The 27 best red dot brands
Ade Advanced Optics, SIG SAUER and HOLOSUN lead our ranking of 27 red dot brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Red Dot brands, ranked
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1
Ade Advanced Optics
Ade Advanced Optics makes low-cost red dot sights for rifles, pistols, and shotguns, mostly aimed at budget buyers.
Website: adeadvancedoptics.com |Brands like Ade Advanced Optics
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
SIG SAUER
SIG SAUER makes the Romeo line of red dot sights for handguns and rifles, alongside its firearms.
Website: sigsauer.com |Brands like SIG SAUER
Popularity 7.2/10
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3
HOLOSUN
Holosun makes solar-assisted red dot and holographic sights for pistols, rifles, and shotguns, including the Micro and Elite series.
Website: holosun.com |Brands like HOLOSUN
Popularity 6.4/10
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4
Trijicon
Trijicon makes the RMR and other red dot sights for pistols and rifles, widely used by military and law enforcement.
Website: trijicon.com |Brands like Trijicon
Popularity 4.5/10
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5
Vector Optics
Vector Optics makes budget red dot and reflex sights for airsoft, air rifles, and firearms, often sold online.
Website: vectoroptics.com |Brands like Vector Optics
Popularity 4.3/10
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6
Vortex
Vortex makes the Sparc and Crossfire red dot sights for rifles, shotguns, and handguns, with a range of price tiers.
Website: vortexoptics.com |Brands like Vortex
Popularity 4.1/10
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7
Aimpoint
Aimpoint makes Micro and Compact red dot sights for rifles and handguns, known for battery-efficient designs used by militaries.
Website: aimpoint.com |Brands like Aimpoint
Popularity 3.8/10
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8
TRUGLO
TRUGLO makes the TRU-Point red dot sights for handguns and shotguns, along with fiber optic and night sights.
Website: truglo.com |Brands like TRUGLO
Popularity 3.5/10
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9
NcSTAR
NcSTAR makes budget red dot sights and scope accessories for rifles and airsoft, sold mainly at lower price points.
Website: ncstar.com |Brands like NcSTAR
Popularity 3.3/10
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10
Bushnell
Bushnell makes the TRS red dot sights for rifles and handguns, alongside binoculars, scopes, and other outdoor optics.
Website: bushnelloptics.com |Brands like Bushnell
Popularity 3.0/10
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11
EOTech
EOTech makes holographic weapon sights for military and law enforcement rifles, a reflex sight type used alongside red dots.
Website: eotechinc.com |Brands like EOTech
Popularity 2.5/10
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12
Burris
Burris makes the FastFire red dot sights for rifles and handguns, alongside riflescopes and mounting products.
Website: burrisoptics.com |Brands like Burris
Popularity 2.5/10
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13
Sightmark
Sightmark makes red dot sights and reflex optics for rifles, shotguns, and handguns, along with night vision and scopes.
Website: sightmark.com |Brands like Sightmark
Popularity 2.4/10
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14
Crimson Trace
Crimson Trace is a brand that deals entirely with producing products that function with the help of lasers. It has a wide variety of products related to lasers, lights, sights, and scopes. These products are mainly used for special causes....
Website: crimsontrace.com |Brands like Crimson Trace
Popularity 2.4/10
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15
BSA
BSA makes red dot sights for rifles, shotguns, and air guns, alongside binoculars, scopes, and other sporting optics.
Website: bsaoptics.com |Brands like BSA
Popularity 2.3/10
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16
Leupold
Leupold makes the DeltaPoint red dot sights for rifles and handguns, alongside riflescopes and binoculars.
Website: leupold.com |Brands like Leupold
Popularity 2.2/10
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17
C-MORE
C-MORE makes red dot sights for handguns and rifles, and is known for its early pistol sight designs.
Website: cmore.com |Brands like C-MORE
Popularity 1.9/10
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18
Meprolight
Meprolight makes Mepro reflex and red dot sights for pistols and rifles, used by security and military forces.
