Ken Hackathorn analyzes Red Dot Sights on handguns and gives the pros and cons - Masterclass EP 31
TLDRKen Hackathorne revisits the debate on red dot sights for pistols, challenging the notion that they're the future of shooting. With extensive experience using red dot pistols, Hackathorne discusses the learning curve, potential downsides, and practicality for self-defense. He emphasizes the importance of proficiency through practice and questions whether red dots are truly advantageous for the average gun owner, suggesting they may be another passing trend in the firearms world.
Takeaways
- 🎯 Red Dot sights on pistols are a topic of debate, with some claiming they are the future of shooting, while others, like Ken Hackathorne, point out their potential drawbacks.
- 👴 Ken Hackathorne, despite being an experienced shooter, initially faced backlash for expressing concerns about red dot sights on pistols.
- 🔬 Hackathorne has personally tested and shot over 20,000 rounds with various pistols equipped with red dot sights, lending credibility to his perspective.
- 🚀 New shooters may find red dot sights easier to use initially due to the simplicity of having a single aiming point, unlike traditional iron sights.
- 🔄 There is a significant learning curve for experienced shooters accustomed to iron sights, as they must retrain their focus from the front sight to the target with the red dot.
- 💰 The cost of quality red dot sights is substantial, with prices ranging from $400 to $600, and additional costs for mounting systems.
- 🔩 The durability and reliability of red dot sights have been improving, but issues like battery life, re-zeroing after battery changes, and potential for damage remain.
- 🔄 Proficiency with red dot sights requires regular practice and significant rounds downrange, which may not be feasible for casual shooters.
- 🌫 Environmental factors such as dust, snow, and temperature changes can affect the usability of red dot sights, including issues like fogging.
- 👁️ Personal preference plays a role in the choice between red and green dots, with some individuals finding one color more visible or easier to track.
- 🔮 The future of red dot sights on pistols is uncertain; they may follow the path of other once-popular trends like laser sights or adjustable sights that eventually fell out of favor.
Q & A
Who is Ken Hackathorne and what is his stance on red dot sights on pistols?
-Ken Hackathorne is a firearms expert who has been featured on the Wilson Combat YouTube channel. He has a balanced view on red dot sights on pistols, acknowledging their advantages but also emphasizing the potential downsides and the learning curve associated with their use.
What was the initial reaction of the internet community to Ken Hackathorne's views on red dot sights?
-The initial reaction was quite negative, with many internet users criticizing him for his views, suggesting that he was out of touch and not recognizing the future of firearm technology.
How many red dot sight pistols does Ken Hackathorne own and what is his experience with them?
-Ken Hackathorne owns six red dot sight pistols and has extensive experience with them, having shot collectively over 20,000 rounds to understand their pros and cons.
What are some of the red dot sight pistols that Ken Hackathorne has used?
-Ken has used a Glock 17 with a Trijicon RMR, a Sig 320 with a Sig Sauer Romeo, an AimPoint Acro on a 5-inch barrel x9s, a Shadow Systems MR918 with a second-generation RMR, a Wilson Combat custom Sig 320 with an AimPoint Acro, and a Shadow System MR91 XR with a Primary Arms ACSS reticle.
What is the learning curve like for someone experienced with iron sights to transition to using a red dot sight on a pistol?
-The learning curve can be significant, with Ken Hackathorne mentioning that it took him around 1,000 rounds to become comfortable and around 5,000 rounds to make it feel natural.
What are the advantages of red dot sights at longer distances compared to iron sights?
-At longer distances, red dot sights can offer an advantage because they provide a single aiming point, eliminating the need to align multiple sight elements as with iron sights.
Why does Ken Hackathorne believe that red dot sights may not offer an advantage at close-range self-defense situations?
-Ken argues that at distances of zero to ten yards, which are common for self-defense scenarios, red dot sights do not offer a significant advantage over iron sights in terms of speed or accuracy.
What are some of the costs associated with equipping a pistol with a red dot sight?
-The costs include the price of the red dot sight itself, which can range from around $400 for a Primary Arms ACSS to around $600 for an AimPoint Acro, as well as the potential need for additional accessories like adapter plates.
What is Ken Hackathorne's view on the durability and maintenance of red dot sights?
-He believes that while manufacturers are improving durability, red dot sights still require regular maintenance and checks, such as ensuring the battery is working and the lens is clean.
What does Ken Hackathorne suggest about the future of red dot sights on pistols?
-He suggests that it is too early to tell if red dot sights are the future of handguns, comparing them to past trends like adjustable sights, rubber grips, and the 40 Smith & Wesson cartridge, which were once popular but have since fallen out of favor.
What advice does Ken Hackathorne give to those considering red dot sights for self-defense?
-He advises that if you are part of the 1% who train and shoot a lot, you may become proficient with red dot sights. However, for the majority who do not practice regularly, he suggests that red dot sights may not be the best choice for self-defense.
