For the first experiencing people and also, for anyone, red dot shooting is very overwhelming that has brought revolutionary changing for many types of hunting. At the time of aiming, a red dot sight is one of the essential accessories that will help you for shooting accurately, especially for the people who use a gun for target practice or hunting. Because of, super quick target acquisition, there’s nothing can beat the red dot sight and it is trendy for targeting at the line up without missing. So, when you want to purchase any shooting related accessories, you need to evaluate correctly in the course of buying red dot sight.
At this point of view, when you want to purchase the red dot sight from the market, this article is very important for you. As in this article will go over the discussion in details about the top 10 red dot sight in the market. Let’s have a look to definite the best red dot sight for your gun that suits your requirements and budget.
What is Red Dot Sight
It is a general term not precisely a specific type of sight.
Type of non-magnifying reflector sight for firearms that require fixed aiming, which gives the shooter an aim point in the form of an illuminated red dot is called a red dot sight.
A red dot is electronic weapon optics, the aiming mechanism that uses a simple reticle with a gun to do a perfect targeting. With the use of red dot sight, shooting is simple for any shooter.
Types of Red Dot Sight
There is no doubt, with the use of red dot; target shooters can fix their target correctly with a different kind of red dot. Just point and shoot, red dot sights work excellently without eye relieving. In the market, there are only three types of red dot sight:
- Reflex sight
- Holographic
- Laser sight
Though each class has a bit of difference, most of the people commonly thought of an exposed reflex sight.
Reflex Sight
With the use of the lens, Reflex sight works like a mirror. It is the very common sight of red dot sights. The point of targeting that is projected forward onto a lens, and it reflects back and allows the users to see the red dot. It refers to as an exposed reflex sight which looks very different than another sight.
There is only a small, clear window, and no tube-shaped sight that’s why users can see the view clearly at the time of aiming point on. Tube shape is another type of reflex sight that has two different lenses. Eye relief is the most significant benefit of this type of reflex sight that means users can use both eyes open easily for acquiring target while handling guns.
Instead of battery-powered beam light, it could use tritium. For different weapons uses, like home defense, hunting or tactical uses or any type of shooting, this type of sight is excellent. The reflex sight is available for battery-free use and cheaper than a laser sight.
Holographic
This one is not so common like reflex or laser sight. Here, uses a laser transmitted hologram reticle. With the use of holographic sight, the reticle is always spot on the target even you move it or gun left or right. Though, it has a small reticle, with both open eyes shooters can require target accurately.
For the competitor, while haunting or just practicing, or needed fire shots repeatedly, users can choose it undoubtedly. There is another crucial feature of increasing field of view for that reason it is a popular choice of competition shooters. But the important think you need to understand properly before buying it such as the various technical terms and components of it.
Laser Sight
A laser sight having elevation adjustments that can zero the laser with the firearm and it is designed absolutely a laser pointer to control the firearm recoil. It needs to make the round trip from the gun to the target and back.
Its visibility will be affected by the distance, brightness of the daylight and also atmospheric conditions. There is no problem of shooting with it during at indoor, but at outside it can be weakened. The great benefits of it, by falling the dot on objects, it is easier to point out the objects.
The Top 10 Best Red Dot Sight
When looking for the top ten red dot sight, it’s easy for you with a list of the best ones that give you all of the specifics to help you make the best choice for your requirements. Here are the best 10 red dot sights comparison in details.
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 – Best Budget Red Dot
- Matte black featuring a 3 MOA Dot reticle with 11 brightness settings; Mounts easily on most picatinny rails and is compatible with pistols, shotguns, rifles and muzzleloaders.Adjustment Range : 70+ MOA
- Waterproof construction: O ring sealed optics stay dry inside, even when totally immersed in water. Parallax - 50
- Shockproof construction: Built to withstand bumps, bangs, drops and the rough and tumble environment of the field
- Nitrogen purged fog proofing: Nitrogen inside the scope ensures interior optical surfaces won’t fog due to humidity or rapid temperature change
Very easy to operate, great sight, the field of vision clear and bright illumination, these all are about the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25. It does its job simply with a high performance, and reasonable cost that mounts easily and also the sighting has not any problem.
