EOTech's EFLX
Available in low- and no-magnification models, red-dot/reflex sights are ideal for handguns, shotguns and AR-platform rifles used in relatively close quarters. They provide positive target acquisition from awkward angles and can be adjusted for various light conditions — even the dark of the moon. In addition to nearly instantaneous target achievement, red-dot sights give the shooter the ability to track moving targets without losing peripheral vision, allowing for quick follow-up shots. These sights are favored by tactical users such as military personal and law enforcement officers as well as hunters operating in low-light conditions. And that means a lot of potential customers — and hopefully a lot of sales, if you have the right models on display. Here are 12 of the finest red-dot sights on the planet.
Axeon Optics MDPR2
Axeon’s new MDPR2 Micro LED-dot reflex sight features a DeltaPoint mounting pattern, super-bright 4 MOA dot with eight levels of brightness for clear daylight target acquisition and excellent nighttime visibility, side battery door so users don’t have to remove the unit from the firearm to replace the battery, up to 5,000 hours of battery life (setting 4) and an included Picatinny-style low-rise mount. The MDPR2 can be easily mounted on a variety of pistols, rifles and shotguns and is designed with an oversized hood for glare reduction and lens protection against impact. True-tone coatings mitigate blue tint and maximize light transmission. MSRP: $99.99.
Browe Micro Reflex
The waterproof Browe Micro Reflex mini red-dot sight provides shooters with a significant edge over traditional iron sights. It has a large field of view and 3 MOA dot reticle — developed for use on pistols, rifles, carbines and shotguns to provide simple and quick target acquisition in close-quarter situations. Its precision machined aircraft grade 6061-T6 aluminum housing has a matte black hard anodization finish to ensure durability and its advanced lens coating and electronic LED combination produces a crisp red dot with eight brightness settings for target contrast regardless of lighting conditions. Mounting Base Interface uses the common Docter footprint and low-profile design that co-witnesses with most suppressor height iron sights and is compatible with most optics-ready pistol systems. MSRP: $319.99.
Crimson Trace RAD
The Crimson Trace RAD (Rapid Aiming Dot) electronic sight is a full-size open-reflex sight designed for full-frame pistols. Featuring a red 3 MOA aiming dot, it has a recessed and fully multicoated lens with a large quick acquisition window. The CT RAD comes with an Auto Shutoff function that automatically powers down after eight consecutive hours of operation to conserve battery life and a manual On/Off function that allows users to turn the sight on or off by using the side brightness buttons. The unit is easily installed on an optics cut slide using the CT RAD footprint that is also compatible with the Docter footprint. Textured sides allow for a secure grip when racking the slide. MSRP: $249.99.
EOTech EFLX Mini Reflex
The new EFLX Mini reflex sight is EOtech’s first venture into reflex technology optics. Ideal for professional use, hunting, home defense and more, the EFLX was designed for pistol use, configured to the Leupold Delta Point Pro footprint, and will adapt to appropriately milled slides or onto a rear dovetail mounting adapter. The EFLX is also a great 1X solution on rifles with magnified optics. Its durable, heavy-duty aluminum housing provides a large, square viewing window, similar in shape to EOTech’s HWS, that makes the 3 or 6 MOA aiming dot easy and quick to find. A top load, single 2032 battery provides roughly 20,000 hours of run time (6 MOA at Level 5). MSRP: $389.
German Precision Optics SPECTRAdot
Designed to meet the needs of tactical shooters and hunters who require rapid target acquisition, the lightweight and compact GPO SPECTRAdot red-dot sight is a great addition to most tactical and hunting rifles and shotguns. It features high-efficiency power management with a battery runtime of up to 50,000 hours with a CR2032 battery, a mount that mates with both Weaver and Picatinny-style rails, precision ½-MOA windage and elevation click adjustments and IPX 7 waterproof sealing. Red-dot brightness measuring 3 MOA enables the use of the sight in a variety of lighting conditions, with six daytime and five nighttime settings. It weighs just 6.63 ounces without lens covers and mount. MSRP: $421.04.
