Thinking Man's Corner

Article by: William G.

As is expected, technology continues to evolve, and the area of pistol mounted optics is no different. There are some trends that we are now seeing. This article will address those, and some more training methodology.

The Holosun SCS uses an internal battery, that is not user replaceable, but charges completely via solar. The battery has a 10-year life of recharging cycles, so the technology will be obsolete before the battery requires replacement. It takes about 8 hours of light exposure to bring the battery to roughly a 6 month of constant on, full brightness, charge. Any time it is exposed to ambient light, it continues to replenish it’s capacity until full.

A byproduct of this is that on every model (except for the Sig P320 variant – and the SCS line is gun specific) it sits very low on the slide. I do have a concern over an aspect of the SCS320 model. It does not fully fill the factory Sig optic cut. There is a noticeable gap between the rear of the optic, and the back end of the optic cut. Initial reports from a friend of mine that is highly competent and a full time instructor for a government entity, says that the screws loosen on that unit when you approach the 1,000 round mark. I got about 500 rounds through the one on my main P320, and replaced it with my tried and true Romeo2 (which held zero and mounting for 20k rounds previously on the same gun). I am simply more confident in the mounting interface with the P320 Pro series and the Sig Romeo2 optic than I am with other optics on that pistol.

I put the SCS320 on a Shadow Systems XR920, using the #1 screws and hand filing the “A” insert for a press fit mount. It got 300 rounds through it between myself, and a friend at the range yesterday as we shot multiple federal quals for data points.

SIG is using a side mounted battery on their M17 (“closed emitter” that attached by screws coming from underneath the slide-requiring a special slide model) and RomeoX (“open emitter” which attached conventionally, and can be used on your current P320 Pro slide) models, which allows them to sit lower on the slide as well. The lower the optic sits to the slide, the more concealable it is for off duty or plain clothes. Another advantage, at least for me, the lower the optic sits, the quicker it is to pick up the dot. It also allows you to use standard height sights. Standard height sights are less prone to catching on the holster (even ones with deep sight channels) and other articles of clothing or gear. I used the Romeo2 with and without the rear screen. I like it as an “open emitter” set up. I will more than likely leave it on the gun until it breaks at this point. The RomeoX will get tested for durability and reliability on a seperate P320 model.

Shadow Systems still has, in my opinion, the best mounting system on the market. I have several different models of their guns, and several of my friends do as well. Mine have been fully reliable, and those I have seen in my classes have been as well. I like their mounting system, user selectable frame angle, and that they work with Glock magazines and holsters. Why not just get a Glock? Nothing wrong with that at all, Glock is a fine gun. However, Shadow Systems is a little bit closer to “Perfection” in my book, with a superior frame angle and better mounting system. Those things are important, and if better exists, why not utilize it?

Some optics are being introduced with large windows, and billed as being easier to pick up the dot. I do not find this to be the case. A 2 MOA dot is a 2 MOA no matter how small or large the window is. A lot of people say the larger window helps them find the dot quicker. I find that counter intuitive, since there is more window for the dot to get lost in, and find that smaller windows actually speed up my acquisition. The tightest group and fastest time I have ever shot on the GSAC has been with a stock G19MOS Gen 5 with a Holosun SCS (one of the smaller windows on a duty optic), and it was on ½ sized targets, cold.

While the feel and perception of a gun/optic combo has a lot to do with performance, it is hard to argue with actual times and score on paper. What I am getting at is, even if you do not like the trigger, grip angle, reticle, etc.; give it a try and see what the results are based off performance not perception. Counter to what I literally just wrote about Shadow Systems? Not really, I have not tried a SCS MOS on the Shadow yet. (The SCS 320 model is not the same-as discussed above, and while it works ok on the Shadow, I think I will be even better with the MOS variant SCS.) When I get the time, I will run them against each other with the same optic and see. I do know that I perform better with a RMR on a Shadow Systems than on a Glock; so maybe it is the optic, or maybe it is the gun?

