“Both? Both. Both is Good.”

Are you a new shooter, intrigued by that shiny red dot optic (RDO) on a friend's firearm, now convinced you need one? Or are you confident with iron sights, dismissing the need for RDOs altogether? Before jumping to conclusions, let’s explore why learning to use both can make you a better shooter.

G17 with AmariGlo Suppressor height night sights, Holosun EPS Green Dot, Streamlight TLR-1

Iron Sights

Iron sights are the foundation. Every firearm comes equipped with them, providing an essential aiming tool. Admittedly, new shooters often find aligning the rear and front sights with the target challenging. But mastering this skill is crucial.

Why? Because technology can fail. Batteries die, optics lose alignment, and in rare cases, red dots can even fall off—yes, I’ve seen it happen. In these moments, iron sights become your backup. But a backup is useless if you don’t know how to use it. That’s why continued practice with sight alignment is a must.

And if you do transition to an RDO, don’t overlook the importance of installing suppressor-height iron sights. These allow both sighting tools to work together, ensuring you’re covered in any scenario.

Red Dot Optics

RDOs are game-changers—if you’re willing to put in the work. They offer quicker target acquisition, but here’s the catch: you'll need to train to find the dot consistently. An inconsistent draw stroke can leave you fishing for the dot, costing precious time.

When choosing an RDO, consider key features: does it stay on all the time? Does it include a solar panel? Are you leaning toward an open or closed emitter? Once you’ve selected the right optic, it’s time to train and get familiar with the dot.

RDOs make target acquisition not only faster but also more precise, especially for follow-up shots. This can make a world of difference in performance and confidence.

Why Learn Both?

Mastering both iron sights and RDOs provides versatility and ensures you’re prepared for any situation. Technology may offer an edge, but knowing the fundamentals keeps you grounded. Plus, firearms with unfamiliar sighting systems won’t leave you at a disadvantage if you’ve trained with both.

Remember, neither tool replaces the need for regular dry fire and live-fire training. Each skill complements the other, creating a well-rounded and capable shooter.

See you out on the range!

Enjoy 10% off April Red Dot classes with code RD10