Target Locked: Dominate with the
ULTIMATE Red Dot Sight Guide, It's 2024!
Good ol’ iron sights may do an okay job, but they can hardly do what a sight does. For anyone who owns a gun and does shooting and target practicing, nothing beats a red dot sight. These tiny things are every shooters best bet to hitting the bull’s-eye each time. Whether you’re a cop, in the army or just doing a day of hunting deer or playing paintballs; the best red dot sights give your aim that extra edge of accuracy.
Best red dot sights: under the scope!
1. CVLIFE Red Green Dot Gun Sight
The CVLIFE Red Green Dot Gun Sight is hands down the thing to get if you don’t want monumental capabilities from a sight, but expect basic and standard performance. This CR2032 battery powered sight comes in a small, puny and compact body that measure 3.2" length in dimensions and 130g weight. And the built-in mount is perfect for attaching onto your standard rifle bases. But it would be a mistake to judge this tiny and cheap piece of device on its size and price.
The CVLIFE Red Green Dot Gun Sight offers you a total of 4 reticle patterns and 4 dots of different sizes. What does that mean? More aiming versatility and adaptability, of course! You also enjoy unlimited eye-relief, which we think is great for people who wear glasses or goggles; you have corrected parallax and an Allen head screw type wind age and elevation click adjustments, with locking screw.
Pros:
Compact and lightweight
Tubeless design
4 reticle patterns and dot sizes
Built-in mount foe standard bases
Does not require zeroing when remounting
Fairly sized objective lens; wide FOV
Shockproof and waterproof
Battery included
Cons:
Blurry reticle; poor sharpness
Does not hold zero too accurately
2. Field Sport Red and Green Reflex Sight
If you liked the CVLIFE Red Green Dot Gun Sight, then we bet that you will also approve of the Red and Green Reflex Sight from Field Sport.
The Field Sport Red and Green Reflex Sight, much like the CVLIFE, is a beginner sort of sight. It is basic, inexpensive, compact, but anything but a letdown. To behind with, this sight shares quite a few common resemblances with CVLIFE. They look pretty much the same; share the tubeless construction and share very similar designs. The Field Sport sight furthermore offers 4 reticle patterns and corrected parallax. You also get the unlimited eye relief, which is great for people who wear glasses.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Tubeless des
- 4 reticle patterns
- Picatinny rail mounting system
- 24x 34mm objective and multicoated lens; wide FOV
- Shockproof, waterproof and fog proof
- Includes battery
- Thermoplastic lens covers included
- Product guarantee
Cons:
- Lens tend to fall out
- Does not hold zero too well
- Poorly constructed; flimsy
3. CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope
Now, if you are looking for a sight that’s a little more and above than basic, then the Hunting Rifle Scope from CVLIFE is a great place to start!
The CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope, as you can guess from its name already, isn’t your standard sight. It is a scope! This obviously and right off the bat means you will be enjoying some amazing magnification features from it. Speaking of which, the CVLIFE rifle scope give you 6x to 24x magnification. A great way to touch your target. Perfect for hunting! This scope weighs approximately 630 grams and measures a good 40 cm, which may be lightweight but not so much on the compact side.
Now for the good stuff: the CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope has a 50mm objective lens, a 5.1 to 16.9mm exit pupil and an eye relief of 3.25 inches. You also have a wide field of view (FOV) of 8 ft at 100 yards. And with a click value of 1/8-inch at 100 yards, you have more control over your aiming!
The CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope comes with a red and green illumination dot. You furthermore get a lens cover, 1 CR 2032 battery and 2 scope mounts or 20mm weaver dovetail rail. Neat!
Pros:
Lightweight
Great magnification and click value; good hunting scope
Good eye relief
Large objective and exit pupil lenses
Wide FOV
Includes battery; battery powered
Comes with a lens cover and mounts
Cons:
Takes some work to focus on target
Misleading magnification; not a proper 24x magnification as per most users
4. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight
Next on our list of the best red dot sight, we have the very popular and renowned Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope from none other than Bushnell.
Coming from a house as qualified as Bushnell, you know it is going to be ahead of the curve. The TRS-25 riflescope is rather small for a riddle scope. Good for users, nonetheless. It weighs 3.6 ounces and measures 5.4 x 3.4 x 2.2 inches in dimensions. Pretty petite. But boy does it pack a punch! This scope here has a wide 25mm objective angle with easy target acquisition. You have a red dot reticle which forms when the tilted front lens reflects LED light. But more importantly, you get 3 MOA or Minute of Angle.