Direct mounting of optics is still the best and most secure bet. Some plates are better than others, and Tango Down seems to have a slight edge over most. However, if you can direct mount, that is the way to go. It is one less thing to go wrong. The cross bolt mount of the Holosun 509T and Aimpoint Acro P2 are generally considered the most secure ones, but they are really big, and are not good for any type of concealment except under an old school safari vest, and they are still sketchy then. The Trijicon RCR has an innovative attachment system, but the jury is still out on long term durability of the mounting, and it is even taller than the other two aforementioned optics. I place a lot of emphasis on concealment properties, because I carry concealed more than I do in an exposed duty holster. There are a whole lot of LE positions where this is the case, and a lot of us carry off duty as well, so concealment is a big factor for me.

One of the more intriguing optics on the market now is the Trijicon RMR HD. On paper, it is almost my ideal optic. It has a top loading battery, multiple reticles, a back up aiming strip on top, and a forward-facing light sensor for rapid auto adjustment. It is from Trijicon so you know it is quality, and is based on one of the most robust pistol optics ever designed. The only concern I have with it, is that the front hangs forward toward the ejection port a little too much for my taste. This can interfere with holsters, and also can cause cycling/ejection issues, depending on how far it sits forward on the particular gun. It is also very expensive, and in short supply. Until I can do an extensive field test with it, I will not know how well it works for me. Like it on paper, but may not in actual usage.

In the earlier article, we discussed starting new shooters off with tape over the front of the optic for use in the occluded eye principle. This seems to work best for most shooters, but there is another technique that I started off teaching and moved away from. I have recently pulled it back out, because the tape method doesn’t work for everyone. While the below process may not be the ideal way, we do not live in an ideal world. I try to keep an open mind about what works for others, but have a hard time doing that. I don’t like saying it’s another tool in the tool box, but rather look at it from a problem solving view. It is simply this:

Start with the gun in the low ready position. Bring the gun onto target, find the iron sights as normal. Do this 20 times.

Start with the gun in the low ready position. Bring the gun onto target, find the iron sights, find the dot, then look at the target, and let the dot superimpose. Do this 20 times.

Start with the gun in the low ready position. Bring the gun onto target, find the dot, then look at the target, and let the dot superimpose. Do this 20 times.

Start with the gun in the low ready position. Bring the gun onto target, stay focused on the target, and let the dot superimpose without shifting focus. Do this 20 times.

After you have done the above, now do each step from the holster. Repeat each step the same way, and same amount of time, just from the draw.

Avoid the temptation to rush or go fast. Do it slowly and deliberately, focusing on how it feels and looks as you do it.

The next thing to talk about is focus. We have been told over and over to focus on the target with a PMO. Some people cannot focus on the target and get fast or accurate hits, even with a dot. I know that seems counter intuitive as well. However, we are not all built the same. Some people may have to focus on the dot to get hits quickly. Some may have to focus on the dot to get hits at distance. For me, focusing on the target yields the best results, and if I focus on the dot, my hits can be almost an inch low and off to one side or the other (depending on which eye I am using), even at closer ranges. But, some people that I have had try this have seen vast improvements in speed and accuracy focusing on the dot. Just because it is not the most common way or doesn’t work for you, doesn’t mean it can’t work better for someone else. Keep an open mind, even if you can’t keep both eyes open.

