If you use a gun for hunting or target practice, you probably know that having a best red dot sight is very crucial to hit the target accurately.
Red dot sight provides the much accuracy than a traditional iron sight, and it is the faster way to shoot your target without missing.
If you’re in a hurry, check out our top choice AIMPOINT PRO View at Amazon.
Peoples spend the lots of money on the expensive rifles, and they avoid to purchase the red dot sight. While a red dot sight is one of the most important accessories which help you to achieve proper accuracy.
Purchasing the best red dot sight is something different from the purchasing best binoculars. Because you not only care about the lenses but you have to think about other features like article size or illumination type.
Best Red Dot Sight
Nowadays, there are different types of red dot sight available in the market, but now question is that which one to choose? Because when we going to choose there are lots of factors that should be Considered.
But don’t worry, in this article, we will discuss the different types of best red dot sight, and you can select according to your requirements.
Before we started, take a quick look at our comparison table, which will provide you with some ideas about them, and after that, we will discuss every red dot sight in detail.
QUICK OVERVIEW:
Top Rated Red Dot Sight
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Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optic Editor’s Choice |
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View at Amazon |
| Vortex Optics Venom |
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View at Amazon |
| Sightmark SM14002 |
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View at Amazon |
| Trijicon RMR Type 2 |
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View at Amazon |
| Sig Sauer SOR52001 |
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View at Amazon |
| Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 |
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View at Amazon |
| DAGGER DEFENSE |
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View at Amazon |
| AT3 Tactical RD-50 |
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View at Amazon |
| Vortex Optics Sparc AR |
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View at Amazon |
| Burris 300234 Fastfire III |
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View at Amazon |
1. Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optic (Best Universal Reflex Sight)
The Aimpoint PRO is the most durable and rugged rifle optics which is mostly used by the military, law enforcement, and the armed citizen. Why we love this, and why we have put this on top of our list? Let’s find out.
As we said earlier, this device is the most reliable due to its waterproof and fog proofConstruction. Additionally, the anodize aluminum shockproof Construction makes it more loveable.
This red dot optics build with high-quality fully multicoated lenses, which provides unlimited eye relief to the shooters.
Like other Aimpoint optics, it also comes with1x magnification power, which allows you to use with both eye open. Moreover, both lenses are covered with a lid, which avoids damage.
The Aimpoint PRO provides 2 MOA reticle dot, so you can get maximum accuracy from all the distance and different type of environmental condition.
This Reflex Collimator sight remain always on and ready to use, you don’t need to be on or off, and this will run up to 3 years. This is the most interesting feature of this rifle sight.
This best red dot sight is compatible with almost all night-vision devices, cohorts, and Aimpoint 3X Magnifier. Moreover, the Aimpoint has provided 6 brightness adjustment settings, that will come handy to change according to the environment.
According to the manufacturer, this high-quality red dot optics is parallax free, so it doesn’t require centering.
Whether you are a professional hunter or a sports person, there is no space for missing the target. The most important role in this scenario is the better vision, these sights help you to achieve your goal and help you to shoot without missing the target.
As you probably know Aimpoint is the leader in the market, they have been offering high-quality optics and the best red dot sight at the affordable price.
If you are looking for professional or self-defense optics this reflex sight is the highly recommended best red dot sight.
Moreover, this optics is not only recommended by me but also there are many users who used it before and they describe it as the most valuable product in the market.
View at Amazon
Pros
- High-quality optics
- Compatible with most of magnifier and night vision
- Fully multi-coated lens
- 3 Year battery backup time
- Always ready – always on
- Parallax free
- Can shoot without removing the cover in an emergency
- Professional quality high accuracy
- 2 MOA reticle
- Unlimited eye relief
- Large tube to make your acquisition easier
- Fully waterproof and fog proof
- Broad compatibility
- Durable shockproof body
Cons
- The knob is huge but not a major problem
- Somewhat heavy
2. Vortex Optics Venom (Red Dot Sight with Ambient Light Sensor)
The Vortex Venom is a tiny reflex red dot sight that comes with 3 MOA dot reticles. And it is also available in 6 MOA version. Honestly, this small red dot sight looks like other ordinary rivals, but I want to tell you there are some extra features that make it different from other.
