Top 5 Pistol Red Dot Sights

Choosing the right pistol red dot sight can be the difference between hitting your target and missing your target. The three most important things to consider when searching for a red dot are the size of the reticle, the color of the reticle, and the power source.

Reticle Size

The size of the reticle dot can range from 1 MOA to over 10 MOA; for reference, a 10 MOA red dot will cover 10 inches at 100 yards. The size of the ring or circle around the dot will also vary in size. Generally, these range from 30-70 MOA. Choosing reticle size depends on several factors, like intended shooting distance and needed precision. Larger dots are easy to pick up but may not have the accuracy of a 1 MOA dot.

Reticle Color

For color, most red dots will have a red reticle, but some have other options like green or amber. The right color of the dot depends on your surrounding environment as well as personal preference.

Power Source

 Most red dot sights are battery-powered, but some brands like Trijicon and Holosun offer solar-powered red dots. Some red dots also offer a combination of solar and battery power for unmatched reliability.  

Accessories

Many red dot sights are designed to be compatible with accessories to enhance the shooting experience. Brands like EOTech make holographic hybrid sights that feature a red dot and a magnifier or a night vision optic!

Below is a list of our top 5 pistol red dot sights.
1

Trijicon RMR Type 2 Reflex Red Dot Sight Adjustable LED

Developed to improve precision and accuracy with any style or caliber of weapon, the Trijicon RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) Type 2 is designed to be as durable as the legendary ACOG. The RMR Type 2 is an LED sight powered by a standard CR2032 battery. Housed in rugged forged aluminum, the RMR Type 2 is extremely tough yet lightweight. Easy-to-use adjusters with audible clicks allow for quick windage and elevation adjustments. The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is tougher than any alternative and suitable for military, law enforcement and hunting applications.

 

With eight available brightness settings, the reticle can be manually adjusted by pressing the plus or minus buttons on either side of the unit. To switch to auto adjust mode simply press both buttons simultaneously and release. To save battery life turn the optic off by pressing both buttons simultaneously and holding for 3 seconds.

Sealing Plate sold separately

 

Features

  • Automatically adjusts illuminated reticle to available light conditions
  • Ruggedized battery contacts and electronics
  • Military-grade aluminum alloy forged housing shape diverts force of impact away from the lens
  • True-color multi-coated lens
  • Parallax free
  • Waterproof



What Customers Are Saying

Good, But...

I just bought a new FNX-45 by FNH in 45 ACP that has a cut-out for a red dot, and according to my manual, this was pretty much the only manufacturer that would fit my gun. So, given that this is a very expensive sight (must be because they have a government contract for the ACOG's), it has a few drawbacks. First, it's weird that there is not a battery cover on the bottom of the sight; there is just a rubber seal around the outside of the base and the battery is exposed and just grounds to the plate that it mounts to. Also, the battery is not easy to get to and requires that you remove the entire sight from the plate in order to change it--it would be nice to have that changed. Also, it has a much smaller window than it's competitors like the comparable Sig Saur. I finally don't like that for this exorbitant price, it doesn't even come with a simple rubber cover so that you could keep it dust-free when the gun is in its case or in your range bag. Like I said, if I could return it for a different model...
- Sonny F(tr), 5/7/2018

About Trijicon

In 1985 Trijicon got its current name by combining two words: "Tritium" the key element in the company's innovative illumination technology, and "icon" meaning a picture or image. The "j" was added to combine both words to form Trijicon. Additionally, the "iji" in Trijicon mimics the "three-dot" design of the Bright & Tough Night Sights being manufactured. Since then, Trijicon has introduced rifle scopes, reflex sights, and red dot sights. Trijicon offers industry-leading products such as RMR, ACOG, VCOG, Accupoint, and SRO, as well as partnering with government, state, and local law enforcement agencies for decades. Trijicon’s product offering also includes thermal sights, archery sights, sight mounts, and accessories which are backed by Trijicon’s limited lifetime warranty. Trijicon provides Brilliant Aiming Solutions for those who defend freedom. And those who enjoy it.

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2

Holosun SCS-MOS Reflex Sight 1x Selectable Reticle Solar/Battery Powered for Glock MOS Matte

The Holosun SCS-MOS Reflex Sight is a direct attachment for full size Glock MOS systems, offering the lowest profile deck height for use with standard height iron sights. The SCS-MOS combines solar power, rechargeable internal power storage, low battery level indicator, and an auto adjusting brightness system to potentially operate indefinitely in multiple lighting conditions.

Features

  • Multiple reticle system
  • Direct attachment to Glock MOS system
  • Self adjusting parallax-free
  • Unlimited eye relief
  • Grade 5 titanium housing

DISCLAIMER: This product is not manufactured, authorized, endorsed, or warranted by GLOCK. GLOCK does not warrant or represent that this product is compatible with GLOCK pistols.

