Red Dot/Reflex Sights for XD

G

GI Sandv

New member
I'm interested in finding a good red dot sight for my XD9. I know there are a number of options out there with significantly different price tags. Unfortunately, there are almost no reviews on the number of retailer websites I've looked at. I'm just wondering what everyone else thinks about the use of these types of sights, especially anyone who owns one or more. This is primarily for EDC purposes, although I would practice with it whenever I go to the range. Money is an issue and cheaper is better. However, I would rather a) save up for a quality product or b) find another option if I can't afford a good one. The considerations I've noticed while looking at various products are:
  • MOA size and precision vs. ease of target acquisition
  • Visibility in full sun, lowlight, nightime situations
  • Mounting style
  • Low(er) profile for EDC, CCW purposes
  • On/off switches, automatic on options, battery life, etc.
Again, this is an EDC weapon and I'm primarily concerned with actual self-defense capabilities. I walk home a lot both during the day and at night. As such, I want good visibility characteristics. The primary route I take is a long, straight street with heavy traffic where accurate shots are especially important. As a result, anything I can do to increase target acquisition times is a bonus.

As an alternate, and much cheaper alternative, I thought about this system. It looks like a good option. Anyone have any experience with this?
 
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Even brightly painted sights can disappear at night.
I would never consider MRD (mini red dot) on a carry pistol, especially a budget model sight. The only one I would trust would be the Trijicon RMR, even then finding the dot is slower than finding your sights. Lens fogging might be another issue.
These guys like them, but they are selling a service.
 
Set your gun up with the right sights, the dot on the RMR cowitnesses with your irons. Proper press out/sight alignment and the dot is right there, no hunting around for it.

Fogging doesn't have to be an issue, there's products available that eliminate it.

I doubted the validity of red dots on hand guns but read up on them and decided to try it. I bought a FNP-45 Tactical and a Trijicon RMR. At first the whole idea was alien because the way you view the dot and target is backwards to what we're used to. Rather than focusing on the front sight you are focusing on your target, regardless of distance, and superimposing the dot on the target. They are both on the same focal plane so both are in focus. It's like point shooting at distance, same as red dots on a rifle. This is a huge advantage, especially now that I wear progressive bifocals. No more hunting for the sweet spot in my vision, tipping my head back and forth to be able to focus on my target then my front sight. My target is in focus, the dot is in focus, put the dot where I want it on the target and fire. Should the dot fail, I have my iron sights as back up. I'm no fan of Gabe Suarez but on this he's definitely ahead of the curve. My RMR equipped FNP Tactical will be replacing my Springfield 1911 as my duty weapon when we qualify in May, that's how well this set up works for me.

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