Best Red Dot Sights in 2024 – Rifle, Pistol, & All Budgets

When searching for the best red dot sight (RDS) on the market, you should know that this tool is designed to help you enjoy a fast, accurate, and smooth shooting.

A red dot sight is like your third eye while you’re shooting since it enables you to aim at targets easily and accurately. While your eye may still focus on the targets, red dot optics offer an additional opportunity for you to fire the shots without missing.

Therefore, we will be reviewing some of the best red dot sights on the market to help you pick the perfect one for you. We have researched and have found the top 10 models that can provide real value for your money. In addition, we’ll discuss the major factors you should consider when shopping for one.

We are confident that this guide of the best red dot sights will answer virtually all the questions you may have before buying. So, sit tight, read on, and stay informed.

A Quick View of Our Favorites Red Dot Sights

Pick Name	Thumbnail	Product Name	Price
Top choice		Bushnell Trophy TRS-25	$80 at Cabelas
Good value for money		Sig Sauer SOR52001	$130 at Cabelas
3rd		Dagger defense DDHB	$50
4th		Aimpoint PRO patrol rifle optic	$463 at Cabelas
5th		Holosun HS510C 2MOA	$310 at Cabelas
6th		Vortex optics venom	$250 at Cabelas
7th		Burris Fastfire III with Picatinny Mount	$230 at Cabelas
8th		Primary Arms SLX Advanced Rotary Knob Compact Sight	$130
9th		Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight	$200 at Walmart
10th		Ozark Armament Rhino Red Dot Sight	$45

10 Best Red Dot Sights Reviews

1 Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 (Top choice)

Bushnell overshadows any other brand with high-performance shooting and hunting gear. They have been manufacturing up to date shooting tools for over 50 years. The Bushnell TRS-25 is a testament to this fact. This model ranks as our first choice because of its numerous positive features over other products on this list.

One of the things we liked about this product is its ability to be used on shotguns, rifles, pistols, carbines, and handguns. It comes with a weight of 3.5 ounces with dimensions of 5.4 x 3.4 x 2.2 inches, making it compact and lightweight.

It is equipped with a 3 MOA LED dot which can be adjusted to suit your required intensity. Its images are excellent and allows you to view the focus easily.

Its specially engineered Amber-bright optics of the red dot help to enhance your performance by allowing you to quickly distinguish between each of the objects on sight. This Amber-bright technology makes it the ideal scope for hunting in the woods.

One other thing you’ll appreciate about this device is its multi-coated optics that allow you to see targets clearly in dim lights. This is very essential for hunters who want to make their kill in the night.

Also, this model offers unlimited eye relief which implies you can set your two eyeballs on the sight from any distance, helping you to be aware of your surroundings. The parallax-free design eliminates the need for centering as the dot aligns with your eye movement without changing the position of the target.

The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 features a CR2032 battery which is known to be very durable. Also, it is absolutely waterproof and can withstand the impact of the gun. The sight is constructed to withstand rust and to function properly in foggy weather.

This model will allow you to see targets that are within a distance of 100 yards clearly. This range can be adjusted with each click value resulting in 0.5MOA. It is one that is suitable for beginners with numerous features to make your shooting easier and faster while being priced under 100 USD.

Specifications

Pros

• It can withstand heavy recoil
• It is compact and lightweight
• It is very durable
• It offers unlimited eye relief
• The images are crisp and clear

Cons

• Cannot cover beyond 100 yards
• The elevation adjustment may be difficult to turn

Final Verdict

The Bushnell Trophy TR-25 offers a high quality red dot for fast target acquisition in any lighting condition. It is designed to be used on various types of guns, thanks to its good mounting length.

This product is lightweight and compact enough to be positioned on the gun without rendering the overall weight of the gun unbearable.

The Bushnell Trophy TR-25 provides a good price-to-quality ratio and is an excellent choice for beginners.

2 Sig Sauer SOR52001 (Good value for money)

The Sig Sauer ROMEO5 (model-SOR52001) is designed to provide both civilians and the military professional with an efficient, reliable, high-quality, and accurate focus for any situation. When it comes to performance, it ranks as one of the best red dot sights on the market.

This device is constructed from high-quality aluminum, making it ideal for extreme tactical usage. In addition, it features an enclosed design which protects it from water, fog, and shock.

