When I first started carrying concealed, I was a firm believer in iron sights. I ran XS Big Dot sights on my Glock 17 and thought they were the best setup for defensive shooting. They were simple, durable, and didn’t rely on batteries or delicate glass. In my mind, red dots were just another overhyped trend, something that added unnecessary bulk and potential failure points to a carry gun.
That changed when I attended the Baseline Pistol Course at Achilles Heel Tactical. I quickly realized that my so-called “Amish gun” (a nickname the instructor gave to pistols without red dots) was putting me at a disadvantage. The shooters with red dots were faster, more accurate, and more confident in their target acquisition.
By the end of the class, I knew I had been wrong. That night, I ordered a Holosun 507C for my Glock 17. Since making the switch, I’ve come to believe that a red dot on a concealed carry pistol isn’t just a cool gadget—it’s a force multiplier. It allows for faster, more accurate shooting, especially under stress.
But is it worth the trade-offs? Let’s break down the pros and cons of carrying a red dot-equipped pistol to see if it’s the right choice for you.
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Glock 17 MOS 9mm Luger 4.49in Black Pistol - 17+1 Rounds - Gray | Sportsman's Warehouse | $ 669.99 |
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Glock 17 MOS 9mm Luger 4.49in Black Pistol - 17+1 Rounds - Black | Sportsman's Warehouse | $ 549.99 |
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Glock 17 MOS 9mm Luger 4.49in NDLC Gray Pistol - 10+1 Rounds - Gray | Sportsman's Warehouse | $ 629.99 |
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Glock 34 MOS 9mm Luger 5.31in NDLC Gray Pistol - 17+1 Rounds - Gray | Sportsman's Warehouse | $ 769.99 |
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The Case for Red Dots on Concealed Carry Pistols
Many skeptics argue that adding a red dot to a concealed carry pistol makes no sense. They claim the added height, weight, and potential for snagging outweigh the benefits. Others worry about the dreaded “where’s my dot?” issue—struggling to find the reticle under stress.
But the reality is that modern carry optics have evolved. Today’s red dots are smaller, more durable, and designed specifically for defensive handguns. And the biggest reason to consider one? They align with how we naturally see and process threats in high-stress situations.
When adrenaline kicks in, we focus on the threat, not on aligning tiny iron sights. Red dots allow us to stay target-focused, providing a clear aiming point superimposed over the threat. This leads to faster reaction times and more accurate defensive shots.
My Experience: The Turning Point
During the Achilles Heel Tactical Baseline Pistol Course, I quickly saw the difference. The shooters running red dots were:
- Acquiring their targets faster
- Maintaining better accuracy on follow-up shots
- Shooting with both eyes open, increasing situational awareness
Meanwhile, I was struggling with front sight covering too much of the target and changing my focus between the front sight and the target. By the end of the course, I knew I needed to adapt or be left behind. And once I mounted my Holosun 507C on my Glock, it was a game-changer.
From there, I started training and dry firing with the red dot, learning to present the gun so the dot was instantly visible. And the more I used it, the more I realized: red dots aren’t just hype—they’re a legitimate advantage.
Advantages of Concealed Carry Red Dots
Red dots aren’t just a trendy accessory—they offer real performance benefits for defensive shooting. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just getting into concealed carry, the advantages of a red dot sight can be game-changing.
Faster Target Acquisition
One of the biggest advantages of a red dot is the speed at which you can acquire your target.
- With iron sights, you have to align the front and rear sights while also focusing on your target. This takes time, especially under stress.
- With a red dot, there’s only one focal plane—the dot itself. Simply place the dot on the target, and you’re good to go.
This reduces mental processing time and makes it easier to react quickly in a defensive scenario.
My Experience: During the Baseline Pistol Course, I immediately noticed how much faster red dot users were getting their first shot on target. It was a night-and-day difference compared to iron sights, and I knew I needed to make the switch.
Improved Accuracy
Red dots naturally help shooters be more precise, especially at longer distances.
- With iron sights, your accuracy depends on aligning three points: rear sight, front sight, and target. Any misalignment affects your shot placement.
- With a red dot, the aiming point is always in line with your target, allowing for cleaner, more accurate shots.
This is particularly beneficial for low-light shooting, where iron sights can be harder to see.
My Experience: After switching to a Holosun 507C, I noticed my groups tightening at 15+ yards. Even when transitioning between targets or under time pressure, I was landing more consistent hits.
Both Eyes Open Shooting & Situational Awareness
A red dot allows you to shoot with both eyes open, giving you a wider field of view and better situational awareness.
