9 best red dot scopes
A red dot scope, often referred to as a red dot sight or simply a red dot, is a popular type of firearm sighting system used by shooters for various applications, including shooting sports, hunting, and self-defense. Here's what you need to know about red dot scopes:
1.Basic Functionality:
- Red dot scopes are optical sighting devices designed to help shooters acquire and aim at their target with accuracy.
- They are called "red dot" scopes because they typically use a red dot or reticle as the aiming point. This dot is projected onto a lens and is superimposed over the target when you look through the scope.
2. Reticle Types:
- Red dot scopes can have various reticle designs, including a simple red dot, a crosshair, or other patterns. The red dot is the most common and is often adjustable in brightness levels.
- Some models may offer different reticle colors, such as green or blue, to accommodate personal preferences or varying lighting conditions.
3. Reflex and Holographic Sights:
- There are two primary types of red dot sights: reflex sights and holographic sights.
- Reflex sights use a LED (light-emitting diode) to project the reticle onto a lens. They are generally lightweight and offer excellent battery life.
- Holographic sights use a laser to create a holographic reticle, which is visible to the shooter. They often have more complex reticle options and can be parallax-free.
4. Mounting and Compatibility:
- Red dot scopes are designed to be mounted on firearms, such as rifles, shotguns, and handguns. They can be attached using specialized mounts, including Picatinny or Weaver rails.
- Some red dot sights are compatible with magnifiers, allowing shooters to switch between close-quarters shooting with the red dot and magnified shooting for longer-range engagements.
5. Aim Assist:
- Red dot sights are highly valued for their ability to offer quick target acquisition and aim assist, especially in low-light or high-stress situations.
- They allow shooters to keep both eyes open, which maintains situational awareness while aiming accurately.
6. Battery-Powered:
- Most red dot scopes are battery-powered, typically using CR2032 or similar batteries. The battery life can vary depending on the sight's settings and brand.
- It's essential to periodically check and replace the battery to ensure the sight remains functional.
7. Adjustable Settings:
- Red dot sights often feature adjustable brightness settings to accommodate different lighting conditions. This ensures that the dot remains visible in various environments.
8. Parallax and Eye Relief:
- Many red dot scopes are designed to be parallax-free at a specific distance, typically around 50 yards. This means the point of impact remains consistent even if the shooter's eye position shifts.
- Eye relief, the distance between the eyepiece and the shooter's eye, varies among different models but is generally more forgiving than traditional scopes.
9. Use Cases:
- Red dot scopes are widely used in shooting sports, competitive shooting, tactical and self-defense situations, and hunting.
- They are popular for quick, close-range engagements and are often found on rifles used in home defense scenarios.
In summary, red dot scopes are versatile optical sighting devices that offer quick target acquisition and improved accuracy for shooters. They are a valuable addition to firearms for a wide range of applications, providing users with a fast and reliable aiming solution.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best red dot scopes on the market
YIJIZE Reflex Red Dot Sight, 1 x 30mm 6 MOA Optical Scope with 3 Dot Automatic Dimmer for Rapid targeting, Easy to Install with Flip Up Lens Cap
YIJIZE
Product description
Specifications:
Material: Aluminum
Magnification: 1×
Dot Colors: Red
Illumination Settings: 6+1 Auto
Eye Relief: Unlimited
Objective Lens Dia.: 1.2″ (30 mm)
Tube Dia.: 1.5″ (38 mm)
Exit Pupil: 1.1″ (28 mm)
Field of View: 15.8m@100m
- 1.Robust and easy to install: strong metal structure, durable and shockproof. Multi-layer coated lens, waterproof and anti-fog, it can work well in any weather condition.
- 2. Automatic photosensitive system: Our products have automatic photosensitive system, which can adjust the brightness of the 3 red lights automatically according surrounding environment. At the same time, there are 6-level brightness alternative, which is easy to get any brightness you want.
- 3. Vertical red dot: Many users said that other products are single circles, and the cross and star-shaped aiming range is too large, which greatly affects the line of sight or attention. Our products have three eye-catching vertical red dot sights with 6MOA size which can target rapidly for beginners.
- 4. Broad vision: 30mm objective lens .The lens have a broader vision with adjustable guiding-rail base, which is suitable for standard 20mm Picatinny rail and Weaver rail.
- 5. Reversible lens cover: For the protection and storage of the products after use, we provide two detachable protective covers, but do not use the it while aiming. It may bring you a bad feeling when they fall because of the tremendous impact of the shooting
KNINE OUTDOORS 2 MOA 20mm Lens Tactical Red Dot Sight Scope 1 Inch Riser Mount with 3X Magnifier Combo
KNINE OUTDOORS
- Longer Effective Range: Magnifier and red dot are designed for lower 1/3 cowitness mounting heights, which the center of our red dot is 1/3 inches higher than your iron sight center. This allows you to increase your effective shooting range. Field of View: 49 ft/100 yards. Eye relief distance: 2.4 inches
- Ultimate Accuracy: 2 MOA red dot sight allows for accurate, both-eyes-open shooting. 10 red dot brightness settings provide optimal visibility in any light conditions. Magnifier and red dot are perfectly aligned without any height difference. Focus distance between magnifier and red dot is extremely close to ensure you a better open view.
- Fast Locating: 3X Magnifier and red dot combo is ideal for shooters who love fast-aiming middle-range shooting or middle-range hunting. Our 3X magnifier with K9 grade optical lens provides you the best clarity that you could only feel on those optics over 200. Flip-to-side mounting allows you to fast-aim those nearby pop-out targets.
- Durable & Compatible: Both magnifier and red dot passed multiple rounds of weatherproof shock-resistant fog-proof torturing tests. Magnifier is nitrogen purged and securely sealed. Magnifier could perfectly fit all red dots with 1-inch riser, focus distance between magnifier and red dot may vary.
- Balanced Weight: Magnifier is designed to mount at the very last slot of your rail, no meaning to be too heavy. The weight of this whole combo set is nicely controlled under 1 lb. Neither too heavy nor light.
User questions & answers
| Question: | How many slots total is needed for this combo to go a picatinny rail |
| Answer: | This tape will stick to the bottom of your shoes. However, it is 80 grit sandpaper in tape mode. It is not something I would attach to shoes and walk with on any floor surface and not expect to strach the floor surface. |
| Question: | How do you turn on the red dot on or off |
| Answer: | I definitely would recommend this tape,i have used it outside on tiled stairs,which when the garden is watered can get wet.The tape has stuck wonderfully and shows no signs of wearing even though the steps are continually in use.I do not think you would have any problems with this tape.(by the way i have 6 dogs)If your dog uses the ramp also then no problems . |
| Question: | What material |
| Answer: | I do not know if the screw hole would line up with the frame of your gun. It fits great on my smith wesson 38 special. |
MidTen 2MOA Micro Red Dot Sight 1x25mm Reflex Sight Waterproof & Shockproof & Fog-Proof Red Dot Scope, Mini Rifle Scope with 1 inch Riser Mount, Black
yawan
- 【More Accurate】 From 3-4MOA to 2MOA. This Updated MidTen 2MOA red dot sight allows for more accurate, both-eyes-open shooting. Unlimited eye relief makes for quick target acquisition. Multi-coated scratch resistant lens provides enhanced image clarity and increases light transmission during low light situations.
- 【Enhanced Red Dot】make the dot centered in the inner tube and not blurry, reduce red glare and extra red lights in the view.
- 【Multi-Intensity Levels of Brightness】 11 red dot brightness settings provide optimal visibility in any light conditions, let shooters cater the dot intensity to the situation at hand. Settings 1-5 are suitable for dim or rainy environment while settings 6-9 are better for a bright or sunny day. Settings 10-11 are good for middle days.
- 【Dependable】 A shockproof aluminum body displays extreme durability. Nitrogen purged and O-rong sealed. Fully waterproof with sealed housing.Matte black anodized finish resists scratches while keeping a stealthy profile. Nitrogen purged fog proofing: Nitrogen inside the scope ensures interior optical surfaces won’t fog due to humidity or rapid temperature change
- 【2 Height Mount Options】 Offers two height options (Low and Lower 1/3 Co-Witness), lending its functionality on any platform.
