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Red dot sights have proliferated into every corner of the firearms world in recent years and, today, they are better than ever. These non-magnified optics, which use a battery to project a luminous red (and sometimes green) reticle onto a reflective glass lens are some of the most useful and versatile sighting systems available. They have become standard on handguns and carbines, but also have a strong foothold in the turkey hunting and tactical shotgun world. We’ve tested many of the best red dot sights on the market to help you pick which is right for you.
Our Top Picks
More of the Best Red Dot Sights for Pistols
More of the Best Red Dot Sights for Carbines
More of the Best Red Dot Sights for Shotguns
Best Red Dot Sights: Reviews and Recommendations
Best Enclosed Emitter: Aimpoint ACRO P-2
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Pros
- Durable
- Versatile
- User friendly
- Ideal for adverse weather
Cons
- Big and blocky on a pistol
Key Features
-
Categories
Pistol, Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun -
Style
Enclosed emitter -
Mounting
Clamps onto adapter plate -
Window Size
.77 inches (W) x .77 inches (H) -
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
T10 Torx screws -
Brightness
10 settings +/- toggle buttons -
Night-Vision Compatible?
Yes -
Battery
CR2032
The Aimpoint ACRO is an incredibly popular enclosed-emitter pistol red dot sight, and it’s one of the best all-around options for nearly any firearm. The older Aimpoint ACRO P-1 is still available, but the more refined P-2 model is our favorite all-around red dot.
Some of the biggest advantages that the ACRO gives the shooter are increased durability and resistance to the elements. Many red dot sights have an open emitter, which can be disrupted by debris or moisture. The ACRO is an enclosed unit with front and rear lenses that can easily be wiped clean. The design is rugged and effective.
The ACRO attaches to firearms by clamping onto an adapter plate. For pistols, this adapter plate is attached to the slide. Many different adapter systems are available for carbine or shotgun use, including elevated mounts and 45-degree offset mounts which attach to Picatinny rail. There are even variants which clamp onto the rib of a shotgun barrel. The sight features simple, user-friendly controls. Windage and elevation are adjusted via T10 Torx screws and brightness settings and power are toggled via +/- buttons on the side. The ACRO runs off a single CR2032 battery under a cap on the side of the unit which can be opened and closed with a coin or sight tool.
This sight is a bit blocky and obtrusive on a handgun, but its function makes up for it. The ACRO’s versatility is its strongest attribute. It’s an excellent primary red dot sight for carbines and shotguns and, when paired with an offset mount, is an optimal choice for a close-range sight on a precision rifle or DMR-style AR. It’s truly a do-all red dot sight.
Best Open-Emitter: Trjicon RMR Type 2
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Pros
- Time-proven design
- Durable
- Intuitive brightness adjustments
- Compatible with many guns
- Great aftermarket mount support
Cons
- Optic must be removed to replace battery
Key Features
-
Categories
Pistol, Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun -
Style
Reflex, open emitter -
Mounting
RMR footprint -
Window Size
.91 inches (W) x .7 inches (H) -
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
Flat-bit screws -
Brightness
8 settings, +/- toggle buttons -
Night-Vision Compatible?
Yes -
Battery
CR2032
The Trijicon RMR is the most iconic open-emitter red dot sight in the world. Its durable design has been proven out over the past 15-plus years in duty, combat, and competition. The RMR, which stands for Ruggedized Miniature Reflex Sight, is a compact red dot that attaches to the standardized RMR footprint. It’s got a thin base, which houses the battery, a single lens onto which the reflex dot is projected, and a thick protective housing around the lens.
The RMR was first introduced in 2009 and has served both as a pistol and close range carbine site. Many were issued in conjunction with Trijicon’s famous fixed 4X ACOG carbine sight, and attached to a plate atop the ACOG for quick, close-range shooting.
One of the best variants, the RMR Type 2 carries the same favorable features as older RMRs, but has large +/- toggle buttons on the left and right side of the sight housing for quickly and easily adjusting brightness. The buttons are big and can be used with gloves on, whereas many other sights have much smaller or less intuitive adjustment features. The sight is easily zeroed via its flat-bit windage and elevation adjustment screws, and the only real downside is that to keep the base of the sight thin, the battery is mounted into the bottom. If you need to change it, you’ll have to remove the sight from the gun. Fortunately, if you replace the battery annually, you’ll never have to worry about it going down in a pinch.
The RMR’s ruggedness and reliability makes it a fantastic sight in nearly all red-dot categories from concealed-carry handguns to turkey scatterguns. Most full-sized handguns with optic cuts are compatible with the RMR and there is a smaller RMRcc for subcompact guns that is a great choice too.
