AR pistols, with their compact size and versatility, demand optics that can keep up with their dynamic performance. Red dot sights are an ideal match, offering a clear and consistent aiming point that allows shooters to maintain focus on the target. Today, we will show you the best AR pistol red dots, made with an array of phenomenal features to make a substantial difference in performance.
Best AR Pistol Red Dots
We have reviewed the best AR pistol red dots to help you figure out the right one. These are not random picks. They are a result of a thorough analysis of the market you can be sure they are great options.
1) Holosun HS507C-X2 1×2 MOA Dot Reflex Red Dot Sight
The Holosun HS507C-X2 1×2 MOA is an exceptional red dot sight that features a versatile reticle with a green 2 MOA dot surrounded by a 32 MOA circle, giving you the liberty to choose the one that suits your preferences and needs best.
It is designed for endurance and long-lasting use as revealed by the dual power source: solar energy and a CR1632 battery. This combination ensures an impressive battery life of up to 50,000 hours, giving you confidence that your sight will perform when you need it most. It also ensures that your shooting doesn’t stop in case the battery dies as the solar backup supplements it.
The sight includes 10 daylight brightness settings and 2 night vision settings, ensuring visibility in low light. no light, or dark conditions.
The robust construction of the HS507C-X2 features a 7075 T6 aluminum housing with an anodized surface finish, providing exceptional durability and resistance to the elements. It is waterproof so moisture will not inhibit performance.
Specifications
- Battery Type: CR1632
- Battery Life: 50,000 hours
- Illumination Type: LED
- Illumination Settings: 12
- Material: 7075-T6 aluminum
- Parallax: Parallax Free
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA
- Waterproof: Yes
- Weight: 1.5 oz
- Shake Awake: Yes
- Solar Failsafe: Yes
- Reticle: 2 MOA Dot and 32 MOA Circle
Pros
- Awesome battery time
- Sturdy
- Ease of use
- Crisp, clear reticle
Cons
- None
2) Burris FastFire III Red Dot Sight
The Burris FastFire III is a compact and lightweight AR pistol red dot crafted from high-quality aluminum, ensuring robust performance in any environment. It has a black matte finish that provides a low-glare surface.
The unit has an objective window of 21×15 mm, offering an expansive field of view to keep you on target in dynamic shooting scenarios. With unlimited eye relief, the sight allows for flexible mounting options and comfortable aiming, no matter your shooting stance.
Illumination is powered by an efficient LED, producing a bright red dot with three adjustable brightness settings to suit various lighting conditions. The automatic brightness sensor adjusts reticle brightness depending on the ambient lighting. You can choose manual or automatic brightness settings depending on which suits you best.
The precise 1 MOA adjustment click value ensures accurate sighting adjustments, while the wide field of view of 190 feet at 100 yards gives you exceptional situational awareness.
It operates on a reliable CR1632 battery which makes the sight last and perform consistently in the field. Battery access is conveniently placed on top of the sight, eliminating the need for dismounting the entire setup when replacing the battery.
Its weather-resistant construction makes it an ideal choice for outdoor use, handling the elements with ease.
This candidate for the best AR pistol red dots has a length of 1.9 inches and a lightweight design weighing just 1.5 ounces, making it a perfect fit for AR pistols without adding unnecessary bulk.
Specifications
- Battery Type: CR1632
- Illumination Type: LED
- Illumination Settings: 3
- Material: Aluminum
- Finish: Matte
- Parallax: Parallax Free
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA
- Waterproof: Yes
- Weight: 1.5 oz
Pros
- Ease of operation
- Construction Quality
- Lightweight
- Automatic brightness sensor
- Reasonable price
- Picatinny/Weaver mounting
Cons
- None
3) Vortex Viper 1x24mm 6 MOA Red Dot Sight
The Vortex Viper 1x24mm 6 MOA Red Dot Sight offers unmatched precision, durability, and versatility. It is engineered to perform in the most demanding conditions and is equipped with advanced features that make it an essential tool for any serious shooter.
The Viper’s optical system boasts fully multi-coated lenses, ensuring loads of light pass through for enhanced brightness and clarity. The 6 MOA dot is easy to pick up and helps you get on target with lightning-fast speed. Power and illumination knobs are conveniently located and are easy to adjust, making ease of use a priority for the Vortex Viper.
Apart from that, it has a parallax-free design that guarantees your point of aim stays true regardless of eye position. Another highlight that cements the Viper as one of the best AR pistol red dots is the super sleek 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments that make sighting effortless.
The single-piece chassis is both lightweight and incredibly durable. Its robust design includes waterproof and shockproof features, ensuring reliable performance in harsh environments and inclement weather. The hard anodized finish adds an extra layer of protection against wear and tear, while the ArmorTek coating safeguards the lenses from scratches, oil, and dirt.