One of the major features of this model is the Motion-Activated Illumination (MOTAC) which deactivates the device when it stays idle for a while. It becomes active once it senses any movement. This auto-regulated operation helps to enhance battery life.

This model also offers 8 settings for daylight and 2 for night vision, making it ideal for all lighting conditions. The Sig Sauer ROMEO5 is equipped with an M1913 Picatinny interface which allows it to be mounted on any type of gun and to be applied in photography as well.

You’ll appreciate its elevation and windage adjustment that allows you to target vertical and horizontally moving objects without shifting the position of the reticle. In addition, this model offers unlimited eye relief, making it possible for you to view the target through a 20mm aperture at any distance.

One of the things we loved about this device is the ultra-low parallax feature that helps you to maintain the focus on the target while the dot remains fixed irrespective of your viewing angle at the sight.

In addition, it features the CR2032 battery which can work for over 50000 hours before it needs replacement. The battery is positioned at the side of the device to allow for easy replacement any time.

The red dot can capture targets up to a distance of 100 meters despite its compact size and lightweight. It is designed to capture a clear and crisp image and to hold zero effectively.

You will appreciate everything that comes with this device in addition to its user-friendly and ergonomic design.

Specifications

Pros

• The MOTAC feature helps to conserve the battery
• It is water, shock, and fog proof
• The Multi-coated feature enhances its imaging
• It can be used in dim light
• It is lightweight and durable

Cons

• The sight has a slight parallax

Final Verdict

The ROMEO5 has been featured as one of our compact choices because of its ergonomic and lightweight design. They offer clear and crisp images and an unlimited eye relief which allows you to focus on the sight irrespective of the distance from your eye.

This model is made from aircraft aluminum which is durable enough to withstand shock, fog, and water. It can be used for taking pictures of both stationary and moving targets, thanks to its elevation and windage knobs which can be adjusted easily.

If you’re interested in low-mid budget red dot sights under 200 USD, this is worth every bit of your investment.

3 Dagger defense DDHB

This lightweight and low priced model is packed with user-friendly features, making it a compact choice. It comes with an aircraft-grade aluminum body capable of withstanding extreme conditions. Apart from being one of the lightest, it’s also one of the best red dot sights for the money.

The DDHB features a good ergonomic design which helps easy mounting/removal and provides more space on your rail for other accessories.

One of the things you’ll love about this model is the adjustment lock mechanism which prevents accidental knob turning.

Speaking of flexible design, it comes with a hex wrench for elevation adjustments. This elevation adjustment corresponds with the movement of the target and not the dot. The included hex wrench is very useful when making the windage adjustment.

If you’re uncomfortable with the red color of the reticle, you can adjust the rotary knob to select the green color. The knob can also be used to set the brightness of the reticle.

Another feature of the DDHB red dot and reflex sight that is worth mentioning is the versatility of its dot pattern. With the rear switch, you can choose your preferred pattern.

In addition, it comes with a CR2032 battery which is highly durable and is located in the knob compartment for easy access.

The zero set screw of the DDHB should only be used if the zero is fluctuating and should only be turned 1 – 2 times clockwise once it is tightened.

Interestingly, this model has an aperture of 33mm and length 82mm and can view targets up to a distance of 100 meters.

Specifications

Pros

• It can withstand heavy use for a long time
• It is extremely lightweight
• It has a simple design for ease of use
• It can be zeroed easily
• The reticle is available in different patterns and color
• It features a durable battery

Cons

• It does not have an auto off feature

Final Verdict

The DDHB comes with a rotary adjustment knob that not only provides housing for the battery but is also used to adjust the brightness, size, color, and pattern of the dot.

The smaller hex wrench in the package is used to control the zero lock which makes it extremely easy to zero. It is ergonomically designed to be mounted easily on your gun while leaving more space for you to pair with other accessories. This durable but cheap red dot sight is also a perfect substitute for holographic models.

4 Aimpoint PRO patrol rifle optic

The Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle is designed to provide solutions to the challenges of new and professional shooters. It is equipped with top-rated features that are in tandem with the modern guidelines on shooting and hunting tools.

It offers a magnification of 1x and a dot size of 2 MOA which can be seen in a background light intensity of 0.1 to 55000x.

