Micro red dot sights (MRDS) have become increasingly popular on concealed carry pistols. Their ease of use and compact design make them an attractive option for anyone looking to improve their shooting performance. And in a self-defense situation they can be a lifesaver.

Red dot sights work by projecting an LED-illuminated aiming point or other image onto the field of view through a partially reflecting glass element. This superimposed image helps the user aim more accurately. The term “red dot sight” is often used regardless of the actual color of the dot, although red is the most common, and will be used as such for the purposes of this article. Red dot sights come in two main types: open emitter sights and enclosed emitter sights.

After spending time with MRDS-equipped pistols, many shooters find that their overall performance and confidence in handling firearms improve significantly. This is due to the single focal plane approach of red dot sights, which enhances accuracy in high-stress situations and allows for quicker target acquisition compared to traditional iron sights.

Experience shooting with iron sights doesn’t directly translate to proficiency with red dot sights, as they require different methods for target acquisition and aiming. However, if your pistol shooting fundamentals—stance, grip, trigger control, etc.—are solid, learning to shoot with a red dot is generally faster than with iron sights.

The adoption of red dot sights is a trend that’s likely to continue given their proven benefits. It’s always recommended, however, that any new equipment is accompanied by proper training and practice. Many shooting schools now offer pistol mounted optics courses that will teach you how to maximize your performance. 

Advantages for Self Defense

Red dot sights offer several advantages in self-defense situations. They allow you to maintain clear focus on the threat while superimposing the red dot, eliminating the traditional three focal plane approach (front sight, rear sight, and target). This single focal plane approach enhances accuracy in high-stress situations. It allows you better maintain situational awareness^.

Red dot sights enable shooters to achieve acceptable accuracy at both close and greater distances. A5-year survey conducted by the National Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors Association (NLEFIA) indicates that officers using handguns equipped with red dot sights fire fewer and more accurate rounds compared to traditional iron sight shooting.¹ The data shows that red dot sights have gained widespread acceptance in law enforcement due to their effectiveness in improving hit ratios and overall shooting performance.

Potential Drawbacks

There are some potential drawbacks to using red dot sights in self-defense scenarios. One major concern is battery dependency. Red dot sights rely on batteries for operation, and if the battery dies at a critical moment, the sight becomes useless. It’s essential to regularly check and replace batteries to avoid this issue. Co-witnessing allows both iron sights and a red dot sight to work together, enabling seamless transitions in case of electronic failure.

Another drawback is bulkiness. This can make concealed carry less comfortable and concealment challenging. Cost is also a factor to consider. High-quality red dot sights can be expensive, making them a significant investment for those seeking a reliable sighting system. But then, how much is your life worth?

There is also a learning curve associated with transitioning from iron sights to red dot sights. Some users may find it challenging to quickly acquire the red dot, especially under stress. Training and practice can overcome this. Finally, environmental factors can affect performance. While a consideration, if the latter were a major issue, red dot sights would not have gained such widespread acceptance among armed professionals.

Open vs Enclosed Emitters

When it comes to choosing between open emitter and enclosed emitter red dot sights for concealed carry, there are several factors to consider. Both types are popular for their ease of use and quick target acquisition, but they come with distinct advantages and trade-offs.

Open emitter red dot sights are known for their lightweight design and wider field of view, which can facilitate faster target acquisition. This makes them particularly advantageous in close-quarters scenarios where quick reaction times are crucial. However, the open design means that the emitter is exposed, making it more susceptible to dust, moisture, and other environmental elements. This can potentially obscure the reticle and affect performance in adverse conditions.

Enclosed emitter red dot sights offer superior durability and protection. The enclosed design shields the emitter from external elements, ensuring consistent performance even in harsh weather conditions. This makes them more reliable for users who may encounter rain, mud, or snow. However, enclosed sights tend to be bulkier and heavier, which can be a drawback for concealed carry where minimizing size and weight is often a priority. Additionally, the enclosed design may slightly reduce the field of view compared to open sights, which could impact target acquisition speed.