The compact design of this contender of the best AR pistol with red dots and a rugged build make it an excellent addition to any AR pistol, providing superior performance without adding unnecessary bulk.
Specifications
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Battery Life: 150 to 30000 hours
- Illumination Settings: 10
- Material: Aluminum
- Finish: Matte
- Parallax: Parallax Free
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA
- Waterproof: Yes
- Shockproof: Yes
- Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
- Reticle: 6 MOA Dot
- Weight: 1.1 oz
Pros
- Sighting in is a breeze
- The dot is easy to see
- Bright, clear optics
- Side-mounting battery
- Long battery life
- Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun compatible
Cons
- Water resistance to 1m only
4) Trijicon RMR Type 2 RM01 1x65mm 3.25 MOA Red Dot Sight
The RMR Type 2 RM01 features an LED illuminated 3.25 MOA reticle that automatically adjusts to the available light conditions. This ensures optimal visibility without the hassle of manual brightness adjustments.
Unlike conventional sights, the RMR features dual illumination technology that relies on fiver optics to adjust the reticle brightness to existing lighting conditions and tritium phosphor lamp to illuminate the reticle in low-light conditions.
You will find intuitive buttons on the side of the optic that let the user adjust the intensity settings, engage the manual and automatic modes, and deactivate the sight for storage.
This sight boasts robust battery contacts and electronics, designed to perform reliably even in harsh environments. It’s engineered to be waterproof up to 20 meters, providing dependable performance in various conditions.
The housing is crafted from military-grade aluminum alloy and features a unique patented shape that diverts the force of impact away from the lens. This significantly enhances the sight’s durability and ensures it can withstand rough handling and impact.
The true-color multi-coated lens allows for wide-band light transmission, resulting in minimal color distortion of the target area. This feature, combined with dual illumination, ensures clear and accurate targeting.
The RMR Type 2 RM01 offers easily adjustable windage and elevation settings without the need for special tools. Each click adjusts the sight by 1 MOA, allowing for precise zeroing.
Specifications
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Battery Life: 2 years standby use
- Objective Lens Diameter: 16mm
- Battery Conservation Mode: Yes
- Material: Forged Aluminum
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA
- Waterproof: Yes
- Shockproof: Yes
- Optical Coating: True Color Multi-Coated
- Reticle: 3.25 MOA Dot
- Weight: 1.1 oz
Pros
- Robust construction
- Reliable click adjustments
- Bright and clear dot
- Effortless installation
- Easily Adjustable Windage/elevation
Cons
- Pricey
5) Sig Sauer Romeo Zero 1×6 MOA Red Dot Sight
Last not but least on our review of the best AR pistol red dots is the Sig Sauer Romeo Zero 1×6 MOA red dot sight.
The Romeo Zero features a SpectraCoat HD polymer lens, which offers 10 times the impact resistance compared to traditional glass lenses. This high durability ensures the lens can withstand tough conditions and heavy use.
With 8 vivid, user-configurable daytime illumination levels, this sight allows shooters to customize the brightness to match their environment, ensuring clear visibility in various lighting conditions.
It includes the innovative MOTAC system, which automatically powers up the sight when it senses motion and powers it down when idle. This feature not only extends battery life but also ensures the sight is always ready when needed.
The sight’s highly efficient, point source LED emitter provides a crisp and clear dot, making it 8 times more efficient than competitors. This precision enhances accuracy and target acquisition.
The battery life is worth noting. It lasts up to 10 years or 20,000 hours offering unrivaled longevity in a micro reflex sight. This long battery life ensures consistent performance without the frequent need for replacements.
Specifications
- Battery Type: CR1632
- Battery Life: 20000
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Parallax: Parallax Free
- Lens Material: Polymer
- Brightness Settings: 8
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA
- Optical Coating: Spectra Coat HD
- Reticle: 6 MOA Dot
- Weight: 0.4 oz
- Length: 1.6 inches
Pros
- Lightweight
- Clear and easy for old eyes
- Mounts without hassle
- MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination System)
- Parallax free
- Long battery life
Cons
- None
What to Consider When Buying the Best AR Pistol Red Dots
When buying the best AR pistol red dots, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you get a sight that meets your needs and performs well.
Size of the Dot
The size of the dot measured in MOA, affects accuracy and speed of target acquisition. Smaller dots such as 1-3 MOA are more precise for longer ranges, while larger dots such as 4-6 MOA are faster to pick up for close-quarters shooting.
Durability
The second thing to look at when analyzing the best AR pistol red dots is the durability.
A good unit should be robustly made from robust materials like aluminum or reinforced polymer. The housing should be able to withstand drops, impacts, and harsh environmental conditions.
Consider sights with durable lenses, such as those made from high-quality glass or impact-resistant polymer.
