The Sliding Trend Of Optic-Equipped Pistols In 2024

A recent study points to a sliding trend, pistols with pre-mounted reflex sights has been declining and “… been performing at a lower level than no red dot since mid-2022.”

by
posted on March 17, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Changing Trend Pistol Optics
Image courtesy of author.

A National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers and National Shooting Sports Foundation report released this month found most enthusiasts purchasing a new pistol either want a red-dot optic on the gun or the ability to mount an aftermarket version easily. The strength of the former trend, however, diminished after the pandemic’s heightened self-defense concerns no longer dominated headlines. The study notes the sale of pistols with pre-mounted reflex sights has been declining and “… been performing at a lower level than no red dot since mid-2022.”

In May 2021, total sales of pistols shipped wearing a red-dot optic verged on equaling those without the sight system. The reduction, in part, is likely rooted in the fact that the number of semi-auto handguns shipped optic-ready surpassed those shipped without optic-ready slides in February 2022.

The study notes reflex sight retail sales account for roughly 27 to 28 percent of optical sights sold annually. The figure hasn’t changed significantly since reaching that plateau and coupled with gun sales stabilizing at post-pandemic levels, enthusiasts prefer the ability to select their own red dot on a self-defense pistol. The report states, “Installed optics have become an expectation to the consumer … ,” yet those guns wearing them from manufacturers, “… have represented 1 [percent] of total semi-auto handgun shipments for the last 18 months.” Figures include up to December 2023.

In the meantime, according to the results, “Overall semi-auto handgun sales have declined YoY [Year over Year] since 2021 … MSR [Modern Sporting Rifle] sales have remained relatively flat since 2021.” The report covers the last 18 months, noting, “Part of this is due to a slowdown in the home defense motivated purchases during the pandemic ‘surge.’ Handguns & red dots show they are decreasing year-over-year at a similar rate, where MSRs never had a huge lift due to the ‘surge.’”

Latest

Kimber 2K11
Kimber 2K11

Review: Kimber 2K11

The 2011-style pistol was designed to address the capacity limitations of the single-stack M1911 platform, and Kimber's approach to the concept is its 2K11, a competition-ready offering with several notable features.

Favorite Firearms: A High-Flying Hi-Standard “A-D”

Manufactured in New Haven, Conn., in late 1940, this Hi-Standard pistol was shipped as a Model “A,” but a heavier Model “D” barrel was installed later to replace the original, light barrel, leading one American Rifleman reader to call it a Model “A-D.”

Ruger Helps Families In Need Through The Kids & Clays Foundation

In the effort to help tens of thousands of critically ill children and their families across the nation through local Ronald McDonald Houses, Ruger is among some of the industry’s foremost Platinum-level sponsors of The Kids & Clays Foundation.

Unlocking The Future: Smith & Wesson's "No Lock" Revolvers

The future is shaping up to be a good one for fans of Smith & Wesson revolvers. The iconic American company had released 14 new models thus far in 2025 at the time this was written mid-year. And, with one exception, they have all shared a common feature—no internal lock.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 6, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

FEMA Notes Decline In Disaster Preparedness

A recent report from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) noted a decline in local government preparedness for natural disasters, putting increased pressure on individuals to prepare themselves for emergencies.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.