Understanding the Basics: Red Dots, Suppressors, and Sights
Red Dot Sights
The evolution of firearms technology has brought about some exciting advancements, and among the most popular are red dot sights and suppressors. The combination of these two pieces of equipment, especially on handguns, is rapidly growing. However, the addition of a red dot sight and a suppressor can bring up some interesting questions. One of the most pressing questions is: Do you *need* suppressor height sights when you mount a red dot on your firearm? You’ve invested in a sleek red dot for faster target acquisition, and perhaps a suppressor to reduce the noise and recoil. But now, your iron sights are blocked or hard to see. What’s the solution? Do you need to replace your standard iron sights with taller, suppressor height sights? Let’s delve into the details and figure out if they are a necessary component of your setup.
The world of firearms optics can seem like a complex maze, and to fully understand the topic, we need to break down the fundamental components involved. Let’s examine the function of red dot sights, suppressors, and traditional iron sights.
Red dot sights, or RDS, are a type of optic that projects a small red dot onto a lens, which sits in front of the shooter’s eye. They’re designed to provide a single, easy-to-see point of aim. Unlike traditional iron sights, where you must align front and rear sights, the red dot eliminates that step, allowing for faster target acquisition and easier shooting. This allows the shooter to focus more on the target and the environment and less on sight alignment.
The advantages of red dot sights are significant, especially in dynamic shooting scenarios. They offer:
- Faster Target Acquisition: The red dot allows you to quickly identify and bring the target into focus.
- Improved Accuracy: Easier and faster target acquisition translates to more accurate shooting, even in situations where time is critical.
- Increased Situational Awareness: With a red dot, the shooter can keep both eyes open, which contributes to better peripheral vision and enhances situational awareness.
- Ease of Use: Red dot sights are generally easier to use than iron sights, particularly for shooters with aging eyes or eyesight issues.
Red dot sights are typically mounted on firearms using a rail system, such as a Picatinny rail. This allows for easy installation and adjustment. Many firearms now come with built-in Picatinny rails, or they can be added.
Suppressors (Silencers)
Suppressors, often called silencers, are devices attached to the muzzle of a firearm to reduce the sound and the flash generated by the discharge of the firearm. They work by trapping the expanding gasses produced when a bullet leaves the barrel, thereby reducing the noise signature.
Suppressors work by containing and slowing down the expanding gases from the gunshot. They typically contain baffles or other internal structures that channel and cool the gases. This process absorbs energy and lowers the overall sound pressure level. Besides reducing the sound signature, suppressors also mitigate muzzle flash and recoil, making shooting more comfortable and potentially improving accuracy.
But suppressors can present a challenge to shooters when it comes to iron sights. The presence of a suppressor, particularly one with a larger diameter, can obstruct the line of sight from the shooter’s eye to the target when using the iron sights. This is where suppressor height sights come into play.
Standard Iron Sights vs. Suppressor Height Sights
Standard iron sights are the traditional sights found on firearms. They typically consist of a front sight post and a rear sight, which may be a notch or an aperture. The shooter must align these sights to achieve accurate aim.
Suppressor height sights, on the other hand, are designed to be taller than standard iron sights. They are engineered to clear the profile of a suppressor, allowing the shooter to see and use the iron sights even when a suppressor is attached. This is achieved by raising the height of both the front and rear sights, providing a clear sight picture over the suppressor.
The primary purpose of suppressor height sights is to enable the use of iron sights, in the event a shooter’s red dot sight fails, or needs to be replaced.
Why Suppressor Height Sights Might Be Needed with a Red Dot
When considering whether you need suppressor height sights with a red dot, you need to ask yourself why you’d need them at all. Let’s consider the key reasons why they might be beneficial.
Co-Witnessing
One of the most compelling reasons to use suppressor height sights with a red dot is co-witnessing. Co-witnessing means that the iron sights are visible through the red dot sight’s window. This allows the shooter to align the iron sights as a backup in case the red dot fails or the battery dies. Having a backup sighting system provides redundancy and ensures the shooter can still effectively aim and engage targets.
The advantage of co-witnessing is that it allows for rapid transitions between the red dot and the iron sights. If the red dot malfunctions, the shooter can quickly switch to the iron sights. The alignment of the red dot and iron sights provides a familiar sight picture and minimizes the adjustment needed when switching between them.
The potential obstruction of standard iron sights by the suppressor necessitates the use of taller sights to maintain a clear sight picture. Suppressor height sights elevate the iron sights above the suppressor’s body, ensuring a clear view of the target and enabling the co-witnessing function.
