Almost every gun owner would agree that red dot sights are great. There is no surprise in why red dot sights have become a go-to accessory for most people, either.
But, here is the bigger question: how do you make the best out of a red dot sight?
Regardless of the gun you have—be it a pistol, AK47 or something fancier—, you have plenty of red dot sights to choose from. But, do not think for a second that a random micro red dot sight from Amazon is going to help you improve aim and relieve eye-strain.
Surprised?
Here are a few things the average red dot sight seller doesn’t tell you.
Not All Red Dots Make A Difference
As is the case with most gun accessories, red dot sights also offer different performance levels for different guns. Therefore, you might end up with something not so great if you go for the first result on Amazon. I do not mean to imply that choosing the best red dot sight for your gun is rocket science. But, some insights that you gain from experience will definitely help.
I learned these things the hard way—and ended up changing red dots every once in a while. And I thought I can help you avoid those mistakes.
In this guide, I have discussed the best red dot sights you can find on the market. And you have to trust me when I say the list is versatile. I have spent days on researching and hand-testing these picks.
So, whether you need a great red dot for your AR-15 or a micro-one for your pistol, you will find at least one option. More importantly, you can choose between premium, value-for-money, and budget-friendly red dot sights from this collection.
Shall we jump in?
Best Red Dot Sights
#1 SIG Sauer Romeo5 Tactical Red Dot Sight – Best Value for Money
I thought I’ll start with a red dot sight that beginners and veteran gun enthusiasts can afford. Priced just on top of the $100 mark, the SIG Sauer Romeo5 Tactical Red Dot Sight offers more value than you expect it to. It did not become one of the highest-rated red dot sights on Amazon for nothing!
This product offers the best of both worlds in the sense that you don’t have to compromise your benefits to save money. For instance, its clear glass construction makes it easy to focus on your target even when there is a lot of movement. Similarly, the compact size and built-in mounting options also add value for time-bound instances of packing your gear.
When I first opened the product, I really was not expecting a premium finish.
But, boy, was I wrong!
You get a unique premium feel with the elevation and windage turrets. And it feels magnificent while zeroing in, and I don’t think you have to adjust these metrics very often. In addition to limitless eye relief, the red dot sight also offers close-to-rugged durability.
If you are still figuring out the different ways to mount the red dot sight, you will love that this product comes with multiple mounting options. You can choose between these options based on your purpose and the gun that you’re going to pair it with. The co-witness mount is too good for the price you pay, and it may be a great choice for most beginners out there.
Although the SIG Sauer Romeo5 Tactical Red Dot Sight does not have dedicated magnification, the parallax is close to zero. It means you don’t have to compromise your accuracy while shooting. I also loved that the red dot sight uses MOTAC to conserve battery life when you are not using the sight. You will not likely have to replace the battery.
Pros
- The red dot sight offers impressive value for the amount you pay
- MOTAC (motion-based illumination) ensures maximum battery life
- Easy mounting, thanks to multiple mounting equipment
Cons
- The MOTAC system can be oversensitive at times
#2 Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight – Best Affordable Option
Are you looking for a dirt-cheap red dot sight that serves you well?
You might want to try this popular sight from Bushnell. The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight does not cost more than a couple of coffee cups at your favorite café. But this lightweight gun accessory can help both beginners and veterans with setting up co-witness environments.
One thing you would notice is that Bushnell is not a random company. It has been around for years and the products have been popular, to say the least. So, if you want a scope to pair with the red dot sight, Bushnell can offer something. At the same time, the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight offers an impressive set of features that I thought I would get only with premium products.
First, I’m a big fan of the adjustable brightness feature on this red dot site. Some might complain that it’s not too bright, but my experience states otherwise. I have found the brightness to be just right so that you can keep an eye on your target. Don’t think of this product as a scope replacement, though. If you are looking at shots beyond a 75-yard limit, you would need a scope in the end.
This red dot sight is a better option for beginners, not just because of the price. The mounting process is so easy that you can master it in a few tries. The compact design also helped me try the product alongside an impressive variety of scopes. The only problem I had was with the zeroing-in process. It leaves a noticeable difference from the bull’s eye while zeroing in.
