Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
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As a responsible gun owner, it’s important that you use the best pistol red dot sights to improve your accuracy and precision. The front sights, rear sights, iron sights that come with your handgun also ensure that you are hitting the correct spot every time. But the right red dot sight will make all the difference when making crucial shots during self-defense or hunting for small prey. You don’t want to miss out on an opportunity because your sights didn’t give you a clear view of where to aim.
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Pistol red dot sights mount easily on top of your firearm. They are very easy to install and can be detached when not needed. With so many different types of pistol red dot sights on the market, it can be hard to know which is the right one for you. That’s why we’ve created this article to make choosing the best pistol red dot sights easier.
Table of Contents
If you are in a hurry to purchase the best pistol red dot sights, and you want to make the best decision, here are our top 3 picks:
Top 3 Best Pistol Red Dot Sights
We have reviewed many top-rated pistol red dots so that you don’t have to waste time figuring out what’s good and what isn’t. Our reviews include pros and cons and detailed information about each product, including features, price range, usability ratings from customers who purchased them in the past, and much more. You’ll also find links to buy these products so that you can shop quickly with confidence. You don’t have to waste hours reading dozens of reviews from impartial customers. We’ve collected all our research so you can read by simply clicking on each product’s name.
5 Best Pistol Red Dot Sights (Ranked And Reviewed)
Specifications
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Length x Width x Height:
1.8 in x 1.1 in x 1 Inches
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Illumination Source:
LED
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Weight:
1.2 Oz. (34.02 Gram)
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Battery:
1 CR2032 Lithium Battery
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Magnification:
1x
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Finish:
Matte Black
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Reticle Pattern:
1.0 MOA Dot
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Adjustment:
1 MOA Per Click
This is the best pistol red dot sight because it has many features for delivering an ultra-fast target acquisition, exceptional accuracy, and precision. Customers love its lightweight design that makes carrying this optic easy. This sight makes it easy to line up your target and acquire your next shot quickly. It’s capable of adjustable brightness settings for different times of the day and uses bright LED illumination powered by a single CR2032 battery with a long life span. The housing material is forged aluminum, which is high quality and can withstand challenging environments and conditions.
It is manufactured to withstand the rigors of combat and is equally capable of performing in the hunting field. It does not include a mount, so purchasing one is recommended. It has easy-to-use buttons and is easy to set up, which is excellent for people new to using red dot sights. It’s supposed to be water-resistant down to 20 meters (66 ft.). This sight also lets you choose from 8 different illumination settings for brightness control at any time of day or night. It’s designed to provide four years of battery life, which is more than enough time before you’ll need to replace the battery.
Positive
- It is extremely lightweight and easy to carry
- You can easily mount it on any Picatinny rail system
- It has eight different illumination settings for adjustable brightness
- It has a long battery time
Negatives
- There is no built-in mount, so you have to buy one before using the sight
2. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Reflex Sight
Specifications
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Reticle Type:
Illuminated
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Recticle:
2.5 MOA Dot
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Weight:
2 Ounces
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Battery Type:
CR2032
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Magnification Type:
Fixed
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Overall Length:
1.8 Inches
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Number of Illum Settings:
8
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Switch Type:
Push Button
This DeltaPoint Pro sight by Leupold is an excellent choice because it can hold zero after taking several shots. It uses a 2.5 MOA red dot reticle, which doesn’t obscure your target when you’re shooting, and it enables fast target acquisition with exceptional accuracy. It ensures unlimited eye relief, and shooting is entirely comfortable with this sight because it doesn’t limit your vision like other sights do when you’re acquiring targets. It’s lightweight at just 2 ounces and has top-quality features. It’s made with forged aircraft-grade aluminum housing material, which is durable and able to withstand harsh conditions. This sight includes a long battery life with Motion Sensor Technology. This hello to preserve the battery life.
It also has a bright red dot with eight different illumination settings adjustable for optimal brightness control. This reflex sight won’t let you down, and it has a plethora of helpful features. It can be mounted on any weaver or Picatinny rail system with an additional mount (not included). It’s equally effective for hunting, defense, or law enforcement. This sight can be used in a wide range of conditions and is extremely helpful in low-light settings. It has a quick focus eyepiece, which lets you focus effortlessly, so your target comes into a clear view. It is water-resistant and fog-proof, too.
