CategoriesAccessories

Do You Need a Red Dot Sight on your Carry Pistol?

One of the more noticeable changes in the self-defense world in the last few years is the appearance of red dot sights (RDS) on carry guns. When RDS were new they were seen as something competitive shooters used and it took some time for that to change. From competitive shooting, they saw use among handgun hunters and now they’ve become common on everyday carry (EDC) guns.

The SwampFox Sentinel is a good red dot option for many shooters. (Photo Credit: SwampFox Optics)

In the video below, Lucky Gunner examines whether you really need a pistol red dot, and why.

Why do you want a pistol red dot sight?

There are a lot of reasons to put an RDS on your carry gun. In fact, there are more pros than cons which makes it difficult to make a solid pro/con list. Benefits of using an RDS:

  • Target acquisition
  • Accuracy
  • Field of View
  • Adjustable dots
  • Low-light use
  • Easier to see
  • Feedback during dryfire
  • Getting shots on target at longer distances

If you’re thinking it would take you too long to learn to use an RDS, you might be surprised to find out that it is a fairly simple process. Yes, it takes some time to get used to looking for a red — or green — dot instead of lining up iron sights, but it’s also easier than iron sights.

pistol red dot in handgun class
Not long ago, RDS in a handgun class were the exception rather than the rule. Today they’re common. (Photo Credit: Lucky Gunner)

Once you master visualizing the dot as you’re getting on target you can focus on speed, and that’s where a pistol red dot sight gets even more impressive: rapid target acquisition. Basically, if you have an RDS on your carry gun you’ll shave some time off how long it took you to draw your gun and get a shot on target with iron sights. Seconds definitely matter when it comes to self-defense.

Swampfox Sentinel Pistol red dot sight
The SwampFox Sentinel is one of the RDS Chris Baker mentions in this video. (Photo Credit: SwampFox Optics)

Chris Baker from Lucky Gunner goes over the details of why you might want a red dot sight on your carry gun in the video below.

Are there any downsides?

On the con side of the list, Chris Baker said, “I think a lot of the most common criticisms of pistol red dot sights are overblown. Things like durability or battery life are kind of minor issues at this point if you’re careful about hardware selection, but there are some challenges involved in transitioning from iron sights to a red dot that I think deserve some attention. …two of the biggest challenges…one is a hardware issue, simply figuring out which pistol to mount an optic to and what method to use to mount it — that seems like it should be easy but it’s often not — [and] the other big challenge is more of a software, or training, issue. …that is, learning how to find the dot when you are shooting.”

Can these challenges be fixed? Yes, but it takes some time and effort.

man participating in pistol red dot training class
It’s a good idea to take a red dot sight class to help you hone your RDS skills. (Photo Credit: Lucky Gunner)

In the video, Chris Baker suggests taking classes from experienced RDS instructors like Scott Jedlinski, which is a great idea. Being an informed shooter — and a well-trained one — is always a good thing. Watch the Lucky Gunner video to find out more about whether you want an RDS on your carry gun.

CategoriesAccessories

10-8 Performance Lab Pistol Optic Roundup

Not all optics are cut out for every application. Some work great for concealed carry, some for range guns, some for duty pistols. In this video, Hilton Yam of 10-8 Performance reviews and ranks his favorite pistol optics for duty use. As a law enforcement veteran and tactical trainer, Yam has seen through pistol optic windows a few times and created a list of his favorite and least favorite red dots.

Like many of us, Yam started out shooting a Trijicon RMR, the first serious pistol-mounted red dot on the market. It more or less defined what red dots would be moving forward. It became so popular that all these years later, the RMR mounting footprint is the most common platform on the market. Almost all red dots offer an RMR-style mounting interface. Starting with that, let’s see Yam’s list of pistol-mounted red dot optics.

Yam starts with his basic criteria for what makes a good duty pistol optic:

  • Rugged and reliable
  • Low profile enough, particularly on the deck, to allow use of commonly available optic-height sights
  • A common footprint – do you need to modify the slide for an uncommon mounting footprint, or does the optic have cross-compatibility?
  • Should fit into common duty holsters without modification – some agencies don’t allow for modification
  • Good battery life, typically at least one year as the measurable standard
  • How easy is the battery to load in? Does it require removing the optic to change or can it be done from the top of side?

Trijicon RMR

Considered the gold standard of optics in its day, the Trijicon RMR has been surpassed in some areas.

Rugged, reliable, low profile enough to use common sights, the Trijicon RMR is the common footprint—the one that started it all. It fits most duty holsters because they are made around the RMR pattern. Battery life is more than one year. One major strike against the RMR is the bottom-loading battery compartment that requires removing the optic for replacement.

Leupold Delta Point Pro

Leupold Delta Point Pro pistol optic for duty pistol
The Leupold Delta Point Pro pistol optic has a couple of strikes against it.

Strike one: It is so tall that it requires unique sights and is incompatible with any of the sights that work with all the rest of the optics on the list. Good position of the battery right on top and easy to replace and service. Strike two: Only one button to toggle all the settings, which can be confusing and easy to get wrong. Ruggedness and reliability are spotty, based on field reports.

Aimpoint ACRO

Aimpoint Acro pistol optic for duty pistol
The Aimpoint ACRO is optically accurate and durable with a side-load battery, but the battery life is lousy.

On full settings, the battery lasts around three weeks on the normal setting, which is way below the year threshold. It also does not fit into the Safariland ALS holster, so that’s a deal killer.

Trijicon SRO

Trijicon SRO pistol optic.
Due to the forward structure, the SRO doesn’t fit into any duty holster.

Trijicon itself admits the SRO is not meant to be a duty optic because it does not survive the 6-foot drop test, but the oversized window and top-load battery make it appealing. 

Holosun Grouping: 507C, 508T, 509T

Holosun 507C, 508T, 509T pistol optic choices for duty pistol.
Left to right, Holosun 507C, 508T, 509T.

These check all the boxes with ruggedness, reliability, and great battery life with solar power boost, the common RMR footprint for 507C and 508T, and low profile for common sight compatibility. To offset the questions of reliability, Yam shows us the two he has mounted on his EDC and range guns.

