Selecting the Right Red Dot for my Pistol Athlon Optics Educational -

Selecting the Right Red Dot for my Pistol

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Entering the world of pistol red dot sights can seem overwhelming, but the effort required to switch from traditional iron sights is well worth it, at least in our opinion.  Time on the range (developing new muscle memory and sighting techniques) will be an important part of the transition, but first things first – we need to make sure we have the right equipment.  Navigating the many details and decisions involved in establishing a proper setup is the purpose of the article.

Whether we are talking about a full-sized pistol or a compact carry model, this first point is universal – our firearm must be prepared to accommodate a matching red dot sight.  In most cases, this will mean a semiautomatic slide that has been cut or milled for this purpose.  If you own a pistol that was not made to utilize a red dot, contact your local gunsmith to help you weigh your options.  Milling a slide is not as complicated as it might sound, but cost should be considered as so many firearms are available that come optic-ready from the factory.

If you purchase a pistol that is red-dot-ready, be sure to identify the “footprint” of the cut.  This refers to the size, shape, and screw pattern of the receiving cut.  Unfortunately, there are a lot of different options out there.  This is what can make establishing a proper match somewhat difficult.  If you have a gunsmith custom-mill your slide, you may have some options in this department, either way, we just need to make sure to match the footprint of our slide with the footprint of our red dot.

Below we will outline the current pistol red dot offerings from Athlon and indicate the footprint for each.  We will also cover some additional features of these different models.  We hope that this will be a helpful guide as you endeavor to make the match that is perfect for your application.      

To verify the footprint of your pistol’s red dot cut, please consult the manufacturer’s website, or contact them directly.  A number of the pistols mentioned below have small adapter plates that make each compatible with multiple red dots, including Athlons.

COMPATIBLE WITH:

  • Glock 17 MOS
  • Glock 19 MOS
  • Glock 26 MOS
  • Staccato P
  • HK VP9
  • M&P 2.0 Full
  • FN 509 Full
  • FN FNX 45 Tactical
  • FN 509 Compact
  • Sig Sauer P226
  • Sig Sauer P320

(Not a comprehensive list,

just common examples)

MIDAS FLASH

The Midas Flash is Athlon’s newest addition to our pistol red dot family.  It features a 3 MOA dot as well as motion-sensor technology, a battery life of 50,000 hours, and a weight of ONLY 1.16 oz.  The Midas Flash has an RMR footprint and is perfect for duty, personal defense, and competition applications.

Click here to learn more:

https://athlonoptics.com/product/midas-flash-rmr-footprint/

MSRP $287.49     |     SKU 403071

COMPATIBLE WITH:

  • FN 509 Full
  • FN FNX 45 Tactical
  • FN 509 Compact
  • Glock 17 MOS
  • Glock 19 MOS
  • Glock 26 MOS

(Not a comprehensive list,

just common examples)

MIDAS TSR1

The Midas TSR1 is one of the most versatile red dots in Athlon’s collection.  It is available in 3MOA and 6MOA versions and can be mounted on a Picatinny rail or a Docter footprint receiver/plate.  Whether you are running an AR or PCC in competition, hunting, or using a red dot on an optics-ready pistol, the TSR series of red dots has you covered.  With 50,000 hours of battery life and motion sensor activation, the TSR series is always ready.

Click here to learn more:

https://athlonoptics.com/product/midas-tsr1/

MSRP $274.99    |     SKU 403014

COMPATIBLE WITH:

  • Sig Sauer P365
  • Springfield Hellcat
  • Glock 43 MOS
  • Staccato CS
  • HK VP9SK
  • M&P9 Shield Plus
  • Ruger MAX-9

(Not a comprehensive list,

just common examples)

MIDAS EDC

Designed for today’s subcompact carry firearms.  For those looking for an extra-duty aluminum housing, this is it.  With 50,000 hours of battery life, the Midas EDC is always ready.  The Midas EDC’s compact footprint is ideally suited for many modern firearms that utilize an RMSc cut.

