Top-notch Vision of the Best Red Dot Sight on the Market

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If you’ve been hunting for some time, you’ve probably been around the block and tested more than a few hunting optics. Generally, they’ll do the job they’ve been designed for, but you often don’t know what you’re missing out on until you try a better piece of equipment. This will be the primary concern of this article - locating the best red dot sight that’ll change the way you hunt.

Aside from reviewing and pronouncing the best red dot sight, we’ll also throw in a hefty buyer’s guide to help you absorb more data about these devices and the way they work. Stay tuned and, hopefully, you’ll get to find your next red dot sight.

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Top 4 Recommendations

Since this will be a relatively long article, we’ve picked out our favorites for you to check out immediately.

The Best Red Dot Sights - Top 10 Reviews

Best Feature

Product Name

Price

The Best Overall

Vortex StrikeFire II Red Dot 4 MOA Sight

Runner-Up

Aimpoint Pro Patrol Rifle Optic Red Dot Riflescope

User-Friendly

Vortex Venom 1x26.5mm Red Dot Sight

Fast Target Acquisition

Trijicon MRO 1x25mm 2 MOA Reticle Red Dot Sight

Versatility

Holosun Paralow Red Dot Sight

Design

Burris AR-332 3x32mm Prism Red Dot Sight

Resilience

Holosun HS510C 2 MOA Dot Red Dot Sight

Universality

Trijicon RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA Adjustable Red Dot Sight

Easy to Use

Ultradot Matchdot II Red Dot Sight

A Quality Budget Pick

Sig Sauer Romeo5 1x20mm Compact Red Dot Sight

Vortex StrikeFire II Red Dot 4 MOA Sight - The Best Overall
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Reticle: 4 MOA red dot
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Battery: CR2
  • Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
  • Weight: 0.45 lb

As you’ll see later on, there are too many red dot sights that offer quality features and excellent performance. You won’t regret buying any model, whether it’s the best or second to best, but for those of you that won’t settle for anything but the absolute performance, here’s the Vortex StrikeFire II Sight.

The Strikefire 2 comes from Vortex, a long-standing American company that has specialized in producing quality optics since 1986. They’ve never let their customers down, and this model is not about to start a new tradition.

Let’s talk about Strikefire’s build first. Its chassis is made from an aluminum alloy that increases its overall lifespan and durability but also makes it lightweight enough to balance out your aim and accuracy. It’s built to sustain most shock damage, fog, and dust that may get into the way of your hunting experience. Of course, it’s waterproof and can be submerged up to a certain level.

It has a 4 MOA dot that is ideal for moving targets, but you can also use it for passive targets as well. Also, if you don’t like the traditional red color, you can switch it to green and use it during nighttime.

Needless to say, a quality red dot sight such as this is parallax-free, meaning that the reticle will stay aligned with the weapon, regardless of the position you’re observing from. Also, it comes with ten different lighting settings so you can shoot and remain focused no matter the conditions. It’s even equipped for night hunting!

Pros
  • Verified manufacturer
  • Resistance
  • 4 MOA reticle
  • Ten different lighting settings
  • Best red dot sight for the money
Cons
  • /

Aimpoint Pro Patrol Rifle Optic Red Dot Riflescope - Runner-Up
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Reticle: 2 MOA red dot
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Battery: DL1/3N
  • Optical Coating: Multi-Layer Anti-Reflex
  • Weight: 0.73 lb

It was a hard decision to place this red dot optics in the second place, but it is thought of as one of the most quality units on the market, and you’ll probably hear many good things about it. Here’s the Aimpoint Pro Patrol Red Dot Riflescope.

What makes this red dot optic stand out from the rest? Firstly, it’s the incredible design that many customers appreciate. Its optics tube is hard-anodized, while the chassis is constructed out of aluminum alloy. Not only does this combination make the unit durable, but it’s also lightweight, weighing only 0.73 lb.

Secondly, it has a 2 MOA dot, which is suitable for covering smaller targets while still maintaining complete accuracy. You’ll have some trouble shooting at moving targets, but your accuracy will be more advanced than with your standard 4 or 6 MOA reticle.

Also, it’s good to know that the DL1/3N battery can sustain you for more than three years or 30,000 hours. You’ll never again have to worry about recharging or bringing an extra pack of batteries with you, especially knowing that this unit is submersible up to 150 feet.

