What’s the “donut of death” and how can you use it to maximize your performance with a pistol-mounted optic?
Amazon Best-Selling Author and noted Small Arms and Tactics instructor Nicholas Orr has released the latest book in his bestselling “Pipe Hitters” series, “A Pipe Hitters Guide to Red Dots and Optics on Handguns”.
The idea of mounting a non-magnified optical sight onto a handgun isn’t a new one. Where red dot sights on pistols used to be large, require specially designed mounts and added considerable weight to the gun, such is no longer the case. In the 21st century, it’s far easier to calculate the new model handguns that don’t accept an optic rather than those that do.
Do you absolutely need to have an electronic optical sight affixed to your handgun in order to hit your target? For the vast majority of the reading audience, the truthful answer is no, you don’t. Can the mastery of a handgun so equipped lead to an improved experience? Yes, it can. The purpose of this book is to consider how we can use the modern pistol-mounted optic (PMO) or red dot sight (RDS) to improve our experience and enhance our skills.
Within these pages we will consider in detail the pros and cons of using an optic. We will discuss the various colors and reticle designs that are available and the importance of each. Human vision and how the optic can improve the shooting experience for those with varied vision issues will be examined. Other topics include zeroing your optic, practice sessions and training and as well as a special installment regarding the “donut of death” as well as a bonus chapter: 3-Dot Sights Suck!
If you have a pistol with an optic, you need to purchase this book. Additionally, if you’re considering purchasing an optic for your pistol, you may want to read this book first before you make your decision.
This book is available as an Amazon paperback, hardcover, Kindle version and soon to be an audiobook.
Alright…here we go. Cue the diehards on both sides of the issue.
For me, I grew up on iron sights on all my gats except, of course, muh deer rifles. Qualified through 250 hours of professional-led courses to earn a Handgun Combat Master certification, always with iron sights (and the dreaded 3-dot versions, gasp!).
Two years ago, when qualifying to renew my CA CCW, the instructor was a retired LEO with 32 years on the force under his belt. He carried a full size 1911 Govt with red dot optic and huuuuuge WML, packed into what had to be the yuuugest hinged pancake holster mounted right at his IWB 12 o’clock. When a couple of us in the class (entire instruction was held outdoors at the range) mentioned he was printing through his shirt like we’d never seen before with that massive setup, he gruffly stated everyone needs to carry the largest gat they possibly can, and simply carry a coffee cup in front of their belly button if they’re concerned about their gear being seen through a t-shirt. Egad.
He then went on a tirade mocking iron sights, as well as anyone who carries a “micro 9” such as a Shield, G43, Hellcat, et al. Well, I was carrying one of those very items on me during the training, so he challenged me to a speed trial on steel at 25 yards. Me and my iron-sighted micro against his red optic 1911 Govt. First one to hit the steel five times wins.
I won. In front of the entire class. And the instructor did *not* like that.
Equip your gat with a red dot if you so choose, and train accordingly. If I am ever in need of backup and you show up with the skill to be a hero, then I’m all for it and will buy you a drink as I shake your hand after the incident (provided the cops see no reason to arrest us). Then I’ll ask you about your gat and gladly listen. But even though I have one of my gats saddles with a red dot, I’ve found that I don’t prefer it, and always carry with iron sights because that’s where my proficiency lies. If I ever need to be *your* backup, I’m betting you won’t care what’s on my gat as long as I pull through and help you save the day…and maybe your family.
So to the book author Nicholas Orr…just chill, dude.
And…
Where’s my comment? Are we blocking again without any notification or explanation, SNW?
Nicholas thank you for another easy read, just finished the Kindle version will get the Hard cover in two days. Highlighter and pen ready. I love when ideas and methods are explained with easy to understand analogies. I have worked in human optics for over 40 years and this book nails it. I have been a peep sight junky since 1979 and have never felt natural or as relaxed (maybe the wrong word) using any other sighting system with firearms. Louis thank you for all the grunt work and for sharing your findings. Paul you couldn’t be more right on human vision and how fixation or focus of ones vision is drawn to movement & light. I am currently working in an Opthamology practice and if any one refutes your statement “They are wrong and need to fix themselves.