EDC Pistols | Iron Sights vs Red Dot (Which Should You Carry?)

EDC debate: iron sights vs red dots

The discussion opens with a common concealed carry question: whether to run iron sights or a red dot on an everyday carry pistol. One instructor leans toward traditional irons, emphasizing their dependability, mechanical simplicity, and the fact that they do not require batteries. The other argues that it is 2025 and red dots are easier on the eyes and can improve accuracy by allowing a target-focused sight picture. They frame the video as a practical comparison of advantages and disadvantages for concealed carry, not a one-size-fits-all answer, and set up a friendly debate between “team irons” and “team red dot.”

Instructor background and self-defense focus

The guest instructor, Eliza, explains that her primary focus is women’s self-defense. She teaches firearms and combatives with an emphasis on scenarios and techniques tailored to how women may need to defend themselves. The hosts highlight that the tools on the table are being evaluated through a self-defense lens, especially concealed carry. This context shapes the conversation: sight choices are judged by how they perform under stress, in realistic environments, and for shooters who may be newer or have different physical considerations, rather than purely for competition or range use.

Glock factory sights and iron sight upgrades

The conversation turns to iron sights using a Glock 43 as an example. The stock Glock polymer sights are criticized, especially the rear U-notch paired with a single front dot. The instructor prefers aligning three dots instead of trying to center a front dot in a U-shaped rear, and recommends upgrading factory Glock sights. She mentions owning a Glock 19 and a Glock 49, both of which she likes for standard-size pistols, but she has replaced their factory sights with aftermarket options. She notes using TruGlo and AmeriGlo style sights on those guns and suggests that Glock owners strongly consider similar upgrades for better usability.

Night sights, SIG P365 XL, and low-light use

They explain why night or low-light capable sights matter for self-defense. Stock Glock sights do not provide illumination, so in dim conditions—such as a home defense scenario after dark—it can be difficult to confirm alignment on target. The instructor stresses that if the sights cannot be seen, accurate shots are unlikely. She contrasts this with her personal concealed carry pistol, a SIG P365 XL, which comes with X-RAY sights from the factory. She praises these SIG sights for their low-light capability and notes that she can see them glowing at night when the pistol is staged nearby, which provides reassurance. She is open to eventually adding a red dot to the P365 XL but is satisfied with the current X-RAY setup.

AmeriGlo style options, suppressor height, and co-witnessing

The discussion moves deeper into iron sight upgrades. AmeriGlo-style sights are highlighted for their dot alignment and strong performance in low light. The instructor likes having different color options, such as blacked-out rear sights or combinations of green and orange. Her preferred configuration is two green dots in the rear and a red front dot, which makes the front sight easy to pick up quickly. They also address sight height, showing suppressor-height sights that are tall enough to clear a suppressor or co-witness with an optic. For everyday carry, they caution that taller sights can snag on clothing or holsters, so a lower-profile setup may be better. Co-witnessing with a red dot is mentioned as a hybrid approach, where iron sights are visible through the optic window, but sight height must be chosen carefully.

Red dot basics and Trijicon RMR overview

Attention shifts to red dots as the “future” of pistol sights. The host explains that a red dot simplifies the sighting process by replacing the need to align front and rear irons on a single plane. Once the optic is properly zeroed, the shooter simply places the dot on the target while staying target-focused. He presents the Trijicon RMR as a benchmark pistol optic, calling it a gold standard that many other dots emulate. The RMR’s window is described as a good balance between size and concealability; it is large enough for effective use but not so big that it becomes impractical for waistband carry. They also revisit the idea of hybrid setups, noting that full co-witness irons inside a small optic window can clutter the view for some shooters.

Concealed carry optics on Glock 43X and Glock 17

They compare optics on different pistol sizes. A Glock 43X is shown with a Shield-style micro red dot, illustrating how smaller concealed carry pistols typically use compact optics with small windows. On such setups, tall suppressor-height sights can dominate the limited viewing area and may interfere with the dot, so the host prefers minimal obstruction. He contrasts this with his own everyday carry choice: a full-size Glock 17 equipped with an Aimpoint ACRO. He jokingly describes the ACRO as “mailbox” sized, emphasizing its larger, enclosed design. Despite its bulk, he finds it suitable for his body size and carry style. The segment underscores that pistol size, optic footprint, and sight height must be balanced for concealment, comfort, and a clear sight picture.

Dry fire, occluded dot drills, and competition optics

Training practices with red dots are discussed, starting with the importance of regular dry fire, regardless of whether irons or optics are used. They describe an occluded dot drill: placing tape over the optic’s front to block the view of the dot, then dry firing or live firing to force better presentation and alignment skills. This is presented as a way to make training more challenging and to build confidence that hits will still land where intended. The host references work by Aaron Cowan of Sage Dynamics, noting a detailed white paper on first-round hit probability with red dots and mentioning that law enforcement and FBI data show improved initial hit rates when using optics. Finally, they show a Trijicon SRO mounted on a MAC DS9 competition pistol. The SRO’s large window is characterized as competition-oriented, with suppressor-height sights visible in a lower-third co-witness, offering a generous field of view for fast shooting.