Red dot sights will help you get the best shooting experience.
Iron sights have the disadvantage of not being suitable for low light conditions and could hinder your ability to hit your target.
The Red Dot Sight Difference
Red dot sights will instantly improve your ability to shoot accurately with precision.
The red dot allows you to focus on a single point, even in low-light conditions.
A sight will also allow for faster target acquisition because of a consistent focal point.
Below are the 14 best red dot sights for pistols, assault rifles, and shotguns.
#1. Sig Sauer ROMEO5 1x20mm Red Dot Sight
- Reticle: 2 MOA Red Dot
- Material: Not Specified
- Battery Life: Up to 50,000 Hours
- Weight: 5.1 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $129.99
The Sig Sauer ROMEO5 1x20mm Red Dot Sight comes with MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination), which helps detect motion to turn the LED on and off automatically.
With a 2 MOA red dot and 10 brightness levels, you can get optimal illumination in low-light environments.
It has a total of 8 daytime brightness levels and 2 nighttime brightness levels to ensure you get the right amount of illumination.
The sight is also parallax-free, where the reticle does not move when you move your head for a consistent shot group.
It provides up to 50,000 hours of battery life or 450 hours on the highest setting on a single CR2032.
For extra protection, the sight has a waterproof rating of IPX-7 and is fog-proof for better visibility.
The M1913 Picatinny low mount allows you to equip for sight on carbines, shotguns, crossbows, or any other rail-based firearm.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#2. Vortex Strikefire II Red Dot
- Reticle: 4 MOA Red/Green Dot
- Material: Aluminum
- Battery Life: 300 – 600 Hours
- Weight: 7.2 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $199.99
The Vortex Strikefire II Red Dot is crafted with a single-piece chassis constructed with 30mm aluminum for added durability.
The aluminum has a hard-anodized finish and is fog proof, shockproof, and waterproof.
The 4 MOA reticle illuminates in either red or green and has 2 night vision levels and 10 brightness levels.
The sight is also parallax-free, which means that the sight will remain in the same spot if you move your head.
A single CR2 battery has a battery life of 300-600 hours.
To promote battery health, it includes a 12-hour auto-shutdown feature.
It includes a Picatinny mount for quickly attaching the sight to an assault rifle or another rail-based weapon.
Vortex also provides a VIP lifetime warranty.
If you are looking for a durable sight with an industry-leading warranty, the Vortex Strikefire II Red Dot is an excellent choice.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#3. Aimpoint Pro Red Dot Sight
- Reticle: 2 MOA Red Dot
- Material: Aluminum
- Battery Life: 30,000 Hours
- Weight: 11.6 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $445.00
The Aimpoint Pro Red Dot Sight has an aluminum body and is constructed to withstand the elements and accidental damage.
Aimpoint backs up its product with a 10-year personal use warranty.
The 2 MOA red dot sight is excellent for close combat with the ability to adjust the brightness levels with 6 daytime and 4 nighttime settings for optimal visibility.
A cool feature is the band-pass lens coating that prevents reflections from revealing your position during covert operations.
With 30,00 hours of battery life, it stays on for quick access to help you stay ready during an emergency.
It also has a Picatinny mount, which allows it to attach to your favorite rifle, shotgun, or other railed firearm.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#4. Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sight
- Reticle: 1 MOA Red Dot
- Material: Aluminum
- Battery Life: 30,000 Hours
- Weight: 1.1 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $249.99
The Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sight is designed with durability in mind.
It is constructed with an ArmorTek scratch-resistant coating on the lens and has a hard-anodized finish for added protection.
It has a single-piece chassis that is made of high-grade aluminum that is waterproof and shockproof.
The 1 MOA red dot reticle has 10 levels of brightness for optimal visibility in low-light environments.
The Picatinny mount allows for quick mounting to your shotgun, assault rifle, or other railed weapon.
The Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sight has a 14-hour auto-shutdown feature and has a battery life of up to 30,000 hours off a single battery.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#5. Sig Sauer Romeo MSR 2MOA Red Dot
- Reticle: 2 MOA Red Dot
- Material: Aluminum
- Battery Life: 20,000 Hours
- Weight: 4.9 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $99.99
The Sig Sauer Romeo MSR 2 MOA Red Dot has an ultra-compact size weighing in at only 4.9 oz.
The sight has unlimited eye relief, and the 2 MOA red dot reticle is parallax-free to provide quick acquisition of your target.
