Red Dot Pistol

Pistol-mounted optics, commonly called “red dot sights” are taking their place as the future of sighting systems for handguns. With proper training and practice, shooters employing these optics on their handguns are capable of greater speed and accuracy than iron sight shooters. Red dots offer consistent visibility under a variety of lighting conditions, rapid follow-up, and target-focused sight picturing that is a critical tactical advantage in combat shooting. Shooters struggling with the effects of cross-eye dominance, aging eyes, and other visual impairments often report that using an optic gives them significant improvement over iron sights.

Modern development of high-quality optics has brought shooters the option to equip their handguns with sighting systems that can stand up to the rigors of hostile environments and take the wear and tear of consistent use without breaking or losing zero. Battery life in some cases is greater than a year with consistent use.

The argument for pistol-mounted red dots is compelling, but nothing is free. Like any other shooting skill, use of red dots sights takes practice and carefully developed technique to achieve proficiency.

Red Dot Pistol: Introduction to Pistol-Mounted Optics (Red Dot Sights) is a combat handgun course focused on the proper use of handguns equipped with optics. Classroom discussions will include optic selection, care, capabilities, and liabilities. Range time will focus on proper technique for rapid acquisition, target to target transition, and adaptation in adverse environmental conditions.

This is not a basic handgun course. Students are expected to have prior training equivalent to or exceeding our ACHP/Basic Handgun course before attending Red Dot Pistol.

Cost: $200*

Course Dates:

Course Location: SnowShoe Gun Club

*All CFTT classes at SnowShoe Gun Club are now open to members of the public. Non-members of the Gun Club attending a course hosted by SGC will pay a $75 range use fee, which can be credited toward a same-year membership. Special thanks to the SnowShoe Gun Club board of directors, for providing us with this exciting expanded opportunity to serve the community.

Refund/Cancellation Policy:

  • If you cancel 4 weeks or more prior to the scheduled class, you will be refunded 100%.
  • If you cancel less than 4 weeks but more than 2 weeks before the class, you will be refunded 50%.
  • If you cancel within 2 weeks of class or fail to show up for class, you will not receive a refund.
  • We can also credit your class tuition toward another course of equal or lesser value if you contact us to reschedule your training at least 2 weeks prior to the class you are scheduled to attend.

What to bring:

Functional semi-automatic full-size (Glock 17 size) or compact (Glock 19 size) pistol, with at least three magazines, equipped with a red dot (reflex, holographic, etc) sight mounted directly to the slide. We strongly recommend a set of backup iron sights capable of being used with the RDS in place (co-witnessed).

*Revolvers and subcompact pistols (i.e. Glock 43, Ruger LCP) are not permitted for this course. If you have questions, please contact us.

*MINIMUM CALIBER: 380 AUTO

*NO rimfire. (22 long rifle, 22 magnum, etc.)

Kydex (rigid synthetic) or leather holster with full trigger guard coverage, made for your firearm. If purchasing a holster for your RDS, remember that it will need to have an “optic cut” to fit.

*NO: Shoulder, cross-draw, small of the back, or ankle holsters.

Magazine pouch

*For more information on holsters and magazine pouches, see our video, “Holsters and Mag Pouches”

Eye protection

Ear protection (electronic preferred; mandatory if you are hard of hearing)

Brimmed hat or baseball cap (to keep brass from getting behind eye protection)

Sunscreen/bug dope/layered clothing appropriate for Alaskan weather

Long pants with pockets

Closed toe shoes/boots

Folding camp chair (recommended)

Plenty of water, snacks, etc.

Hand wipes/sanitizer

Packed lunch

Estimated Ammo Count: 250 rounds minimum, FMJ or frangible recommended. Bring more if possible.

*Reloaded ammo may be fired at the operator’s own risk.

*Conventional lead core or frangible bullets only.

*ABSOLUTELY NO: armor piercing, incendiary, tracers, green tip, etc. These rounds can damage or ricochet off our AR500 targets, potentially causing injury.

In order to take this class, you must be a citizen of the United States, not legally prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition, and at least 16 years of age. Minors under 18 years of age must present a signed consent from a parent or legal guardian.