donnstambaugh1506]

Stick with it.,.well said.

[@Rectitude4U]

“For beginners” means how does it work, how do you put a battery in, how do you mount it, etc.

[@Mrchevy5.7]

I have a new sig sp2022 and was wondering how to mount a sight.its not like the glock where it can easily attach.would I need a rail to mount it ? Or do they just simply hold by tightening the screws ? Could you also show me the types of red dot sights I can buy ?

[@T.A.B.Videos]

Getting involved with red dots thanks for the tip

[@GhostTrucking545]

I like it. My cpx-1 came with a red dot sight

[@danielgillrup9518]

I dramatically prefer the red dot on the range as well. It is much more natural to keep both eyes open, and the muzzle memory is not that difficult. Red dot along with a light trigger is $$$.

[@tshapiro1000]

Cant your pistol up - nice observation. Because the steel sight plane is slightly lower than the red dot plane it’s only a visual illusion that the pistol is canted up. It’s actually level, lower and parallel to the red dot plane. So, when you have the red dot in the middle of the glass the front sight should appear slightly up. Thanks for your video.

[@yobboboyyo6003]

before wathcing. i can reliably hit a 4 inch spread at 400yds out of a ruger 70, 30 yds for same spread out of red dot ar

[@hollowpointdefense]

Red dots are easy to use. You need to find the right place/person to show you how to use them and doesn't over explain the things to make them appear complicated. Remember, the red dot and Iron Sights are used independently of each other (NOT co-witnessed). There are more pros than cons to these. Another pro is shooting 2 eyes open is much easier.

[@Bittlicious]

Who milled the slide for that M11? I'm not aware that sig ever made the M11 optics ready.

[@6548ww]

I am not a huge fan of those Romeo one sights either they hinder me more than helping me I prefer standard sights especially for everyday carry now for plinking I don’t mind the Romeo sight system but I am more accurate with standard sights

[@liujordan3505]

Your explanation is very good. I have a project here, which is also about the red dot sight. I have the opportunity to test it with you.

[@elvisbest3213]

ty sir well done preciate it

[@spencerwarren9219]

Why everyone make changing to red dot so ruff. I had no issues on your draw just present a little lower with barrel

[@garrymoore6126]

Very helpful, Thank You .

[@donniebaynard8430]

I carry a duty weapon as well, and have for 19 years. Always open sights. With that being said, I have dabbled in maybe getting a red dot, for instance, I've considered a glock 19x in a MOS model if available. I'm sure it is. However, after watching this video, I'll be wasting my money. I refuse to retrain how I fight, because training that way is training to fight that way. I'm not willing to always be on point when it comes to needing my firearm

[@lapayne1]

Man, almost 120,000 views and only 12,000 subscribers. Great, informative information. Well articulated. Subscribed! Thanks

[@stanleychamallas2331]

So where exactly do you place to red dot? Above the front iron sight ? Where thank you Stan

[@uvb369]

what's the standard elevation directions? my red dot is much higher on the screen, but i couldn't adjust the red dot on the screen. I think i've just messed up all the elevation and windage.

[@WyzrdCat]

Video starts at 3:00

[@tims708]

I'm not going down without a fight, although I do believe they are the future.

[@spacejamgoliath]

Lol just wondering if you have adopted the rds yet

[@tims708]

@@spacejamgoliath Of course. I do believe many aren't as good as they say. It takes lots of work.

[@mikefay4438]

Got my siglight grn night sights on my p229 and p226.

[@craigparish521]

68 yrs old. Use bifocals, do not look at your red dot through lower part of eye glass lens. Use top part of lens & see how clear your dot is!!

[@rockyowens2206]

After watching this video I’m going to go home and do a video about something that’s better in every way and tell you why I don’t use it. 🤦‍♂️ Thank you for the video.

[@jaykoh3987]

Hello Helmisng, Really thanks for you sharing how to pick red dot sight tips.Could we contact you on helping us test review our New model 4MOA red dot sight.Hope to get feedback from you.

[@mikes6719]

other videos said it was different. thanks for explaining why.

[@tptexan6290]

My Red Dot is in the mail. Hopefully it will help these tired old eyes/ Thank you

[@SkinnyVinnyLive]

Soo..what did you think?

[@tptexan6290]

I liked it as much as my eyes. Still getting use to it

[@elton.lanierfreebird1236]

You stated "red dots are insanely accurate ". Why NOT for everyday carry? Thank you and I enjoy your videos. I am just about to purchase a Sig 320 X-Carry w/ a Romeo1 factory mounted red dot.sight. i a Senior cocealed carry guy and believe it will be much easier to see. Thanks.

