Tip Tuesday: “TRANSITIONING FROM IRON SIGHTS TO PISTOL MOUNTED OPTICS” with Duane “Buck Buckner 

US Director of Training Duane "Buck" Buckner discusses essential considerations for a seamless shift between irons and pistol mounted optics. As we teach professionals in this transition, we've noticed varying reactions.


Experienced shooters often face an unexpected challenge when adopting pistol-mounted optics. There is a learning curve to re-learning a skill, forgetting our previous pattern or habits. This is easily overcome with time behind the optic.

 Let's delve into what these optics bring to the table. Pistol-mounted optics, like the ACRO, simplify the aiming process, much like how iron sights require deep focus. Shooters usually invest years mastering this skill. Optics take over this work, allowing shooters to focus primarily on maintaining target concentration.


Reducing the cognitive load can induce anxiety, as shooters might feel uncomfortable not having to work as hard. It's essential to rethink how we measure shooting efficiency. Using optics should make shooting easier, not harder. Optics give you back that mental capacity typically consumed by iron sights, crucial in high-pressure situations, such as duty scenarios. On the range, shooters can experience uncanny accuracy without feeling like they're working for it.


So, embrace the concept of working less. Pistol-mounted optics are tools designed to make your shooting experience more efficient. If you've been grappling with red dot sights, consider the amount of effort you're putting in – it should be significantly less.


Don't let the optics be an impediment; they work efficiently, requiring far less effort.


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Author Bio

Duane “Buck” Buckner

After spending 25 years in the USCG, Duane “Buck” Buckner is now the U.S. Director of Training for Aimpoint. The Aimpoint Training Division conducts training courses for military and law enforcement agencies up to the Federal level as well as for the prepared civilian. Buck is widely known for his emphasis on brain psychology as it relates to combat and survival.

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