Best Handgun Red Dots for Accuracy & Performance

Best Handgun Red Dots

"The primary advantage of using a pistol red dot optic is the ability to keep both eyes open while remaining target-focused." — Richard Nance

Regardless of whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, having the right gear can really boost your accuracy. One game changing piece of equipment in handgun shooting is the red dot sight. These small optical sights have quickly gained popularity among shooters because they help you grab targets fast and shoot with greater precision, so let's explore how the best handgun red dots can really take your shooting skills to the next level.

1. Is It Worth Putting a Red Dot on a Handgun?

Red dots on handguns are becoming increasingly popular, but are they worth the investment? Here are some points to consider:

• Improved Accuracy: Red dots allow for a single focal point when aiming, which can result in faster and more precise shots. This is particularly useful for aging shooters or those with less than perfect vision, as red dots. Eliminate the need to align front and rear sights.
• Speed of Acquisition: Red dot sites can also speed up target acquisition, as shooters no longer need to focus on aligning iron sites. This can be advantages for competition, shooting, self-defense, situations, or when engaging multiple targets.
• Learning Curve: there's a learning curve when transitioning from iron sites to a red dot. Finding the red dot quickly and consistently takes practice, and improper presentation of the handgun can make the dots disappear from you.
• Durability and Reliability: high-quality red dots are durable, but they do depend on batteries and electronics. A bat dying unexpectedly can leave you without a siding option, so many shooters choose to pair a red dot with coldness iron sites as a back up.

In short, putting a red dot on a handgun can be worthwhile, especially for those looking to improve speed and accuracy, but it comes with a learning curve and dependency on electronics.

2. What Distance Should You Sight In a Red Dot on a Handgun?

The distance at which you sight in a red dot on a pistol depends on its intended use. Here are some guidelines:

• Typical Sighting Distance: Most shooters zero their handgun red dot at 10 to 15 yards. This distance allows for an effective point of aim/point of impact for typical self-defense situations, engagements are likely to occur at short ranges. Sighting in at this distance ensures that the bullets trajectory closely matches the dots point of aim for most self-defense encounters.
  
• Defensive Use: For self-defense purposes, a 10 yard zero is a good starting point. This gives an appropriate balance between shorter and slightly longer range shots. The red dot can still be affective for engagements out to 25 yards or more with minimal adjustments.
  
• Competition and Longer Distances: Some competition shooters prefer a 25 yard zero this allows for more accuracy at longer ranges, but may require you to compensate slightly closer distances.
  

Ultimately, the distance at which you sit in your red dot will depend on your specific needs and intended use. Testing a different distances to see where your routes are impacting can help you understand the trajectory better and make adjustments accordingly.

3. Pros and Cons of Pistol Red Dots

To decide if a red dot sight is right for your handgun, it's important to weigh the pros and cons:

Pros:

Faster Target Acquisition: Red dots can significantly improve target acquisition speed. Unlike iron sights, which require aligning front and rear sights, red dots only require placing the dot on the target.

Increased Accuracy: Red dots provide a single aiming point that allows shooters to stay focused, which can help increase both precision and accuracy. They also simplify, aiming, especially for beginners.

Improved Shooting in Low Light Conditions: Red dots are more often illuminated, which makes them highly effective in low-light scenarios. This is useful in home defense situations, where lighting conditions are typically poor.

Simplifies Aiming for New Shooters: New shooters often struggle with the concept of aligning iron sights, and focusing on the front site. A red dot can simplify aiming and improve a new shooters, confidence and abilities.

Cons:

Learning Curve: Initially it may be difficult to find the red dot quickly when drawing the handgun. It requires practice to ensure you present the handgun correctly, each time allowing the red dot to appear within the sight window.

Battery Dependency: Red dots depend on batteries, and if the battery fails, you lose your sighting system. Using co-witness sights as a back up can mitigate this risk, but it's an added consideration.

Cost and Durability: Red dot sights can be relatively expensive, and mounting them may require modifications to the slide or purchasing a compatible model. Additionally, while modern red dots are designed to be durable, they are still vulnerable to damage from drops or impact.

