Transition to red dot

Has anyone struggled with transitioning to red dot from iron sights? I’ve made distinguished SP and .22, made master class and thought I was ready for red dots. My scores have gone down since strapping one on. Is this normal and I’m simply readjusting? Other people’s experience with the transition would be helpful.

Different aiming concept.  You scores will drop initially then increase beyond your personal best.

The dot makes movement in reference to the bull more noticeable.  The movement isn't really greater, but you perceive it as such.  Learning to accept that movement and operating the trigger per your shot plan will get you past that initial distraction of more perceived movement.

When I first tried a red dot after years shooting irons I described it as following the bouncing ball.  Seemed like the thing was all over the place.  Scores went way down.  Took a long while to get used to it.  Lots of dry fire helped.  Your scores will improve.  Just need to work thru the adjustment time.

Thanks for the comments. I will continue to practice with it and have patience while my brain makes sense of it. Thanks all!

Not yet mentioned but focus on either the dot or the target, not both.

chiz1180 wrote:Not yet mentioned but focus on either the dot or the target, not both.

Is there a generally accepted best practice? I’ve heard both: focus on target where you want the “throw” the bullet; focus on dot to concentrate like a front sight concentration. Just pick one for awhile and see what works?

It depends on who you ask. I look at the target when shooting a dot, in my case, I have had great success with this method. Others I know focus on the dot. If you search you should find some discussions on this topic which will outline pros/cons of each, which top shooters use what method, ect. 

You run in to trouble when you switch back and forth, especially during the same string of fire, usually yield bigger groups and wild shots.

It is kind of like the discussion of center mass vs sub six for iron sights.