Website: us.meprolight.com |Brands like Meprolight
Popularity 1.4/10
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19
Barska
Barska makes red dot sights for rifles and handguns, alongside binoculars, scopes, and gun safes sold at budget prices.
Website: barska.com |Brands like Barska
Popularity 1.4/10
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20
Tasco
Tasco makes red dot sights and scopes for rifles and shotguns, along with binoculars and other sporting optics.
Website: tasco-safety.com |Brands like Tasco
Popularity 1.4/10
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21
KONUS
KONUS makes red dot sights and reflex sights for rifles and shotguns, alongside binoculars and riflescopes.
Website: konus.com |Brands like KONUS
Popularity 1.2/10
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22
Simmons
Simmons is into producing mattresses which shouldn't be difficult, nor should you put one up! Instead, you'd spend your hard-earned money on something other than sleeping, so they price their mattresses fairly and sell directly to you, eliminating the middleman....
Website: simmons.com |Brands like Simmons
Popularity 1.1/10
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23
Millett
Millett makes the DMS red dot sights for rifles, shotguns, and handguns, alongside iron sights and scope mounts.
Website: millettsights.com |Brands like Millett
Popularity 0.9/10
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24
Sightron
Sightron makes the SI red dot sights for rifles and shotguns, alongside riflescopes and binoculars.
Website: sightron.com |Brands like Sightron
Popularity 0.9/10
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25
Electro
Electro, just like the name, provides clothing products that electrify your looks. The collection for men includes an ultra-soft and lightweight hoodie with soft and comfortable material that is also wrinkles-free. The dull print of the collection and a vintage...
Website: electrothreads.com |Brands like Electro
Popularity 0.9/10
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26
AimSHOT
Aim Shot is a manufacturer of reliable, effective, and robust laser sights, which lovers of firearms may use to enhance their shooting experience day or night. We manufacture an array of quality laser sights that vary in wavelength (red, green)...
Website: aimshot.com |Brands like AimSHOT
Popularity 0.9/10
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27
ATIBAL
Atibal Sights produces high quality scopes and red dot sights. All of our optics come with a full lifetime warranty, so you can buy with peace of mind.
Website: atibal-optics.com |Brands like ATIBAL
Popularity 0.6/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ade Advanced Optics | adeadvancedoptics.com | – | – | – | – |
| SIG SAUER | sigsauer.com | /SIGSAUERInc | sigsauerinc | @sigsauerinc | sigsauerinc |
| HOLOSUN | holosun.com | /holosunoptics | holosunoptics | @holosunoptics | Holosun Technologies |
| Trijicon | trijicon.com | /trijicon | trijicon | @trijicon | TrijiconInc |
| Vector Optics | vectoroptics.com | /tacbestvectoroptics | – | – | – |
| Vortex | vortexoptics.com | /vortexoptics | vortexoptics | @vortexoptics | vortexoptics |
| Aimpoint | aimpoint.com | /aimpointeurope | aimpointeurope | – | Aimpoint Europe official |
| TRUGLO | truglo.com | /truglo | trugloinc | – | TRUGLO |
| NcSTAR | ncstar.com | /NcSTAROPTICS | ncstaroptics | @NcSTAROptics | NcSTARInc |
| Bushnell | bushnelloptics.com | – | – | – | – |
Red Dot Buying Guide
Whether you are an avid shooter or just starting out, you may have heard of a red dot sight. A red dot sight is a type of optic that is designed to help shooters aim more accurately. The sight projects a red dot onto a glass or plastic lens that is mounted on the gun, giving the shooter a point of aim. Red dots are popular for many different types of shooting, including hunting, target shooting, and home defense. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to buying a red dot sight, from the basics of how they work to advanced features to consider.
Why Choose a Red Dot Sight?
Red dot sights have become increasingly popular over the last few decades due to their ease of use and improved accuracy. Unlike traditional iron sights, which require the shooter to line up two or three separate points, red dot sights simplify the aiming process by providing a single point of aim. This is especially helpful for shooters with poor eyesight or for those who struggle with aligning iron sights.
