Red Dot Sights

Show

Sort by

With any type of rifle, a red dot sight will improve your shooting. The optic lowers abilities like sight alignment and sight image to just pointing a dot at a target more than 500 yards away, which is often red but can also be green or gold on occasion (457 meters). This distance works well for many shooters. There are models available, though, that are smaller than the palm of your hand and weigh less than an ounce for individuals who want to get closer.

These tiny optics work well up to 100 yards (91 meters) but become increasingly difficult to use as the range increases. For example, if you’re shooting from a prone position or across a room, you’ll need a tripod-mounted optic that can withstand bumps and dings while providing just the right amount of magnification to see clearly. The best red dots sights have features that make them easy to use and set up, durable, adjustable, and in some cases, even portable. Keep reading to learn what these features are and check out our picks below for the best red dot sights available right now.

What To Consider When Choosing The Best Red Dot Sights

When shopping for a new red dot sight, there are several factors worth considering. The following section looks at these in detail.

Intended Use

Before deciding on which model might work best, think about how you intend to use it and what features would help make that experience better.

Long-range shooting: This type of shooting involves firing a gun beyond the normal range of its pull stroke. Long-range shooters need sights with large fields of vision so they can see where their shots will land before pulling the trigger.
Short-range shooting: Short-range shooting happens within 100 yards or so. You don’t want to miss your target when you’re this close, so having a high-quality sight that can pinpoint your location is important.
Tactical shooting: This type of shooting may occur anywhere from 50 feet to 300+ feet. While you may not be taking down an enemy with every shot, being able to accurately estimate distance, time, and wind speed could mean the difference between life or death. For this reason, tactical shooters tend to prefer sights with adjustable focus and magnification as well as lights that illuminate the area around the target.

Adjustability

One of the key advantages of a red dot sight is its ability to adjust focus and magnification without needing to move the unit away from zero (0). Most models have adjustments located on either side of the lens, allowing users to switch between them while looking through the scope.

By adjusting the focal length, the user is able to change the size of the image that appears in the sight. The distance between the scope’s eyepiece and the item being observed is determined by the focal length. Objects that are nearer to the eye appear larger than those that are farther away. You can reduce the apparent size of distant objects by extending the focal length. On the other hand, increasing the focus length enlarges surrounding objects. Most sights have a slider at the top of the sight that can be used to modify the power level. Higher power correlates to brighter lighting, and less power is similar to a dull light.

Image Quality

The clarity of an optical sight depends largely on the quality of the lenses used in its construction. High-end optics usually boast stronger glass and more durable coatings than lower-cost options. These improvements result in clearer images with less distortion and glare. However, even low-cost red dots still offer a fairly decent view of the world around you. They aren’t intended to replace your actual eyesight but rather to provide a second opinion. If you find yourself struggling to pass a driving test because the lines on the road look like snakes writhing across the pavement, then maybe it’s time to invest in some glasses that actually improve your vision.

Battery Life

If you plan on using your red dot sight extensively, then buying a battery that lasts longer than the ones included with each purchase might be a good idea. After all, if you run out of juice mid-fight, then you’ll likely have to put up with reduced visibility and possibly even disconnecting the device completely. Fortunately, most manufacturers include batteries with their products. However, the kind of usage has a lot to do with how long those batteries will last. If you only use it for short distances, then a small set of disposable batteries should suffice. But if you plan on using it for both long and short ranges, then investing in a spare pack of rechargeable batteries might be a better option.

Reticle Size

Contrary to popular belief, the size of the red dot itself is very important. Because a smaller reticle covers less space, the shot is more accurate to the target and is therefore perfect for taking accurate shots at greater distances. Keep in mind that a tiny red dot will usually be more difficult to spot, especially in broad daylight. Although a larger reticle is much simpler to see for novice shooters, it can block the target vision at a greater distance. Consider it in terms of inches as opposed to yards as a general rule of thumb. An ideal red dot, for instance, has a diameter of 1 inch at 100 yards, 2 inches at 200 yards, and so on. When selecting the reticle size, make sure to take into account the kinds of shots you’ll be taking and their distance.

Types Of Red Dot Sights

Red dots come in a variety of styles and sizes. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into before making your purchase.

Miniature

Miniature sights are small. Miniature sights typically have a reticle that is at least 1/4th the size of an actual bullet hole. They can be used with pistols or rifles, but they are most commonly associated with handguns because their small size makes them very light and easy to carry around all day long. Their main advantage is their extremely low weight, which allows for quicker reloading and faster shooting. The disadvantage of miniature sights is their lack of versatility. Because they are so small, they cannot be used with magnifiers or night vision devices.

Compact

Compact sights are larger than miniature sights, but not as big as full-sized sights. Compact sights are best suited for those who will be using their gear mostly indoors, such as at a range where targets are provided or while hunting game animals that aren’t frequently seen from a distance. This style of sight is also great for law enforcement officers who may only need to shoot once every few months, as opposed to being out on patrol daily. The compact design is also beneficial when carrying a firearm due to the added weight.

One of the advantages of this type of sight is its affordability. Many companies offer affordable options that weigh less than an apple. Another advantage is its compatibility with magnifiers and night vision optics. These types of sights work well with magnifiers and thermal imaging devices.

Full-sized

Full-sized sights are the largest category of red dot sights. Full-sized sights are usually designed for precision shooting at distances, such as at ranges where paper targets are provided. They are heavy and bulky compared to other kinds of sights, but many shooters find the increased accuracy worth the tradeoff.

These types of sights are often expensive, but there are some lower cost alternatives available now that still provide excellent quality. Some manufacturers do include free batteries with their sights, so keep your eyes peeled for that kind of deal.

How We Chose Our Top Picks

We started by searching for the best value in each category. Value is determined by price point, features, and accessories. To find our top picks for the best red dot sights, we looked at all of the most popular options on Amazon, professional publications, and other online retailers. The majority of these are sold through retail channels – not drop-shippers or third-party vendors.

The good news is that there are some trustworthy businesses producing high-quality products. There is no justification for purchasing anything other than name-brand optics from reputable manufacturers. Having said that, we did give tiny manufacturers a modest advantage if they had a proven track record of success. Additionally, it is beneficial when their items have been put to the test by impartial reviewers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Dot Sights

How do I mount a red dot sight?

Follow the directions that the manufacturer has supplied. The majority of manufacturers provide thorough instructions for installing their lenses, some of which even contain photos.

Are there any drawbacks to using a red dot sight?

Drawing from personal experience, there are no inherent disadvantages to using a red dot sight. However, you should be aware that certain factors may affect your decision either positively or negatively when choosing between different types of optics.

Can anyone use a red dot sight?

Anyone can use a red dot sight. The only real requirement is that the user have sufficient skill level in the field of firearms handling to reliably operate the weapon safely while engaged in target practice or competition. Beyond that, it’s all about what works best for them.