Solving the ageing eyes problem

[Hunt]

I am starting to shoot pistols more and want to use one for CC and HD, so I bought 2 glocks a G20 (doubles for Alaskan camping and HD) , and the G26 for CC. After a pistol range session yesterday, the first in many years, I realized how poor my vision is relative to shooting a pistol. The only viable option so far is a laser which I have tried and solves the vision problem *at the range*, unfortunately the laser I have is unreliable, I have not tried a red dot. So I am hoping to gather some wise experience here. Driving my decision on Laser vs Red Dot is 1) Reliability 2) Two eyes open, speed of threat focus sight acquisition, and sight washing out in bright daylight. Cost is not an issue, trying to save a few bucks on a SD weapon is dangerous, I won't do it. Thanks for any experiences with this.

[71MUSTY]

I am starting to shoot pistols more and want to use one for CC and HD, so I bought 2 glocks a G20 (doubles for Alaskan camping and HD) , and the G26 for CC. After a pistol range session yesterday, the first in many years, I realized how poor my vision is relative to shooting a pistol. The only viable option so far is a laser which I have tried and solves the vision problem *at the range*, unfortunately the laser I have is unreliable, I have not tried a red dot. So I am hoping to gather some wise experience here. Driving my decision on Laser vs Red Dot is 1) Reliability 2) Two eyes open, speed of threat focus sight acquisition, and sight washing out in bright daylight. Cost is not an issue, trying to save a few bucks on a SD weapon is dangerous, I won't do it. Thanks for any experiences with this.

I solved the problem with a really good eye doctor.

[Cokebottle]

Washing out in daylight is an issue, but less so with a quality sight.
Set up the dot for a co-witness (suppressor height sights) so you can still use the irons if the dot is not effective (or if the sight fails or is damaged in a struggle).
The advantage is that in daylight bright enough to wash out the dot, unless you are wearing super dark glasses, your pupils should be constricted enough to sharpen your vision.

Both eyes open, focus on the target, and the dot will hover over the impact point like a laser.

[mofo1111]

I don't use red dots for pistol as I can't pick them up as fast as iron sights. I end up wandering the pistol around to hunt for the red dot. I know practice will correct that issue but I don't want to spend the money on a quality red dot for my pistol AND have to get use to it. I have Speed Sights on a couple of pistols and they are fast. You have to get used to them also, but it is a quick adjustment. Have you ever used a laser on a bright sunny day? I have green lasers and they still get washed out on bright sunny days. More so with a red laser. If I had to decide between the two, I would go with a red dot AND practice. Lasers are not good in full sunshine, unless your target is in a shadow. I think the red dot will wash out less than a laser. Red dots are extremely fast once you give the time and practice.

[Barbarosa]

I've got the same problem. I have a couple of guns with red dots - they work for range use but are a bit bulky for SD. I stuck an XS big dot sight on a couple Glocks and so far it works well at SD distance but you lose accuracy at range distances.

[FeuerFrei]

I've got the same problem. I have a couple of guns with red dots - they work for range use but are a bit bulky for SD. I stuck an XS big dot sight on a couple Glocks and so far it works well at SD distance but you lose accuracy at range distances.

Those are what I found to work for my carry Glocks.

[flyer898]

I got bifocals that have a smooth transition and I had the prescription set so the transition is more gradual than usual. This give me a better chance of getting the front sight in focus on an indoor range. It is not as much of a problem outdoors.

[Hunt]

I got bifocals that have a smooth transition and I had the prescription set so the transition is more gradual than usual. This give me a better chance of getting the front sight in focus on an indoor range. It is not as much of a problem outdoors.

thanks for the response flyer, with my vision, glasses won't work in my case, everything I try results in double images and blurriness. One eye using bifocal is barely acceptable, and I want to use both eyes open. Looking like an RMR at this point.

[Blade Gunner]

thanks for the response flyer, with my vision, glasses won't work in my case, everything I try results in double images and blurriness. One eye using bifocal is barely acceptable, and I want to use both eyes open. Looking like an RMR at this point.

[Hunt]

good point Blade Gunner, wouldn't hurt to have a decent laser as well as an RMR and after some research yes go with the 6 MOA. I really like the concept of the Lasermax internal laser and have one in my G20 but it is very unreliable. I am calling Lasermax Monday see if I can get a replacement. I am leaning towards a crimson trace rail mount for the G20 and the trigger guard mount for the G26. I have found very few complaints about CT reliability. One thing about the laser and I was impressed, my wife maybe has shot 20 times in her life picked up the G20 using the laser and was right on target.

