Close encounters of the self preservation kind often require rapid target acquisition and lightning-speed follow-up shots, and one sighting solution stands head and shoulders above the rest when protecting life and limbs: low- and no-magnification red-dot/reflex sights. These compact, durable, reliable and intuitive sights are favored by duty officers, military personnel, concealed carry enthusiasts and even dangerous game hunters for turning their handguns, shotguns, bolt-action rifles and ARs into efficient and effective shooting machines. And their attributes are many. These sights provide positive target achievement when aiming from awkward angles, can be adjusted for a wide range of light conditions — even the dark of the moon — and give shooters the ability to track moving targets without losing peripheral vision. While models in low- and no-magnification configurations are commonplace for up-close-and-personal applications, adding a magnifier can increase their mid- to long-range capabilities, making them even more versatile. For you, the tactical retailer, the popularity of these sight systems means there’s a wide range of potential customers out there — and hopefully a lot of sales, if you have the right models on display at your store and/or on your website. Here are a handful of models your patrons will want to get their hands on.
Aimpoint Acro P-2
Aimpoint has introduced two new versions of its Acro P-2 Red-Dot Reflex Sight with durable Cerakote coatings — Sniper Gray and Flat Dark Earth. The Acro P-2 was designed and tested to withstand the shock, vibration, extreme temperatures and material stresses generated by firing over 20,000 rounds of .40 S&W ammunition, going way above and beyond the call of duty. Built to endure the physical demands of semi-automatic pistol slides, the Acro P-2 is a closed emitter red-dot optic that includes a brighter, more efficient LED emitter coupled with a higher capacity CR2032 battery to provide more than five years of constant-on use. MSRP: $599. www.aimpoint.us
Bering Optics Rubicon Pro
The Rubicon Pro from Bering Optics is a compact red-dot sight designed to be used with both eyes open to maintain peripheral vision and depth perception. It is parallax free at 50 yards and its W/E adjustment turrets have a clicking mechanism that eliminates the use of the adjustment dial typical for this red-dot class. A conveniently located on/off button is also utilized to manually adjust the brightness of the reticle according to ambient light conditions. Strong mounting screws allow the Rubicon Pro to withstand the heavy recoil of shotguns, rifles and pistols. In addition, there is an option to remove the Weaver base and secure the sight directly onto the pistol mounting plate. MAP: $119.www.beringoptics.com
Burris Optics FastFire C
Building on the Burris proven FastFire optics series and weighing less than 1 ounce, the new FastFire C delivers a durable and reliable aiming option ideally suited for today’s deep concealment, micro-compact defensive pistols. Powered by a CR2032 battery, the FastFire C utilizes Always On technology with a 25,000-hour run time, powered by the Burris Intelligent Auto-Bright system, which automatically adjusts reticle brightness levels for optimal visibility in any ambient light condition. The FastFire C has an exceptionally low profile that allows for absolute or 1/3 co-witness with most standard-height factory open sights. Additionally, the FastFire C includes a removable rear fixed sight, which can be used as a co-witnessing backup or reference point for quick dot alignment. MSRP: $276.www.burrisoptics.com
Bushnell RXM-300
The Bushnell RXM-300 Large Format Reflex Sight is capable of fitting any firearm for virtually any application from competition to self-defense. Designed in conjunction with world champion shooter KC Eusebio to serve as a competition-ready pistol reflex sight, the RXM-300’s durable housing and included mounts expand versatility. It also boasts Shake-Awake technology and Bushnell’s exclusive EXO barrier to shed water from the lens and keep users in the game when the weather turns nasty. The RXM-300’s 4-MOA dot is daylight-bright for operation in all light conditions, with a battery life of up to 35,000 hours. MSRP: $299.99. www.bushnell.com
C&H Optics Comp
CNC-machined from aircraft grade aluminum, the rugged C&H Comp pistol optic was designed for shooters who want a larger window on their competition, duty or EDC gun. It utilizes the same footprint as the RMR to ensure widespread compatibility and is available in red- or green-dot versions with a 3-MOA dot, or 2-MOA dot and 21-MOA circle in the multi-reticle version. Features include 10 levels of brightness (Levels 1 and 2 are night-vision compatible), Shake Awake motion control, Smart Power management and 50,000 hours of battery life. The Comp is 100% shockproof and has an IPX7 waterproof rating. MSRP: $299.93-$339.95.www.chpws.com
CenterPoint Optics Micro
CenterPoint Optics’ first-ever micro red-dot sight was specifically designed for use with concealed-carry pistols with an RMSc (reflex mini sight compact) mounting footprint. Along with dovetail mounting, the CenterPoint Optics Micro comes with a Picatinny mount option, extending its usability to other firearms, such as rifles and shotguns. Brightness is user-adjustable, providing the freedom to match the sight to situational needs. The sight is constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum, and its single CR2032 battery powers its 4-MOA dot for up to 5,000 hours. MSRP: $129.99. www.centerpointoptics.com
German Precision Optics Spectra
