Anyone else have trouble with the XS big dot sights?

[pittguy1984]

I just got the XS big dot sights on my Glock 23 less than a week ago and WOW I did terrible at the range from the 25 yard line. I had the 3 dot sights before and I'm at a point already that I might switch back. Did anyone else have problems with those sights? I don't know if I should just keep practicing with them or going back.

[Guest]

I have never used them but I hear they are bad for long distance.

Get some Trijicon HD sights. Best sights I have ever used. They improved my accuracy a noticeable amount.

[KenW.]

I did; but only until I replaced the rear with a standard Novak sight.

they are made for seriously up close and personal work. Not long range. They are the fastest around for acquiring a target at like up to 15 yards. That doesn't help with the 25 yard shots. It sure didn't for me.

I had to be inside the barn to hit the broad side of it.

[Carbonfiberfoot]

I have never used them but I hear they are bad for long distance.

Get some Trijicon HD sights. Best sights I have ever used. They improved my accuracy a noticeable amount.

The HDs speed up target acquisition. However, with that wide rear sight notch, they certainly aren't precision sights.

That said, I absolutely love them. I find them to be capable of combat effective hits out to 35-40 yards. Beyond that, they start to become a compromise (you know, the kind of shots which you have about a 0.000001% chance of ever needing to take).

I've never used the Big Dots, and, regretfully, can't offer a comparison between the two.

[CruiserClass]

Big Dots suck butt at any range where sights are relevant. I bought into the hype as well and had the first set ever on a CZ40B. I sent my pistol to them so they could fit the sights to it in order to add that model to their line, they gave me free sights and I only paid shipping one way. They did not return my factory sights with the gun. I sold it after a few weeks of wasting ammo in practice and at an IDPA match.

Trijicon HDs are where its at. They are just as fast to acquire and they are a lot more accurate.

[SCSU74]

Are you shooting off the top of the dot at 25 or still trying to get hits at the center of the dot? I had trouble at distance until I went in and chatted with Monty and he explained how to shoot off the top of the dot 25 and out. XS is a great company with a great bunch of guys. That being said... I also switched to HD's on most of my guns. My airweight, rem 870 and AR still all have XS. Fwiw I shot out to 50 with them and never had any issues. Try a 6 o clock hold and see if it helps.

[John from Maryland]

I tried the Big Dot sights on an off-duty SIG 229, but switched back to standard three-dot sights. I might have stayed with Big Dots if they were on my duty pistol.

[pittguy1984]

Are you shooting off the top of the dot at 25 or still trying to get hits at the center of the dot? I had trouble at distance until I went in and chatted with Monty and he explained how to shoot off the top of the dot 25 and out. XS is a great company with a great bunch of guys. That being said... I also switched to HD's on most of my guns. My airweight, rem 870 and AR still all have XS. Fwiw I shot out to 50 with them and never had any issues. Try a 6 o clock hold and see if it helps.

From the 25 I was trying to hit the middle of the dot but I'll try the top next time. The sights seem nice but I'm worried at future re-quals that I wouldn't even pass, and if I can't hit what I'm aiming for then it doesn't benefit anyone.

Thanks everyone for the comments, I might give it a couple more practice tries but I have a feeling I'll be switching back.

[SCSU74]

Make sure the sight alignment is the same as in close and try a 6 o clock hold. Fwiw you're much more likely to be in a shooting at the range XS excel at than at 25+ yards.

[KenW.]

Fwiw you're much more likely to be in a shooting at the range XS excel at than at 25+ yards.

Absolutely correct. However; All the LEO qualification courses I've shot included several 25 yard shots. That's where I had all my problems.

[ateamer]

I tried Big Dot sights, hated them. A coworker has them and is very accurate and fast with them. I am using Ameriglo Hackathorn sights. They are the best I have used so far.

[Bighead]

I too have been intrigued by the Big Dot, but instead went with the Trijicon HDs on my SIG.

With my S&W M&P Shield I decided to go with the Ameriglo Pro i-DOT. Steel sights with Trijicon vials, but less expensive than the HDs. Very pleased with them.

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[kermit315]

I got issued a G22 with the post and ball type sight on it (similar idea to the big dot from what I understand). I couldnt hit squat with it. Switched out to a 3 dot gun and cleaned the course (48 of 48). I dont doubt they would be ok once you got used to them, but they are definitely not a set of sights to throw on, shoot a few rounds to verify alignment, and head out with, in my opinion.

[SCSU74]

Absolutely correct. However; All the LEO qualification courses I've shot included several 25 yard shots. That's where I had all my problems.

Ya, seems to be pretty standard. Realistically I wouldn't feel comfortable taking a shot with a pistol that far out. I'd most likely have a rifle out anyway. That being said I think its a bad idea to pick a sight based on a distance most officers will never shoot their gun at. I pick my sights based on how fast I can pick up my front sight. XS are excellent at that, as are HD's. I'm faster with the HD's and like the blacked out rear. If I couldn't have HD's I'd still have XS on all of my guns. The more you practice the better you are with any sight, I feel a lot if people try XS one or two times and toss them after they aren't getting quarter size groups at distance. That'd be like ditching a Phillips screwdriver because it can't turn a flathead screw.