The Envelope, Please…

What were Yam’s final results? Which ones did he like the best and least for a duty pistol? Find out here…

CategoriesAccessories

Review: Holosun 509T Red Dot Open Reflex Sight

If there’s one product that’s made a huge leap from “rarely seen” to “enormously popular” — it’s the pistol red dot sight. It used to be you would sometimes see them in classes, but they were really more for competition shooters and handgun hunters. Now it’s not just normal to see them on the firing line, it’s common to see them mounted to people’s EDC (EveryDay Carry) guns and used for everything imaginable. In this video review, SuperSetCA takes a look at the Holosun 509T RDS (red dot sight).

Paul of SuperSetCA talks about the Holosun 509T RDS. (Photo credit: SuperSetCA)

Holosun 509T Details

Over the years, Holosun has gotten far better brand recognition and made a name for themselves for reasonably priced sights that perform well (always a good thing). In 2020, Holosun launched the 509T. It is a reflex sight with a titanium housing, making it more durable, and what they claim is a battery life of up to 50,000 hours. Various features include a multi-reticle system, Solar Failsafe, and Shake Awake, the latter of which is very nice to have on a carry gun. The RDS ships with an RMR adaptor — because we all know how many RMR-footprints there are on the pistol and RDS market — and uses a CR1632 battery.

How do the 509T’s profile and features compare to the older 508T features?

Paul of SuperSetCA goes into some details:

“Let’s talk about this in profile, first. Dimensionally, it’s the same as the 508T — it’s a little bit shorter in length, it’s a little bit wider at the base [508T dimensions are 1.78 x 1.15 x 1.15, and 509 T dimensions are 1.60 x 1.16 x 1.13] and the window size is a little bit wider, although looking at it you can’t tell.

“However, construction-wise, it’s the same as the 508T in that the battery tray is the same, the solar panel on top is the same. But, on the left side, the brightness controls…they’ve changed a little bit, post-Trijicon, but we’ll talk about that more [later]. And height-wise, like the 508T, it’s a little bit taller…like the Vortex Venom or one of the SwampFox [ones]…but you still shouldn’t have any trouble fitting it to any outside the waistband holsters.

“…weight-wise, I really think it’s surprising, even with the added glass panel and some additional titanium at the top it’s very close in weight, still, to the 508T. …even though it looks like it’s big…you really don’t feel it when you’re swinging your hand around.”

Check out the video to see what else Paul has to say about the Holosun 509T:

Why do you want a Red Dot Sight?

There are quite a few good reasons to get some trigger time with an RDS like the Holosun 509T. Yes, it’s a new operating platform to get used to, but it’s a lot easier than you might believe. Reasons to mount a red dot sight to your carry gun include:

  • Rapid target acquisition
  • Faster follow-up shots
  • Improved accuracy
  • Easier on many shooter’s eyes than iron sights
  • Work well in the dark
Holosun 509T red dot sight reticle
The Holosun 509T is a reflex RDS. (Photo credit: SuperSetCA)

If you can’t decide whether or not to try one out, I definitely encourage you to give one a shot (pun intended). In the meantime, watch this SuperSetCA review of the popular Holosun 509T.

Do you use red dots on your carry guns? Why or why not? Tell us in the comments below.

CategoriesAccessories

New Handgun Option: The Modlite PL350 Pistol Light

 

Attention all lumen lackeys, flashlight situs judi slot yang sering menang fanatics, and touters of torches that proclaim performance—we have a brilliant bulletin for you. The folks over at Modlite Systems have released their new weapon-mounted light: The Modlite PL350 Pistol Light. The release of their weapon light is something that fans of Modlite have been coveting for some time. Thankfully for them, it is finally here, and initial responses indicate that it does not seem to disappoint. On top of the weapon light, Modlite has also introduced the “Modlite PL350 Holster” to complement the light.

Just a few of the Modlite PL350s all hooked up. – Photo credit to @Modlitesystems on Instagram

The Modlite PL350 Pistol Light: Casting Light on the Subject

The specific light package that we are discussing today is the Modlite PLHv2-PL350 Light package. There are two more models, the PLH5K-PL350 & the OKW-PL350, that are coming out later with different Kelvin color temperatures and features. However, from here on out in this article, we will be referring to the PLHv2-PL350 as just the PL350.

Modlite PL350
“How far that little candle throws his beams!” – William Shakespeare. He was probably talking about good deeds or something, but we prefer to think he was a Lumen Lackey too. – Photo credit to @Modlitesystems on Instagram

The Modlite PL350 Pistol light comes with a switch and body assembly. In addition to that, the package also includes a 18350 rechargeable battery and a set of PHLSTER ARC Switch paddles. The 18350 battery allows the Modlite PL350 for roughly 35-40 minutes of continued usage.

Packages are available with and without a two-cell XTAR USB charger. The light is an “Out the front” battery change, allows you to quickly replace batteries without tools and without taking the light off the pistol.

Modlite PL350
Here is a gif of everything that comes inside the Modlite PL350 box and few pictures of it attached. – Photo credit to Modlite Systems

Specific statistics on the PL350 light, for the illumination intellectuals:

  • 5800 Kelvin color temperature
  • 1350 Lumens
  • 54,000 Candela
Here is the Modlite PL350 with a duty belt. According to Modlite Systems, the PL350 was tested and fielded by professionals with different agencies. – Photo credit to @Modlitesystems on Instagram

The Modlite PL350 Holster: What options are there?

As with any weapon-mounted light holster, compatibility is always an issue, but few manufacturers step up to the plate. Enter the Modlite PL350 Holster. We will be updating this page as we find more holsters for you.

PHLster Floodlight PL350

PHLSTER Floodlight holster for PL350
Here is the PHLster Floodlight PL350 Holster. It has soft loops for inside the waistband and belt clips, features adjustable retention, adjustable slide-contact, adjustable ride height, and can be carried appendix inside the waistband (AIWB) or strong-side inside the waistband. (IWB) – Photo credit to @PHLster on Instagram
PHLSTER Floodlight PL350 holster
Here is another angle of the PHLster Floodlight PL350 Holster for your viewing pleasure. – Photo credit to @PHLster on Instagram

Tenicor MALUS SOL Light Holster for the PL350

MALUS SOL AIWB for various Glocks

More than likely, more than a few of you interested in the Modlite PL350 are Glock geeks; this might pique your interest.