Dot Color

Red dot sights are more energy-efficient and typically offer longer battery life compared to green dots. They are also more common and widely available. Green dots are more visible in daylight and can be easier on the eyes, especially for those with astigmatism, due to the human eye being more sensitive to green light. Green dots may provide better contrast against certain backgrounds, making them advantageous in bright environments. However, red dots can offer higher contrast in environments with green backgrounds, such as dense foliage. In low-light conditions, the performance of red and green dots is comparable. Gold/yellow dots are also available. They are highly visible and offer good contrast, though they are less common.

When selecting the dot size for red dot sights used in self-defense, it’s important to strike a balance between speed and precision. The dot size is measured in MOA (Minute of Angle), with common sizes ranging from 1 MOA to 9 MOA. There is even a red dot sight on the market with a whopping 15 MOA dot. A 1-MOA dot translates to 1 inch in diameter at 100 yards. For self-defense purposes, a dot size between 3 MOA and 6 MOA is often recommended.

A 3 MOA dot offers a good balance, providing enough precision for accurate shots while still being easy to pick up quickly. This size is versatile and suitable for various distances, making it a popular choice for many shooters. On the other hand, a larger dot size like 6 MOA can be beneficial in high-stress situations where rapid target acquisition is crucial. The larger dot is easier to see and align with the target, which can be advantageous in close-quarters encounters. Larger dots are also less affected by astigmatism.

Ultimately, the best dot size will depend on your personal preferences and shooting style. It’s a good idea to try out different sizes to see which one you find most comfortable and effective for your self-defense needs.

Reticle Options

Different reticle options, such as a simple dot or a dot with a circle, can affect your shooting experience. A simple dot reticle provides a clear and precise aiming point without obstructing your view of the target. This makes it ideal where precision is key. However, it may be less effective for quick target acquisition in high-stress situations.

A dot within a circle reticle offers a larger aiming point, making it easier to track moving targets and acquire them quickly. The outer circle can also be used for range-finding purposes and helps with rapid target engagement at close ranges. However, the larger reticle may obstruct the view of the target, especially when shooting at longer distances, which is less of a concern in typical self-defense situations. Additionally, it can be more visually cluttered, which might be distracting for some shooters.

Additional Factors to Consider

When selecting a red dot sight for concealed carry, there are several additional factors to consider. The overall size and weight of the sight can impact the comfort and concealability of your firearm, so a more compact and lightweight sight is generally preferred. That said, the size of the viewing window has a significant impact on your ability to rapidly acquire the dot and transition between targets, with larger being better in this regard. Durability is also crucial; look for a sight that is shockproof, waterproof, and resistant to dust and debris to withstand the rigors of daily carry.

Battery life is another important factor. Some models offer features like solar backup or motion-activated illumination to extend battery life. Motion detection in red dot sights can have issues with sensitivity and reliability. If the sensor is too sensitive, it may activate unnecessarily, draining the battery. If not sensitive enough, it might not activate when needed. Additionally, consider how easy it is to replace the battery, as a convenient battery compartment can save time and effort during maintenance.

Adjustable brightness settings allow you to customize visibility of the reticle based on lighting conditions, which is particularly important for maintaining optimal visibility in both low-light and bright environments. The sight should also be easy to operate, with intuitive controls for adjusting brightness and zeroing the reticle, as quick and simple adjustments can be crucial in high-stress situations. Finally, ensure that the red dot sight is compatible with your firearm and can be easily installed, as some sights may require specific mounting plates or adapters. By considering these factors, you can select a red dot sight that enhances your concealed carry setup and meets your specific needs.

Final Thoughts

Red dot sights offer unique advantages as well as potential disadvantages. The advantages greatly outweigh the disadvantages. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your specific needs and the environments in which you plan to carry. Ther’s no single berst red dot sight. Understanding the benefits and downsides of each will allow you to make an informed decision. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the capabilities of red dot sights.

Endnotes

(1) Wuestenberg, J. (2025, January 3). The verdict on pistol red dot sights in law enforcement: Insights from a 5-year survey. Police1. Retrieved from https://www.police1.com/police-products/tactical/optics/the-verdict-on-pistol-red-dot-sights-in-law-enforcement-insights-from-a-5-year-survey

Resources

SIG SAUER
sigsauer.com

SIG SAUER Academy
sigsaueracademy.com