10 Best Pistol Red Dot Sights

Ask any gun expert around, “how do you shoot so accurately?” I bet with a smile on his face, he’d tell you he has attached a red dot sight to his pistol.

So, what are pistol red dot sights? It is a kind of reflex sight that works with a light-emitting diode (LED) for the projection of a dot to a target.

And how does it work? The lens reflects the dot to your eye, so you use the illuminated red dot to aim at a downrange target.

As easy as it seems to use, you still have to get the best red optic sight for your pistol because getting a wrong one will give you multiple inaccurate shots!

Now that you know the stress that comes with acquiring a low-quality red dot sight, let’s see some of the benefits of getting the best.

Here are what you stand to gain with the best red dot sight for your pistol: fast target acquisition, easier low light shooting, easy to use for shooters with bad eyesight, and you’d be more aware of your surroundings while shooting as you’d keep both eyes open.

The list of its amazing benefits goes on and on, but I wouldn’t like to waste your time, because as they say ‘time is precious’, so are your targets!

Amazing benefits aren’t they? However, getting a red dot sight for your pistol isn’t a piece of cake as you may think because there are many gun manufacturers with inferiority as to their trademark.

So, if you are in a hurry, here are my top 3 recommended picks of the pistol red dot sights for you.

Top 3 Best Pistol Red Dot Sights

10 Best Pistol Red Dot Sights

I’ve gone through the stress of narrowing down the numerous red dot sights that you’d find in the market to just 10! And they proved to be the best of all after my survey.

So, what you’re about to read through is an expert analysis of each of the best red dot sights for your pistol that’ll help become an even successful shooter.

1. Trijicon RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA Adjustable LED Red Dot Sight

No products found.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 5.39 x 4.61 x 3.39
Weight: 0.3 kg

On my second spot lies this incredible Type 2 MOA adjustable red dot sight, just the perfect reflex sight to pair with your pistol!

Amazingly, you can use this red dot sight with not only your pistol but your rifles or handguns.

Let me quickly show you how you can add this red dot sight to your pistol; This can be accomplished in many ways.

The RMR can either be milled directly to a handgun slide or by mounting a plate (separately purchased) or the RMR can be mounted utilizing a rail mounting option like the ALG 6-second mount, Balor RMR mount, and Dueck Defense RMR mount.

Oh, rifle users, I didn’t forget you. As I’ve earlier said, you can also mount this red dot sight on your rifle. This is how you do it: the RMR comes in several MOA configurations so it is up to you to choose the suitable one for you.

The features? we dive in now!

As you know, durability is key. This red dot is designed with a patented housing shape that absorbs impacts and diverts stresses away from the lens to increase its durability.

Its unique patented housing shape made with a military-grade aluminum alloy diverts force of impact away from the lens- greatly increasing its durability.

Okay, before I go on, let me show you categories of people that it is best suited for. It is suitable for military, law enforcement, concealed carry self-defense, target shooting, and hunting applications. If you find yourself in any of the above categories, let’s continue with its features.

The RMR Type 2 Adjustable LED sight puts the illumination control in your hands. With easy-to-use buttons on the sides of the optic which allows the user to adjust the illumination brightness, toggle between manual and automatic modes, and power down.

Also notable is the dependable electronic design with ruggedized battery contacts and electronics to ensure high performance and survivability in harsh environments. Its battery conservation is also unique as this model can automatically adjust aiming dot to ambient lighting conditions after 16.5 hours!

The battery can last over 4 years of continuous use (when used at 70ºF (21ºC)) and at setting 4 of 8. Know that extreme temperatures (high or low) will affect lithium battery performance. And with a one year warranty, be sure you can return or get a refund when you notice a manufacturer’s defect.

Pros

Cons

2. Aimpoint Acro P-1 Red Dot Reflex Sight, No Mount – 3.5 MOA – 200504

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 1 x 1 x 1 inches
Weight: 0.14 kg

‘Small but mighty’ I tag this red dot sight as. Why? Because of all the products on my list, it is not only the smallest but includes lots of features.

This red dot sight is fully enclosed in a housing that seals all the electronic components safely within the body of the sight. The housing is made of a durable aluminum alloy which ensures that your red dot sight is long-lasting.

