I don't have red dots on any pistols that aren't AR's, but I do have a TLR-1 on the G17 I conceal, from my perspective, low light conditions are best served by putting light on a target, not necessarily a red dot on a target that is hard to see clearly because of dark conditions. Going back to topic of red dots and iron sights, with illumination on target, iron sights function just the same as during the day.
It would make sense that folks who desire better results in low light shooting, if they want to go the red dot route, should also add a light to the mixture.
That all being said, many years ago, my now deceased grandfather put a red dot on his pellet rifle he used to dispatch many nuisance birds. His eyes simply deteriorated to the point iron sights compared to a red dot became less practical. So I can very easily empathize for those with 'older' eyes, that they would appreciate a red dot even on a handgun.
I carry a separate light with me at all times. Reason I choose this is because I don't want to sweep anyone or anything out in public just to "investigate" something. At home I have X300 Ultras on 3 of my pistols, including my new M&P.
I'm not against optics or Smith by any means, I just have a hard time wrapping my head around making a deep conceal firearm bigger. Although some of the posts here got me to kind of understand.
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