In today’s technologically advanced world, law enforcement agencies are always trying to be up to date with these advances to provide the best opportunities for their officers. Same goes for those in the Civilian world. One piece of equipment that has gained a lot of traction is the miniature red dot sight for pistols (MRDS). As this is not new technology, competitive shooters have been using them since the late 90’s early 2000’s, advancement in technology has made the MRDS very reliable and duty/carry capable.
Why
So why the sudden surge in MRDS for Law Enforcement and Concealed Carry? It will make the individual a better shooter and decision maker. Now, the MRDS will not increase your scores immediately. The shooter must have a solid foundation in the fundamentals of marksmanship as the MRDS is not a magic cure for the “flinchies.” Traditional iron sights require three objects working together and creates three focal planes. The human eye cannot focus on more than one thing at a time so the shooter must acquire their target, properly align their sights and then transition that focus to the front sight. While with training and time on the range this task is not difficult, some visual acuity is lost, and it takes more time.
The MRDS requires one focal plane, the target. Once the shooter has identified the target/threat, the shooter will focus on the target, bring the firearm to the shooter’s eyes, and once the dot is where it needs to be, the shooter makes a clean press of the trigger. Just like shooting a rifle with a red dot sight or low power variable optic, the shooter will remain target focused and superimpose the dot on the target. This allows the shooter to keep both eyes open and gain more vision. The more we are able to see, decisions can be made at a much faster pace with less chance of error.
Optic and Weapon Selection
Mounting of the MRDS can take two forms. First, you can purchase an optics ready platform such as the Glock MOS, FN 509T, Smith and Wesson
CORE or the Agency Arms AOS system. These are milled and have accessory plates for the MRDS. While this is a great option, there has been some issues related to the factory MOS receiver plates. Second, you can send your existing slide to be milled for the optic of their choice. Each agency or individual will have to decide based on research which method suits their needs/policy. Milling of the slide is my preferred method.
There are many optics on the market today. You must choose an optic that is durable, can withstand drops, accidental impacts and manipulations from the use of the optic. Trijicon, Holosun and Aimpoint are leading the market currently. With the RDS being an electronic component and man-made, as with anything there will be a potential for failure. Whichever mounting application you choose, a secondary sighting system should be employed. The use of back-up iron sights, usually of suppressor height, should be lower one-third or co-witness with the RDS.
Training
There is a small learning curve when starting out with the MRDS. The implementation should not be authorization, provide equipment and go to work. Most people struggle finding the dot upon presenting to the target. Many factors lead to this occurrence. First, the shooter, depending on how long they have been shooting, have been working in the three focal plane arena of iron sights. Most shooters still close an eye when shooting irons and with the RDS being a single focal plane, both eyes open style of shooting can be difficult at first. Second, the presentation from the holster, low ready, etc. must be solid from the beginning. Proper presentation is critical for fast dot acquisition.
The fundamentals of marksmanship are the fundamentals, but each agency should develop a transition training course of some sort due to the RDS system. The instructors at the agency should have received formal training from an outside source specializing in RDS, state certified instruction or combination of both. With this knowledge, the instructor can develop the topics needed for the transition course to include but not limited to, zero distances, how to zero the MRDS, optic failure drills, potential lens obstruction, installation and more.
Policy for LE
Well thought out and developed policy is a must for agencies. The policy should be backed by research and establishes a standardized procedure for implementation, training and optic choice that meets the needs for duty.
With a sound policy, proper training implementation, the MRDS will allow potential growth for the officers/individuals shooting abilities. Each individual must be committed to the training program and sustained training with the MRDS. If you do, you will see measurable growth in their pistol skills. Optic manufacturers continue to develop optics with advanced technology to enhance the reliability and function for law enforcement use and civilian carry. This article is the tip of the iceberg. If you have questions, please reach out to us at info@valiant-ts.com. Also see Aaron Cowen’s white paper at https://www.sagedynamics.org/
Author:
Kraig Kincaid