Best Holographic: Eotech EXPS3 HWS
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Pros
- Clear holographic reticle
- Rugged and battle proven
- Durable housing
- Easy mounting
- Simple and intuitive controls and adjustments
Key Features
-
Categories
Carbine, Tactical Shotgun -
Style
Holographic -
Mounting
Picatinny rail quick-detach mount -
Window Size
1.3 inches (W) x .9 inches (H) -
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
Flat-bit screws -
Brightness
30 settings, up/down toggle buttons -
Night-Vision Compatible?
Yes -
Battery
CR123A
The Eotech HWS is one of the most proven and prolific red dot sights ever made. This excellent carbine optic has been serving the military for the past 25 years and has established a reputation for durability and functionality under the most challenging conditions. The Eotech HWS is available in a variety of configurations including the EXPS3-DCR we’ve been testing. The DCR (for Danger Close Reticle) uses a primary aiming dot intended to be zeroed at 50 yards (on 5.56mm carbines) and is effective to 200 yards. The lower chevron in the reticle is used as an aiming point for very close range.
The Eotech is a holographic sight. Unlike reflex sights, which project the reticle directly onto a reflective front lens, holographic sights project the reticle image from the front, using a more complex system of reflectors. Holographic sights often have more clearly defined — though grainy looking — reticles and less starbursting or light blowout of the reticle on higher power settings.
This sight is mounted directly to Picatinny rail via its QD lever lock system that has adjustable tension for a secure fit. It has large flat-bit screws for adjusting windage and elevation in half-MOA increments, and features 20 daytime brightness settings and 10 night vision settings to accommodate Gen 1 through Gen 3 night vision optics. The HWS EXPS3 is powered by a single CR123A 3V battery that’s housed in an easily-accessible battery compartment at the front of the device. Controls and functions are all user friendly and adjustments can be made with coins or cartridge case rims.
The best applications for the Eotech HWS are carbines, but they are great for tactical shotguns as well. There are a variety of models and reticles available to fit your needs too. We have also been testing a .300 BLK specific model, the XPS2-300 BLK, which has a similar feature set but uses a reticle calibrated for .300 Blackout carbines and SBRs.
Best Budget: Vortex Crossfire
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Pros
- Affordable
- Compact
- High and low mounting options
Cons
- Must scroll through all brightness settings when turning optic on
Key Features
-
Categories
Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun -
Style
Reflex, enclosed emitter -
Mounting
High and low Picatinny mounts -
Window Size
22mm (round) -
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
Flat-bit screws -
Brightness
13 settings, adjustment wheel -
Night-Vision Compatible?
Yes -
Battery
CR2032
Priced at $150, the Vortex Crossfire is a great budget red dot sight. It’s a compact tubular reflex sight that runs off a single CR2032 battery and features two night vision and eleven daytime brightness settings. The Crossfire red dot’s brightness adjustment is via a knurled dial on the right side, which starts at zero (off), N1, N2, and one through eleven. Turning the knob clockwise increases the intensity of the dot. The battery is housed in this knob under a cap that’s removable with a coin. Our only complaints are that the brightness knob is pretty stiff, and there aren’t alternating “off” positions between settings. If you want to turn the optic off or on, you have to rotate through all the settings back to or up from zero.
Windage and elevation adjustment screws are capped, and each cap has a wide flat bit that can be used for adjusting and zeroing the sight. The rugged aluminum housing is sealed and the lenses are slightly recessed at each end, which helps protect them from scratches during use.
The Crossfire comes with two different Picatinny rail mounts — one tall and one short. The tall mount is excellent for AR-type carbines with low-sitting rails. In tall configuration, the sight is easier to use, faster to acquire, and compatible with passive aiming through night vision goggles. The low mount is great for carbines or shotguns with a lower comb.
More of the Best Red Dot Sights for Pistols
Aimpoint COA
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Pros
- Durable enclosed emitter
- Excellent mounting system
- Thin housing doesn’t obscure target
- No screws through the optic
Cons
- Only available as a package with certain Glock pistols
Key Features
-
Categories
Pistol -
Style
Reflex, enclosed emitter -
Mounting
A-Cut footprint -
Window Size
.65 inches (W), .59 inches (H) -
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
T10 Torx screws -
Brightness
12 settings, +/- toggle buttons -
Night-Vision Compatible?