This red dot sight is very helpful for the beginners to be advanced shooters. With bright amber lens and multicoated optics, shooters may not have any problem for quick target acquisition and perfect shooting in any weather conditions. Even, it gives the hunters a bright viewing experience in low light conditions.
In Bushnell, there is zoom dot function that lets you fine-tune the target point. For the parallax free design, shooters can move his eyes easily and can shoot with both eyes open and the range of adjustment of 70 inches at 100 yards gets you the exact view of the object.
It provides the highest quality, high-performance optics, and most reliable products that enhance the enjoyment of every shooting like fishing, hunting, birding, etc. This is a best red dot sight for ar 15.
The very important features in this Bushnell TRS-25 Red Dot, it is 100-percent waterproof, and the scope is rust proof. If you use a high-quality battery that will last a year.
Pros
- Easy target acquisition in any condition.
- For training situation, the quality work excellent.
- With the red dot scope, the target hitting very simple.
- Zeroing in on a target.
- Great affordability without delivering cheap construction.
Cons
- At the situation of indoors, the red dot will appear blurry with artificial light.
- If the red dot far away from the center, the dot may go off target.
- There is not included night vision.
Sig Sauer Romeo 5 – Top Red Dot Sights
- ROMEO5 GUN SIGHT - The ROMEO5 1X20mm Red Dot Sight mounts on any platform, and even though it's small, it's tough; The solid, lightweight aluminum design gives peak performance & years of service, so you can be on the top of a hunt or shooting competition
- 2 MOA RED-DOT - For those avid shooters who admire classic red dot reticles on their gun sights, the ROMEO5 has 2-MOA Red-Dot, which is also adjustable; It provides 10 illumination settings (8 daylight plus 2 NV) for visibility in all light conditions
- MOTAC TECH - The versatile ROMEO5 red dot sight features our Motion Activated Illumination technology; It is developed to increase battery life by shutting down the system when not in use and instantly activating it by the slightest vibration/movement
- VERSATILE MOUNT - This gun sight comes with an integrated Picatinny mount & provides industry-standard mounting options for a wide range of applications; Also M1913 Picatinny low mount riser & a co-witness 1.41" riser mount guarantees great compatibility
- WEATHER RESISTANT - The dependable IPX-7 waterproof and fogproof construction of the ROMEO5 delivers non-stop hunting whatever the weather; Unlimited eye relief allows you to acquire the aiming point and the target regardless of the position of your eye
With its excellent feature motion activated illumination, this red dot sight increases the long lasting of battery life by shutting down during it does not use and automatically it activates when it requires.
For its ultra-wide broadband, anti-reflection coating lens, it can reduce the surface of reflections from the lower level and all sight can visible efficiently providing the system of superior light movement.
From any platform, the Sig Sauer SOR52001 can mount, and for its authentic aluminum design that will give you the highest achievement since the rapid target accurately in all light conditions with ten illumination settings.
It is an excellent option for the military people and professionals also for its optimal operation safety.
Pros
- Great features, easy to use and mount.
- Visibility in all light conditions.
- At a value price, it’s a superior product.
- Allowing quick battery replacement.
- Waterproof and fog proof performance.
Cons
- It has a problem with its holding zero.
Trijicon RMR Type 2 – Best Red Dot Sight for Pistols
- 3.25 MOA ADJUSTABLE LED RMR: Features an automatic brightness mode and easy push buttons for eight adjustable brightness settings including 2 nv and 1 Super bright
- DEPENDABLE ELECTRONIC DESIGN: Ruggedized Battery contacts and electronics ensure performance and survivability in harsh environments
- UNIQUE PATENTED HOUSING SHAPE: Military-grade aluminum alloy forged housing shape diverts force of impact away from the lens, greatly increasing its durability
- BATTERY CONSERVATION MODE: Automatically adjusts aiming dot to ambient lighting conditions after 16.5 hours. Battery Life- Over 4 years of continuous use (When used at 70ºF (21ºC))at setting 4 of 8. Extreme temperatures (high or low) will affect lithium battery performance
- BUTTON LOCKOUT: Sets RMR into automatic mode to prevent accidental adjustments. The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is tougher than any alternative and suitable for military, law enforcement and hunting applications
Because of its unique body shape, Trijicon RMR 6.5 MOA Adjustable LED Red Dot Sight is outstanding which is overtly patented. For this shape, if something does happen, unfortunately, it will not impact on the most important part of the unit.