With the Aimpoint PRO, you don’t need to set a specific distance of your eyeball from the sight as it offers unlimited eye relief.

You will appreciate the ease of operating this device as it features a highly-efficient circuit that keeps the power on for about 3 years without fail. Thus, you don’t need to waste your time to power it beforehand. In addition, inventory tracking and maintenance of this product have been simplified by service date and battery change date reminders.

The Aimpoint PRO features a 3V Lithium battery that can function for over 30000 hours. In addition, it features a 2 degree angle red dot to enhance your ease and speed of target acquisition irrespective of the distance of your eye.

This model is preferred for its compatibility with Aimpoint 3x magnifier and can be used with different kinds of night vision equipment.

You’ll appreciate its rugged body made from anodized aluminum. The sight is strong enough to withstand gun shock and other impacts from the environment. Moreover, it can withstand water to a depth of 150 feet.

In addition, the front lens opening is threaded to enhance its use with anti-reflection devices. The lens is covered with the front and rear flip to enhance its ease of maintenance and durability. The lens’ opening is recessed to protect it from being damaged by shock or scratches.

Featuring as our best dot sight for rifles, the Aimpoint PRO features the modular mount setup which makes it one of the best red dots for 308 AR, flat-top AR15, M16, M4 Carbine, and AR 10. Also, it is equipped with a removable spacer which is removed for it to be used on shotguns.

What we also loved about this model is the QRP2 rail grabber mount which allows it to be mounted and unmounted from the rail easily and smoothly.

Specifications

Pros

• It is very durable
• The reticle is always on
• It can be operated easily
• It is compatible with various rifles
• It displays crisp and clear images

Cons

• Images of targets of distances of over 100 yards ambiguous

Final Verdict

This model is superb for rifles. It features a modular QPR2 mount with a removable spacer that allows it to be used on sub-machine guns and short gun models. Also, the mount comes with a pressure limiting twist knob that prevents the rail from damaging because of over-tightening.

The Aimpoint PRO is made from high-quality aluminum which is durable, lightweight, and can withstand gun impact and other environmental effects.

If you’re interested in buying a cheap red dot laser sight without compromising on the quality, this is the perfect model for you.

5 Holosun HS510C 2MOA

This compact high-powered red dot sight is made from titanium-alloy which is resistant to shock and rust. You’ll appreciate its advanced technology LED that works for long hours without draining the battery.

In addition, it features the CR2032 battery which can operate for over 50,000 hours before needing replacement. With this, you are free to shoot as many times as you desire without worrying about the battery.

The Holosun HS510C features different dot sizes and shapes to allow you to acquire targets easily. With this, you can use the 2 MOA dot size to enhance your quality of aim or the 65 MOA ring reticle or both by just pressing a button.

One of the things we love about this model is that it is powered by solar power during daylight usage while the battery power becomes handy during dim light conditions.

Moreover, this model features the QD mount mechanism which enables it to be placed or removed from the gun, making it one of the best red dot pistol sights for the money.

The Holosun HS510C is designed to function without zeroing as the different reticles are projected by the same LED.

Another noteworthy feature of this model is the auto-on feature which not only conserves the life of the battery but also helps you to acquire the targets easily and quickly. In addition, the brightness is adjusted automatically to allow you to enjoy a better sight picture under any light condition.

If you’re interested in getting a high-quality red dot model with auto features, durability, and reliability, the ideal choice is the Holosun HS510C.

Specifications

Pros

• It is powered by both battery and solar
• It can combine both dot and ring reticles
• The QD mount allows it to be mounted or removed easily
• It is ideal for pistols
• The ring and dot reticles are illuminated by the same LED
• It does not require zeroing

Cons

• It is relatively expensive

Final Verdict

The Holosun HS510C made its way into our top 5 choices exclusively for its form factor and its mounting features that are suitable for pistols and 9mm carbines. It comes with a QD mount which allows you to set or unmount it easily.

Its auto-on feature is excellent as it turns itself off once the gun is stationary and turns on when it senses any motion which helps to save the battery.

This model is among the few red dot sights powered by both battery and solar. In terms of brightness, it is the best as it allows you to view the targets clearly irrespective of the condition of light in the environment. It’s also priced under 300 USD making it a good value for money product.