This freedom of adjustability means a massive upper hand while aiming! This battery powered scope with its CR2032 battery included so you have maximum runtime. It also gives you unlimited eye relief so that you can use it with both your eyes open for better awareness.
However, the eye-catching feature (literally!) on the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope are its beautifully engineered lenses. They are made with multicoated Amber Bright optics which also offers amazing accuracy in distinguishing objects afar. It is furthermore great under low-light conditions as well. Just what you need for a proper aim!
Apart from all these, the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope is also a fod, water and shockproof housing.
Pros:
Lightweight and compact
Unlimited eye relief
Wide objective lens; Amber Bright optics multicoated
Includes mount
Wide FOV
Includes battery; battery powered
Shockproof, waterproof and fog proof
Great under low-light
Cons:
Short life span
Dot tends to blur after a period of use
Does not perform under very bright, sunny conditions
5. Ade Advanced Optics Crusader
Our 5th pick for the best red dot sights, the Ade Advanced Optics Crusader, is perfect for people who are looking for a device that is powerful, stealthy, yet not over the top complex.
The Ade Advanced Optics Crusader is undeniably a class apart from our previous contenders. First and foremost, it is a very compact, sleek and lightweight device that will only do you good in the field. It measures somewhere around 15 ounces and you could hold it in the palm of your hands. Speaking of hold, the Ade Advanced Optics Crusader features a quick detachable pica tinny/weaver mount on its aluminum body. Very solid, no questions about that. Now for the main deal.
This device offers you a n objective lens of 39 x 27mm with an unlimited eye relief. You are therefore able to enjoy a very wide field of view with minimum interruption. It is Compatible with magnifiers or NVGs and offers clocking wind age and elevation adjustments. You also enjoy 1 MOA (minute of Angle) for maximum aiming adjustability.
You will also be very happy to know that battery powered sight has a built-in rechargeable battery with indicator lights. It also uses power sparingly for longer runtime. Shockproof, water-resistant and long-lasting. Win-win, right?
Apart from all these is our favorite feature on the Ade Advanced Optics Crusader: its 8 reticle patterns with 5 levels of brightness settings. This means you get more out of your aims thanks to the various targeting patterns. Bang for your buck!
Pros:
Lightweight and compact
Convenient mounting system
8 reticle patterns and 5 brightness settings
Unlimited eye relief
Wide FOV
Rechargeable battery powered; charger included
Long runtime
Shockproof, water-resistant
Cons:
Short lifespan
Can’t hold zero too well
Blurry dot
6. Sightmark Ultra Shot Plus Flat Dark Earth Red Dot Sight
Basic doesn’t make the cut for everyone. It is therefore about time that we introduce to devices that are a little more sophisticated and A-class. And with that in mind, we present to you the Sightmark Ultra Shot Plus Flat Dark Earth Red Dot Sight!
The Ultra Shot Plus is undoubtedly a leap above our previous devices. It is said to be far more reliable and accurate than your generic options. The Ultra Shot Plus is made out of cast aluminum alloy housing with protective shield which makes it shock and weatherproof. It has hood design making viewing from the exit pupil far more concentrated for the user.
Despite such a strong build, the device is rather lightweight and compact at 8 ounces in weight and 4.4 x 2.3 x 2.4 inches in dimensions. As for attach ability, it offers you an adjustable quick detach weaver mount. With 4 red and green reticle dots, a corrected parallax, a wide FOV and unlimited eye relief, the Ultra Shot Plus is your all-in-one sight the job.
What’s even nicer is that it comes with its CR123A battery includes and has a super long battery life. One of the best battery life we have seen so far, we say may so. You furthermore get a weather-resistant neoprene cover for it!
Pros:
Lightweight and compact
Convenient mounting system
4 reticle patterns and 5 brightness settings
Unlimited eye relief
Wide FOV
battery powered; battery included
Very long runtime
Shockproof, water-resistant
Includes neoprene cover
Cons:
Flimsy hardware
7. TRUGLO TRU-TEC Compact 20mm Tactical Red Dot Sight
Next up! We have for you one of the most well-rated and customer favored sights on our list of the best red dot sights: the TRU-TEC Compact 20mm Tactical Red Dot Sight from TRUGLO!
