A red dot sight is one of the best upgrades for the FN 5.7. It enhances its inherent precision and usability for self-defense, competition, or range shooting. This guide explores the best red dots for FN 5.7 to improve speed, accuracy, and overall shooting experience.
The FN 5.7 is a powerful handgun known for its high-velocity 5.7x28mm round, lightweight polymer frame, and low recoil. These attributes have made it a popular choice among civilian shooters for self-defense, competition, and range shooting. Given its precision and capability for longer-range engagements, pairing it with a high-quality red dot sight is key to push its performance to full potential.
Why a Red Dot Sight is Essential for the FN 5.7
Unlike traditional iron sights, a red dot sight offers faster target acquisition by allowing shooters to aim with both eyes open, increasing situational awareness and reducing the time it takes to align the sight with the target. Since the FN 5.7 is chambered in a small but high-speed caliber, the right optic should complement its characteristics by offering:
- Rapid Target Acquisition – The 5.7x28mm round is known for its flat trajectory, making it ideal for precise shooting. A red dot enhances this advantage by enabling quick and accurate sight alignment.
- Increased Accuracy at Range – More importantly, the FN 5.7 is more effective at longer distances than most handguns. A red dot helps shooters take advantage of this by providing a clear aiming point beyond traditional iron sight capabilities.
- Low-Profile and Lightweight Design – Given the FN 5.7’s lightweight construction, adding a bulky or heavy optic could negatively affect handling. A well-suited red dot sight should be compact and lightweight while maintaining durability.
- Compatibility and Durability – The best red dot for the FN 5.7 should be compatible with the pistol’s mounting options or easily adaptable with an appropriate plate. Additionally, it should withstand the firearm’s recoil, maintain zero, and perform reliably under various conditions.
Best Red Dots for FN 5.7
1) HOLOSUN HS507C X2 Red Dot
Specifications
- Reticle: Green 2 MOA Dot & 32 MOA Circle
- Battery Life (Hours): 50000
- Brightness Setting: 10 DL & 2 NV Compatible
- Window Size: 0.63×0.91
- Housing Material: 7075 T6 Aluminum
- Adjustment per Click: 1 MOA
The Holosun HE507C-GR X2 is the best red dot for FN 5.7. It combines durability, versatility, and cutting-edge technology making it an indispensable optic for most shooting applications.
The selling point of this red dot sight is its multi-reticle system. It features a green 2 MOA dot with a 32 MOA circle that enhance target acquisition speed and precision. Additionally, the 540nm wavelength green LED is easier on the eyes compared to traditional red dots while the parallax-free design and unlimited eye relief ensure shooters can maintain accuracy regardless of their viewing angle.
With true 1x magnification, this optic offers an unobstructed sight picture for rapid target transitions. Additionally, the adjustment per click of 1 MOA and a windage & elevation travel range of ±50 MOA make fine-tuning easy, allowing users to dial in their accuracy with precision.
Another highlight of the sight is its built to withstand harsh conditions. It boasts a rugged 7075 T6 aluminum housing with a durable anodized finish, ensuring long-lasting performance even in demanding environments. Furthermore, the weather-resistant design guarantees reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Pros
- Generous window size
- Impressive 50,000-hour battery life
- Compatible with night vision gear
- Lightweight and compact profile
- Robust build quality
Cons
- Small brightness adjustment buttons
2. Trijicon RMR Type 2 Red Dot Sight
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 16 mm
- Objective Window Size: 0.83 x 0.63 in
- Reticle: 3.25 MOA Red Dot
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA
Carrying the renowned Trijicon name, the RMR Type 2 Red Dot Sight is a top-tier optic designed for durability, precision, and versatility.
It is crafted from forged aluminum and the housing is exceptionally rugged, capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions and heavy recoil from powerful firearms. The Type 2 model improves upon its predecessor with upgraded electronics, ensuring reliability even under continuous use.
Furthermore, this red dot sight features an adjustable LED reticle, available in multiple MOA sizes. It provides users with flexibility for different shooting applications, whether it’s for self-defense, competition, or tactical use. Additionally, the true-color multi-coated lens offers excellent clarity and light transmission, helping the reticle serve its core function.
More importantly, the automatic brightness adjustment and manual override allow for optimal performance in varying lighting conditions. The battery life is also outstanding, with a CR2032 battery lasting up to four years on a moderate setting.
In terms of performance, the Trijicon RMR Type 2 is a game-changer for pistol shooters. It maintains zero exceptionally well, even after thousands of rounds. Furthermore, the adjustable windage and elevation controls are precise, with audible clicks that make zeroing in a straightforward process.
Pros
- Easy to zero in
- Robust build quality
- Long battery life
- Industry-leading optical clarity
Cons
- The bottom-loading design requires removing the optic to change battery
3. Holosun HS407C X2 Red Dot
Specifications
- Reticle: Green 2MOA Dot
- Battery Life (Hours): 50000
- Brightness Setting: 10 DL & 2 NV
- Window Size: 0.63×0.91
- Housing Material: 7075 T6 Aluminum
As one of the best red dots for FN 5.7, the Holosun HS407C X2 Red Dot offers exceptional value for its price. It is a top-tier optic designed for precision and durability.