6 Vortex optics venom

You can make your rifle deadlier by adding Venom on it. It features a 3 MOA dot that allows you to acquire targets and focus easily while you can take the shots with enhanced performance, speed, and precision.

It has an aluminum housing which makes it sturdy and rugged enough to withstand anything that may fall over it.

In terms of design, the Vortex Venom flaunts a multicoated quality lens that allows seeing the target with much clarity. On top of that, the battery is a top-loading one, making the replacement process effortless and easy. You wouldn’t have to remove the sight from the rail if you want to change the battery.

They’ve added the brightness and power adjustments at the side making it super easy to use controls conveniently. You’ll be able to shoot at moving objects conveniently, thanks to the elevation and windage adjustments of 130 MOA and 100 MOA respectively.

This model offers unlimited eye relief, meaning you can view your targets clearly from any distance from the aperture. Also, you don’t have to take centering into account while working with this sight as its zero parallax design allows the dot to concentrate on your eye movement while the reticle stays fixed on the target.

One of the things we loved about this device is the auto-brightness feature that controls the dot intensity through an ambient light sensor like the green dot.

Specifications

Pros

• It comes with a Picatinny mount
• It has 10 levels of brightness settings for your convenience
• The elevation and windage can be adjusted easily
• The battery is long-lasting

Cons

• The battery cover is inferior in quality

Final Verdict

This is a strong and durable red dot sight. It features clear optics even at dark. The auto-brightness feature allows you to use it under any light condition without the hassle of changing the setting.

It holds zero consistently irrespective of the rate of use. The sight comes with a Picatinny mount which allows it to be used on both rifles and shotguns with clear co-witness ability.

Apart from minor issues with the battery cover, the Venom red dot sight is constructed to offer you 100% satisfaction any time. When it comes to convenience, it is one of the best red dot sights you can get.

7 Burris Fastfire III with Picatinny Mount

The Burris Fastfire III with Picatinny Mount is the ideal sight if you have various kinds of firearms at your disposal. Its Picatinny Mount feature allows it to be mounted easily on shotguns, handguns, and even rifles including Ruger 10/22. In fact, this is one of the best red dots for 10/22 Ruger rifles and shotguns.

In addition to its versatility, it is designed to acquire targets super fast, making it suitable for beginners.

If you’re to compare its advanced features and extreme performance with other products on the market, you’ll accept the fact that it has a good price-to-quality ratio.

You’ll appreciate the extended control for the elevation and windage settings. In addition, the battery compartment is at the top which allows it to be replaced easily without having to go through the rigorous process of unmounting the optic.

This model is available in either 3 MOA dot or 8 MOA dot size. The 3 MOA dot size is more suitable if you’re using the rifle while the 8 MOA dot size favors the shotgun or short range shooters.

It offers three levels of brightness settings, allowing you to set the display easily in accordance with the condition of the environment. However, you can also opt for automatic brightness which will change according to the environment.

This product has a weight of 4 ounces and dimensions 6 x 5 x 2 inches, making it easy to store or carry along with your rifle or shotgun.

The Burris Fastfire III offers a parallax-free focus which allows you to aim at the target irrespective of the movements of your eye. This is a product that will not disappoint you and delivers a performance that is about three times its price when compared to other sights on the market.

Specifications

Pros

• It is made of high-quality materials
• It is durable and reliable
• It is compact and lightweight
• The battery can be accessed easily
• It is available in both 3 and 8 MOA size

Cons

• The auto-brightness feature is not very reliable

Final Verdict

This product is constructed from high-quality aluminum, making it light and durable despite the condition of its usage. It has been tested and approved to offer a quality sight needed for any application.

One of the greatest advantages of this model is that it is available in both 3 MOA and 8 MOA dot size which makes it suitable for both rifles and shotguns. In addition, it features a windage and elevation mechanism which can be adjusted without using any tool.

As a beginner, if you are looking for a red dot sight that can be operated easily without compromising on its performance, the Burris Fastfire III is the one for you.

8 Primary Arms SLX Advanced Rotary Knob Compact Sight

If you prefer a red dot to holographic sights, this model is for you. The Primary Arms Advanced Micro Red Dot Sight features the popular CR2032 battery that can work for about 50,000 hours. The battery life can be extended if you use the medium illumination setting.