Training Requirement: Training and repetition are required to develop muscle memory for consistently, presenting the handgun in a way that allows you to find the dot immediately. This might be discouraging for some shooters who expect an immediate improvement.

How to choose the right red dot for your handgun

When selecting the best red dot for your handgun, consider the following:

Intended Use: Whether you're choosing a red dot for self-defense, competition, or recreational shooting, certain features will matter more. Durability and battery life are crucial for defensive use, while a crisp radical and multiple options may be beneficial for competition.

Mounting System: Ensure that the red dot you choose is compatible with your handgun or can be easily mounted using appropriate plates or mounts.

Budget: Quality red dots can vary greatly in price. High-end optics like the Trijicon RMR Type 2 are an excellent choice if budget allows, while options like the Holosun 507C provide good quality at the more budget friendly price.

Here are some of the best red dots on the market, each offering a combination of durability functionality, and user-friendly features.

1. Trijicon RMR Type 2

The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is often regarded as the gold standard for handgun red dots. It offers: 

• Durability: Made from forged aluminum, the RMR is built to withstand heavy recoil and tough conditions, making it suitable for both defensive use and competitive shooting.
• Auto-Adjusting Brightness: It features an auto-adjusting LED for brightness, which makes it perfect for variable lighting environments.
• Battery Life: With a CR2032 battery, the RMR can last up to four years of continuous use, ensuring reliability when it matters most.
• Price: While it sits at a premium price point, its quality and reliability are unmatched, making it a top pick for serious shooters.

2. Holosun 507C X2

The Holosun 507C X2 has been praised for providing incredible value without compromising on quality. Some of its standout features include:

• Multiple Reticle Options: The 507C X2 has three reticle choices, including a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or a combination of both, allowing you to customize your aiming experience.
• Solar Fail-Safe Technology: This feature ensures that the sight stays operational, even if the battery fails, by using solar energy as a backup power source.
• Shake Awake Technology: The red dot automatically powers on when it senses movement, preserving battery life while keeping the dot ready for immediate use.
• Durability and Affordability: It features rugged construction at a relatively affordable price, making it an excellent choice for many shooters.

3. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro

The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro is a popular choice for those seeking a crisp, bright red dot and a wide field of view. Notable features include:

• Clear Glass and Large Viewing Window: The DeltaPoint Pro offers an exceptionally clear glass with minimal tint, and the large viewing window allows for faster dot acquisition and tracking of moving targets.
• Motion Sensor Technology: The built-in motion sensor powers up the red dot when it detects movement and turns off to save battery when stationary.
• Night Vision Compatibility: This optic is compatible with night vision, making it suitable for various tactical scenarios.
• Battery Location: The battery is top-loading, allowing for easy replacement without having to remove the optic from your handgun.

4. SIG Sauer Romeo1PRO

The SIG Sauer Romeo1PRO is designed with both competitive and defensive shooting in mind. Key highlights include:

• Integrated Co-Witnessing: The Romeo1PRO has a low-profile design that allows for co-witnessing with standard iron sights, providing backup options in case the red dot fails.
• Fast and Accurate: It features a 3 MOA dot that offers rapid target acquisition, ideal for fast-paced situations.
• Aluminum Housing and Steel Shroud: The optic is built to withstand impact, and the steel shroud provides additional protection for heavy use.
• Compatibility: This red dot is designed to work seamlessly with SIG pistols, especially those in the P320 line, making it a perfect pairing for SIG users.

5. Crimson Trace RAD Pro

The Crimson Trace RAD Pro is a high-quality red dot that offers excellent performance for both defensive and competition use. Notable features include:

• 3.0 MOA Reticle: The RAD Pro offers a crisp 3.0 MOA red dot, providing an optimal balance between precision and visibility for various shooting scenarios.
• Ambient Light Sensor: It features an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness of the dot based on the surrounding environment, ensuring the right brightness level at all times.
• Durable Construction: Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, the RAD Pro is designed to withstand heavy recoil and rough conditions.
• Shake to Wake: The Shake to Wake feature keeps the red dot ready when you need it while preserving battery life when not in use.

We hope you found this article helpful. Please refer to these links for some options from our website, and for further help, feel free to email us with your questions so we can assist you in picking the best option. 

Happy Shooting!