The October 2022 issue of Shooting Industry Magazine covers the increasing popularity of “optics-ready” handguns. These pistols have slides configured to mount Red Dot optics. Some of these new handguns are sold with the Red Dot optics pre-installed, ready to go. For example, the Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P 9 Shield Plus (above) is sold with a Crimson Trace Red Dot optic mounted on the slide.

The new FN Five-seveN MRD is an optics-ready pistol chambered in 5.7x28mm. (Image: FN America)

For IDPA and gun games, a Red Dot sight can definitely help with rapid target acquisition. And for a defense gun, the Red Dot assists aiming at night, even in the dark. And unlike a pistol-mounted laser, the Red Dot does not have a bright, visible beam that pinpoints the gun owner’s location.

The Shooting Industry article explains how optics-equipped pistols have become much more popular: “It wasn’t too long ago optics-ready handguns were little more than a novelty. But today, it’s difficult to talk about the handgun segment without delving into the increasing number of guns coming from the manufacturers with optics already installed, or ready to accept one.”

Massad Ayoob, a respected shooting instructor and gun writer, says optics-equipped pistols are now very popular: “Carry optics are burning up the handgun market today. Some of my fellow instructors tell me they have general defensive shooting classes where more than half the students show up with guns wearing carry optics, a compact version of Red Dot sights. Police departments are going to them [optics equipped pistols] in droves.” READ FULL Story.

If you are interested in a wide selection of optics-ready handguns, check out the Modern Carry: Best Optics-Ready Pistols article in the CheaperThanDirt Blog. This highlights ten production pistols from Canik, CZ, FN, Hechler & Koch, Keltec, SCCY, SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, and Taurus. Below is the Taurus G3 T.O.R.O (Taurus Optic Ready Option), a full-frame pistol with 17+1 9mm capacity.

As noted in Shooting Industry Magazine, “optics-ready” handguns have become increasingly popular. These pistols have slides configured to mount Red Dot optics. Some of these handguns are sold with Red Dot optics pre-installed, ready to go. For example, the Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P 9 Shield Plus (above) is sold with a Crimson Trace Red Dot optic mounted on the slide.

The new FN Five-seveN MRD is an optics-ready pistol chambered in 5.7x28mm. (Image: FN America)

For IDPA and gun games, a Red Dot sight can definitely help with rapid target acquisition. And for a defense gun, the Red Dot assists aiming at night, even in the dark. And unlike a pistol-mounted laser, the Red Dot does not have a bright, visible beam that pinpoints the gun owner’s location.

The Shooting Industry article explains how optics-equipped pistols have become much more popular: “It wasn’t too long ago optics-ready handguns were little more than a novelty. But today, it’s difficult to talk about the handgun segment without delving into the increasing number of guns coming from the manufacturers with optics already installed, or ready to accept one.”

Massad Ayoob, a respected shooting instructor and gun writer, says optics-equipped pistols are now very popular: “Carry optics are burning up the handgun market today. Some of my fellow instructors tell me they have general defensive shooting classes where more than half the students show up with guns wearing carry optics, a compact version of Red Dot sights. Police departments are going to them [optics equipped pistols] in droves.” READ FULL Story.

If you are interested in a wide selection of optics-ready handguns, check out the Modern Carry: Best Optics-Ready Pistols article in the CheaperThanDirt Blog. This highlights ten production pistols from Canik, CZ, FN, Hechler & Koch, Keltec, SCCY, SIG Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, and Taurus. Below is the Taurus G3 T.O.R.O (Taurus Optic Ready Option), a full-frame pistol with 17+1 9mm capacity.

Learn More about Red Dot and Reflex Sights for Pistols

Want to learn more about pistol optics? There is an excellent article on the NRA’s American Rifleman website that explains how Mini Reflex/Red Dot Sights function. The huge advantage is that the shooter can simply put the Red Dot on target. He does not have to align front and rear sights. That allows MUCH faster target acquisition: “Red-dot-style sights are faster than irons and better in low light. But they’re also more accurate, particularly at ranges past 50 yards, thanks to fine dots and triangles, generally representing 2 to 13 MOA, that are more precise than the front posts of modern pistols.” SEE AmericanRifleman.org article.

The first Red Dot sights were created by Aimpoint: “In the 1970s the reflex sight as we know it was brought to market by the Swedish firm Aimpoint. It contained a battery-powered, light-emitting diode (LED) that allowed these compact, tube-enclosed reflex sights to function in darkness. Its glowing ‘red dot’ soon became this sight’s nickname. It took a little while longer for a few cutting-edge handgunners to discover the red-dot sight’s advantages.”

At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.

1. Whittaker Guns — Howa 1500 Youth Model in 6.5 Grendel

Great “Bang for the Buck” — If you’re looking for a hunting rifle for your son or daughter, here’s a very good gun that’s light-weight and sized for youngsters. Right now the Howa Mini Action Youth Model in 6.5 Grendel is just $349.99 at Whittaker Guns. This special Youth model has a shorter stock with 12.5″ length of pull. Weighing under 5.7 pounds with 20″ barrel, this rifle is light enough for a boy or girl to carry easily. Factory hunting ammo is available from Federal, Hornady, and Alexander Arms.