This product features a 2 MOA dot size which is crisp enough to allow you to aim at targets within the range. Also, it is equipped with an angled front lens that enhances the visibility of the dot by projecting the image to your eye. It comes with a removable Picatinny rail mount which can be used with other micro mounts.

The body is constructed from high-quality aluminum which protects the internal components while making it lightweight, durable, and resistant to shock. The aluminum housing is purged with nitrogen to enhance its durability and reliability.

You’ll also appreciate the fact that this device can be used in any weather condition as it is fog resistant and has an IP57 water-resistant rating.

This device has an elevation and windage adjustment knob that helps to control the movements of the focus without resorting to tools. Also, the battery is located on the side of sight and can be replaced easily by turning the illumination knob in an anticlockwise direction.

The lens is fully multi coated, which helps to limit the level of reflection while making the images clear enough to be seen.

In addition to its 11 level brightness setting, which allows you to adjust the picture to suit the present condition of light, it also comes with a night vision feature to help you to shoot in dim light.

This is one of the few products on the market with 3 years’ warranty that covers defects due to workmanship, materials or usage.

Specifications

Pros

• It comes with a removable Picatinny mount
• It can fit a standard micro mount
• The battery can work for long hours
• It is night vision compatible
• It is made from durable materials
• It has a good waterproof rating
• The lenses are coated to enhance image quality

Cons

• It is relatively heavy

Final Verdict

This product features about 50000 hours of battery life and is powered by the CR2032 battery. It comes with settings that can be used to adjust the brightness.

One of the things you’ll appreciate about this model is the 2 MOA red dot that allows you to see targets at short or medium range clearly while ensuring that your aim is quick and precise.

One of its greatest assets is the grade one aircraft aluminum body construction which not only protects the electronic components from damage but also makes the device sturdy to withstand the shock from the gun.

Finally, this product comes with a warranty of 3 years which is a mark of the company’s commitment to ensuring that you are absolutely satisfied with all ramifications.

9 Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight

There is no way that this review could be complete without the Vortex Optics Strikefire. When you’re in a situation that requires quick target acquisition in less than a second, Strikefire II should be your solution.

It is a reliable, versatile, durable, and ideal choice for shooters who want to enhance their performance using high response rate.

This model features a 30mm aluminum chassis that can withstand the impact of the rifle. One of the things we liked about this product is that you can use it in the rain as it is constructed to work in a water or foggy environment.

You’ll appreciate the positioning of the controls which allows you to switch off/on the device easily. In addition, it comes with a ten dot intensity level setting that can help you to set the brightness as you see fit.

It is worth mentioning that this product is compatible with night vision, making it suitable for use in dim light or dark environments.

The Strikefire II offers long eye relief (unlimited), which allows you to keep both eyes open while shooting. With this, you can be fully aware of the situation in your environment because eye placement becomes unnecessary once you can sight the dot.

The Strikefire features an elevation and windage adjustment dial which allows you to target moving objects by controlling the dials. Each dial will shift the impact point by ½” of angle MOA which corresponds to a half-inch at 100 yards.

Specifications

Pros

• It is compatible with night vision
• It comes with a fully multi-coated lens
• It is compact and lightweight
• It is resistant to water, fog, and shock
• It is made of high-quality aluminum material
• It is affordable
• The dot can be easily switched from red to green

Cons

• Elevation and windage adjustment can be difficult

Final Verdict

This product is very easy to install and offers a trouble-free operation. The lens is multi-coated to enhance the view and clarity of the image. It can be used on shotguns, handguns, and rifles with a commendable level of co-witness.

One of the things you’ll love about this device is its lightweight, reliability, and durability. There is no effect on the device if it’s used in the rain or fog as it is nitrogen purged to prevent water penetration.

In addition, the battery can last almost a lifetime and offers a good value for the money. If you’re looking for the best red dot optic with a lot of amazing features, the Vortex Strikefire II can be the one you’ve been looking for.

10 Ozark Armament Rhino Red Dot Sight

When it comes to durability the Rhino red dot sight is second to none. The Rhino is one of the most rugged sights from the Ozark production line.

It comes with a cantilever/canted mount that does not only co-witness perfectly but is compatible with any Ozark sight. Its housing is made from durable aluminum with a good finishing that allows it to blend in the woods. The battery can run for over 3000 hours when the brightness setting is at the medium level.

