No Dot? There Should Be a Dot. Where's the Dot?

As the timer sounded for a stage in a recent Sensible Self Defense Short Range Match, I drew my pistol and—No Dot. Instead of immediately going to iron sights, my brain sorta went: “No dot? Hmmmm, where’s the dot? I have a good grip so there should be a dot. Where’s the dot?” After a couple of seconds dithering, I started using the iron sights and finished the stage with zero points down. The Safety Officer for that particular stage was a good friend of mine who is a retired firearms instructor for the Treasury Department. When I finished the stage said: “I thought you fell asleep.” (It is nice to have supportive friends.)

Is there a lesson here? I think so. I learned that I need to practice immediately going to iron sights if I present the pistol and do not see a dot. After all, that is what back-up iron sights are for; however, I never practice using them because my optic sights are very reliable. In fact, prior to this instance I cannot remember the last time I drew my pistol and there was no dot.

In 2025, I attended a class that the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS or state police) instructed. The Texas DPS qualification as of August 2025 uses the DPS proprietary target which has a scoring area somewhat similar to the FBI QIT-03 target. One thing I found interesting about the DPS qualification course of fire was the use of iron sights only in Stage #1. Troopers fire ten rounds in Stage #1 from the ten-yard line as follows: From the ready position, turn the pistol optic off and holster. On command, draw, fire 6 shots, move one step right, and fire 4 additional shots, two-handed grip.

The DPS Firearms Training Unit designed this stage to remind troopers that if they draw and do not see a dot, go immediately to irons. What a novel idea. The first thing I plan to do in future practice sessions is to turn off the dot and conduct several draw/fire sequences using iron sights.

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