Still speaking on its amazing design, the enclosed optical channel if this model prevents rain, mud, sand, or snow from blocking operation of the sight. So there’s no barrier as to where you can use it.

No climate or weather condition can hinder the effectiveness of this red dot sight; be it hot or cold, it has you covered.

And for those who love going hunting or hiking in cold and waterlogged areas, you’ll be pleased to hear that this optic sight is submersible up to 82 feet underwater.

For a faster and accurate target acquisition, the 3.5 MOA red dot is just right there for you! Within a blink of an eye, you’ve located and hit your target with all accuracy needed.

Also, its CR1225 battery can be quickly changed without removing sight from the mount thereby eliminating the need for re-zeroing when replacing a battery.

It also features a 4-night vision setting and 6 daylight settings for adjustment to the corresponding environment condition. And you can enjoy the battery for a year and a half if you mainly use setting 6.

Pros

Cons

3. Noblex-Docter Optics Sight IPSC Red Dot Sight, Illuminated 3.5 MOA Dot

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 1.81 x 1 x 0.95 inches
Weight: 0.06 pounds

The next on my lineup is one of the best and durable red dot sights that you can get out there in the market. Made in Germany, this compact optic sight has a lot to offer, let’s see what it holds.

Take aims with this 3.5 MOA red dot sight for faster target acquisition, speeds, and improved accuracy downrange.

Accuracy is guaranteed at all times with this red dot sight as it features a multi-coating that protects the lenses from scratches and abrasions, allowing you to take it on hunts or hikes even in rough environments.

The coating assures a bright, clear sight picture, greatly reduces distracting, over-the-shoulder glare on the lenses, and eliminates parallax out to 40 yards.

Interestingly, this red dot sight is outfitted with separate windage and elevation adjustments to fine-tune your optic for the most precise shooting experience possible.

I assure you that if you add this red dot sight to your handgun, shotgun, or rifle, an enhanced sighting experience is guaranteed!

Also featured is an automatically regulated brightness of the dot intensity so your red dot sight can adapt to the environment you may find yourself. No need for going through the stress of regulating the brightness manually.

No dull moments with this red dot sight too because as soon as you remove the protective cap, you’re ready for action!

Durability is twined in the design of this red sight optic. The robust housing is made of hard-anodized aluminum alloys- making it suitable for use in whatever climate condition and still works well.

Not just durable, but also includes a lasting battery with a battery life of up to 28,000 hours- you’d never complain of a flat battery when you acquire a target while hiking or hunting as your red dot sight would always be there!

Just to add, these are what to expect in the package when it arrives with your durable Noblex-Docter Optics Sight IPSC Red Dot Sight; A Cover cap, screwdriver, scale wheel, torx key, cleaning cloth, lithium 3V Battery CR 2032, users manual and a warranty card.

Pros

Cons

4. C-MORE Systems STS2 Super Bright Red Dot Sight

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 1.83 x 1.1 x 1.06 inches
Weight: 0.08 pounds

This model is the smallest of C-MORE’s reflex sight for pistols. And it is highly efficient and also strongly built.

And featuring a bright red dot for easier visibility in the brightest outdoor condition, this red dot sight is best suited for any outdoor activity.

Like other red dot sights on my list, the STS2 head-up display provides an unobstructed view in which the red dot hovers on the sight line, illuminating the point of impact on the target, creating the fastest target acquisition in existence, and unlimited eye relief.

Also, it uses a beam-splitter lens made of glass; hard coated for maximum scratch resistance, and light transmission, while the parallax free design enables targets to be acquired without the need to center the dot in the lens.

This red dot sight uses a CR2032, lithium battery that is contained in a removable battery tray which permits battery replacement without the need to dismount the sight; this eliminates the need for re-zeroing when replacing a battery.

For durability purposes, the battery tray is O-ring sealed, and this makes it waterproof- so whatever the climate may be, you’re ready to go. However, you should know that it is water resistant up to a 1-meter depth of water.

A 10 position manually operated push button switch provides precision intensity adjustment, previous intensity return, and auto-off after 8 hours of inactivity.

Still on its durability, this red dot sight is made if an aircraft alloy housing and electronics are designed to handle the hottest loads from even large caliber firearms. And with an aluminum body, a strong red dot sight is guaranteed!

