The Best Red Dot Sights of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

Purple dot sights have proliferated into each nook of the firearms world in recent times and, right now, they’re higher than ever. These non-magnified optics, which use a battery to challenge a luminous crimson (and typically inexperienced) reticle onto a reflective glass lens are a few of the most helpful and versatile sighting techniques accessible. They’ve develop into customary on handguns and carbines, but in addition have a robust foothold within the turkey searching and tactical shotgun world. We’ve examined most of the finest crimson dot sights in the marketplace that will help you decide which is best 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

Greatest Purple Dot Sights: Evaluations and Suggestions

Greatest Enclosed Emitter: Aimpoint ACRO P-2

See It

Professionals

• Sturdy
• Versatile
• Person pleasant
• Excellent for opposed climate

Cons

• Huge and blocky on a pistol

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Key Options

• 
  Classes

  
  Pistol, Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun

• 
  Fashion

  
  Enclosed emitter

• 
  Mounting

  
  Clamps onto adapter plate

• 
  Window Measurement

  
  .77 inches (W) x .77 inches (H)

• 
  Windage and Elevation Adjustment

  
  T10 Torx screws

• 
  Brightness

  
  10 settings +/- toggle buttons

• 
  Night time-Imaginative and prescient Appropriate?

  
  Sure

• 
  Battery

  
  CR2032

The Aimpoint ACRO is an extremely common enclosed-emitter pistol crimson dot sight, and it’s among the finest all-around choices for practically any firearm. The older Aimpoint ACRO P-1 continues to be accessible, however the extra refined P-2 mannequin is our favourite all-around crimson dot. 

Among the greatest benefits that the ACRO offers the shooter are elevated sturdiness and resistance to the weather. Many crimson dot sights have an open emitter, which might be disrupted by particles or moisture. The ACRO is an enclosed unit with entrance and rear lenses that may simply be cleaned. The design is rugged and efficient.

The ACRO attaches to firearms by clamping onto an adapter plate. For pistols, this adapter plate is connected to the slide. Many various adapter techniques can be found for carbine or shotgun use, together with elevated mounts and 45-degree offset mounts which connect to Picatinny rail. There are even variants which clamp onto the rib of a shotgun barrel. The sight options easy, user-friendly controls. Windage and elevation are adjusted through T10 Torx screws and brightness settings and energy are toggled through +/- buttons on the facet. The ACRO runs off a single CR2032 battery beneath a cap on the facet of the unit which might be opened and closed with a coin or sight device.

This sight is a bit blocky and obtrusive on a handgun, however its perform makes up for it. The ACRO’s versatility is its strongest attribute. It’s a superb major crimson dot sight for carbines and shotguns and, when paired with an offset mount, is an optimum selection for a close-range sight on a precision rifle or DMR-style AR. It’s really a do-all crimson dot sight.

Greatest Open-Emitter: Trjicon RMR Type 2

See It

Professionals

• Time-proven design
• Sturdy
• Intuitive brightness changes
• Appropriate with many weapons
• Nice aftermarket mount assist

Cons

• Optic should be eliminated to interchange battery

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Key Options

• 
  Classes

  
  Pistol, Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun

• 
  Fashion

  
  Reflex, open emitter

• 
  Mounting

  
  RMR footprint

• 
  Window Measurement

  
  .91 inches (W) x .7 inches (H)

• 
  Windage and Elevation Adjustment

  
  Flat-bit screws

• 
  Brightness

  
  8 settings, +/- toggle buttons

• 
  Night time-Imaginative and prescient Appropriate?

  
  Sure

• 
  Battery

  
  CR2032

The Trijicon RMR is probably the most iconic open-emitter crimson dot sight on this planet. Its sturdy design has been confirmed out over the previous 15-plus years in responsibility, fight, and competitors. The RMR, which stands for Ruggedized Miniature Reflex Sight, is a compact crimson dot that attaches to the standardized RMR footprint. It’s obtained a skinny base, which homes the battery, a single lens onto which the reflex dot is projected, and a thick protecting housing across the lens.

The RMR was first launched in 2009 and has served each as a pistol and shut vary carbine website. Many have been issued along with Trijicon’s well-known fastened 4X ACOG carbine sight, and connected to a plate atop the ACOG for fast, close-range capturing. 

Top-of-the-line variants, the RMR Sort 2 carries the identical favorable options as older RMRs, however has massive +/- toggle buttons on the left and proper facet of the sight housing for shortly and simply adjusting brightness. The buttons are huge and can be utilized with gloves on, whereas many different sights have a lot smaller or much less intuitive adjustment options. The sight is definitely zeroed through its flat-bit windage and elevation adjustment screws, and the one actual draw back is that to maintain the bottom of the sight skinny, the battery is mounted into the underside. If you must change it, you’ll need to take away the sight from the gun. Thankfully, when you substitute the battery yearly, you’ll by no means have to fret about it taking place in a pinch. 

The RMR’s ruggedness and reliability makes it a incredible sight in practically all red-dot classes from concealed-carry handguns to turkey scatterguns. Most full-sized handguns with optic cuts are appropriate with the RMR and there’s a smaller RMRcc for subcompact weapons that could be a nice selection too.

