Red dot sight height

[ap3572001]

Do You prefer RDS that sit low in the slide and co witnesses with std sights? Or it doesn't matter?

[Rez805]

IMO, it doesn't really matter. I have an M&P 1.0 Performance Center slide with the suppressor-height sights. I first ran a vortex viper and could easily see the irons. I don't recall actively paying attention to irons when I was running that setup. I just looked at the target, got the dot on an acceptable spot and pulled the trigger.

I now run a Vortex Venom that allows for a tiny sliver of the irons to appear. Again, I'm hard-pressed to even notice them.

I bet if I moved to something even thicker (like a cmore rts2 or a vortex razor), I'd come to the same conclusion: as long I can see a dot, that's what I'm using.

Interestingly, I have seen numerous competitors remove their irons. I was thinking about joining them, but I'm "too lazy" to drift the sights out.

Whichever route you take: a little bit of focused practice on a consistent basis can go a long way in getting gooder.

Edit: context: I'm a competition shooter so I can't speak to the virtues of having a backup way of knowing where you're aiming in other situations. I have seen some videos of people who had their dot die mid-stage. That could be a good reason to keep your irons on.

[sitruc]

Yes.
Your RDS should sit as low as possible.
It does not matter that your RDS co-witnesses with standard height sights.

Your primary is the red dot. If you have an "absolute" co-witness w/ irons you have now effectively cut off 1/4 to 1/3 of your primary optic's view window.

Your RDS should be moved as far back as possible and your rear sight should be mounted in front of your RDS. You have full use of your optic view window with no obstructions to finding your dot, regardless of the size of your irons. Your irons are your back-up and they should barely obstruct your view through your primary. There's not really a 1/3 co-witness with handguns, but the ideal scenario is to find something like a 1/5 co-witness.