To cap it all, it requires a C-MORE mounting kit (sold separately) to properly mount the red dot optic to your pistol.

Pros

Cons

5. Holosun Paralow HS503G Red Dot Sight – ACSS CQB

No products found.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 4.8 x 3.58 x 3.11 inches
Weight: 0.3 kg

And finally, to the last on my list is this red dot sight made by Holosun- well renowned for making quality arms products in the market.

This red dot is the product of a perfect Primary Arms and Holosun to bring you the power of the patent-pending ACSS CQB reticle in a red dot sight for the first time!

A common problem with most dot sights is that a large dot is less useful at distances beyond 100 yards because the dot becomes too large to aim with precision. So to ensure accuracy, small dots used in conjunction with a magnifier solves that problem but it is also slower to acquire at close ranges.

To make this red dot perfect, this model uses a large chevron that the eye picks up easily for close aiming and the tip of the chevron as a smaller focus point perfect for precise aiming at longer distances.

Amazing red dot sight isn’t it? Well, that’s not all as the reticle for this red dot sight is a central 2 MOA dot which is centered in a 65 MOA circle with four positioning points. The diameter of the circle reticle represents approximately 5’5-inches at 100 yards, 170cm at 100m.

The red illumination includes 10 brightness level settings, powered by a common removable CR2032 battery. And you can switch the levels depending on where you are in and what time of the day it is.

Its auto-on function allows the user to switch the power on with a slight movement of the red dot, eliminating the option of switch always.

Pros

Cons

6. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Reflex Sight

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 1.31 x 1.3 x 1.82 inches
Weight: 0.12 pounds

My bronze spot is occupied by Leupold’s Deltapoint red dot sight. Sitting in the bronze position but with an aluminum design! Its aluminum housing and steel sheath ensure that it performs at its peak even in the harshest conditions.

The DeltaPoint Pro is proof that you don’t have to compromise performance and accuracy, even on a small sight. Its incredibly wide field-of-view and crystal-clear glass dominate in the competition of the best red dot sight.

Your convenience was in mind when making this red dot sight as it is easy to use, with an easy-access battery compartment on top and click-adjustments for more precision.

My third contender is interestingly lightweight and compact; making it even convenient to use in a battlefield, competition, or on the hunt. And with a guaranteed compact rugged performance, be sure of accuracy always!

Also, its aspheric lens increases the usable field of view by up to 56% and provides a scratch-resistant crystal clear image.

Light will no longer be a barrier for you to take accurate shots because when you use this red dot sight even in places with low light, you can still ‘headshot’ your target- yes! Incredibly accurate.

Speaking of a ruggedized red dot sight, this model is made to be water and fog proof, so even in the harshest weather conditions, you’d still be able to use it.

Its battery saving motion sensor technology is another entirely different and amazing feature that gives it away as the best! The battery can automatically deactivate illumination after 5 minutes of inactivity yet react instantly when any movement is detected.

Every Leupold riflescope is designed to survive a minimum of 5,000 impacts on the ‘Punisher’- Leupold’s recoil simulation machine. The force of each impact is 3 times the recoil of a .308 rifle.

Impacts are not only what this optic sight is resistant to but also designed and tested to perform excellently in extreme weather conditions from -40ºF to 160ºF.

If your Leupold riflescope, binocular, or spotting scope doesn’t perform well, it will be repaired or replaced for free – whether you’re the original owner or not.

You don’t need a proof of ownership or a warranty card, and there’s no time limit. Leupold does this because they believe in superior quality and craftsmanship, and they’re confident that this model won’t let you down.

Pros

Cons

7. Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sights

Sale

Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sight – 3 MOA Dot

The Venom Red Dot Sight-3 MOA promotes rapid target acquisition while providing a precise point of aim; getting shots down range and on target fast. The Venom’s aluminum housing ensures this unit will stand up to whatever you throw at it.
High quality, fully multi-coated lenses offer a clean, wide field of view. Power and dot intensity controls are conveniently located on the left side of the sight to choose between 10 brightness levels.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 6.7 x 5.1 x 2.9 inches
Weight: 0.45 pounds

My next contender is this venom red dot sight manufactured by Vortex, a renowned arms maker in the USA.

You can make your rifle, pistol, or shotgun even better with the Venom red dot sight. How? Well, the A 3 or 6 MOA dot promotes rapid target acquisition, while providing a precise point of aim—getting shots down range and on target fast.