Designed to meet the needs of tactical shooters and hunters who require rapid target acquisition, the lightweight and compact GPO Spectra Reflex Dot Sight features a built-in photo sensor that adjusts the brightness of the 3mm red dot automatically depending on outside/inside light conditions. A built-in motion sensor switches the device automatically on or off, extending battery life up to an astounding 40,000 hours. Also, the battery is placed in a sealed drawer on the side of the device, making it unnecessary to dismount and zero it again when changing the battery. The windage and elevation turrets offer tactile clicks by turning and adjusting them with a small tool for precise zeroing. MSRP: $379.99. www.gpo-usa.com
Holosun DRS-NV
The DRS-NV Red-Dot Sight combines Holosun’s red-dot sight technology with digital night-vision capability. It features a 1024x768 resolution digital night-vision sensor with up to 60 fps, 8X digital zoom, digital image and video recording with on-board storage and is powered by a 18350 rechargeable battery that provides up to five hours of run time. An LED MRS (multi-reticle system) with two digital reticle options is available, or a dedicated 2-MOA dot or dedicated 65-MOA circle is also available. The DRS-NV has eight daylight and four NV reticle brightness options, and its on-board USB-C connector charges and downloads recorded images and video. MSRP: $1,176.46. www.holosun.com
LaserMax LM-ERDS
The LM-ERDS (LaserMax-enclosed red-dot sight) is a robust fully enclosed sight for mounting on RMR or MOS optics-ready pistols. The housing is constructed of aircraft-grade 7071 aluminum, and the sight comes equipped with an external forward-facing light sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness of the red dot based on ambient lighting conditions. The LaserMax LM-ERDS features a 3-MOA dot for improved accuracy, Shake Awake activation and long battery life/50,000-hour run time on mid-setting. It has 1-MOA windage and elevation adjustments and eight daytime and two nighttime brightness settings, and it is powered by an included CR2032 battery. MSRP: $349.99. www.lasermax.com
Leapers UTG Accu-Sync 2018R Featuring a crisp red illuminated 3-MOA dot with eight manually adjusted brightness settings, the UTG Accu-Sync 2018R Compact Sight from Leapers has an illumination memory function that conveniently gets shooters back to the last brightness setting used upon activation. The Accu-Sync dot sight is IPX7 waterproof rated with a main body constructed from matte black anodized 6061-T6 aluminum. The mounting base uses the common mini ACOG footprint and is configured for a lower 1/3 co-witness. Removing the included riser insert drops the height down to that of a low mount. Optimized for low power consumption and powered by a single CR2032 battery, a 30,000+ hour battery life (at middle brightness) comes standard. MSRP: $179.97. www.leapers.com
Meprolight Mepro M22
The Mepro M22 Reflex Sight from Meprolight is the next generation of the legendary Mepro M21, used for decades by the Israeli Defense Force and militaries and law enforcement agencies worldwide. Smaller and more compact, the Mepro M22 is a reflex sight with fiber-optic illumination by day and premium Swiss made tritium vials by night that perform in any lighting condition with no need for batteries, ever. The transition between the two systems is instantaneous and automatic. Its rugged, battle-proven construction meets or exceeds rigorous standards to thrive in the harshest environments. Extremely reliable in any weather conditions, the Mepro M22 is suitable to use with NVDs as well as magnifiers. Tritium luminance is warrantied for 10 years. MSRP: $499.99.www.meprolight.com
Osprey MRS Compact
The Osprey Global MRS Compact Reflex Red-Dot Sight is designed for pistol and small-caliber rifle platforms, mounting to any optics-ready firearm that has the RMSc footprint or directly on optics-ready handguns such as the Springfield Hellcat OSP, Canik Elite TP9 SC, Ruger Max-9, Walther and many others. It features a convenient top-loading battery compartment, so there is no need to remove the optic to change the battery. It is equipped with a 2-MOA red dot with eight brightness settings and has added mounting options that makes it adaptable to a Weaver or Picatinny rail. MSRP: $159.95. www.ospreyscopes.com
Riton Optics Enclosed Emitter 3 Tactix
Unlike traditional red-dot sights, the 3 Tactix EED Red-Dot Sight from Riton Optics features an enclosed emitter design. This protects the internal components from dust, moisture and impact, ensuring consistent and reliable performance in challenging environments. It features a 21mm x 16.5mm viewing window for easy target and dot acquisition and a Shake Awake function for optimal battery life. The EED has eight-level adjustable brightness with tactile and audible buttons conveniently located on the left side of the sight. These buttons are the perfect size for quick changes to the brightness level even with gloves on. Fitted with an ACRO footprint, it was designed to fit the two included plates — Glock MOS plus screws and RMSc plate. MSRP: $349.99.www.ritonoptics.com
Sightmark Mini Shot M-Spec M3 Solar
The Sightmark Mini Shot M-Spec M3 Solar Reflex Sight is ideal for short- to medium-range engagements, featuring a 3-MOA red-dot reticle for rapid target acquisition and automatic brightness adjustment for a crisp reticle and field of view in varying light conditions. A top-mounted solar panel, combined with CR1620 batteries, delivers up to 20,000 hours of battery life while the fully enclosed design and IP67 waterproof rating ensure years of reliability.
