7 Best Red Dot Sights for Pistols.. An In-Depth Dive
Red Dot sights have become a popular accessory for pistol shooters who want to improve their accuracy and visibility in low-light conditions.
In this article, 7 of the best Red Dot sights for pistols will be reviewed, ranging from affordable options to high-end models.
The article will cover the Vortex Venom 3 MOA, Sig Sauer Romeo Zero Elite, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, Primary Arms SLX RS10, Burris FastFire 3, Holosun 507C X2, and Trijicon RMR Type 2.
The article will provide a brief overview of each Red Dot sight, including its features, battery life, and compatibility with different pistol models.
Key Takeaways
- Red Dot sights are a popular accessory for pistol shooters looking to improve accuracy and visibility in low-light conditions.
- The article reviews the top 7 best Red Dot sights for pistols, ranging from affordable options to high-end models, and provides an overview of each sight’s features and compatibility with different pistol models.
Vortex Venom 3 MOA
The Vortex Venom 3 MOA is a lightweight and affordable option for pistol shooters looking for a quality red dot sight.
Ranging in price from $170-$250 USD, depending on where you look, this is a quality sight from a well known brand that won’t break the bank like a few others on our list.
With a battery life ranging from 150 to 30,000 hours and a waterproof design, this sight is suitable for both close and long-range shots.
The dot size of 3 MOA is perfect for precision shooting, and the glass quality is on par with other high-end sights.
One of the standout features of the Vortex Venom is its button layout.
It has up and down buttons to cycle through the 10 brightness settings, with an auto-brightness function that’s activated if you hold a button for three seconds.
It also has an auto-shutoff function after 14 hours, making it acceptable for concealed carry use.
The Vortex Venom comes with an extra-low Picatinny mount that works best on railed pistols, but it’s also compatible with the Glock MOS and M&P Core, as well as the Outer Impact system.
Its top-loading battery makes it easy to swap out, but it uses CR1632 batteries instead of the more common CR2032 found in the Viper.
Unfortunately, the Vortex Venom isn’t night vision compatible.
Overall, the Vortex Venom 3 MOA is a solid choice for those on a budget who still want a quality red dot for their pistol.
The clear glass, top-loading battery, and good battery life make it a great option for both competition shooting and concealed carry use, plus it comes with Vortex’s famous lifetime warranty!
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Sig Sauer Romeo Zero Elite
The Sig Sauer Romeo Zero Elite is a great option for those looking for a pistol red dot sight that offers two reticle options.
It is priced at under $200, making it an affordable choice for shooters.
The circle dot and regular 3 MOA dot reticles are the standout feature of this optic, setting it apart from other offerings on the market.
The Romeo Zero Elite is designed for use with newer subcompact pistols with thinner slides, providing flexibility and convenience to shooters.
While its polymer construction may not be as rugged as its metal counterparts, it compensates for this with its durability and long battery life of up to 20,000 hours.
It uses a CR1632 battery, which is commonly available and easy to replace.
One downside of the Sig Sauer Romeo Zero Elite is that it only fits on smaller pistols like the P365 and the Glock 43x MOS.
However, if you do own one of those firearms, the Romeo Zero Elite is a great option to consider due to its innovative features and affordable price.
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Leupold DeltaPoint Pro
The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro is a high-quality red dot sight that offers excellent visual clarity, making it an ideal choice for competitive shooting.
It features a 2.5 MOA dot size that is perfect for both close and long-range shots, and it offers the largest and clearest view among red dot sights on this list.
The DeltaPoint Pro is waterproof up to 22 feet and weighs 1.95 ounces, making it slightly larger than the RMR.
One of the standout features of the DeltaPoint Pro is its motion-sensing auto-on function, which makes it quick and easy to use.
It also has a top-loading CR2032 battery that allows you to change batteries without removing the sight and re-zeroing.
However, some users have reported that its battery life is not as long-lasting as the RMR.
The DeltaPoint Pro is compatible with the Glock MOS and M&P Core with an adapter and has a picatinny adapter for pistols with rails.
It is also available in other mount types and works well with an Outer Impact dovetail mount.
Its double hood ensures durability, making it a robust choice for competition shooting.
Overall, the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro is an excellent choice for those who prioritize visual clarity and accuracy in their shooting.
It is priced somewhere between $360-$450 and comes with Leupold’s famous lifetime warranty.
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Primary Arms SLX RS10
The Primary Arms SLX RS10 is a newly released pistol red dot sight that has quickly become a favorite among shooters due to its quality and price.