Mind my manners, how’d you mount this optic on your pistol- pay attention if you’re a novice at shooting. First, you attach the low rail mount to the Venom using the included screws.

Then fix the Venom to the base rail, making sure the recoil lug is solidly seated in the base groove. Next, you check to see that the clamp is fully down and hooked around the outside of the base.

Finally, press the Venom down and forward toward the muzzle and firmly tighten the base clamp- screw using a large coin or flat blade screwdriver.

Now to the features; The venom red dot Sight-3 MOA promotes rapid target acquisition while providing a precise point of aim; getting shots down range and on target fast.

Plus, the daylight bright red dot is easy to see and paints targets regardless of the lighting conditions or background. You can choose between 10 levels of brightness in manual mode or switch to auto mode. Using at the highest setting will give you up to 150 hours of use and 30,000 hours at its lowest setting.

And as you know, durability is and has always been essential in any red dot sight. Durability isn’t left out in the making of this red dot sight as the housing is made of aluminum and this ensures that it stands up to whatever you throw at it.

The Venom also has an auto-brightness mode that uses an ambient light sensor to control dot intensity if the shooter prefers and it is parallax free. So be sure of the quality and clear sight even in low light environments.

Its high quality and fully multi-coated lenses offer a clean, wide field of view. Both the power and dot intensity controls are by conveniently located on the left side of the sight to choose between the 10 brightness levels.

The Venom Red Dot will fit perfectly on your rifle or shotgun giving you optimal flexibility. Also, the O-ring seals prevent moisture, dust, and debris from penetrating- for reliable performance in all types of environments.

Above all, its top-load system makes changing the CR 1632 battery a snap as there is no need to remove the sight when switching the power source.

Pros

Cons

8. Holosun HS507C Reflex Sight 1x Selectable Reticle Weaver-Style Mount Solar/Battery Powered

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 4.7 x 4 x 3.2 inches
Weight: 0.23 kg

Solar and battery-powered red dot sight? You can never be caught holding a dead optic with this Holosun’s reflex sight red optic!

So, speaking of efficiency, this model is strongly designed with a 7075 aluminum housing- making it highly durable and resistant to whatever it may pass through even fire( pun intended).

Holosun understands that you need an even wider, clearer sight and an accurate shot so they expertly included a parallax-free optical design with unlimited eye relief and multi-reticle system- the health of your eyes is their priority also.

It is powered by a CR2032 battery and Holosun innovative solar fail-safe backup so when it goes off you can shake your pistol and with the shake awake technology, your red dot will recall its last setting.

Also featuring a Multi-Reticle system, this model allows you to switch the reticle between a 32 MOA circle with 2 MOA dot, a 2 MOA dot only, or a 32 MOA ring only- all at the push of a button.

Better yet, the same LED projects all three reticles, so no need for re-zeroing.

This dual powered red dot sight includes a lifetime warranty, so be sure that you can get a repair or replacement when you notice a manufacturer’s defect.

Expect a successful hunt or hike- whichever you want to use this red dot sight for. Accurate shots combined with lasting power, you can never be caught off guard.

However, if you’re low on budget, I’d advise that you do not consider this red dot optic because its premium price is way too expensive! But you’d surely get a good reward for your money- I assure you that.

Pros

Cons

9. Burris Fastfire III with Picatinny Mount

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 6 x 5 x 2 inches
Weight: 0.2 pounds

The FastFire 3 is the best selling red dot sight from Burris. Light and tough, the FastFire III series puts an unmistakable, bright red dot on your target to give you an immediate speed and accuracy advantage.

An amazing feature is that it can be used as a primary sight or paired on top of an existing sight. And the 3 MOA dot is most popular with rifles, or anyone wanting a more pin-point accuracy, as the smaller dot covers far less of the overall target area.

This FastFire Red Dot Sight gives you a parallax-free sight and a 1x magnification that allows both eyes-open shootings for enhanced awareness. Plus the compact and lightweight design won’t disrupt your balance or handgun handling

Designed with aluminum for strength and durability, its lenses are precision-ground and polished to exacting geometries to provide a clear and crisp sight. The FastFire 3 offers the features you want with easy handling and mounting.

