Sidearms & Scatterguns Mini Red Dot ?

[ajwcotton]

SO... my wife got me a Burris Fastfire III for our anniversary. I got it mounted up and have found that I am considerably slower gaining my sight picture than with normal 3 dot sights or a fiberoptic bead front. I have been practicing draws, but really can't seem to pick it up any faster. Does anyone have any tips? I have really been wanting to use this in some matches, but I can't justify it with it slowing me down this much.
Thanks
PS it's on a Glock 17 if that matters

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: Mini Red Dot ?

They are what they are. It is something you have to get used to. When mounted to a rail (rifle) you can adjust how far or close to your eye you get it but you are kinda stuck with what you have. Best bet is always get to a gun show or shooting range and check them out before you purchase. The only thing I can say is that they are popular so you should not have any trouble unloading it or trading for something larger or just plain different. Sorry.

 

[redbullitt]

Re: Mini Red Dot ?

I stuck mine at 1 o clock on an F1 lol. Never been a fan of the dots on pistols... I bet I would be faster with it if I shot it as much as I have regular sights.

I mean, I am quicker with the eotech or aimpoint than irons on my rifle, so I would think the same should hold true with a pistol if you train for it.

 

[ajwcotton]

Re: Mini Red Dot ?

For me the problem is picking it up during my draw stroke. With irons I pick up the front sight and press it to the target. With the dot there isn't really a reference to put on the target other than the actual dot. I was wondering if there is maybe a different technique people use for the dot.
Also right now I have it on a mount in the rear sight dovetail, would it be faster to put it on a milled mount and have cowitness irons that I could do the normal press out and then transition to the dot?

 

[drglock]

Re: Mini Red Dot ?

I would say you just haven't spent enough time with it yet.just like learning to use iron sights on a pistol it takes time and practice to build up your speed using a Dot. I've used optima,c-mores and fastfires on my open guns they are faster than iron sights once you learn how to use them.I have a new opengun being built that will have a c-more on a 90 degree mount.the draw from the holster should be the same regardless if you're using iron sights or a reddot.I don't know what your skill level is but the problem could lay in your draw, from your grip to how you draw the pistol to how you finish. YouTube is a great place to see how to draw for speed shooting.when I have problems with my opengun it normally is from a bad grip and failing to push the gun towards the target

 

[ajwcotton]

Re: Mini Red Dot ?

I am definitely going to give it some more time and rounds. I am just frustrated I guess that its not as natural as I thought.

 

[The Mechanic]

Re: Mini Red Dot ?

I think the red dots are more for competition plate shooting than anything. Making a good draw and trying align the pistol so you can regrip it and find the dot is difficult. It is much easier with the rifle just because of the natural pocket and cheek weld that helps align the red dot. Like others said maybe you just need s butt load more time with it. Or just stick with the irons. I always like to watch how fast Rob Leatham or Todd Jarret shoot with irons. Makes me realize you don't need a lot of fancy stuff hangin' off a pistol you just got to practice like your life depended on it.

 

[Mo_Zam_Beek]

Re: Mini Red Dot ?

How is this mounted? Was the slide milled? Regardless, it sounds like a muscle memory thing. 5 minutes a day + 6 months = grooved.

Good luck

 

[drglock]

Re: Mini Red Dot ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The Mechanic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I always like to watch how fast Rob Leatham or Todd Jarret shoot with irons. Makes me realize you don't need a lot of fancy stuff hangin' off a pistol you just got to practice like your life depended on it.

</div></div>


if you think there fast with iron sights you should watch them shoot an opengun using a Reddot its unbelievable

 

[Miles2go]

Re: Mini Red Dot ?

As much as I didn't want to believe a red dot is faster than irons, it is. Good points made above. I believe the muscle memory, or indexing, is vital. Practicing your draw and target alignment with your eyes closed, then looking, lets you know if you are indexing well.

I hope you're keeping both eyes open, this is absolutely necessary for speed.

Good luck. I know in time you'll love the Gawd-Aweful, ugly, unnatural SOB.

 

[GunKnowledge]

Re: Mini Red Dot ?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Miles2go</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Practicing your draw and target alignment with your eyes closed, then looking, lets you know if you are indexing well.
</div></div>

This is one of the two popular techniques to train to draw correctly, and IMO, the inferior but less expensive one.

You close your eyes and do the entire draw slowly, only opening your eyes when you think you're on target. (Use something like a standard size piece of paper on a dark background across the room from you.) Only try to speed up when you can actually end up aligned somewhat close consistently.

The other method which I prefer is drawing with your eyes open the entire time using a laser mounted on the gun. Unfortunately, the cheaper rail mounted lasers aren't compatible with 95% of the holsters out there, and you may not feel like dropping $300 on a Crimson Trace Lasergrip or a Lasermax Guide Rod Laser which won't interfere with your holster of choice.

The laser method starts you out with your eyes open, but more importantly teaches you not to "bowl" or "fish" your gun during the draw.

 

[Raptorguy89]

Re: Mini Red Dot ?

I have an M&P 9c with the Trijicon RMR milled into the slid with suppressor irons as well. I was having the same issue with finding the Dot quickly, so I sent my slide of to ATEI to have it milled. Doug with AETI is awesome, he milled and fitted my slide in two days. Being able to co-witness the red dot with Irons makes all the difference in the world.
http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/raptorguy89/photo-10_zps2ded5fb0.jpg
http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/raptorguy89/photo-7_zps1094ea43.jpg
http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/raptorguy89/photo-8_zpsb932ef20.jpg