First of all, the Vortex Venom is designed like that, you can change the battery without removing it’s from the mount. And the battery compartment has covered with a slot which is very easy to open.
This red dot sight offers auto brightness adjustment features, which can change the brightness of the spot according to the outer area brightness. But there is a problem when you shot from the dark area to the brightness environment.
The problem is that its sensor works according to the brightness level of near the gun, and resultant the brightness of reticle become down. So, you may feel the problem with that. But, don’t worry Venom has equipped this device with manual brightness control, so there will no problem regarding the brightness.
However, I this auto-brightness feature works really well in both condition and reticle visible very clearly. And the most interesting thing is that when you turn on this device again, then the brightness level will remain same.
Moreover, this Venom Vortex red dot sight is waterproof, and its rugged Construction makes it shockproof also. It means you can use this sight in any weather condition, this is really impressive.
Now let’s moves to the next important point that is the battery, Vortex claims that the backup of this CR1632 battery is about nearly 150-30,000 hours. Personally, I think that is low because at the highest intensity you are getting only 150 hours running time.
Vortex also claimed that this reflex sight is parallax free. But as you know no one can make any sight parallax free. However, I did not find any problem regarding this red dot sight’s optics.
The bottom line is that the Vortex Venom red dot sight offers perfect accuracy, durable shockproof and waterproof design, and long-lasting battery life, and they can be comfortably fit with your rifle or shotgun.
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Pros
- Good-quality optics
- Fully multi-coated lens
- 30,000 hours battery backup
- Parallax free
- Ambient light sensor, automatic brightness adjustments
- 3 MOA reticle
- Unlimited eye relief
- Light weighted
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Rifle or shotgun compatible
- Durable shockproof aluminum body
Cons
- Battery backup could be better
3. Sightmark Ultra Shot Pro (Budget Reflext Dot Sight)
Sightmark is mostly known for their affordable price optics for weapons. Firstly, I want to tell you these optics are not for professional shooters or who are looking for the high-end sight.
These red dot sights are for average or beginner shooters.
Trust me you will not regret after buying them. However, there are lots of high-quality red dot sight available on the market, but as a beginner, these are recommended.
The Sightmark Ultra Shot Pro offers 5 pattern reticle and the field of view is 35 m@100m. As a durability concern, this reflex sight is waterproof as well as shockproof too. And, the aluminum body makes its more reliable and protect its lenses.
When we talk about the battery backup of this red dot sight, which is powered with CR1632, can provide you 25-180 hours backup. Honestly, this backup time is not too good, but keeping the price in mind this is justified.
Moreover, this reflex red dot sight features double-pane glass lens system, which eliminates the parallax effect, but it is not quite as good as other high-end optics. The lenses are coated with an antireflection red coating, which makes the vision clearer via avoid reflecting more light.
As we mentioned above, this red dot sight should be avoided by the competitive shooter, professional hunter.
If you are a beginner shooter, hunter or you just want to try out red dot sight for the first time without spending too much money. This reflex sight is the perfect and most recommended for you.
This reflex sight comes at the affordable price, and they are reliable and good, which will not disappoint you.
View at Amazon
Pros
- 5 Red Pattern
- Water proof, and shock proof body
- Aluminum body
- Compatible with night vision
- AR coated lens
- Weaver Mount
- Infinite eye relief
Cons
- Low battery backup only 25-180 hours
- No Fog proof
4. Trijicon RMR Type 2 (Premium Red Dot Sight)
Trijicon RMR Type 2 is the updated version of Trijicon RMR, and this RMR term is used for Ruggedized Miniature Reflex. This updated version is packed with a lot more features than the previous version.