For the price you pay, the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight is far more durable than you might expect. I know gun owners who have stuck to this red dot sight because it does the job. In my experience, Bushnell proves the importance of reliable brands. So, regardless of the reason, this red dot sight is a great option for beginners and intermediates.
Pros
- Its compact size makes it easy to use with scopes
- Best-in-class precision and brightness adjustment
- Impressive durability and build quality for the price
Cons
- Zeroing-in can be less comfortable with this sight
#3 Aimpoint Micro T-2 Red Dot Sight – Best Premium Red Dot
Let’s just say that you want the best red dot sight out there. And that you are willing to pay whatever that costs. The Aimpoint Micro T-2 Red Dot Sight is a no-brainer option for many reasons. For one, this product is one of the best optics you can get for your entire gun collection. It does not compromise on clarity, power, or durability.
The best thing I find within this package is the right balance of features and build quality. The meticulous construction makes sure that the LEN system can utilize all ranges of light transmission. At the same time, you get 12 brightness settings that you can use depending on the scenario. With the battery promise of 50,000 hours, you do not want to worry about battery replacements, either.
This micro red dot light also offers the best environment for 1/3 co-witness. However, you may not realize the value of the product unless and until you use different rifles. To offer maximum flexibility, the sight has kept the size to a minimum. I understand that the price point of Aimpoint Micro T-2 Red Dot Sight is not for everyone, though.
But, here is what I would say if you are looking for a worthwhile investment. It does not really matter whether you use your guns for pleasure or protection. The Aimpoint Micro T-2 Red Dot Sight will be an irreplaceable addition to your optics collection. And never once in your lifetime will you have to change the red dot sight due to functionality issues.
You can understand the difference of quality from the turrets for windage and elevation. They come with a reinforced design that goes in sync with the entire design of the product. Thanks to the plastic flip lens caps, you can store the red sight anywhere without worrying about scratches and debris. Overall, Aimpoint has done an impressive job with this premium red dot sight.
Pros
- Unmatched accuracy and adjustment options
- 12 levels of brightness to choose for a shot
- Best-in-class build quality and intuitive design
Cons
- It can be a little too expensive for many
#4 Trijicon MRO Adjustable Green Dot Scope – Feature-Rich Option
You read that right. The Trijicon MRO Adjustable Green Dot Scope uses a green light instead of red, but the scope does its job quite well. Foremost, this 2.0MOA adjustable scope is designed for those who do not mind spending a bit on a premium scope. You can get it by paying less than $500, and the control options with the sight are just remarkable.
When you spend half a grand on a scope, you can expect a great level of flexibility. One, you can choose the right mount for the green dot sight. Depending on whether you need 1/3 co-witness or full co-witness, one of these options will suit the purpose. It also means you can worry less about setting up the scope and focus on the target.
For what it’s worth, the Trijicon MRO Adjustable Green Dot Scope offers the best-in-clarity we have seen in dot sights. Despite its compact design, the device has been optimized for target engagement and brightness adjustment. Therefore, you can choose between discreet or subtle options based on the environment. And it must feel good that you can expect the best accuracy at all times.
I believe the Trijicon MRO Adjustable Green Dot Scope is an impressive option if you want a change from the typical red sight dots. The green option works, nevertheless, often going better with some rifles. But, on the bright side (no pun intended), this product from Trijicon works great with various rifles and pistols. I do not think I can say that about sub-par counterparts in the market.
Some users have, however, complained about the built-in magnification of the green dot scope. While it is not a significant number, the difference would matter to some users. At the same time, you will not regret the parallax-free benefits that you get from the product. Overall, as long as you are okay with a green light instead of red, you can go for this reflex sight.
Pros
- Broadly optimized for brightness control and accuracy
- You can choose between an incredible variety of mounts
- The design is compatible with various gun models
Cons
- Built-in magnification could be a problem for some
#5 SIG SAUER Romeo-MSR Red Dot Sight and Magnifier Combo – Best Combination Sight
Next on our list is a red dot sight and magnifier combo from SIG SAUER. This package offers the Romeo MSR and Juliet3, which are red/green dot sight and magnifier respectively. While the red dot sight offers all the benefits you know, Juliet3 can provide magnification of up to 3x. Regardless, both devices stay so compact that you can use them with multiple guns.