Greatest Holographic: Eotech EXPS3 HWS

See It

Professionals

• Clear holographic reticle
• Rugged and battle confirmed
• Sturdy housing
• Simple mounting
• Easy and intuitive controls and changes

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Key Options

• 
  Classes

  
  Carbine, Tactical Shotgun

• 
  Fashion

  
  Holographic

• 
  Mounting

  
  Picatinny rail quick-detach mount

• 
  Window Measurement

  
  1.3 inches (W) x .9 inches (H)

• 
  Windage and Elevation Adjustment

  
  Flat-bit screws

• 
  Brightness

  
  30 settings, up/down toggle buttons

• 
  Night time-Imaginative and prescient Appropriate?

  
  Sure

• 
  Battery

  
  CR123A

The Eotech HWS is among the most confirmed and prolific crimson dot sights ever made. This wonderful carbine optic has been serving the navy for the previous 25 years and has established a fame for sturdiness and performance beneath probably the most difficult situations. The Eotech HWS is out there in quite a lot of configurations together with the EXPS3-DCR we’ve been testing. The DCR (for Hazard Shut Reticle) makes use of a major aiming dot supposed to be zeroed at 50 yards (on 5.56mm carbines) and is efficient to 200 yards. The decrease chevron within the reticle is used as an aiming level for very shut vary.

The Eotech is a holographic sight. In contrast to reflex sights, which challenge the reticle instantly onto a reflective entrance lens, holographic sights challenge the reticle picture from the entrance, utilizing a extra complicated system of reflectors. Holographic sights usually have extra clearly outlined — although grainy trying — reticles and fewer starbursting or mild blowout of the reticle on larger energy settings.

This sight is mounted on to Picatinny rail through its QD lever lock system that has adjustable pressure for a safe match. It has massive flat-bit screws for adjusting windage and elevation in half-MOA increments, and options 20 daytime brightness settings and 10 night time imaginative and prescient settings to accommodate Gen 1 via Gen 3 night time imaginative and prescient optics. The HWS EXPS3 is powered by a single CR123A 3V battery that’s housed in an easily-accessible battery compartment on the entrance of the system. Controls and capabilities are all person pleasant and changes might be made with cash or cartridge case rims.

The perfect purposes for the Eotech HWS are carbines, however they’re nice for tactical shotguns as properly. There are a selection of fashions and reticles accessible to suit your wants too. We’ve additionally been testing a .300 BLK particular mannequin, the XPS2-300 BLK, which has an analogous function set however makes use of a reticle calibrated for .300 Blackout carbines and SBRs.

Greatest Price range: Vortex Crossfire

See It

Professionals

• Inexpensive
• Compact
• Excessive and low mounting choices

Cons

• Should scroll via all brightness settings when turning optic on

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Key Options

• 
  Classes

  
  Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun

• 
  Fashion

  
  Reflex, enclosed emitter

• 
  Mounting

  
  Excessive and low Picatinny mounts

• 
  Window Measurement

  
  22mm (spherical)

• 
  Windage and Elevation Adjustment

  
  Flat-bit screws

• 
  Brightness

  
  13 settings, adjustment wheel

• 
  Night time-Imaginative and prescient Appropriate?

  
  Sure

• 
  Battery

  
  CR2032

Priced at $150, the Vortex Crossfire is a superb price range crimson dot sight. It’s a compact tubular reflex sight that runs off a single CR2032 battery and options two night time imaginative and prescient and eleven daytime brightness settings. The Crossfire crimson dot’s brightness adjustment is through a knurled dial on the suitable facet, which begins at zero (off), N1, N2, and one via eleven. Turning the knob clockwise will increase the depth of the dot. The battery is housed on this knob beneath a cap that’s detachable with a coin. Our solely complaints are that the brightness knob is fairly stiff, and there aren’t alternating “off” positions between settings. If you wish to flip the optic off or on, it’s important to rotate via all of the settings again to or up from zero.

Windage and elevation adjustment screws are capped, and every cap has a large flat bit that can be utilized for adjusting and zeroing the sight. The rugged aluminum housing is sealed and the lenses are barely recessed at every finish, which helps defend them from scratches throughout use. 

The Crossfire comes with two completely different Picatinny rail mounts — one tall and one brief. The tall mount is superb for AR-type carbines with low-sitting rails. In tall configuration, the sight is simpler to make use of, sooner to accumulate, and appropriate with passive aiming via night time imaginative and prescient goggles. The low mount is nice for carbines or shotguns with a decrease comb. 

Extra of the Greatest Purple Dot Sights for Pistols

Aimpoint COA

See It

Professionals

• Sturdy enclosed emitter
• Glorious mounting system
• Skinny housing doesn’t obscure goal
• No screws via the optic

Cons

• Solely accessible as a package deal with sure Glock pistols

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Key Options

• 
  Classes

  
  Pistol

• 
  Fashion

  
  Reflex, enclosed emitter

• 
  Mounting

  
  A-Reduce footprint

• 
  Window Measurement

  
  .65 inches (W), .59 inches (H)

• 
  Windage and Elevation Adjustment

  
  T10 Torx screws

• 
  Brightness

  
  12 settings, +/- toggle buttons

• 
  Night time-Imaginative and prescient Appropriate?