This LED Red Dot Sight offers different brightness setting, and you can purchase dual-illuminated, adjustable LED or LED only version.
This latest version provides auto brightness mode, which can detect ambient light, and set the reticle brightness accordingly to them.
However, some people may not want to use the sight with auto brightness, so there are brightness control buttons also available.
The plus button which is located on the left side can be used for increasing the brightness and the minus button on the other side does the opposite task.
This reflex sight offers a 3.25 MOA dot, which can cover roughly 3.25-inch area (spot) at 100 yards.
This latest version of red dot sight is made of military grade aluminum body, which is durable along with waterproof and fog proof.
The best thing about these sights is, they have provided button lockout mode, which is very convenient and avoids from the incidental adjustment.
According to the manufacturer, the battery life of this red dot sight is 4+ years, that is insane. And the battery model is CR2032.
However, most users find that the battery replacement process for Trijicon RMR Type 2 is really a pain. But you don’t need to change it early.
As you know, the Trijicon is the most well-known brand in the market for reflex optics. So, it is strongly recommended for those who are going to purchase a reflex sight first time, because the accessories and base plates can be found easily.
Honestly, the price of the red dot sight is something high side, but when we Consider the brand name then that is reasonable. Moreover, you are getting a premium quality device.
Trijicon RMR reflex sight offers premium quality, best accuracy, most reliable shockproof, waterproof and fog proof Construction. And this is used by military and LEO agencies around the world.
This premium best red dot sight is also a great option after Vortex Venom, but it is somewhat pricier.
Pros
- Compatible with, Picatinny Rail, Weaver Rail, ACOG Add-On, Riflescope Add-On, Pistol, Double Barrel Rifle
- 3.25 MOA ADJUSTABLE
- 4+ Years Battery life
- Military-grade aluminum body
- High-resolution optics
- Button lockout mode prevent from incidental changes
- Automatic and manual brightness control
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof body
Cons
- Something high price
- Some customer complains that Necessary
- Mounting screws not provided
5. SIG SAUER ROMEO 5 (Durable and Waterproof Gun Optic with MOTAC)
We have reviewed many red dot sights, and it’s worth Considering the SIG SAUER ROMEO 5, because of their good build design and lightweight.
This reflex dot sight is made from aircraft grade aluminum, which makes it withstand worst condition. Like other rivals, this also has a waterproof and fog proof body. Additionally, the shockproof body makes it more durable.
The most interesting feature of this red dot optics is the MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination), which avoid the battery drain when the device not in use. And when you take your gun for shooting this will automatically turn on.
This red dot optics is powered by the CR2032 battery, and this will last up to 2500 hours. If you are going to hunt for a long time then there will not be a problem too.
Lenses of the SIG SAUER ROMEO 5 are multi-coated, which reduce the light reflection, to provide the crystal-clear image. And these are parallax free too, so the point of impact and the point of aim will remain the same.
Moreover, there are 10 brightness control settings provided, which is very useful in different lighting condition. You can also use it with any night vision device and magnifier.
The SIG SAUER ROMEO 5 is one of the best red dot sight in the mid-price range, which offer MOTAC, and good low light performance. This something looks like the Aimpoint pro, however, there is too much different in feature and price.
Moreover, if you have a slightly low budget than Aimpoint pro then, this red dot sight is strongly recommended, which is also compatible with most of the pistol, shotgun, and rifles.
Pros
- MOTAC preserves the battery life
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Night vision compatible
- Fully multi-coated lens for clear picture quality
- Small and lightweight
- 40,000+ hours battery life
- IPX-7 certified
- 2 MOA reticle
- Shockproof body
- Auto-on and auto shut-off function
Cons
- The objective lens could be larger
6. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 (Best Reflex Dot Sight for Beginner)
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 red dot sight is the most versatile, which can be used with your pistol, shotgun or ever hunting rifle. The most important part of this red dot sight is that they are affordable.