Yes -
Battery
CR2032
One of the best red dot sights for pistols is the all-new COA from Aimpoint. This slender enclosed-emitter sight is part of a collaborative launch with Glock and uses an entirely new mounting system. Where other models of enclosed-emitter red dots either clamp onto an adapter plate or use screws to secure them to the optic cut, the COA fits into its A-Cut like a ski boot going into a binding. A toe at the front of the sight fits into a notch in the cut, and the sight nestles onto a raised ridge in the middle which prevents lateral or torsional movement. The rear of the optic is secured by a wedge-shaped rear sight that’s fastened down with two screws.
In addition to an ultra stable mounting system, the COA sits very low on the slide, allowing the shooter to co-witness standard-height iron sights. The thin walls and top of the housing make the sight window appear large and it’s easier to track targets. This is an excellent sight for just about any pistol application, including concealed carry, and it comes in a much lower profile than many existing enclosed red dots. We have a more in-depth review of the sight as well.
Sig Sauer Romeo X Enclosed
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Pros
- Low profile
- Large window
- Different reticles to choose from
- Durable housing
Cons
- Windage and elevation require tiny T5.5 Torx bit
Key Features
-
Categories
Pistol, Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun -
Style
Reflex, enclosed emitter -
Mounting
RMSc and DPP/Pro footprints available -
Window Size
.77 inches (W), .6 inches (H) -
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
T5.5 Torx screws -
Brightness
15 settings, up/down toggle buttons -
Night-Vision Compatible?
Yes -
Battery
CR1632
The Sig Sauer Romeo X Enclosed is a pistol red dot that is available in both the compact RMSc and larger Pro footprints. This is one of the most shooter-friendly red dots, especially for a compact concealed-carry gun. It has a low profile and is much smaller than many other enclosed-emitter sights, but sports a slightly wider window than the ACRO and COA.
The Romeo X Enclosed has a durable aluminum housing and a rear lens to keep out debris and moisture. It features 15 brightness settings, including three for night vision, which are toggled with up/down arrow buttons on the left side. The buttons are flanked by a protective plate to prevent accidentally pressing them, and the sight uses Sig’s Magnetac magnetic activation to shut the sight off when holstered and activate it when removed.
Our favorite thing about this sight, in addition to the large window, is the reticle selection. The shooter can pick from three-MOA, six-MOA, and circle dot reticles. The circle dot is excellent and features a small center dot with a large halo. This large reticle is very fast to acquire and track while shooting, and the small center dot allows more precise shot placement.
Vortex Defender ST
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Pros
- Large sight window
- Intuitive controls
- Easy windage and elevation adjustments
Cons
- Battery cap requires specific tool to open
Key Features
-
Categories
Pistol, Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun -
Style
Reflex, open emitter -
Mounting
Deltapoint Pro footprint -
Window Size
.84 inches (W), .71 inches (H) -
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
Flat-bit screws -
Brightness
12 settings, up/down toggle buttons -
Night-Vision Compatible?
Yes -
Battery
CR2032
The Vortex Defender ST, part of the larger Defender lineup of open-emitter red dot sights, is a great all-around red dot. It uses the popular Deltapoint Pro footprint and is fastened in place with two screws. It’s got a robust aluminum housing with a checkered front for one-handed cocking on hard surfaces. It is available in both red and green dots, for which the intensity can be adjusted via large up/down toggle buttons on the left and right sides respectively.
The Defender ST has a large window which makes sight acquisition fast, but users can also choose from the smaller CCW version and the XL version depending on desired application. The ST isn’t too large for concealed carry, and we have enjoyed shooting it on Springfield’s 1911 TRP CC AOS, but it’s also a good option for a turkey shotgun or as a backup or sighting red dot on a precision rifle.
Leupold Deltapoint Pro
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Pros
- Rugged
- Large window
- Common footprint
- Easy battery replacement
Cons
- Thick base
- Large open lens can collect debris
Key Features
-
Categories
Pistol, Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun -
Style
Reflex, open emitter -
Mounting
Deltapoint Pro -
Window Size
1.07 inches (W), .755 inches (H) -
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
Flat-bit screws -
Brightness
8 settings, battery cap button toggle -
Night-Vision Compatibility
Yes -
Battery
CR2032
Leupold’s Deltapoint Pro has been one of the most popular red dot sights on the market for years, and for good reason. It’s rugged, versatile, and user friendly. This is a great optic for nearly any red dot application, and the Deltapoint Pro footprint is one of the most common found on compact and full-sized handguns. It’s also well supported with aftermarket mounting systems for a variety of firearms.