Outlines
🎯 Red Dot Sights Controversy
Ken Hackathorne from the Wilson Combat YouTube channel revisits the topic of red dot sights on pistols, a subject that sparked controversy in a previous discussion. He emphasizes that despite being an experienced shooter with six red dot equipped pistols, he still sees both advantages and disadvantages to this technology. The paragraph highlights the backlash he received for expressing skepticism about red dot sights being the ultimate solution for all shooters. He also touches on the idea that red dot sights are being oversold by some in the industry, and that they require a significant amount of practice to use effectively.
🚀 Learning Curve and Proficiency with Red Dots
In this paragraph, Ken discusses the learning curve associated with red dot sights, especially for those accustomed to iron sights. He explains that the process of adapting to red dot sights can be challenging due to the ingrained habit of focusing on the front sight in traditional shooting. He shares his personal experience, noting that it took him thousands of rounds to become proficient with red dot sights. Ken also addresses the misconception that red dot sights automatically make shooting more accurate or faster, especially within the typical self-defense range of zero to ten yards.
💰 Cost and Considerations of Red Dot Sights
Ken Hackathorne delves into the financial implications of adopting red dot sights, mentioning the price range of quality red dot sights and the additional costs of mounting plates if necessary. He stresses the importance of investing in a durable and reliable mounting system, using the Glock MOS system and Wilson Combat's True Zero system as examples. Ken also points out that proficiency with red dot sights requires a significant amount of ammunition and practice, which can be prohibitive for some shooters.
🔄 Durability and Real-World Application of Red Dots
The focus of this paragraph is on the durability and practicality of red dot sights in real-world scenarios. Ken discusses the improvements manufacturers have made in this area, highlighting the Trijicon RMR as an example of a durable option. He also addresses the issues that can arise when the sight needs battery replacement or suffers damage, such as the need to re-zero the sight. The paragraph also touches on the concept of 'one percenters'—those who train and shoot extensively—and how they are more likely to benefit from red dot sights compared to casual shooters.
🔍 The Future of Red Dot Sights in Handguns
In the final paragraph, Ken reflects on the future of red dot sights in handguns, drawing parallels with past trends that did not stand the test of time, such as adjustable sights, rubber grips, and the .40 S&W cartridge. He suggests that while red dot sights may currently be popular, their long-term viability as a standard feature is uncertain. Ken advises shooters to consider their own needs and practice habits rather than following trends, and to be mindful of the practicality and reliability of red dot sights in potential emergency situations.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Red Dot Sights
💡Auto-maticity
💡One Percenters
💡Learning Curve
💡Trijicon RMR
💡AimPoint Acro
💡Glock MOS System
💡Enclosed Emitter
💡Durability
💡Battery Life
💡Trends
Highlights
Ken Hackathorne discusses the controversial topic of red dot sights on pistols, challenging the notion that they are the future of shooting.
Hackathorne has experience with six red dot sidearms, emphasizing that his views are based on extensive practical use, not just being an 'old geezer'.
The speaker points out that red dot sights are being oversold by some as the ultimate accessory, cautioning against the hype.
A detailed account of Hackathorne's journey with red dot pistols, starting with a Glock 17 mounted with a Trijicon RMR.
The learning curve associated with red dot sights is significant, especially for those accustomed to iron sights.
New shooters may find red dot sights easier to use due to a lack of pre-existing habits with iron sights.
The cost of quality red dot sights and necessary mounting plates is highlighted, indicating a substantial investment.
Hackathorne emphasizes the importance of practice and the number of rounds needed to become proficient with red dot sights.
The durability and maintenance of red dot sights are discussed, noting that they are not maintenance-free.
Backup iron sights are not a fail-safe when transitioning from red dot sights, as the brain is conditioned to seek the dot.
Enclosed emitter sights are preferred for their protection against debris, contrasting with open emitter sights.
The impact of environmental factors like dust, snow, and temperature on red dot sight performance is examined.
The trendiness of red dot sights in the gun industry is compared to past trends that did not stand the test of time.
Hackathorne argues that for most gun owners, red dot sights may not offer the benefits they are seeking for self-defense.
The practicality of red dot sights for home defense is questioned, considering battery life and maintenance.
The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to consider their own needs and practice habits before adopting red dot sights.
Transcripts
Browse More Related Video
Debunking & Exposing The Orchestrated Viral Vice Gun Debate
Why Everyone Needs An AR-15
Massad Ayoob - Red Dot Sights on Carry Guns? Pros and Cons of Carry Optics - Critical Mas EP46
Massad Ayoob's Tips for Older Shooters - Critical Mas Ep 63
Armed Dad Shoots Intruder Who Grabbed 11-Year-Old Daughter in Back Yard In North Carolina
America’s mass shooting problem, explained
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)
Thanks for rating: