To get the best out of your AR15, you need several accessories including the best red dot sight for ar 15 for the money.
An ar 15 red dot sight is an optical scope for firearms and other devices requiring aiming such as cameras.
So, what exactly does a red dot scope for ar 15 do?
It uses a red LED (light emitting diode) to create a dot style illuminated reticle that maintains an alignment with your rifle so that you can accurately aim at your target regardless of your eye position
AR15 red dot sights are fast-acquisition and easy-to-use gun sights and will make you a sharpshooter when hunting down that deer, in sports, and as a marksman.
Now, the best red dot for the money should be lightweight, sufficiently rugged, uses its battery power fairly and maintains its calibration for precision and lasting zeroing.
Having said that, let's now talk about how you can acquire the very best red dot sight for ar 15 for the money
For one, you can be sure to meet a sea of ar-15 red dot sights each competing for your attention. But since you want the best of the best, I would advise you to take your time.
And don't forget to focus on the key features that give a red dot sight for ar 15 top marks.
I know it sounds a bit tricky but that's why we did this post...
Check out the best ar 15 scope for the money.Am going to show you how to nail down on the best red dot sight for ar 15 for the money and even highlight some of the top 10 sights from our red dot scope reviews
So, take aim and let's do this;
1. Primary Arms 2 MOA Micro Red Dot Riflescope.
This makes sighting so easy.
One, its elevation and windage adjust like the very best ar 15 scope for the money
Then, unless you aim at the extremely high settings, it sights clearly and crisp.
Again, it maintains zero like a genius.
But you can expect all this if you consider its angled front lens, 12 brightness settings, night vision compatibility, co-witnessing ability, and ultra-sharp 2MOA reticle.
This would undoubtedly give any ar 15 red dot sight a run for its money.
Features- Angled front lens
- 2 MOA Dot
- Mounts easily
- 50,000 hours battery life
- Friendly control scheme
- 12 brightness settings (2 night compatible)
- Push button design
- Submersible
- Zeroes in superbly
- Anti-glare and anti-reflective coating
- Scratch-resistant glass
This is an advanced red dot sight and undoubtedly one of the best ar optic under 200 for that matter.
Its features tell the entire story- I am talking of its 12 brightness settings, 50000 hours lifetime battery, waterproof design, night vision compatibility, co-witnessing ability, and the ultra-sharp 2MOA reticle.
Giving you peace of mind is the fact that its push button design is the easiest to manage.
2. HOLOSUN HS403A Micro Red Dot Sight.
Larger dots cover more target area and enable you to shoot multiple targets fast while smaller dots are best for bulls eye type shooting where precision is a major consideration.
This 2 MOA sight gives you all the advantages you would get in an expensive AR-15 dot at just a fraction of the normal price so it would make you a serial winner in bulls eye events.
There is more;
I don't know about you but if you have ever worked with a red dot that obstructs your view, you know how frustrating targeting becomes.
This has a low profile and won't obstruct your vision and provides.
It also auto-activates when picked up thus provides quick target acquisition and maximum accuracy.
Features- Auto shutoff
- Day and night compatible
- 12 brightness settings (two night vision settings)
- Parallax-free
- Made from durable aluminum
- Submersible up to 100 feet
- Concealed battery housing
- Extreme battery life
- Lower height mount
- Unlimited eye relief
- 2MOA
- Windage/elevation adjustments
- 50,000 battery operation hours
- You have to remove the sight when replacing the battery
- The adjustments options are fairly limited
For a reduced price, you get to enjoy all the features synonymous with the greatest red dots.
The holosun micro red dot is a low profile red dot with high quality angled lens and is fully waterproof
It holds great promise as far as swift target acquisition is concerned.
3. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope.
Recoil is your guns' direct reaction when a bullet leaves the barrel of your weapon.
You see, when your bullet clears the crown of your rifle's barrel, it is normally followed by some gasses from the powder's combustion.
It is these gasses that cause recoil as they exiting from the barrel.
Now, recoil doesn't directly affect accuracy but if it's greater, it does affect your follow-up shots- you may, in fact, have to re-aim.
So, we intentionally decided to add a red dot that can hold up to recoil from even big guns.
And that is where the Bushnell trophy red dot sight comes in. It excellently resists recoil.
Incidentally, it is very bright and differentiating targets in dimly lit conditions is very easy.
Features Pros Cons- Sometimes loses its zero
- It's not bright enough in scorching sunlight
The best red dot sight for ar-15 should also withstand recoil and none does this as well as the Bushnell trophy red dot sight.
And its amber-bright optics will help you avoid the drama that arises when you are trying to focus on targets in dim conditions.