The benefits of co-witnessing extends beyond simply providing a backup. The elevated iron sights can provide a faster target acquisition, especially at close ranges. The taller sights can be used to quickly acquire a target, and confirm that the red dot is also aligned. Situational awareness is also enhanced. With the iron sights available as a backup, shooters can focus on what’s in front of them with more confidence.
Why Suppressor Height Sights Might Not Always Be Needed with a Red Dot
Now let’s consider the arguments against using suppressor height sights with a red dot, especially in light of modern technology.
One of the main reasons you may decide you don’t need suppressor height sights is due to the increasing reliability of modern red dot sights. Red dot technology has improved significantly over the years. Manufacturers have focused on increasing the ruggedness and durability of their products, reducing the likelihood of failures. The battery life of many red dots is also impressive, often lasting for years of continuous use.
However, no piece of equipment is perfect, and the possibility of a red dot failure always exists. A red dot can be damaged, suffer battery failure, or experience other malfunctions. If the red dot fails, the shooter is in a position where they need an alternative sighting system. Some shooters decide that, because of the reliability of modern red dots, the need for backup sights is less significant than it used to be.
Another consideration is the optimal placement of the red dot sight on the firearm. Mounting the red dot at the correct height can eliminate the need for suppressor height sights. The red dot sight can be positioned in a way that offers a clear and unobstructed view over the suppressor.
Different mounting options, like absolute co-witness and lower 1/3 co-witness, have varying effects on the sight picture and the need for suppressor height sights. Absolute co-witness places the red dot directly on top of the iron sights. Lower 1/3 co-witness places the red dot above the iron sights, giving the shooter a better view of the target.
The cost of suppressor height sights can also be a factor. Replacing your standard iron sights with suppressor height sights is an additional expense. The cost can vary depending on the brand and materials used. If you don’t feel that you need backup sights, it may be prudent to save the money.
The best choice always comes down to personal preference. Some shooters prefer a co-witnessed setup, while others prefer to rely solely on their red dot sight. Some shooters find that the presence of suppressor height sights creates an uncomfortable or cluttered sight picture. Ultimately, the decision of whether to use suppressor height sights with a red dot is one of personal preference.
Factors to Consider When Deciding
To make the best decision, you must consider several factors that influence the choice.
Type of Firearm
The type of firearm you use greatly impacts your decision. A handgun used for concealed carry or personal defense may require a different setup than a rifle intended for competition shooting. A handgun often benefits from a co-witnessed sight picture for quick target acquisition.
Intended Use
The intended use of your firearm is an essential consideration. If you’re primarily using your firearm for home defense or concealed carry, you may place a higher priority on the reliability of backup sights. If you’re using your firearm for recreational target shooting, the need for backup sights may be less critical.
Red Dot Placement
Red dot sight placement also plays a role in the decision. The height of the red dot above the bore can affect the shooter’s view of the iron sights and the suppressor. The type of co-witness you choose will influence whether suppressor height sights are necessary.
Suppressor Size/Profile
The size and profile of your suppressor also matter. A larger diameter suppressor will likely obstruct the view of your standard iron sights more than a smaller one, therefore requiring suppressor height sights.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, your comfort and ease of use are paramount. Try various sight configurations to see which one feels most natural to you. If you’re comfortable with the sight picture, your accuracy and performance will likely improve.
Red Dot Reliability
How much do you trust your red dot sight? Are you concerned about a catastrophic failure during a critical moment? If you trust your red dot and you are confident in your battery management strategies, you may decide the added investment in suppressor height sights isn’t necessary.
Recommendations and Conclusion
So, the question remains: Do you need suppressor height sights with a red dot? There’s no universal answer to this question.
If you are using your firearm for personal defense, home defense or concealed carry purposes, a strong argument can be made for the use of suppressor height sights. The ability to co-witness iron sights provides a critical backup in the event of red dot sight failure. The faster target acquisition and improved situational awareness offered by co-witnessing can be essential in high-stress situations.
If you’re using your firearm for recreational shooting, the need for suppressor height sights may be less urgent. You might be more comfortable with just the red dot, and you may decide to invest in more ammunition.
Ultimately, the best decision about suppressor height sights depends on your priorities and shooting style. Carefully evaluate the factors discussed, including the type of firearm, intended use, suppressor size, and personal preference. It’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of co-witnessing, red dot reliability, and cost. Make the decision that best suits your needs and shooting experience.
Perhaps the most important takeaway from this discussion is that you should take time and experiment. Try various setups and sight configurations. Practice with your firearm until you are comfortable and confident. Visit a shooting range and test both configurations. Doing this will allow you to make an informed decision. Consider doing more research and consulting with experienced shooters or a gunsmith.
Remember, the goal is to find the configuration that provides you with the fastest target acquisition, greatest accuracy, and the highest level of confidence.
