How to Mount Red dot Sight to Pistol？
How to Mount a Red Dot Sight to a Pistol？ What Do You Need to Consider When Picking a Suitable Adapter Plate for Your Pistols? How to Install A Red Dot on Your Pistol? What does “optics ready” mean? What is an adapter plate? We are going to explain all of these questions in the following paragraphs.
In today’s world, red dots on handguns have become a staple. New handguns are frequently marketed as Optics-Ready models, also known as Glock MOS (Modular Optic System). Some manufacturers have even started offering new firearms with red dot sights already mounted and zeroed in.
Mounting a red dot sight to a pistol requires careful consideration, starting with choosing the right adapter plate. Some handguns, like the Sig Sauer P320, come in both optic-ready and non-optic-ready versions, so ensure you select the appropriate mount. Adapter plates for non-optic-ready handguns replace the rear sight, while those for optic-ready models fit directly into the milled slide.
The adapter plate acts as an intermediary between the pistol and the red dot sight, ensuring a secure connection and alignment. Several factors must be weighed when selecting an adapter plate: compatibility with the pistol model, material durability, and the adapter plate’s ability to maintain zero under recoil. Additionally, the adapter plate’s profile should not impede the operation of the firearm.
Mounting a Red Dot Sight on an Optics-Ready Pistol
Adapter plates for optic-ready handguns fit directly into the milled slide of the optic-ready handgun.
What Does Optics Ready Mean?
“Optics Ready” refers to a handgun, that has been designed or modified to accommodate the mounting of an optical sight, such as a red dot sight. These optics-ready pistols come with features like pre-drilled holes in a set pattern and tapped mounting points, making it easy for users to install and use an optic sight, such as a GLOCK Modular Optic System (MOS).
Direct installation: Fixed on a milled slide (optic-ready handguns)
FOCUHUNTER optics Terra red dot sight
To mount a Red dot Sight on an optics-ready pistol, you will need your firearm, the chosen compatible optic, an adapter plate (if the pistol mount does not match the optic directly), a blue thread locker, and the appropriate screwdriver or Allen wrench to loosen and tighten the screws provided by the firearms or optics manufacturer.
a. Detach the Plate from the Pistol: Remove the cover plate from the pistol’s slide.
b. Clean the Mating Surfaces and Screws: Ensure both the mounting surfaces and screws are free of debris.
c. Apply Blue Thread Locker to Mount Screws: Use a blue thread locker on each screw to secure them.
d. Position the Optic and Hand Tighten the Screws: Place the optic on the mount and tighten the screws by hand.
e. Allow 24 Hours for Curing: Let the thread locker cure for a full day before using the optic.
mount a Red dot Sight on an optics-ready pistol
Adapter Plate installation: Fixed on a milled slide (optic-ready handguns)with the Adapter Plate
focuhunter red dot sight optics ready
Check Compatibility. Before buying an adapter plate, ensure its top and bottom surfaces are compatible.
Identify the Top Surface. The top surface is usually specified with the name of a red dot sight that follows a familiar mounting standard, such as Docter sight, Aimpoint Micro, C-more RTS, Shield RMS/SMS, or Trijicon RMR. This information is typically found in the name or description of the adapter plate.
a. Choose an Adapter: Select an adapter with a bottom side that matches the pistol slide cut pattern and a top side that fits the red dot footprint.
b. Detach the Plate from the Pistol: Remove the cover plate from the pistol’s slide.
c. Clean the Mating Surfaces and Screws: Ensure both the mounting surfaces and screws are free of debris.
d. Apply Blue Thread Locker to Mount Screws: Use a blue thread locker on each screw to secure them.
e. Position the Optic and Hand Tighten the Screws: Place the optic on the mount and tighten the screws by hand.
f. Allow 24 Hours for Curing: Let the thread locker cure for a full day before using the optic.
Fixed on a milled slide (optic-ready handguns)with the Adapter Plate
Mounting a Red Dot Sight on a non-Optics-Ready Pistol
Adapter plates designed for non-optic-ready handguns are meant to be installed in the place of the rear sight.
Choose an Adapter: Select an adapter with a bottom side that matches the pistol slide cut pattern and a top side that fits the red dot footprint.
a.Remove the Rear Sight: Detach the rear sight from the pistol.
b.Clean the Mating Surfaces and Screws: Ensure both the mounting surfaces and screws are free of debris.
c.Apply Blue Thread Locker: Apply blue thread locker to the mounting screw pin.
d.Insert Screw Pin and Place Mounting Plate: Put the screw pin in place and position the mounting plate.
e.Position the Optic and Hand Tighten Screws: Place the optic on the mount and tighten the screws by hand.
f.Allow 24 Hours for Curing: Let the thread locker cure for a full day before using the optic.
Mounting a Red Dot Sight on a non-Optics-Ready Pistol
Selecting the Right Red Dot for Your Pistol
Whether we are talking about full-size handguns or compact handguns, time spent on the range (developing new muscle memory and aiming techniques) will be a crucial part of the transition. However, the first thing to do is to ensure that our firearms are ready to accommodate the matching red dot sight.
Below, we will outline the current handgun red dot products from Focuhunter and indicate the footprint of each product. We will also introduce some additional features of these different models. We hope this will be a useful guide as you strive to find the best match for your application.
Focuhunter RMR footprint Red dor Sight
Focuhunter RMSc footprint
In conclusion, mounting a red dot sight to a pistol, whether optics-ready or not, requires careful consideration and precision. The right adapter plate and sight, coupled with professional installation when necessary, can significantly enhance shooting accuracy and overall performance.