User questions & answers
| Question: | is this red dot good on a 12 ga. shotgun |
| Answer: | Yes, this red dot can be used on shotgun. |
| Question: | Will this gun sight work on a Weaver rail |
| Answer: | Fits standard picatinny 20mm rail systems. Enough wiggle room to accommodate almost any similar rail system. |
| Question: | What riser height for co witness |
| Answer: | Bushnell TRS-25, which this appears to be a clone of except TRS-25 is 3MOA vs 4MOA RedDot with 1.0" riser gives 1/3 Co-Witness... So for true Co-Witness I'd think 0.83 riser is needed. |
| Question: | Will this line up with the iron sights on a ar |
| Answer: | Go with the UTG .83 riser and it will be perfect. Right now they are running between 6 and 8 bucks here on Amazon. |
Product features
Upgrated: From 3-4MOA to 2MOA
- There's nothing like a red dot for fast target acquisition and accuracy in dim conditions.The 1x25 red dot is engineered with Amber-Bright optics to help you quickly distinguish a brown tree and a brown critter.
- This sight can be easily used with both eyes open, increasing the shooter's awareness of the surroundings and providing faster target acquisition. Due to the parallax free design, the dot follows the movement of the user’s eye while remaining fixed on the target without centering.
Multi-coated optics
Thanks to the scope's multi-coated optics, hunters will have no problem seeing their target in low-light conditions.
Windage Adjustment
Here please use your tool(not included) to adjust the red dot "Left" or "Right" .
Elevation Adjustment
Here please use your tool(not included) to adjust the red dot "Up" or "Down" .
Riser Mount
1 inch riser mount with 3 slots; precision machined from aircraft aluminum with matte black anodizing.
Pinty Tactical 1x40mm Reflex Red Green Dot Sight Riflescope with Free 20mm Mount Rails
Pinty
- Solid metal construction, durable and shock proof.
- Red or green dual illuminated dot reticles with 5 level brightness control.
- Multi-coated lens, water proof & fog proof, works great in all weather conditions.
- Precision windage and elevation adjustments, features high/low profile quick release mount.
- Fits standard 20mm Picatinny or Weaver rails.
User questions & answers
| Question: | will this work on a Mossberg without buying rails? the description says it comes with rails but one post said they ordered it separately |
| Answer: | Hi, the dot sight can fit on all 20-22mm Weaver or Picatinny rails. |
| Question: | Will this work on my judge revolver |
| Answer: | I have never seen the Taurus Judge, but being a smaller revolver, my best guess is no. |
| Question: | Does it have magnification or just a red dot |
| Answer: | It is just a red dot. |
| Question: | How much of the target does it cover at 50 yards |
| Answer: | It claims to be a 4 MOA dot. 4MOA means 4 minute of angle. Each MOA is very close to being 1" at 100yds. Meaning this dot would cover 4"of the target at 100yds, 2" at 50yds, 1" at 25 yds, 8" at 200yds and so on. |
Product features
Specifications
- Reticle Type: 4 MOA Illuminated Red and Green Dot
- Illumination Settings: 5
- Objective Lens Dia.: 1.6″ (40 mm)
- Magnification: 1×
- Fitment: All Standard 0.8″ (20mm) Weaver & Picatinny Rails
- Body Material: Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Alloy
Reflex Dot Sight
With our dual-color reflex sight, you can fully enjoy shooting in daylight with the conspicuous green dot but be ready for the night with the distinct red dot.
High-Quality Lens
This 1.6″ (40mm) objective dia. lens allows you to have a clear field of view as wide as 57′ at 100 yards.
Outstanding Versatility
This red/green reflex sight is perfectly compatible with and easy to install on all 0.8″ (20mm) Weaver and Picatinny rails.
Precise Windage & Elevation Adjustments
Quickly and easily zero in on your target with the elevation and windage dials. Pull the trigger with confidence that your aim is true.
