In the ever-evolving world of law enforcement, miniaturized red dot sights (MRDS) on duty handguns are gaining traction. Many departments report enhanced target acquisition and accuracy with these optics. However, before fully embracing this trend, it’s crucial to consider all aspects of this technology. As with any new equipment, we need to ask: Does it truly enhance officer effectiveness and public safety?

To get a trainer’s perspective on MRDS, I spoke with Cole Weick, a seasoned deputy, SWAT team leader and firearms instructor. With over 20 years of law enforcement experience and nearly two decades as a firearms instructor, Weick teaches classes on red dot transition at Ballistic Defense. He brings valuable insights from both the field and the training range. His expertise in this area is widely recognized, and his observations form the foundation of much of what follows.

Many recommend that MRDS should be an option for officers rather than mandated, given the learning curve and individual preferences.

Focus

One of the primary benefits of MRDS is the ability to shoot with both eyes open while maintaining target focus. This aligns with how officers typically respond under stress in force-on-force training scenarios. People tend to shoot at the target or threat under stress, focusing on the threat rather than the sights. 

Target-focused shooting is crucial in high-stress situations, and it seems plausible that MRDS facilitates training and implementation of this technique more effectively than iron sights.

Accuracy

Firearms instructors have observed a trend of increased qualification rates among officers using MRDS. The dot can improve accuracy for most users, though it’s important to note that it’s not a replacement for proper training and solid fundamentals. 

One key advantage is the immediate feedback MRDS provides, showing exactly what the shooter is doing with the gun. This can help correct common issues like being a low-left shooter, as the dot makes these tendencies more apparent. However, Weick notes that this can sometimes lead to officers slowing down when shooting, as they strive for a very precise shot instead of just an acceptable shot.

Challenges and considerations

While MRDS offers significant advantages, it’s not without its challenges. The main hurdles for new users are acquiring and tracking the dot, as well as understanding recoil and predicting where the dot will go. Weick emphasizes that the level of training is crucial, with acquiring the dot being the hardest part for most users. 

Presentation techniques vary, with some instructors teaching the FBI-taught muzzle-up method and others preferring a flat presentation. The FBI method, where the dot always comes from the top and down, provides a repeatable way to consistently find the dot. A flat presentation involves drawing the gun straight up and level, bringing it to eye level and letting the red dot settle into the sight as you aim. 

Maintenance is another consideration. Proper installation, anti-fog treatments, battery checks and regular lens cleaning are all necessary. This higher level of maintenance compared to traditional iron sights is something departments need to factor into their decision-making process.

Astigmatism considerations

Interestingly, astigmatism appears to be less of an issue for pistols compared to rifles when utilizing MRDS. Most officers don’t have a problem even if they have this condition. Different brands may look different to individual eyes, so it is generally recommended that officers try out various options to find the best fit for their vision.

Equipment

Many experts recommend reliable brands such as Holosun, Trijicon and Aimpoint for duty handgun red dot sights. Weick emphasizes the critical importance of manual brightness adjustment. “You can shoot a dot that is too bright, but it is hard to shoot a dot that’s too dim,” he cautions. He strongly warns against relying solely on auto-adjusting brightness features. “Auto adjust can probably wash out the dot in certain conditions,” he explains. Instead, Weick recommends selecting models that allow manual adjustment to ensure optimal visibility across various lighting conditions.

Suppressor-height sights

A crucial point Weick emphasizes is the importance of backup iron sights — preferably suppressor-height sights. “When batteries die and you don’t have backup iron sights, you won’t be as accurate,” he warns. This is particularly important given his observation that in every red dot class he’s taught, there have been failures, mostly due to batteries.

Implementing MRDS

When it comes to implementing MRDS, many recommend that it should be an option for officers rather than mandated, given the learning curve and individual preferences. A policy requiring approval from a range master or CLEO for officers who want to use MRDS could be beneficial. While MRDS could potentially be mandated at the academy level for new recruits, the transition could be challenging for veteran officers if they are not fully convinced of its benefits. This approach allows for a gradual adoption, respecting the experience of seasoned officers while introducing newer officers to the technology from the start.

Training and adaptation

Proper training is crucial for effective MRDS use. A minimum eight-hour course for transition training is often recommended, though the learning curve varies by individual. The training should focus on the unique aspects of shooting with MRDS, including the two-eyes-open technique. “Shooting with two eyes open, your non-dominant eye sees the dot while the other sees the target. Your brain merges these into one image, making it easy to acquire targets,” Weick explains. This technique, while initially challenging for some officers, can significantly enhance target acquisition speed once mastered.

The need for more research

Researchers should note that red dots are designed differently from traditional rifle scopes. A key distinction is that red dots are optimally used with both eyes open, which seems to enhance an officer’s field of view rather than restrict it. Understanding this difference is crucial for conducting relevant research on MRDS in law enforcement. For those seeking more information, Sage Dynamics offers a comprehensive whitepaper on red dot systems for handguns.

While MRDS shows promise, there are still many issues that require further verification through rigorous research:

• How do MRDS affect an officer’s ability to identify threats in shoot/don’t shoot situations?
• Do MRDS block any part of an officer’s view compared to traditional sights?
• If officers focus on the red dot, do they miss important details compared to iron sights?
• Do bright lights at night like those of a patrol car ever
  interfere with seeing the red dot clearly?
• Does MRDS change how quickly an officer can start or stop shooting when the threat level changes?

These questions underscore the need for comprehensive studies to verify that MRDS integration does in fact truly enhance officer effectiveness and public safety. As law enforcement professionals, we must base our equipment decisions on solid research and best practices.

Conclusion

Incorporating MRDS technology into law enforcement seems to yield significant advantages in terms of improved target acquisition and accuracy. However, it also presents a unique set of challenges. Ensuring effective implementation requires careful attention to training, equipment selection, maintenance and departmental policies. As we navigate the complexities of this technology, it’s essential to stay receptive to emerging research and practical experiences from trainers. By thoroughly evaluating all factors, departments can make well-informed decisions about whether MRDS is a suitable choice for their officers.

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References

Desmoulin, G.T. “The Dangers of After-Market Police Accessories: How Can You Avoid Them?” Force Science, November 9, 2023.
“Handgun Red Dot Sight Transition.” Ballistic Defense, 2024. ballisticdefense.com/handgun-red-dot-sight-transition.
Overton Windex. “PRO-jection.” youtube.com/shorts/KEvMZjiVHRE.
Sage Dynamics. “Miniaturized Red Dot Systems for Duty Handgun Use” (Seventh Edition), 2023. sagedynamics.org.