  
  Sure

• 
  Battery

  
  CR2032

Top-of-the-line crimson dot sights for pistols is the all-new COA from Aimpoint. This slender enclosed-emitter sight is a part of a collaborative launch with Glock and makes use of a completely new mounting system. The place different fashions of enclosed-emitter crimson dots both clamp onto an adapter plate or use screws to safe them to the optic lower, the COA suits into its A-Reduce like a ski boot going right into a binding. A toe on the entrance of the sight suits right into a notch within the lower, and the sight nestles onto a raised ridge within the center which prevents lateral or torsional motion. The rear of the optic is secured by a wedge-shaped rear sight that’s mounted down with two screws. 

Along with an extremely secure mounting system, the COA sits very low on the slide, permitting the shooter to co-witness standard-height iron sights. The skinny partitions and high of the housing make the sight window seem massive and it’s simpler to trace targets. This is a wonderful sight for almost any pistol software, together with hid carry, and it is available in a a lot decrease profile than many present enclosed crimson dots. We’ve a more in-depth review of the sight as properly.

Sig Sauer Romeo X Enclosed

See It

Professionals

• Low profile
• Massive window
• Totally different reticles to select from
• Sturdy housing

Cons

• Windage and elevation require tiny T5.5 Torx bit

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Key Options

• 
  Classes

  
  Pistol, Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun

• 
  Fashion

  
  Reflex, enclosed emitter

• 
  Mounting

  
  RMSc and DPP/Professional footprints accessible

• 
  Window Measurement

  
  .77 inches (W), .6 inches (H)

• 
  Windage and Elevation Adjustment

  
  T5.5 Torx screws

• 
  Brightness

  
  15 settings, up/down toggle buttons

• 
  Night time-Imaginative and prescient Appropriate?

  
  Sure

• 
  Battery

  
  CR1632

The Sig Sauer Romeo X Enclosed is a pistol crimson dot that’s accessible in each the compact RMSc and bigger Professional footprints. This is among the most shooter-friendly crimson dots, particularly for a compact concealed-carry gun. It has a low profile and is far smaller than many different enclosed-emitter sights, however sports activities a barely wider window than the ACRO and COA. 

The Romeo X Enclosed has a sturdy aluminum housing and a rear lens to maintain out particles and moisture. It options 15 brightness settings, together with three for night time imaginative and prescient, that are toggled with up/down arrow buttons on the left facet. The buttons are flanked by a protecting plate to stop unintentionally urgent them, and the sight makes use of Sig’s Magnetac magnetic activation to close the sight off when holstered and activate it when eliminated.

Our favourite factor about this sight, along with the big window, is the reticle choice. The shooter can decide from three-MOA, six-MOA, and circle dot reticles. The circle dot is superb and includes a small heart dot with a big halo. This massive reticle may be very quick to accumulate and monitor whereas capturing, and the small heart dot permits extra exact shot placement.

Vortex Defender ST

See It

Professionals

• Massive sight window
• Intuitive controls
• Simple windage and elevation changes

Cons

• Battery cap requires particular device to open

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Key Options

• 
  Classes

  
  Pistol, Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun

• 
  Fashion

  
  Reflex, open emitter

• 
  Mounting

  
  Deltapoint Professional footprint

• 
  Window Measurement

  
  .84 inches (W), .71 inches (H)

• 
  Windage and Elevation Adjustment

  
  Flat-bit screws

• 
  Brightness

  
  12 settings, up/down toggle buttons

• 
  Night time-Imaginative and prescient Appropriate?

  
  Sure

• 
  Battery

  
  CR2032

The Vortex Defender ST, a part of the bigger Defender lineup of open-emitter crimson dot sights, is a superb all-around crimson dot. It makes use of the favored Deltapoint Professional footprint and is mounted in place with two screws. It’s obtained a strong aluminum housing with a checkered entrance for one-handed cocking on laborious surfaces. It’s accessible in each crimson and inexperienced dots, for which the depth might be adjusted through massive up/down toggle buttons on the left and proper sides respectively. 

The Defender ST has a big window which makes sight acquisition quick, however customers also can select from the smaller CCW model and the XL model relying on desired software. The ST isn’t too massive for hid carry, and we now have loved capturing it on Springfield’s 1911 TRP CC AOS, however it’s additionally a very good choice for a turkey shotgun or as a backup or sighting crimson dot on a precision rifle.