[sonofeugene]

First, see a good eye doctor. An actual doctor which means an ophthalmologist. Not an optometrist or optician. That will rule out any underlying problems

Then get a quality pair of glasses with progressive lenses. Know that different brand lenses and lens models are not created equal. Some are downright crap. The very best if ever found are Autograph III's by Shamir. They are incredible lenses.

Finally, when shooting, just tilt your head back a bit to bring the front sight into focus. It'll be the best you can do. Nothing will every bring back the vision of your youth but with the proper glasses and technique, you'll find you can hit what you're aiming at. Went to the range yesterday with my 34 and except for the occasional flyer, put 150 rounds at center mass at 7, 10, and 15 yards. I went home satisfied.

[timbo399]

If you decide to get a laser- that Crimson Trace Rail Master laser you mentioned is really great-- as long as your gun is compatible w it. i have a few of them. Make sure you get the green laser though as it's much easier than the red to see.

This laser is REALLY bright. But, as someone mentioned above, on a sunny day, it won't help you much. But at night it is crazy bright-- it actually doubles as a flash light for me because that green laser lights up everything around it-- and also at night you can see that thing out to 100m. I was surprised by just how bright they are.

Good luck OP. At 45yo, I realized 6 mos ago my eyes were getting bad after 25 years staring at computer screens, etc in my job. I first noticed when I could not read street signs while driving at night as well anymore. Then I noticed that my Red Dot Sights such as on my Eotech and Aimpoint Pro were more of a cloud.

I have prescription glasses now and those red dots are back to regular form and look great. But I understand your circumstances are different. Good luck in finding the right combination of RDS and laser for your defensive handguns-- sounds like the best route to go.

As I mentioned, Crimson Trace green laser is REALLY great-- I have it both on the Rail Master as well as a CT grip laser I installed on a non railed 1911. Extremely bright green laser.

[Snoopy47]

I solved the problem with a really good eye doctor.

I went exactly this route last week.

Had LASIK about 10 years ago (now 46) and it's starting to wear down. Right eye is FAR sighted and less than ideal for pistol (better for rifle). Left eye is near sighted (I'd rather them be reversed).

Anyway, went and got a set of glasses for "mid range" (farther than reading, less than driving) which essentially the perfect distance for working on a COMPUTER and pistol shooting.

Can't wait to get them to the range.

It comes down to this; you are not a serious shooter if you are not serious about your eyes. I realized I can't justify spending all this money on equipment upgrades and modifications when the most productive modification doesn't cost any more than anything else (glasses) and is never ever going to be challenged by any set of rules for any kind of shooting sports.

[W.R.Buchanan]

First go to an eye Doctor and get some progressive lenses that are one click below your Maximum Prescription to slightly increase your minimum focal length.. That way you can focus on your Front Sight.

Next get some decent sights on the gun. The XS sights mentioned above are easy to pick up in any light, as are the New Truglo TFO sights which are Green Fiber Optics with Tritium power so you have sights day or night. These sights are very hard to miss day or night.

After you have these things taken care of,,, Go to Front Sight and attend a 4 Day Defensive Pistol Course, where you will be taught to shoot the gun. Go back at least 1-2 times a year.

It will be hard to hold onto either one of your guns for a full 4 days as they come from the factory. I would recommend a .40 S&W barrel for the G20 as it is both expensive to shoot and has a lot of recoil. And Pearce Magazine Extensions for either G17 or G19 mags for the G26 so you can get a full grip on the gun.

After doing these things you will be set. Here's a pic of the sights, and my G36 with the Pearce Mag Extension so you can get an idea of these options.

A Red Dot takes practice to get used to, and then frequent practice to stay good with. I took mine off for that reason.

Randy

[Hunt]

First, see a good eye doctor. An actual doctor which means an ophthalmologist. Not an optometrist or optician. That will rule out any underlying problems

Then get a quality pair of glasses with progressive lenses. Know that different brand lenses and lens models are not created equal. Some are downright crap. The very best if ever found are Autograph III's by Shamir. They are incredible lenses.

Finally, when shooting, just tilt your head back a bit to bring the front sight into focus. It'll be the best you can do. Nothing will every bring back the vision of your youth but with the proper glasses and technique, you'll find you can hit what you're aiming at. Went to the range yesterday with my 34 and except for the occasional flyer, put 150 rounds at center mass at 7, 10, and 15 yards. I went home satisfied.

Thanks will look at Shamir