Red dots have become quite popular in pistol to AS to shotgun shooting. Red dots are pretty intuitive and provide shooters with easy and faster target transitions. This has hugely led to its growing popularity. These optics are widely used by competitors to transition from one target to another with speed and precision.
In the past, pistol red dot was not common because of their bulky sizes. However, that has greatly changed in the last 5 years with small and compact red dots.
What is a Red Dot on a Pistol?
When we talk about adding a red dot on a pistol, we are talking about a reflex sight. You can get better accuracy with a red dot or holographic sight. For the red dot, you get an illuminated dot as the visual image on the lens. Red dots give the impression of the dot resting on the target. For a holographic sight, the shooter gets to see through the optics. You get an illuminated pattern in a circular form or a dot reflecting on the grid.
However, the biggest challenge with most optical devices is using them correctly. You need to know how to sight in a red dot on a pistol or any shotgun. Below, we guide you through simple steps on how to zero in a red dot on a pistol.
How to Sight a Red Dot on a Pistol?
Red dot/gun combo
The first step is getting the right red dot sights and gun of choice. If you happen to own a Glock 19, then start the training with the Glock 19. There is no need to use a new pistol when learning how to use a red dot for the first time.
You also need a dot size of 2 MOA or 4MOA for easy zeroing. You want to avoid anything larger than 4 MOA as this will obscure targets at long ranges.
Mounting the red dot on the pistol
The red dot needs to be mounted on the optimal location for precise shooting. You need to mount the red dot on the forward half of your top rail. The sight must be pushed forward before tightening. This is because the gun always jolts back under recoil. You want your red dot to remain in place of inertia.
Mounting the sights further forward has its advantages. You get a wide field of view and see what is happening downrange. The more rail space behind can also mount a magnifier for long-range shooting. However, mounting the red dot sight is the first stepping towards improving your marksmanship.
Training the red dot
You need to crack the code of the red dot before taking any shot. Start your practice by shooting on paper at 25 yards. Most people are used to 25 yards and assume it as the default. You might need some rest for a start and a spotting scope. The aim is to practice shooting accurately by zeroing on the red dot. Take three shots and see how far your shots are at the center.
You need an excellent presentation with eye level with the dot. Keeping the gun on a flat is crucial for precise shooting. Focus your eyes on the target and bring the gun to meet the eyes. You can shoot once the dot is in line with the target. However, practicing at 25 yards consumes time and is less ideal for short-range shooting. This is why you need to move to 10 yards.
Go ahead and set a target at 10 yards. Shoot three consecutive shots from an unsupported standing position. The aim is to have three shots hitting within 1-inch. This is a simple and efficient way of sighting a red dot. However, remember you have to practice with different targets.
Practicing the red dot
Practice is always the key to precise shooting using a red dot. You need to practice and get used to your gun and recoil. The first step towards practicing is getting a good natural position of aim. The gun will always get a lift because of the recoil.
However, once the recoil movement is over, the gun always comes back to its original position.
This is why getting a good shooting position is recommended. You can always transit from one target to another with ease. Recoil with shotguns is not mitigated using strength but body structure and practice. You must always anticipate the recoil and know the pistol will be back in a flat position. This is why you want a stable position and a good grip to always have the gun back in place after recoil.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, sighting a red dot is all about body structure, zeroing and practice. You need to practice with your ammo and pistol to get used to shooting fast and precise. A good grip and better stance on the ground are needed for precise shooting.