It is also extremely lightweight and waterproof- all the amazing features that it offers, sealed in this compact optic sight for your pistol.

You can ever rely on the automatic brightness sensor to adjust to match the environmental conditions or you can also choose one of the three manual brightness settings. Any method you choose, you can still use this red dot sight in whatever weather conditions you may find yourself.

The FastFire 3 will work with virtually every “optics ready” handgun. However, the Burris supplied mounting screws may not be the correct length for every single handgun. So I’d advise that you contact the firearm manufacturer for the specific screw lengths necessary for correct mounting

And as I’ve said before, you can choose a 3 MOA dot that is popular on rifles but if you want more pinpoint accuracy, choose the 8 MOA dot, which is ideal for short-range shooters.

Pros

Cons

10. TRUGLO TRU-TEC Micro Red Dot Sight Open Reflex Optic for Rifles, Shotguns, and Pistols

SPECIFICATIONS:

Dimensions: 5 x 4 x 4 inches
Weight: 0.5 pounds

The first product on my list here is this red dot sight designed by TRUGLO TRU-TEC, a company renowned for producing only quality products!

Easy to install, use, and even carry around. All thanks to its ultralight weight and compact design. If you’re a hunter or you love hiking in the wild, this red dot sign is just perfect for you! You’d never be caught unawares when danger lurks nearby because this red dot sight got you covered.

Now that you’ve seen that this red dot can help you in times you need a clear and accurate shot the most, let’s head into the features.

It comes with digital push-button brightness control with 10 brightness settings. And as I’ve earlier said, the best red dot sight helps you, even though you have bad eyesight, to still get a clear shot.

Well, this red dot is just suitable for you if you have sight issues as you can edit the brightness level to whichever of the 10 you feel is convenient enough for you to shoot, and shoot well.

TRUGLO knows that your targets do not just sit in one place waiting to be shot so they have expertly designed this red dot sight with a 23mm x 17mm multi-coated objective lens for faster target acquisition.

Not still interested yet? I bet this will make you. You know everyone has one problem or the other with their eyesight and does everything humanly possible to ensure that the eye is safe, right? Well, as a shooter with eye discomfort, this gun has got you covered with its featured 3-MOA red-dot reticle, be sure of unlimited eye relief while using your pistol.

Quality! Quality! Quality is what I’ve been hammering on. So, let’s see what makes this red dot sight spectacular.

Quality is not left out in the definition of this model as it is expertly constructed from a CNC-machined aircraft-grade aluminum; a durable material if you ask me.

However, if you’re not much of a gun expert and you need a durable red dot sight that’ll help in whatever you do, I strongly recommend this red dot sight.

Still on its awesome features, this red dot is tough and lightweight ( weighs just over 1oz), making it strong and compact for whatever purpose you desire to use it for. The sealed O-ring design also makes it water-resistant, shock-resistant, and even fog-resistant- durable isn’t it?

Having a wide range view is the key to achieving accurate and precise shots. The locking windage and elevation adjustment is there for you to get wider and even more flexible views.

Also, no one wants a red dot that goes off too quickly, and with this model, be sure of lasting battery life because of the auto-off feature which preserves the battery life up to approximately four hours.

Pros

Cons

FAQs

What Distance Should I Zero My Red Dot?

Red dot optics are best sighted in at 100 yards. So, accuracy over 100 yards depends on the size of the target and scope design.

How Accurate are Red Dots?

On a scale of 10, I’d give a 9 point accuracy. Red dots are extremely accurate when used in taking shots while hunting or hiking. Precise and accurate targets will you get!

Are red dots good on pistols?

Of course! Using a red dot on your pistol is an excellent idea to achieve excellent and accurate shootings.

Conclusion

To achieve perfect and accurate shootings require expertise and experience. However, to make life easier, red dot sights can be added to your pistol to get an accurate shot.

There are lots of red dots in the market that you can choose from to get perfect shots. However, as I’ve said earlier, there are inferior ones scattered in the market

Getting the best red dot can make your hunting or hiking trip a great and memorable experience as you’d always be accurate with all your shots.

So, in this article, I’ve reviewed and ranked 10 of the best red dot sights that you can attach to your pistol to achieve accurate shots.

I hope you’ve found the one that would best suit you and your pistol on your next hike or hunt!