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 is the size of the reticle, the color of the reticle, and the power source. The size of the reticle can range from 1 MOA to over 10 MOA, for reference a 10 MOA red dot will cover 10 inches at 100 yards. For color most red dots will have a red reticle but some have other options like green or amber. Most red dot sights are battery powered but some brands like Trijicon and Holosun offer solar powered red dots. Below are 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

Trijicon® has led the industry in the development of superior any-light aiming systems since the company’s founding in 1981. We are proud to supply the official Rifle Combat Optic (RCO) and official Squad Common Optic (SCO) of the U.S. Marine Corps (ACOG® and VCOG®), the official USSOCOM Miniature Aiming System Day Optic (RMR®), as well as partnering with government, state and local law enforcement agencies for decades (night sights). We are equally as excited, however, to create innovative aiming systems for shooting and hunting enthusiasts around the world. These systems include industry-leading rifle scopes, red dot sights, electro optics and iron sights.

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2

Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sight 1x with Picatinny Mount Matte

Make your AR, pistol or shotgun even more poisonous with the Vortex Venom Red Dot sight. The durable, machined aluminum housing ensures the unit will stand up to whatever you throw at it. High-quality, fully multi-coated lens offers a clean, wide field of view. Vortex’s top-load system makes changing the CR1632 battery a snap and alleviates the need to remove the sight when switching the power source. The power and dot intensity controls are conveniently located on the left side of the unit. Choose between 10 levels of brightness in manual mode or switch to auto mode. Flush 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments are super sleek and make sighting in a breeze. Includes a Picatinny mount, T-15 Torx wrench, and CR1632 battery.

Features:

  • Fully multi-coated
  • Premium wide-field lens
  • Single piece chassis
  • Waterproof
  • Shockproof
  • Hard anodized finish
  • ArmorTek scratch resistant coating on lenses
  • Unlimited eye relief
  • Parallax free
  • 14 hour auto-shutdown feature
  • Up to 30,000 hours battery life
  • Comes with a Picatinny mount
  • Compatible with Burris Fastfire mounts.

What Customers Are Saying

Great optic, great value

I'm in my mid 60's and my eyes are having trouble with iron sights and through recommendations and research I purchased the Vortex Venom 3 MOA and mounted it on my Canik TP9SFx about a month ago. I finally have 900 rounds through it feel comfortable in rendering an opinion. The installation was as smooth as one could hope for. When mounting, the Canik manual states to use the mounting screws that are included with the pistol to mount the plates. Suggest you use 'blue' Loctite when installing the mounting plates to mitigate the plates loosing up. Yeah, I'm one of 'those guys' that actually reads the manuals. The battery cap does have fine threads and I can see where some people could cross thread them. I don't rush anything when it comes to firearms, so no problem there. Range time: The optic was easy to sight in and only took a few shots. It has held zero perfectly without any problems with function. The field of view was more than adequate and clear. My groups tightened up substantially over the...
- Methos, 5/15/2018

About Vortex Optics

People, Products, and Promises – at Vortex Optics, we’re about you. Our products are designed, engineered, and built to work for you, no matter the task. Whether it be punching paper from the bench or taking that trophy buck from a distance, we’ve got your back with purpose-driven products made by shooters, for shooters. Every Vortex product is backed by our VIP Warranty, which is our promise to the customer that no matter what, we’ve got you covered. Here at Vortex, you’re not just a customer, you’re family. Welcome to the Vortex nation.

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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

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, Leupold introduced their first rifle scope, the Plainsman, the first truly fog-proof rifle scope built by Americans. 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, and spotting scopes. So be bold. Be Tenacious. Be Relentless. Leupold performance optics are built by hard-working Americans who are committed to upholding the legacy of quality craftsmanship established over 100-years ago.

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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 hr battery life, Solar Fail-Safe technology, Our signature Multi-Reticle System (MRS), and much more. At Holosun, its simple. We are obsessed with producing cutting-edge equipment with superior quality, at a price that astounds.

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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

About Vortex Optics

People, Products, and Promises – at Vortex Optics, we’re about you. Our products are designed, engineered, and built to work for you, no matter the task. Whether it be punching paper from the bench or taking that trophy buck from a distance, we’ve got your back with purpose-driven products made by shooters, for shooters. Every Vortex product is backed by our VIP Warranty, which is our promise to the customer that no matter what, we’ve got you covered. Here at Vortex, you’re not just a customer, you’re family. Welcome to the Vortex nation.

Shop Now