With the use of red dot sight, during practical purposes, you can use both eyes open that will give you rapid target locking, even in bad condition when you need to move quickly from one place to another place like indoors to outdoors.
For its durability and lightweight, the aluminum is used in its devices body. Including one super bright and two-night vision, RMR adjustable LED is an excellent choice for anyone, and it works automatically brightness modes that control for eight adjustable settings. Without using any special tools, it is adjustable easily 1 MOA per click, and shooters can use manual attached when they fall in problem during shooting.
For target practice and self-defense purposes, it is suitable with a true color multicoated lens that has the changeability in the color of the target area.
Pros
- Auto brightness mode.
- Works extremely well in any light conditions.
- At 100 yards, the field view and eye relief are unlimited.
- CR2032 lithium battery that powers the LED sight very well.
Cons
- 1x magnification, which is normal.
- Battery affected by extreme temperatures.
Sightmark Ultra Shot Plus – Extremely budget Friendly Red Dot (Under $100)
- Up to 1,000 hours of battery life
- Adjustable quick-detach weaver mount
- Cast aluminum alloy housing with protective shield
- Red and green reticle illumination and multiple reticles
- Unlimited eye relief
In any lighting condition, with an illuminated four patterns reticles in either red or green and five brightness settings, Sightmark SM26008 Ultra Shot Plus Red Dot Sight is a great model for close-range, quick, accurate target shoot.
The reticle adjustment is easy to click, the quality of red dot sight and brightness is very good for daylight or indoor shooting.
When other accessories and iron sights are used, shooters can mount it easily and securely and can remount it without any changes. Just by press a button, it is easy to turn on and off.
For durable, there is included a protective aluminum shield hood, and it is popular for its limited lifetime warranty.
With the use of both eyes open, shooters while shooting can pick up the reticle rapidly and its lightweight sight that provides a wide field of view. The double pane lens helps to eliminate parallax, which is a very helpful and common feature among red dot scopes. It runs by a common the CR2 battery which is used continuously for up to 2000 hours.
Pros
- Adjustable quick and easy detach mount system.
- The settings of brightness are variable.
- Eye relief is infinite.
- Worthy digital switch control.
Cons
- There is no night vision mode.
- It’s not fully waterproof.
- Not last long batteries.
Vortex Optics Crossfire 2 MOA Red Dot – Best for AR Sight
- The super-light, ultra compact, insanely-fast-on-target Crossfire Red Dot was designed for close-range and general shooting.
- The daylight-bright, 2-MOA dot, is easy to acquire and promotes rapid engagement of targets, yet is fine enough to more precisely engage targets at distance. 11 intensity levels of brightness let shooters cater the dot intensity to the situation at hand.
- Skeletonized mount offers two height options (Low and Lower 1/3 Co-Witness) – lending its functionality to rifles, shotguns, and pistols.
- Fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission during low light situations. Unlimited eye relief makes for quick target acquisition.
- A shockproof aluminum body displays extreme durability. Nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed, the Crossfire Red Dot delivers waterproof performance.
The Vortex Crossfire red dot sight is a well built with great features at a good price. It is a fully multi-coated lens. It is one of the most affordable dots in the market.
During low light conditions, it increases light transmission as well as infinite eye relief for quick target acquisition. At medium brightness settings, the battery life of this sight can operate for approximately 7000 hours. With its super light, fast on target, and ultra-compact, it is designed for close in work and general shooting with the features an amazing 2 MOA dot and 11 levels of brightness that ennobles rapid targets at a distance.
Its skeletonized mount offers two mounting height options (Low and Lower 1/3 Co-Witness). For its shockproof aluminum body display, it is extremely durable that is top of the line. With O-ring seals and nitrogen purged, it offers waterproof performance. It is also parallax free which maintains critical situational awareness in high stress.
Pros
- Highly reliable quality.
- Multi-coated lens.
- Unlimited eye relief.
- Waterproof and shockproof.
Cons
- Brightness dial turns one way.
- Some shooters might fall a difficulty in the specific eye relief.
Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optic – Budget Price on an Premium Product
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Aimpoint Patrol Rifle offers a lot of features that are compared with the feature of traditional rifle optic models. The superb design of the Aimpoint Patrol Rifle assures that it is a powerful and great device and its red dot sight which is always on is ideal for the prominent group of current and former professional people.
It will impress the shooters by using 30 mm hard anodized tube with lofty proficiency circuit which keeps turned on and left on continuously for at least three years by using a single battery.
With an effective front lens, this sight allows being useful at dark and night settings. With the use of rail grabber mount, it mounts easily and perfect for use with flat top AR15, M16 Rifles and, M4 carbine. PRO optics front and rear lens covers will protect the valuable optics.
For the emergency combat situations, the transparent rear flip cover allows the use of the sight with both eyes open and even with the cover in place. Its two minute of angle red dot is important for target possible hit accurately at various distances.
Any serious shooters, who need accurate optics and excellent quality, especially for law enforcement units, it is very much helpful for them to have a fully functional rifle. The Aimpoint pro, it can operate in temperatures between -49°F to 160°F and it has a waterproof rating of up to 150 feet. Professional shooters can use it for about two years and ten years warranty applicable for personal use.
Pros
- For Far or close Emergency shooting, it is best.
- No need to replace battery several times.
- It comes with a mount with an excellent lens.
- The optic is truly energy saver.
Cons
- It’s knob is too large in size.
- The optics lens cover cannot be removable.
- Body size is quite thick.
HOLOSUN HS510C – Grade Price Mini Red Dot Sight
- Automatic on and off based on motion, 2 moa dot & 65 moa circle
- Reduced training time and ammunition
- Durable and reliable construction
- Low mount and 1/3 co-witness mount included
Holosun HS510C is one of the top optics brands in the world with its high-quality build process and appearances which is powered by advance super solar and LED technology (2MOA dot/65MOA ring reticle) with an incredible battery backup up to 5 years.
It is multiple reticle red dot sight that is designed by streamlined housing with an open frame for a broad sight picture and minimized the vision when looks obscure. It is also parallax free optical design, helps the users boost their accuracy and acquire the target quickly while counts every shot.
With a protective titanium alloy hood, Holosun 510C is durable enough and waterproof. It works incredibly well in low light and bright sun conditions as it has three reticle options. If anyone looking for a good alternative to an Eotech, this sight is great.
Pros
- Very clear sight images.
- Well-constructed mount.
- 3 reticles.
- Easy mounting and removal Red Dot.
- Unlimited field view.
Cons
- The problem in control location.
- Unable to adjust brightness sometimes.
Primary Arms Advanced Micro Dot – Micro Red Dot Sight
- Approx. 1,000-hour battery life at medium setting, Daylight Bright illumination, Uses one CR2032 battery (included)
- Includes removable Picatinny rail mount & Bikini lens cover
- Compatible with standard micro mounts and gives stated co-witness
- Crisp 2 MOA red dot
- Fully multi-coated anti-reflective lenses
Primary Arms Micro Red Dot Sight is a non-magnifying red dot style optic that can be mounted on different styles of firearms with varying heights.
At night vision settings, brightness is broadly adjustable and very consistent with any standard micro mount system.
For the new shooters, this one is a key choice because of its light weight and affordability.
At 100 yards, with the use of 2 MOA advanced micro red dot works excellently that covers 2 inches target. For its clarity and brightest light, it works perfectly in any weather conditions.
With the use of a CR2032 battery, eleven brightness settings, it is reliable in any situation and gives the users up to 50,000 hours of battery life.
This sight is fully multicoated lenses that ensure the lucid picture. Users can use the sight on several shotguns and rifles with its great features and benefits.
Pros
- Trustworthy battery life.
- The reticle size is perfect.
- With the rail system, it mounts anywhere.
- Ultra-light in weight.
- Lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Effect on a larger portion of the target.
- Not rated for extreme use.
