Red Dots

Types of Red Dot Sights

Reflex Sights are the most common type, featuring an open LED design that projects reticles onto a lens. These offer unlimited eye relief and fast target acquisition, making them ideal for close to medium-range shooting. Popular models include the Trijicon RMR Type 2 and Holosun 507C series, both trusted by military and law enforcement professionals.

Enclosed Emitter Sights feature fully sealed designs that protect the LED emitter from debris, moisture, and environmental hazards. Models like the Aimpoint ACRO P-2 and Holosun EPS Carry excel in harsh conditions where open emitters might fail, making them ideal for duty use and extreme environments.

Choosing the Right Red Dot for Your Firearm

For AR-15 and Rifles: Full-size optics like the Aimpoint Duty RDS or Vortex Sparc Solar provide the durability and battery life needed for serious use. These sights allow both-eyes-open shooting for improved situational awareness and faster target transitions. Consider co-witness height for backup iron sight compatibility with your specific setup. For PRS/ELR applications, red dot sights can be mounted on top of magnified scopes to enable rapid target acquisition through a wider field of view, with the dot aligned to the scope's reticle for seamless transitions between close-range engagement and precision long-range shooting.

For Pistols: Micro red dots have revolutionized handgun accuracy and speed. The Trijicon RMR Type 2 remains the gold standard for pistol optics, while the Holosun 507C series provides excellent value with shake-awake technology. Leupold's DeltaPoint Pro offers motion sensor technology for extended battery life, making these top choices for concealed carry and competition.

For Shotguns and Hunting: Models like the Trijicon SRO excel for clay sports with their large sight windows, while compact options from our Holosun and Sig Sauer lines work perfectly for turkey hunting and home defense applications where fast target acquisition is critical.

FAQs

What's the difference between red dot sights and holographic sights?

Red dot sights use LED technology to project simple reticles like dots onto a lens, while holographic sights use laser diodes to create more complex reticles with circles and multiple aiming points. Red dots typically offer longer battery life (30,000+ hours vs. 600-1000 hours), while holographic sights provide larger sight windows and more advanced reticle options for tactical applications.

What dot size (MOA) should I choose for my application?

Dot size depends on your intended use: 1-2 MOA dots provide maximum precision for target shooting and long-range work, 2-3 MOA offers the best balance for hunting and general use, while 3-6 MOA dots excel for home defense and close-quarters situations where speed matters more than precision. Smaller dots allow more precise aiming at distance, while larger dots are faster to acquire up close.

Can I use a red dot sight with my existing iron sights?

Yes, through co-witnessing. Absolute co-witness mounts your red dot at the same height as your iron sights, allowing you to see both simultaneously. Lower 1/3 co-witness mounts the optic slightly higher, so iron sights appear in the bottom third of your sight window. This provides backup capability if your optic fails and helps during the learning transition from iron sights to red dots.

How long do red dot sight batteries typically last?

Battery life varies significantly by brand and model in our inventory. Premium Aimpoint models like the Duty RDS offer 30,000+ hours of continuous operation, while Holosun sights provide up to 50,000 hours with their innovative power management. Trijicon RMR Type 2 models deliver 4+ years of continuous use, and Sig Sauer's Romeo series offers excellent runtime with shake-awake technology. Vortex and Leupold models provide reliable performance with user-friendly battery access designs.