The Rhino red dot sight allows you to have an accurate view of the targets while the zero stays intact despite the number of times of shooting. The windage and elevation adjustments can be controlled easily, so you wouldn’t have to worry about issues with zeroing.

It features two dot colors which can be switched easily to suit the condition of light at the time. In addition, you’ll enjoy its five levels of brightness settings that enable you to shoot on daylight and night time without compromising on your performance.

The Rhino is completely sealed to prevent dust and other harmful chemicals from damaging the internal electronic components. Meanwhile, it is nitrogen purged which allows it to be used in a foggy environment.

It is interesting to know that this model offers a wide field of view up to a distance of 100 meters with 4 MOA shooting accuracy.

The zero parallax technology allows you to get on target at incredible speed irrespective of your eye movement.

This product is designed to work on any condition that it is subjected to and the customer support team is always on the lookout to solve all your complaints.

This is one of the few products you’ll find on the market that offers a lifetime warranty.

Specifications

Pros

• It is lightweight and durable
• The brightness, elevation, and windage can be adjusted easily
• It comes with a lifetime warranty.
• It is dustproof, waterproof, and fog proof
• It is compatible with night vision
• It is suitable for rifles and shotguns

Cons

• Images at distances over 100 yards gets blurry

Final Verdict

This is the most rugged and durable red dot sight you’ll find on the market. It is designed to withstand dust, fog, shock, and water making it suitable for any condition.

The Rhino is constructed from high-quality aluminum which is lightweight and can withstand both shock and recoil from the rifle.

One of the things you’ll love in this device is the ease with which you can adjust the elevation and windage settings. In addition, when the device is set at an optimum brightness level, the battery can take you for over 3000 hours.

If you’re in search of a red dot sight with a lifetime warranty and priced under 50 bucks, this product is for you.

Types of Red Dot Sight

1. According to size

Micro Red Dot Sights

Most of the reflex sights fall under this category. Micro sights are lightweight and compact in design. They can be mounted over AR rifles and a range of handguns. Micro red sights will allow higher MOA than the full sized ones.

Although micro red dots can’t outperform full sized tube red dots, they compensate with better portability, convenience and affordability. With the short body, micro sights can’t house more power and as a result, has a shorter battery life.

Full Tube Red Dots

They come with a long tube and looks like a rifle scope. They also use the same mount options as a rifle scope. With a bit bigger eyepiece, these sights will provide comfort and precision. They are optically superior to any other red dot sight types. However, they’re not good as a concealed carry option.

As full tube red dot sights are primarily designed for AR and hunting platforms, you won’t find them with MOA higher than 2. They are bigger and heavier than the micro ones. Full sized tube red dots also provide better dot definition.

2. According to The Projection

Prism Sight

These sights utilize a prism, instead of LED lenses to focus the image that comes out. They are small in size and provide sophisticated reticles containing a range of bullet drop indicators and ranging information. Prism sights offer a small magnification, but a broader view.

However, these sights will strain your eyes over time. Prism sights are usually used in advanced weapons. The prism in the sight reverses the target image while focusing to give you a crisp image.

Reflex Sights

Also known as the “Reflector sight”, the reflex sight uses a light-emitting diode (LED) to project the aiming dot. These sights are usually a bit darker. In contradiction to what many people believe, reflex sights don’t actually send laser light on the target.

The dot you see through your eyepiece is projected over the lens. The biggest advantage of reflex sights is that they’ll allow you to look through your sight at different angles. That way you won’t lose your peripheral vision while focusing.

Holographic sights

The holographic diffraction sights AKA holo-sights use rendered holographic imaging that are projected through the holographic film. The image is transmitted by lasers from the reticle, and usually shown in 3D.

To simplify, holographic sights use a picture of the reticle sandwiched between glass layers and provide a perception of depth. These sights are especially good for long-range shooting. They also provide a wide range of bigger reticles to choose from.

Red Dot vs Holographic: How Do They Differ?

