What Should You See In Your Pistol Optic?

This question can have multiple answers once you understand the context. First, you must be target-focused and see the dot as you look through your optic. Much like driving, you have to look farther down the road to see what's coming, rather than at the road lines right in front of you. Then, you should see the red or green dot within the area you are trying to hit. But like most things, this depends on your situation.

The deeper questions that should be asked depend on the size and distance of your target. These factors will determine what you should see on your dot. For a first shot hit on larger and closer targets, the dot doesn’t have to be completely still. It can float or move in the zone you are trying to hit. For smaller and farther targets, minimizing the dot movement or stopping the dot usually results in a higher hit percentage.

Once the first shot has been broken, follow-up shots are very much dependent on your stance and grip for the gun to return from where it was previously lifted. This will be discussed in a future post. However, you still must see something on your dot to ensure a hit or be able to call your shot. After you pull the trigger, seeing the dot, then not seeing the dot, then seeing the dot again could be a grip issue. The goal is to see the dot, then see a squiggly line, and then see the dot again without completely losing awareness of it. Follow-up shots should then be taken based on the previously discussed target size and distance.

It takes time to understand what your dot is telling you. Start to learn what your dot behavior looks like. Spend some time understanding how your dot responds to your shooting.