Optics on Pistols in CA: What To Know Before You Buy

Optics on Pistols in California: What to Know About Red Dots and Sights

In the world of firearms, the rise of the pistol-mounted red dot sight has been nothing short of a revolution. Once a niche accessory for competitive shooters, red dots are now becoming increasingly common for everyday carry and home defense. For Californian gun owners, navigating the state's complex firearm laws can be a challenge, and the question of whether and how to equip a pistol with an optic is a common one. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using red dot sights on pistols in California, from the legal considerations to the practical aspects of choosing, installing, and training with your new optic.

Why Put an Optic on Your Pistol?

The traditional iron sights on a pistol require the shooter to align the front sight, the rear sight, and the target—three focal planes that can be difficult to manage, especially under stress. A red dot sight simplifies this process dramatically. With a red dot, the shooter simply places the dot on the target and presses the trigger. This single focal plane makes it easier and faster to acquire a sight picture and get accurate shots on target.

The benefits of a red dot sight are numerous:

* Faster Target Acquisition: With a red dot, you can get on target more quickly, which can be a critical advantage in a defensive situation.

* Improved Accuracy: Many shooters find that they are more accurate with a red dot, especially at longer distances.

* Better Low-Light Performance: A red dot is much easier to see in low-light conditions than traditional iron sights.

* Target Focus: A red dot allows you to keep your focus on the target, which can improve your situational awareness.

Of course, there are also some potential downsides to consider. Red dot sights can be expensive, and they do require a certain amount of training to use effectively. Some shooters also have concerns about the durability and reliability of electronic sights. However, modern red dot sights are incredibly tough and have battery lives that are measured in years, making them a viable option for even the most demanding applications.

Are Red Dots Legal on Pistols in California?

The short answer is yes, it is generally legal to mount a red dot sight on a pistol in California. However, there are some important nuances to be aware of, particularly when it comes to the state's Handgun Roster.

The California Handgun Roster is a list of handguns that have been deemed "safe" by the state and are therefore legal for sale by licensed dealers. For a handgun to be added to the roster, it must meet a number of specific criteria, including having a magazine disconnect mechanism and a loaded chamber indicator. The problem is that the law also requires that for every new model added to the roster, three older models must be removed. This has made it very difficult for manufacturers to get new handguns approved for sale in California.

This is where the issue of optics comes in. Many modern handguns are now being sold as "optics ready," meaning that they have a slide that is pre-milled to accept a red dot sight. However, because of the Handgun Roster, many of these optics-ready models are not available for sale in California. This leaves California gun owners with two main options for putting a red dot on their pistol:

It is also worth noting that some law enforcement agencies that issue CCW permits may have their own restrictions on the use of red dot sights. If you have a CCW permit, it is important to check with your issuing agency to make sure that you are in compliance with their policies.

Getting Your Pistol Ready for an Optic: The Two Paths

As mentioned above, there are two main ways to get your pistol ready for a red dot sight: buying an optics-ready pistol or having your slide milled.

Path 1: Buying an Optics-Ready Pistol

An optics-ready pistol is a handgun that has a slide that is pre-milled to accept a red dot sight. This is the most convenient option, as it does not require any permanent modifications to your handgun. However, the selection of on-roster, optics-ready handguns in California is limited. Some popular options include:

* Sig Sauer P320 M18: This is the civilian version of the U.S. military's M18 service pistol. It is an optics-ready, striker-fired pistol that is on the California Handgun Roster.

* Glock 19 MOS: The Glock 19 is one of the most popular handguns in the world, and the MOS (Modular Optic System) version is optics-ready. However, only certain generations of the Glock 19 MOS are on the California Handgun Roster.

Path 2: Milling Your Existing Pistol's Slide

If you already own a handgun that is not optics-ready, you can have the slide milled to accept a red dot sight. This is a process where a gunsmith uses a CNC machine to cut a pocket in the slide for the optic to sit in. This is a permanent modification to your handgun, but it allows you to use a red dot on a much wider variety of handguns.

There are many reputable gunsmiths in California who can perform this service. When choosing a gunsmith, it is important to do your research and choose someone who has a good reputation and experience with the type of handgun you own. The cost of slide milling can vary depending on the gunsmith and the type of handgun, but it is typically in the range of $100 to $200.

Choosing the Right Red Dot Sight

Once you have a pistol that is ready for an optic, the next step is to choose a red dot sight. There are many different red dot sights on the market, and it is important to choose one that is right for your needs. Here are some factors to consider:

* Footprint: Red dot sights come in a variety of different mounting footprints. The most common footprints are the Trijicon RMR and the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro. It is important to choose a red dot sight that has the same footprint as your slide cut.

* Durability: A red dot sight for a pistol needs to be able to withstand the recoil of the handgun. It is important to choose a red dot sight that is known for its durability and reliability.

* Battery Life: Red dot sights are powered by batteries, and it is important to choose a sight with a long battery life. Many modern red dot sights have battery lives that are measured in years.

* Reticle Size: The reticle is the dot that you see when you look through the sight. The size of the reticle is measured in MOA (minutes of angle). A larger dot is easier to see, but a smaller dot is more precise. The right reticle size for you will depend on your personal preferences and the type of shooting you will be doing.

* Open vs. Closed Emitters: Open emitter red dots have an exposed LED that projects the dot onto the lens. Closed emitter red dots have the LED enclosed in a housing, which protects it from the elements. Closed emitter red dots are more durable, but they are also more expensive.

Some popular and reliable red dot sights for pistols include:

* Trijicon RMR: The Trijicon RMR is one of the most popular and durable red dot sights on the market. It is available in a variety of different reticle sizes and is known for its long battery life.

* Holosun 507C: The Holosun 507C is a more affordable alternative to the Trijicon RMR. It has a number of innovative features, including a solar panel that can power the sight in the event of a battery failure.

* Leupold DeltaPoint Pro: The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro is another popular option for pistol red dot sights. It is known for its large window and clear glass.

Installation and Zeroing

Once you have chosen a red dot sight, the next step is to install it on your pistol. The installation process is relatively simple and can be done at home with a few basic tools. However, if you are not comfortable working on your own firearms, it is always a good idea to have a qualified gunsmith install the sight for you.

After the sight is installed, the next step is to zero it. Zeroing is the process of aligning the red dot with the point of impact of the bullet. This is done by shooting the pistol at a target and adjusting the windage and elevation of the sight until the bullets are hitting the center of the target. It is important to zero your red dot sight at the distance you are most likely to be shooting at.

Training with a Red Dot

Once your red dot sight is installed and zeroed, the final step is to train with it. There is a learning curve to using a red dot sight, and it is important to practice with it regularly to become proficient. Here are some drills you can do to practice with your red dot sight:

* Finding the dot: When you first start using a red dot sight, it can be difficult to find the dot when you bring the pistol up to your eyes. To practice this, start with the pistol at the low ready position and then bring it up to your eyes and find the dot as quickly as possible.

* Target transitions: A red dot sight can make it much faster to transition between targets. To practice this, set up multiple targets at different distances and practice transitioning between them as quickly as possible.

* Shooting at various distances: A red dot sight can make it much easier to shoot at longer distances. To practice this, set up targets at various distances and practice shooting at them from different positions.

Conclusion

Putting a red dot sight on your pistol can be a great way to improve your shooting performance. While the process can be a bit more complicated in California than in other states, it is by no means impossible. By understanding the state's laws and your options for getting your pistol ready for an optic, you can join the growing number of shooters who are taking advantage of this technology. With a little bit of research and training, you can be well on your way to becoming a more accurate and confident shooter.