The Glock 26 is a popular subcompact pistol renowned for its compact size and reliability. While the pistol is known for its accuracy and dependability, some shooters may wish to enhance their shooting experience by installing a it sight on their Glock 26. But is it possible to mount a red dot sight on a Glock 26? In this article, we will answer this question and explore the benefits and drawbacks of installing it on your Glock 26.
Table of Contents
Overview
Before we delve into the question of mounting a red dot sight on a Glock 26, let’s first understand what a red dot sight is. A red dot sight, also called a reflex sight, is an electronic sight that uses a red dot to display the point of aim on the target. Unlike iron sights, which require the shooter to align the front and rear sights to aim accurately, a red dot sight allows the shooter to place the red dot on the target, making it easier to acquire the target and shoot accurately.
Red dot sights are popular among competition shooters, hunters, and law enforcement officers due to their quick target acquisition and accuracy. They are also useful for shooters with poor eyesight or those who need to shoot accurately in low-light conditions.
Can You Mount a Red Dot Sight on a Glock 26?
Yes, you can mount a red dot sight on a Glock 26. However, you need to install a mounting plate or a slide cut that is compatible with your chosen red dot sight. Most sights come with a specific mounting plate or adapter designed for Glock pistols, including the Glock 26. Popular sights compatible with Glock 26 include HOLOSUN,Trijicon RMR, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, and Vortex Venom.
Also Read: What Red Dot Fits P365XL?
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How to Install a Red Dot Sight on a Glock 26
You can install it on a Glock 26 using two methods: installing a mounting plate or cutting the slide. Let’s examine each method in detail.
Mounting Plate Installation
The mounting plate installation method involves attaching a mounting plate to the slide of the Glock 26, which allows you to attach a red dot sight to the pistol. Here are the steps to install a mounting plate:
- Remove the slide from the frame of the Glock 26.
- Remove the rear sight from the slide using a sight pusher tool or a hammer and punch.
- Install the mounting plate on the slide using the screws that came with the plate.
- Install the red dot sight on the mounting plate using the screws that came with the sight.
- Reassemble the slide and frame of the Glock 26.
Slide Cut Installation
The slide cut installation method involves cutting the slide of the Glock 26 to accommodate the red dot sight. This method is more expensive than the mounting plate method, but it allows for a lower profile sight that sits closer to the slide. Here are the steps to install a red dot sight using the slide cut method:
- Remove the slide from the frame of the Glock 26.
- Send the slide to a gunsmith who specializes in slide cuts for red dot sights.
- The gunsmith will cut the slide and install the red dot sight.
- Reassemble the slide and frame of the Glock 26.
Pros and Cons of Mounting a Red Dot Sight on a Glock 26
Before you decide to mount it on your Glock 26, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons. Here are some of the benefits and drawbacks of mounting a red dot sight:
Pros
- Enhanced accuracy: Red dot sights offer quick target acquisition and improved accuracy over iron sights
- Faster target acquisition: The red dot sight allows you to keep both eyes open, resulting in faster target acquisition. This is especially useful in self-defense situations where every second counts.
- Easier to shoot: The red dot sight eliminates the need for sight alignment, making it easier to shoot accurately. This is particularly beneficial for novice shooters who are still learning the basics of sight alignment.
Cons
- Cost: Installing a red dot sight on a Glock 26 can be expensive, especially if you opt for a slide cut installation. In addition to the cost of the red dot sight, you will also need to pay for the mounting plate or slide cut and the installation fees if you don’t have the necessary tools and expertise.
- Maintenance: Red dot sights require batteries, which need to be changed regularly. Also, they are more prone to failure due to electronic components. If your battery dies or your sight malfunctions, you will need to replace the battery or the sight, which can be costly.
- Learning curve: If you are used to shooting with iron sights, it may take some time to get used to shooting with a red dot sight. The sight picture is different, and you will need to adjust your shooting technique to account for the differences.
Conclusion
Mounting a red dot sight on a Glock 26 is possible by installing a mounting plate or cutting the slide. Red dot sights offer several advantages over iron sights, including enhanced accuracy, faster target acquisition, and ease of use. However, they come with some drawbacks, such as cost, maintenance, and a learning curve. Ultimately, whether to mount it on your Glock 26 depends on your personal preference and intended use. If you are a competitive shooter or a law enforcement officer, a red dot sight may offer significant advantages. However, if you are a recreational shooter or use your Glock 26 for self-defense, you may find that the iron sights are sufficient.
FAQs
Is it legal to mount a red dot sight on a Glock 26?
Yes, it is legal to mount a red dot sight on a Glock 26 as long as you comply with the local laws and regulations regarding firearms modifications.
Can you mount any red dot sight on a Glock 26?
No, not all sights are compatible with Glock 26. You will need to choose a red dot sight that comes with a mounting plate or adapter that is designed for Glock 26.
Can you mount a red dot sight on a Glock 26 without a mounting plate or slide cut?
No, you cannot mount it on a Glock 26 without a mounting plate or slide cut. The mounting plate or slide cut is necessary to attach the red dot sight to the slide of the pistol.
Can you remove the red dot sight from your Glock 26 and revert to iron sights?
Yes, you can remove it from your Glock 26 and revert to iron sights by removing the mounting plate or having the slide re-machined.