For instance, Romeo MSR has been a great choice for air guns, MSR and carbine. On all these guns, you can make use of the 12 brightness settings, two of which are dedicated to nighttime shooting. The MSR system is also designed to provide the right level of light transmission to maintain maximum contrast. And, although the pricing is not expensive, the red dot sight does not compromise its parallax-free system.
In addition to being really compact, the Juliet3 micro magnifier is a beast in a small package. It is made using CNC aluminum, and you can stay worry-free of fog and water. All this time, you get maximum options for light transmission, thanks to the dielectric coated prism. I also found it great that the rifle red dot combo is not particularly heavy.
In the field, the SIG SAUER Romeo-MSR Red Dot Sight and Magnifier Combo offers a lot of convenience to the experienced gun enthusiast. For those who just started, the combination will be a time-saver as well. SIG has designed everything to go in sync with the design, and it means you can stay less anxious. I must also commend the sturdiness of both devices.
In the end, I have plenty of reasons to include the SIG SAUER Romeo-MSR Red Dot Sight and Magnifier Combo on this list. Going with this combination can help you save a lot of money while also ensuring that you have a reliable red-dot-sight-magnifier system. It even comes with lens caps that protect your additional gear from dust and debris.
Pros
- It is a time-saving combo for accuracy and magnification
- Multiple brightness options on the dot sight
- Quite reasonable pricing for the features you get
Cons
- You may need time to get an eye-friendly position
Other Options to Consider
#6 Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight
I believe another product from Aimpoint deserves a place on this list. And, for those who have a tight budget, this red dog sight is not as expensive as the previous pick. Priced closed to $500, the Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight offers a number of benefits and comes as a ready-to-use package. Two great things in it would be the QRP2 mount and the 2MOA design.
It comes with a battery that can live for at least three years, and the co-witness system is mostly easy to set up. It also offers multiple customization options, such as the four-night vision settings. And as far as the operation is concerned, there is no worry about parallax. The optical magnification of 1x and NVD compatible design also add value to the package.
The MOA dot of the Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight has also become popular. Therefore, in total, the red dot sight is a great premium option for many customers.
#7 SIG SAUER Romeo-MSR Red Dot Sight
In our testing, the SIG SAUER Romeo-MSR Red Dot Sight turned out to be a great option, especially when you need something ultra-compact. This affordable package comes with everything that you need to ease the strain on your eyes and enable better accuracy while using your phone. You do not have to spend more than a hundred dollars for this sight.
Like other products from SIG, this red dot site also has a durable construction, which should keep it going for years. And because it’s supposed to run for 20,000 hours, the built-in battery would be great for at least a couple of years in the future. You can also choose between the 12 dryness options available in the system. Once again, the 2MOA dot is a reason to shift.
In the end, this product from SIG offers more value than you’d expect for the price. Its ultra-compact design adds some aesthetic value to your rifle, if that matters.
How did I pick These Red Dot Sights?
I would like to wrap up by talking about the methodology I used for creating this list.
When I started, the list contained more than 25 products and reviewing all of them on hand wasn’t an option indeed. Therefore, I tried to shortlist the options and came down to these seven red dot sites that have been covered earlier. Then we have arranged them on the order of their reasonable pricing and other aspects.
But here are the factors I considered while reviewing the products.
- The red dot sight should offer a balance of build quality, additional features, and customization. This way, you can improve your shooting experience in the direction of your choice.
- Even when you have the right specifications, you can find red dot sights in different price ranges. So, you can make things easier if you fix a budget in the beginning itself.
- You also have to be specific about some choices, such as the design of the reticle. It would be a great way to customize the system.
Finally, you should not hesitate to check for other optics in the market. The last time I checked, a red dot sight is not the only solution for improving accuracy, reducing eye-strain, and customizing how you use your gun. Instead, you can check for additional options as you wish.
Wrapping Up
So, I am aware that I haven’t given a universal answer to this question: which is the best red dot site out there?
In fact, I did not even want to answer that question because it depends on multiple variables. Therefore, I have tried to give you options that I have found useful during my testing and analysis. These pointers will help you choose the right red dot sight depending on how much you can spend and the features you need.