Anyone who uses a firearm for hunting, paintball, target practice or professional marksmanship needs a red dot sight to guide the shot. Right? If you want to make precise shots without missing the targets, you’ll need not just a pleasant sight dot but one that will also help you improve your split times.
The optic realm is vast with a wide choice of scopes to choose from like the fixed power, long-range shooting, close-range shooting scopes and much more. Unlike the traditional iron sights that can be used to attain precision, red dot sights offer a faster way to aim and shoot without missing the target making them the ultimate sighting system in the world of modern optics.
Apart from being more precise, red dots are more intuitive than iron sights. They are easier to use in an open range and take little time to learn. The optics are a favorite for most shooters when aiming at moving targets. This review will look at 10 Best Red Dot Sights on the market that are most suitable to use with your rifle, shotgun or pistol.
Below is a comparison table of the ten best red dot sights available in the market with highlighted features that will help you choose the right red dot sight for your needs. We have also included a buyer’s guide that is important because you don't want to purchase a red dot for your gun that you may never end up using because it never matched your firearm.
Ozark Armament Rhino Aluminum 3x 3000 hours 4 MOA
Dagger Defense DDHB Red Dot Reflex Sight Aircraft grade aluminum 2x CR2032 battery with a reasonably long lifespan 4 MOA
Feyachi Reflex Sight Metal 1x Powered 3v lithium battery 3-4 MOA
Vortex Optics StrikeFire 2 Hard-coat-anodized machined-aluminum 3x 6000 hours 4 MOA
Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optic Hard-anodized aluminum 1x 30,000 hours 2 MOA
Trijicon RMR 6.5 Red Dot Sight Forged 7075-T6 aircraft aluminum-alloy housing 1x Four years plus – 50,000 hours 6.5 MOA
Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sight Machined aluminum housing 1x 150 hours on high settings, 30,000 hours on lower settings 3 MOA or 6 MOA depending on the model
Vortex Optics Viper Aircraft grade aluminum 1x 30,000 hours on low-intensity settings 6.5 MOA
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Multicoated matte black finish No magnification One year with continued usage on low-intensity settings 3 MOA
Burris 300234 Fastfire III Made using the highest quality materials 1x 5,000 hours 3 MOA
However, before we get down to the list of red dot sights available in 2020, we’ll need to highlight features that complement an excellent optic.
Key Features to Consider When Purchasing a Red Dot Sight
Various needs and preferences make one person buy one scope and not the other. These pointers will help you choose the right red dot sight for your firearm that strikes a balance between performance and budget.
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Electronic Vs. Battery-Free
The battery life is a significant factor that you'll need to consider when purchasing a red dot. Shooters usually have to choose between the electronic or the battery-free red dots. An electric red dot sight is more reliable and efficient than the battery-free optic concerning longevity, night vision, and auto-brightness adjustments. Depending on the model, a red dot sight’s battery life can last up from 100 – 1000 hours while some other brands can run up to 8 years with continued usage.
On the other hand, the battery-free red dot is not prone to electrical failures and malfunctions – a considerable advantage over the electric sights. However, the battery-free type can disappoint you in low light conditions since you can't manually increase the intensity of the scope.
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Reticle
Most common sights feature a red dot while others have a green or black dot. The Reticle patterns and sizes vary, but the most important thing to keep in mind is that a good sight will utilize multiple profiles and be visible to suit your comfort. Depending on the purpose and the application of your rifle, the brightness, and color of your reticle can be adjusted to allow usability in any lighting condition.
Reticles or dot sizes (MOA) vary in intensity and size which is adjustable for easier target marking depending on the distance. A slightly bigger big dot means faster targeting, while a large dot makes it hard to distinguish a target. On the other hand, a small dot can serve as a source of distraction as you try to locate the reticle. The dot size helps you estimate the range of your gun based on the accuracy of the red dot optic. The standard reticle sizes used in a variety of rifles range from 2 MOA to 3.5 MOA or up to 4 MOA.
The duplex long distance reticle, which is an ordinary reticle used in target shooting offers across for simple target acquisition and shows up to 100 yards.
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Cost
The cost of a red dot sight is a significant factor to consider if you want something that you can afford at the same time not sacrifice the quality. If budget is not an issue, you can go for a specific scope with specific features that offer high performance, durability, and functionality anywhere from $500 up to $1000. However, an expensive model doesn't always guarantee better quality as some costly red dot sights could be missing key features.
A budget red dot scope can go below $50, but you are more likely to run into problems. You could also be risking the quality of the lens and zeroing mechanisms which would significantly affect target accuracy. Besides, you may need to keep replacing the scopes now and then. Anything around $200 is still considered a moderate price that will give you optimal performance and versatility.
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Parallax Free
A parallax error comes when the focal plane is not correctly aligned. Iron sights feature rear and front view that helps the shooter to take a straight shot. However, red dot sights are limited in this capacity, and if a user slightly shifts his head, without moving the gun, they could end up hitting the wrong target.
The best way to test parallax is to target through the optic at 100 yards – when you glance at different angles, the target image should not move. Luckily, most dot sights come with an adjustment that can eliminate the error.
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Housing Configuration
A red dot sight features either a tube housing or a reflex style housing. The type of construction will allow you to apply filters and protective covers to the scope. Although choosing either one of the housing configurations may not affect the performance of your firearm, the tube type somewhat restricts a clear peripheral view due to its size and the presence of knobs. That said, the tube housing is best for bull eye accuracy and is also durable
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Durable
Like any piece of equipment, red dot sights should feature a compact and sustainable design. A great scope will not crack when mounted on your weapon even on heavy recoil. Your choice should give you value for the money with a durable and sturdy design.
A large red dot sight adds weight to your gun which could diminish the accuracy of your shot. Today, a majority of red dots feature aluminum and aluminum alloy construction making them lightweight.
Other Features
- Compatible with a firearm – Most sights accommodate specific types of weapons. Therefore, you’ll need to find an optic that is compatible and can properly mount on your gun.
- Magnification power–Most scopes feature 2-3X magnification that is adjustable based on the need of the shooter. The magnification feature allows pinpointing accuracy when shooting at 200-600 yards.
- Night vision –You may need to consider a sight with a night vision if you are shooting in low light conditions. A red dot can have an active or passive adjustment for dot brightness and visibility.
- Red dot mount –Mounting a sight is a crucial step that will help you nail the target. Consider an optic that can be mounted, adjusted and removed quickly.
The above vital features are essential when considering to purchase the right dot sight that would be suitable for your firearm.
Our Top 10 Best Red Dot Sights Detailed Reviews
Ozark Armament Rhino Red Dot Sight
- Co-witness Design
This reflex sight is bright, and its weight is balanced. It includes a Picatinny mount and can co-witness your AR stock iron sights. The Rhino can also co-witness with both standard iron sights and Ozark Rhino sights making it an excellent option for plinking, hunting, and sporting.
- Budget Buy
If you are on a budget, the Ozark Armament Rhino will make an excellent choice for a red dot sight under $50. This optic features a lightweight design with unparalleled accuracy and quickness excelling in both short and medium target shooting.
This full-sized optic notably features a green dot that comes in handy where a red dot is useless and doesn’t cause strain on the eyes when used in low light conditions. Conversely, the red dot is easier to see in brighter conditions especially in bright sunlight.
- Design and Construction
It’s also dustproof, fog proof, and waterproof making it user-friendly in any weather conditions. The optic also features aluminum material construction for durability.
This red dot includes two flip-up lens covers while the fully adjustable windage and the elevation obtains an accurate zero. This optic is a well thought out product with a parallax-free glass and mount that uses simple screws to ensure it stays secure even with a heavy recoiling gun.
Why We Like It:
- Great sight for the money
- Flip-up lens caps
- Rough ergonomic outline
- Simple, secure mounting on the rail
- Precise at 100 yards
Why We Hate It:
- Foggy red dot
- Restricted guarantee of one year
Check Customer Reviews and Price of this Red Dot Sights
Dagger Defense DDHB Red Dot Reflex Sight
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Red and Green Reticle
The optic features a red and green dot just like the Ozark Armament Rhino and a rotary adjustment knob that the shooter uses to adjust brightness and intensity an excellent option for your AK47, AR10, M4, and AR15.
- Quick Targeting
This red dot includes a hex wrench that can be adjusted as the target moves but does not affect the reticle. The sight endures heavy recoil without losing its zero though you’ll need to tighten the locking screw. If the zero is not holding, the set screw featured in this model comes in handy. The optic is parallax free for quick target acquisition.
- Affordable
This red dot is another affordable optic costing under $50 that features a lightweight design, not with the most magnificent glass but she'll work. It also features a water-resistant feature, but you should not use it under water as it's not entirely waterproof maybe under a little rain here and there.
Why We Like It:
- A highly durable product with an overall build quality
- The red dot is easy to zero
- Affordable
- Easy assembly
Why We Hate It:
- We wish the sight were brighter to facilitate target acquisition
- Not waterproof
Check Customer Reviews and Price of this Red Dot Sights
Feyachi Reflex Sight
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Four Pattern Reticles
Feyachi Reflex Sight with four adjustable reticle styles feels like a 4-in-1 optic with both red and green dots – all in one optic! You can select the multiple sight reticles such as a dot, crosshair dot, circle dot, or a combination of dots.
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Wider View
The optic features a 33mm lens with a wide range of view that offers quick target acquisition an excellent choice for beginners or those on a tight budget. The brightness on this optic is adjustable and sufficient on a bright sunny day. However this red dot might not be suitable to use with heavy recoiling guns – a .22lr lever action rifle would work well with this optic mostly for plinking.
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Affordable
As far as the price point is concerned, this optic is very affordable going for under $20. Many shooters struggle with front sight focus but Feyachi reflex red dot, you’ll be able to align the front and the rear sight on the target. The parallax on this gear is so minimal that you don’t need to ensure that the dot is in the middle of the optic.
This optic notably features unlimited eye-relief and a large enough field of view with a very sturdy and secure rail mounting system.
Why We Like It:
- Easy to mount
- Very inexpensive – under $20
- Four reticles
Why We Hate It:
- Short lifespan before it starts to lose its zero considering the price point, it may need replacement after a while
- Not waterproof
Check Customer Reviews and Price of this Red Dot Sights
Vortex Optics StrikeFire II
- Crisp Images
The Strikefire II is a mid-range priced excellent rugged optic that features a solid optical glass with red and green reticles for a brighter, sharper and more powerful images. The sight which weighs 7.2 ounces is undoubtedly a little heavier than most red dot sights in the market but an excellent choice for beginners, intermediate and even experienced shooters.
This Vortex Optics also included two flip-up lens covers in this scope and a CR2 battery that can last you up to half a year depending on the intensity and frequency of usage.
- Durable Design
Strikefire is easy to set up and simple to zero in once it’s mounted a great choice to use for rifles, carbines, and shotguns. The scope is relatively stable with a solid black finish and is best for use with .308 Colt. The optic is also scratch resistant and features sleek rear-facing controls for power and unlimited eye relief for rapid target acquisition.
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Adjustable Brightness
This red dot also features adjustable high quality, clear ten dot intensity levels with a red or green dot that a shooter can choose to use. However, this optic offers no magnification, and the caps are non-removable. The optic is shockproof but is not nitrogen-purged, and so it’s not waterproof therefore you can’t use it in wet conditions.
Though light transmission is not optimum in this scope, it utilizes two eyes for aiming though the lighting is nice and bright. The red dot also has a dedicated button that turns the reticle to a night vision mode.
Why We Like It:
- Adequate battery life
- Affordably priced
- Excellent quality
- Can work in any weather condition
- Extended battery life
- Easy to mount and zero in
- Night vision mode
- The reticle is variable in color
Why We Hate It:
- Non-magnified
- Not waterproof
Check Customer Reviews and Price of this Red Dot Sights
Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optic
- Design and Construction
The PRO red dot optic designed with the needs of the police officers in mind and features high-quality hard-anodized aluminum body and a recessed scratch-proof front glass – bomb-proof. This red dot optic features an operating range of-49 to -160 degrees F and costs slightly under $500, an excellent all-around sight.
- Unlimited Eye Relief
Like many red dots in the market, the PRO features a 1x magnification that allows the shooter to use both eyes for full peripheral vision and faster targeting acquisition. Aimpoint included a night vision compatibility in this model, unlimited eye relief, 2-minutes-of-angle red dot for precise target acquisition and ruggedized for real-world combat conditions.