For added durability, the sight is waterproof and fog-proof and is made of aircraft grade aluminum.
The sight comes with 10 daytime and 2 night vision settings and is designed to work with MSRs, shotguns, air rifles, and carbines.
The sight has over 20,000 hours of runtime off a single CR1632.
You can ensure pinpoint targeting with .5 MOA adjustments to windage and elevation.
At $99.99, the Sig Sauer Romeo MSR 2 MOA Red Dot is an excellent combination of value and function.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#6. Burris Fastfire III 3 MOA & 8 MOA Red Dot
- Reticle: 3 MOA or 8 MOA Red Dot
- Material: Steel
- Battery Life: 5 Years
- Weight: .9 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $229.00 – $259.99
A great feature of the Burris Fastfire III red dot sight is that it comes with 2 different reticle options: a 3 MOA Red Dot and an 8 MOA Red Dot.
The frame is lightweight and durable.
It weighs only .9 oz and is constructed with steel for added durability.
The sight is also waterproof to provide extra protection against the elements.
Burris Fastfire III is equipped with a Picatinny mount, which helps you equip it to any weapon with a rail to include pistols, crossbows, rifles, and shotguns.
The reticle has an automatic brightness mode and has 3 manual brightness levels for optimal sight picture.
A single CR1632 battery will last up to 5 years and can be quickly swapped out when the time comes.
Another thing that makes the Burris Fastfire III 3 MOA & 8 MOA Red Dot stand out is their Burris Forever Warranty.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#7. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight
- Reticle: 3 MOA Red Dot
- Material: Metal
- Battery Life: 5,000 Hours
- Weight: 3.7 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $99.99
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight has a 3 MOA red dot reticle and is designed with hunters in mind.
The lens has an Amber-Bright high contrast coating that helps you tell the difference between the background and a target quickly.
It is designed to be durable with resistance against fog, water, shock, and impact damage.
It will provide excellent visibility in low-light conditions.
With .5 MOA windage and elevation adjustments, you can fine-tune your shots for more accuracy.
A single CR2032 battery will also provide up to 5,000 hours of targeting.
It also has a 1-year warranty.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#8. EOTech OPMOD EXPS2 Holographic Red Dot
- Reticle: Single/Double 1 MOA Red or Green Dot W/ 69 MOA Ring
- Material: Metal
- Battery Life: 1,000 Hours
- Weight: 11.2 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $566.00 – $669.00
The EOTech OPMOD EXPS2 Holographic Red Dot is equipped with a holographic parallax-free 1 MOA reticle.
A few reticle options are available with this red dot sight to include a single or double 1 MOA reticle with a 69 MOA ring, and it is available in red or green.
The optics provide a crystal-clear view with a fog-proof optic that is waterproof up to 33 feet.
It also includes a non-reflective black finish and an anti-glare coating for better concealment.
With a 146,000:1 brightness range with 30 settings, it can provide up to 1000 hours of battery power off a single CR123.
The EOTech OPMOD EXPS2 Holographic Red Dot is designed to be shockproof, waterproof, and it has a shatter-resistant rear lens that is 3/16” thick.
It also has a 2-year warranty.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#9. Trijicon MRO 1x25mm 2 MOA Reticle Red Dot
- Reticle: 2 MOA Red Dot
- Material: Aluminum
- Battery Life: 5 Years
- Weight: 4.1 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $449.99 – $521.39
The Trijicon MRO 1x25mm 2 MOA Reticle Red Dot is forged out of 7075-T6 aluminum and is waterproof for added durability.
The sight is waterproof up to 100 feet.
It also has 8 levels of brightness to provide you the right reticle in the darkest of environments.
The battery has a lifespan of 5 years to allow you to have maximum battery life for your carbines, shotguns, and rifles.
The red dot sight has unlimited eye relief and is designed to be used with both eyes open for optimum situational awareness.
With .5 MOA adjustments to your windage and elevation, you can get a pinpoint zero to help you shoot with precision.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#10. Holosun Micro 2 MOA Red Dot Sight
- Reticle: 2 MOA Red Dot
- Material: Aluminum
- Battery Life: 50,000
- Weight: 4.3 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $119.99
The Holosun Micro 2 MOA Red Dot Sight is packed full of features at an affordable price.
It has a 2 MOA red dot reticle that is parallax-free that offers unlimited eye relief.
It can be mounted on anything with a rail system to include crossbows, assault rifles, pistols, and shotguns.
