red dot

6 MOA at 100 Yards Pistol optic with USPSA target at 100 yards

Footprints, Emitters, Reticles, MOA: The Pistol Optics Quick Guide

By Jacob Paulsen / January 8, 2026

Cut through pistol optic confusion. Our Pistol Optics Quick Guide explains footprints, open vs closed emitters, reticles, and MOA dot size—fast.

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Red Dot Myths: 5 Common Misconceptions About Pistol Red Dots

By Jacob Paulsen / December 30, 2025

Red dot myths continue to hold back concealed carriers. We break down five common handgun red dot misconceptions and explain what actually matters for defensive use.

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New Video Series This Week: What You Need to Know About Pistol Optics

By Jacob Paulsen / November 4, 2025

We’re rolling out a free 3-part video series that dives into pistol-mounted optics—busting myths, explaining pros and cons, and simplifying key features like footprints and reticles. Don’t miss this week’s releases.

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S11E14: Misconceptions About Red Dots on Pistols

By Riley Bowman / April 30, 2025

Drawing from personal experiences, I demonstrate that training with red dots is manageable and share practical tips for effective use in defensive situations. My goal is to provide accurate insights, dispel myths, and inspire confidence in adopting red dot technology within the concealed carry community.

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S11E8: Gear Trends – Dots, Lights, Malfunctions, and More

By Riley Bowman / March 19, 2025

In this episode of the Concealed Carry Podcast, we discuss gear trends from a recent training class, highlighting popular firearms and the increasing use of optics. I, Riley Bowman, and co-host Jacob Paulsen examine reasons participants chose different equipment than their everyday carry, addressing the dual benefits of familiar versus new gear.

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The New Aimpoint COA and A-Cut Red Dot Collaboration With Glock

By Jacob Paulsen / February 4, 2025

This year at SHOT Show 2025 Aimpoint and Glock announced and released a new collaboration. This collaboration, which will be exclusive to Glock for the next year features not only…

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S9E7: 5 Interesting & Silly Industry Trends

By Riley Bowman / August 30, 2023

Riley Bowman and Matthew Maruster share some recent observations about the current trends in the shooting and concealed carry industries. Some are interesting, some are silly, and some are rather frustrating. Don’t miss it, and tune into today’s episode!

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S7E16: Iron Sights or Red Dots? with Tim Herron Part 2

By Riley Bowman / November 10, 2022

Riley Bowman brings on Tim Herron to discuss a topic that has been popular as of late…red dots or iron sights on handguns. Tim is a USPSA Grand Master and is a national-level top competitor in Single Stack Division. He KNOWS irons sights really well. He also trains hundreds of shooters each year through his training at TimHerronShooting.com. Riley is a bit more comfortable with red dots, but spent the last 6 weeks shooting iron sights getting ready for Production Division Nationals and will bring his perspective as well.

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S7E16: Iron Sights or Red Dots? with Tim Herron Part 1

By Riley Bowman / November 8, 2022

Riley Bowman brings on Tim Herron to discuss a topic that has been popular as of late…red dots or iron sights on handguns. Tim is a USPSA Grand Master and is a national-level top competitor in Single Stack Division. He KNOWS irons sights really well. He also trains hundreds of shooters each year through his training at TimHerronShooting.com. Riley is a bit more comfortable with red dots, but spent the last 6 weeks shooting iron sights getting ready for Production Division Nationals and will bring his perspective as well.

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S5E4: The Random Show with Riley Bowman

By Riley Bowman / February 2, 2022

Riley Bowman brings a unique format to the show for the first time, something we’re calling “The Random Show.” Meaning Riley’s going to cover a wide-array of topics and ideas, sometimes bringing on various guests or hosts. While we will tend to stay focused in the firearms/self-defense space, anything is on the table.

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Holosun SCS

5 Exciting and New Products from Holosun – SHOT Show 2022

By Matthew Maruster / January 22, 2022

This week, we learned about 5 new product releases from Holosun, including one game-changing optic known as the Solar Charging Sight (SCS). Also included are the new EPS and EPS…

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S4E24: Setting up Your Red Dot Pistol for Success with Scott Jedlinski

By Riley Bowman / January 6, 2022

Riley Bowman brings Scott Jedlinski back to the show to discuss red dot pistols. This is a fast evolving world in the realm of pistols and associated equipment, so we’ll get an update from Scott on what he’s seeing in the industry and training community. If you’re considering or are already using a red dot optic on a pistol, you’ll want to tune-in to today’s episode!

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Primary Arms SLx 1X20 Cyclops Prism Scope Review

By Joshua Gillem / February 25, 2021

I’ll be perfectly honest with you, I don’t do a lot of optic reviews. It’s not because I don’t want to do them, I just don’t usually get the opportunity…

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Episode 439: Ultimate Concealed Carry Beginners Guide #5

By Riley Bowman / August 20, 2020

Riley Bowman and Matthew Maruster bring to you the 5th installment of the Ultimate Concealed Carry Beginner’s Guide. We will be discussing one eye vs two eyes, quick-access storage solutions, alcohol and marijuana use, short-term and long-term maintenance, and other great topics geared to assist you in your personal concealed carry journey.

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Episode 428: Path to Performance With a Red Dot Pistol – Scott Jedlinski

By Riley Bowman / June 27, 2020

Today, Riley Bowman plays back the interview he did with Scott “Jedi” Jedlinski during a weekend of training in Jedi’s 2-Day Red Dot Pistol course. This was a fantastic shooting course taught by an even better instructor that is passionate about help shooters of all skill levels and types get better, more efficient, with better technique. You will learn much if you listen to, pay attention, and apply what is discussed in this episode!

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