Both red dots and holographic dots are widely used in the shooter community. They have slightly different perks and cons to each of them and here’s what the difference looks like at a glance:

Subject	Red dot sight	Holographic sight
Reticle size	Comparatively smaller	bigger
Overall size and weight	Bigger and heavier	Smaller and lighter
Variations	A wide range of variations possible	Comparatively fewer
Battery life	longer	shorter
Durability	Short	Long
Reticle clarity and focus	Moderate performance	Better performance
Target acquisition	Can’t outperform the holographic sights	Better, with depth perception
Price	Higher	Comparatively cheaper

Best Red Dot Sights: Ultimate Gunfighter Buyers Guide

Having some basic knowledge of the making and parts of a red dot will help you to make the right choice. If you consider the following features and concepts, you will be buying the best red dot sight on the market.

1. Types of Projection

A red dot sight combines both reflex and holographic sights. If you’re using a red dot model for recreational shootings, you’ll find the reflex sight to be highly-essential. A reflex sight projects an LED light circle that is placed at the back of the lens to your view.

In holographic projection, the light is reflected on your line of sight by the laser diode light that is positioned at the front of the lens which creates a red dot that assists you to aim at your target accurately.

2. Reticle

The red spot that appears in your line of sight is known as the reticle. The red dot must appear in a manner that can be seen easily without obscuring the view. In most cases, the colors are not red, which implies that you’ll be one with a certain reticle color pattern that you feel comfortable with and will make your aiming and shooting easier.

Also, the style of the reticle may vary. You’ll find some that are shaped like a cross while some may have the shape of an eye.

Nevertheless, a standard model should have the capacity to display reticles of different styles. In addition, it should be equipped with the ability to adjust the size and color of the reticle.

The bigger the size of the reticle, the faster you’ll aim at the target. You should endeavor to avoid dot styles that may appear too fanciful. To acquire your target, you should ensure that your eye is focused on the center of the dot.

The size of the dot should not be too small or big but must be such that it can be seen clearly and easily. While you may strain your eyes to focus on a very small dot, the bigger dot might appear blurry and may affect the accuracy of the aim.

3. Compatibility

You may experience some difficulties while trying to mount the red dot sight on the gun. This is because some units cannot be used with certain gun types. To make sure you get the best bang for your buck, find out if your gun is compatible with your preferred model before making the purchase.

4. Size, Weight & Durability

One of the most important things to consider when buying a red dot sight model is durability. It should maintain the speed, accuracy, and magnification of the aim irrespective of the duration of its use.

The size and weight of the red dot model should match with that of your gun. If the sight is too big or heavy, this will impact on your storage and the overall weight of the gun. You may have to look for a low profile option in such a scenario.

A good sight should allow you to hold the gun effectively without compromising on the accuracy of the focus.

5. Target Acquisition Speed

This is the speed at which the reticle can be adjusted after each successful shot. It becomes very handy when firing shots in quick succession. Unlike the iron sights, a red dot sight targets a lot faster.

6. Quick mount

This is the ease at which the red dot sight could be mounted on the gun or removed.

7. Housing configuration

The major housing configuration of a red dot sight includes the tube or the open styles. The tube style is the most preferred among shooters because it allows you to enhance its performance, especially in daylight by applying filters or covering to the lens.

The tube style is made of the see-through window and light source.

However, in open style configuration, there’s no provision for the use of filters to enhance the viewing experience.

8. Battery-free vs Electronic red dot

Battery-free sights are called reflex sights. They have no battery and as such does not have any electronic component or function. However, if the battery or any component in an electronic red dot sight fails, you may have to replace either of them before using it again.

Electronic sights are the most versatile as they’re equipped with various features like dot size and style adjustment, brightness settings, and night vision.

Battery-free models are illuminated by tritium which makes it extremely suitable for dim light conditions. Nevertheless, modern electronic models come equipped with night vision and other light settings that help to enhance visibility and performance.

You cannot adjust the light intensity of a reflex sight with respect to the lighting situation. It is obvious that you’ll rely on default ones more often when using a battery free model in dim light.

9. Auto shutoff

Electronic sights come with lasting battery life and this is further enhanced by the ability of the unit to shut off automatically when it’s not in use for a while. This comes very handy during combat situations, as you need to save your battery for emergencies.

10. Battery life

You should consider buying a red dot sight with good battery life.  A good red dot sight model can take up a thousand hours of usage before the battery begins to show signs for a replacement.