Red dot sights are also faster to acquire than iron sights. Because the red dot is projected onto the sight instead of being physically mounted, the shooter can quickly align the sight without having to focus on multiple points. This is especially important for shooters who need to quickly acquire a target, such as hunters or law enforcement officers.
Understanding Reticles
A reticle is the aiming point that is displayed on the red dot sight. While some red dot sights use a simple dot as their reticle, others may use other shapes or patterns. Reticles can be helpful in reducing aiming errors and improving accuracy.
One common type of reticle is the 2 MOA dot. This is a small, precise dot that is perfect for shooters who need maximum accuracy. A 4 MOA dot is also a common option, and it is larger and more visible than the 2 MOA dot. Some red dot sights may offer reticles with different shapes or patterns, such as a crosshair or a chevron.
A key consideration when choosing a reticle is the shooter’s intended use. Shooters who plan on using their red dot sight for hunting or long range shooting may prefer a smaller dot or a more precise reticle for accuracy. On the other hand, shooters who need to quickly acquire a target, such as in close quarters combat situations, may prefer a larger reticle that is easier to see.
Finding the Right Size
Another important consideration when buying a red dot sight is the size of the sight itself. Red dot sights come in a variety of sizes, and choosing the right size can impact the overall performance of the sight.
A larger red dot sight may offer a wider field of view, which can be helpful for shooters who need to quickly acquire multiple targets. However, a larger sight may also be heavier and bulkier, which can impact the overall balance and weight of the gun. Smaller red dot sights may be easier to carry and handle, but they may also have a smaller field of view.
The size of the red dot sight should also be considered in relation to the shooter’s intended use. Shooters who plan on using their red dot sight for hunting or target shooting may prefer a larger sight, while those who need a sight for home defense or close quarters combat may prefer a smaller, more compact sight.
Battery Life and Durability
Red dot sights use batteries to power the projection of the reticle. As such, it is important to consider the battery life of a red dot sight before making a purchase. A red dot sight with a short battery life may need to have its battery replaced frequently, which can be inconvenient and costly.
Some red dot sights may offer longer battery life by using different types of batteries or by using low-power consumption technology. Look for a red dot sight with a battery life of at least several months to a year to minimize the need for frequent battery replacements.
In addition to battery life, it is also important to consider the durability of a red dot sight. A red dot sight that is used for hunting, target shooting, or other outdoor activities may be exposed to harsh weather conditions and rough handling. Look for a red dot sight that is designed to withstand these conditions, with features such as waterproofing, shock resistance, and scratch-resistant lenses.
Mounting Options
Red dot sights can be mounted to a gun in a variety of ways. Some red dot sights may be attached directly to the gun’s receiver or slide, while others may require a mounting base or rail.
When choosing a red dot sight, it is important to consider the mounting requirements of the sight and ensure that it is compatible with the shooter’s gun. Some red dot sights may require specific mounting systems, such as Picatinny rails, while others may be more flexible in their mounting options.
It is also important to consider the ease of installation when choosing a mounting option. Some mounting systems may require specialized tools or expertise, while others may be simple to install with just a few bolts or screws.
Additional Features to Consider
In addition to the basic features outlined above, there are many additional features that can be found on red dot sights. These features can provide additional functionality and customization options for shooters.
One common feature is brightness adjustment. This allows the shooter to adjust the brightness of the reticle to suit different lighting conditions. Some red dot sights may also have an automatic brightness adjustment feature, which adjusts the brightness based on the ambient light level.
Another feature to consider is the ability to add magnification. Some red dot sights may have a built-in magnification system, while others may be able to adapt to attachable magnifiers. Shooters who need to engage targets at longer ranges may benefit from a red dot sight with magnification.
Other features that may be available on red dot sights include night vision compatibility, multiple reticle options, and bluetooth connectivity for tracking and data collection.
Conclusion
A red dot sight can be a valuable addition to any shooter’s toolkit, providing improved speed and accuracy when aiming. When choosing a red dot sight, be sure to consider the reticle, size, battery life, durability, mounting options, and additional features. By doing so, you can find a red dot sight that meets your specific needs and helps you shoot more effectively.