Tenicor Malus Sol aiwb holster for Glock
The Tenicor MALUS SOL AIWB Holster for Glock has a Tenicor T1 belt clip for carrying appendix inside the waistband (AIWB), an adjustable camming bar, dual tension screws, and even has room for suppressor height sights if you are into that kind of thing. Completely compatible with the Modlite PL350. – Photo credit to Tenicor
Tenicor Malus Sol AIWB holster for Glock
Here is another angle of the Tenicor MALUS SOL AIWB Glock Holster for you. – Photo credit to Tenicor

MALUS SOL for 1911/2011

If there are a few of you that are Glock Geeks there has to be plenty of you reading this that are 1911 diehards and for good reason!

Malus Sol holster compatible with 1911/2011 pattern guns
Tenicor also has the MALUS SOL compatible with most 1911/2011 pattern guns. However, according to Tenicor, it was explicitly designed for the Staccato 2011 family of pistols.  – Photo credits to Tenicor

Author’s note, it looks like Tenicor only has the MALUS SOL AIWB for 1911/2011 compatible with the Modlite PL350 in the full 5″ barrel version of this holster as of this writing.

More Pictures and Videos From Social:

Modlite PL350
“Today is the day? @modlitesystems @phlster” – Photo credit to @bigtexordnance on Instagram
Modlite PL350
“It has begun” – Photo credit to @mochabear_actual on Instagram
Modlite PL350
“Same, same, different, but the same.” – Photo credit to @sagedynamics on Instagram
Modlite PL350
“Folks were asking about @safarilandgroup fit with the @modlitesystems PL350. Well here you go, this one has a @ghostmendesigns portal in it and zero issues.” – Video credit to @tacticallysound on Instagram
Modlite PL350
“Couldn’t wait for the weekend, got to warm up the PL350. Initial thoughts are that the switching is great, very clicky, and it’s just so…much…light. Very cool. I’ve been wanting a new pistol light to come to market since we started having lowlight matches here locally and this fits the bill. Plus it takes the same batteries as my handheld, so that’s a plus.” – Video credit to @cannon762 on Instagram
Modlite PL350
“Initial impressions are..whoa. We’ve entered a new era.” – Photo credit to @matthelmknives on Instagram
Modlite PL350
“Who’s ready for the PL350?” – Photo credit to @spartannc on Instagram
Modlite PL350 holsters
“I didn’t officially make a post about it, mostly because I was on the road home from teaching, but he dropped out Skotos Holster for the @modlitesystems PL350 yesterday morning at 5am. The good news – they are in stock and ready to ship, yes colors too, with no wait times for these. The bad news.. we sold a bunch already in the last 24 hours and certain colors are already sold out. We hope to stock these moving forward as a few other products that are in high demand. Might even see some of these at dealers as well. Should have some OWB options stocked in a few days as well.” – Photo credit to @veilsolutions on Instagram
Modlite PL350 on helmets
“Modlite Systems PL350 providing the Umbrella lighting for this Galvion Caiman helmet. Green vis and IR strobe marking provided Core Survival Helstar6. I’m a huge fan of Princeton Tec MPLS WL/Red task light. Counterweight is provided by Microbat Systems with their Vampire Flathead. OpsCore AMP providing comms and hearing protection. Sensitive item retention provided by Costa Defense with there Squid Retention System as well a NVG mount retention add to the SRS via an extra shock cord with a split ring to attach to the SRS and a small spring loaded carabiner to connect to the Wilcox mount.” – Photo credit to @shooters101_utm on Instagram

CategoriesAccessories

What is It and How Does it Work?

 

By now, you’ve probably heard of the Rare Breed FRT-15 Trigger https://albertanails.com/slot-online/, if only because of the company’s coming fight with the Feds over the attempt to brand the trigger a “machine gun.” If you haven’t heard about that mess, we have a separate follow-up article on the way to break it down. For now, though, let’s look at exactly what the FRT-15 trigger is and what it does. If you already know this stuff, you’re excused and can go to recess early. If not, read on.

Rare Breed President Lawrence DeMonico puts the FRT-15 through its paces

FRT stands for “Forced Reset Trigger.”

The “15” part means that it’s designed for the AR-15 platform chambered in 5.56 NATO or .300 Blackout. It won’t work in AKs, SCARs, or anything else. Its function is dependent on the design of the MILSPEC AR bolt carrier.

Rare Breed FRT-15 trigger, designed for AR-15 in 5.56 NATO and .300 Blackout
The FRT-15 is designed especially for the AR-15 platform in 5.56 NATO and .300 Blackout.

It MAY work in an AR-9, depending on how the gun is set up. An FRT-9 (for AR-9s) and FRT-10 (for AR-10s) are in the works but not yet ready for manufacture. Rare Breed says that the FRT-15 will NOT work in an AR chambered in .22 Long Rifle, but I saw a guy who had one tuned to 80 to 90 percent reliability on YouTube. You decide for yourself, but when the manufacturer warns against it…

Rare Breed is careful to point out that the FRT-15 may require some tuning to any gun in which it’s installed. “Tuning,” in this case, refers to gassing and making sure you have the proper buffer and bolt carrier. More on that in a minute.

The term “forced reset” is an accurate descriptor of how the trigger works. Your standard AR trigger resets when the shooter releases rearward pressure, thus allowing the trigger mechanism to move forward, whereupon another press of the trigger starts the whole process over. Like you didn’t know that.

Standard AR-15 trigger system cycle.
The cycle of a standard AR-15 trigger system. This cycle is animated, with a verbal overlay, on the Rare Breed website.

The FRT-15 uses a newly designed hammer that, as it is cocked by the bolt carrier, forces the trigger forward to the reset, along with the shooter’s finger, as the bolt moves forward to chamber the next round. A locking bar prevents the trigger from being pressed again until the bolt cycle is complete. By maintaining pressure on the trigger, the shooter can take advantage of the hammer-assisted reset to dramatically increase the rate of fire. Or not. Based on what I have seen, with some practice, the shooter can manipulate the trigger to fire only one shot or the equivalent of a short burst.

Rare Breed FRT-15 trigger cycle
The cycle of the Rare Breed FRT-15. The brown component is the hammer. The green component is the locking bar. Note how the movement of the bolt carrier forces each to engage the trigger, controlling the reset. This cycle is animated, with a verbal overlay, on the Rare Breed website.

