TOP 8 Best Red Dot Sight Review And Guides 2023

If you do not have time for the details, here are our top picks for the red dot sights:

1. Sig Sauer Romeo5
2. Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic (PRO)
3. Trijicon RMR Type 2
4. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25
5. Vortex Optics Crossfire
6. Sightmark Wolverine FSR
7. TruGlo TRU-TEC Micro
8. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro

Red dot sights are intuitive optics that perform perfectly on practically any weapon platform – from pistols, to shotguns , to precision rifles. Definitely one of the most popular sighting options available to modern shooters, the market has been flooded with products. If you’re looking for the best red dot sight but can’t seem to narrow down the options, we’re here to help you through the process.

Benefits of Using a Red Dot Sight

Red dot sights use modern LEDs (light emitting diodes) to create a red dot aiming point. If you’ve never tried a red dot, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. These modern optics are incredibly easy to use and highly effective for CQB. Once you’ve tried one, we promise you’ll fall in love.

Here are just a few of the key benefits of shooting with a red dot sight.

1. Red dot sights make it easy to track moving targets.
2. Transitioning between multiple targets is much easier with a red dot.
3. The illumination makes the reticle easier to see in low light conditions.
4. Many red dot sights are night vision compatible.
5. Red dot sights allow the shooter to keep both eyes open when aiming. This helps maintain situational awareness.

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Things to Consider

Not all red dot sights are created equal. Some are better suited to certain weapons or shooting applications than others. Here are a few things to consider when looking for a red dot optic.

Reticle Size

While all red dot sights use the same type of reticle (a simple red dot), the reticle size varies depending on the model. The size of the reticle is measured in MOA, or minutes of angle.

For simplicity, 1 MOA equals approximately 1 inch at 100 yards. That means if you are shooting a red dot with a 1 MOA reticle, that dot will cover 1 inch of a target that is 100 yards away.

Red dot reticles generally range from the tiny and precise 1 MOA to the much larger 9 MOA. Smaller reticles make more precise shots at longer ranges. If you want a red dot for your rifle, you’ll probably want a red dot with a smaller reticle.

Larger dots work better for close range shooting. They tend to cover up much of the target at longer ranges. Optics with larger reticles are more commonly mounted on pistols.

The Size of the Optic

Red dot sights also come in a variety of body sizes and weights. Most fall into one of three categories: micro, compact, and full-size.

Micro Red Dot

The ultra lightweight and miniature size of micro red dots makes them perfect for handguns.

Compact Red Dot

Compact red dots usually have objective lenses that measure between 20 and 25 millimeters. Still, relatively lightweight and small, these optics work well on smaller rifles.

Full-Size Red Dot

Full-sized red dots have larger objective lenses that usually measure 26 millimeters or larger. Although the optics in this category are larger and heavier, they are also able to handle more abuse. If you want to run a red dot on your shotgun , muzzleloader , or tactical rifle, a full-size red dot is the best option. .

Full-size red dots offer extended battery life and may also be compatible with a wider variety of weapon mounts.

Comparison Table

Top 8 Best Red Dot Sight Reviews

1. Sig Sauer Romeo5

Although this red dot sight from Sig Sauer has a surprisingly affordable price tag, it is far from a budget optic. It has a clear, versatile 2 MOA red dot with 10 illumination settings, 8 specifically calibrated for daylight and 2 that are night vision compatible.

The Romeo5 also has integrated MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination) technology that automatically turns the device on when it detects motion. It also powers down when the device is at rest. This feature assures your optic is always ready to go when you are. Plus, it extends the battery life to a mind-blowing 50,000 hours.

This highly dependable red dot is completely fogproof and proven waterproof up to one meter. It also comes ready to mount with a M1913 Picatinny low mount riser and a co-witness riser.

Pros

• It has a side battery holder; high-quality batteries make it easy to switch them out.

• It can run for 165 days on a single charge.
• It comes with both a low clamp and an opposite mount.

Cons

People who want a green dot can’t get such a design with a red dot sight model

2. Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic (PRO)

One of the most popular red dot optics on the market, the Aimpoint PRO is made for the battlefield. Built for dependability, even in the harshest environments, this sight is literally bombproof.

If storming into battle isn’t on your to-do list, don’t worry. The Aimpoint PRO is an incredibly versatile optic that feels just as much at home plinking cans off fence posts. It also makes a great optic for hunting.

The Aimpoint PRO’s reticle is a crisp 2 MOA dot with six brightness setting for daylight shooting and an extra 4 settings for night vision.