This device is truly as compact as it gets. It measures a meager 5 x 4 x 4 inches in dimensions and weighs somewhere around 11 ounces, only. It comes with 2cstandard mounts: both high and low mounting bases that mount to standard picatinny or weaver-style rails so you are free you slap this on your rifle or arm of choice. Very simple yet versatile.
It is battery powered, comes with a CR2032 battery in the box and is said to have a battery life of nearly 1000 hours! What’s even nicer is that it comes with an auto-off feature which will save you tons of power too. Apart from these, the TRU-TEC compact sight comes with a 20mm objective and multicoated lens for better clarity and sharpness. You furthermore have digital push-button controls lets you easily adjust multiple brightness settings. Pretty neat.
What we liked best about the TRU-TEC sight however, is its simplicity. Despite being an A-class performer, it is very simple and uncomplicated to use. For instance, its quick touch power wakes up the device whenever and anywhere you tap it. How cool is that?
Pros:
Very compact and lightweight
Easily mountable
Battery powered; battery included
Long runtime
Auto-off program; saves power
Large and multicoated lens; wide FOV
Multiple brightness settings
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Quick touch power
Cons:
Tends to turn itself on with the slightest bump; no way to turn it off
Dots tends to dim out
Oddly shaped dot
8. Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight
For people who are looking for a sight device that is a little OTT and generous with features, we have for them the Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight from Vortex.
The Strikefire II is undeniable one of the more robust and sights out here on our list of the best red dot sights. It is, by far, the heaviest and largest on our list today. With a weight of almost 1.2 pounds and measurements around 7.2 x 6.2 x 3 inches, this device is no joke. Sleek, rugged and powerful. Having said that, it complements you and your weapon like nothing else. We are all down for a functional beauty. This battery powered sight comes with a long battery life and of course, its battery.
You have a large 30mm objective lens which offer great FOV. On top it this, you have unlimited eye relief; the lens parallax free and are furthermore multicoated and with 1x magnification for a more accurate and pinpoint aiming solution. Thanks to its highly adjustable features, controlling the brightness, wind age and elevation is easier than ever. The Strikefire II offers 10 variable illumination patterns which is inclusive of 2 night-visions patterns! Impressive.
However, the feature we liked most is the sight’s construction. Apart from being fog proof and waterproof, It has a built in lens cover which is absolutely awesome. Can’t tell you the number of times people lose those things!
Pros:
Offer 1x magnification
Battery powered; battery included
Long runtime
Solid build and construction
Large and multicoated lens; wide FOV
Multiple brightness settings
Unlimited eye relief
Multiple illuminations settings; night-vision compatible
Fog proof and waterproof
Cons:
Tad bit heavy
Dot seems asymmetrical
Doesn’t stay put; flimsy mount
9. Vortex Optics SF-RG-501 StrikeFire II
If the Vortex Optics Strikefire II doesn’t cut it for you, then don’t worry because the Vortex SF-RG-501 StrikeFire II will definitely have you covered!
the SF-RG-501 StrikeFire II is everything the StrikeFire II is, but better! This sight, only normally, shares a ton of common features with the StrikeFire II. To begin with, it has the same build and construction, the same weight and feel and the same credibility. You have the 30mm objective multicoated lens, the eye relief, parallax free performance and the 1x magnification.
Apart from these, you also have you highly adjustable brightness, MOA, elevation and wind age features. This battery powered device is last long and comes with its battery too. One less thing to worry about, we reckon. It is also, of course, shock, weather and fog proof. However, there are a certain set of features that makes the SF-RG-501 StrikeFire II much more appealing then the StrikeFire II.
First of all, this device has an adjustable dot density. Something we know for fact trouble most users. It furthermore has an auto-off feature which only adds to the already long battery life. Last but not least, it comes with the Vortex Optics Hat, which may not be the most necessary features, but hey! It’s something.
Pros:
Offer 1x magnification
Battery powered; battery included
Long runtime
Auto shut-off
Solid build and construction
Large and multicoated lens; wide FOV
Multiple brightness settings
Unlimited eye relief
Multiple illuminations settings; night-vision compatible
Fog proof, shockproof and waterproof
Comes with a hat!
