pistol dot size ?

[dannyp]

looking at an optics ready pistol , what size dot ? i see they offer 3, 4, 6 ,8 ???? can someone explain this to me in english ? thanks , dan

 

[Park ranger]

At 100 yards, your dot would appear that many inches.

Half that at 50 yards, double that at 200 yards.

 

[MADad]

As Park Ranger explained, the numbers represent MOA, or minute of angle. Personally, I use the 6 MOA on my dca. I find it easier to find with my aging eyes. I have A 3, but it’s a bit small for me to find in a hurry.

 

[E.Shell]

For what purpose?

Presumably a home defense or carry gun.

I'd also opt for a larger dot. I have several dot sights, but not on defensive pistols. Were I to use a dot on my defensive pistol, it would be a big one. An 8 moa dot at 12 yards will be about 1". A 2 moa dot at 12 yards is 1/4" - pretty small to be finding in a hurry.

 

[Uncle Duke]

OP, your best answer is going to depend on your application. Defensive pistol? Precision pistol? Both? Like anything else, figure on compromises and tradeoffs.

Larger dot: Easier to locate quickly, especially with older eyes and varying light conditions. Subtended area of a man sized target will not be large enough to be a liability. Level of precision can be less than you desire, or plenty good enough....your call either way depending on application.

Smaller dot: Harder to locate quickly, but more precise, and can be quick enough for younger eyes, or if your application is such that time doesn't really matter. Will also subtend less target area when desiring enhanced precision with smaller sized targets.

 

[SkiPatrolDude]

6MOA works the best for me

 

[John from MD]

6 MOA for close in work, 2 MOA for further out. I like a plain 6 MOA dot vs the dot in a circle but it is a personal thing.

 

[outrider58]

I first started with the larger sized dots because I was worried about my older eyes. I've come to realize RDSs fall into the "aim small-miss small" category and I can still see smaller dots just as well, and can be just as, if not more accurate with a smaller dot size.

Do a lot of hands on, if you can, and don't sell yourself short on dot sizes. You can always shoot dots at greater brightness, which has a tendency to 'grow' the dot size. Nowadays, I wouldn't go smaller than 3 MOA.

 

[Johnny5k]

I have several dot sizes, and side by side, you can make them look identical by adjusting the brightness. The only difference is at the extremes. The reticle type makes a bigger difference.

 

[camo556]

So if you have not adjusted to drawing with a RDS, I would suggest one of those 32 MOA circle with 2 or 3 MOA dots. As noted, 8MOA= 8 inches from 100 yards, so 8MOA is .8 inches at 10 yrds. Plenty of precision for close work.

At first, it can be difficult to pick up the dot when drawing because RDS are less forgiving of poor holster draw form. Most people spend a lot of time finding the dot until they practice a lot.

Use a bigger dot for close/fast work and smaller for precision. The bigger 32 MOA circle is easy to find as you learn to draw, then you can switch it to the smaller dot as your form improves.

 

[Johnny5k]

Solo Cup Drill.

Take a magnet and affix a solo cup to the fridge. ENSURE safe and clear, and no ammo around. Stand at arms length to the fridge. Draw and point into the solo cup. Rinse and repeat until you can do it with your eyes closed.

 

[alucard0822]

I have several dot sizes, and side by side, you can make them look identical by adjusting the brightness. The only difference is at the extremes. The reticle type makes a bigger difference.

This is a consideration. the brighter, the quicker you pick it up, but the more distortion or flair there is. Look through a few, generally a 4-6MOA is good for a pistol. If you want precision, then a smaller dot at lower brightness tends to be crisper and easier to place shots. You can always make a small dot brighter, but can't make a big dot smaller.

 

[Johnny5k]

This is a consideration. the brighter, the quicker you pick it up, but the more distortion or flair there is. Look through a few, generally a 4-6MOA is good for a pistol. If you want precision, then a smaller dot at lower brightness tends to be crisper and easier to place shots. You can always make a small dot brighter, but can't make a big dot smaller.

Certainly the degree of astigmatism will make this test different for everybody. I get the smallest dot available, after trying a few different ones, but I have absolute cowitness with irons on most of my red dots.

 

[smokey]

You could always opt for a holoson 507k(rmsc footprint) or 507c(rmr footprint) in green. The 507 has a circle-dot reticle, kindve like an eotech. You can choose to have a big ass circle, a 2moa dot, or both.

I'd go green with the color, especially if you have astigmatism. Your eye sees contrast in green better than any other color, so you can pick it up easier at a lower power setting relative to red. People with astigmatism claim green also reduces the blooming distortions they see with a dot.

Here's what a 2moa red dot looks like through a holpsun 407c as a couple clicks under max brightness.

And here's how it cowitnesses with my xs sights.

The dot in this second image looks bigger just because of focal plane distortion with using a cell phone camera. It's focused on the front sight, so the dot is blurred bigger and the rear sight is slightly blurred. When using the dot, you focus on the target and the dot superimposes itself on it.

 

[dannyp]

thanks so much for all the replies , all good info , will have to look at some to see how my " old eyes " focus on them .

 

[Biggfoot44]

You could always opt for a holoson 507k(rmsc footprint) or 507c(rmr footprint) in green. The 507 has a circle-dot reticle, kindve like an eotech. You can choose to have a big ass circle, a 2moa dot, or both.

I'd go green with the color, especially if you have astigmatism. Your eye sees contrast in green better than any other color, so you can pick it up easier at a lower power setting relative to red. People with astigmatism claim green also reduces the blooming distortions they see with a dot.

Here's what a 2moa red dot looks like through a holpsun 407c as a couple clicks under max brightness.

View attachment 376438

And here's how it cowitnesses with my xs sights.
View attachment 376439
The dot in this second image looks bigger just because of focal plane distortion with using a cell phone camera. It's focused on the front sight, so the dot is blurred bigger and the rear sight is slightly blurred. When using the dot, you focus on the target and the dot superimposes itself on it.

Either it's the angle of the pic , or there's a different context of co- witness for pistols vs long guns ? The Dot is the width of rear notch above the top of front sight ?

 

[Johnny5k]

Either it's the angle of the pic , or there's a different context of co- witness for pistols vs long guns ? The Dot is the width of rear notch above the top of front sight ?

Might be the angle, or it might be intentional. Some like a "lower third" co-witness as opposed to an "absolute" co-witness. Absolute co-witness is not always possible on some pistols and generally requires supressor height sights. Depends on how low the dot can be mounted and how tall sights you can get.

 

[outrider58]

It's handy to have co-witnessing sights/dots, but after a while, you will stop co-witnessing and keep the dot in the middle of the window. It's easier and faster.

 

[camo556]

It's handy to have co-witnessing sights/dots, but after a while, you will stop co-witnessing and keep the dot in the middle of the window. It's easier and faster.

until the optic fails and you realize why you were cowitnessing, lol

 

[Sage954]

ACSS Vulcan reticle works for me. Easy to find and very accurate when you want to take your time.