Keep in mind that the locking bar’s pressure on the trigger prevents another press until the bolt cycles. Indeed, it is the completion of the bolt cycle that releases the locking bar. Between the hammer and the locking bar, the shooter cannot simply hold the trigger to the rear. It must execute its function for each round fired. So, while the FRT-15 is capable of a prodigious rate of fire, it is still a semi-automatic trigger.

Now, back to the part about tuning your gun so the FRT-15 operates properly.

FRT-15 drop-in trigger installation
The FRT-15 is a drop-in system, but may require some tuning to each individual gun

Here’s what Lawrence DeMonico, Rare Breed’s president, has to say about it:

  • You must have a MILSPEC full-auto bolt carrier. This is non-negotiable. If you have a lighter weight or semi-auto carrier with the longer slot in the bottom, it will not actuate the locking bar and the trigger will not work. Period.
  • Every gun is going to be a little different, based on barrel length, gas system, buffer, and bolt carrier weight. Some guns will run the trigger right out of the box. Don’t be discouraged if yours doesn’t because there are some simple things you can do.
  • Lawrence recommends an H3 buffer with a standard carbine spring. This is dependent on the next point, which is…
  • You have to have enough gas. The trigger’s design places a small amount of drag on the bottom of the bolt carrier as it cycles. So, you have to factor this in when working out the right combination for your gun.
  • Ejection patterns can tell you where your gassing is before you install the FRT-15: If you’re ejecting at 1 o’clock, you’re way overgassed; if you’re ejecting at 4 o’clock, you have the opposite problem and you’re way undergassed; 2:30 or 3 o’clock is the sweet spot and that’s where you want to be before installing the trigger.
  • The gas/buffer interaction is something you can play with. If your gun isn’t cycling properly, you have some choices: get a lighter H2 or H1 buffer; use hotter ammo; or open up your gas port. You can also speed up or slow down your rate of fire by adjusting these combinations.
  • As noted above, part of the tuning is your own trigger pull. If you have a death grip on it, the bolt won’t function properly, and your gun will malfunction. Keep your trigger pull between five and ten pounds.
  • Finally, Lawrence acknowledges that some shooters may have to employ the services of a gunsmith or armorer. Again, there are several variables, and every gun is going to be different.

Are there any problems with the Rare Breed trigger?

If you’re researching the FRT-15, you may run across some folks who have had problems with the locking bar spring. There was an issue caused by stacking tolerances in some ARs, which resulted in the spring kinking when the locking bar traveled further than it was designed to. Rare Breed addressed the problem by modifying the housing. All FRT-15s shipped on or after 1 March 2021 have the modified housing, thus fixing the problem that some people had. Those with a trigger from before that time were provided with a modified locking bar which also solves the problem.

I saw several people who addressed the problem on their own with homebrew modifications and fixes. Some worked better than others. Do what you want, but it looks to me like Rare Breed has addressed the problem and will take care of anyone who has experienced it. Keep in mind that these folks are only a small fraction of those who bought the trigger, so, while it is a problem, it is not widespread and appears to have been fixed. I offer this more as a PSA than anything. I have no personal skin in the game when it comes to Rare Breed, but the problem with the locking bar spring came to my attention and they seem to have handled it conscientiously.

Having said that, the vast majority of customers have had zero issues with the trigger. While researching, I found a lot more people who loved it than people who didn’t. And many of the folks who had the locking bar problem either fixed it themselves or let Rare Breed do it for them, resulting in the happy face.

All-in-all, the FRT-15 looks like a helluva lot of fun. But, as you might expect, the ability to achieve that higher rate of fire comes with some trade-offs. Accuracy is number one. If you think you’re gonna roll out there and drive tacks with this thing…well, you’re not. Depending on your range to target, you’ll be doing well to score a  hit 50 percent of the time. You’re gonna have to practice. A LOT. Which brings us to the second point, this thing burns through the ammo. If you have it to burn, then good on ya. But it will take some time and some ammo to get the accuracy you want. Or should want. Finally, if you want to fire one round at a time, you will have to practice that too. I saw some guys who had gotten it down, but they had to put in the work.

Rare Breed has sold tens of thousands of these triggers and I’m glad to hear that. Glad to hear that someone’s innovation and hard work paid off. Glad that shooters who want a product like that can get it and, hopefully, benefit from it. Glad the company is backing up its product the right way. But, as I mentioned earlier, the AFT (snicker) is trying to throw cold water on everyone’s fun. More on that soon. Hopefully, my editor will insert a link to that article HERE when it becomes available.

rare breed trigger
Is this a machine gun? We’ll talk about that in the next article

CategoriesAccessories

Open Vs. Enclosed Red Dot Optics — What’s the Deal?

Let’s talk red dots. Specifically, let’s talk about the differences between an open and enclosed red dot optic. Red dot optics come in lots of configurations and designs with various colors, reticles, and designs that range from tubular to square, and most importantly, today, we are talking open and enclosed optics. We’ll cover the benefits of each design as well as the downsides and where they fit most appropriately in the world of defensive, duty, and competitive firearms.

Open Vs. Enclosed Optics

Let’s define open and enclosed optics before we dive too deep into the subject. Open optics in the world of red dots refer to the lack of a hood over the emitter. These are most popular with handguns. Optics like the Holosun 507C, the Sig ROMEO1PRO, and Trijicon RMR all have open emitters.

Sig Sauer AXG with Romeo1Pro red dot sight.

Open emitter optics are not just dedicated to handgun optics, but some rifle optics feature an open emitter. Notably, the Holosun HS510C sports an open design and is intended for long guns.

Enclosed optics feature an enclosed emitter that utilizes a hood-like system and an additional lens. This protects the emitter and ensures nothing can come between your lens and emitter. The closed emitters are more common with rifles, and optics like the Holosun 512C, AEMs, Sig Romeo5, and Aimpoint series all use enclosed emitters.

Holosun enclosed optic
Enclosed optics mean bigger optics.

Enclosed optics might be more popular with long guns, but pistol-sized optics exist. The Holosun 509T, Aimpoint ACRO, and Sig ROMEO2 all utilize some form of the enclosed emitter. These ultra-small optics can be readily and reliably used on long guns.

Today we will be using a variety of optics to compare and contrast the benefits and downsides of enclosed and open optics. I’ll be using the Holosun HS510C, a long gun-oriented red dot optic that utilizes an open emitter. Besides it, I will use the Holosun 507C as a mini red dot with an open emitter.

