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Optic cut explained: red dots and holsters

A pistol with a red dot needs a holster with room for the dot. Look for “optic-ready”, “RDS” or “MOS” on the holster, and check that the pistol itself is listed.

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What an optic cut is

A red dot sits on top of the slide, behind the front sight. A holster that wraps up around the slide, or has a hood that closes over it, can hit the dot. An optic-ready holster is cut lower or opened up at that spot so the dot clears it when you draw and re-holster.

On the pistol side

Many pistols now come with the slide cut for a dot: Glock MOS, the Sig X-series and others. Our pistol pages show Rail and Optic cut for each pistol. An optic-cut slide with a cover plate and no dot fits like a plain slide in most holsters.

On the holster side

  • Open-top duty holstersMany already clear a small dot. Hooded designs (SLS) are the ones to check: some makers sell a separate optic-ready version.
  • Suppressor-height sightsTaller sights that let you see past the dot can need the optic-ready version too.
  • Radar 1957Calls its optic-ready line MOS-ready.

How to check

In the Fit Finder, choose your pistol and set the optic option. It shows only the holsters listed for a pistol with a dot.

Not sure? Ask us with your pistol, your optic and the holster number. The Glock Gen 6 optic rule →

More guides: Identify a holster · Light-bearing holsters · Optic cut · Retention levels · Every pistol, A to Z