The Deltapoint Pro, or DPP, is a single-lense reflex design with flat-bit windage and elevation adjustments that can be adjusted with a coin or case rim. The spring-loaded battery door is easy to open, but stays securely closed. Power and brightness are controlled by a push button atop the battery door.
This sight has a wide window and dot acquisition is easy, but the base is quite thick, and some mounting systems raise the sight too high above the bore axis. Considering the dramatic development of red dots in recent years, the DPP’s staying power is a testament to its design and usefulness, but it’s also time for Leupold to work on an enclosed-emitter version with a thinner base.
Holosun EPS Carry
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Pros
- Compact
- Enclosed design keeps debris out
- User friendly
- Sits low on slide
Cons
- Battery compartment screw tends to work loose
Key Features
-
Categories
Pistol -
Style
Reflex, enclosed emitter -
Mounting
Modified RMS/SMS footprint -
Window Size
.75 inches (W), .56 inches (H) -
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
Flat-bit screws -
Brightness
12 settings, +/- toggle buttons -
Night-Vision Compatible?
Yes -
Battery
CR1620
Holosun’s EPS Carry is one of our favorite red dot sights for a concealed carry pistol. It’s small, unobtrusive, and was one of the first mainstream compact dots with an enclosed emitter. The EPS Carry uses a slightly modified RMS/SMS footprint, has a thin base, and is only .95 inches from top to bottom. It’s held in place with two screws and sits very low in most slide cuts.
This sight runs on the smaller CR1620 battery, which sits in a tray on the right side of the optic. It’s sealed and submersible, but one hiccup we have noticed in using the EPS Carry over the past couple years is that with high volume shooting, the screw that secures the battery tray can loosen and get lost. That’s really the only drawback to this sight. The sight has an auto wake feature which shuts power off when motionless, but re-activates it as soon as the gun is moved. There is also a version with a supplementary solar panel on top.
I carried this sight every day for nearly two years and after several thousand shots, I still recommend it for anyone who is setting up a compact concealed-carry pistol.
Steiner MPS
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Pros
- Rugged
- Versatile
- Top emitter aids quick dot acquisition
Key Features
-
Categories
Pistol, Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun -
Style
Reflex, enclosed emitter -
Mounting
ACRO mounting plates -
Window Size
.8 inches (W), .625 inches (H) -
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
Flat-bit screws -
Brightness
8 settings, +/- toggle buttons -
Night-Vision Compatible?
Yes -
Battery
CR2032
The Steiner MPS is a rugged enclosed-emitter red dot sight that’s a great fit for numerous roles. The sight housing is blocky and similar in size to the Aimpoint ACRO. It uses the same adapter plate pattern as the ACRO and the sight itself is clamped into place on the plate and secured with a T10 Torx fastener. This makes it a smart candidate for use on carbines or shotguns because of the abundance of mounting systems.
Being an enclosed-emitter sight, it has front and rear lenses, and the front lens is recessed and well protected by the aluminum housing. It has +/- buttons on the left side of the sight, which toggle brightness and wake the optic from its motion-sensing auto shut-off mode. Windage and elevation screws use flat drivers, and the battery compartment is atop the housing and easily accessed.
What makes this sight unique is its emitter, which is located in the top of the housing. Most sights have an emitter on the bottom. This helps reduce the height of the base and tall iron sights can be co-witnessed through the glass. The top emitter also seems to help me pick up the dot more quickly, but that experience will likely vary between shooters and applications. I’ve been using the MPS on my Glock G20 Gen 5 for more than a year and it’s been utterly dependable.
Trijicon RCR
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Pros
- Very rugged
- Oversized brightness controls
- Windage and elevation adjustable with coins or case rims
- Can co-witness tall sights
Cons
- Proprietary screws are prone to loosening
Key Features
-
Categories
Pistol, Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun -
Style
Reflex, enclosed emitter -
Mounting
RMR Footprint -
Window Size
.925 inches (W), .645 inches (H) -
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
Flat bit screws -
Brightness
10 settings, +/- toggle buttons -
Night-Vision Compatible?
Yes -
Battery
CR2032
Trijicon’s excellent RCR reflex sight is a further ruggedized version of the RMR, featuring an enclosed emitter. This sight takes what is great about the RMR and makes it even more durable and dependable. It features a blocky but tough aluminum housing with a recessed front lens that is protected from incidental impact or from using the sight to rack a pistol slide on a hard surface. It has a generously sized window and large +/- buttons on either side to adjust brightness.