Positive
- It is lightweight at just 2 ounces
- It is very accurate
- It has Motion Sensor Technology to preserve battery life
- It offers adjustable brightness
Negatives
- It may obstruct your vision if mounted too high on the rail
3. BURRIS FastFire 3 MOA Dot Reflex Sight
Specifications
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Reticle Color:
Red
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Recticle:
FastFire™ 3-MOA Dot
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Weight:
1.5 Oz
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Battery:
CR1632
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Eye Relief:
Unlimited
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Length:
1.9 Inches
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Finish:
Matte
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Illum Settings:
3, Automatic Setting Reactive to Environment
This sight is a great choice for handguns, rifles, and shotguns because of its 1x magnification. It has a wide field of view that makes it easy to acquire targets quickly. It’s the best pistol red dot sight for casual shooters who don’t want to spend too much on their firearm accessory. It has anti-reflective multicoated lenses that improve light transmission. These lenses ensure superior brightness and clarity. The sight is waterproof to handle harsh conditions. This sight features three manual brightness levels. It also has an automatic sensor mode that detects changes in lighting conditions to adjust the light intensity of the red dot instantly.
The windage and elevation adjustments are easy to make using your fingers, and no special tool is needed to do so. This sight is lightweight so that it won’t affect pistols’ balance or handling. It also comes with a flat-top mount that you can easily attach to firearms using Weaver or Picatinny rails. The sight is covered by Burris’ Forever Warranty™. All of these features make this sight our best pick for the most affordable pistol red dot sight.
Positive
- It is compact and lightweight
- Its high-grade optical glass ensures excellent brightness
- It comes with a detachable Picatinny mount
- It mounts to almost anything
Negatives
- It requires some practice to get better results
4. VORTEX Venom 3 MOA Reflex Sight
Specifications
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Mount Type:
Weaver/Picatinny
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Magnification:
1x
-
Weight:
1.5 Oz
-
Dot Color:
Bright Red
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Eye Relief:
Unlimited
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Length:
1.9 Inches
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Dot Size:
3 MOA
This sight is perfect for handguns, rifles, and shotguns as it is lightweight and offers 1x magnification. It has a switch on the left side that controls the red dot brightness, which glows brightly even in dim light conditions. Its anti-reflective multicoated lenses improve light transmission and provide superior brightness and clarity. The sight is waterproof and has a shockproof design to handle tough conditions. This sight features three manual brightness levels that can be changed while in use. This sight is significantly low profile and lightweight so that it won’t affect firearm balance or handling. It comes with a flat-top mount that attaches easily to any pistol or any firearm using Weaver/Picatinny rails. The sight is covered by Vortex’s VIP Unconditional Lifetime Warranty, which means that you’re guaranteed to get support and protection from defects for as long as you own it.
Positive
- It has a low-profile design
- You can easily adjust the brightness level
- It ensures unlimited eye relief
- It comes with long-lasting batteries
Negatives
- Its magnification is too high for small targets
5. Holosun Classic Open Reflex Optical Red Dot Sight
Specifications
-
Recticle Type:
2MOA Red dot/32 MOA Ring
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Magnification:
1x
-
Weight:
28 Gram
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Recticle Color:
Red
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Material:
7075 Aluminium
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Size:
25x40x24 mm
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Housing Color:
Black
-
Battery:
CR1632 Battery
The Holosun open reflex optical red dot sight is a lightweight and compact sight designed for use with handguns, shotguns, and rifles. It features easy-to-use push-button controls that can be activated even when you are wearing gloves. The sight is made of 7075 aluminum alloy housing for increased durability. It also offers a 2MOA red dot reticle and 32 MOA ring for fast target acquisition. The sight is designed with a fully multicoated optical system with 50,000 h battery life. It also has a “shake awake” feature that activates the dot when sensing movement. The sight is both waterproof and fog proof, ensuring that it will function properly no matter the weather. It is an excellent choice for any shooter looking for an incredible sight that is lightweight, compact, and durable.
Positive
- It has a compact and lightweight design
- It comes with easy external push-button controls
- It comes with easy to adjust reticle illumination level push-button controls
- It has a long battery lifespan
Negatives
- It does not come with automatic brightness adjustment
What To Consider While Buying The Best Pistol Red Dot Sights?
You don’t need to be a gun expert or know much about optics and sighting devices to find the right red dot sight for your pistol. You should consider several factors when looking for the best pistol red dot sight. These factors will help you choose an accurate and reliable sight regardless of whether it is for pistols, shotguns, or rifles.
Magnification
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a red dot sight for a pistol is magnification. Pistol sights with a higher magnification can help shooters see and hit targets further away, but they are susceptible to position and need constant adjustment. On the other hand, low magnification options don’t need constant adjustments and are better for up-close shooting situations.