You get ultimate battery life with up to 50,000 hours of battery life and could last 5 years of continuous use.
It also includes shake awake to save energy, which automatically turns on the sight when it detects movement.
The sight can be used in the day or at night with the 10 day and 2 night vision brightness levels.
The Holosun Micro 2 MOA Red Dot Sight lets you get a true zero with .5 MOA adjustments to provide you with better shot groups.
If you want a high-quality red dot sight at an affordable price, the Holosun Micro 2 MOA Red Dot Sight is a must.
It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com
#11. Holosun HS510C 2 MOA Dot
- Reticle: 2 MOA Red Dot With 65 MOA Circle
- Material: Aluminum
- Battery Life: 50,000 Hours
- Weight: 9.3 oz
- Water Resistant: Yes
- Price: $309.99 – $359.99
The Holosun HS510C 2 MOA red dot sight has a 65 MOA circle that helps you get your target in your sights quickly.
Off one CR2032 battery, you will have up to 50,000 hours (5 years) of battery life.
The sight comes with a dual power source system that uses the sun to help power your red dot sight.
With the shake awake feature, the red dot sight will automatically turn on when it detects motion to ensure that it is on when you need it.
With a quick-release mount, you can install and uninstall fast if you need to store the sight.
It is equipped with a 32mm × 24mm open lens, full co-witnessing, and a parallax-free design for crystal clear vision.
The aluminum alloy paired waterproof design provides excellent durability and value.
It is available from Optics Planet. Here’s where to buy it: www.OpticsPlanet.com
#12. CTS-1300 Compact Open Reflex Sight
- Reticle: 3.5 MOA Red Dot
- Material: Aluminum
- Battery Life: Not Specified
- Weight: 2.7 oz
- Water Resistant: Not Specified
- Price: $339.99
The CTS-1300 Compact Open Reflex Sight by Crimson Trace comes equipped with a 3.5 MOA red dot that will instantly tighten your shot groups for any rifle or shotgun that uses a rail.
It has a low-profile and snag-free design that allows you to deploy your weapon and acquire your target quickly.
You do not need to worry about batteries since this sight comes with free batteries for the life of the sight.
Designed with an external battery compartment, when it does come time to change the battery, you can quickly swap it out.
It also includes a 3-year limited warranty.
It is available from Crimson Trace. Here’s where to buy it: www.CrimsonTrace.com
#13. CTS-1550 Red Dot Sight
- Reticle: 3 MOA Red Dot
- Material: Lightweight Polymer
- Battery Life: 20,000 Hours
- Weight: Not Specified
- Water Resistant: Not Specified
- Price: $159.99
The CTS-1550 Red Dot Sight by Crimson Trace is constructed out of lightweight polymer and is designed for compact and subcompact firearms.
Equipped with a 3 MOA red dot, you can quickly identify and engage your targets.
The battery will last for over 2 years thanks to features such as an ambient light sensor that automatically turns off the sight when you use the cover.
With a notch cut, the sight provides co-witnessing to provide a clear target.
If you are looking for a red dot sight to improve your pistol performance instantly, the CTS-1550 Red Dot Sight by Crimson Trace is an easy choice.
It is available from Crimson Trace. Here’s where to buy it: www.CrimsonTrace.com
#14. CTS-1250 Compact Open Reflex Sight
- Reticle: 3.25 MOA Red Dot
- Material: Not Specified
- Battery Life: 40,000 Hours
- Weight: Not Specified
- Water Resistant: Not Specified
- Price: $229.00
If you are looking for a sleek red dot sight designed for pistols, the CTS-1250 Compact Open Reflex Sight by Crimson Trace may be right for you.
It is equipped with a 3.25 MOA red dot sight that will help improve your accuracy and precision.
It is a low-profile sight that has a snag-free design to allow you to draw your weapon quickly.
With shock, impact, and vibration resistance, it can withstand the harshest of environments.
With an impressive 40,000 hours of battery life, the sight can last a long time between battery swaps.
Equipped with an external battery compartment, batteries can quickly get changed.
It also comes with a 3-year protection guarantee.
If you are looking for a low-profile red dot sight that can mount on standard rails, the CTS-1250 Compact Open Reflex Sight by Crimson Trace is an excellent choice.
It is available from Crimson Trace. Here’s where to buy it: www.CrimsonTrace.com
See Also
Best Military Grade Tactical Flashlights
References / Resources
Red Dot vs Reflex Sights: What’s The Difference?
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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