Vantage Point Nov/Dec 2020

Written By Tom McHale

2020

Let There Be Red Dots

So far, 2020 has done an admirable impression of water skiing without a boat. This COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a wrench in just about everything and I suspect the aftershocks will impact our way of life, the economy and Hollywood’s movie theater revenues for years to come.

There’s some positive news on the horizon — if you’re one to embrace change. I think this just may be the year of the handgun optic. Sure, we’ve been sticking red dot sights on handguns for decades, but their use has been largely limited to competition and range plinking.

Bushnell RXS-100

Optics Time

What we’re starting to see is adoption of handgun optics on defensive, carry and even duty guns. Just browse the internet and you’ll see all manner of tactical Delta Ninja dudes grimacing at unseen targets while crushing the grips of red dot-equipped pistols. But it’s not just the operator photo models brandishing pistol red dots; I’m seeing average Joe’s like me put them on home defense and carry pistols.

Why? The debate over pistol optics merits will rage on for years, as did the arguments over sticking glass (!) scopes on rifles. Yes, trillions of iron sight shooters insisted putting such fragile devices on working rifles was a sure path to self-immolation and perpetual embarrassment. Who in their right mind would dare spoil a tough and reliable iron sight system just to gain the benefit of actually seeing stuff at long distances? Yet progress happened. No one bats an eye at scope-equipped rifles anymore.

We’re at the inflection point with pistol optics. New red dots are tough as nails, compact and run for tens of thousands of hours on a single battery. Your mileage may vary, but for me, pistol optics yield a net positive. Once I learned to stop looking for the dot and focus on the front sight as usual, I found it leaps into view effortlessly. I’m (so far) a tad slower with a red dot at contact distances, say five yards and in, but much more accurate and measurably faster at any distance past that.

Bushnell RXS-250

Enter Bushnell

By the time you read this, industry stalwart Bushnell will have just announced their entry into the handgun optics Octagon with two new models: the RXS-100 and RXS-250 Reflex sights. While the two models vary in price, don’t think of the pair as cost effective and premium choices. The dual SKU strategy is where Bushnell got it exactly right. Let me explain.

Many manufacturers jumped on the pistol red dot bandwagon, announcing a new optic designed for “whatever.” And therein lies the problem. A good optic is defined entirely by its suitability for a specific use.

Want an optic for competition or range plinking? Then attributes like size and structure will emphasize optimal visibility with less regard to concealment and even durability. A “range optic” might have a manual on/off switch because “always on” functionality really doesn’t matter. Manufacturers can do things like build a brighter dot because they’re less concerned about batteries running dry.

If you’re looking for an optic for defensive use, then the feature priority matrix changes. In my view, some form of always on is an absolute and non-negotiable requirement, even if this means a smaller or less bright dot.
Compact size and extreme durability are a must. How many times are you going to knock the optic on something while going about your daily business? For this use, the dot absolutely, positively has to work — all the time.

The RXS-100 is the general-purpose 4-MOA dot, complete with larger window and manual controls. The RXS-250, also 4-MOA, is the rugged defensive sight, although there is nothing preventing you from using it for whatever purpose you like. It’s got a tank-like protective body and runs for 50,000 hours. That’s over five years. Change it every other year for worry-free reliability. You’ll also note a chamfered, low-profile shape designed to hide easily and avoid snags on draws from concealment — features not required on a competition model.

The new Bushnell models share the Leupold DeltaPoint footprint, already adopted by most pistol manufacturers. Whether buying a new pistol with a slide cut for optics or swapping your existing slide for a new one, you should have no trouble with compatibility.

Maybe it’s time to give pistol optics a try?

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