The only real reason we’ve actually placed this red dot optic in second place is the hefty price it goes for on the market. It does have the features to prove it, but it’s still too much in comparison with other devices. Aside from that, this red dot sight will be a perfect addition to your AR-15, M16, or M4 semi-automatics.

Pros
  • Durable construction
  • Perfect for smaller targets
  • Excellent battery life
  • Submersible
Cons
  • Expensive

Vortex Venom 1x26.5mm Red Dot Sight - User-Friendly
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Reticle: 1 MOA
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Battery: CR 1632
  • Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
  • Weight: N/A

Up next is a different product from the Vortex facilities, and it’s here to astound you. Say hello to the Vortex Venom Red Dot Sight.

As we said, Vortex has made a consistent effort to produce quality optics, and the Vortex Venom is no exception. It’s a unique device designed for targeting tiny targets from a distance with ease thanks to its 1 MOA reticle adjustment.

The image quality relies on the optical tube that is fully coated and made of glass. Therefore, the light reflection is increased, and so is the overall quality of the image it creates.

Also, it’s nice to see that the manufacturers have put in the time to make this unit easy to use for everyone. All manual controls are located on the left side, so there’s no need to change your position to adjust the lighting.

The Vortex Venom Reflex Sight allows you to insert the battery from the top, which means you won’t have to dismount the sight from the rifle to get it done. All of these features make the Vortex Venom Reflex Sight one of the best user-friendly units on the market.

Furthermore, as if this wasn’t enough, the package comes with several added elements, such as the Picatinny mount, wrenches, screws, and a battery. Speaking of battery, it runs on the CR 1632, a standard battery pack that you can find in your remotes or children’s toys, so you won’t have to bother with locating a new one.

What we didn’t like was the overall build of the unit. It was prone to scratches, but the overall durability is shockproof, so it goes both ways. Also, the device is waterproof, so that’s a plus.

Pros
  • Vortex optics
  • Field of view
  • Added equipment
  • Image quality
Cons
  • Build

Trijicon MRO 1x25mm 2 MOA Reticle Red Dot Sight - Fast Target Acquisition
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Reticle: 1 MOA
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Battery: CR2032 battery
  • Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
  • Weight: N/A

If you’re still not sure how red dot optics work, this device will make the learning process feel like a breeze. This is the Trijicon MRO 1x25mm 2 MOA Reticle Red Dot Sight review.

Even though this device was initially imagined as a military unit, it was soon redesigned and released on the market for beginners worldwide. Why? Well, it has to do with the intuitive nature of this quality red dot sight.

Firstly, it’s an ambidextrous unit, meaning that the dial you use to set the brightness is set in a way to allow both hands usage. Moreover, the manufacturers imagined the Trijicon MRO to be used with both eyes opened, thus allowing the user to be more aware of the environment, and it’s all thanks to the large aperture.

Speaking of brightness, we should probably mention that the Trijicon MRO has eight brightness settings that accommodate each situation, whether it’s day or nighttime. Also, the controls are quite ergonomic and intuitive, so you’ll have no trouble learning how to use them.

Its build is quite impressive, as well. It’s made from a 7075-T6 aluminum alloy that’s known for its strength and overall resilience. Also, it’s waterproof and can be submerged up to 100 feet. The battery life is quite fascinating, considering that a single CR2032 battery can last up to five years if you use it in the daytime.

We did notice that the Trijicon MRO wasn’t completely parallax-free, which comes as a shocker from a well-known company such as Trijicon. However, it’s quite affordable compared to their other devices, so it’s no wonder. Overall, if you can live with that, this will be a great addition to your set.

Pros
  • Resilience
  • Long battery life
  • User-friendly/ excellent for a beginner
  • Brightness control
Cons
  • Not completely parallax-free

Holosun Paralow Red Dot Sight - Versatility
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Reticle: 2 MOA
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Battery: CR2032 battery
  • Optical Coating: Multi-Layer Reflecting
  • Weight: 124 g

If you’re tired of wasting your bullets and frequently missing your target due to faulty equipment, it’s time to make the switch. To celebrate the new times, here’s the Holosun Paralow Red Dot Sight.

First of all, top red dot devices are quite expensive, so if you decide to purchase one, you’ll probably be using it for some time. However, you can find red dot sights for an affordable sum with a quality build, which is the case with the Holosun Paralow.