Benelli M4 and Holosun 507C red dot sight
The perfect shotgun and the perfect optic.

For enclosed red dot optics, we will compare the HS512C and the Holosun 509T. The 512C is a long gun optic, and the 509T is a micro-sized optic.

Benefits of an Open Optic

Let’s talk about the main benefits an open emitter optic offers over an enclosed optic. The lack of a hood and second piece of glass cuts weight a fair bit between open and enclosed optics. For example, the HS510C is approximately ten percent lighter than the 512C. For rifle optics, this isn’t a big deal but notable.

On handguns, no one wants a boat anchor as a weapon. The difference in weight between the 507C and the 509T is .22 ounces. That’s not much, but it does provide a clear difference between the optics.

Holosun 507c V2 red dot sight review
Open is light and easy.

As you’d imagine, the open optics are smaller in general than the enclosed optics. The dimensional differences are few, but a smaller optic tends to be a less obtrusive optic. The lack of a hood and a second lens does provide some benefits worth noting.

First, the lack of a hood does help open up your peripheral vision a slight bit. With rifles, it can be easier to get a compromised view through the optic in awkward situations. This can be slightly more appealing when you are shooting from awkward positions behind cover.

Shooting the SRM 1216 with HS510C red dot open reflex sight
The 510C works well on lots of guns.

Open emitter optics also grant you a clearer overall view. The lack of a second lens helps keep things nice and clear. A single lens provides less distortion, and it’s a nice clear view through optics like the HS510C.

Finally, a lot of open optics tend to be cheaper than enclosed optics. For example, the Trijicon RMR is cheaper than the Aimpoint Acro series, but both are duty-grade optics.

Benefits of an Enclosed Optic

Red dot optics work via an emitter casting a red dot onto the lens in front of it. It’s very simple, and all you really need is a single lens. However, with a hood and second lens, anything that gets between the emitter and the lens can cause the optic to fail and eliminate your reticle from appearing on the lens.

Holosun 509t aimpoint acro side
Enclosed emitter red dot optics offer higher levels of reliability than other pistol-sized red dots.

This could be rain, dust, snow, and whatever else you might run into in the big wide world of unpredictable environments. A drop of rain on the emitter can cause your reticle to spatter and starburst. With no reticle, an optic is quite useless. With an enclosed optic, this is not an issue at all.

The emitter remains protected by the hood and second lens. This level of protection ensures the highest level of reliability. Nothing can stop you, and you shoot in the rain, snow, and sleet without complaint.

That’s one of the few benefits of this design, but it’s remarkably important for duty use and when loves are on the line.

Holosun enclosed red dot optic
Enclosed increases reliability.

That’s the most significant benefit, but the enclosed pistol optic does offer one advantage over opened. The enclosed design forces you to look through the optic and allows you to find the dot a bit easier. It’s a minor advantage and really only applies to new pistol red dot shooters. Once you figure out proper presentation, then the enclosed optic does offer that advantage.

Which for What?

When choosing an optic, you have to consider a few things.

    • What weapon is it being mounted to?
    • What size do you need?
    • Which manufacturer provides the features you want?
  • What’s its purpose? Purpose is where the biggest difference between the open and enclosed optics appears.
Shooting with the HS512C, a duty ready optic.
The HS512C is a duty-ready optic.

On handguns, your choice of miniature red dot isn’t nearly as important as on a long gun. Concealed carriers have a handy dandy garment and holster to protect the emitter. Soldiers rarely use handguns, and the biggest difference would be apparent for police. We’ve seen military, and police forces utilize optics like the open Trijicon RMR without issue for years. You’re unlikely to run into problems, but if you want the best and most reliable optic, then an enclosed emitter is the way to go.

With long guns meant for duty, it’s all about the enclosed optic. These rifles are slung to your body and exposed to everything. The enclosed optic provides more durability and reliability in any situation. That makes it tough to justify an open optic on a duty rifle.

Holosun 507C in action (photo by Greg Skaz Photography).
The 507C represents a great pistol optic enclosed or not

For home defense and competition, an open optic works fine. For home defense, it’s not likely to be exposed to the elements, and competition doesn’t have the same risks as duty use. In fact, optics like the HS510C have become quite popular for competitive use in PCC divisions. The clear lens and great peripheral vision often make finding those small PCC targets fast and easy.

Open the Door or Close it

The presence of an open or enclosed emitter is a small but important detail. Considerations like durability, mounting options, clarity, and beyond also need to be considered. It’s plenty easy to make crappy optics in open and enclosed variants; however, once you’ve narrowed down who makes good red dot optics and who doesn’t, then you can start considering whether to go enclosed or open.

Which do you prefer? Let us know below and let us know why.

CategoriesAccessories

Do You Need a Red Dot Sight on your Carry Pistol?

One of the more noticeable changes in the self-defense world in the last few years is the appearance of red dot sights (RDS) on carry guns. When RDS were new they were seen as something competitive shooters used and it took some time for that to change. From competitive shooting, they saw use among handgun hunters and now they’ve become common on everyday carry (EDC) guns.

The SwampFox Sentinel is a good red dot option for many shooters. (Photo Credit: SwampFox Optics)

In the video below, Lucky Gunner examines whether you really need a pistol red dot, and why.

Why do you want a pistol red dot sight?

There are a lot of reasons to put an RDS on your carry gun. In fact, there are more pros than cons which makes it difficult to make a solid pro/con list. Benefits of using an RDS:

  • •Target acquisition
  • •Accuracy
  • •Field of View
  • •Adjustable dots
  • •Low-light use
  • •Easier to see
  • •Feedback during dryfire
  • •Getting shots on target at longer distances

If you’re thinking it would take you too long to learn to use an RDS, you might be surprised to find out that it is a fairly simple process. Yes, it takes some time to get used to looking for a red — or green — dot instead of lining up iron sights, but it’s also easier than iron sights.

pistol red dot in handgun class
Not long ago, RDS in a handgun class were the exception rather than the rule. Today they’re common. (Photo Credit: Lucky Gunner)

 

Once you master visualizing the dot as you’re getting on target you can focus on speed, and that’s where a pistol red dot sight gets even more impressive: rapid target acquisition. Basically, if you have an RDS on your carry gun you’ll shave some time off how long it took you to draw your gun and get a shot on target with iron sights. Seconds definitely matter when it comes to self-defense.

