The fact that many PD’s are adopting rds is testament enough. This is the future no doubt in my mind.I never really cared to have a dot on my handgun, but my employer is talking of replacing some of our duty weapons with some with dots (and then replacing them all if we like the initial 18). I'm the one that is going to have to do the training for the transition. Because of this, I just bought a Glock 19 MOS, which I will pick up tomorrow due to always being delayed. I bought a super cheap PA red dot to mount on it ( I wanted an ACRO P-2, but couldn't find one in stock anywhere ) to see how I like it and to start training with so I have time with one before we get them next year.
I'm still not sold on red dots on handguns, but time will tell if I change my mind. With an astygmatism and older eyes ( have been using readers for the last few years ) I may end up not liking it.
Don’t sell yourself out and go for the cheapest dot you can get as you are just setting yourself up for failure. No disrespect to PA offerings as plenty of good offerings at a lower price point that gets people engaged.
If you are a new shooter maybe skip the 10,000 rounds plus thru irons and go straight to a rds. I know it’s sacrilege to some but it save that $5k in ammo and spend it on getting proficient with a reputable rds. The list of reputable rds is growing daily. You have to unlearn iron sight methodology. Some revered trainers recommend not having irons on their rds training guns. IE don’t line up your irons and then find the dot. If you have no irons you are forced to find the dot.
The gun industry has recognized the importance of rds and you can get common flavors in MOS and also direct attachment versions (no adapter plate which adds minimal height to your rds sight picture).
Younger eyes may rule the irons and older shooters will see the benefit of the rds. Imagine having young eyes and going straight to the rds and getting those same 10,000 plus rounds of reps.