The sight comes with a 3-volt lithium battery that offers an impressive 30,000 hours of operation. You can turn this optic on, leave it on, and not have to change the batteries for a full three years.

The Aimpoint PRO is submersible up to 150 feet and has a reliable operating range of -49 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pros

• Two MOA dots as its essential element,  make it easy for fast target acquisition.
• There are ten levels of brightness: six for the daytime and four for the nighttime.
• It can go down to one hundred and fifty feet underwater. 

Cons

• It only works with Aimpoint magnification tools.

3. Trijicon RMR Type 2

If you’re looking for a red dot for your EDC pistol, the RMR Type 2 from Trijicon is one of the best micro dots on the market. Trusted by law enforcement and other tactical professionals, the RMR is an ideal option for Glock 19 and other self-defense or duty handguns (although it also makes a great lightweight reflex sight for your rifle).

This thing is pretty tiny (only 1.8 x 1.2 x 1.0 inches and weighing a scant 1.2 ounces), but don’t be fooled by its diminutive size. The RMR is incredibly rugged and comes packed with tons of extra features.

Trijicon is best known for its battle-proven ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) , one of the most durable optics on the face of the planet. Drawing inspiration from the ACOG’s rugged design, Trijicon chose a durable forged aluminum housing for the RMR.

They also engineered a unique shape for the optic that diverts impact force away from the optic’s lens. If you aren’t convinced of the RMR’s high level of durability, it is also guaranteed waterproof, even when submerged to a whopping 66 feet.

The RMR is also easy to use. It has an intuitive 3.25 MOA red dot designed to help you get on target fast. The optic automatically adjusts the brightness level to enhance red dot visibility in any lighting condition. It also has eight manual brightness settings you can choose with a simple push of a button.

Pros

• The glass is clear and has a sharp reticle.
•  There are many adjustable reticle choices.
•  Automatic illumination.
•  Durable and combat proved for red dot pistols.
•  It is small and portable.

Cons

• It has to be detached to change the battery.
• It has only five years of coverage. 
• The glass has a pale-bluish coloration.

4. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25

A great option for the shooter on a shoestring budget, the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 offers some serious value for the money.

The Trophy TRS-25 is surprisingly solid and durably built for an optic in this price range. The housing is o-ring sealed and nitrogen purged to guarantee true fogproof and waterproof performance, even in the wettest conditions.

The housing is also shockproof, so you can trust this optic to endure bumps and drops without skipping a beat.

Bushnell truly understands the needs of outdoorsmen. Not only is the Trophy TRS-25 built to handle some serious outdoor abuse, it is also made to withstand harsh recoil. If you want a red dot sight for your shotgun, muzzleloader, or magnum rifle, this one is definitely up to the task.

And since the Trophy TRS-25 has a convenient compact design, it doesn’t take up a ton of rail space, making it a smart option for AK-47 rifles.

Pros

• It makes your rifle scope more powerful. 
• It has unlimited eye relief because of the multi-coatings on the lenses to improve clarity. 
• Altitude and windage setups that can be changed with a fingertip
• It is easy to put together and take apart. 
• Good battery life that lasts about 125 days.

Cons

• Compared to the standard red dot scope, it looks too tiny to use firearms.
• Whenever the setup is a bit too high, the dots tend to be slightly less transparent.
• The amount of light around the dot limits how luminous it can be.

5. Vortex Optics Crossfire

Gone are the days when shooters considered a high-tech optic too much for a .22 long rifle. Today, semi-automatic rimfire rifles (like the Ruger 10/22 ) reign supreme in the realm of steel challenge competitions. Once considered basic squirrel hunting rifles, the .22 becomes a precision weapon when paired with a quality red dot like the Vortex Crossfire.

The Crossfire is perfect for rimfire shooting. It’s super lightweight, compact, and a has a low profile that allows a perfect cheek weld for the most accurate shooting possible.

If you prefer popping squirrels over pinging steel targets, the Crossfire’s 2 MOA dot will certainly help you get the job done. It also has eleven brightness settings for optimal visibility in virtually any lighting condition.

However, don’t think the Crossfire is only suitable for rimfire shooting. This optic also makes a nice addition to any modern sporting rifle, including the iconic AR-15.

Pros

• There is a toggle for night vision that has four setups.
• It fastens easily to a Weaver or Picatinny rail. 
• It uses FHQ technology to stop stray light from cloaking shooting completely.
• It has a lifetime replacement policy.

Cons

• It’s more expensive than other models.