Leupold Deltapoint Pro

See It

Professionals

• Rugged
• Massive window
• Frequent footprint
• Simple battery alternative

Cons

• Thick base
• Massive open lens can accumulate particles

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Key Options

• 
  Classes

  
  Pistol, Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun

• 
  Fashion

  
  Reflex, open emitter

• 
  Mounting

  
  Deltapoint Professional

• 
  Window Measurement

  
  1.07 inches (W), .755 inches (H)

• 
  Windage and Elevation Adjustment

  
  Flat-bit screws

• 
  Brightness

  
  8 settings, battery cap button toggle

• 
  Night time-Imaginative and prescient Compatibility

  
  Sure

• 
  Battery

  
  CR2032

Leupold’s Deltapoint Professional has been probably the most common crimson dot sights in the marketplace for years, and for good motive. It’s rugged, versatile, and person pleasant. This can be a nice optic for practically any crimson dot software, and the Deltapoint Professional footprint is among the commonest discovered on compact and full-sized handguns. It’s additionally properly supported with aftermarket mounting techniques for quite a lot of firearms.

The Deltapoint Professional, or DPP, is a single-lense reflex design with flat-bit windage and elevation changes that may be adjusted with a coin or case rim. The spring-loaded battery door is straightforward to open, however stays securely closed. Energy and brightness are managed by a push button atop the battery door. 

This sight has a large window and dot acquisition is straightforward, however the base is sort of thick, and a few mounting techniques increase the sight too excessive above the bore axis. Contemplating the dramatic improvement of crimson dots in recent times, the DPP’s endurance is a testomony to its design and usefulness, however it’s additionally time for Leupold to work on an enclosed-emitter model with a thinner base.

Holosun EPS Carry

See It

Professionals

• Compact
• Enclosed design retains particles out
• Person pleasant
• Sits low on slide

Cons

• Battery compartment screw tends to work unfastened

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Key Options

• 
  Classes

  
  Pistol

• 
  Fashion

  
  Reflex, enclosed emitter

• 
  Mounting

  
  Modified RMS/SMS footprint

• 
  Window Measurement

  
  .75 inches (W), .56 inches (H)

• 
  Windage and Elevation Adjustment

  
  Flat-bit screws

• 
  Brightness

  
  12 settings, +/- toggle buttons

• 
  Night time-Imaginative and prescient Appropriate?

  
  Sure

• 
  Battery

  
  CR1620

Holosun’s EPS Carry is certainly one of our favourite crimson dot sights for a hid carry pistol. It’s small, unobtrusive, and was one of many first mainstream compact dots with an enclosed emitter. The EPS Carry makes use of a barely modified RMS/SMS footprint, has a skinny base, and is simply .95 inches from high to backside. 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 suitable facet of the optic. It’s sealed and submersible, however one hiccup we now have observed in utilizing the EPS Carry over the previous couple years is that with excessive quantity capturing, the screw that secures the battery tray can loosen and get misplaced. That’s actually the one disadvantage to this sight. The sight has an auto wake function which shuts energy off when immobile, however re-activates it as quickly because the gun is moved. There may be additionally a model with a supplementary photo voltaic panel on high.

I carried this sight day by day for practically two years and after a number of thousand photographs, I nonetheless advocate it for anybody who’s organising a compact concealed-carry pistol.

Steiner MPS

See It

Professionals

• Rugged
• Versatile
• Prime emitter aids fast dot acquisition

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Key Options

• 
  Classes

  
  Pistol, Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun

• 
  Fashion

  
  Reflex, enclosed emitter

• 
  Mounting

  
  ACRO mounting plates

• 
  Window Measurement

  
  .8 inches (W), .625 inches (H)

• 
  Windage and Elevation Adjustment

  
  Flat-bit screws

• 
  Brightness

  
  8 settings, +/- toggle buttons

• 
  Night time-Imaginative and prescient Appropriate?

  
  Sure

• 
  Battery

  
  CR2032

The Steiner MPS is a rugged enclosed-emitter crimson dot sight that’s an amazing match for quite a few roles. The sight housing is blocky and comparable in measurement to the Aimpoint ACRO. It makes use of the identical adapter plate sample because the ACRO and the sight itself is clamped into place on the plate and secured with a T10 Torx fastener. This makes it a sensible candidate to be used on carbines or shotguns due to the abundance of mounting techniques. 

Being an enclosed-emitter sight, it has entrance and rear lenses, and the entrance lens is recessed and properly protected by the aluminum housing. It has +/- buttons on the left facet 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 simply accessed. 

What makes this sight distinctive is its emitter, which is situated within the high of the housing. Most sights have an emitter on the underside. This helps cut back the peak of the bottom and tall iron sights might be co-witnessed via the glass. The highest emitter additionally appears to assist me decide up the dot extra shortly, however that have will doubtless fluctuate between shooters and purposes. I’ve been utilizing the MPS on my Glock G20 Gen 5 for greater than a 12 months and it’s been completely reliable.

Trijicon RCR

See It

Professionals

• Very rugged
• Outsized brightness controls
• Windage and elevation adjustable with cash or case rims
• Can co-witness tall sights

Cons

• Proprietary screws are liable to loosening

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Key Options

• 
  Classes

  
  Pistol, Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun

• 
  Fashion

  
  Reflex, enclosed emitter

• 
  Mounting

  
  RMR Footprint

• 
  Window Measurement

  
  .925 inches (W), .645 inches (H)

• 
  Windage and Elevation Adjustment

  
  Flat bit screws

• 
  Brightness

  
  10 settings, +/- toggle buttons

• 
  Night time-Imaginative and prescient Appropriate?

