Massad Ayoob - Red Dot Sights on Carry Guns? Pros and Cons of Carry Optics - Critical Mas EP46

Critical Mas with Massad Ayoob
13 Dec 202211:24
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this Wilson Combat Channel video, the host discusses the controversial topic of Carry Optics for pistols. While acknowledging the technology's adolescence and occasional failures, he highlights its increasing popularity for self-defense due to its accuracy and non-obstructive view. The video addresses the learning curve, the importance of practice, and considerations such as temperature effects on battery life and the use of defoggers. It encourages viewers to evaluate their needs and habits when considering new technology for personal defense.

Takeaways
  • 🔍 The script discusses the controversial topic of 'carry optics' in the field of firearms, particularly at Wilson Combat, where opinions vary among experienced and younger generations.
  • 🎯 Carry optics are smaller units designed for daily carry and are different from red dot sights used in competitions, as they endure more wear and tear due to the recoil of pistols.
  • 🛠️ There are concerns about the durability and reliability of carry optics, as they have sensitive connections that can be affected by constant use, and they are still considered in their developmental stage.
  • 👓 The speaker notes an increase in the use of carry optics in self-defense classes, with top performers utilizing red and green dots, indicating a trend towards their adoption.
  • 🚀 Carry optics offer significant advantages such as improved accuracy and the ability to focus on a threat without the obstruction of iron sights, which is beneficial in high-stress situations.
  • 👨‍👧‍👦 There is a learning curve associated with carry optics, with younger individuals adapting more quickly than older, more experienced shooters who are accustomed to traditional sights.
  • 👮‍♂️ The script mentions that police chiefs and liability-oriented attorneys are sold on the concept of carry optics due to their potential to reduce mistaken identity shootings.
  • 🔋 Carry optics have had issues with battery life and performance in extreme temperatures, which has been a concern for law enforcement in cold climates like Alaska.
  • 🛡️ Despite potential issues, the technology is improving, with better durability and battery life, and even law enforcement agencies are beginning to adopt red dot sights.
  • 🌡️ The script highlights the need for regular use of defoggers to maintain the precision of carry optics, especially in changing weather conditions.
  • 🤝 The speaker encourages an open-minded approach to technology, respecting the choices of those who stick with traditional methods and those who embrace new technology, emphasizing that performance will be the ultimate judge.
Q & A

  • What is the main topic of discussion in the video script?

    -The main topic of discussion is the controversy surrounding the use of Carry Optics on firearms, particularly in the context of Wilson Combat and the varying opinions on its effectiveness and reliability.

  • What was the speaker's initial experience with Red Dot sights on sporting pistols?

    -The speaker initially did not bond with Red Dot sights when they first came out and did not see much use for them until he started competing with them in 1988.

  • What is the difference between Carry Optics and traditional Red Dot sights as mentioned in the script?

    -Carry Optics are smaller units designed for constant daily carry, as opposed to competition, and are subjected to more wear and tear due to the recoil of each shot, unlike traditional Red Dot sights found on rifles.

  • Why are Carry Optics considered to be in their 'adolescence' according to the speaker?

    -Carry Optics are considered to be in their 'adolescence' because they are not yet fully mature in terms of reliability, and they can still be temperamental, occasionally failing during use.

  • How has the speaker observed the use of Carry Optics in his self-defense classes?

    -The speaker has noticed an increasing number of students using Carry Optics on their carry guns for self-defense, with a significant percentage of top performers in the class utilizing red or green dot sights.

  • What are the advantages of using Carry Optics for self-defense as described in the script?

    -The advantages include improved accuracy, the ability to focus on the threat while maintaining sight alignment on the same focal plane, and not having iron sights block the view of a person's hands during a confrontation.

  • What is the learning curve associated with using Carry Optics, and how does it affect different age groups?

    -The learning curve for using Carry Optics is steep, with younger individuals generally picking it up faster than older ones. This is attributed to the time it takes to transition from being habituated to one system to another.