6. Sightmark Wolverine FSR

With a sleek, modern design, the Sightmark Wolverine FSR makes an attractive addition to any AR-style rifle. Designed to make a statement, this red dot will definitely turn heads at the gun range.

The Wolverine FSR has plenty more to offer than charming good looks. It has a highly responsive, 2 MOA dot reticle with eight daytime brightness settings and two more for night vision.

Built to last, the Wolverine FSR is nitrogen purged, making it reliably fogproof even in wet weather. The lenses on this optic are treated with a unique coating that is both scratch resistant and anti-reflective.

The housing is constructed from a single piece of 6061-T6 aluminum. For extra durability, the housing is coated in a tough rubber armoring.

Pros

• It can keep out moisture, soot, dust storms, and shocks.
• It can cope with long-range rifles.
• Its Illumination is adjustable.
• It has the most extended battery life ever.
• It’s budget-friendly.

Cons

• Not made for shooting at a long-distance
• A little bit bulkier than comparable optics

7. TruGlo TRU-TEC Micro

TruGlo has been making cutting-edge optics for more than 25 years. The TRU-TEC Micro is a fine example of the company’s commitment to quality and performance.

Weighing just over an ounce, this ultra-lightweight optic has a multi-coated objective lens, a 3 MOA dot, and ten brightness settings. It also has a handy idle-off feature that automatically powers down during periods of rest to help extend the life of the battery.

Although this optic is seriously small, it is built tough. The TRU-TEC Micro is made from CNC-machined aircraft grade aluminum. It has a sealed o-ring design that makes it water-resistant, shock-resistant, and fog-resistant.

Pros

• It has excellent battery life; it can turn on and off.
•  The lens is sharp, strong, and clear. 
• There are two mounts for the 2 MOA dot.

Cons

• The buttons for making changes are positioned too far. 

8. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro

Although Leupold is best known for producing high-end riflescopes , this reflex sight should earn the company some red dot respect.

Leupold has incorporated their high-standards for glass quality into the DeltaPoint Pro, using a special DiamondCoat Aspheric Lens. This provides a crisp, clear, scratch-resistant window and increases the FOV for easier target acquisition.

Constructed with a rugged aluminum housing surrounded by a steel sheath, this relatively lightweight optic is made for harsh conditions.

It has been impact tested and is guaranteed fogproof.

One of the DeltaPoint Pro’s best features is its motion sensor technology. This lets the optic automatically power up when it detects movement. It also powers down during periods of inactivity to save precious battery power. If you need the peace of mind that comes with knowing your optic is always ready to go in any fast-paced shooting scenario, this is the red dot sight for you.

Pros

• It has a massive FOV. 
• It was simple to find the dot.
• It has clear glass without any coloration. 
• The battery holder is on top, so you don’t have to take it off to change the battery-motion sensor and auto-off to save battery life.

Cons 

• Compared to other tiny red dots, this one is bigger. 
• There is no room for brightness settings.

Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions On Best Red Dot Sights

Below are some questions you may have about the best red dot sights:

1. How Much Better is it to Use a Holographic Sight Than a Red Dot?

Holograms and red dots that reflect light are both types of technology used in manufacturing these red dot models of scope. While having to differentiate if a holographic sight is superior to a reflex sight, there seem to be pros and cons to both. Although technology has improved, holographic sights will be more significant and cost more.

1. Do Red Dot Sights Make Sense?

If you like scopes manufactured with advanced technology and have the funds to buy one, a red dot rare sight might be valuable. Is a red dot sight worth the expense? This is a subjective question with different answers for each shooter or user. Do you need to budget so much? You are the only one who can respond to that based on your financial capacity.

1. In What Way Does The Red Dot Sight Operate?

It depends on whether the sight is reflexive or holographic. Either of the main methods can operate under the red dot. The user reflects the red dot with the help of an LED and a multi-coated lens. Laser sight and a focal plane reflector are used in a holographic sight to make a red dot appear to be outside the eye.

Final Thoughts

Red dot sights are designed to increase speed and accuracy by making it easier to get your sights on target. While they can definitely help improve your shooting skills, they are no substitute for good old-fashioned practice. No matter which optic you choose, make sure you spend some time sending lead downrange. Ultimately, that is the best way to improve your shooting prowess.

After reading through this guide and seeing our top picks for the best red dot sight, you should be more prepared to purchase your own. We promise that once you’ve tried shooting with one of these versatile, easy-to-use optics, you’ll never want to go back to the world of iron sights.

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