2. MidwayUSA — 1500 Rounds Norma Tac-22 Ammo, $109.99

Check out those groups. That’s impressive accuracy at 50 yards. You’d expect to pay $10.00 or more per box for rimfire ammo that can shoot this well. But you can now get the Norma Tac-22 for the equivalent of $3.66 per box in this package deal — 1500 rounds in Ammo Can for $109.99. This works out to just 7 cents a round for very good .22 LR rimfire ammo — that’s a steal. NOTE: The target photos come from Champion Shooters Supply, which may have gotten an exceptional lot. This vendor tells us: “We have found this to run very well in Ruger rifles, handguns, and target pistols. These are 5-shot groups at 50 yards with an Anschutz 1913 rifle. This is an incredible value.”

3. Grafs.com — Caldwell Rock Front Rest, $119.99

The Caldwell Rock BR Front Rest is sturdy and stable. It ships with two front bags, a wide tri-lobe plus a conventional bag (shown above). The latter works quite well for rifles with narrow forearms — such as hunting rigs or ARs. This is a good option for a young shooter or someone getting started on a tight budget. We’ve used this rest on a varmint hunt and it worked well. Use the Mariner wheel for gross elevation changes and “fine tune” elevation by squeezing your rear sand bag. This same rest costs $139.61 at Amazon. Save $20.00 by purchasing through Grafs which also offers a single, flat $7.95 handling fee per order — no extra shipping charge. Purchase multiple items from Grafs.com and pay just one $7.95 fee.

4. Precision Reloading — Nosler Brass and Bullets 20-25% Off

Here’s a good sale at Precision Reloading. If you are looking for great pricing on Nosler-brand brass and bullets, save now — components are discounted 20-25%. Check out the great pricing on 250-bullet quantities. Here are some of the better deals:

Nosler .204-Cal 40gr B-Tip Varmint Bullet: $40.99 for 250ct (marked down from $51.99)
Nosler .243-Cal 107gr Match Bullet: $40.99 for 250ct (marked down from $51.99)
Nosler .284-Cal (7mm) 175gr Accubond Bullet: $39.99 for 100ct (marked down from $55.99)
Nosler .308-Cal 155gr Match Bullet: $199.99 for 1000ct (marked down from $256.99)
Nosler .308-Cal 190gr Match Bullet: $65.99 for 250ct (marked down from $83.99)

5. GunBuyer.com — S&W M&P 9mm M2.0, $419.00

Here’s a good deal on a very reliable, accurate full-size 9x19mm pistol — the Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm in handsome Flat Dark Earth finish. We like the distinctive color with contrasting matte black ambidextrous controls. This 9mm pistol is now on sale for $419.00. When we featured this same pistol in September, it proved very popular and sold out at the vendor. If you like it, you might want to act soon.

6. Bruno Shooters Supply — Halloween Sale through 10/31/2017

To mark Halloween, Bruno Shooters Supply is running a store-wide sale this Monday and Tuesday (through 10/31/2017 at 11:59 PM). There are notable savings on a wide range of products including powder, bullets, brass, primers and even premium-quality Krieger barrels. If you need reloading components, or a new barrel for your rifle, check out this sale — but don’t dawdle. Sale prices expire on Halloween Night, Tuesday, October 31st at 11:59 pm.

7. Amazon — Howard Leight Electronic Muffs, $39.00

Every shooter should own a pair of Electronic muffs, even if you prefer shooting with earplugs and/or standard muffs. Electronic muffs are great when you are doing spotting duties or are working near the firing line. They allow you to hear ordinary conversations while still providing vital hearing protection. Right now Amazon.com has the Howard Leight Impact Sport Electronic Muffs on sale for just $39.00, with free Prime Shipping. This is good deal — these NRR 22 muffs are currently Amazon’s #1 seller in the category.

8. CDNN Sports — Ruger 17 HMR American Compact, $269.99

This is a good little rifle in our favorite varmint chambering. With ballistics far superior to a .22 LR, the 17 HMR is ideal for prairie dogs and small varmints out to 180 yards or so. Now you can get a reliable, name brand 17 HMR rifle for a very attractive price. CDNN Sports is selling the 17 HMR Ruger American Rimfire Compact, with 18″ barrel, for just $269.99. That includes two (2) comb units and a FREE padded carry sling. FFL required.

9. Amazon — Mystery Deal of the Week, 37% Savings

This double-duty product safeguards your firearms during transport AND provides a comfortable foundation when shooting prone. With a solid 4.5-star rating (240+ reviews) this item has impressed rifle-owning purchasers. Right now this product is being offered for around $52.00, a bargain considering all it can do. This versatile product performs multiple tasks and would be well-suited for PRS competitors. If you read the reviews you’ll see that recent purchasers have been very happy: “Superb for the money”; “Very practical”; “Really nice and well-constructed”; “Heavy Duty and versatile”.