  
  Sure

• 
  Battery

  
  CR2032

Trijicon’s wonderful RCR reflex sight is an additional ruggedized model of the RMR, that includes an enclosed emitter. This sight takes what’s nice in regards to the RMR and makes it much more sturdy and reliable. It includes a blocky however powerful aluminum housing with a recessed entrance lens that is protected against incidental influence or from utilizing the sight to rack a pistol slide on a tough floor. It has a generously sized window and enormous +/- buttons on both facet to regulate brightness.

The one disadvantage I’ve encountered whereas utilizing the RCR on varied pistols is that with out applicable thread locker — it helps to at all times use new screws too — the screws are likely to loosen. To permit the identical bolt sample, particular screws are used to connect the RCR. They’re tightened by utilizing a small device or punch to show them clockwise through holes within the screw head. A pleasant factor in regards to the design is that you simply received’t strip screw heads out and it helps stop over torquing. 

Extra of the Greatest Purple Dot Sights for Carbines

Aimpoint Micro H-2

See It

Professionals

• Small
• Rugged
• Versatile mounting choices
• See-through flip-up lens caps

Cons

• Should cycle via all brightness settings when turning on

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Key Options

• 
  Classes

  
  Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun

• 
  Fashion

  
  Reflex, enclosed emitter

• 
  Mounting

  
  A number of mounting choices accessible

• 
  Window Measurement

  
  18mm (spherical)

• 
  Windage and Elevation Adjustment

  
  Proprietary adjustment device

• 
  Brightness

  
  12 settings, +/- toggle buttons

• 
  Night time-Imaginative and prescient Appropriate?

  
  Sure

• 
  Battery

  
  CR2032

The Aimpoint Micro H-2 is among the most sturdy and versatile crimson dots on the market. It’s scaled down and streamlined from the well-known Comp collection of crimson dots, however nonetheless presents high degree efficiency. This can be a nice sight for any sort of shut vary capturing, defensive purposes, or searching. It has quite a lot of mounting techniques accessible to accommodate nearly any rifle or shotgun you wish to put it on.

The sight itself has a tubular aluminum housing with an 18mm goal. It initiatives a 2.5-MOA crimson dot that’s adjustable from night time imaginative and prescient settings on the low finish, to shiny daylight at setting 12. In the event you manually flip the sight off, you do need to roll via the settings on this sight. The knurled brightness adjustment knob additionally homes the CR2032 battery that the Micro H2 runs on. Windage and elevation adjustment turrets are capped, and so they require a device that’s constructed into one of many caps to show them.

Most shooters will wish to use the quick-detach choice, which clamps onto Picatinny rail, and might be mounted in excessive or low configuration. The low configuration is ideal for many searching rifles and shotguns, and mounted larger permits for faster capturing and use with night time imaginative and prescient on carbines and PCCs.

Vortex AMG UH-1

See It

Professionals

• Massive sight window
• Intuitive management buttons
• Built-in QD mount
• Rugged housing

Cons

• Bigger than many different crimson dots

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Key Options

• 
  Classes

  
  Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun

• 
  Fashion

  
  Holographic, enclosed emitter

• 
  Mounting

  
  QD Picatinny rail clamp

• 
  Window Measurement

  
  1.3 inches (W), .98 inches (H)

• 
  Windage and Elevation Adjustment

  
  Flat bit screws

• 
  Brightness

  
  23 settings, +/- toggle buttons

• 
  Night time-Imaginative and prescient Appropriate?

  
  Sure

• 
  Battery

  
  CR123A

The AMG UH-1 is a holographic crimson dot with a big sight window that’s finest suited to carbines, however can be purposeful on a turkey or tactical shotgun as properly. It has a beefy rectangular housing and, just like the Eotech, initiatives a holographic picture of an in depth reticle fairly than a single dot reflection. It’s obtained substantial +/- toggle buttons on the rear of the sight, in addition to a “NV” button to activate night time imaginative and prescient mode. The window and tall QD mount make this sight straightforward to make use of along with night time imaginative and prescient goggles.

The windage and elevation changes are made through two flat-bit screw heads with slots which might be rounded on the backside and broad sufficient to make use of a coin or case rim to show. A single CR 123A battery powers the AMG UH-1, and the battery cap is cable-tied to the sight housing so you may’t simply lose it.

The EBR-CQB reticle includes a one-MOA heart dot that enables exact aiming, a delta reticle that’s situated 27.5 MOA under the middle (for shut contact aiming), and a 65-MOA halo. It offers the shooter a very good steadiness of precision and velocity, and is appropriate with a magnifier. 

Sig Sauer Romeo5 Gen II

See It

Professionals

• Inexpensive
• Excessive and Low mounting choices
• Compact

Cons

• Dot is isn’t as exact as others, starbursts at larger settings

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Key Options

• 
  Classes

  
  Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun

• 
  Fashion

  
  Reflex, closed emitter

• 
  Mounting

  
  Excessive and low Picatinny rail

• 
  Window Measurement

  
  20mm (spherical)

• 
  Windage and Elevation Adjustment

  
  Flat bit screws

• 
  Brightness

  
  12 settings, +/- toggle buttons

• 
  Night time-Imaginative and prescient Appropriate?