Leapers UTG OP3 Micro SLS
Precision machined from 6061-T6 aluminum with a matte black anodized finish, the UTG OP3 Micro SLS red-dot sight from Leapers features a 4 MOA single dot with eight brightness intensity settings. It has a side-loading battery compartment, which negates the necessity of removing and re-zeroing the sight when replacing the battery. It also features 15,000+ hours of battery life at the middle brightness setting, crisp 1 MOA per click adjustment, wide field of view and IPX7 waterproof rating. It includes a low-profile removeable Picatinny mounting base, tertiary aiming point laser engraved on rear face of optic hood and is compatible with most optics-ready pistol systems and all UTG RDM20 mounts. MSRP: $164.97.
Leupold DeltaPoint Micro
The DeltaPoint Micro from Leupold is a fully enclosed, low-profile red-dot sight specifically designed for concealed carry handguns and other personal defense firearms. Featuring a compact and revolutionary new design that’s easy to conceal, the DP-Micro mounts directly to the rear sight dovetail and sits at the same height as factory iron sights. Its red dot aligns with the front sight, delivering rapid target acquisition and improved accuracy. Current models fit non-MOS Glock models and Smith & Wesson M&P handguns. Lightweight and rugged, the DeltaPoint Micro is 2.25 inches in length and 1.25 inches in height, while weighing just 1.1 ounces. Its DiamondCoat II scratch-resistant lenses and fully enclosed LED stand up to the roughest conditions. Retail: $399.99.
Riton 3 Tactix MPRD 2
The 3 Tactix MPRD 2 from Riton is an extremely compact and versatile red-dot pistol sight with shake awake, auto brightness and auto off features — and a 3 MOA dot that ensures rapid target acquisition and ultimate precision. Designed with a Shield RMSc type footprint, it features 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments, fully multicoated, low-light enhancement lens and unlimited eye relief. It measures 1.6 inches in length and weighs .6 ounce. One CR2032 battery provides up to 50,000 hours of operation. The 3 Tactix MPRD 2 comes with a cover, lens cloth, Allen wrenches and mounting hardware. MSRP: $349.99.
Sightmark Volta Reflex Sight
The new Sightmark Volta solar reflex sight combines solar and battery power to provide a true dual-power system and uninterrupted operation. Powered by solar cells positioned directly on top of the optic housing and two AAA batteries, the Volta provides users with the choice of which power source works best for their situation. If the batteries powering the Volta run out, the unit will automatically switch to solar power. The Volta also features the Eclipse Light Management System that automatically adjusts the brightness of the reticle based on the light of the surrounding environment, and its 2 MOA red-dot reticle with ½-MOA adjustments make the Volta ideal for a wide variety of shooting scenarios and distances. MSRP: $359.99.
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 lens, 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. MSRP: $699.
US Optics TSR-1X
Shooters who are looking for a red-dot sight that provides fast, accurate and dependable target acquisition need look no further than US Optics’ TSR-1X — a true 1X, 5 MOA red-dot sight that makes positive target acquisition a breeze. Designed for tactical use, the TSR-1X features 12 illumination settings, including three night vision compatible levels. Its wide field of view and unlimited eye relief make it a great fit for any AR-platform rifle. Built tough from 6061-T6 aluminum, it is waterproof and fogproof and has a battery life of two to three years. The sight includes a low and high Picatinny mount, battery, T-10 Torx wrench, lens covers and lens cloth. MSRP: $246-$349.
Vortex Sparc Solar
The Vortex Optics Sparc Solar red-dot sight harnesses the power of the sun for up to 150,000 hours of battery life. Military and law enforcement officials will appreciate its exclusive Auto D-TEC technology that automatically detects ambient light conditions and switches between battery and solar power. The Sparc Solar is built with street-smart features, with an ultra-fine 2 MOA dot in an ultra-tough, single-piece chassis built to handle hard use. Plus, it is ready to adapt to any shooting scenario with 12 brightness settings, 10 for daylight visibility and two for night vision compatibility. Fully multicoated glass and a daylight bright dot combine to create lightning-fast target acquisition. MSRP: $399.99.