The debate over the erroneously referred to “open” (single glass/pane) and “enclosed” (dual glass/pane) emitters (I’ve gone over my dislike for this description before) continues to rage. Some argue that you must have an “enclosed” emitter for exposed duty, and some say it is also mandatory for concealed carry. The pro’s and con’s have been discussed in this blog previously as well. Who is right? Your mission and environment dictate what you need. I cannot say for your personally. For me, I am comfortable with an “open” emitter. I have shot it in drizzles and downpours, and other less than ideal conditions, and not had a problem. Some people have had the opposite experience. It is all up to you,and the only debate should be the pro’s and con’s you are willing to live with for yourself. I will say that yesterday at the range, we had a little dust storm going. My cell phone still had a fine powder like coating of sand on it when I got home. I purposely left the guns exposed on the table with actions open to see if there was any negative effects on the guns or optics between different courses of fire. Neither my friend or myself, had an adverse effects of fine dust coating the windows of the “enclosed” or “open” emitter optics. The dust simply was not a problem at all, especially since the Romeo2 (even without the rear window installed) has a closed emitter (rather a clear seal over the emitter itself ) as do all duty grade optics. I have previously shot both variants in light to heavy rain, and not experienced any issues.

There is also still a debate on if a pistol mounted optic is mandatory going forward. That also depends. I personally think, if one is available, and you have the right training from the right instructor, and if you have an ongoing training program; then it is definitely an asset. However, iron sights are still mandatory as well; and you will most certainly not die in the streets if you only have iron sights. Don’t go into debt to get a PMO, don’t go cheap with the system, don’t skimp on training time, and don’t carry it until you are fully comfortable with your capabilities with it. That is a lot of don’ts, isn’t it? We have had PMO’s on duty guns for nearly 25 years now, they started getting more common about 15 years ago, we started seeing more critical training with them on a larger scale about 10 years ago, and they have been full on engulfed in fire and controversy for 3-5 years now. We still have not worked out all the kinks. but we are getting closer. Although, seems like we have not worked out iron sights for the masses yet, and that system was perfected in the 1960’s by some guy most new shooter’s never heard of, so there is that.

Some will not adapt to dots on pistols. Some will never be as good with a dot as they are with irons. Some will do better, but will have other restraints or concerns that preclude them from feeling fully confident with dots. Ken Hackathorn (yes, I have multiple training certificates from him, yes, he knows what he is talking about, yes, he has more real world experience than the majority of the youtube fantasy celebrity’s pushing the dot agenda, yes, he is still a very dangerous old man that I would definitely take into combat with an iron sighted 1911) set the internet on fire with his video that said you do not need a pistol mounted optic. Much like Col. Jeff Cooper (who trained both Ken and myself), he was right when he said it, and will be right for a long time. Most do not need a pistol mounted optic, however, some may. What I am getting at is, critically look at what is a need and a want.

As technology continues to improve, we will not believe our eyes. What are some of the things that we can look forward to? Who knows? Maybe…..We have Red, Green, and Gold dots now. Blue will be the next major advancement. We will see less and less of a gap in the dual glass models. Take a look at the EPS models from Holosun. The distance between the two pieces of glass is less than on the 509T from the same company. Newer models will have even less of a distance between the glass, making them even more sleek and compact. Heads up displays that don’t use glass at all, but project upward and hover over the slide like a hologram. The possibilities are endless with the technology on the horizon.

When the revolver was king, the experienced gunfighters of the day wondered why anyone would want an auto loader. When the 1911 was king (just kidding, it still is), those battle tested gunfighters wondered why anyone would need a minor caliber-high capacity auto. Today, you have highly experienced people asking if a pistol mounted optic is actually really needed en masse. What do all of these have in common? They are all right, and they are all wrong (except Jeff Cooper, who will always be right). These groups, as all people, tend to base their thought process off personal experience. We seem to forget that we often have much higher skill levels than the unwashed masses, and we go with what we are most comfortable with. Keep an open mind, and see how new technologies works with the newer generation. Look at it from their point of view, even if it is through an optical lense of an electronic sight, mounted on a high capacity, plastic 9mm. You may or may not be able to see clearly now, but you can at least figure out how to adapt your blooded and hard won knowledge to fit the equipment the young guys are using, and get them home at the end of their shift. Hope all that was as clear as mud on the front of a pistol mounted optic window.