This small red dot sight offers 3 MOA reticle with the 11-brightness intensity option for different lighting condition.
Most of the people don’t use the brightest setting, which is highly intensive, however, it will not distract you.
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is comparatively very small in size to its rivals, about 3.7 oz.
The sharpness of this red dot scope is really commendable when we compare with more expensive red dot sights. The lenses of this scope are multicoated, which will provide you much clear view, and reflect less light.
When we talk about the durability of this scope, the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is waterproof and fog proof, which will remain stable in any weather condition.
This rifle scope is CR2032 battery powered, and according to the manufacturer this will last up to 1 year, but if you don’t use cheap quality batteries.
The accuracy of these red dot optics is good, but not as the highest one. But when keeping the price in mind this is justified.
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 red dot sight is perfect for the beginners. This is ideal for target shooting, training or even hunting. They not only provide the clear view, but they are also waterproof, fog proof and have a durable body. Moreover, they are compatible with most of the pistol, shotgun, and rifles too.
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is the most recommended deals in the affordable price.
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Pros
- Ultra Lightweight
- 3 MOA dots
- Very affordable
- Best selling product
- Multi-coated lens
- Fully waterproof and fog proof
- Compact durable shockproof body
Cons
- At the edge of screen red dot seems to disappear
7. Dagger Defense (Cheap Red Dot Reflex Sight)
When hearing “reflex red dot sight”, there is one thing that sparks in our mind, that is the high price. But some brands like Bushnell, DD Dagger Defense proves wrong this statement. One device from Bushnell we have already discussed earlier, but this time we are talking about Dagger Defense.
The Dagger Defense reflex red dot sight is the cheapest device in our rundown.
Wait! this is having the cheap price, it doesn’t mean the quality is also worst.
This reflex red dot sight built with good optics and sturdy material housing. That can withstand all kind of field condition. Moreover, this red dot sight features two color reticle of red and green with four colors.
Compatibility of this reflex sight is versatile, it can be fit with your AR15, AK47, M4 or pistol, however, we still recommended that please check this device compatible with your gun.
As we checked, this product is not fully waterproof, but still, you can use in the raining without a problem. As you probably know that no one optics is 100% parallax free, but according to the manufacturer, this reflex sight has minimum parallax effects.
If you are looking for cheapest red dot sight, which can be fit with your AK47, AR10, AR15, M4 or even with our pistol and sniper rifles, then the Dagger Defense reflex sight is the good choice in the minimum price, you can give them a try.
View at Amazon
Pros
- Cheapest option
- Four positions Red/Green reticle
- lightweight aluminum alloy Construction
- Good for beginner
Cons
- Not ideal for use over 400 yards
- Not compatible with Weaver style rails
8. AT3 Tactical RD-50 (Affordable Waterproof Red Dot Sight)
We have discussed Some red dot sight like Bushnell, and Sightmark. Bushnell is comparatively cheaper and the best-selling sight of all time. But if you need some advance accuracy and features you have to expand your budget.
AT3 Tactical RD-50 Red Dot Sight is somewhat low-price option after Sightmark. Both of them are good, but Sightmark is having the open type design, and AT3 Tactical RD-50 offers tube style design.
Due to its tube style design, you will get clearer reticle view in bright light.
Moreover, this reflex red dot sight is ideal for handguns, shotguns, rifles or any weapon, which is having weaver or Picatinny rail design.
This red dot sight provides 2 MOA reticle, which allows you to shoot with both eye open. And according to the AT3 tactical, this budget red dot sight parallax free. Apart from that, the lenses of this reflex sight are multicoated, which will optimize your visibility.
There is 11 brightness setting available, which provides optimal visibility in any lighting condition. Additionally, the aluminum body of this cheap red dot scope is fully waterproof, and nitrogen filled, which makes it fog proof too.