What Customers Are Saying

Hands down best optic for the glock mos

Toss out the adapter plates for the glock mos. Best optic to utilize glocks stock mos mounting pattern!
- LB, 6/25/2022

About Holosun

Since 2013, Holosun has been committed to creating innovative optic and laser/IR technologies for a broad range of shooting and hunting needs. Today, Holosun is at the forefront of developing new features including innovations such as; up to a 100,000 hour battery life, Solar Fail-Safe technology, The signature multi-reticle system (MRS), and much more. Their popular red dot sights, such as the 507C, 507K, and 510C, are all prime examples of Holosun’s innovation. Between the red dot sights, reflex sights, lasers, and illuminators, Holosun has a product for almost all firearm enthusiasts. Holosun is the industry leader in bringing feature rich, high-quality products at a price that won’t leave you stranded for ammo money.

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3

Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Red Dot Sight Matte

When your optic needs to be faster than your reactions, the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro is up to the challenge. The lightweight aluminum housing is shrouded by spring steel for the ultimate in ruggedness while the aspheric lens generates a wide field-of-view with some of the best image quality ever seen in a reflex sight. Leupold’s patented Motion Sensor Technology discerns any movement of the sight and automatically activates the illumination which is inset into a light tunnel to reduce the light signature in tactical situations. The tool-less, spring actuated battery compartment makes changing the battery quick and easy while being impervious to water at a depth of up to 33 feet. The 1 MOA elevation and windage adjustments eliminate the need for adjustment lock screws. From handguns to ARs; and from .22s to .458s, the agile DeltaPoint Pro is always a step ahead. Covered by the Leupold Golden Ring Full Lifetime Warranty; electronics covered by the Leupold Golden Ring Electronics Warranty. Warranties on Leupold Tactical optical products may vary depending on use and other factors. Includes battery, and protective cover.

Note: The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro matches the optics cut on the current US Army Modular Handgun System (MHS) contract holder, the Sig Sauer P320-M17.

Features:

  • Motion Sense Technology
  • Waterproof to 33 feet
  • Ideal for pistols, shotguns and rifles
  • Includes battery and protective cover
  • Many mounts and risers available (sold separately)



What Customers Are Saying

Great Reflex Sight but...

It appears to be a great sight but since Leupold put the battery on top, the unit is a little longer. So.. the base plate doesn't work, at least on my S&W M&P 9mm Performance CORE. Someone needs to build an adapter plate that fits. The one that came with my pistol was made for the original Delta Point. Not the Pro. When will it be available?? I hate to pay for another adapter but that's how it looks. Thanks.
- Jerry Frank, 11/7/2015

About Leupold

Leupold was founded in 1907 by brothers-in-law and close friends Fred Leupold and Adam Volpel. Their company, Leupold Volpel & Co, made surveying equipment by hand. In 1942, Leupold adopted its current company name, Leupold & Stevens. Legend has it that while hunting one day in the 1940’s, Marcus Leupold missed a buck because his rifle scope fogged up. He swore he could make a better rifle scope, and that’s exactly what he did in 1947 with the Plainsman. Today, Leupold is an industry leader in the manufacturing of performance optics including hunting rifle scopes, target rifle scopes, tactical rifle scopes, pistol scopes, shotgun scopes, rimfire scopes, muzzleloading scopes, red dot sights, scope mounts, binoculars, range finders, spotting scopes and performance shooting glasses and sunglasses. So be bold. Be Tenacious. Be Relentless. Leupold performance optics are built by hard-working Americans who are committed to upholding Leupold’s legacy of quality craftsmanship.

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4

Holosun EPS Carry Enclosed Pistol Reflex Sight

The Holosun Enclosed Pistol Sight Carry (EPS Carry) is designed for use on Slim-Line carry pistols. The Holosun EPS Carry features an extremely low deck height, allowing for the use of standard iron sights for backup on some pistol models. The mounting footprint is the same as the HS407K X2 and HS507K X2 models, with low indexing lugs, thus facilitating the IPX8 waterproof rating and low height over bore. Other key features include up to 50,000 hours of battery life, and the Shake Awake Sensor. The EPS Carry will include an adapter plate for pistols with higher indexing lugs like the Hellcat, Glock 43/48 MOS, etc. as well as one CR1620 lithium battery.

