How to Stay on Target When Your Sights Fail: Adapting to Red-Dot Optic and Iron Sight Challenges

Online   Jan 14, 2025

Handguns Optics Informational

For over 30 years, I’ve been immersed in the world of firearms, both as a shooter and a professional in uniform. One truth I’ve learned is that no sighting system is immune to failure. Whether you prefer the precision of a red-dot optic (RDO), swear by the simplicity of iron sights, or rely on both as a backup, each system has its vulnerabilities. Let’s take a closer look at the reality of staying on target when things don’t go as planned.

The Red-Dot Debate

In recent years, more law enforcement agencies and civilians have embraced red-dot optics, which has sparked debate in shooting communities. Some believe that red-dots are an unnecessary addition, while others argue that they are essential for modern shooting. Both perspectives have merit, but the truth lies somewhere in between.

On one side, there are skeptics who dismiss red-dots as a passing trend. Their criticisms often focus on concerns about battery life, fragility, and reliability. While it’s true that batteries can fail, quality optics are designed with predictable battery longevity in mind. Regular maintenance—such as replacing batteries on a schedule—can minimize the risk of running out of power at the wrong time. Many shooters who decry the battery life of red-dots on their handguns will happily change batteries in their rifle optics annually. The fear of battery failure is often more about resisting change than a legitimate concern.

Durability used to be a bigger issue with pistol-mounted red-dots, particularly early models designed for rifles that couldn’t withstand the shock of the pistol’s cycling slide. However, as demand for red-dot-equipped pistols grew, manufacturers addressed these concerns. Modern optics are far more durable than their predecessors, making red-dot failure less common than many think.

Personally, I’ve been using red-dots on pistols since 2011. In that time, I’ve experienced two failures: one with a first-generation Trijicon RMR and another with an early Aimpoint ACRO P-1. While both optics failed, these incidents are rare, and the lessons learned were invaluable.

The Impact on Reliability

When it comes to handgun reliability, the addition of a red-dot optic adds only a slight weight increase. In the past, this could necessitate some adjustments to the recoil spring, but these issues are largely behind us. Today, almost every modern handgun is available in an RDO-compatible version, and when used according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, red-dots won’t negatively affect reliability.

Another perspective comes from shooters who advocate for the exclusive use of red-dot optics. Some argue that modern optics are so reliable that iron sights aren’t necessary. In certain cases, like competition shooting or specialized military applications, this may hold true. For example, some military units use frame-mounted optics that are too low to accommodate iron sights. These users rely heavily on rigorous maintenance and training, while also employing additional tools like night vision and infrared lasers. In these cases, iron sights are simply unnecessary.

While I understand the appeal of eliminating iron sights for certain applications, I believe in redundancy. Even when a red-dot optic is functioning perfectly, the possibility of failure always exists.

Why Redundancy Matters

My own experience has taught me that no system is foolproof. In the last decade, I’ve experienced four separate failures with iron sights—more than I’ve had with red-dots. One of the rear sights shifted so far off-center that I couldn’t hit a target seven yards away. On another occasion, the front sight detached from the dovetail during a course of fire. In yet another case, the front sight wasn’t present at all when I drew my pistol from the holster. Given my extensive experience with iron-sighted guns, I was surprised by how often iron sights failed.

In contrast, red-dot optics, though not without their own failures, offer a critical backup. I recently had an Aimpoint ACRO fail during a department qualification course. The dot disappeared midway through a fast-paced stage, but because I had iron sights to fall back on, I was able to finish the course successfully. This experience reinforced my belief in redundancy—if my primary sight system fails, I still have a backup to keep me in the fight.

The Case for Redundant Sights

Before the advent of red-dots, pistols were equipped with only one set of sights. While iron sights rarely failed, the possibility was always there. Today, with the integration of red-dot optics, shooters have the advantage of redundant sighting systems, ensuring that even if one system fails, they can continue to engage the target.

For those serious about defensive pistolcraft, the ability to rely on both red-dot optics and iron sights can be the difference between success and failure in high-stress situations. Embracing both systems and training to use them effectively will help you stay on target, regardless of which sighting system fails.

In the end, the key takeaway is this: While both red-dot optics and iron sights have their strengths and weaknesses, relying on both offers a higher level of preparedness. Redundancy isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity when the stakes are high.