The manufacturer claims that this reflex dot sight provides 50,000 hours of battery backup time on lowest brightness setting. I think this is the top backup time compared to its rivals.
If you’re looking for the cheap red dot sight, which is ideal for hunting or outdoors and provides you maximum accuracy then AT3 Tactical RD-50 is a great choice. The price of this reflex sight is commendable compared to its features and durability.
If you slightly expand your budget after Bushnell TRS-25 then, this is the good red dot sight under 100$, which is having versatile compatibility.
View at Amazon
Pros
- Unlimited eye relief
- Great value for money
- 50,000 hours battery backup
- Fully waterproof and fog proof body
- Reliable Aluminum shockproof design
Cons
- No night vision compatible
9. Vortex Optics Sparc AR (Best Red Dot Optics around 200)
Vortex Optics Sparc AR is the best red dot sight in mid-range category. If your budget is somewhat higher then you can try out Vortex Optics Venom, they are fantastic red dot sight to try out.
well, let’s find out, what are the good and bad things about this reflex dot sight?
Like other Vortex optics, this reflex sight is also having waterproof and fog proof Construction, which make them usable in any situation. The aircraft-grade aluminum body protects the lenses from shock and provide armor to internal components.
This red dot sight is really sleek, rugged and easy to use. And it offers 2 MOA reticle and 10 brightness adjustment settings, which are quite useful in the variable environment condition.
The lenses of this red dot scope are fully multicoated, they reduce the amount of reflected light. And provides you the great view to ensuring the accuracy.
Move on, this small red dot sight is powered by AAA battery, provides up to 300 hours of backup. I don’t have any issue of this backup time of this battery, because you the AAA size is easily available, this is not the big problem at all.
Finally, the Vortex Optics Sparc AR red dot sight is the perfect option in mid-range category, which offers solid aluminum shockproof body, waterproof Construction and good quality optics with 2 MOA reticles.
If you are a professional shooter or hunter or you have just started out to learn shooting. These optics are really a solid choice.
View at Amazon
Pros
- After 12 hours, an automatic shut off
- Parallax Free
- Easily available AAA battery powered
- Fully waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Aircraft-grade aluminum body
- 10 variable illumination
Cons
- Dot quality could be improved
10. Burris 300234 Fastfire III (Lightest Weight Reflex Dot Sight)
The Burris Fast Fire III is also another good option behind Vortex Optics Venom, and there is not too much difference in the price.
Like Vortex Optics Venom this also offers 3 MOA reticle, but you can 8 MOA version also get in the market. This red dot sight is ideal for the shotgun.
This reflex dot optics is powered by CR 2302 battery, which is easily available. Apart from this it also offers 3 brightness settings, which you can use with different environment condition.
The glass quality is good enough, why I am saying this? Because if you can spend more money than you can find even best glass quality.
ButConsidering the price this quality is justified. However, these glasses are multicoated which also prevent from reflecting more light.
Moving on to the next point, the power button which can be used as brightness controller and that is very easy to use.
The Burris 200234 having a low battery indicator, and 3 levels of brightness level. These level are something less when we think about the flexibility of shooting environment.
Well, the Burris 30023 Fastfire III is a good choice for sportsman of hobbyist, those are looking for cheap red dot sight, which is durable and easy to use.
View at Amazon
Pros
- Very lightweight
- 3 MOA reticle
- Compatible with the handgun, shotgun, or hunting rifle
- Good accuracy
Cons
- Only 3 levels brightness
Best Electronic Sight – Buyer’s Guide
Some people think, that there is no advantage of the red dot sight. And they prefer to shoot with iron sight, which is provided with the gun.
I want to tell them, iron sights are also good, but in the dark areas or dark backgrounds they suck, you can’t focus on your aim accurately. But, this is not the only advantage of the red dot sights.