  
  Sure

• 
  Battery

  
  CR2032

The Romeo5 Gen II is a budget-friendly crimson dot that excels in quite a lot of purposes. It’s a compact crimson dot with a 20mm goal, and it consists of {hardware} to mount the sight on to Picatinny rail or up larger with the “I-beam” spacer. The crimson dot is powered by a CR2032 battery and sight adjustment screws might be moved with a flat bit or comparable instruments.

The brightness adjustment buttons are atop the sight housing, which offers an intuitive approach to alter the depth of the dot on the fly. It’s accessible in crimson and inexperienced dot configurations, and is among the finest choices for a sturdy crimson dot at an inexpensive value. The Romeo5 Gen II would work properly on an AR, lever-action, turkey gun, or simply about another brief vary capturing iron with a bit of Picatinny rail.

Vortex Sparc Solar

See It

Professionals

• Supplemental photo voltaic charging panel
• Simple brightness adjustment
• High and low co-witness mounts

Cons

• Generally brightness buttons aren’t instantly responsive

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Key Options

• 
  Classes

  
  Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun

• 
  Fashion

  
  Reflex, closed emitter

• 
  Mounting

  
  Excessive and low Picatinny mounts

• 
  Window measurement

  
  20mm (spherical)

• 
  Windage and Elevation Adjustment

  
  Flat bit screws

• 
  Brightness

  
  10 settings, +/- toggle buttons

• 
  Night time-Imaginative and prescient Appropriate

  
  Sure

• 
  Battery

  
  CR2032

The Sparc Photo voltaic is just like the extra inexpensive Crossfire crimson dot from Vortex, however it’s constructed to be extra rugged and has some extra interesting options. It nonetheless runs off a single CR2032 battery and the battery compartment is situated in the identical place. Nevertheless, it’s supplemented by a small photo voltaic panel on high of the aluminum housing and the sight switches to solar energy when uncovered to the solar. This may give the sight considerably longer run time relying on situations.

On the Sparc, windage and elevation adjustment screws are uncovered however flush with the housing. They’re straightforward to regulate however extra refined than these on the Crossfire. The one subject I’ve encountered in a pair years of utilizing a Sparc is that typically when turning brightness again up, I’ll press the button two or thrice earlier than it begins growing the depth. 

Athlon Midas TSR2

See It

Professionals

• Inexpensive
• Easy and sturdy
• Powered by one AAA battery

Cons

• Much less refined end and contours than different crimson dots

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Key Options

• 
  Classes

  
  Carbine, Shotgun, Tactical shotgun

• 
  Fashion

  
  Reflex, closed emitter

• 
  Mounting

  
  Excessive and low Picatinny rail mounts

• 
  Window Measurement

  
  20mm (spherical)

• 
  Windage and Elevation Adjustment

  
  Flat bit screws

• 
  Brightness

  
  13 settings, +/- toggle buttons

• 
  Night time-Imaginative and prescient Appropriate?

  
  Sure

• 
  Battery

  
  AAA

The Midas TSR2 is one other strong however inexpensive crimson dot sight that’s nice for carbines, turkey weapons, and tactical shotguns. This crimson dot is compact, and has a battery compartment just like the Aimpoint Comp. A pleasant perk is that it makes use of a single AAA battery, and within the two and half years I’ve been utilizing mine, it hasn’t been depleted. 

The TSR2 has capped windage and elevation turrets which might be rotated with the flat bit on the cap or another appropriate device. The turrets are properly shielded from influence by contouring of the aluminum housing. Brightness changes are made through the +/- buttons on the left facet of the sight.

Like comparable sights, the TSR2 can be utilized on Picatinny rail in excessive or low configuration and is mounted to its base by 4 screws. The contours and end are rather less refined than different dots in its class, however it’s nonetheless an interesting choice.

Extra of the Greatest Purple Dot Sights for Shotguns

Vortex Viper

See It

Professionals

• Simply mounts on to receiver
• Appropriate with hottest shotguns
• Low profile permits for pure gun mount

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Key Options

• 
  Classes

  
  Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun, Carbine

• 
  Fashion

  
  Reflex, closed emitter

• 
  Mounting

  
  Mounts on to drilled/tapped receiver, two to 3 screws

• 
  Window Measurement

  
  .87 inches (W) X .69 inches (H)

• 
  Windage and Elevation Adjustment

  
  Flat bit screws

• 
  Brightness

  
  +/- toggle buttons (high of sight)

• 
  Night time-Imaginative and prescient Appropriate?