Cons:
Tends to show a lot of sunlight glare
Blurry, uneven dot
10. Trijicon RMR 6.5 MOA Adjustable LED Red Dot Sight
For our final contender on the list of the best red dot sights, we have a sight from one of the most well-known and renowned pioneers in the industry: Trijicon. And the RMR 6.5 MOA Adjustable LED Red Dot Sight definitely lives up to its massive reputation!
The RMR 6.5 MOA Adjustable LED Red Dot Sight is every shooter’s best bet. It is tiny, compact and yet so powerful. This device has a patented housing which is made using forged 7075-T6 aircraft aluminum-alloy. This diverts the force of an impact away from the lens, giving you a more durable and heavy-duty device. It weighs 8 ounces or so, and is compatible on various handguns like Glock MOS, Springfield Armory OSP, Smith & Wesson CORE, FNH Tactical, and so on. Versatile. No questions there.
Now, let’s get to the performance arena. This device offers you 1x magnification, 6.5 MOA for maximum aiming adjustability and automatic brightness mode with controls for 8 adjustable settings including 2 NV and 1 super bright. Not too bad, is it? Then you have you true-color multicoated lens that ensure that high color accuracy! Oh, and it is battery powered so cheers to a long, long runtime.
But hands down the best part about the Trijicon RMR 6.5 MOA Adjustable LED Red Dot Sight is how user-friendly it is. Despite the puny body, it is easy to use and operate. No fussing or fidgeting around. Definitely a pro quality sight. Almost makes the price worth it!
Pros:
Lightweight and compact
Attaches to a wide range of arms; versatile
6.5 MOA LED with 1 MOA per click
Adjustable bright with multiple settings
Multicoated lens
Battery powered; battery included
Easy to operate
Cons:
Tends to malfunctions; turns on and off, randomly
Red dot is too big and looks fuzzy
Buying Guide to the best red dot sight
Size and weight
Before diving into the depth of quality and features, it is very important that you begin with a little pre-assessment. Begin by deciding on the size and weight that you prefer. Although red dot sights are relatively always smaller than your average scopes or binoculars, they still do come in various sizes and weights.
And when considering the size and weight, don’t forget to match those against the weapon of choice. You sight is going to be sitting on top of your weapon so it will of course add to the overall weight of the arm. Be smart and choose a sight that you know you can work with. Not too tiny or too heavy. It should feel just as great on your hands it does on your weapon. Balance!
Construction and build
One thing we noticed right away throughout reviewing hundreds of products for you is that red dot sights aren’t all build equal……duh. Some possess the quality to aim for the stars while some make us want to bash our heads against the wall.
Some of the best sights out there will feature substantial bodies made of super-durable materials like aircraft grade aluminum. These sights are just as durable as they are easy to clean, so you do not have to worry far too much about the maintenance of your sight.
In many cases, the red dot sight your purchase will be waterproof up to a certain point. This means that, your sight will be the one to choose when you often go out for hunts during the rainy season.
Furthermore, some of the sights are designed to be fog-proof. This prevents the inside of the glass from fogging during low temperature weather and temperature shifts.
If you are not willing to spend much to get a high quality sight, then that’s fine too. Just make sure to get something that is decent. Start by checking the design and build. Although lightweight is preferable, you don’t want it to fly away. It should feel robust and solid when you hold it. Next and most notorious of all, check the wind age and elevation knobs. These knobs tend to be flimsier than anything else. One final secret tip is to lightly push and knock on the lenses. We have had heaps of complaints from people who’ve said that the lenses of their sights tend to fall out. Yikes!
Ease of use
The next thing you want to look into is the comfort factor of the red dot sight you are interested in.
Red dot sights are usually beginner friendly and so new comers to the red dot sight game can usually just pick up one up, mount it up on your rifle and heat out for some hunting. However, in some cases the installation of the red dot sight is much harder than it seems. Therefore, when on the lookout for the right red dot sight, try to ensure that the mounting mechanism is available in the box, otherwise you will have to run around looking for a compatible railing mount instead of prowling around for a good hunt.
In addition to this, you should opt in for a red dot sight which zeroes in easily. That is, you should not have to spend a lot of time trying to adjust the zero or even readjust it after every trip. A good red dot sight will zero in quickly, and hold that zero for a long time before requiring recalibration. In short, always go for the sight that is easiest to use. Moreover, try to play it cool and go for ones that give you enough confidence when you are shooting. With more confidence, your bullets will surely find their targets and you will have a satisfying trip.