The only drawback I’ve encountered while using the RCR on various pistols is that without appropriate thread locker — it helps to always use new screws too — the screws tend to loosen. To allow the same bolt pattern, special screws are used to attach the RCR. They are tightened by using a small tool or punch to turn them clockwise via holes in the screw head. A nice thing about the design is that you won’t strip screw heads out and it helps prevent over torquing.
More of the Best Red Dot Sights for Carbines
Aimpoint Micro H-2
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Pros
- Small
- Rugged
- Versatile mounting options
- See-through flip-up lens caps
Cons
- Must cycle through all brightness settings when turning on
Key Features
-
Categories
Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun -
Style
Reflex, enclosed emitter -
Mounting
Multiple mounting options available -
Window Size
18mm (round) -
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
Proprietary adjustment tool -
Brightness
12 settings, +/- toggle buttons -
Night-Vision Compatible?
Yes -
Battery
CR2032
The Aimpoint Micro H-2 is one of the most durable and versatile red dots out there. It’s scaled down and streamlined from the famous Comp series of red dots, but still offers top level performance. This is a great sight for any type of close range shooting, defensive applications, or hunting. It has a variety of mounting systems available to accommodate just about any rifle or shotgun you want to put it on.
The sight itself has a tubular aluminum housing with an 18mm objective. It projects a 2.5-MOA red dot that’s adjustable from night vision settings on the low end, to bright daylight at setting 12. If you manually turn the sight off, you do have to roll through the settings on this sight. The knurled brightness adjustment knob also houses the CR2032 battery that the Micro H2 runs on. Windage and elevation adjustment turrets are capped, and they require a tool that’s built into one of the caps to turn them.
Most shooters will want to use the quick-detach option, which clamps onto Picatinny rail, and can be mounted in high or low configuration. The low configuration is perfect for most hunting rifles and shotguns, and mounted higher allows for quicker shooting and use with night vision on carbines and PCCs.
Vortex AMG UH-1
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Pros
- Large sight window
- Intuitive control buttons
- Integrated QD mount
- Rugged housing
Cons
- Larger than many other red dots
Key Features
-
Categories
Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun -
Style
Holographic, enclosed emitter -
Mounting
QD Picatinny rail clamp -
Window Size
1.3 inches (W), .98 inches (H) -
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
Flat bit screws -
Brightness
23 settings, +/- toggle buttons -
Night-Vision Compatible?
Yes -
Battery
CR123A
The AMG UH-1 is a holographic red dot with a large sight window that is best suited for carbines, but would be functional on a turkey or tactical shotgun as well. It has a beefy rectangular housing and, like the Eotech, projects a holographic image of a detailed reticle rather than a single dot reflection. It’s got substantial +/- toggle buttons at the rear of the sight, as well as a “NV” button to activate night vision mode. The window and tall QD mount make this sight easy to use in conjunction with night vision goggles.
The windage and elevation adjustments are made via two flat-bit screw heads with slots that are rounded at the bottom and wide enough to use a coin or case rim to turn. A single CR 123A battery powers the AMG UH-1, and the battery cap is cable-tied to the sight housing so you can’t easily lose it.
The EBR-CQB reticle features a one-MOA center dot that allows precise aiming, a delta reticle that’s located 27.5 MOA below the center (for close contact aiming), and a 65-MOA halo. It gives the shooter a good balance of precision and speed, and is compatible with a magnifier.
Sig Sauer Romeo5 Gen II
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Pros
- Affordable
- High and Low mounting options
- Compact
Cons
- Dot is isn’t as precise as others, starbursts at higher settings
Key Features
-
Categories
Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun -
Style
Reflex, closed emitter -
Mounting
High and low Picatinny rail -
Window Size
20mm (round) -
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
Flat bit screws -
Brightness
12 settings, +/- toggle buttons -
Night-Vision Compatible?
Yes -
Battery
CR2032
The Romeo5 Gen II is a budget-friendly red dot that excels in a variety of applications. It’s a compact red dot with a 20mm objective, and it includes hardware to mount the sight directly to Picatinny rail or up higher with the “I-beam” spacer. The red dot is powered by a CR2032 battery and sight adjustment screws can be moved with a flat bit or similar tools.
The brightness adjustment buttons are atop the sight housing, which provides an intuitive way to adjust the intensity of the dot on the fly. It’s available in red and green dot configurations, and is one of the best options for a durable red dot at an affordable price. The Romeo5 Gen II would work well on an AR, lever-action, turkey gun, or just about any other short range shooting iron with a piece of Picatinny rail.