Pinty 1x30 4 MOA Red Green Dot Tactical Reflex Sight with Picatinny Cantilever Mount Black, Khaki
Pinty
- FULL METAL CONSTRUCTION: Aluminum body with all-metal interior instrumentation. Precise windage and elevation adjustments to dial in precise aim up to 4 MOA. Battery included.
- FOR 20mm PICATINNY & WEAVER RAILS: The cantilever style PEPR mount adds a potently handsome look to nearly any firearm. Fits any 20mm Picatinny or Weaver rail.
- RAPID RAIL RELEASE: Quick rail attachment design to rapidly install and remove from your arms without sacrificing stability performance. Weatherproof and shockproof.
- DUAL RETICLES: Toggle between red or green dual illuminated dot reticles with adjustable brightness. For best visibility, we recommend using red for night and green for day time.
- QUICK-FLIP LENS COVERS: Removable, spring-loaded flip lens covers on both ends keep your site clean and clear from debris during storage and wilderness hunting adventures.
User questions & answers
| Question: | does this have an etched reticle |
| Answer: | It doesn't have an etched reticle. |
| Question: | When i twist any of the knobs the dot doesn’t move within the reticle At all. Is that supposed to happen |
| Answer: | No … But the one I bought was junk anyway. It was improperly machined and didn't align with the barrel . . . off by about 8 feet at 100 yds. Get your $$$ back. |
| Question: | I know it comes with a manual but I can't really find the batter compartment, it's really hard to see the pictures |
| Answer: | The third picture shows it. There are three caps that screw off. One allows you to adjust windage, one to adjust elevation, and the third is the battery compartment. It is the larger one on the left side of the update. |
| Question: | Will this withstand recoil of .177 break barrel pellet gun |
| Answer: | Yep |
Product features
Specifications
- Obj. Aperture: 30 mm
- Magnification: 1x
- Field of View: 50 degrees
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Reticle Type: 4 MOA
- Finish: Black Matte
- Power: 1 x CR2032 (included)
- Dimensions Length: 5.12”x2.56”x 2.75” / 130x65x70mm
- Weight: 9.8oz/278g
High-Quality Lens
This 1.2″ (30mm) dia. coated lens allows you to have a clear field of view as wide as 50′ at 100 yards and comes with removable spring-loaded flip lens covers for extra protection.
Outstanding Versatility
This red and green dot sight is perfectly compatible with and easy to install on all 0.8″ (20mm) Weaver and Picatinny rails.
Precise Windage & Elevation Adjustments
Quickly and easily zero in on your target with the elevation and windage dials. Pull the trigger with confidence that your aim is true.
Dual-Illuminated Dot Sight
With our adjustable dot sight, you can fully enjoy shooting in the day with the conspicuous green light, while being ready for night with the distinct red dot.
Pinty 2.5-10x40 Red Green Illuminated Mil-dot Tactical Rifle Scope with Red Laser Combo - Green Lens Color
Pinty
- FIELD OF VIEW: Magnification 2.5-10X with 40mm objective, field Of View: 100 yards of 32.5' @ 2.5x - 8.9' @10x, laser range up to 100 yards.
- MULTI-COATED GREEN OBJECTIVE LENS, boast higher light transmittance for better clarity performance compared to blue objective lens.
- RED AND GREEN ILLUMINATED RETICLE, 5 brightness levels for all environments.
- A QUALITY COMPLET SET OF LASER SCOPE, Solid aluminum alloy construction, quick and secure attachment to all Picatinny or Weaver rails.
- WATERPROOF, FOG PROOF PERFORMANCE, Nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed for waterproof, fog proof performance.