Swampfox Sentinel Pistol red dot sight
The SwampFox Sentinel is one of the RDS Chris Baker mentions in this video. (Photo Credit: SwampFox Optics)

Chris Baker from Lucky Gunner goes over the details of why you might want a red dot sight on your carry gun in the video below.

 

Are there any downsides?

On the con side of the list, Chris Baker said, “I think a lot of the most common criticisms of pistol red dot sights are overblown. Things like durability or battery life are kind of minor issues at this point if you’re careful about hardware selection, but there are some challenges involved in transitioning from iron sights to a red dot that I think deserve some attention. …two of the biggest challenges…one is a hardware issue, simply figuring out which pistol to mount an optic to and what method to use to mount it — that seems like it should be easy but it’s often not — [and] the other big challenge is more of a software, or training, issue. …that is, learning how to find the dot when you are shooting.”

Can these challenges be fixed? Yes, but it takes some time and effort.

man participating in pistol red dot training class
It’s a good idea to take a red dot sight class to help you hone your RDS skills. (Photo Credit: Lucky Gunner)

In the video, Chris Baker suggests taking classes from experienced RDS instructors like Scott Jedlinski, which is a great idea. Being an informed shooter — and a well-trained one — is always a good thing. Watch the Lucky Gunner video to find out more about whether you want an RDS on your carry gun.

CategoriesAccessories

The TRS 25 — A Budget-Friendly Bushnell-Made Red Dot

The term ‘budget optic’ often creates a reaction in me that is akin to what happens when I hear nails on a chalkboard. Budget optics usually suck, even though people will often defend them till they’re blue in the face. Optics from no-name companies on Amazon find themselves on rifles way too often. However, there are always exceptions to the rule, and the Bushnell TRS 25 seems to be one of those exceptions.

The TRS 25 is super cheap, but does it work?

The TRS 25 came out years ago and has since steadily proved itself to be the alpha when it comes to budget optics. I remember distinctly avoiding it purely due to its price tag. I assumed with such a low price, and it was just more junk. However, one way or another, my curiosity overwhelmed me. I kept seeing the TRS 25 pop up and hearing good things about it. So I finally purchased one.

It’s lived it’ss life mainly sitting on a 9mm PCC for several years now. I think I have a pretty good opinion on how the ole optic holds up.

Bushnell TRS 25 Specs

The TRS 25 falls into the realm of being a compact red dot. The objective lens is 25mms wide, and the whole package is only 2.5 inches long. Weight-wise you won’t feel anchored by the 3.6 ounces you’re strapping to your gun.

Bushnell includes a low mount integrated into the optic but adding a high mount is easy and gives you that AR-height co-witness that we all know and love. The Hi-Rise model makes this a one-and-done thing, but you can use any Picatinny rail riser if you so choose.

Bushnell TRS 25 red dot and magnifier on PCC
A cheap optic combined with a cheap magnifier gives a budget option for cheapo carbines.

The TRS 25 packs 11 brightness levels in its simplistic and old-school rotating brightness wheel. In the middle setting, it will last for 5,000 hours. Not too bad for an optic that utilizes a CR2032 battery.

To keep things versatile, you get a 3 MOA red dot that would make it a natural on centerfire and rimfire rifles as well as shotguns and even sport-style pistols like the Ruger MK series. The little 3 MOA dot works rather well for most firearms.

The TRS 25 looks like a million other bottom-barrel grade red dots. They all tend to have a similar design, but somehow the TRS 25 rises above that. Perhaps Bushnell was more demanding with their Chinese contractors, or they just put out the right specs to the right people.

Bushnell TRS 25 budget-friendly red dot
The TRS 25 provides an efficient low cost option for shooters on a budget.

Budget red dots is a spectrum of red dots. Depending on who’s saying it can mean anything from the junk tier optics that cost anywhere from 30 to 60 dollars I mentioned previously to options from Holosun that cost a couple of hundred bucks. The TRS 25 sits anywhere from 80 to 120 bucks depending on the mount included.

The Dot

That 3 MOA red dot does do something different than most budget red dots. Most hit the 2 MOA mark, making them solely for rifles. That little extra size makes this dot a little more versatile. It’s not the crispest, clearest circular dot. It certainly has some rough edges to it when you compare it to a more expensive dot.

Bushnell TRS 25 reticle
It’s tough to see the green hue, but it’s there in real life.

The 11 brightness settings are important to consider. Can a budget optic get bright enough to see during the day? I can tell you the TRS 25 certainly can. I live in the sunshine state, so my optics gotta get nice and bright. The TRS 25 works perfectly at high noon at settings 8, 9, and sometimes 10.

At the higher brightness levels, you’ll see some halo effect in the optic. Also, the wheel that controls the brightness level is a major hassle. It’s stiff and doesn’t move easily. To be fair, I’d prefer it to be stiff than loose. (There is a joke in there somewhere.)

To the Church of Steel and Lead

Mounted on my el-cheapo PCC, I’ve used the optic to put hundreds of rounds down range and for numerous range trips. It’s a fun gun beyond anything else and came from my early days of AR Tom Foolery when the purse strings were tight, and 9mm cost eight bucks a box. The TRS 25 is a very fitting red dot for this blue-collar build.

What you first notice when looking through the lens on the TRS 25 is a noticeable greenish hue to it. That is the reflective coating that allows you to see your red dot. The coating allows all light except red to pass through it, which captures the light emitted from the emitter and gives you a usable aiming point.

Bushnell TRS 25 on PCC
Going pew pew with the TRS 25.

The reason you see so much hue, especially compared to other dots, is that the coating is cheaper and likely applied a bit thicker. These coatings allow you to have a bright dot that uses less power.

The second thing you’ll notice is a big square sitting in the lower right quadrant. That is your emitter, and it’s glued in place. That’s kind of the norm with cheap optics. It may bother some—my TRS 25 even came with a warning letting you know what it is and that your dot isn’t broken and this glob was normal.

Zeroing requires a flat head tool or brass casing. It’s simple, and the dot moves 1 MOA per click. It’s not precise, but it’s also a red dot and a red dot range that’s precise enough. Once you got the dot on target, the fun can begin.