Vortex Sparc Solar
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Pros
- Supplemental solar charging panel
- Easy brightness adjustment
- Low and high co-witness mounts
Cons
- Sometimes brightness buttons aren’t immediately responsive
Key Features
-
Categories
Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun -
Style
Reflex, closed emitter -
Mounting
High and low Picatinny mounts -
Window size
20mm (round) -
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
Flat bit screws -
Brightness
10 settings, +/- toggle buttons -
Night-Vision Compatible
Yes -
Battery
CR2032
The Sparc Solar is similar to the more affordable Crossfire red dot from Vortex, but it’s built to be more rugged and has some more appealing features. It still runs off a single CR2032 battery and the battery compartment is located in the same place. However, it’s supplemented by a small solar panel on top of the aluminum housing and the sight switches to solar power when exposed to the sun. This can give the sight significantly longer run time depending on conditions.
On the Sparc, windage and elevation adjustment screws are exposed but flush with the housing. They’re easy to adjust but more refined than those on the Crossfire. The only issue I’ve encountered in a couple years of using a Sparc is that sometimes when turning brightness back up, I’ll press the button two or three times before it starts increasing the intensity.
Athlon Midas TSR2
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Pros
- Affordable
- Simple and durable
- Powered by one AAA battery
Cons
- Less refined finish and contours than other red dots
Key Features
-
Categories
Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical shotgun -
Style
Reflex, closed emitter -
Mounting
High and low Picatinny rail mounts -
Window Size
20mm (round) -
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
Flat bit screws -
Brightness
13 settings, +/- toggle buttons -
Night-Vision Compatible?
Yes -
Battery
AAA
The Midas TSR2 is another solid but affordable red dot sight that’s great for carbines, turkey guns, and tactical shotguns. This red dot is compact, and has a battery compartment similar to the Aimpoint Comp. A nice perk is that it uses a single AAA battery, and in the two and half years I’ve been using mine, it hasn’t been depleted.
The TSR2 has capped windage and elevation turrets that are rotated with the flat bit on the cap or any other suitable tool. The turrets are well protected from impact by contouring of the aluminum housing. Brightness adjustments are made via the +/- buttons on the left side of the sight.
Like similar sights, the TSR2 can be used on Picatinny rail in high or low configuration and is fastened to its base by four screws. The contours and finish are a little less refined than other dots in its class, but it’s still an appealing option.
More of the Best Red Dot Sights for Shotguns
Vortex Viper
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Pros
- Easily mounts directly to receiver
- Compatible with most popular shotguns
- Low profile allows for natural gun mount
Key Features
-
Categories
Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun, Carbine -
Style
Reflex, closed emitter -
Mounting
Mounts directly to drilled/tapped receiver, two to three screws -
Window Size
.87 inches (W) X .69 inches (H) -
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
Flat bit screws -
Brightness
+/- toggle buttons (top of sight) -
Night-Vision Compatible?
Yes -
Battery
CR2032
The design of Vortex’s new Viper red dot with an integrated mount is so clever it makes you wonder why nobody designed it sooner. This enclosed emitter is built from a single piece of 6061 aluminum and it mounts directly to the receiver of most shotguns (find the list of compatible shotguns here). Because no rail or adapter is needed, the sight sits extra low on the gun, which allows for a more natural gun mount and a solid cheek weld. It solves the common issue of mounting dots to shotguns, which is that the sight sits too high above the receiver, disrupting the shooter’s natural point of aim.
The Viper was designed for turkey hunters, but it also fits nicely on tactical shotguns and carbines.
I’ve affixed these sights on three different shotguns for turkey hunting and target shooting and I’ve had zero issues with mounting or point of impact shift (read our full Viper Vortex review here). You simply line up the mount slots with the holes in your receiver, use the correct screws which are provided with the sight, use a torque wrench to tighten them down to 12 inch-pounds, and you’re ready to sight in.
All in all, It’s the simplest and best shotgun red dot system that I’ve seen yet. — Alex Robinson
Burris Fastfire 4
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Pros
- Wide window is perfect for turkey hunting
- Includes weather shield
- Relatively low profile
- Auto on-off
Cons
- Brightness adjustments can be confusing
- Halo around red dot in bright conditions
Key Features
-
Categories
Shotgun, Pistol, Carbine -
Style
Reflex, open emitter -
Mounting
Doctor footprint -
Window Size
1.10 inches (W) X .75 inches (T), measured -
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
Flat bit screws -
Brightness:
one button (left side) -
Night-Vision Compatible?
