Red Dot Revolvers: Running Red Dot Sights on a Wheelgun

Revolvers continue to be popular, maybe not as much as semi-autos, but popular nonetheless. I regularly carry a revolver concealed, whether IWB (Inside the Waste Band, OWB (Outside the Waste Band), or off-body in a pack designed for EDC. However, does it make sense to run a red dot sight on revolvers? Let’s discuss.

Red Dot Revolvers for Concealed Carry

When backpacking, a Smith and Wesson N frame in .357 or 44 Magnum often sits in a chest rig for protection against predators. Properly maintained a revolver remains one of the most robust, reliable and accurate handguns you can carry.

The author carries his revolver with a red dot installed in a chest rig when in the backwoods.

You can barely cross the room without tripping over a new semi-auto with an RDS (Red Dot Sight). However, revolvers are only starting to see them.

Mounting an optic on a rail that is mounted to a longer barrel has been around for a while. But you are starting to see mounts on the top strap adding practicality—especially on shorter barrels. It was time to see how well these work and whether they provide the same advantages as a semi-auto.

Concealed Carry Revolvers

My typical concealed carry revolver is a three-inch Kimber K6S .357 Mag loaded with +P ammunition. Easily as concealable as many of my compact semis, they remain light, comfortable to carry, and are more than enough for any realistic encounter.

With an RDS, a Taurus 856 TORO is roughly the same size as my Daniel Defense H9. It comes with a removable mount for the RMSc (compact) pattern, making it perfect for a CCW.

With an RDS, a Taurus 856 TORO is roughly the same size as the Daniel Defense H9.

My police career started with a revolver, so I have been carrying larger revolvers for years. One of my favorites is a Smith & Wesson 627PC with the 2.5-inch barrel. Nestled in a Simply Rugged Holster, it conceals very nicely and provides some serious firepower.

Carrying a Red Dot Equipped Revolver in the Backcountry

Another situation where the RDS can provide value is carrying a revolver in the backcountry. Many prefer the robust simplicity of a revolver, as well as the ability to carry heavier loads. Likewise, given a fixed barrel with no slide movement, revolvers tend to be inherently more accurate.

A revolver certainly can malfunction. However, when properly maintained, it’s rare. It’s not uncommon for me to carry a Smith & Wesson model 610 (10mm), my 629 (44 Magnum), or even my 5-inch PC 327 in .357 Magnum. While they can be a handful with hard cast loads, they handle them with ease and provide serious penetration.

The author shooting a revolver with a red dot optic installed.

Several companies are making excellent mounts to replace the Smith and Wesson rear sight, accommodating several of the strongest red dots on the market today. Placing them at the rear allows for use on any barrel length. In practice, it is very similar to an RDS on a semi-auto.

Testing the RDS/Revolver Duo

Using the Galco holster with the Taurus and a Shield Sights RMSc proved to be an excellent CCW package. In practice it carries very similarly to my H9 regarding position and presentation. Light, simple, and easy to carry, it pointed nicely.

Practically speaking, there was really no difference that exists with the use of an optic on any revolver. During rapid fire, it was more like a frame-mounted dot on a semi-auto. Since it did not move a firm grip kept it right on target.

At close range, I could put the dot where I needed, hold a firm grip, and empty the 856 into a cluster with both the .38 Special and .38+P loads. Given the added weight of the 627, it was even easier.

Where it really shined up close was moving. Just like any other RDS, it was a matter of keeping it on target and pressing the trigger. Sure, a revolver requires some practice. But those already dialed in on a revolver will find it much easier to be accurate on the move or on moving targets.

Running a Red Dot Long Range

Move to longer ranges, and the RDS provided exactly the same advantages as my semis, maybe more. Using double action at 25 yards, my 627 PC clustered 38+ P. Even at fifty yards, the group was fist-sized.

Throw in .357 Magnum, and it would do the same thing if a good grip was maintained. It even made sight tracking easier. Moving to the 327 with the long barrel, it was pretty impressive. Zeroing the Trijicon RMR at 100 yards allowed me to pretty much endlessly drop 38+P on a 12-inch steel.

Running a red dot on revolvers adds another level of accuracy and performance.

Dropping in some 125-grain .357 was even better, and they arrived a bit sooner. This would be about perfect for a hunting rig or backcountry setup.

The RMR is about as rugged as it gets, but at least one company makes a mount that fits an ACRO P2. Need a holster? Galco is starting to accommodate these, and Simply Rugged Holsters will make anything you need. Given their entire staff are revolver fans, including numerous hunting trips to bear country they know their stuff.

Running a Red Dot on a Revolver Offers an Advantage

As a big revolver fan with 40 years of carrying them in most any condition, I started this with some skepticism. At the same time, my move to an RDS pistol has been all but universal.

To my delight, it seemed to provide the same advantages with no real carry issues outside those associated with revolver carry. They are a tad wider, and the height over bore takes some getting used to. But once dialed in, there really is no difference. Basically, find the target, put the dot on the target, and press away. Repeat as necessary.

Given a fixed barrel, there are some advantages, and it eliminates the issues with ramped or otherwise hard to use sights common on revolvers. Use the proper holster, and it works great.

With companies offering more and better mounts for many revolvers, it may be time to give it a try. Much like every other system moving to the Red Dot, it will only get better. So, give it a try, you may just like it.