This all-metal optic is priced at $199 and is suitable for almost any pistol that has a Glock mounting pattern. However, the included plate seems to only work with Glock pistols at this time.
The RS10 has a battery life of 25,000 to 50,000 hours and weighs just over an ounce. It requires a CR2032 3 volt battery and comes with a lifetime warranty.
This optic is built like a tank and has a cool hood design with a subtle PA logo.
It’s very lightweight & durable and can withstand a lot of punishment, making this a great option to throw on a CCW handgun.
It also has a shake awake function, which is great for CCW use as it saves battery life and eliminates the need to fiddle with buttons when taking the optic on and off.
The dot itself is clear and bright, but there is a slight blue tint when looking through the glass.
There’s also a reflection of the U and arrow designating up adjustments right above the dot, which can be distracting once noticed.
Overall, this optic is great value for the price and comes with both the Doctor and Glock MOS mounting options.
However, it may not fit some Doctor guns such as the PDP first generation and PSA dagger, so be sure to check compatibility before purchasing.
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Burris FastFire 3
The Burris FastFire 3 is a top-of-the-line red dot sight that offers excellent quality and performance.
With an affordable price tag starting at $150 USD this makes an enticing option for those new to the micro dot scene.
The FastFire 3 is made out of aluminum with a total weight of 0.9 ounces. It has a CR1632 battery with a lifespan of up to 5 years, and it also has an auto shutoff feature that switches it off after nine hours.
The battery access point is located on the top optic, making battery replacement incredibly easy.
The FastFire 3 is available in both 8 MOA and 3 MOA dot sizes, but the dot itself is only available in red.
The optic is highly durable and built to last, and it offers excellent accuracy and performance.
It is also incredibly easy to use, with a simple and intuitive design that makes it easy to get started right away.
Overall, the Burris FastFire 3 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality red dot sight that offers excellent performance and reliability.
It is one of the best options on the market today, and it is sure to provide you with many years of excellent service.
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Holosun 507C X2 Pistol Red Dot Sight
The Holosun 507C X2 is a durable pistol red dot sight that offers a long battery life, RMR footprint, and reasonable pricing.
This optic is a collaboration between Holosun and Primary Arms to create the HS 507C X2 ACSS Vulcan, which boasts advanced features that make it an excellent contender in its price range.
The Holosun 507C X2 weighs 1.5 ounces, has a battery life of 20,000 hours plus solar backup, and is compatible with night vision.
It features the ACSS Vulcan site and is waterproof. The footprint on the side of the RMR and it costs $309.
The Holosun 507C X2 is a robust and durable unit designed to withstand a lot of punishment.
Its battery life can last up to 20,000 hours, and it also has a shake-awake function that saves battery life and eliminates the need to fiddle with buttons when taking the optic on and off.
The dot itself is clear and bright, making it an excellent option for both competition shooting and CCW use.
The Holosun 507C X2 is also compatible with night vision, which is a huge plus
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Trijicon RMR Type 2
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is a top-of-the-line red dot sight designed for pistols. It offers a 3.25 MOA red dot sight that provides excellent accuracy and visibility in low-light conditions.
The RMR Type 2 is built to withstand harsh conditions and is made from durable materials. It is also available in black, FDE, gray, and ODG color options.
One of the standout features of the RMR Type 2 is its battery life, which lasts up to four years on a single CR2032 battery.
It also has an automatic brightness mode that adjusts the dot intensity based on ambient light conditions.
The RMR Type 2 is also waterproof up to 20 meters, making it ideal for use in any weather conditions.
The RMR Type 2 is compatible with a wide range of pistols and comes with a variety of mounting options. It is also easy to adjust and zero in, making it a favorite among competitive shooters.
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Conclusion
After reviewing the top 7 best red dot sights for pistols, it is clear that there are a variety of options available to suit different budgets and needs.
The Primary Arms RS10 and Vortex Venom 3 MOA are both affordable options, with the Vortex Venom offering a slightly wider field of view and top loading battery.
The Sig Sauer Romero Zero Elite offers innovative features such as two reticle options, while the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro provides the clearest and largest view for competitive shooting.
The Burris FastFire 3 is a highly underrated option with a long battery life and easy battery replacement, and the Holosun 507c X2 provides massive battery life, durability, and night vision compatibility.
It is important to keep in mind that prices can fluctuate and it is always a good idea to be on the lookout for sales to find the cheapest option.
Ultimately, the best red dot sight for pistols will be the one that you can slap on your pew pew and get to practicing with ASAP!