AT3 LEOS – Integrated Laser & Riser Red Dot
- ACCURATE - Crisp 2 MOA Red Dot and Brilliant Green Laser Sight provide precise performance when speed matters
- VERSATILE - Use either the Dot, the Laser, or use both at the same time, each with their own adjustable windage and elevation
- RELIABLE - Shockproof with testing up to 800 G's to ensure that the sight can handle any recoil
- LONG LASTING - Up to 50,000 hours of battery life for the Red Dot, and up to 40 hours of continuous use with the Red Laser Sight
- INSIDE THE BOX - Red Dot Sight, CR123A Battery, Instruction Sheet, Lens Cloth
AT3 LEOS RED Dot Sight, from the point of view, looking is decent optic with both a red laser and 2MOA red dot. With 2MOA red dot and six brightness settings, shooters can shoot accurately with both eyes open. There is no problem at all mounting and sighting as it comes with riser mount housing at optimal eye level.
Because of its brilliant red laser, it enables rapid targeting, and this one is ideal for home defense, tactical and law enforcement, haunting and any type of shooting where magnification is not required.
This product provides crystal clear fog proof multicoated optics that defends from different scratches, and it gives clarity in all situations.
It uses a CR123A battery and its battery life approximately 50k hours on lowest brightness settings. Without removing the AT3 LEOS entirely, users have a way to regress to iron sights during battery dies.
This is durable and fully waterproof 6062 aluminum housing with nitrogen purged optics. It’s another important feature, at the time of lower third glass view, users might able to co-witness with iron sight nicely with no issue.
Pros
- Brilliant red targeting laser.
- Extra-long battery life.
- Fully waterproof.
- Easy to zero.
- On a gray day, easy to see the laser at 25 yards.
Cons
- The durability of this sight affected by its recoiling of the rifle.
Pinty Red Green Reflex Rifle Scope Dot Sight
- Dual Color for Night & Day: This reflex sight by Pinty offers both a red dot reticle and a green one, both in 4 patterns with stepless brightness adjustment, to work in bright or dim lighting; enjoy a wide field of view in any setting with our tubeless design and 33 mm lens aperture
- Master Every Shot: Our red and green dot sight's 3 MOA dot size and unlimited eye relief ensure accurate close and midrange targeting ideal for home defense, hunting, plinking, airsoft, paintball, crossbow, and any competitive shooting
- User-Friendly for Every Shooter: Adjust windage and elevation with the stepless dials; slot on & off to any firearm with a 20mm Weaver or Picatinny rail; and enjoy immediate use with the included CR2032 battery
- Tough Build, Feather Weight: This rifle sight's aircraft grade aluminum construction with tightly sealed housing resists shock, wear, tear, and corrosion at a lightweight 0.16 kg
- All-Weather Clarity: The carefully ground lenses are fully multicoated to remain scratch resistant and crystal clear regardless of rain, fog, and other conditions
Pinty Red Green Reflex Rifle Scope Dot Sight thas clear optics and in the broad field of view, it does not pervert. For the shooters, it is an excellent choice of reticles also.
In light and dark situations, the reticles work very well. With the E/D sight, suitable for quick firing and there is unlimited eye relief.
Besides, it holds its zero so far correctly, no need to re-zero.
Moreover, it appears so good on account of its solid construction which is constructed with two colors modes and four reticles. This sight is adequately bright and adjustable sight with great features of ultra-light as well as waterproof, shockproof.
Pros
- At 50 yard, the sight works precisely.
- There is no issue of battery life.
- Light strength works greatly.
Cons
- It will not mount with 3mm allen wrench.
- At times, the operated device of the battery keeps a spare on.
How does a Red Dot Sight Work?
It can be quite complicated to explain how a red dot sight functions. Basically, a laser diode or an LED creates the reticle which is then projected or reflected through the sight and into the shooters line of sight. This enables the shooter or hunter to accurately line up the target and take it down!
Reticles come in all shapes and sizes, but the most common sizes range from 1-5 MOA Aimpoints.
What does MOA Stand for in Shooting?
Without being overly technical, it stands for “minute of angle“. Regarding red dot sights, it is a measure of how accurate the sight is. The higher the MOA, the more accurate the red dot sight will be.
What Features does the Red Dot Sight Have?
Nearly every red dot sight produced nowadays has the same features, but quality and precision do vary. But in saying that, there are a few points you should consider before buying a sight. The best red dot sight will have these points while not breaking the bank!
Type of Projection:
As I mentioned above, red dot sight provides a catch-all term for all sights such as reflex and holographic sights.
