You can accomplish something similar to this ACSS indicator circle by using the "picture frame" method with a standard red dot.

This can be practiced by dry firing at home.

Focus on something roughly card-sized at bedroom distances, like a light switch or outlet, or a post it note stuck on the wall. While staying focused on the target, draw and present your handgun in your shooting stance - bringing the optic up into your line of sight instead of moving your head - with the goal of boxing in the target within the frame of the optic window. Like the target is inside a picture frame.

When you do so, the red dot should be within the window and roughly on target. You should not need to hunt for the dot.

This brings back the "crutch" of relying on a coarse visual indicator to make adjustments during your presentation, just relying on the optic frame instead of the iron sights like you did before. (And without buying a whole new optic with a built-in visual indicator like this ACSS red dot.)

But that's a starting point, not an ending point. Once that works reliably to get the dot in the window, then you can work on further fine tuning of your grip, draw, and presentation to where the dot naturally comes into your line of sight and on target every time, without having to rely on external cues for adjustments.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: RogueJSK,

I've had the ACSS Vulcan with green chevron on my EDC P229 40 for several years. Just to clarify, It's not a "circle don" reticle in the true sense. A with the gun presented anywhere near properly, you only see the little chevron, not the outer, what I'll call the "steering circle". If you see part of the circle, turn the muzzle towards it to bring the chevron into view. Once you are used to it, it happens near instantly without even thinking.

I have about 4 or 5 of the HS507C with the ACSS reticle in red, and I have my first green one coming soon, so I really like the concept.

I also have a couple of Trijicon RMR's and one of the new Trijicon HD's with a 1 MOA dot.

I agree with what everyone has said about the need to practice proper presentation and the dot will be visible when you draw the pistol. However, I have come to really appreciate the ACSS reticle (mine have the Chevron) for a couple of reasons:

1) The tip of the Chevron acts as a "fine" aiming point for precise shots, while the complete Chevron is great for a fast sight picture on steel plates. Unlike a plain dot, the Chevron gives you some ranging options for longer shots (the manual goes into details).

2) The ACSS reticle with the big outer ring which "guides" you to the center Chevron is awesome for one handed draws and shooting from odd positions. I live out in the country with bears and coyotes around. When I walk my dog at night, I have a flashlight in one hand and my S&W 10mm M&P with an ACSS red dot on my right hip. Hearing something in the woods and drawing one handed while using the flashlight with my left hand, the ACSS reticle helped me get right on point. With a two-handed draw and presentation, practice will have the dot (or Chevron) appear every time, but a one handed draw benefits from the ACSS reticle.

For those reasons, I have more Holosuns with ACSS than any other pistol optic.

Full disclosure - I am someone who started out pistol shooting with revolvers, then moved to Sigs and always used Iron sights. I used to compete in matches with iron sights and I did well. Age, unfortunately takes its toll, and my eyes are not what they used to be. Pistol Optics are a tremendous benefit for aging eyes!

As I prefer the classic P-series Sigs, I have had to send out slides to be milled for optics, but it has been worth it to me. If you have never used an ACSS reticle, You should get one to try.

Cheers,
~i8mtm