Choosing a red dot sight has become an increasingly daunting task as a greater number of models flood the market. It’s not a question of “Should I get a red dot sight?” anymore, it’s a question of which one will suit your purposes. After all, when picking an RDS (red dot sight) it’s a good idea to stop and consider what you’re going to use it for. With that in mind, check out our list of five red dots you can really use, in no particular order.
1. Meprolight Foresight
We’re starting off with one of the coolest red dots on the market. The Meprolight Foresight is totally futuristic and has more wild capabilities than we’d ever imagined on an RDS. This is a Bluetooth-capable RDS that works in conjunction with the company’s app to make everything easier from zeroing to switching guns to recording data of range time. Here’s Meprolight’s summary:
This is a red dot that basically does it all. You can use it for hunting, range time, or defensive purposes; you can switch it from gun to gun without excessive fuss over zeroing (thanks to the app). Features include a weapon leveler, digital compass, adaptable brightness, and rechargeable battery (which is always nice.) Although you don’t want to go out of your way to beat this one against a tree, it is dustproof, submergible, and supposed to be fairly durable.
2. Trijicon MRO
For shooters with astigmatism or who just want some variety in life, there’s the Trijicon MRO. This optic is available with either a green or a red dot and has a collection of different-height risers. That way, the MRO can be mounted at whatever height you desire, even the right one to co-witness with irons. This is a reflex sight made for use on any long gun (and some shooters have used it on handguns, too). The 2 MOA dot is adjustable and the dial is meant for ambidextrous use.
The MRO is made with a large aperture and tapered light path for improved visibility and a broader field of view. With this design, your field of vision expands and target acquisition increases in speed. It has a 7075 housing and is made to withstand serious abuse. According to the manufacturer, it’s also capable of maintaining zero despite long use. It’s a win-win, so now you just have to decide if you want green or red.
3. Aimpoint Micro T-2 w/Spuhr Mount
Aimpoint, the company that bills itself as the originator of all things red dot, has a lot of options in their line. The Micro T-2 with a Spuhr mount is one of the higher-end models, and it offers features and quality to make it worthwhile. This red dot is made for hard use and user-friendliness, all in a compact housing. It has a 2 MOA dot which, according to Aimpoint, is capable of handling 50,000 hours of use over a period of 5 years. They discovered that by using a CR2032 battery with the red dot set to 8. You have to admit that’s impressive battery life.
Aimpoint, the company that bills itself as the originator of all things red dot, has a lot of options in its line. The Micro T-2 with a Spuhr mount is one of the higher-end models, and it offers features and quality to make it worthwhile. This red dot is made for hard use and user-friendliness, all in a compact housing. It has a 2 MOA dot which, according to Aimpoint, is capable of handling 50,000 hours of use over a period of 5 years. They discovered that by using a CR2032 battery with the red dot set to 8. You have to admit that’s impressive battery life.
The manufacturer states the red dot can be submerged up to 80 feet and has a temperature tolerance between -49 degrees F and +160 degrees F. Features include a flip-up lens cover, 12 brightness settings, and an overall weight of 3.0 ounces. This optic ships with a Spuhr Lower 1/3 Co-Witness Mount (41mm optical height) configuration with an integral Picatinny-style base. That’s worth a mention because Hakan Spuhr makes stellar hardware. It’s a quality mount. The optics housing is hard anodized for longevity. This is an optic that should last a very long time.
4. Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro
The CT RAD (Rapid Aiming Dot) Micro Pro is made as a streamlined, high-performance red dot sight with an easy-to-acquire dot and great battery life. It was created with sub-compact and compact pistols in mind and has a CT micro footprint, although it’s also compatible with the Shield RMS and JPoint footprints. The RAD Micro Pro has a 3 MOA dot and utilizes the company’s own motion sensor to detect movement, so it’ll turn itself on if you move it. There’s also an automatic shutoff if it hasn’t moved at all in two minutes. According to CT, it has a 20,000-hour battery life which translates to about two years.
This sight has a 7075 aluminum housing and takes CR1632 batteries. It has a recessed and coated lens with a large window, granting the shooter a wider field of view. One cool feature of this red dot is the notch cut into the rearward portion of the sight that’s meant to line up with your front sight if you want to co-witness. Other features include an easy-rack profile, IPX4 water resistance, and a top strap design meant to help deflect force if it’s dropped. It comes in red or green, which is always a plus, and has an ambient light sensor to instantly adjust to whatever light situation you’re in.
5. SOUSA R.A.I.D. Pistol Red Dot
Maybe you haven’t heard of SOUSA, but they do produce good dots. They’re a Texas-based company owned by the same group that owns CMC Triggers and SanTan Tactical. The SOUSA R.A.I.D. is a red dot sight made for the average gun guy that’s worth considering if you’re getting into red dots. It has a 3 MOA dot, 10 brightness settings, and auto shut-off at the 14-hour mark. This sight has an overall length of 1.75 inches, a width of 1.25 inches, and a height of 1.0 inch, without a mount. It has a geometric housing design to protect it from bumps and scrapes and is night-vision compatible.
Features include a protective coating on the lens, which is wide, and a thin frame meant to allow a broader field of view. According to the manufacturer, this dot can be used on handguns or long guns and is perfectly able to withstand shotgun recoil. It fits RMR footprints and is easily adjusted for zeroing. Overall, it’s a nice little red dot and a good way to get into the wide world of dots.
Have you tried out multiple red dots? What’s your favorite red dot sight? Tell us in the comments section.