A reflex sight is where the objective lens functions as a mirror which reflects light from the source of light (typically an LED) behind the lens into the eye of the shooter. How does it do this? Well, the reflex sight only reflects the light of the LED’s wavelength which enables all other wavelengths to be ignored. Pretty neat aye!
On the other hand, a holographic sight differs by the fact that it is illuminated from in front instead of behind the lens and shines the diode light through the window and thus lighting a holographic reticle. These type of sights usually are quite a high end and expensive so that I would recommend a reflex sight.
Open Versus Tube:
When it comes to the area of “housing configurations“, there are principally two different alternatives you can choose, namely “open” and “tube”.
Open sights are often dubbed “mini red dot sights“. They function by eliminating out all elements apart from the important objective window and source of light. Because of this, the open style of housing configuration has a smaller profile than a tubed style. The downside is that it doesn’t allow filters.
The tubed style looks very similar indeed to conventional scopes as it presents itself in a tube which houses all the components of the sight. This style allows filters which are something an open sight cannot do. The tubed style allows the sight to be operated in very bright conditions as it acts as a shadow.
Style of Reticle:
What is a reticle? Well, this is the small red dot which appears in sight. The reticle corresponds to the aim point of the shot that is about to be taken. The reticle is always illuminated, so it is easy to spot and ranges between three and five minutes of angle in the center of the field of view. The reticle isn’t always red – you can get green and blue as well as other colors.
The shape of the reticle can also vary. The reticle could be a dot or even crosshairs. But the best reticle for a red dot sight varies depending on what shooting situation you are in. My preferred reticle shape is the simple red dot. The best red dot sights will allow you to change the shape and color of the reticle, so make sure the sight you purchase contains this feature.
Rattery Life of the Sight:
This is an important feature of any sight. Lighting and illuminating a reticle for an extended period can be very power hungry, so it is vitally important you choose a red dot sight which offers an extended battery life for maximum performance! But LED’s which are used nowadays are quite energy efficient and red dot sights which use LED’s often have a battery life of 1000 hours.
There is a difference in energy usage between a reflex and holographic sight. Holographic sights often require more frequent battery changes than a reflex sight since they use more power. Some sights don’t use batteries and instead use more modern fiber optics or even capsules of tritium for energy. This is used in sights such as ACOGs.
Advantages of Red Dot Sight
Quick Visual Target Acquisition
With a red dot sight, when shooting or any type of firearm, it gives your target to locate very quickly and accurately than with iron sights or magnified optics. There is no need to take time more to hit the target.
Decreased Parallax
This is another great advantage of a red dot sight. It means when shooters move his head around, it still points on the target and gives more freedom in position.
Good Visibility During Nighttime
With the use of illuminated dot that can help the shooters to identify the objects easily even at the time of night in low light conditions. The use of a red dot removes the need for iron sights visualization, and it works well and even visible in the entire darkest environment.
Easier to Use the Visually Impaired
Who have poor eyesight especially as you get older; it is much harder to them to focus the target easily at distance level but the use of a red dot sight, it provides for them a highly visible, accessible to see and aiming point.
Unlimited Eye Relief
Eye relief, it is one kind of requirement to see the full picture at different distances from the rear lens. It is a matter of question how far away the eye of shooters from the sight. By using a red dot, shooters eye relief is unlimited which is a significant advantage for the shooters for aiming target.
Wide Field of View
Red dot sight that has a wider field of view and it allows shooting from a greater distance.
Great Options that You need to Choose for Red Dot Sight
The tips are important for you while choosing the perfect red dot when you purchase it. Here are some tips for you.
- The size and weight of a red dot sight need to be appropriate and compatible with the gun where it is stored. So before buying a red dot sight, it is essential to make sure that its size and weight comfortable with the gun.
- Some sights are designed for certain types of weapons, so, another important tip for buying a red dot, it needs to compatible with the gun you own or is looking to own.
- Don’t focus more to higher price before buying it, because higher price means not better quality. So, the required features that you need are more essential.
- Mounting the sight to the gun exactly is the most important tip because if the sight is not adjusted perfectly, your aim will be off.
Conclusion
Red dots are amazing little optics for aiming accurately for the users for their own purposes. Before buying it, users should follow the multiple features and it is equipped with all the right features for the shooters for haunting or target shooting.