Click here to learn more:

https://athlonoptics.com/product/midas-edc-3-moa/

MSRP $212.49   |     SKU 403018

COMPATIBLE WITH:

  • Sig Sauer P365
  • Springfield Hellcat
  • Glock 43 MOS
  • Staccato CS
  • HK VP9SK
  • M&P9 Shield Plus
  • Ruger MAX-9

(Not a comprehensive list,

just common examples)

TALOS EDC

Don’t let the price fool you, this is a highly capable and durable addition to any compatible subcompact firearm. The low-profile composite housing is built duty-tough and weighs in at an impressive .36 oz.  The Talos EDC features a 3 MOA dot, a center height of .96 inches, and a battery life of 50,000 hours.  The Talos EDC’s compact footprint is ideally suited for many modern firearms that utilize an RMSc cut.

Click here to learn more:

https://athlonoptics.com/product/talos-edc-3-moa/

MSRP $124.99  |     SKU 405001

MIDAS FLASH

COMPATIBLE WITH:

  • Glock 17 MOS
  • Glock 19 MOS
  • Glock 26 MOS
  • Staccato P
  • HK VP9
  • M&P 2.0 Full
  • FN 509 Full
  • FN FNX 45 Tactical
  • FN 509 Compact
  • Sig Sauer P226
  • Sig Sauer P320

(Not a comprehensive list,

just common examples)

The Midas Flash is Athlon’s newest addition to our pistol red dot family.  It features a 3 MOA dot as well as motion-sensor technology, a battery life of 50,000 hours, and a weight of ONLY 1.16 oz.  The Midas Flash has an RMR footprint and is perfect for duty, personal defense, and competition applications.

Click here to learn more:

https://athlonoptics.com/product/midas-flash-rmr-footprint/

MSRP $287.49     |     SKU 403071

MIDAS TSR1

COMPATIBLE WITH:

  • FN 509 Full
  • FN FNX 45 Tactical
  • FN 509 Compact
  • Glock 17 MOS
  • Glock 19 MOS
  • Glock 26 MOS

(Not a comprehensive list,

just common examples)

The Midas TSR1 is one of the most versatile red dots in Athlon’s collection.  It is available in 3MOA and 6MOA versions and can be mounted on a Picatinny rail or a Docter footprint receiver/plate.  Whether you are running an AR or PCC in competition, hunting, or using a red dot on an optics-ready pistol, the TSR series of red dots has you covered.  With 50,000 hours of battery life and motion sensor activation, the TSR series is always ready.

Click here to learn more:

https://athlonoptics.com/product/midas-tsr1/

MSRP $274.99    |     SKU 403014

MIDAS EDC

COMPATIBLE WITH:

  • Sig Sauer P365
  • Springfield Hellcat
  • Glock 43 MOS
  • Staccato CS
  • HK VP9SK
  • M&P9 Shield Plus
  • Ruger MAX-9

(Not a comprehensive list,

just common examples)

Designed for today’s subcompact carry firearms.  For those looking for an extra-duty aluminum housing, this is it.  With 50,000 hours of battery life, the Midas EDC is always ready.  The Midas EDC’s compact footprint is ideally suited for many modern firearms that utilize an RMSc cut.

Click here to learn more:

https://athlonoptics.com/product/midas-edc-3-moa/

MSRP $212.49   |     SKU 403018

TALOS EDC

COMPATIBLE WITH:

  • Sig Sauer P365
  • Springfield Hellcat
  • Glock 43 MOS
  • Staccato CS
  • HK VP9SK
  • M&P9 Shield Plus
  • Ruger MAX-9

(Not a comprehensive list,

just common examples)

Don’t let the price fool you, this is a highly capable and durable addition to any compatible subcompact firearm. The low-profile composite housing is built duty-tough and weighs in at an impressive .36 oz.  The Talos EDC features a 3 MOA dot, a center height of .96 inches, and a battery life of 50,000 hours.  The Talos EDC’s compact footprint is ideally suited for many modern firearms that utilize an RMSc cut.

Click here to learn more:

https://athlonoptics.com/product/talos-edc-3-moa/

MSRP $124.99  |     SKU 405001

Some of the red dots mentioned above have applications and capabilities that extend beyond the realm of typical pistol usage.  Please click the following link to find out more: https://athlonoptics.com/alternative-use-red-dots/

If you have any questions that were not covered in this article, please contact us by telephone at (913) 888-0379 or email at contact@athlonoptics.com.

For a side-by-side comparison of Athlon’s red dot options, please visit the following –

https://athlonoptics.com/product-category/red-dots/athlon-optics-midas-red-dots/

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