[@calvinanderson751]

I have a question..I'm new to a red dot. I can't find anything on what the sight picture is suppose to look like. Some people say to cowitness the dot on the top of your front sight then some people say don't do that. I'm a little confused

[@jhelmsing]

I personally never cowitness under normal circumstances (I use them for backup options). I've heard some people tell others to cowitness to "find the dot" but that is a very slow method and counterproductive to how a RDS works. I just look for the dot in the viewfinder to overlap my target and pull the trigger. There really isn't a sight picture per say because you are target focused with a RDS.

[@stevenkay5441]

Yep. Thousands of red dot videos, and not one that shows what the fuck they are. It's incredible.

[@jameshoward3071]

Great videos watched the one on M&P 2.0 . My question what gun do you pick over all the ones you review

[@jhelmsing]

This is probably the most difficult question I've ever received 😂

[@josephjackson1956]

I had always wondered how to find your target with a red dot sight. Very helpful!

[@tomjones5418]

After getting used to a dot I'll never use anything else.

[@JUNJUN-lw2vr]

With my Holosun red dot, I tend to tip nose down to see the dot.

[@sika22]

Thanks for the insight on the great video. When aiming a red dot sight do you use the front sight on the slide? I figured that the red dot was all you need but thought I’d ask. Thanks again.

[@thomasdestry5188]

Thank you.

[@ervinchafin334]

Just make sure it's zeroed and do it on your own,it what works best for you, it's like playing a guitar you have to do it for yourself and just do it, tell yourself you can do anything that any other man that shits between two hells can do.

[@donbrloks3959]

I have a S&W Victory & have a hard time finding the red dot (Viper). The rail is long & RD is in the middle. Is there a rule of thumb on placement? FWD or AFT?

[@Aviator168]

Does the dot have to be at the center of the optic?

[@walterlewis7988]

Insightful. Nicely done as usual. Thanks.

[@kirkjohnson9353]

How can it (red dot) be ok for target but then not every day carry? Shouldn't your everyday carry sight be the SAME one you practice with on targets? I'm new to this. Am I missing something?

[@jasonwarren9279]

Does it not matter where the dot is in the screen?

[@magicd5780]

Cant your pistol up? Very interesting to find the dot on my q4 tac I always have to cant down and have my optic turned way up and still hit low sometimes. I'm getting better at it but still having my off days. Im going to apply these tips see if it helps.

[@Benzzo3000]

Same here. Canting up, I lose the dot. I have to cant down or maybe I need to zero my dot at all further distance

[@TheShmeebitdog]

I have no issue finding the red dot my issue is where am I supposed to hold the dot in the screen cause I can turn the gun at multiple angles and the red dot moves to the corners of the screen there is no mark indicating center of the screen so Is the red dot supposed to line up with the front sight? Or just center as best as possible in the screen

[@davidcumbie1039]

Doesn't really matter where the dot is in the screen. If your trigger press is correct, the bullet will go where the dot is located on the target.

[@normansmith7806]

Having iron sights on my duty gun is the reason I haven't. used the red dot all that much.

[@jhelmsing]

Same here. Not enough time to get really good with both and ditching irons isn't an option.

[@donaldanderson7410]

N Smith iron sights I heard are the “stick shifter” of guns compared to autos. 👍🏼😎

[@drummingdog5706]

At the moment, i like the 3 white dot set up. Very easy for me to see in bright light and dark. Keep the info coming, i enjoy and get smarter!

[@sim7409]

cant see my dot unless i hold gun a strange way..do i just need adjust it to line up for me? this strait out box..offset..first timer

[@yaabuddyyy]

I would try to co witness the dot with your iron sights if possible. Co witness is where your dot and iron sight line up with each other

[@sim7409]

@@yaabuddyyy with an offset mount? maybe i shld just mount top since im not accustomed.

[@willy123benice]

Is this the same concept with rifles? I put a red dot on my MCK and I can not correctly see my red dot when I aim. I see it better when I close one eye.

[@extionwatkins5919]

I have a FN 509 with raised iron sights I put a vortex viper on it and having trouble sighting it in it seems like the red dot is most accurate when the. Is right on the front sight that can't be right right ? And this my first time using red dot on a side arm

[@robertsims9201]

I just shot my fn 509 compact tactical with 300 rounds with a trijicon rmr type 2 and I noticed the exact thing. I zeroed it on with the dot slightly above the front sight post and was on target every time.