User questions & answers
| Question: | I can’t get the cross hair cap off. Is there a trick? Seems like it should just come off |
| Answer: | it slides on and off pull up.. |
| Question: | Does it work at night |
| Answer: | The laser is visible at night and the recticle is illuminated, however it does not illuminate the target. If you can't see it with your naked eyes you won't see it through this scope. Works great in combination with a flashlight though. |
| Question: | can i use it for airsoft and is it good |
| Answer: | Not sure on airlift. I use on virgins. This one I use onpcp .22 _ scope with loader are good at 26yards and 61yards. I really don't like the dot pigments, they not as pronounced. |
| Question: | Will this fit my s&w m&p15-22 without removing the stock flip up sights |
| Answer: | Yes, I have this scope on my M&P15 and did not have to remove flip up rear sight. |
Pinty Red Green Reflex Rifle Scope Dot Sight 4 Different Reticles
Pinty
- TOOLS INCLUDED: Adjustable windage and elevation (tools included). Unlimited eye-relief and corrected parallax. Tubeless design with 33mm reflex lens and a wide field of view (15.8m@100m) for close to mid-range targets.
- PICATINNY RAIL MOUNT: Equipped with a built-in picatinny scope mount base that fits 20mm rails and provides easy sight remounting; Laser Class II, laser power less than 5mW
- 8 SIGHTING OPTIONS: Four interchanging reticle patterns with red and green holograph options (plus adjustable brightness) provide a total of 8 different sights to fine-tune your eyeshot from dawn to dusk.
- ULTIMATE DURABILITY: Aerospace-grade aluminum alloy construction for lasting dependability and easy maintenance and cleaning (cleaning cloth included).
- WATER/FOG/SHOCK PROOF: Water-proof, fog-proof and shock-proof properties protect internal components and enhance performance in all weather conditions. The light-weight design upgrades your open/concealed carry experience.
User questions & answers
| Question: | Will this work OK on |
| Answer: | It will work as long as your 556/223 has the standard 20mm rails. |
| Question: | do you need to dismount to change battery |
| Answer: | No, you don't need to. The battery is accessible on the side, right in the control knob. To change the battery, just unscrew the battery cover, insert new battery +side up, then put the cover back. Hope this helps. |
| Question: | Can this handle the recoil of an 8mm rifle |
| Answer: | Have it mounted on a 45-70. Still in the process of sighting in. It jumps around a little when you change recticles. No magnification so at over 50 yards it is hard to bulls eye. It is about like shooting with iron sights but can get on target very quickly. |
| Question: | How well does this hold zero on |
| Answer: | Works very well. I have it on an 8.5" pistol build and at 10 yards, standing with no support, it holds a 2" group. Standing supported, it held a 1/2 inch group. |
Product features
Windage adjustment
Elevation adjustment
4 different sizes
Brightness adjustment & battery
Pinty 30mm Reflex Red Green Dot Sight Scope 0.5 MOA with Flip Up Lens Cover Cap
Pinty
- Solid aluminum alloy construction with flip-up lens caps, durable and shock proof
- Red or green dual illuminated dot reticles with 5 level brightness control
- Multi-coated lens sealed with Nitrogen, water proof & fog proof, works great in all weather conditions
- Precision windage and elevation adjustments, features high/low profile quick release mount
- Fits standard 20mm Picatinny or Weaver rails
User questions & answers
| Question: | works on mr |
| Answer: | If it has a weaver rail should work just fine...Not familiar with paint ball. I have it on my AR and it is OK, meaning it works. Not the greatest but not that bad. |
| Question: | Has anyone used it with a |
| Answer: | It is a very sturdy and strong sight so it should hold up with a .308 caliber |
| Question: | will these hold up on a 12 Gauge shotgun |
| Answer: | It will work as long as your 12 Gauge shotgun has the standard 20mm Picatinny or Weaver rail. |
| Question: | Will this be able to handle the recoil of a 7.62x39 round |
| Answer: | It can handle most any recoil. The person who said it's only for Airsoft doesn't know what they're talking about. I use this sight on all my guns. 762 by 39 is a very light recoiling cartridge, so don't worry about it just install this site and go for it! |
Product features
Specifications:
- Body Material: Black Anodized Aluminum
- Dot Colors: Red, Green
- Illumination Settings: 5
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Objective Lens Dia.: 1.2″ (30 mm)
- Tube Dia.: 1.5″ (38 mm)
- Exit Pupil: 1.1″ (28 mm)
- Field of View: 57′ at 100 yards
Dual-Illuminated Dot Sight
With our multi-functional dual-illuminated dot sight, you can fully enjoy target shooting in the day with conspicuous green light, as well as in the night with distinct red light.