No -
Battery
CR1632
This is one of the more popular red dots to mount on a turkey gun, and there’s a great reason for that — the wide window and thin housing make for an excellent sight picture. For target acquisition in the woods, I have not tested a sight that’s as fast and clean (except for maybe the Trijicon SRO, but more on that later).
The version that I received had a picatinny rail mount included so attaching it to my shotgun was as simple as tightening a single bolt. Sighting in the Fastfire 4 was a breeze too, and I used it to shoot a long beard on the opening day of turkey season here in Minnesota, which made me like the red dot even more.
Compared to other large-window dots on the market, the Fastfire 4 has a relatively low profile, which helps with natural aiming. It also has four reticle options, though I prefer the single red dot.
I have two quibbles with the sight. The first was that while sighting in and shooting I noticed there was a halo around the red dot (like a remnant of the other reticle options, of which there are four). This was only perceptible in full daylight while aiming into the shadows. But still, not something I expected in a quality mid-priced dot. My only other critique is that cycling the red dot brightness can be slightly confusing. There are three manual brightness modes and one auto brightness option. The problem I had was that it was hard to tell if I was in a manual setting or auto mode. For turkey hunting, I like to set brightness manually, so I found myself messing with the settings just trying to ensure I was in manual.
But still, this sight is a great choice for any turkey gun that has a pic rail. It’s also a versatile optic that is well suited for a variety of handguns. — A. R.
Trijicon SRO
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Pros
- Large window, fast target acquisition
- Variety of dot brightness options
- Variety of dot size options
Cons
- Pricey
- No shake-wake feature
Key Features
-
Categories
Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun, Pistol -
Style
Reflex, open emitter -
Mounting
RMR footprint -
Window Size
1.0 inches (round) -
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
Flat bit screws -
Brightness:
+/- toggle buttons (left and right side of sight) -
Night-Vision Compatible?
Yes -
Battery
CR2032
The SRO (Specialized Reflex Optic) was designed specifically for competition pistol shooters who need to acquire targets quickly while shooting both fast and accurately. Much like the Burris Fastfire 4 sight, it has a large window and a thin housing so the sight doesn’t obstruct your field of view. The difference between the two is that the SRO has a taller, circular window.
In my shooting, I found it to be among the fastest in the test. I think it’s an excellent option for a defensive shotgun, a dedicated turkey gun, or a crossover of the two.
The SRO has eight brightness settings, including an auto brightness option. You make brightness selections with large buttons on the left and right of the sight that are easy to find and manipulate in a hunting scenario.
The only downside to this dot is that it doesn’t have a shake-wake feature, so you need to remember to turn it off — or change the batter every couple years. — A. R.
Aimpoint Acro S-2
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Pros
- Mounts directly to shotgun rib (fits all popular shotguns)
- Large dot is easy to see quickly
- Promotes consistent gun mounting
Cons
- Sight housing obscures field of view
- Limited versatility
Key Features
-
Categories
Shotgun -
Style
Reflex, closed emitter -
Mounting
Mounts directly to shotgun rib -
Window Size
.75 inches (W) X .75 inches (H), measured -
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
T10 Torx screws -
Brightness
+/- toggle buttons (on left side of the sight) -
Night-Vision Compatible?
Yes -
Battery
CR2032
This red dot is designed specifically for clays and wingshooting. It mounts directly to the shotgun’s rib, and it has a 9 MOA dot (which is very large). The idea is that this sight helps wingshooters make a consistent gun mount and then it provides a clear aiming reference point.
I put an S-2 on my Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 and found the mounting process to be incredibly simple.
However, getting comfortable shooting the S-2 took me a bit more time.
Because the sight is a little blocky, I found myself picking up targets more slowly than I would without the dot. I could see this especially being a challenge with long crossing shots, which need more lead.
However, I can see the value of the S-2 as a training tool for new shooters. I obviously need to shoot with the sight more before passing final judgement. But I will give full credit to Aimpoint for making a clever, stout little wingshooting red dot for those who want one. — A. R.
Trijicon MRO
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Pros
- Crisp dot and reticle
- Incredibly durable
- Wide variety of brightness settings
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Sits high above receiver
- No shake-wake feature
Key Features
-
Categories
Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun, Carbine -
Style
Reflex, Closed emitter -
Mounting
Picatinny mount, three options -
Window Size
1.31 inches (round) -
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
Flat bit screws -
Brightness
Top turret adjustment -
Night-Vision Compatible?