  • What are some concerns regarding the use of Carry Optics in extreme weather conditions?

    -Concerns include the impact of cold temperatures on battery life and the potential for condensation and fogging in cold to warm transitions, which can affect the clarity and precision of the sight.

  • What is the speaker's personal experience with using Red Dot sights after cataract surgery?

    -After cataract surgery, the speaker has been able to use Red Dot sights more effectively, as prior to the surgery, he experienced a 'fuzzball' effect that made it difficult to use the sights.

  • What is the 'bridge index' mentioned in the script, and how does it work with Red Dot sights?

    -The 'bridge index' is a method of aiming where the shooter finds a spot where the head is in contact with the arm, creating a felt index that positions the Red Dot in the same spot relative to the eye, which also works with iron sights.

  • What advice does the speaker give regarding the use of Carry Optics for self-defense?

    -The speaker advises to invest time in practicing with Carry Optics, to consider personal needs and threat profiles, and to regularly apply defogger to the sights, especially in extreme weather conditions.

Outlines
00:00
🔍 The Debate Over Carry Optics

The speaker initiates a discussion on the controversial topic of Carry Optics in the firearms community, highlighting the generational divide between experienced content providers and younger enthusiasts. The debate centers on the practicality and reliability of red dot sights for daily carry versus their use in competitions. The speaker shares personal experience with red dot sights since the late 1980s and acknowledges their evolution from competition to everyday carry, noting the durability concerns due to the harsh conditions they endure compared to those on rifles. Despite occasional failures, the speaker observes an increasing trend of students using Carry Optics in self-defense classes, emphasizing their accuracy and the tactical advantage they provide in high-stress situations by allowing the user to monitor a threat's hands without obstruction.

05:03
🎯 Adapting to Red Dot Sights

This paragraph delves into the learning curve associated with transitioning from traditional iron sights to red dot sights. The speaker reflects on his own struggle to adapt, attributing it to long-standing habits rather than resistance to new technology. He discusses various techniques for finding and using red dot sights effectively, including the use of backup iron sights for reliability and the 'bridge index' method for establishing a consistent sight picture. The speaker also addresses environmental concerns such as temperature and weather conditions that can affect the performance of red dot sights, and he underscores the importance of practice and repetition to overcome the learning curve and achieve proficiency with the technology.