- Waterproof up to 150 feet
The optic is completely waterproof up to 150 feet, but it’s the mounting that’s most intriguing with a QPR2 mount that locks down nice and tight with an ample knob for easy gripping, twist and turns. The scope features six levels of dot brightness, a dot size that is noticeable even on bright sunny conditions making it the best red dot for use in the line of duty especially for this kind of price.
Why We Like It:
- Unlimited eye relief
- Very sturdy and rugged
- High-quality sight
- Excellent battery life
- Comes with a mount
- Ideal for emergency combat situations
- Parallax free and always stays on target
- Co-witness with iron sights
- Keeps both eyes open for a full field of view
Why We Hate It:
- A little pricey
- The body is thick
- The window on this red dot is relatively small
Check Customer Reviews and Price of this Red Dot Sights
Trijicon RMR 6.5 Red Dot Sight
- Design and Construction
The RMR features a robust casing with 7075-T6 aircraft aluminum alloy construction, weighing 1.2 ounces making it a sturdy, lightweight and reliable sight under $500.
Though it has a smaller viewing window, Trijicon RMR features a red dot size of 6.5 MOA with automatically adjustable brightness including two-night visions and one super bright.
- Long Battery Life
This optic uses a single CR2032 Lithium Battery located at the bottom of the sight. The battery can be used continuously for four years at 70 degrees F. with a brightness setting of 4 to 8.
The brightness is also manually adjustable for your environment and notably features the on and off button that can save battery power giving the shooter more control. However, the downside of the positioning of the battery on sight is that it can bounce and lose contact.
- Adjustable and Adaptable
That said, RMR is easy to fix and use and comes with two physical operating controls making it a very versatile unit. The buttons won’t accidentally move during normal handling and are easy to use. This red dot also features custom slides and is suitable for 100-yard shots and quick target acquisition.
Why We Like It:
- A robust sight for pistols
- Outstanding battery life
- Night vision compatible
- Waterproof
Why We Hate It:
- Price point
Check Customer Reviews and Price of this Red Dot Sights
Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sight
- Enhanced Accuracy
This Vortex Venom optic features high quality two model options 3 MOA or 6 MOA dot best used for rapid, detailed target acquisition. The windage and elevation on this unit are sleek that make target sighting easy.
- Adjustable Brightness
The unit features ten various brightness settings for use in any lighting environment. The multi-coated lens feature reduces the glare and enables the shooter to see the dot with a clear sight picture through a wide range of view. The red dot also features controls that are conveniently placed and easy to use with the power control on the left side for easy adjustments.
- Lightweight
The scope is lightweight weighing 1.1 ounces and features a durable machined aluminum casing construction under $250. It’s easy to mount and zero in and holds well even after 500 plus rounds. The optic may not be a top-tier mini sight like the Trijicon RMR, and Delta point pro but it will give you quality features and withstand many years of use.
Why We Like It:
- Small and lightweight
- Durable and can withstand any environmental conditions
- Unlimited eye relief
- Top load battery compartment so you don’t have to zero in again when replacing the battery
Why We Hate It:
- Miserable battery life on high settings
- The dot is somewhat small
Check Customer Reviews and Price of this Red Dot Sights
Vortex Optics Viper
- High Quality
Just like other dots by the Vortex manufacturer, the Viper is high quality and feature-packed optic that’s convenient to use for long-range hunting and marksmanship. For instance, the unlimited eye relief offers the shooter with rapid target acquisition. Additionally, this optic with 6.5 -20x excels at all magnification ranges giving the shooter ultra-crisp visuals best for mid and long-range engagements.
- Anti-glare
The Vortex Viper utilizes extra-low dispersion glass with coats of anti-glare materials that enrich the color quality and enhances the resolution for a clear target picture.
- Durable Design
The optic features a sturdy 30mm tube aircraft-grade aluminum for optimal performance and structural integrity. The optic is O-ring sealed and argon purged for fog proof and waterproof for high performance in rough environments. This red dot features a tough scratch-resistance coating and to top it all a matte finish that camouflages the shooter’s position in bright conditions.
The adjustment controls in this optic are easy to use and rapidly zeros in without the use of any tools. On the other hand, the view Magbar feature effortlessly changes the zoom power while the quick eye focus makes it easy for the shooter to center the target quickly. Another featured control is the side focus adjustment that allows parallax removal at any range.
Why We Like It:
- Excellent light transmission
- Quick focus eyepiece
- Durable tube construction
- Intuitive adjustment controls
- Crystal clear images
- Easy zero reset function
- Excellent view mag adjustment bar
- Excellent for long distance targeting
Why We Hate It:
- Not intended for close range use at 100 yards
Check Customer Reviews and Price of this Red Dot Sights
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25
- Enhanced Accuracy
The low-cost optic from the Bushnell brand features a tilted lens that offers the shooter safety and a 3 MOA dot reticle with 11 illumination setting. The unit provides an easy target acquisition with amber-bright high contrast lens coating for faster targeting acquisition and precision in low-light environments.
However, the dot may appear blurry and distorted if the brightness intensity is too high in for ambient light conditions.
- Durable Construction
The TRS 25 is 100 percent waterproof, dustproof, fog proof and shockproof. The optic features a multicoated matte black finish and nitrogen-filled housing giving it a solid feel in hand best for use in hunting.
- Unlimited Eye Relief
The unit notably offers no magnification but comes with unlimited eye relief and surprisingly high accuracy and volumes of versatility. It also zeros in quickly and can hold up recoil with several thousand rounds but you’ll have to re-zero once you remove the sight and mount it again.
The gaskets are thick and well fitted and feature a CR2032 battery that can last up to one year with continued usage.
Why We Like It:
- Affordable
- The dot can be switched off to extend battery life
- Lightweight and compact
- Crisp pictures and well defined
- Zeros and holds well
Why We Hate It:
- The dot may move from the center
- Ambient light somewhat limits dot brightness levels
- Sometimes the dot distorts
Check Customer Reviews and Price of this Red Dot Sights
Burris 300234 Fastfire III
- Durable Construction
The Fastfire III solid construction with high-quality materials make it lightweight, durable and reliable. Although the unit is small, it features 3 MOA reticle and three different adjustable brightness settings for various lighting conditions. On the other hand, the sight doesn’t require windage or elevation adjustments making it simple to use.
- Easy Battery Replacement
The battery compartment featured on top of the sight providing easy battery replacement that won’t affect zeroing. The unit best for a variety of firearms is commonly paired with pistols making it an excellent choice for self-defense, target shooting or competition under $250.
- Co-witness Design
Due to its miniature size and ease of use, Fastfire III optic can be attached to rail systems and used as a backup sight for long-range scopes. This reflex sight is best for handguns, shotguns, and rifles with short distances of within 100 to 200 yards.
Why We Like It:
- Versatile
- Lightweight with miniature size
- Simple to use requires no tools
- Lifetime warranty
- Competitive price
Why We Hate It:
- A small field of view
- Not for long range shooting
Check Customer Reviews and Price of this Red Dot Sights
Benefits of using a Red Dot Sight
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Unrestricted eye relief
A good eye relief which can obtain full viewing angle for a high caliber rifle should be around 9-12 inches for comfortable shooting. There's minimal field of view (FOV) through the magnifier when the shooters eye is between 5 – 6 inches. A prism sight, for instance, features a shorter narrower eye relief than a red dot sight which has unlimited eye relief making it inappropriate for firearms that require extra eye relief and more flexible.
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Faster targeting capabilities
Once you spot a moving target, the next step should be focusing the reticle to acquire the target using your red dot sight quickly. Unlike iron sights, red dot sights aim faster and don’t need the shooter to change his focus; they also reduce parallax. Therefore, a pleasant red dot should be reasonably accurate to help you aim with precision.
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Works well in low light conditions
A good quality dot sight allows adjustment for the shooter. A bright reticle offers high visibility in sunny conditions while sufficient intensity range will provide a dark dot that averts the loss of night vision in low light environments.