Many red dot sights today tend to be overfilled and stuffed to the neck with technologies and features. Some red dot sights just might be able to cook and pick up the kids from school soon. Just kidding! But you get the frustration, right? See, there’s nothing wrong with a feature packed sight, but some manufacturers tend to go absolute overboard. If you want to save a few bucks and a lot of migraine, then opt for a red dot sight with enough features to meet your needs and that’s it. Don’t try and get too fancy. Makes using the sight so complicated than it needs to be!
Lens
Ah yes…now that the pre-assessment is over, let’s take a look into some more vital features. And there’s nothing more essential to a sight or scope than its lenses!
Ironically, there’s not much to say about choosing the correct lenses. It’s pretty simple actually. Test it! If you like a wide FOV, or field of view, then maybe go for a sight with large objective lenses. A multicoated lens will also favor you under overexposure of the sun or light. If you are someone who wear glasses or goggle, then choosing an exit pupil or ocular lens with an unlimited exit pupil is always the best idea.
Zero-ing performance
One glitch with red dot sights, even with some high-end ones, is that they tend to fail at zero too accurately. Now, now.. . . . we don’t want you to think this is the case for every dot sight. But yes, most do have this glitch.
Taking a while to zero is fine however. It is normal and absolutely good on our book. However, failing to zero at all is much worse. Some dot sights do terrible, some do so-so and some do a pretty fast and accurate job. The only way to check for this is by testing the product itself. You may need to shot from various positions and angles to finally get it right.
Dot quality
THE DOT. This dot alone is the single most important part of the entire red dot device. The small, round point on the reticle is what makes or breaks an aim.
Many devices will offer you both green and red dot, but ultimately the color doesn’t matter. When you are looking for a red dot device, you want the dot to be crisp and sharp and consistent. Many devices have this weird tendency to blur the dot. Some users have even complained against the dot being “fuzzy” and “soft”. So be aware and get a device with a proper, no non-sense dot. This dot is the centerpiece of your buying checklist!
Mounting systems
There isn’t much to say about the mounting aspect of a red dot sight. It is pretty self-explanatory. You want to look for a sight that comes with a mounting system that complements and complies with your weapon. That is all, really.
However, it is a great plus point when you have a versatile mount that fits on various types of weapons and arms. Handguns and rifles, for instance. One other lookout is to check if the mount is stable. Any wobbly, loose and shaky mount is a total no. In the aiming game, every millimeter counts. A slight shift of a faulty mount may cost you the target.
Bonus features
And then there are those little tiny details that make all the difference. Bonus features aren’t absolutely a necessity on our checklist, but you turn down a good offer? Should you?
If possible, try and get a red dot sight that comes with features that could really make your user experience go a lot smoother. First of all, there is our personal favorite, the auto shut-off program which will turn off the sight after 2-3 hours of idleness. Some sights even come with a feature, probably called quick touch or something along that line, which immediately switches the device on with the tap of a finger. Although it is pretty nice, we admit, many users face trouble with this feature since it keeps getting switched on to the slight bump or touch. Next, try and look for devices that come with accessories like lens cover, tripods or even carrying cases. But most importantly, try and get yourself a red dot sight that comes with a long battery life. Nothing more frustrating than having the sight die on you mid-way through an aim!
Warranty and purchase security
And finally, there the after sale security to look for. Although it isn’t absolutely mandatory to get sights with warranties, only; we still think it’s a nice backup to have if your device fails you. This is especially important, however, if you sight is mad expensive!
Try and get a device that comes from a god house and are well reputed among its customers. You won’t find a sight that’s absolutely spotless, but majority of its customers should be content with what they got. Many manufacturers will offer you more or replacement of a warranty. This could be through a refund, a repair or even a replacement. It is your hard-earned money you are buying the sight so be a smart consumer and get the most out of your purchase.
Owing to this, our buying guide and FAQ has been specially tailored and selected to help you understand about the device better. Our exclusive guide acts as a checklist for a quality red dot sight while the FAQ is there to address your curiosity. But most important are our detailed reviews of 10 of the top best red dot sights out there today. These top devices from top brands give you an insight into the world of A-class sights. From cheap to fancy, tiny to monster- we have it all right here!
With this said and done, we want to wrap up the article by saying our part: be very careful and cautious with a gun on your hand. It can kill. Wish you all the very best with your target this season! See you next time. Take care!
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