You’re the one who’ll be using it, therefore, you should spend some bucks to get one that will not give you any trouble with the battery.

11. Night vision

This is a special feature in the scope that helps you to see your targets clearly in the dark. It is very essential as it allows you to perform comfortably and accurately in any lighting condition.

12. Budget

Generally, red dot sights are inexpensive. However, those with high-end features will be more expensive. You should buy the one that suits your budget.

Note that ‘cheap’ does not necessarily mean poor quality nor ‘expensive’ implies good quality. You should go through several red dot sight reviews to have some idea about today’s market.

Why Do You Need a Red Dot Sight?

A red dot sight is a type of reflector which is placed on top of any shooting gun to give you a non-magnifying image of the target in the form of a red dot. This aiming tool is designed to emit a red LED that aligns the target and the weapon irrespective of the position of your eye.

They are easy to use and can be applied in the military, police, target shootings, and hunting. In addition to its use in target shootings, it can be applied to cameras and telescopes.

For cameras, it helps you to take shots of fast-moving objects with ease. Also, they can take pictures of flying aircraft or birds and other distant objects. The fact that a telescope has a narrow point of view makes the application of a red dot sight highly beneficial.

Additionally, it performs at very high-speed precision unlike conventional counterparts like those of AR-15.  It’s also affordable, safer, and easy to carry, thanks to its low weight.

Tips on set-up

You can make the most out of your sight if you know how to use it. You should go through the standard procedures for setting up before you can commence the shooting. A night vision monocular works great with the association of a red dot sight.  If you want the only shot, you’d take it to be the shot that matters, then your sight must be mounted accurately such that it aligns with your bullet completely.

Where to place the sight?

• The sight should not be mounted too close to the rifle’s butt to avoid situations that you may be uncomfortable or unable to be aware of your surroundings.
• It should not be placed too forward to avoid situations where you cannot view the sight at a glance.
• For optimal performance, you should only place the sight at the forward portion of the receiver. You’ll enjoy a good vision in this position because of the ease with which you’ll make the sight while you stay aware of the environment.

Maintenance tips

• Check if the zero location is at an accurate position by setting a target at a distance of 25 meters and then center the dot, fire the shot and inspect the point of impact. You’ll then adjust the sight and fire a second shot to ascertain the zero position.
• Be confident and practice periodically.
• Stay focused on the target and ensure that there’s no obstruction on the path.
• Lower the rifle to see the target and then raise the sight to focus on the aim.
• Keep your eyes glued to the sight to see the red dot.

FAQs

Q: What is a red dot sight good for?

Ans: The ease of use and fast accusation of the target are what red dot sights are acclaimed for. These sites are popular for hunting, target shooting, military, and police applications.

Q: What red dot sight does the military use?

Ans: The red dot sight has been developed to today’s precision and advancement by Aimpoint, the most recognized global leader for the red dot technology. For the combined accuracy and speed, red dot sights by Aimpoint® are widely used by the military.

Q: How far can a red dot sight work?

Ans: Red dots are usually designed for close to medium range combats. On average, a standard red dot sight can work up to 100 yards unless you use any magnification.

Q: Can you see a red dot sight at night?

Ans: Well, not all red dot sight is devices to see at night, although many models are exclusively designed for night time use. Still, you can use a night vision optic to pair with your night vision compatible red dot sight.

Q: Do red dot sights use lasers?

Ans: No. Although some models might incorporate lasers into their system. But it has nothing to do with the functionality. It is usually used as a guide for the shooter, enabling the user to aim better.

Final Words

Since we don’t want you to miss out on the leading red dot sight manufacturers, here are some more brands and their popular models: Airsoft, NcStar (known for their folding mini model Flip Dot), and EOTECH.

Hopefully, this buyer’s guide will prepare you to shop for the best red dot sight model that suits your preference. Using this exclusive tool will provide you with the opportunity to shoot without missing and you’ll become a happier and satisfied shooter.

However, buying a top red dot sight may be confusing especially if you’re not familiar with the outstanding features that you’ll require. Some of the features you’ll consider are the MOA rating, brightness level, ease of mounting and removal, battery life, versatility, and much more.

We are confident that this buying guide will provide you with the necessary details you’ll need to become a great shooter. So, get on, shop for the product that matches your choice.