- With iron sights, your focus shifts between the front sight and the target. This can create tunnel vision.
- A red dot lets you stay target-focused, meaning you can see everything happening around you, including multiple threats.
This is a huge advantage in defensive encounters, where situational awareness is just as critical as accuracy.
My Experience: Before switching to a red dot, I sometimes struggled with target transitions during drills. With the red dot, I was able to engage multiple targets faster while keeping my eyes focused on the targets (not the dot).
Works Better for Aging Eyes
Let’s face it—iron sights become harder to use as we age. Vision changes can make it difficult to focus on a front sight, especially under stress.
- A red dot removes that problem by providing a clear, illuminated aiming point.
- It’s easier to see in bright sunlight and low-light conditions, making it an excellent option for shooters with deteriorating eyesight.
My Experience: While my vision isn’t bad, I’ve noticed that using a red dot reduces eye strain, making it easier to acquire and maintain a clear sight picture in any lighting condition.
Downsides of Concealed Carry Red Dots
While red dots offer significant advantages for concealed carry, they aren’t without their drawbacks. It’s important to consider the potential downsides before making the switch.
Cost: A Significant Investment
A quality red dot sight isn’t cheap.
- Entry-level red dots start around $300, while premium models can reach $700 or more.
- If your pistol isn’t optics-ready, you may need to have the slide milled, which can add another $100–$200 to the total cost.
Additionally, red dots require mounting plates, screws, and sometimes suppressor-height backup sights—all of which add to the final price tag.
My Experience: When I decided to switch, I opted for a Holosun 507C, which cost around $300. Luckily, my Glock 17 was optic-ready, but if it hadn’t been, I would have needed to send the slide off for milling, adding more cost and downtime.
Red dots are a worthwhile investment, but they’re not cheap—especially when factoring in mounting solutions, backup sights, and potential modifications.
Battery Life & Electronic Failure Risks
Unlike iron sights, red dots rely on batteries. While modern optics boast long battery life, they still require regular maintenance.
- Most red dots last 6 months to 3 years on a single battery.
- Some models have shake-awake or solar backup features, but you still need to swap batteries regularly.
- A dead battery at the wrong time means your optic is useless unless you have backup iron sights.
My Experience: I make it a habit to replace my red dot battery every year, even if it’s still running. I also keep backup iron sights on my pistol—just in case.
This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it does require more upkeep than traditional iron sights.
Concealability Challenges
Adding a red dot increases the overall height of your pistol, which can make concealment more difficult—especially in tight-fitting clothing.
- The taller profile can cause printing, making it harder to carry discreetly.
- Some IWB (inside-the-waistband) holsters don’t accommodate red dots, requiring you to purchase a new holster.
My Experience: I didn’t really have issues here, as my existing Tenicor Velo holster was already cut for an optic and does a great job concealing it, even in athletic-fit shirts.
The Learning Curve: “Where’s My Dot?”
Many new red dot users experience the “Where’s my dot?” problem. Unlike iron sights, where your eyes naturally find the front sight, red dots require proper presentation and a target focus to “see the dot.”
My Experience: At first, I had trouble immediately picking up the dot after the draw. I had to retrain my eyes to be target-focused and practice dry fire drills to ensure the dot was instantly visible. As your training progresses, you’ll be able to shoot accurately even before you pick up the dot.
This learning curve isn’t insurmountable, but it requires time and effort to master.
Final Takeaway
If you’re considering a red dot for your concealed carry pistol, here’s my advice:
- Start with a quality optic – Brands like Holosun, Trijicon, and Aimpoint offer durable, reliable options.
- Train with it – Expect a learning curve and dedicate time to dry fire practice.
- Have backup sights – Batteries fail. Always have a plan B.
- Choose the right holster – I’ve been using and can stand behind the Tenicor Velo and Tier 1 Concealed Axis holsters.
At the end of the day, whether or not a concealed carry red dot is right for you depends on your training, needs, and commitment to mastering it. But one thing’s for sure—I won’t be going back to my “Amish gun” anytime soon.
About Scott Witner
Scott Witner is a former Marine Corps Infantryman with 2ndBn/8th Marines. He completed training in desert warfare at the Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Mountain Warfare and survival at the Mountain Warfare Training Center, the South Korean Mountain Warfare School in Pohang, and the Jungle Warfare school in the jungles of Okinawa, Japan. He now enjoys recreational shooting, trail running, hiking, functional fitness, and working on his truck. Scott resides in Northeastern Ohio.