[@1973Saved]

To aim the red dot does it have to be in the center of the field of view?

[@paulvega9893]

Great video brother. Stay safe and happy hunting.

[@lakecitylens]

Skip to 5:09 for Red dot sight tips

[@ohenry4834]

Thanks ^^

[@jollyrogerusa9438]

Good tips J, thanks! What back up sights are you running on the G19 with your Delta Point Pro?

[@jhelmsing]

Those are Ameriglo suppressor sights which work well for RMR's but don't work with the DP Pro.

[@jollyrogerusa9438]

@@jhelmsing That's what I thought. I've been looking at the Dawson Precision sights that are supposed to co-witness with the DPP. Any thoughts?

[@jhelmsing]

@@jollyrogerusa9438 that's the exact route I'd go.

[@jeffreymiller9706]

So...MY optic has a solar powered backup; the irons and the green dot was sensory overload. So now I run it without backup irons.

[@ChrisTopheRaz]

I am surprised that red dot is more popular than green laser. From my understanding special forces train to keep your attention more on the target rather than the pistol. That is one of the reasons they train without closing one eye. Red dot is not a whole lot different because your focuses on the red dot sight primarily and the target secondarily. This is especially true for shooters who have great long distance vision and not so good short distance vision. I would never want to look at a site in this situation, I would want my focus to be on the target and a laser offers that more than a red Dot by far. I just don’t get the whole red dot thing for this reason.

[@xman69100]

So did the red. I put the Red Dot right in the middle of the target for headshot right I fired it and it went way low

[@CJ7099]

Good video

[@spencerwarren9219]

What is so odd about a sig with a red dot. I love mine on my sig. Best edc p229 made

[@indo4954]

"Fear not the dot." >Proceeds to talk shit about the dot for 3 minutes.

[@ironpoopie6087]

Nose up, thats good stuff.

[@risenarms5303]

Look at you getting all fancy with the intro lol. Nice touch. As always. Useful information and well put together. Keep it coming.

[@missmisiowa]

may sound strange but would you recommend this for a bow or would the barrel type red dot be better?

[@dr.bonscott3962]

Has anyone here made the mistake of overturning a red dot adjustment past the point of no return? I foolishly made this mistake on my M02, now i have no adjustment updown, left or right... if so, how did you fix it?.. or can you?

[@paulgoss7596]

your basic comments about red dots on pistols is archaic at best.... do you have a red dot on your rifle or still use iron sights? please....

[@bryanteel3260]

Is that an m17? Is the plate colored?

[@jhelmsing]

It's a M-11A1

[@TheSouthpawSharpshooter]

Thank you for your service!

[@heroicdoorknob8868]

Sweet he just happens to be showing the p320.

[@mimocz73]

I just started using the Romeo 1 , here is my question, do you close one eye to see the red dot or do you keep both open? I close my eye like i am shooting with my iron sights normally and it works. Like always thanks for the great reviews and tips.

[@jhelmsing]

I don't close an eye on irons unless I'm shooting at extreme distances.

[@bobwebber8521]

Nice video. How many times did he say 'guys'?

[@Apolyion]

Hit the nail on the head. First time using a Trijicon RMR 2 on a Glock 19 Gen5 MOS. I always used iron sights or Tru-Glo on my duty weapons in the past and I was consistent, fast and very accurate. Now retired, went with the 19 for easy conceal. Man, with the red dot on i am about to throw it against the wall....lol I can't find the dot for shit. I must as well be pointing a stapler at somebody. Going to try these exercises and relearn the basics. TY for the post. 25 y.o. habits are hard to break. ;)

[@Nr15121]

Pull in with your pinky

[@donosolianos5323]

Thanks J

[@DR-fc1ey]

Personally iron sights are 100x easier to use and i find myself more accurate with iron sights over red dots

[@Tsutton316]

Really didn't help a lot. Does the dot remain in the center of the sight, do you line it up with the front sight, or do you in frustration just snatch the dor sight of the gun and throw it at the target? :)

[@philipmcdaniel9410]

I am looking to put a red dot on my SD9VE Nightstand gun. Being that it's home defense, I anticipate if it is ever used, it would be in a low light environment. I already have bad night vision. So I'm afraid that the glow of the red dot would make my night vision worse. Would turning the brightness down, make the red dot irrelevant?

[@denniswilliams9145]

You are not “boogering up” any hand gun by replacing outdated iron sights with modern technology sir!