Illumination Settings
Sights can either have manual or automatic modes or both. Some offer manual brightness adjustments, while others adjust automatically based on ambient light. Choose based on your preference for control and ease of use.
Ensure the sight offers multiple illumination settings to accommodate various lighting conditions, including bright daylight and low-light environments.
Battery Life
Consider the longevity of the battery in the best AR pistol red dots. Longer battery life is crucial for reliability. Look for sights with extended battery life that extends to several years or thousands of hours to minimize the need for frequent replacements.
Features like motion-activated illumination (MOTAC) and Shake Awake can help conserve battery life by turning the sight off when not in use.
Ease of Use
When it comes to ease of use, consider the windage and elevation adjustments. The sight should allow for easy and precise windage and elevation adjustments, ideally without needing special tools.
Also, consider the placement of power and brightness adjustment buttons. They should be conveniently located and easy to access for fast execution in the heat of action.
Optical Clarity
The next factor to look at when searching for the best AR pistol red dots is the optical clarity. Multi-coated lenses provide better light transmission and clearer views. Look for sights with anti-reflective coatings to reduce glare. Lenses that maintain true colors of the target area can improve accuracy and target identification.
Size and Weight
For an AR pistol, a compact and lightweight sight is preferable to maintain the balance and maneuverability of the firearm.
Weather Resistance
The best AR pistol red dots should be able to perform relentlessly regardless of the weather condition. They should be waterproof to prevent penetration of moisture as this can lead to damage of the interior components. They should be fogproof to ensure reliable functionality in a wide range of temperatures.
Price and Warranty
Determine your budget and look for the best quality sight within that range. While more expensive sights often offer better features and durability, there are also good budget-friendly options.
A good warranty can provide peace of mind and protect your investment.
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Pros and Cons of Pistol Red Dots
Pros
Improved Accuracy
Red dots provide a precise aiming point, making it easier to aim accurately, especially at longer distances or smaller targets.
Faster Target Acquisition
The single focal plane allows shooters to quickly acquire targets without needing to align front and rear sights.
Better Low-Light Performance
Red dots are often easier to see in low-light conditions compared to traditional iron sights.
Better Situational Awareness
Red dot sights allow shooters to keep both eyes open while aiming, maintaining a wider field of view and better situational awareness.
Ease of Use
Red dots simplify aiming by reducing the need for precise sight alignment, making them user-friendly for both novice and experienced shooters.
Cons
Battery Dependency
Red dot sights require batteries to function, and a dead battery can render the sight useless unless it has backup iron sights.
Cost
High-quality red dot sights can be expensive, adding a significant cost to the firearm setup.
Can an AR Pistol Have a Red Dot?
Yes, an AR pistol can have a red dot sight, and it is often a popular choice among shooters. Red dot sights provide quick target acquisition, improved accuracy, and ease of use, making them ideal for the compact and maneuverable nature of AR pistols.
These sights are compatible with standard mounting systems like Picatinny or Weaver rails, and they come in durable, lightweight designs that withstand recoil and harsh conditions. When selecting a red dot sight for an AR pistol, consider factors such as reticle size, battery life, and overall durability to ensure optimal performance.
How Far Should I Sight in My Pistol Red Dot?
Sighting in your pistol red dot sight at a distance of 15 yards is generally recommended for most practical purposes. This distance strikes a balance between close-quarters effectiveness and moderate-range accuracy, making it suitable for self-defense scenarios and general shooting practice.
Sighting in at 15 yards allows you to ensure that your point of aim closely aligns with the point of impact at various distances encountered in typical shooting environments. It provides a versatile zero that accommodates both short-range engagements and allows for adjustments for longer distances as needed, making it a practical choice for most pistol shooters.
Steps to Sight in Your Pistol Red Dot
Set up at the chosen distance.
Place your target at the desired distance (10, 15, or 25 yards).
Secure the Pistol
Use a stable shooting platform or rest to minimize movement and ensure consistency.
Fire a Group of Shots
Aim at the center of the target using the red dot and fire a group of 3-5 shots to see where they impact.
Adjust the Sight
Use the windage and elevation adjustment knobs on your red dot sight to move the point of impact toward the center of the target. Make small adjustments and fire another group of shots to check accuracy.
Repeat As Necessary
Continue making adjustments and firing groups until the point of impact aligns with the red dot.
Confirm Zero
Once you’re satisfied with the zero at your chosen distance, confirm it by shooting from different distances to see how the point of impact changes. This helps you understand the trajectory and make necessary holdovers for varying ranges.
Conclusion
Red dots are very efficient tools on AR. They transform your shooting to new heights and require some practice and training to become accustomed to. This review of the best AR pistol red dots has laid bare all you need to know to make a wise investment decision and we hope it has been helpful.