Opinions On Pistol Red Dots Requested
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Varminterror
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The Burris FastFire III is the lowest grade model I really would recommend. The RMR is a better option. I have a Bushnell First Strike, not bad for the money, but the always on, ONLY auto brightness feature isn't great for anything but a range gun - it turns off in the dark (not really off, but you can't see it) and can't be made to turn on. The JPoint is a great sight as well, as is the Docter. Not a fan of the Deltapoint from Leupold. Really impressed with the two Sig red dots I picked up recently, but they're both the tube type, not the open reflex type - but I do assume, like all 6 of my Sig Electro-Optics, the Sig reflex would be a fine product.
toivo
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I have used Fastfire III sights on .22 target pistols for several years now, with only one issue: one of them drained the battery even when it was turned off, and Burris replaced it under warranty. Other than that, they have functioned fine. They are reliable and hold zero.
A caveat, though: on my target pistols, the sight is frame-mounted and doesn't move with the slide. That wouldn't be the case with a Glock 19. Supposedly the Fastfire III can take the beating, but I haven't independently verified that.
A caveat, though: on my target pistols, the sight is frame-mounted and doesn't move with the slide. That wouldn't be the case with a Glock 19. Supposedly the Fastfire III can take the beating, but I haven't independently verified that.
I have and like the Fastfire II & III (III is better and worth it), a Vortex Venum which I like, and some higher priced dots as well. Got a couple of deeply discounted Type 1 RMRs and they are great.
The FF III is mounted on an XDm OSP and doing fine.
The FF III is mounted on an XDm OSP and doing fine.
Do you prefer the FF III over the Venom or vice versa?
rpenmanparker
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I have two Bushnell TRS 25 tube tuoe, two Sightmark Mini Pro Spec reflex, two Burris Fastifre III reflex, and a Vortex Venom reflex. The Sightmarks have failed me outdoors in the bright sunlight. Can’t see the dot even at brightest setting when wearing sunglasses. The Fastfires are brighter and the Vortex is brighter yet. All work fine indoors but you do have to spend a few bucks extra to use one outdoors.
Except for one Bushnell all my red dot/reflexes are slide mounted. Never had a problem with any of them breaking, but it is imperative to install the sights with blue Loctite and a torque screwdriver. I use at least 20 inxlb torque and quality screws that won’t get torn up. One of the Fastifres was turning off from the shock in use, but tightening the battery cover fixed the problem.
In short I agree with the above. Spend a few extra bucks, at least $200, and get a Fastfire or Venom at the minimum. You should be okay. Unless you are Delta Force, you won’t likely need the $500 variety.
Except for one Bushnell all my red dot/reflexes are slide mounted. Never had a problem with any of them breaking, but it is imperative to install the sights with blue Loctite and a torque screwdriver. I use at least 20 inxlb torque and quality screws that won’t get torn up. One of the Fastifres was turning off from the shock in use, but tightening the battery cover fixed the problem.
In short I agree with the above. Spend a few extra bucks, at least $200, and get a Fastfire or Venom at the minimum. You should be okay. Unless you are Delta Force, you won’t likely need the $500 variety.
rpenmanparker
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Please forgive me answering as well. In think the Venom is just a smidgen brighter. Otherwise they are pretty similar. More brightness settings with the Venom, but in all likelihood, in CCW mode you would likely be keeping it on auto brightness anyway. The brightnesss settings are really just for indoors.
I can't see spending the cost of the gun on an optic either which is why I am seeking something more cost effective. I haven't yet decided what I feel that cost should be, but the higher the price the more I will put it off.
I have been looking at the FF3 after reading this but I haven't had time yet to look into the Venom. So far the FF3 looks great except for the price. I'll likely end up spending in that range anyway, but it sure is a lot of money compared to the gun it will sit on.
ColtPythonElite
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I have a Fast Fire III on a 686 that has had over 3500 magnums put through it. The zero has never shifted.
rpenmanparker
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The Bushnell is a great tune optic at a terrific price, but it needs a rail to mount on. The Sightmark is terrific indoors and only $100. Not bright enough outdoors. Don’t make the mistake I did. It failed me during a handgun, self-defense course. Couldn‘t see it in the Nevada sunshine. But indoors for range target practice. Just fine. I think the FF3 is the seeet spot. Don’t go below that. And remember you have to buy a mounting plate to go with it. Could be another $50.
It's a toss up. They operate differently as far as how they turn on and what mode they start in.
I had to get a plate for my PX4. Right at $50
The OP's Glock 19 MOS should come with a 'blank' plate as well as 4 additional plates for different optics. If memory serves, the FFIII can mount to a 'Doctor' style plate.
My only experience with a red dot is my FFIII. Haven't had it long, but it's pretty straight forward and has done everything I need it to do w/o a hitch thus far,,,
rpenmanparker
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Docter, Burris, Vector, Sightmark, and maybe also JP will mount to the same plates.