It doesn’t have many fancy features that would typically impress a veteran hunter, but it has all the necessary requirements in its arsenal. The 2 MOA dot is absolutely perfect for spotting and hunting down smaller animals at closer distances thanks to its distinctive, bright-red color. Whether you use a red dot device for home defense or standard target practice, this device will undoubtedly come in handy.

Moreover, it’s quite durable even though the price would suggest otherwise. It’s dustproof and waterproof, and it can even be submerged up to 1m in depth. But the best of all is the accuracy, which is unbelievable for a device of this caliber. It’s parallax-free and most suitable to use with mid-range weapons and rifles.

We shouldn’t forget to mention the remarkable 50,000-hour battery life that comes from a single CR2032 battery. If you convert it into years, it’s close to six years, so not only will it be easier to see with this red dot sight, but you’ll also never worry about losing juice.

We did notice the brightness levels were a bit concerning in the sense that they are not automatically adjusted, and there are very few options that can hardly accommodate each time of day. Aside from that, this unit is as good as it gets!

Pros
  • Perfect for target practice or home defense
  • Durability
  • 50,000-hour battery life
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Brightness levels

Burris AR-332 3x32mm Prism Red Dot Sight - Design
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Reticle: MOA
  • Eye Relief: 2.5 in
  • Battery: CR2032 battery
  • Optical Coating: Hi-Lume Multi-Coating
  • Weight: 0.89 lb

If you’re getting annoyed by the number of red dot sights that exist on the market, you can quickly lose the spirit and go for a less than ideal product. Don’t get tunnel vision and go for one of the best, the Burris AR-332 Prism Red Dot Sight.

What makes this red dot sight is actually the design itself. It is a lightweight model that weighs only 0.89 lb, which is ideal for heavier weapons since it won’t mess with your aim. In hindsight, we have seen great units that weigh less, but since this one is ideal for AR models such as the AR-15, the difference in weight won’t pose that big of a problem.

When it comes to specifications, it’s your standard MOA reticle with ten different brightness settings, each one accommodating a different time of day and night. There are also two night vision settings for those of you that love hunting at night.

The optical coating is multi-layered, and it results in both red and green red dot images that are parallax-free, meaning you can observe from multiple positions, and the device will adjust. Another excellent addition is the integrated sunshade that protects the optical lens from bright flashes and lets you enjoy observing a bit more.

It works on your standard CR2032 battery and will amount to a long lifespan if appropriately used. The one thing we don’t like about this model is the limitation that comes from being a close-range unit. It is stated that the accuracy is good enough up about 500 yards, but it’s realistically at 350. Aside from this, it’s an unbelievable device that you should undoubtedly consider.

Pros
  • Lightweight and rugged design
  • Brightness settings
  • Red and green MOA dot reticle
  • The best red dot sight for AR15
Cons
  • Close-range unit

Holosun HS510C 2 MOA Dot Red Dot Sight - Resilience
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Reticle: 2 MOA
  • Eye Relief: 2.5 in
  • Battery: CR2032 battery
  • Optical Coating: /
  • Weight: 264 g

Up next is another device from Holosun whose overall durability will astound you. Let’s see what the Holosun HS510C 2 MOA Red Dot Sight review has to say.

One of the things that separated the previous Holosun unit we covered was its incredible battery life of 50,000 hours, and it’s the same story like this one. A classic CR2032 battery can last you up to five years with the right treatment.

Furthermore, we have to mention the incredible build of this red dot reticle sight. The hood is constructed from a titanium alloy that not only increases the unit’s durability but also makes it rust-free. Even with this alloy, it only weighs 264 g, which is ideal for larger rifles considering that it’s a 2 MOA dot setup.

Another fancy addition is the Shake Awake, meaning that the unit has a motion sensor that puts it to sleep when it’s not used and can be turned to with a simple shake. If that’s a bother to you, you can switch it off and do it manually each time.

The entire package comes with some equipment such as a Torx wrench, mounting gear, battery tray, and an adjustment tool. As far as cons go, there were two things we didn’t like.

Firstly, the unit automatically shuts off after 15 minutes of passivity. Secondly, there was a delay with the automatic brightness adjustment when moving from a dark to bright environment, which was too unpleasant. Aside from that, this Holosun device should be the next hunting item you purchase.