The M3 is made for pistols with the RMS-C footprint and comes with a separate Weaver/Picatinny rail mount. It is shockproof for drops up to 3 feet, delivers flawless operation in temperatures ranging from -22F to 122F, and is recoil-rated up to .45 ACP. MSRP: $299.97.www.sightmark.com
Sig Sauer Romeo-X Pro
The Romeo-X Pro Red-Dot Sight from Sig Sauer delivers military-grade performance, reliability and durability for civilian everyday carry — designed to fit full-size pistols. The Romeo-X Pro incorporates a high-efficiency point source red LED emitter with 2-MOA dot/32-MOA circle reticle, side independent brightness adjustment buttons, 15 brightness levels including night-vision settings, and a side-mounted CR1632 battery compartment. Additionally, it offers a low deck height for standard-height iron sight co-witness, has a minimum continuous runtime of 20,000 hours at medium brightness settings ,and utilizes Motac (motion-activated illumination), Magnetac (magnetic activation) and D.A.R.C. (dark adaptive reticles and coatings) technologies. It is also available in a Compact version. MSRP: $589.99/Pro; $519.99/Compact.www.sigsauer.com
Steiner Micro MPS
The Steiner MPS (Micro Pistol Sight) Sight is now available in a new FDE (Flat Dark Earth) model — purpose-built to withstand the challenging field conditions encountered by defense professionals. Borrowing the same performance and battle-proven engineering found in Steiner’s tactical optics for military and law enforcement, the MPS is constructed around a rugged, all-metal housing with enhanced sidewalls and a sealed emitter that can withstand submersion down to 10 meters. A recessed optic window and thick metal shroud protect the lens from most direct impacts, and 1X magnification delivers a crisp, undistorted image for quick, both-eyes-open sight picture acquisition. Additional features include a bright 3.3-MOA reticle, 13,000-hour battery life, eight brightness levels, user-selectable auto-off and multiple mounting options. MSRP: $689.99.
Swampfox Justice II
For shooters seeking an edge, the Justice II Red-Dot Sight from Swampfox Optics is equipped with a massive 30mm lens,and is built on the success of its predecessors with consumer feedback and the latest advancements in manufacturing. Designed for the RMR footprint, it features modern construction with sleek styling, machined from 7075-T6 aluminum with matte hard anodizing for rugged reliability. Powered by a top-loaded CR1632 battery, the Justice II offers red and green illumination options of a single dot or new, easy-to-cycle multi-reticle. It has 10 manual brightness settings, including night-vision device compatibility, and Swampfox Shake N’ Wake functionality with up to 50,000 hours of runtime, while tactile 1-MOA-per-click elevation and windage adjustments improve precision and usability. MSRP: $259.
Trijicon RMRcc
The Trijicon Ruggedized Miniature Reflex Sight is specifically designed to provide concealed carry confidence when split seconds matter — sporting a thinner, lower-profile design that reduces the risk of snags for a faster and easier draw. Although smaller, the RMRcc contains all the great features of the Trijicon RMR and with the same reliability — easy-to-use buttons, a common CR2032 battery that provides up to four years of illumination and a wide variety of mounts to fit today’s popular concealed-carry pistols. Other features include True-Color multicoated lenses, easily adjustable windage/elevation, a unique housing shape that diverts force of an impact away from the lens, and eight brightness settings, including one super-bright mode and two night-vision modes. Retail: $699. www.trijicon.com
Vortex Defender-ST Micro
Whether it’s running drills at the range or meeting the demands of duty use, the Defender-ST Red-Dot Micro Sight from Vortex is ready for action. Rugged and reliable? It’s a given. Large sight window? Absolutely. Motion-activation and a dot with adjustable brightness deliver superior target acquisition, adaptability in all lighting conditions and faster follow-up shots. Other design benefits include a 7075 aluminum sight housing for added strength and corrosion resistance, large aspherical lens for a distortion free sight picture, Shockshield polymer insert, Fast-rack textured front face, adjustable illumination and 10-minute Auto Shut-Off. The Defender-ST features the Deltapoint Pro footprint for versatile mounting on pistols, ARs and shotguns and is available with 3- or 6-MOA red-dot reticles. MSRP: $469.99.www.vortexoptics.com
X-Vision Optics Flex 2 Thermal
The Flex 2 1-4X Thermal Reflex Sight from X-Vision Optics is capable of game detection out to 1,700 yards and brings a new level of efficiency and success to nighttime hunts. The story of the Flex 2 starts with an advanced 384x288 sensor that delivers crisp, clean images with picture-in-picture function under all conditions. And with a fistful of color and reticle options, shooters can customize it to be theirs and theirs alone. Sharing video is quick and easy with fully integrated photo and video functions. Plus, it’s protected by a tough-as-nails waterproof, dustproof casing that stands up to Mother Nature’s foulest moods. Bottom line: This top-tier sight delivers a ton of performance at a competitive price. MSRP: $3,499.99.www.xvisionoptics.com