I got two of these. Work well, rugged, no batteries. They say the green is easier to see but I got amber. I can see the sights easily in a darkened room for example. In bright outdoors they are also easily picked up.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VSQ4FC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VSQ4FC/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Attachments
New Glock MOS sets do indeed come with 4 plates plus the slide itself.
Clarifying from my original post, I've never really been a fan of Glocks (this is my first in almost 10 years), but the G19 not only fits my hand (especially with the backstrap options) but it also uses the same mags as my Ruger PC Carbine which is the main reason I bought it. The intended use is mainly defensive and mostly in conjunction with the Ruger, both inside and outside the home. Since this thread has no pics yet, the gun is below.
wally
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It hurts to pay more for the sight than you did for the pistol, but these work!
"Dual illuminated" Trijicon RMR on my S&W Shield .40:
In its carry holster:
As others have said, the Fastfire III is the lowest cost starting point worth trying, I've tried and returned all the other less expensive options
You really want the FF-III instead of the FF-II or the Vortex Venom vs Viper (I forget which is which since I've only looked at them, not bought them) for the top mounted battery compartment. Removing and replacing the optic to change batteries that mount form the bottom gets old fast, you'll have enough trouble getting them tight enough to not shoot loose without stripping the mounting plate that once you do removing it to change batteries is a non-starter. Loc-Tite helps a lot if you won't need to un mount it -- hence no more bottom mount batteries for me!
Burris stands by their "no weasel words warranty" and have replaced two for me in the five years or so I've been using them -- I have half a dozen on range favorite pistols.
"Dual illuminated" Trijicon RMR on my S&W Shield .40:
In its carry holster:
As others have said, the Fastfire III is the lowest cost starting point worth trying, I've tried and returned all the other less expensive options
You really want the FF-III instead of the FF-II or the Vortex Venom vs Viper (I forget which is which since I've only looked at them, not bought them) for the top mounted battery compartment. Removing and replacing the optic to change batteries that mount form the bottom gets old fast, you'll have enough trouble getting them tight enough to not shoot loose without stripping the mounting plate that once you do removing it to change batteries is a non-starter. Loc-Tite helps a lot if you won't need to un mount it -- hence no more bottom mount batteries for me!
Burris stands by their "no weasel words warranty" and have replaced two for me in the five years or so I've been using them -- I have half a dozen on range favorite pistols.
straightshooterjake
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I certainly understand the above statement, but I don't really agree with it. This is a conversation I have periodically with other shooters, so I have given it some thought.
First, I would say that cheap and good value are often very different things. This is especially true of optics. For small open style red-dot sights, I have not found any sights cheaper than the FastFire III that I think are a good value.
But more importantly, I don't compare the cost of the firearm and the optic. My goal is to have a reliable firearm that I can shoot accurately. If I am using an optic, then it needs to be at least as reliable and accurate as the firearm. There are some moderately priced firearms that are both accurate and reliable, and I would not want to have an optic that was less capable than the firearm it rides on.
I have one rifle and one pistol that each wear optics that are worth more than the gun. Both guns are modest but effective models, and the quality optics allow me to exploit the full capabilities of the guns.
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railroader
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I have a couple of vipers on pistols. One is on a Canik tp9sfx and the other is on a XDM OSP. Both work great. Even though the battery compartment is on the bottom it hasn't been a problem. Batteries last a long time. I used a little locktite on the mounting screws so everything is solid. Also the screen and the dot sit lower on the viper than on the venom which is a plus to me.
Varminterror
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The optic is for the shooter, not the pistol. It’s almost an independent choice - other than both the pistol and optic are both chosen based on the application.
I’ve never known anyone who has been dissatisfied with a choice to spend a little more on an optic. Met LOTS of guys who have been too cheap up front to let themselves buy the quality optic they need and want, for some arbitrary reason.
I’ve never known anyone who has been dissatisfied with a choice to spend a little more on an optic. Met LOTS of guys who have been too cheap up front to let themselves buy the quality optic they need and want, for some arbitrary reason.
In this case the cost of the gun would be in the $400-600 range which would be an excessive amount to spend on an optic if the reports from this very thread are true regarding the Venom and the FF III. The only way I would end up even at the bottom of that price point would be if I somehow talked myself into the Trijicon RMR mentioned in several posts. I can't see myself buying one though.
My comment you quoted was a direct reply to spending $500 on an optic. I would consider both the Burris and Venom to be cost effective options.
In my mind you only have two choices then, trijicon or deltapoint. They are the ones that have stood the test of time on slide mounts.
rpenmanparker
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You are not allowing for evolution of the products. The Fastfire III is universally considered to withstand slide shock. That being a problem with less expensive red dots is old news. Buying a Trijicon today is essentially paying for not keeping up with the times.
No its paying for proven quality; proven on the field of battle, proven in competition, proven by LEO.
Not some strangers post on the internet that shoots one box of ammo a year through the gun and proclaims their xyz RDS as the best thing since sliced cheese.
rpenmanparker
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So for how long will that be the case? Forever? No competitor can ever match Trijicon? And what about if/when the company starts to decline? Don’t say it can’t happen. Happens all the time. How long will it take you to get THAT news?
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