Reticle
Pistol red dot sights come in a few different reticles, so you must choose one that fits your shooting style. Reticles can vary from open dots to holographic images to low magnification levels, so take the time to find the one that best fits your needs.
Durability
Pistol red dot sights are made of different materials, so you must consider the durability of each sight before making a purchase. For example, aluminum alloy housing is strong but heavy, whereas high-grade polymer will be lightweight but not as durable. Make sure you choose a sight that is both durable and lightweight for the best of both worlds.
User Friendliness
Pistol red dot sights are designed for people with different needs and skill levels, so you should consider how easy it is to use before making a purchase. For example, if you are buying it for someone else or a novice shooter, look for sights that have push-button controls or are easy to install. If you are purchasing the sight for a skilled shooter, look for sights that offer high magnification levels. You should also consider other features such as the number of brightness settings, automatic shut-off time, and other controls.
Price
The price of a pistol red dot sight varies depending on the unique features, durability, and materials used to make it. It is also important to consider your budget before purchasing a sight because many models offer special features at a reasonable price. Red dot sights with the same features as higher-end models are also available at a lower price. You should research the prices of different sights before making a purchase.
FAQs
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
The amount of magnification required depends on what type of target you are aiming for. Pistol scopes typically use 1x magnification because targets are relatively close. Rifle scopes may use higher magnification levels.
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
The main difference between a rifle and pistol scope or red dot sight is the size of the reticle or point you are aiming for. The reticle in a rifle red dot sight will be more significant because the targets are typically farther away. With a pistol red dot sight, the target will be closer, and the reticle will need to be smaller. You should also consider magnification, your skill level, and the distance you are shooting for before making a purchase.
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Most pistol red dot sights use a common type of battery that you can purchase from most hardware or drug stores. There is usually an access door on the top, bottom, or side of the sight that allows you to install the battery. Once installed, you should check and adjust all settings before using your new red dot sight.
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Most red dot sights, scopes, and pistol models require zeroing before you can use them. This means that you should adjust the point of impact (where bullets hit when you shoot) to match the point of aim (where your reticle is pointing). Zeroing is usually done when you first install the sight, but the steps will vary depending on the model that you buy. You should consult your user manual to properly zero in your sight before using it.
Any activity using a firearm has the potential to be harmful and can lead to death, serious injury, permanent disability, or property damage. Only general educational and informational purposes are served by the advice, graphics, photographs, videos, and information found on Ballachy firearm reviews. The knowledge provided about guns, gun handling, tactics, training, legal issues, and marksmanship skills on this page is the author’s opinion based on his experience and education. This knowledge, which includes advice and training methods, is applicable only in a given set of conditions that the reader cannot precisely recreate. The author disclaims any liability for improper use or incorrect interpretation of the information on this website. Use of this website as a replacement for training or any information found on this website is not legal advice of any kind.
Most pistol red dot sights can be installed easily without requiring special tools. However, some pistol red dot sights can be more challenging to install. You should research the sight you are interested in purchasing before purchasing to ensure that you have the right tools and expertise required for installation.
Conclusion
The best pistol red dot sights we reviewed offer a variety of features and benefits to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for an affordable option or one with all the bells and whistles, there is something here for everyone. You’ll find some with simple features like manual brightness adjustment, while others have many more advanced options, including auto-brightness settings and night vision compatibility. We hope our in-depth review helped you make an informed decision on which red dot sight is best for you. Read about these five best pistol red dot sights and purchase one that suits your shooting style.
Our Research Process
Our curated list of products has been provided to you by our experienced team of researchers and writers at Ballachy who have tested and scrutinized product recommendations on the market. Our experience in the field, in-depth research and hands-on approach has allowed us to objectively analyse products for years and continuously providing value for buyers who are looking to get accurate and unbiased reviews. If you would like to know more about our research methods, we welcome you to visit our page here detailing how our recommendations are done. Furthermore, as we are always looking keep our guides updated and welcome any feedback from readers regarding different experiences or recommendations to adjust our list. If you consider that we have missed on some important recommendations, please let us know here, so we can add-on any valuable feedback.
Author Profile
- Gabriel Tackett
- Gabriel Tackett is an experienced shooter and hunter for over 15 years with a degree in Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He is also a certified National Rifle Association (NRA) officer for 10 years And his passion lies in teaching others how to safely enjoy the hobby by recommending the best practices & products in the gun industry.