  
  Sure

• 
  Battery

  
  CR2032

The design of Vortex’s new Viper crimson dot with an built-in mount is so intelligent it makes you marvel why no person designed it sooner. This enclosed emitter is constructed from a single piece of 6061 aluminum and it mounts on to the receiver of most shotguns (discover the listing of compatible shotguns here). As a result of no rail or adapter is required, the sight sits further low on the gun, which permits for a extra pure gun mount and a strong cheek weld. It solves the frequent subject of mounting dots to shotguns, which is that the sight sits too excessive above the receiver, disrupting the shooter’s pure level of purpose.  

The Viper was designed for turkey hunters, however it additionally suits properly on tactical shotguns and carbines. 

I’ve affixed these sights on three completely different shotguns for turkey searching and goal capturing and I’ve had zero points with mounting or level of influence shift (learn our full Viper Vortex review right here). You merely line up the mount slots with the holes in your receiver, use the right screws that are supplied with the sight, use a torque wrench to tighten them right down to 12 inch-pounds, and also you’re able to sight in. 

All in all, It’s the only and finest shotgun crimson dot system that I’ve seen but. — Alex Robinson 

Burris Fastfire 4

See It

Professionals

• Vast window is ideal for turkey searching
• Contains climate defend
• Comparatively low profile
• Auto on-off

Cons

• Brightness changes might be complicated
• Halo round crimson dot in shiny situations

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Key Options

• 
  Classes

  
  Shotgun, Pistol, Carbine

• 
  Fashion

  
  Reflex, open emitter

• 
  Mounting

  
  Physician footprint

• 
  Window Measurement

  
  1.10 inches (W) X .75 inches (T), measured 

• 
  Windage and Elevation Adjustment

  
  Flat bit screws

• 
  Brightness:

  
  one button (left facet)

• 
  Night time-Imaginative and prescient Appropriate?

  
  No

• 
  Battery

  
  CR1632

This is among the extra common crimson dots to mount on a turkey gun, and there’s an amazing motive for that — the broad window and skinny housing make for a superb sight image. For goal acquisition within the woods, I’ve not examined a sight that’s as quick and clear (aside from possibly the Trijicon SRO, however extra on that later). 

The model that I acquired had a picatinny rail mount included so attaching it to my shotgun was so simple as tightening a single bolt. Sighting within the Fastfire 4 was a breeze too, and I used it to shoot an extended beard on the opening day of turkey season right here in Minnesota, which made me just like the crimson dot much more. 

In comparison with different large-window dots in the marketplace, the Fastfire 4 has a comparatively low profile, which helps with pure aiming. It additionally has 4 reticle choices, although I favor the one crimson dot.

I’ve two quibbles with the sight. The primary was that whereas sighting in and capturing I observed there was a halo across the crimson dot (like a remnant of the opposite reticle choices, of which there are 4). This was solely perceptible in full daylight whereas aiming into the shadows. However nonetheless, not one thing I anticipated in a top quality mid-priced dot. My solely different critique is that biking the crimson dot brightness might be barely complicated. There are three guide brightness modes and one auto brightness choice. The issue I had was that it was laborious to inform if I used to be in a guide setting or auto mode. For turkey searching, I wish to set brightness manually, so I discovered myself messing with the settings simply attempting to make sure I used to be in guide.  

However nonetheless, this sight is a superb selection for any turkey gun that has a pic rail. It’s additionally a flexible optic that’s properly suited to quite a lot of handguns. — A. R. 

Trijicon SRO

See It

Professionals

• Massive window, quick goal acquisition
• Number of dot brightness choices
• Number of dot measurement choices

Cons

• Expensive
• No shake-wake function

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Key Options

• 
  Classes

  
  Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun, Pistol

• 
  Fashion

  
  Reflex, open emitter

• 
  Mounting

  
  RMR footprint

• 
  Window Measurement

  
  1.0 inches (spherical)

• 
  Windage and Elevation Adjustment

  
  Flat bit screws

• 
  Brightness:

  
  +/- toggle buttons (left and proper facet of sight)

• 
  Night time-Imaginative and prescient Appropriate?

  
  Sure

• 
  Battery

  
  CR2032

The SRO (Specialised Reflex Optic) was designed particularly for competitors pistol shooters who want to accumulate targets shortly whereas capturing each quick and precisely. Very like the Burris Fastfire 4 sight, it has a big window and a skinny housing so the sight doesn’t hinder your discipline of view. The distinction between the 2 is that the SRO has a taller, round window. 

In my capturing, I discovered it to be among the many quickest within the check. I feel it’s a superb choice for a defensive shotgun, a devoted turkey gun, or a crossover of the 2. 

The SRO has eight brightness settings, together with an auto brightness choice. You make brightness choices with massive buttons on the left and proper of the sight which might be straightforward to seek out and manipulate in a searching state of affairs. 

The one draw back to this dot is that it doesn’t have a shake-wake function, so you must bear in mind to show it off — or change the batter each couple years. — A. R. 

Aimpoint Acro S-2

See It

Professionals

• Mounts on to shotgun rib (suits all common shotguns)
• Massive dot is straightforward to see shortly
• Promotes constant gun mounting

Cons

• Sight housing obscures discipline of view
• Restricted versatility

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Key Options

• 
  Classes

  
  Shotgun

• 
  Fashion

  
  Reflex, closed emitter

• 
  Mounting

  
  Mounts on to shotgun rib

• 
  Window Measurement

  
  .75 inches (W) X .75 inches (H), measured

• 
  Windage and Elevation Adjustment

  
  T10 Torx screws

• 
  Brightness

  
  +/- toggle buttons (on left facet of the sight)

• 
  Night time-Imaginative and prescient Appropriate?