Pros
  • Titanium alloy
  • Battery life
  • Wide field of view
  • Shake Awake
Cons
  • 15-min shutoff
  • Automatic brightness adjustment

Trijicon RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA Adjustable Red Dot Sight - Universality
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Reticle: 3 MOA
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Battery: CR2032 battery
  • Optical Coating: True color multi-coating
  • Weight: 0.075 lb

We’ve already had one red dot sight from Trijicon, which was astounding by many factors. Here’s a bit of a lesser model, but a quality one nevertheless. It’s the Trijicon RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA Adjustable Red Dot Sight.

Before buying a red dot sight, the first question you should ask yourself is, why do you need it? If you need an accurate and durable unit whose precision won’t fail even after years of usage, the Trijicon RMR Type 2 should be your next purchase. Why?

The Trijicon RMR Type 2’s internal parts are located in a resilient forged aluminum alloy that is built to withstand the toughest of environmental factors with ease. Moreover, the intelligent design developed by Trijicon protects the device from damage by absorbing impact and protecting the lens at the same time.

The reticle is a 3.25 MOA red dot, so it’s balanced as a unit that’s capable of delivering quality long-range and short-range shots. Of course, you can manually adjust the dot to make it bigger or smaller if the brightness is disturbing your vision.

What’s terrific about this model is that it can be used by everyone in various situations. Whether you need a red dot unit for self-defense, home security, or if you just an enthusiast hunter - you will love this unit.

Of course, it comes with a price, which is one of the main reasons we’ve put it this far down in the list. Still, it is by no means a lousy unit; you’ll just have to set aside some money to purchase it.

Pros
  • Forged aluminum alloy
  • 3 MOA dot reticle
  • Universality
  • Perfectly balanced for mid-range and short-range targeting
Cons
  • Expensive

Ultradot Matchdot II Red Dot Sight - Easy to Use
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Reticle: 2, 4, 6, and 8 MOA
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Battery: CR2032 battery
  • Optical Coating: /
  • Weight: 0.32 lb

If all of this information is quickly piling up and you’ve gotten more confused than you previously were, it’s time to go for the simplest solution. Here’s the Ultradot Matchdot II Red Dot Sight.

Why is this the most straightforward solution? Firstly, this red dot sight has four different MOA dot sight settings - 2, 4, 6, and 8 MOA red dots. Generally, you’ll get a fixed MOA dot sight, so you’ll have to choose wisely and see what kind of target shooting you’ll need it for. However, this solves all your problems.

Secondly, this is the lightest unit that we’ve had so far. It weighs only 5.1 oz, which is only 0.32 lb. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about the unit creating any disbalance with your aim - it’s simple and straightforward targeting and shooting.

For all of you that are still new to all of this, the versatility you’ll get from having different MOA red dot sights enables you to shoot from various distances and with varying rifles with ease. You won’t need to adjust your style for the red dot sight - it’s the other way around.

On the other hand, the battery life is not ideal compared to the previous red dot sights as this one has a battery lifespan of 20 to 4000 hours. It’s not bad, but it’s worse comparatively. Bad things aside, owning this unit will not only be affordable, but you’ll also get a ton of equipment in the process.

Pros
  • Four different MOA red dot reticle settings
  • Lightweight
  • The best red dot sight for pistol
  • Built to withstand harsh conditions
Cons
  • Battery life

Sig Sauer Romeo5 1x20mm Compact Red Dot Sight - A Quality Budget Pick
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Reticle: 2 MOA
  • Eye Relief: Unlimited
  • Battery: CR2032 battery
  • Optical Coating: HDX
  • Weight: /

Finally, we have one more red dot sight to cover, and it’s the phenomenal Sig Sauer Romeo5 Red Dot Sight.

It’s no wonder that we had to include a product from Sig Sauer, a well-known manufacturer of firearms and weapons. Even though this is not technically their domain, they’ve partnered up with optics experts and devised the Sig Sauer Romeo5 for close combat shooting.

In terms of technical specification, it meets all the requirements for a well-crafted piece of optics. It has a 40,000-hour battery life with your standard CR2032 battery, and the new batteries are inserted from the side, which will allow for a quick swap to get you right back where you were.

It’s also equipped with state-of-the-art MOTAC technology, which stands for Motion Activated Illumination. It basically means that the device will only boot up if you shake it or give it a jerk in order to preserve power.

What’s quite surprising is that the Sig Sauer Romeo5 is quite affordable, despite the fame and recognition of Sig Sauer. However, there are two things that you should know before you go out and buy it.

