Red dot sights (RDS) on duty pistols have moved from niche to normal.
The National Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors Association (NLEFIA) just dropped their 2025 survey results—and the numbers speak loud and clear. We read the full report so you don’t have to. Here’s what matters.
Who Responded?
- 372 total responses
- 91% of respondents were firearms instructors
- 68% of those instructors are full-time law enforcement
That means this data reflects boots-on-the-ground experience, not just keyboard opinions.
How Many Officers Are Running RDS?
- 92% of respondents personally carry a red dot pistol.
- 85% said their agencies authorize RDS for duty use.
- But only 60% of agencies issue RDS-equipped pistols.
Translation: A lot of cops are buying and running their own red dot pistols—even when their departments don’t issue them.
Top Red Dot Brands (by popularity)
The Holosun invasion is real. Trijicon still holds the crown, but budget-friendly options with solid performance are closing the gap.
Why Officers Like RDS
- Faster target acquisition
- Improved accuracy, especially at distance
- Better performance in low light
- Easier shooting with both eyes open
Officers also report increased confidence and less eye strain, especially those with aging eyes.
Why Some Agencies Still Resist
Top reasons agencies haven’t adopted RDS:
- Cost
- Lack of training programs
- Armorer concerns
- Policy inertia
But that resistance is fading. 63% of agencies plan to transition to red dot pistols within 1–3 years.
Training is the X-Factor
This isn’t “slap a dot and go.”
Over 70% of agencies require formal training before officers can carry an RDS pistol. More than half require a qualification test too.
The key takeaway: Training drives success. Departments that roll out RDS programs with structure see better adoption and safer outcomes.
What It Means for You
If your agency still bans RDS, it’s behind the curve.
This isn’t a tactical trend—it’s a technology shift, just like the move from revolvers to Glocks.
Red dots are faster, smarter, and proven. And officers are voting with their holsters.
Want to help push your agency forward?
Download the full NLEFIA survey here, bring the data to your command staff, and get the conversation started.
Drop your thoughts below
Are you carrying a red dot pistol on duty? Why or why not? What did your transition look like?
Let’s hear from the streets.