Outstanding Versatility
This red/green dot sight is perfectly compatible with all 0.8″ rails and easy to install on Weaver and Picatinny rails.
Quality Lens
This 1.2″ dia. coated lens allows you to have a clear field of view as wide as 57′ at 100 yards.
Predator V2 Reflex Sight | Combat Veteran Owned Company | 45 Degree Offset Mount Included | Reflex Rifle Optic with 4 Reticle Patterns | Adjustable Color Settings | Red Dot Green Dot Gun Scope
Tacticon
Product description
✔ THE QUALITY
The Tacticon Predator V2 Reflex Sight is a high-quality aluminum alloy. This sight is waterproof and fog proof and will never take in water or fog the lenses up when you're shooting. This optic can be adjusted to 4 unique reticle settings depending on what reticle pattern you are comfortable with. This sight has both red and green reticle settings as well depending on what level of light you are operating in. Extra set of batteries and lens cleaner included with your purchase.
✔ THE WARRANTY
This reflex sight is fully refundable if you are not satisfied with them. We offer a lifetime warranty on the sight.
✔ THE FLEXIBILITY
It is designed for any hunting rifle including Winchester, Remington, Colt, etc. and can fit ANY rifle platform and will fit all Picatinny Rail.
✔ THE ADJUSTABILITY
The elevation and windage are fully adjustable and very easily adjustable so you can quickly obtain an accurate zero.
✔ THE ACCESSORIES
A 45-degree offset mount is included with the purchase to allow you to use this as a back up reflex sight for your rifle. This optic's mounted height allows you to absolute co-witness with your iron sights.
✔ THE PACKAGING
Whether you're keeping this for yourself or giving this to someone for an awesome gift you will be pleasantly surprised when you crack open the packaging. The beautiful and sleek black box safely and professionally holds this reflex optic.
- ✔ TACTICON IS A COMBAT VETERAN OWNED COMPANY ✔ STURDIEST AND MOST ACCURATE REFLEX SIGHT ON AMAZON - Incredibly fast target acquisition with the parallax free design. Incredibly easy to sight-in. Holds zero even after thousand of shots.
- ✔ 4 ADJUSTABLE RETICLE SETTINGS ✔ 2 COLOR SETTINGS (RED OR GREEN RETICLE) - Whether you are shooting at dawn, dusk, night, or the middle of the day we engineered this to allow for 4 different reticle types too choose from as well as red or green color settings for all reticle variations.
- ✔ 45-DEGREE OFFSET MOUNT INCLUDED - This reflex sight was engineered to co-witness perfectly with iron sights. TACTICON brand iron sights work the best with this optic.
- ✔ WATERPROOF ✔ FOG PROOF ✔ REFLECTIVE PROTECTION - Sealed with O-rings to prevent moisture or dust from getting inside and nitrogen purged to prevent fogging inside the glass optic. Reflection proof lens coating to effectively shoot in the sun.
- ✔ LIFETIME WARRANTY AND EXTRA SET OF BATTERIES INCLUDED! No hassle 100% satisfaction guarantee with every sight. 3 LR44 batteries PLUS 3 extra LR44 batteries are included!
User questions & answers
| Question: | Is there an illumination adjustment, if so how many levels of adjustment is there |
| Answer: | It needs a picatinny/weaver rail to mount on. |
| Question: | Can this be mounted on a M1911 pistol |
| Answer: | You should not have a problem. That was the reason bought this item. I also have a scope on my AR and 45 off set works perfect as a back up |
| Question: | Will this work as a LH 45° back up to a 3x9 scope, or even a main sight for a carbine |
| Answer: | I put it on my semi auto 12 ga and it worked fine. No adjustment even needed. Accurate at 70 yards. Did loosen up after 2 rounds but re-tightened it and had no further problem. Fired about 20 slug rounds after re-tightening. Good quik reaction red dot sight. |
| Question: | Would it work on a shotgun |
| Answer: | The pouch is about 8 inches long. I just checked a butter knife and it was definitely too long to fit. |
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