Firstly, it’s designed for long-distance shooting, so you won’t have 100% accuracy if you were to use it on an AR-15 rifle, for example. Secondly, this is a mid-range device, so you shouldn’t expect significant brightness quality. Still, it’ll be quite decent and do the job it’s designed for.

Pros
Cons
  • Mid-range

What Are the Best Red Dot Sights and How to Find Them - Buyer’s Guide

best red dot sight for air rifle

Now that we’ve finished with the reviews let’s talk about some specifics that constitute a well-crafted red dot sight so that it may help you make the final decision. Then, it’s all up to you.

1. MOA

You’ve heard this term way too many times by now and if you’re still not sure what it stands for, let’s clarify it. MOA is an abbreviation that stands for a minute of angle, and it’s a measurement that you’ve probably slept on in your math classes. No worries, it’s not that complicated.

It’s an angular measure that is equivalent to 1/60th of a degree, but we need to think in inch increments to get the perfect standard for shooting. In essence, you’ll take the distance in yards and divide it by 100. 

The result is your 1 MOA in inches. Therefore, when you need to increase the inch increment, you’ll calculate the MOA and increase it by the amount you need for perfect shooting.

best red dot sight for glock 19 gen 5

2. Build

Every single piece of hunting equipment is exposed to damage, shock, environmental factors - you name it. Therefore, you’ll have to look for the most durable device there is. We recommend you try units whose housing is made from aluminum alloys since they are not expensive and they have decent overall durability. If you feel like investing more, you can always go for the titanium ones.

3. Brightness

Brightness control is crucial with red dot sights. Since optical lenses are quite sensitive and can get damaged by flashes of light, you should probably try and go for the units with automatic adjustments of brightness. Also, you’ll see that they often have either 8 or 10 different brightness manual settings - either one is well if the overall quality of the device is good.

4. Warranty

best red dot sight for the money

Red dot sights usually have a limited, lifetime warranty that protects lenses or housing of a device. However, some manufacturers will offer full guarantees with a time limitation, which might not be the best idea for you. In the end, it’s up to you.

Best Feature

Product Name

Price

The Best Overall

Vortex StrikeFire II Red Dot 4 MOA Sight

Runner-Up

Aimpoint Pro Patrol Rifle Optic Red Dot Riflescope

User-Friendly

Vortex Venom 1x26.5mm Red Dot Sight

Fast Target Acquisition

Trijicon MRO 1x25mm 2 MOA Reticle Red Dot Sight

Versatility

Holosun Paralow Red Dot Sight

Design

Burris AR-332 3x32mm Prism Red Dot Sight

Resilience

Holosun HS510C 2 MOA Dot Red Dot Sight

Universality

Trijicon RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA Adjustable Red Dot Sight

Easy to Use

Ultradot Matchdot II Red Dot Sight

A Quality Budget Pick

Sig Sauer Romeo5 1x20mm Compact Red Dot Sight

Frequently Asked Questions

Why use a red dot sight?

No matter what you’ll be using it for, the red dot sight is unquestionably the best possible device for fast target acquisition with consistent accuracy.


What is the difference between a red dot sight and a reflex sight?

People usually mix them up, so it’s hard to tell the difference. In general, a reflex sight is a type of red dot sight, but it’s more cost-effective, and it’s better for close-distance shooting.


What distance should you zero a red dot sight?

best red dot sight with laser

The optimal distance is usually considered to be 50 yards. You can also try zeroing it to 25 yards, but some experienced shooters recommend 50 yards as the most optimal distance.


What's the absolute best red dot sight for the money?

There are many quality and affordable devices that we could find, but the very best are Vortex Strikefire II and Sig Sauer Romeo5.


What is the best red dot sight?

This depends on the individual requirements and the reason you’re getting a red dot sight. Overall, we’re tipping towards the Vortex StrikeFire II Sight.

Final Thoughts - Summary

And lastly, all that we have to do before we say goodbye is pronounce the winner and the best red dot sight, which is obviously the fantastic Vortex StrikeFire II Sight that breaks all the records. If you need a device that won’t disappoint and will always be on track, this is the perfect one. The best of all is that it’s even not that expensive.

If that’s not your niche, you can always go for the Aimpoint Pro Patrol Red Dot Riflescope or the Vortex Venom Red Dot Sight, and you won’t make a mistake.

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