Red Dots, LPVO, Iron Sights on a Carbine

The RDS (Red Dot Sight) optics are highly effective within 200 yards, and you should be able to engage any target within this range. It especially shines at the CQB (Close-quarters combat) distances, where it has proven itself to be superior to any other sighting system. Any magnified scope within CQB distances will cost you time and limit your field of view, as has been proven in the most recent wars where Marines were equipped with Trijicon ACOGs, reducing their effectiveness. Flip-out magnifiers can be added that provide 3-6x magnification (depending on a model) allowing easy engagements or precision shots at much further distances.

LPVO (Low Power Variable Optic) scopes have their place as most can be dialed down to 1X power. Again, MOST is the keyword here, as the majority don’t go down to a true 1X power. A far as target acquisition, a dot will still be faster as you are not dealing with tunnel and parallax effects. Switching between powers can also be slow. That is why you often find a red dot at an offset mounts for CQB work in addition to the LPVO scope. https://www.trex-arms.com/store/T-REX-Offset-Mount/ is a fantastic option for something like that and what I am using. There is also a video there that explains all of this.

As far as iron sights go, they definitely have their place but can’t even come close to the speed of target acquisition when using RDS. RDS has changed the way CQB is fought because of its speed and capabilities. Having both eyes open is a huge tactical advantage as well.

I 100% believe that irons have their place, and every new shooter should learn the platform using them and only later switch to optics. But at our current age, a red dot is a must on any carbine or a rifle. You will see them more and more on pistols as well as most major manufacturers offering their pistols that a RDS ready.