Handgun Sights | Pistol Red Dots, Iron Sights, Night Sights

Pistol Sights

Pistol Iron Sights

Many pistols come with a standard set of front and rear fixed sights. The front sight is usually a square post or a bead, while the rear sight has a V- or U-shaped notch. Fixed sights cannot be adjusted, but due to their low profile, they allow for a quicker and more comfortable draw, which is a huge benefit for self-defense. Even though adjustable sights can boast a higher versatility, they are also more costly and have a higher profile, resulting in a slower and clumsier draw. However, they are more fitting for competitive shooting and hunting, where speed is not of big importance.

Compared to pistol optic sights, iron sights don’t need batteries to work, they don’t break as easily as other types, and they are generally more resilient. They are always a great backup option.

If you want your sights to be easy to pick up in daylight, look for fiber optic pistol sights.

Pistol Red Dot Sights

Additionally, optic-ready pistols are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to mount red dot sights directly. Red dot-ready pistols feature various footprints that accept specific optics designed with a specific optic cut pattern.

A handgun red dot allows you to focus on the target while aiming and their reticle is clearly seen in low light. If the iron sight is a smartphone, then the red dot sight is a big screen TV - it is much easier to see your target through red dot pistol sights.

As far as terminology goes, red dots are a broader category of sights that use an illuminated red (or sometimes green) dot as the aiming point. They typically have an enclosed design, meaning the emitter and lenses are housed in a casing. This makes them more resistant to dirt, debris, and adverse weather conditions.

Pistol reflex sights, on the other hand, are a specific type of red dot sight. They feature an open design that exposes the lens. The emitter projects the reticle onto a single lens without requiring a second lens to reflect it. This creates a more compact and lightweight sight, though it may be slightly more prone to damage in challenging conditions. Reflex pistol sights can be operated with both eyes open and have a greater FOV than enclosed pistol red dots. 

Pistol Night Sights

Unfortunately for us, dangerous situations don’t go away with the sunset. Moreover, evening and night hours are the time when a major part of crimes happen. The iron sight will not help you if you cannot see it clearly; that’s why humanity came up with sights, functioning well in low-light conditions. Due to their compactness, tritium night sights are a great investment for those looking for aftermarket sights for their concealed carry pistol.

GRITR Outdoors has a huge selection of handgun sights of any design and for every purpose - low profile, suppressor height, competition sights, enclosed pistol red dot, fiber optic sights, tritium night sights, 3 MOA, 6 MOA - whatever your handgun needs. It includes options from the best brands manufacturing pistol sights, such as Truglo, Trijicon, Holosun, Ameriglo, Burris, Viridian, and others. Users of Glocks, 1911, Taurus, Springfield, Walther, Ruger, and other platforms are all welcome!

SIGN UP FOR EXCLUSIVE DEALS & OFFERS

Subscribe Action