[BigDog]

on pistols. I'm considering one on a target gun - something just to fool around with. I've looked at Tru Glo about $300 thru Dillon / Doctor Optics model 55711 / EOTech but they're larger and more suited to rifles.

I'd prefer not to have the frame drilled for mounting - and find a sight that can be put on replacing the rear sight - for a 1911 style gun. Anybody have one / shot one - pros and cons would be appreciated - thanks. ( I intend to put it on a new Sig X-Five .40 S&W - single action - stainless frame and slide. ).

 

[hoashooter]

If I were to fool around with 300 bucks I would be in the market for another pistol with factory sights--- :shock: :wink: :twisted:

 

[BigDog]

You're entitled to your opinion - but I'm talking about putting a $300 sight on a $2,500 gun - not buying a $ 300 gun ......

 

[Paul F.]

I do not like the Red Dot sights. I find them and the entire apparatus to be distracting. Old dog - new tricks and all that. :wink:

 

[BigDog]

Thanks Paul. I'm old school as well - but I have a tendancy to like "toys" - maybe if I can find a used one I'll give it a try.

 

[semiauto]

I have always preferred the old school method of iron sight shooting with rifles and handguns. I do like the look of a nice red dot on a rifle like the AR but not on a handgun, it just looks silly and cluttered!

 

[Mule]

I have one on a ML rifle and another on my 22A S&W.

You cannot accomplish precision shooting as is possible with a peep sight or scope. The dot is 3 to 5 minites if angle. A 3 minute dot covers 3 inches of your target at 100 yards. Not conducive to printing clover leaf groups.

The ML works great for 75 yard deer. The Smith is fun for squirrel hunting and dispatching dillos, possums and other yard vermin. I wish I could find a holster for the dot mounted Smith.

My red dots are low end models. $50.00 or less. And they are FUN to shoot.

 

[BigDog]

Mule - is it fair to say - if 3" @ 100 yards then the dot covers about 0.3" ( or about 3/8" ) at 10 Yards ?

I understand the only downside to some of the less expensive models is they aren't as durable in terms of shock from recoil .... but I'm assuming you've had no problems with yours ?

Any parallax problems on the glass in your sights ?

Maybe I should re-think this and consider putting it on a 22A or maybe a model 41 S&W vs a .40 or .45ACP. At least I won't have to tap and drill the frame on those guns. Thanks

 

[Veritas]

I've had a $30 BSA redot from walmart on my shotgun for 3 years now and have put probably 100 slugs through it with zero problems. Even if I have to replace it in a couple years I would be able to put a new one on my gun every five years for 50 years for the price of an expensive one.

 

[BigDog]

If I thought it would work for trap, skeet and sporting clays, Veritas - I might give it a try on a shotgun .....

Thanks for your input / I would have thought the recoil on a 12ga would have made the cheaper ones disintegrate in a heartbeat. Good to know they are holding up for you.

 

[Mule]

BigDog,

Your math is correct. For shooting minute of angle groups, the red dot is not the appropriate tool. For minute of whitetail shooting in the woods, it is an excellant tool.

My ML is a .45 cal side lock. I shoot patched balls over 70gr FFFg. Recoil is moderate. I don't try to turn it into a magnum.

The Red Dot has given me no problems except when I forget to turn it off and find the battery is dead a month later.

I have experienced distortion in the dot, but it is from the
#*%<*^ tri-focals this old man has to wear. That is what prompted me to try a dot sight.

I would recommend trying a low end model on a plinker and see if you like it. If you don't , you haven't lost much. If you do like it, upgrading is half the fun of the shooting sports.

 

[BigDog]

Thanks Mule - I can relate to the bifocul problem - I finally had to have a special lens made to the correct focul length - for one eye in my shooting glasses so I could see the front sight (without having 4 of them dancing around ... ). I am going to try one - and I'm going to look for a good used model 41 Smith & Wesson or maybe a Hammerli to try it on. It'll be fun and something different to play with.

I like the "upgrading" mentality too .... my new Sig X Five is a pretty significant upgrade - over anything else Sig is putting out right now - or most of the race guns like STI, etc. It's a very traditional looking single action gun and in a .40S&W it has a 14 round clip - and fully loaded it tips the scales at 3# 7oz or over 1/2 lb heavier than a 1911 in .45 ACP. It also comes with an adj trigger - so you can really fine tune it. I think it's quite a gun - take the time to shoot one if you get a chance. It's available in 9mm as well ( and they might bring it out in a .45 ACP in the next year or so ..... I hope).

 

[Veritas]

If I thought it would work for trap, skeet and sporting clays, Veritas - I might give it a try on a shotgun .....

Yeah I tried pheasant hunting with it on one year after I got it sighted in for deer during a late season hunt...didn't work out too well :?

 

[darkgael]

Big Dog: Just saw your post. I have Gold Cup that I use for Bullseye competition. Long ago, I learned to take a look at what the winners are shooting and then go with that. They use Red Dot sights unless the match rules - like a Leg match - say differently. Lately I have a JP sight on a pistol grip mount. If I want to use the iron sights, they are still on the gun. If I want to remove the mount, it's just two screws. I have not, to this point, had a problem with recoil causing a zero change; if that happens, I'll go to a base that mounts into the rear sight cut.
One note extra - if you have never used a red dot sight, expect a period of adjustment. When I went to it, my scores went down at first. Part of the issue is that, while iron sights can give that illusion that they are not moving, the red dot is ALWAYS moving. Getting used to that and minimizing it is the issue.
Pete

 

[BigDog]

Thanks - I appreciate your input.

 

[darkgael]

Another suggestion, if you don't mind - buy the Hammerli if you have your eye on one and can afford it. If not, consider a used High Standard - any of the Military models, a Victor if you see one. Gunbroker usually has a selection and they are reasonable; I'd buy another H-S in a minute before I'd go with a Model 41. As I wrote about looking at what the winners shoot - you'll see way more Hammerlis and High Standards on a firing line than Smiths.
Pete

 

[BigDog]

I have an older High Standard - in fact I had one of the grandkids at the range shooting it this afternoon. It's a pretty nice gun but nothing special - it's one of their lower end guns I think - but probably made in the 40's and been in my family for a long time. I do like the Hammerli - but since SIG dropped the distribution rights to them last year - they're not around. I've been waiting reasonably patiently for them to figure out their distribution strategy / or for something used in good shape to come onto the market - but there hasn't been much around. But it's not something I have to have tomorrow either. Thanks for your input - good to hear you like your Hammerli.

 

[darkgael]

HA! I wish. I don't own a Hammerli. Maybe some day. A few of the fellows that I shoot with use them and are very happy - what's not to like. I use a H-S Victor with a Falcon barrel.
Pete

 

[castlebravo]

red dot sights , i love em

 

[tantrum]

I love the Red Dot expecially for competiton. I would not use anything other than a C-more site. You can find most of these for around 250.00 at most vendors. If you are shooting pins or steel or IPSC courses I would go with the C-More. If you are shooting Bianchi targets I would speng the money and Get an AIMPOINT Red dot.