3. Dagger Defense DDHB Red Dot Reflex sight, Reflex sight optic.
A red dot uses a low power LED to produce the reticle. In comparison, holographic sights use a high powered laser to create the holographic impression of the reticle.
Critics of holographic sights will tell you that they are bulkier, drain batteries much faster and perform purely in locations where temperatures change quickly like mountains.
Among the red dots that have slowly built a name is The Dagger Defense red reflex sight-a pedigree red dot build to withstand the rough-and-tumble of changing weather conditions.
Moreover, it is built from the toughest aircraft grade aluminium, thus it is quite a sturdy optic.
Furthermore, it uses a square shaped window to impose either a green or red dot based on your tastes and prevailing conditions.
Then, each of the 2 dots has two reticles so it has a total of four different designs.
Equally important is the fact that the optic has many different brightness settings, from dim to the brightest.
Features Pros Cons- The dot is not very bright if in the highest setting especially when outdoors
The Dagger Defense reflex is an excellent tactical scope.
It has enterprising features like 4 position reticles, red/green dot option, adjustable brightness options and an ergonomic design.
This certainly has the potential to scoop the title of the best red dot sight for ar-15 for the money
4. Vortex Optics Sparc AR Red Dotx.
Even though red dots are never intended for magnification, this comes with an x1 integrated magnification meaning it can be used without requiring a magnifier.
It also saves you time by automatically returning to its previous dot intensity as soon as you power it up.
Then, you will be assured of precise aim - the 2 MOA is perfect for various home defense and recreational applications.
Perhaps, I should add that you enjoy unlimited eye relief and it's parallax free.
Features- 1x Magnification
- 2MOA dot diameter
- Digital rear-facing controls
- 10 varying illumination settings
- AAA battery
- Multi-height mount system
- Rubber cover (including flip caps)
- Unlimited eye relief
- Parallax free
- Affordable
- Has more illumination options
- Quite accurate
- Highly versatile
- very easy to adjust and operate
- Can be easily mounted on various heights
- Lasts longer with a single battery
- Night vision compatible
- Holds up very well
- Doesn't perform as well in low light
This will truly deliver full value for your money. The x1 magnifier, 2MOA reticle, and friendly user interface will make you a proud shooter.
It is essentially a complete package- fast, durable, compact, lightweight, and very precise.
5. C-MORE Systems Railway Red Dot Sight.
Tube style scopes have several limitations...
Some have a limited field of view, while others lead to loss of peripheral vision when used repeatedly.
But with the innovative C-more systems railway red dot, obstruction and constrained vision will be a thing of the past
What makes this possible is its heads-up-display (HUD) design that's customized to deliver the biggest field of view.
And you shouldn't fear that it may not match up with your weapon...
It's fixed on picatinny and weaver rail mounts which implies that you can virtually attach it to any gun.
Features Pros Cons VerdictThis is built to overcome all the nagging challenges of tube-style sights like obstruction and tunnel vision.
It delivers speed, performance, and reliability in all conditions and flaunts a unique Heads-Up-Display (HUD) model.
And it is one of the most versatile sites with its railing allowing you to mount it on virtually any gun.
Overall, it is a favorite candidate for the best cheap red dot sight for ar 15
6. Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optic.
Co Witnessing stands for the capability to utilize your iron-sights hand-in-hand with either a holographic optic or a red dot.
Co-witnessing allows you a BUIS (back up iron sights).
This is important just in case your optic fails in the midst of a competition, combat, hunting or self-defense.
Here is the catch:
If your sight jams, the co-witness bridges you seamlessly to your installed back-up-iron-sights.
This allows you to continue bombarding your hapless objective without losing a second.
The Aimpoint patrol rifle optic is specially engineered to co-witness smoothly with existing AR-platform pattern sights and partners with 4 MOA dot to make target acquisition swift and highly precise in all environments.
Features- Compatible with Aimpoint's 3X Magnifier and its Concealed Engagement unit.
- Hard anodized aluminum housing
- Rugged
- Waterproof up to 150 feet.
- Provides for an anti-reflection device (ARD).
- Overcomes harshest conditions to produce reliable results.
- Sees both reticles(red & green) clearly even in broad daylight
- The reticle's brightness adjusts easily
- It's compatible with multiple night vision accessories
- You have five brightness levels to choose from
- You can fit an anti-reflection device (ARD).
- Has co-witness ability
- You can use it with both your eyes open
- You can leave it always on and ready for action thanks to its tough battery
- It gets foggy in dim conditions.
This is a professional co-witnessing optic that goes well with shooters with little patience for defeat.
It not only a case study in performance but it's also first class when it comes to reliability and resilience.
It's a serial contender for the top pick in the best ar red dot for the money reviews.
