Red Dot Sights, or pistol optics, are about as popular as it gets these days. Seldom seen at Gunsite classes years ago it has become the norm with iron sights the rarity. Several companies make them ranging in various levels of quality from “BB gun ready” to nearly indestructible. Every year they get better, and to a certain degree more affordable. One of the more recent additions in the high quality category are Green Dot Sights.
With few exceptions dot sights with green (reticles/dots) have been pretty much unsuitable for duty or carry use, mostly a novelty. Same with multiple reticles, once mostly a gimmick that has all changed. Some of the most rugged sights made offer a choice these days. Capable Green Dot Sights are still in the minority, but they are increasing in popularity and more available and begs the questions why, and should I change?
Why Green Dot?
Over the years multiple tests have been completed by sight manufacturers on what color is the easiest to see. At this point the general consensus being that green is the easiest for the eye to pick up. Especially in low or failing light conditions. That being said, it is critical to remember that everyone is different. For some green is harder to see than red, or even orange and a few other colors, but for the most part the Ophthalmology world indicates green is easier on the eyes, especially at night.
Problem has never really been its value but putting it into practice. Green LED’s suck up energy compared to red and lessen battery life. Saw that years ago with green lasers, see it now with my Mantis BlackbeardX dry fire setup, same with my old guide rod lasers. My introduction to the green dot was a Trijicon MRO Green in 2018 followed by several of their optics with green lighted reticles. Really like using it, green is easier for me to pick up, but it eats batteries for lunch. Mine is original production, sounds like they have worked on that.
But the latest Holosun SCS carry has taken it to a new level. With a battery life of near 20K hours it solves that issue and has proven so far to be very rugged and reliable. Both my Finks Custom GSP (Gunsite Service Pistol) Double stack and GSP-D have them and work great for me. Holosun offers green in a number of sights, theTrijicon MRO is still there, and EOTech HWS also has a green option. Even the Sig Sauer Romeo 9T has a green dot, and it is fantastic, my guess is there will be more to come.
Why Switch?
What people see looking at a dot is very personal. Having asked several people using or switching to a green dot at Gunsite it varies quite a bit. Several have told me it was a game changer making it easy to see and “softer” on their eyes. Without regard to MOA size, older eyes seem to pick them up easier and faster.
Depending on the background the dot may not wash out like red can against some colors. In the shoot house or indoors it’s possible to run them on lower intensity and still see them. Testing the MRO Green in 2018 it did not seem to wash out when using a very bright WML (Weapons Mounted Light). Same has been true with the Holosun SCS carry especially using the “open circle” reticle.
Performing a direct comparison between my Sig Sauer Romeo X Pro and SCS using the same reticle the green is faster for me to pick up and holds up better under the latest intense WML. Those sticking with red often provide the same answers making it a very individual thing. Many are just accustomed to seeing red dots/reticles and prefer not to change — really depends on the individual.
As a side note, when it comes to green lasers while they seem to stand out to me up close they do not seem to project as far especially in bright daylight. In the shop, the green is great since most of my optics are red, but running dry on the range the red is much easier for me to see.
Green Dot — Go/No Go?
As more durable and trusted manufacturers provide green as an option it makes sense to give them a look, but it’s critical to actually use one if at all possible. Having allowed students to shoot some of mine it’s about a 50/50 proposition. When it comes to using a dot (or not), what shape, size or color — it’s critical to use one before making any decisions, especially on a pistol. Rifle optics are all but obligatory these days, pistol optics while prolific, are not a 100 percent.
As more proven manufacturers continue to offer green dot sights it is certainly something you should take a look at. Consistency and reliability remain your primary focus, but the whole point to the dot optic is making it easier for you to aim in real world conditions, if green dot sights makes it better than by all means go green!