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Greater field of view
Most red dot sights don't have any issues with the field of view as long as they if correctly applied. They are also non-magnified and work with both eyes open to focus on the target. A larger window is beneficial such that it offers you with that perfect cheek weld on the stock when you are looking
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Safer than holographic sights
Though a holographic sight is more superior in performance and construction than a red dot sight, dot sights are considered to be safer to use than holographic sights. If the holographic sight's lens breaks, the eye could be exposed to the laser and cause a permanent injury.
Furthermore, a red dot sight is more popular than a holographic sight as it tends to conserve battery power as it uses a low powered LED to produce a reticle. Holographic sights tend to be bulkier, more cumbersome and not temperature tolerant than red dots.
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Lightweight
Contemporary dot sights feature lightweight designs with aluminum and alloy construction for portability and comfort.
Types of Red Dot Sights
1. Reflex Sights
The reflex sight is the most common type of red dot optics that use a light emitting diode to project an aiming point. These kinds of scopes feature two types of construction; the tube-shaped sight with a contained beam while the other is a smaller optic with an exposed beam. Some top-tier red dots like the Trijicon optic uses tritium to emit visible fluorescent light. Other sights use fiber optic system to collect ambient light that powers the reticle for target acquisition.
A reflex optic also allows the shooter to look through the sight from different angles without affecting the point of aim. On the other hand with iron sights, the shooter must align eye, the rear sight and front sight to target with precision.
2. Prismatic Sights
Unlike the reflex sight that uses LED to project a dot reticle, Prismatic optics are small and use a prism that flips the images and features fewer lenses, bullet drop indicators and magnification making them more sophisticated than the reflex sights.
However, one downside of using this type of optic is that is has a shorter, narrower eye relief. Also since prismatic sights feature magnification, they develop parallax issues at longer distances. The parallax problem that occurs due to magnification can be solved when the shooter changes positions when shooting.
3. Holographic Sights
The optic uses a laser transmitted hologram reticle featured between the glass layers. They don't highlight magnification but offer an excellent field of view and enable the shooter to move around without changing the point of aim. The reticles in the holographic sights can be two or three dimensional.
It’s important to note that reflex sights and holographic sights use both eyes making them easy to use.
How to Work your Red Dot Sight
Working your red dot scope is not that hard. However, there are a few essential things that you'll need to keep in mind. First, there’s a setup process that helps you to align the dot with where you want to aim your bullet.
Secondly, you want a guarantee that your red dot is adequately mounted to give you a successful day in the wilderness without missing any opportunity on your targets. To get the most from your optic, install it near the butt but not to close otherwise you could severely limit your peripheral and risk losing your target.
On the other hand, if you mount the sight at the far end of your firearm, it can give you too much magnification and make your eyes focus on everything else and shrinks your target, again, giving your prey an opportunity to slip away. Optic manufacturers recommend placing your sight in the forward part of the upper receiver which provides the best field of vision and makes it easy to focus for quick target acquisition.
Once mounted, your red dot is now ready for use. Additionally, setting the zero is an important step that will ensure accurate and clean shots. Here are easy steps to follow for zeroing in your optic:
- Set a target 25 meters away
- Center the dot on the target
- Inspect the point of impact by firing one round
- Adjust the red dot accordingly
- Finally, shoot the second round and determine the accuracy until you center struck the target.
Once the red dot sight is on your rifle, pistol or shotgun, it locks securely and doesn't risk the shooter with an unforeseen injury.
Bottom line
Understanding which scope will match your needs requires a little research before purchase. That is why we have spent hours of research to review quality optics and come up with a guide with quality red dot sights that can be used for various scenarios and paired with different types of firearms. A red dot with excellent magnification and proper zeroing mechanisms will give you a tactical advantage.
If you like shooting constantly and you’re afraid of continuous recoil, then an optic with unlimited eye relief and a well-built structure would make an excellent choice. If you’re worried about harsh weather and intend to use your red dot in low light foggy conditions, then a nitrogen purged scope with a night vision feature would be essential.
But if you're looking for an all-around optic that won’t fail which you can use with a life-saving firearm for home defense, patrol, hunting or occasional competition, then we’d suggest something that’s nearly bomb-proof like the Aimpoint PRO at under $500.
There are many sights in the market that go below $20. But if you're really on a tight budget, we strongly recommend you don’t go for anything below $140 otherwise you’ll have to keep on replacing the optics.
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