Features

  • Up to 50,000 hours of battery life
  • Shake Awake
  • IPX8 Waterproof
  • (1) CR1620 Battery
  • Adapter Plate
  • Multi Tool Lens Cloth
  • User Manual

 

What Customers Are Saying

6 MOA GR is amazing.

Love this thing. I added a 6 MOA GR EPS Carry to my Sig P365 Spectre Comp. I have a few other guns with 407ks on other guns and I prefer the EPS Carry hands down. The larger dot allows a lower brightness which helps my astigmatism (everyone's response is different though) and also I feel like it helps me acquire targets faster. Definitely going to pick up a few more.
- Matt, 11/13/2022

About Holosun

Since 2013, Holosun has been committed to creating innovative optic and laser/IR technologies for a broad range of shooting and hunting needs. Today, Holosun is at the forefront of developing new features including innovations such as; up to a 100,000 hour battery life, Solar Fail-Safe technology, The signature multi-reticle system (MRS), and much more. Their popular red dot sights, such as the 507C, 507K, and 510C, are all prime examples of Holosun’s innovation. Between the red dot sights, reflex sights, lasers, and illuminators, Holosun has a product for almost all firearm enthusiasts. Holosun is the industry leader in bringing feature rich, high-quality products at a price that won’t leave you stranded for ammo money.

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5

Vortex Optics Defender-CCW Micro Red Dot Sight

Arm yourself with the red dot specifically built for modern everyday carry. The Vortex Optics Defender-CCW Micro Red Dot Sight delivers maximum concealment, reliability, and the first-shot quickness you need when facing a threat with nowhere to run. The slim profile means no extra bulk or width for a smoother, no-snag draw from under clothes and less chance of printing, so the only one on the street who knows you’re packing is you. A large, class leading sight window and brilliant, illuminated dot help you lock on target faster and defend more accurately, even in low light. Auto-Shutoff to preserve battery life. Motion activated, so it’s instantly ready when you need it. Fits full-size to micro-compacts. Meant for those who prioritize personal protection, the Defender-CCW lets you carry more discreetly, defend faster, and more accurately when life is on the line.

 

Built compact and tough for everyday carry, the Defender-CCW still offers a class leading window size, along with exceptional optics with minimal distortion for a truer sight picture. Adjustable brightness lets you find the perfect setting for your eye, while a button lockout feature prevents accidental adjustments while carrying. And with a long battery life and motion activation, you can be confident the Defender-CCW will be ready when you need it.

 

The Defender-CCW is a complete rediesign of the current MRDS offering from Vortex. Its window is much bigger than the Viper and Venom MRDS as well as being much more durable than all of them. The Defender-CCW is also smaller and has a Shield RMS footprint. Will fit all Shield RMS and Shield RMSc footprints without any modification.

 

Features

  • Large hard coated aspherical lens - For a fast, distortion-free sight picture
  • Motion activation with 14 hour Auto-shutoff
  • Automatically activates with motion
  • Shockshield polymer insert absorbs everyday impacts
  • Shield RMS footprint
  • Fits all Shield RMS and Shield RMSc footprints without any modification

 

Included

  • 1" Shim Plate
  • Picatinny Mount
  • Rubber Cover
  • Lens Cloth
  • CR1632 Battery
  • Custom Tool
  • Most Common Mounting Screw Sets

What Customers Are Saying

Great Value, EDC rugged

I have two CCW Defenders mounted on carry guns. I've owned many different RDS's. This Vortex is tough enough to withstand daily bumps and bounces, as well as use for slide racking. Accessible controls and battery tray. Two things bug me: first, the thick squared off top of the shroud makes it overly bulky, blocks downrange visibility, and the edges are susceptible to printing; I'm tempted to take the Dremel to it to round off the top, but that would surely void the excellent warranty. I guess that's the trade-off with 'rugged.' The second is the 14 hr shutdown delay; perplexing. If you have shake-to-wake, there's no reason to needlessly drain a half-day of battery life every time the weapon is bumped. I find I'm changing the battery quarterly as a result.
- Dusty Harry, 9/27/2023

About Vortex Optics

Founded in 1986, Vortex is an American, family- and veteran-owned business headquartered near Barneveld Wisconsin. Vortex is a leading optics manufacturer offering cutting-edge rifle scopes, red dot sights, spotting scopes, binoculars, rangefinders, range-finding binoculars, crossbow scopes, scope bases and mounts, scope rings, and tripods. We carry all Vortex Optics models, including the Razor, Diamondback, Crossfire, Viper, Strike Eagle, and more. Vortex also offers an exciting line of Vortex jackets, coats, parkas, shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, vests, hats, rain gear, binocular cases, binocular harnesses, water bottles, and morale patches. Vortex Optics, including rifle scopes, red dots, rangefinders, binoculars, spotting scopes, tripods, and monoculars, are covered by the Vortex unlimited, fully transferable, unlimited lifetime VIP warranty.

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