Through the Paces

I’ve put thousands of 9mm rounds downrange with the TRS 25, and admittedly, 9mm ain’t much of a challenge to the topic. However, its zero has never budged, and the optic has yet to fail me. If I turn it on and it doesn’t work, then I just gotta swap batteries, and I know it comes right back to life.

For you kind folks, I tossed it on a more potently powerful boomstick in the form of a 12 gauge pump-action shotgun. I wanted to see if that emitter would flutter, the dot fail, and if the zero would falter. We couldn’t do it with just birdshot, so I loaded up some standard Federal Buckshot into a Sentry 12 shotgun and let it loose.

Sentry 12 shotgun Bushnell TRS 25 red dot
Can it stand up to the 12 gauge recoil?

I made sure to focus on the dot to see if it would flicker off between shots. That’s often a clear sight of poor battery connection. In 20 rounds of buckshot, it remained on. My shoulder might’ve been feeling it, but the TRS 25 soldiered through.

I popped it back on the PCC and let it fly. The zero held without issue. Not too bad, but next, I strapped it to my ASP Red Gun and dropped it. I dropped it from shoulder height and I dropped it on both sides and the top a few times.

Bushnell TRS 25 red dot on ASP HK red training gun
Bye-bye little fella.

That emitter must be tough because it held zero once I tossed it back on my PCC and in a lead sled. It’s a sturdy little optic.

Downsides of the TRS 25

The TRS 25 is a robust, durable red dot option that provides a truly budget-friendly experience. As such, it often functions well above its price point. Most optics priced this low wouldn’t stand drops, falls, or even rough recoil. Mine has been in use for years without an issue and for several thousand rounds. (Admittedly, most were 9mm from a rifle.)

Bushnell TRS 25 red dot sight on ASP red gun after drop test
A post drop TRS 25

The optic does have a couple of downsides related to the dot. If you move it up and down and left to right rapidly, you’ll see the dot ‘stretch’ a bit, kind of like a cheap laser pointer. It’s not a huge deal, but a little distracting when transitioning from target to target.

It also does have that halo effect on bright settings that’s just a little annoying. If you can get past those flaws, you’ll find a great little optic. I wouldn’t use it for duty use, but for home defense and range use, it’s a great little dot.

CategoriesAccessories

What is It and How Does it Work?

By now, you’ve probably heard of the Rare Breed FRT-15 Trigger, if only because of the company’s coming fight with the Feds over the attempt to brand the trigger a “machine gun.” If you haven’t heard about that mess, we have a separate follow-up article on the way to break it down. For now, though, let’s look at exactly what the FRT-15 trigger is and what it does. If you already know this stuff, you’re excused and can go to recess early. If not, read on.

Rare Breed President Lawrence DeMonico puts the FRT-15 through its paces

FRT stands for “Forced Reset Trigger.”

The “15” part means that it’s designed for the AR-15 platform chambered in 5.56 NATO or .300 Blackout. It won’t work in AKs, SCARs, or anything else. Its function is dependent on the design of the MILSPEC AR bolt carrier.

Rare Breed FRT-15 trigger, designed for AR-15 in 5.56 NATO and .300 Blackout
The FRT-15 is designed especially for the AR-15 platform in 5.56 NATO and .300 Blackout.

It MAY work in an AR-9, depending on how the gun is set up. An FRT-9 (for AR-9s) and FRT-10 (for AR-10s) are in the works but not yet ready for manufacture. Rare Breed says that the FRT-15 will NOT work in an AR chambered in .22 Long Rifle, but I saw a guy who had one tuned to 80 to 90 percent reliability on YouTube. You decide for yourself, but when the manufacturer warns against it…

Rare Breed is careful to point out that the FRT-15 may require some tuning to any gun in which it’s installed. “Tuning,” in this case, refers to gassing and making sure you have the proper buffer and bolt carrier. More on that in a minute.

The term “forced reset” is an accurate descriptor of how the trigger works. Your standard AR trigger resets when the shooter releases rearward pressure, thus allowing the trigger mechanism to move forward, whereupon another press of the trigger starts the whole process over. Like you didn’t know that. 

Standard AR-15 trigger system cycle.
The cycle of a standard AR-15 trigger system. This cycle is animated, with a verbal overlay, on the Rare Breed website.

The FRT-15 uses a newly designed hammer that, as it is cocked by the bolt carrier, forces the trigger forward to the reset, along with the shooter’s finger, as the bolt moves forward to chamber the next round. A locking bar prevents the trigger from being pressed again until the bolt cycle is complete. By maintaining pressure on the trigger, the shooter can take advantage of the hammer-assisted reset to dramatically increase the rate of fire. Or not. Based on what I have seen, with some practice, the shooter can manipulate the trigger to fire only one shot or the equivalent of a short burst.

Rare Breed FRT-15 trigger cycle
The cycle of the Rare Breed FRT-15. The brown component is the hammer. The green component is the locking bar. Note how the movement of the bolt carrier forces each to engage the trigger, controlling the reset. This cycle is animated, with a verbal overlay, on the Rare Breed website.

Keep in mind that the locking bar’s pressure on the trigger prevents another press until the bolt cycles. Indeed, it is the completion of the bolt cycle that releases the locking bar. Between the hammer and the locking bar, the shooter cannot simply hold the trigger to the rear. It must execute its function for each round fired. So, while the FRT-15 is capable of a prodigious rate of fire, it is still a semi-automatic trigger.

Now, back to the part about tuning your gun so the FRT-15 operates properly.

