Once upon a time, mounting any sort of optic on a handgun required the intervention of a gunsmith, one with a deep knowledge of metalwork and surgeon-like skills at the bench. Not everyone engaged in the practice had the talent required and, as a result, there’s no shortage of Frankenpistols collecting dust in gun safes today.

Early attempts that were pleasing to the eye, with performance to match, quickly gained the attention of enthusiasts. It didn’t take long for...