Pistol Sights – Optics
Earlier, we explored many of the different types of iron sights available for pistols – check it out if you haven’t read it already, then come back here for a whole new set of options.
Optical sights have been common in some competitions for decades, not to mention hunting, but are now starting to become popular for tactical, defensive, and non-competitive target shooting and “plinking” use. Without getting into the details of the technologies used to create optical sights, let’s talk about why you might want one, how you would use one, and how you can get one on one of your guns.
One of the tricky parts of using iron sights is having to properly line up the front sight with the rear sights, then placing those lined up sights on the correct part of the target, especially if your vision isn’t perfect. Since it is only possible for your eyes to focus on one plane at a time, something will inevitably be blurry.
With an optical sight, aiming is as simple as placing the reticle (usually a red dot) over where you want the bullet to land. You can focus your eyes directly on the target, because the dot will appear in the same focal plane. For most people, the process of using an optical sight is much faster and less prone to error while in the process of completing the shot. There are even a few magnified options, generally for long distance shooting with hunting revolvers. While astigmatism can cause the dot to “star”, the optical sight can still be effective.

The sight picture for a relatively standard optic mounted on a slide, with backup iron sights
There are currently a number of options for getting an optical sight on your pistol.
You may be able to mount the optic on one of your existing guns using an adapter that slides into the dovetail for your rear sight or attaches to the frame of your gun (usually via the accessory rail under the barrel). These methods are low-cost and easily reversible, but can result in a less than optimal relationship between the optic and the barrel, which can make shooting close targets challenging because of the offset between point of aim and point of impact.

A set of adapter parts to allow an optic to be attached via the rear sight dovetail

Some pistols, particularly precision target or hunting guns, may also have an accessory rail on top that can be used for an optic
An easier option would be to buy a gun that already supports adding an optical sight. Right now, these are most commonly available as part of the Glock MOS and Smith & Wesson C.O.R.E. lines. You still need to choose the exact optical sight that you want, but these pistols support most of the popular brands and models through adapter plates that are fitted to the slide. If you aren’t already invested in these platforms and guns, that can be a downside, but it’s a convenient and relatively affordable option, especially because you can buy the gun and save up to add the optic later.

The two screws on top of the slide here are used to attach the adapter plates seen underneath

This customized Glock by ATEI comes as a complete package with an optic and other modifications
THIS SYSTEM FOR HANDSGUN IS VERY APPRECIATE FROM THE SHOOTERS.