Yes -
Battery
CR2032
The MRO is a great companion for a shotgun or carbine that’s going to suffer some abuse. I’ve hunted turkeys with the MRO over several seasons and love its durability and functionality. Everything about this sight feels more heavy duty than on the other sights we’ve tested. The screws are bigger, the knobs are heftier, and the mount is thicker. I’ve had no issues with the sight handling the wear and tear of hard hunts plus the punishing recoil of 12-gauge turkey loads.
If you surf the web for MRO reviews, you’ll find some shooters complaining about reflection issues and glare, especially when aiming toward direct light. But I had no such trouble while shooting my MRO. — A. R.
Bushnell RXM-300
See It
Pros
- Affordable
- Large window
- Shake-wake feature
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Small adjustment buttons
- Some tint and glare
Key Features
-
Categories
Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun, Pistol, Carbine -
Style
Open emitter -
Mounting
RMR, two screws -
Window Size
1.13 inches (W) X .96 inches (H) -
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
Flat bit screws -
Brightness
+/- buttons on left and right side of sight -
Night-Vision Compatible?
Yes -
Battery
CR2032
If you’re not ready to drop $600 (or more) on a red dot for your shotgun, the Bushnell RXM is a solid, affordable option that will at least get you in the game. Its large window and hefty base make it ideal for a turkey hunting rig. I like the simple, intuitive controls of this sight and getting it dialed in was quick and painless (though I wish the brightness adjustment buttons were bigger).
When shooting at the range I did notice that there was a bit more blue-green tint and glare through this sight than with the higher end dots. There is a bit of a fish-eye effect when you shoot this dot head-to-head against the SRO or Fastfire 4. But to be fair, this Bushnell is more affordable than both of those sights. — A. R.
How We Pick the Best Red Dot Sights
There are many good red dot sights on the market, and our goal is to help you pick what will work best for you based on our testing and experience. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but we have tested every red dot sight mentioned for months or even years. We shoot and hunt with them, and carry some on a daily basis. We ran many of the shotguns red dots in our range test of the best shotguns for home defense.
As we test and evaluate more sights, we will keep this story updated with relevant information and new products.
FAQs
There are plenty of high-quality red-dot sights on the market. The brand you gravitate toward depends largely on your budget and needs. Some of the best-known brands include Trijicon, Leupold, Aimpoint, Holosun, and Sig Sauer, all of which make excellent units. But don’t overlook Springfield Armory, Burris, Bushnell, Swampfox, and others.
You can get a basic, no-frills red dot sight for a little over $100, but as you open your wallet wider you will find sights with better features, improved ergonomics, and increased durability. For general range use, there are lots of sights costing $200 or less that will serve you well. But if you’re going to add a sight to a gun that you plan to use and carry on a daily (or near daily) basis, it makes sense to spend more if your budget allows. There’s a sweet spot for sights costing between $300 and $400 that are feature-rich, tough, and accurate. At the top end are sights costing nearly $600.
There’s no question about it. Trijicon red dot sights are among the most pricey out there. On top of that, if you compare them side-by-side with some cheaper red dots, you might think their optical quality isn’t as good. What gives? Well, the answer is that Trijicon’s red dots are built for use in battle and other life-and-death settings. They are engineered to higher standards of environmental toughness than most other red dots, they can be submerged in water at greater depths and for longer durations than most other red dots, and they have more sophisticated electronics and battery management systems. All these features add cost, but the end result are best-in-class sights.
It is possible to shoot very accurately with red dot sights, particularly if you use a finer aiming point like a 1 MOA dot. But even with a 2 MOA dot (or larger) a red dot can extend the accuracy of a handgun beyond what normal iron sights provide. For the best level of accuracy, choose a red dot that gives a clear crisp dot with minimal fuzz or flare around it.
The Navy SEALs and other units in the Special Operations community use a number of different sights depending on the weapon platform they are carrying. Among the sights used by SoCom are the Trijicon RMR Type 2, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, as well as sights from Aimpoint, EOTech and Sig Sauer.
Laser sights have their place in certain applications, particularly in personal defense. While lasers are easy to use, they should never be relied on as the only sighting system for a handgun because there are a lot of circumstances where they won’t function—particularly in bright light. For this reason a red dot is the better option as a primary sight on a defensive gun, even though mastering a red dot takes practice.
Final Thoughts
Red dot sights are some of the most versatile optics, covering a massive array of applications. The volume of products available has boomed in recent years, and there are good options for virtually every use case and budget. Consider what you want to use it for, mounting options, and user friendliness, and you’re sure to find a sight that will serve you well. Whether for your EDC concealed-carry pistol, a short-range deer rifle, or your kid’s first 22, a good red dot sight offers many advantages.
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