10:05
🛡️ Embracing New Technology in Self-Defense

The final paragraph addresses the broader implications of adopting new technology in self-defense. The speaker encourages an open-minded approach to evaluating the merits of red dot sights, respecting the choices of both traditionalists and early adopters. He emphasizes the importance of personal experience and performance in making an informed decision about whether to incorporate red dot sights into one's self-defense strategy. The speaker also anticipates ongoing discussions and debates within the community, inviting viewers to share their thoughts and experiences. He concludes by acknowledging the permanence of red dot sights in the firearms landscape, while leaving open the question of their ultimate dominance.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Carry Optics
Carry Optics refers to the practice of using red dot sights on pistols for everyday carry, as opposed to just for competition. In the video, it's a central theme as the speaker discusses its controversial nature and varying opinions among experienced and younger shooters. The script mentions that Carry Optics are designed for constant daily carry and are subject to more wear and tear than red dot sights on rifles.
💡Red Dot Sights
Red Dot Sights are a type of optical sight that uses a red dot as the reticle. They are mentioned in the script as a technology that has been initially used in competition shooting and is now being adopted for self-defense and carry pistols. The script highlights their advantages in terms of accuracy and the ability to focus on the target without the iron sights obstructing the view.
💡Self-Defense
Self-defense is the act of protecting oneself from harm. In the context of the video, self-defense is the primary orientation of the speaker's classes, where he observes the increasing use of Carry Optics by students for their carry guns. The script emphasizes the importance of having a reliable sight for self-defense tools, which includes the consideration of backup iron sights.
💡Accuracy
Accuracy in the script refers to the precision with which a firearm can be aimed and fired to hit a target. The speaker discusses how red dot sights have a strong theoretical basis for improving shooting accuracy, allowing users to focus on the threat while maintaining their index on the same focal plane.
💡Learning Curve
The learning curve is the process of acquiring new skills or knowledge, which in this video, pertains to the adaptation to using red dot sights. The script notes that younger individuals tend to pick up the use of red dot sights faster than older shooters, possibly due to being less habituated to traditional iron sights.
💡Iron Sights
Iron sights are the traditional form of aiming devices on firearms, usually consisting of a rear notch and a front post. The script mentions that some instructors prefer no backup iron sights with red dot pistols, but the speaker argues for the importance of having them as a backup, especially for self-defense tools.
💡Temperature
Temperature is discussed in the script as a factor affecting the performance of red dot sights, particularly in extreme cold conditions like in Alaska. Cold temperatures can drain batteries, which is a concern for police officers considering the adoption of red dot sights on their pistols.
💡Durability
Durability refers to the ability of a product to withstand wear, damage, or aging. The script mentions that the durability of optical units and the lifespan of batteries in red dot sights have improved, making them more reliable for self-defense purposes.
💡Defogger
A defogger is a product used to prevent or clear fogging on optical surfaces, such as those on red dot sights. The script advises the use of a defogger for self-defense pistols equipped with red dot sights, especially in conditions where condensation and fog could impair visibility.
💡Vision Problems
Vision problems are issues that affect an individual's sight, such as cataracts mentioned in the script. The speaker shares a personal experience where cataracts made using red dot sights impossible due to the 'red fuzzball' effect, but after cataract surgery, they were able to use red dots more effectively.
💡Adoption
Adoption in this context refers to the acceptance and use of new technology or methods. The script discusses the adoption of red dot sights by various police departments, including the one the speaker retired from, indicating a growing trend and acceptance of this technology in law enforcement.
Highlights

The discussion on the controversial topic of Carry Optics in the field of firearms, with varying opinions among experienced and younger content providers.

Carry Optics are acknowledged to have both strengths and weaknesses, similar to any other technology or method.

Introduction of the speaker's personal experience with Red Dot sights on sporting pistols since their inception.

Carry Optics are differentiated from traditional Red Dot sights by being smaller and designed for daily carry, not just competition.

The durability concerns of Carry Optics due to the smaller and sensitive connections that may fail under the stress of constant use.

Observation of an increasing trend of Carry Optics in self-defense classes, with top performers utilizing them.

The advantages of Carry Optics in terms of accuracy and the ability to focus on the threat without obstruction.

The learning curve associated with adopting Carry Optics, with younger users adapting faster than older, more experienced shooters.

The importance of finding the right index for using Carry Optics, such as the bridge index or felt index, for quick acquisition.

The debate on whether to use backup iron sights with Carry Optics, with a preference for having them as a fail-safe.

Concerns about the impact of temperature extremes on the performance and battery life of Carry Optics.

The improvement in technology that has led to more durable optical units and longer battery life.

The issue of multiple dots appearing due to rain or condensation, affecting the precision of Carry Optics.

The consensus on the accuracy benefits of Carry Optics, despite some personal experiences of slower speed with them.

The speaker's personal journey with red dots, including challenges with cataracts and the subsequent improvement post-surgery.

Advice on using a defogger regularly for self-defense Carry Optics to prevent issues with fogging.

The need to evaluate personal needs, threat profiles, and ingrained responses when considering the adoption of new technology.

A call to action for users to invest time in practicing with Carry Optics to make an informed decision about their use.

The acknowledgment of Carry Optics as a technology here to stay, with its future dominance yet to be determined.

Transcripts

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Carry OpticsSelf-DefenseLaw EnforcementRed Dot SightsFirearms TrainingAccuracy DebateTechnology AdoptionShooting TechniquesWilson CombatFirearm Trends