  
  Sure

• 
  Battery

  
  CR2032

This crimson dot is designed particularly for clays and wingshooting. It mounts on to the shotgun’s rib, and it has a 9 MOA dot (which may be very massive). The concept is that this sight helps wingshooters make a constant gun mount after which it offers a transparent aiming reference level. 

I put an S-2 on my Benelli Tremendous Black Eagle 3 and located the mounting course of to be extremely easy. 

Nevertheless, getting comfy capturing the S-2 took me a bit extra time. 

As a result of the sight is a bit of blocky, I discovered myself choosing up targets extra slowly than I’d with out the dot. I might see this particularly being a problem with lengthy crossing photographs, which want extra lead. 

Nevertheless, I can see the worth of the S-2 as a coaching device for brand spanking new shooters. I clearly must shoot with the sight extra earlier than passing last judgement. However I’ll give full credit score to Aimpoint for making a intelligent, stout little wingshooting crimson dot for individuals who need one. — A. R. 

Trijicon MRO

See It

Professionals

• Crisp dot and reticle
• Extremely sturdy
• Vast number of brightness settings
• 5-year guarantee

Cons

• Sits excessive above receiver
• No shake-wake function

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Key Options

• 
  Classes

  
  Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun, Carbine

• 
  Fashion

  
  Reflex, Closed emitter

• 
  Mounting

  
  Picatinny mount, three choices

• 
  Window Measurement

  
  1.31 inches (spherical)

• 
  Windage and Elevation Adjustment

  
  Flat bit screws

• 
  Brightness

  
  Prime turret adjustment

• 
  Night time-Imaginative and prescient Appropriate?

  
  Sure

• 
  Battery

  
  CR2032

The MRO is a superb companion for a shotgun or carbine that’s going to endure some abuse. I’ve hunted turkeys with the MRO over a number of seasons and love its sturdiness and performance. All the things about this sight feels extra heavy responsibility than on the opposite sights we’ve examined. The screws are larger, the knobs are heftier, and the mount is thicker. I’ve had no points with the sight dealing with the wear and tear and tear of laborious hunts plus the punishing recoil of 12-gauge turkey hundreds.

In the event you surf the online for MRO evaluations, you’ll discover some shooters complaining about reflection points and glare, particularly when aiming towards direct mild. However I had no such hassle whereas capturing my MRO. — A. R.

Bushnell RXM-300

See It

Professionals

• Inexpensive
• Massive window
• Shake-wake function
• 5-year guarantee

Cons

• Small adjustment buttons
• Some tint and glare

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Key Options

• 
  Classes

  
  Shotgun, Tactical Shotgun, Pistol, Carbine

• 
  Fashion

  
  Open emitter

• 
  Mounting

  
  RMR, two screws

• 
  Window Measurement

  
  1.13 inches (W) X .96 inches (H)

• 
  Windage and Elevation Adjustment

  
  Flat bit screws

• 
  Brightness

  
  +/- buttons on left and proper facet of sight

• 
  Night time-Imaginative and prescient Appropriate?

  
  Sure

• 
  Battery

  
  CR2032

In the event you’re not able to drop $600 (or extra) on a crimson dot in your shotgun, the Bushnell RXM is a strong, inexpensive choice that can at the least get you within the recreation. Its massive window and hefty base make it perfect for a turkey searching rig. I like the easy, intuitive controls of this sight and getting it dialed in was fast and painless (although I want the brightness adjustment buttons have been larger). 

When capturing on the vary I did discover that there was a bit extra blue-green tint and glare via this sight than with the upper finish dots. There’s a little bit of a fish-eye impact if you shoot this dot head-to-head in opposition to the SRO or Fastfire 4. However to be honest, this Bushnell is extra inexpensive than each of these sights. — A. R. 

How We Choose the Greatest Purple Dot Sights

There are a lot of good crimson dot sights in the marketplace, and our purpose is that will help you decide what’s going to work finest for you based mostly on our testing and expertise. This isn’t an exhaustive listing, however we now have examined each crimson dot sight talked about for months and even years. We shoot and hunt with them, and carry some every day. We ran most of the shotguns crimson dots in our vary check of the best shotguns for home defense.

As we check and consider extra sights, we’ll preserve this story up to date with related data and new merchandise.

FAQs

Ultimate Ideas

Purple dot sights are a few of the most versatile optics, masking an enormous array of purposes. The quantity of merchandise accessible has boomed in recent times, and there are good choices for just about each use case and price range. Think about what you wish to use it for, mounting choices, and person friendliness, and also you’re certain to discover a sight that can serve you properly. Whether or not in your EDC concealed-carry pistol, a short-range deer rifle, or your child’s first 22, a very good crimson dot sight presents many benefits.