Can you think of a new handgun released in the last three years that didn’t come ready for a red dot? Rarely, a new handgun doesn’t come optics-ready. Even Hi-Point is optics-ready. The only handguns not coming optics-ready are too small to wear optics, like the S&W Bodyguard 2.0. What about revolvers? They haven’t been subject to the same red dot revolution, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t red dot ready revolvers. Today, we’ll do a deep dive into red dots and revolvers, the pros and cons, and the different options on the market.
There are revolvers designed for hunting, competition, and defensive purposes that are red dot ready. They each handle red dots a little differently, so the first thing we’ll do is break down the different genres of revolvers and red dots.
Self-Defense, Hunting, and Competition
Competition leads the way with red dots. Revolver guys have been strapping red dots to revolvers for a very long time in very creative ways. Competition shooters have the benefit of not having to deal with concealment. They use larger guns and can use large red dots and mounts. Typically, the red dot mounts to the top strap with a competition revolver and will sit quite high.
Hunters also don’t need to worry about concealed carry. They can mount large optics on their guns in a variety of ways. Hunting revolvers tend to be large, with long barrels and big calibers. This gives you plenty of room to mount an optic. One popular red dot ready method includes mounting the optic to a rail positioned over the top of the barrel. The other option is the typical top strap mount. Hunting revolvers will often use larger optics with a wider window because they can.
Red dots on defensive revolvers are rather new. Taurus, of all companies, leads the charge with their Defender TORO line of revolvers. Companies like D&L Sports produce revolver mounts for a variety of revolvers. The upcoming Shield Arms ROC mount will make it easy to mount a red dot to a J-frame of all guns. All of these options mount the red dot to the top strap on the gun. Defensive revolvers tend to use the smallest optics and mounts possible. They also tend to stay away from rails and use direct mount platforms.
Benefits of a Red Dot Ready Revolver
Red dots have been so utterly successful with semi-auto pistols, rifles, and shotguns because they work so dang well. Why wouldn’t that success translate to a revolver? In my experience, a red dot makes a revolver better. My first long-term experience with a red dot ready revolver was with the Taurus 856 Defender TORO. Here are the benefits I’ve seen shooting with a red dot-equipped revolver.
Speed
You’ll be faster getting on target and putting lead on that target. It’s so utterly easy to put a zeroed dot on a target and start cranking the trigger. There are no sights to align; just put the dot where you want it and pull the trigger. The dot catches the eye in all lighting conditions. Looking through the glass naturally helps you align your eyes with the dot, and with practice, it will become second nature.
Range Increases With A Red Dot Ready Revolver
Red dots are typically small in size. For a handgun, they’ll range between three and six MOA. Even the largest dot is considerably smaller than a revolver’s front sight. A smaller dot means less of the target is obscured. If you can see more of the target, you’re more likely to hit it. This helps you increase your overall range. I’ve found that a red dot makes it possible for me to land hits with regularity at 50 yards.
Better Accuracy
In the same way a red dot benefits us at longer ranges, it benefits us for overall accuracy. A smaller dot makes it easy to land more precise shots on targets both near and far. It ties back to the aim small miss, small idea. Take, for example, a headshot. With iron sights, I can make headshots, but even at moderate ranges, the sight obscures the head. With a red dot ready revolver, the target remains unobscured, and I can put rounds right between the eyes.
This depends on your zero, but being able to zero has its own benefits. Most revolver sights are set up for a specific load at a specific range. The red dot allows for a customized zero with your chosen load at a chosen range. The adjustability eliminates the need to remember any kind of Kentucky windage.
Target Focus Shooting Style
With a red dot ready revolver, you can focus on the target rather than your front sight. You can see and watch your threat, your deer, or your target with a red dot. Target-focused shooting is easier and ultimately more effective. It allows for greater situational awareness and is much easier, especially when your palms are sweaty, your heart rate is elevated, and you’re under any kind of stress.
No Moving Slide
Red dot ready revolvers don’t have to deal with one of the follies of automatics. They don’t have a moving slide! With a revolver, tracking the dot between shots is much easier and faster. As a guy who had experienced red dots on automatics, I was stunned at how much easier it was to keep track of the dots and fire those fast follow-up shots.
There are also a lot fewer g-forces on the red dot, which helps preserve its lifespan and keep it running longer. You’re also less affected when dealing with red dots with lower refresh rates due to the lack of lag that’s typically created by a moving slide.
Downsides to Red Dots Ready Revolvers
There is no such thing as a free lunch. Red dots have several disadvantages that a curious user should be aware of.
Logistics
Acquiring a dot means more money. Good dots can run several hundred dollars. You also have to worry about battery life and the fact that red dots are a mix of aluminum and glass, and that’s easy to break. They can be tough, but it’s still electronic and glass. Not to mention that many revolver holsters aren’t set up for red dots.
Red Dot Ready Revolvers Sit High
One of the downsides that is exclusive to revolvers is that the dot sits high on the gun. On automatics, they sit relatively low. This creates two problems. First, cowitnessing with iron sights isn’t going to happen. Second, it takes a lot of practice to get quick at finding the dot compared to a semi-automatic. It’s not as intuitive, and you’ll need lots of dry fire draws to get used to finding the dot.
Limited Revolver Options
Finding revolvers that accommodate dots can be tough. The red dot ready revolver market is nowhere near as standardized as automatics. Different mounts work for different revolvers, and very few defensive-oriented options come red dot ready. I imagine this can change if the concept remains popular.
READ ABOUT MORE REVOLVERS: Classic Americana: Charter Arms Bulldog Classic Review
Red Dot Ready: Old and New
Revolvers certainly aren’t new tech. It’s a testament to their capability that the humble wheel gun has come from the cap and ball days to the age of the red dot. Red dots are becoming the standard for defensive handguns, and it’s good to see wheel guns getting that love. There are certainly some benefits but also downsides, so make sure you’re doing your research and making an educated decision.
With that in mind, where do you fall on the subject? Let us know below!
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