8. Sightmark Ultra Shot Sight QD Digital Switch.
If your targets start jumping around or move back and forth, they always run circles around you and make fun of your vain efforts.
I can imagine how you helplessly watch your bullets go just about everywhere.
But you can pre-empt this embarrassment if you upgrade your weapon with the right sight.
from the myriad of many red dots, the sightmark ultra shot sight stands out because of its appetite for close-range, fast-moving targets.
Claiming credit for this is the fitted Digital switch.
By the same token, this reflex sight includes a shielding aluminum hood that further enhances your defense, whilst also making it more durable than many of its mates.
May I also hasten to add that not many sights look this polished...as well as eliminating reflection, its matte black finishing presents a sleek and a very tactical appearance.
Features Pros Cons- some of its brightness options are blurred
- Batteries may not last long especially in low intensity
This is a glorious alternative to the various expensive sight models purposed for close-range, fast-moving targets
It is powered by a functional Digital switch and has a protective, aluminum shielding hood that further boosts your defense
9. Burris 300234 Fastfire III with Picatinny Mount 3 MOA Sight.
If you hate the nuisance of constantly changing brightness, you would find this optic friendly.
It is made of top quality materials and comes with the famous picatinny mount which allows you to attach to on any rifle.
Compared with its predecessor - the Fastfire II, this is highly improved.
It is brighter, has more light-intensity options, and a better option.
All your teething concerns like sight alignment, brightness issues, or how to spot your target are fully catered for.
Features Pros Cons- Dot is neither big enough nor bright for a sunny day range shooting
The Fast Fire III Red Dot is a serious upgrade over the fast fire II.
It is very versatile and sets brightness automatically.
Then, it is brighter, removable picatinny mount, easy on/off switch and you will find simpler to use on range
10. Rhino Tactical Green & Red Dot Sight for Rifles.
To round off our best red dot sight for the money search is the rhino tactical green & red sight.
It is a co-witnessing red dot sight built to manoeuvre the harshest environments having passed through rigorous testing procedures before coming into the market.
We also tested it and found it quite magnificent...
First, we noticed that the Red/Green brightness settings are bright enough for sunny days, and comfortably dims for night use.
Then we tried the switch and it feels much better than what we are used to.
Next, we installed it on an AR Pistol and boy, it holds zero admirably
Its glass is also pretty good and not tinted.
Overall, it holds its ground against the rest of the entrants in our best red dot sight for ar 15 for the money selection.
Features Pros Cons VerdictHere you have a co-witnessing and a rugged red dot, sure to challenge even within the harshest conditions.
The rhino tactical sight is a no-frills red/green optic that knows how to help your battle rifle to easily, and quickly locate targets with its large 35mm objective.
Its 4 MOA dot is faultless in discharging its duties.
Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Red Dot Sight For Ar 15 For The Money.
When searching for a perfect red-dot sight, it's advisable to first know exactly what you need when sighting with your firearm.
Some red-dot sights may pack sometimes un-necessary additional features like magnification which may blind you and lead to an inefficient red dot sight.
Focus on;
Generally, expensive sights perform much better with various firearms. But there are some inexpensive hidden gems that come very close to top performance so don't just look at the price
You definitely need a red dot sight that fits in superbly with your gun. While a number go with a variety of rifles, it pays to check you're your weapons design before picking
As far your dot's size ( MOA) is concerned, 4MOA sights do an admirable job with various handpieces.
Common sizes for consumer red dot sights range between 2 MOA to around 3.5 MOA, while 4 MOA works for professional shooters.
Just like dot sizes, patterns differ with various red dots.
It's true that most have a dot but you can meet crosshairs-like reticles in addition to many other patterns.
Go for your personal preference.
Unless you are loaded full of bucks, you certainly don't want to keep replacing your sight because of picking a fancy red dot sight that ends up malfunctioning soon after first use.
If you are an expert, you surely need a top red dot sight that will make you bring down all targets.
But if you are a beginner, you need to first learn the ropes before knowing your best range so you would do with a simple sight as you learn.
You may think it's always red. No! You can find green and even blue 'red dots'.
Red is my personal favorite for its all-around color, but blue is an awesome sight in bright-light conditions.
Try a couple of sights and see what your heart likes.
ConclusionThe best red dot sight for ar 15 for the money should be solid, effective and durable.
Further, it should not be too big or too small while being compatible with your AR15.
Also, avoid an expensive ar15 red dot sight when starting as you are still learning and you hardly know what's good for you at this point.
We have also covered the top 10 ar15 red dots to make it easier for you to choose and now believe that your dream red dot scope for ar-15 is now much, much simpler.
So, it's now your turn.
Go and get yourself the very best red dot for ar15 - you are well equipped to do this!