Now question is that what are the main advantages of a red dot sight? and why should you purchase one?
There are many advantages of the best red dot sight like proper accuracy, unlimited eye relief and many more. I am providing some important from them.
1. Faster target
With the best red dot sight, it is very easy to assign the target. You don’t even need to align the sights, which take more time. Moreover, If your object is moving, these sight gives you greater accuracy when aiming, compared to the older one.
2. Unrestricted Eye Relief Capabilities
How much distance is between the shooter’s eye and sight, this is called eye relief. With the most of the sights are having restriction with eye relief. But red dot sights offer unrestricted eye relief, and this feature allows you to target faster.
3. Low light Adaptability
As we said earlier, the iron sight may not perform well in the dark area. The crosshairs of the most of the sights become invisible in the dark environment. And this is the most frustrating problem, the red dot sight allows you to easily target in the dark areas.
4. Wide Field of View
Red dot sights offer a wider field of view than the traditional one. But do you know what is the advantage of having a wider FOV?
This wider field of view allows you to shot from a greater distance, but keep in mind that these sights are not able to magnify, so keeping a sufficient distance from the target is recommended.
Now, you know the advantages of having the best red dot sight.
Which features should be Considered when purchasing a red dot sight?
Well, there are many factors which should be Considered, and we are providing some important key points. And, I hope this will provide some valuable information for making your purchasing easier and choosing the best red dot sight.
1. Housing Style
The red dot sights come two types of styles according to the housing configuration.
- Tube style – These types of red electronic sight almost closer to the traditional sights in appearance. In these types housing allows you to apply protective cover and filter to the lens. Which make it very easy to see the red dot in the bright light, even in sunlight.
- Open style – These types of housing doesn’t have the classic tube style. Moreover, the open style housing configuration has less room for flairs, which do not allow you to use a filter and enhance the viewing experience.
2. Reticle
The reticle is the red dot that is used to the align the gun with the target. All reticle is designed to be enough brighter, which make your shooting easier in low light condition. But it is not necessary that they are having an only red dot or simple design. There are numerous colors and patterns are available, which varies according to the sights.
We recommend that the sight should be allowed to change the color and pattern according to the user’s need. Additionally, the size of reticle should also be adjusted. The bigger dot allows you to target faster.
Moreover, we don’t recommend the fancy styles, please use natural types of pattern, which will make your target finding faster.
3. Battery Life
This is the most important factor, which should be Considered. Suppose that, you are ready to shoot your target and your sight having short battery life, there is more probability that light going out. And, I think, I don’t need to tell you, that how worst is to shoot without the red dot sight. Your accuracy will suffer and targeting becomes more complicated.
In general, the best red dot sight should have a thousand hours of battery life before we replace them. And the most important thing is that, please turn off the sight when they are not being used.
4. Compatibility
All sights are not compatible with any guns. They are designed to go with the particular type or category of guns, and they will properly fit with those.
We recommend, please check the compatibility of the red dot sight with your gun before purchasing.
5. Weight and Size
The weight of a best red dot sight is also important. Because suppose that, If you have a sight with perfect features, but that is heavier. What is the point of having them?
Make sure for the best red dot sight, the weight and size should be appropriate, which will not decrease your shooting accuracy.
Conclusion
Thank you for the giving your Precious time to read this post. Hopefully, you have gotten your best red dot sight.
Before purchasing any red dot sight especially, I want to suggest you check the compatibility with your gun. This is the most crucial factor.
If you don’t have the budget problem than the Aimpoint PRO and Trijicon are both of the best red dot sights to Consider. While for the extremely budget Conscious person, the Bushnell and Dagger Defence still are the good options.
And, in the mid-range option, Vortex venom, Vortex Sparc, Sig Sauer (MOTAC available) are recommended.
By the way, we have discussed almost all types of best red dot sight with the comparison. If you still think that we should include some other sight in our list. Feel free to comment below.