FRT-15 drop-in trigger installation
The FRT-15 is a drop-in system, but may require some tuning to each individual gun

Here’s what Lawrence DeMonico, Rare Breed’s president, has to say about it:

  • You must have a MILSPEC full-auto bolt carrier. This is non-negotiable. If you have a lighter weight or semi-auto carrier with the longer slot in the bottom, it will not actuate the locking bar and the trigger will not work. Period.
  • Every gun is going to be a little different, based on barrel length, gas system, buffer, and bolt carrier weight. Some guns will run the trigger right out of the box. Don’t be discouraged if yours doesn’t because there are some simple things you can do.
  • Lawrence recommends an H3 buffer with a standard carbine spring. This is dependent on the next point, which is…
  • You have to have enough gas. The trigger’s design places a small amount of drag on the bottom of the bolt carrier as it cycles. So, you have to factor this in when working out the right combination for your gun.
  • Ejection patterns can tell you where your gassing is before you install the FRT-15: If you’re ejecting at 1 o’clock, you’re way overgassed; if you’re ejecting at 4 o’clock, you have the opposite problem and you’re way undergassed; 2:30 or 3 o’clock is the sweet spot and that’s where you want to be before installing the trigger.
  • The gas/buffer interaction is something you can play with. If your gun isn’t cycling properly, you have some choices: get a lighter H2 or H1 buffer; use hotter ammo; or open up your gas port. You can also speed up or slow down your rate of fire by adjusting these combinations.
  • As noted above, part of the tuning is your own trigger pull. If you have a death grip on it, the bolt won’t function properly, and your gun will malfunction. Keep your trigger pull between five and ten pounds.
  • Finally, Lawrence acknowledges that some shooters may have to employ the services of a gunsmith or armorer. Again, there are several variables, and every gun is going to be different.

Are there any problems with the Rare Breed trigger?

If you’re researching the FRT-15, you may run across some folks who have had problems with the locking bar spring. There was an issue caused by stacking tolerances in some ARs, which resulted in the spring kinking when the locking bar traveled further than it was designed to. Rare Breed addressed the problem by modifying the housing. All FRT-15s shipped on or after 1 March 2021 have the modified housing, thus fixing the problem that some people had. Those with a trigger from before that time were provided with a modified locking bar which also solves the problem.

I saw several people who addressed the problem on their own with homebrew modifications and fixes. Some worked better than others. Do what you want, but it looks to me like Rare Breed has addressed the problem and will take care of anyone who has experienced it. Keep in mind that these folks are only a small fraction of those who bought the trigger, so, while it is a problem, it is not widespread and appears to have been fixed. I offer this more as a PSA than anything. I have no personal skin in the game when it comes to Rare Breed, but the problem with the locking bar spring came to my attention and they seem to have handled it conscientiously.

Having said that, the vast majority of customers have had zero issues with the trigger. While researching, I found a lot more people who loved it than people who didn’t. And many of the folks who had the locking bar problem either fixed it themselves or let Rare Breed do it for them, resulting in the happy face.

All-in-all, the FRT-15 looks like a helluva lot of fun. But, as you might expect, the ability to achieve that higher rate of fire comes with some trade-offs. Accuracy is number one. If you think you’re gonna roll out there and drive tacks with this thing…well, you’re not. Depending on your range to target, you’ll be doing well to score a  hit 50 percent of the time. You’re gonna have to practice. A LOT. Which brings us to the second point, this thing burns through the ammo. If you have it to burn, then good on ya. But it will take some time and some ammo to get the accuracy you want. Or should want. Finally, if you want to fire one round at a time, you will have to practice that too. I saw some guys who had gotten it down, but they had to put in the work.

Rare Breed has sold tens of thousands of these triggers and I’m glad to hear that. Glad to hear that someone’s innovation and hard work paid off. Glad that shooters who want a product like that can get it and, hopefully, benefit from it. Glad the company is backing up its product the right way. But, as I mentioned earlier, the AFT (snicker) is trying to throw cold water on everyone’s fun. More on that soon. Hopefully, my editor will insert a link to that article HERE when it becomes available.

rare breed trigger
Is this a machine gun? We’ll talk about that in the next article

The Rare Breed website is full of good info, including an outstanding animation of how the FRT-15 Trigger operates.

Click here if you want to see how the FRT-15 fares against Jerry Miculek’s trigger finger.

CategoriesAccessories

Hack: How to Use a Rifle Sling

Looking for a way to upgrade your rifle without major changes to its setup? Would you like to potentially improve your own performance at the range? That’s where this easy rifle hack from TFB TV comes into play. In this video, the guys at TFB TV explain how a properly adjusted and utilized rifle sling can be a game-changer for you. Not only is it worth having a sling, they say, but it’s worth doing it right. Read on to discover just how easy it can be to up your gun game.

Could a rifle sling greatly improve your gun skills? TFB TV finds out. (Photo credit: TFB TV)

Why use a rifle sling?

There are quite a few reasons to put a sling on your rifle (and on other long guns, too). Here’s a list to get you going:

  • Hands-free carry
  • Stability
  • Bracing
  • Easier rifle-to-pistol transitions
  • Improved accuracy
  • Removing the strain from hands and arms

Blue Force Gear, a manufacturer of slings, took the TFB TV team through a three-hour class on sling use. During the class, they did everything from helping the team set up their rifles correctly to teaching them technique — and it’s all been reduced to a 20-minute video so you can watch and learn.

students ready for a rifle class on how to use a rifle sling
Getting ready for a rifle class on proper sling use. (Photo credit: TFB TV)

In the video, Chris from Blue Force Gear offers advice and answers questions. One question is, “What do we need a sling to do to be optimized?”

He says, ” …a sling needs to do three things for me. …if it doesn’t do these three things, you reduce it down to it [being nothing but a] parade sling, it doesn’t do anything but attach a gun to your body.

“[First] a sling has to give me the ability to have a repeatable and reliable front sling position. The reason I want [that] position is because most of the time…my hands are off the gun. [When] my hands are off the gun…I need it retained… …I don’t need it bouncing around…I don’t need it pointing at anything it’s not supposed to be pointed [toward]. …

“Two, a [good sling] will make what is inherently a [not] stable firing platform more stable through the use of a sling. We get that through a combination of…having an adjustable sling and…having it sized and fitted properly to the rifle and the shooter. …[the third thing] is I have to have a QD capability in the front [or] in the rear – preferably both – for [quick removal for trauma treatment].”

Blue Force Gear class demonstration of rifle sling use.
Blue Force Gear explains rifle sling use to the TFB TV team. (Photo credit: TFB TV)

To find out what else Blue Force Gear has to say about using rifle slings the right way, and what the TFB TV team got out of it, watch the video:

 

Do you really need a one?

As with any piece of gear, a sling is purpose driven. What are you using your gun for, and is it dedicated to that use? Is it a tactical or home defense rifle? Do you use it for hunting? Consider these things before choosing a sling. There are, after all, many types of slings and methods for using them.

Do you have a sling on your rifle? Which brand, and how does it work for you? Drop a comment below to share.

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