The sight featuring a 2 MOA green dot reticle with a 540nm wavelength. It provides a crisp, highly visible aiming point in various lighting conditions and ensures rapid target acquisition with 1x magnification and parallax-free design.
Furthermore, the unlimited eye relief allows for quick and intuitive shooting, with or without eye glasses. Another standout feature is the dual power source, utilizing both a solar panel and a CR1632 battery, which extends the battery life to an impressive 50,000 hours.
Moreover, the 10 daylight brightness settings and 2 night vision-compatible settings offer versatility in any environment. With a 0.63×0.91-inch window, the optic also provides a generous sight picture, enhancing situational awareness without adding unnecessary bulk.
Above all, thanks to its robust 7075 T6 aluminum housing with a high-quality anodized finish, the red dot sight resistant to wear and harsh conditions.
Pros
- Military-grade durability
- User-friendly side battery compartment
- Night vision compatible settings
- Decent battery life
Cons
- Comparatively small sighting window
4. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Reflex Sight
Specifications
- Fabric/Material: Aluminum
- Objective Lens Diameter: 0.71 – 1.05 in
- Objective Window Size: 25.7 x 17.5 mm
- Reticle: 2.5 MOA Dot
- Brightness Settings: 8
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA
The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Reflex Sight combines rugged durability with precision performance, making it an ideal optic for competitive shooters, law enforcement professionals, and tactical enthusiasts.
Its 2.5 MOA red dot provides a crisp, clear aiming point, enhancing rapid target acquisition while maintaining accuracy at extended distances. Additionally, you can tailor its illumination relative to the lighting condition using 8 brightness settings.
Solid construction is another facet that makes this red dot sight stand out. It is constructed with a robust aluminum housing and features a protective steel shroud, ensuring resilience against harsh conditions and heavy recoil. Furthermore, the Leupold’s proprietary DiamondCoat lens technology delivers superior light transmission and scratch resistance, offering exceptional clarity even in low-light environments.
In terms of usability, the DeltaPoint Pro excels with its wide field of view, which enhances situational awareness and makes tracking moving targets easier compared to many competitors. Its 1 MOA elevation and windage adjustments allow for precise zeroing, and the top-mounted brightness control button ensures effortless adjustments on the fly.
Pros
- Ease of use in high-pressure situations
- Durable and reliable construction
- Wide field of view
- Bright and crisp reticle
Cons
- Short battery life
5. Sig Sauer Romeo Zero Reflex Sight
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24 mm
- Reticle: 3 MOA
- Brightness Settings: 8
- Battery Life: 20000 hours
- Length: 1.6 in
- Weight: 0.4 oz
The Sig Sauer Romeo Zero Reflex Sight marks our last recommendation for the best red dots for FN 5.7. As a compact and ultra-light red dot optic, this red dot sight is designed primarily for micro-compact and subcompact handguns.
Built with a rugged yet minimalist polymer housing, it offers both durability and reduced weight, making it an ideal choice for concealed carry or everyday carry applications. Furthermore, this optic features a top-loading battery compartment that eliminates the need to remove the optic for battery replacement.
Regarding reticle, the Romeo Zero employs a 3 MOA red dot that provides a crisp and clear aiming point suitable for rapid target acquisition. Its aspherical glass lens, coated with Sig’s proprietary SpectraCoat ensures minimal distortion and a bright, high-contrast sight picture while the 8 brightness settings ensure visibility and adaptability in various lighting conditions.
To top it all off, the sight has motion-activated illumination (MOTAC) that helps conserve battery life by powering down when the sight is inactive, then instantly reactivating upon movement.
Pros
- Good value for its price
- Versatile
- Large field of view
- Easy access top-loading battery construction
Cons
- The polymer construction, while durable, is not as premium as aluminum-bodied alternatives
Criteria for Choosing a Red Dot Sight for FN 5.7
Choosing the best red dot sight requires careful consideration of several features that directly impact performance and usability. The key factors to consider include:
Dot/Reticle Size
One of the most critical factors is dot size, which determines the balance between precision and speed. A smaller dot, typically between 2 MOA and 3.5 MOA, allows for more accurate shots at longer distances, making it ideal for precision shooting. Conversely, a larger dot enhances target acquisition speed at close range, which is beneficial in tactical or self-defense scenarios where rapid engagement is crucial. Selecting the right dot size depends on the intended use and shooting environment.
Battery Life
Battery life is another essential consideration, as a reliable optic should be ready when needed without frequent battery changes. Many modern red dot sights offer extended battery life exceeding 20,000 hours, ensuring long-term functionality. Additional features like auto-shutoff and motion-activated power help conserve energy, reducing the risk of the sight failing at a critical moment.
Adjustable Reticle Brightness
The ability to adjust reticle brightness is crucial for maintaining visibility in varying lighting conditions. The best red dots for FN 5.7 should include multiple brightness settings to accommodate different environments, from bright daylight to low-light situations. If night vision use is a priority, the optic should also be compatible with night vision devices, allowing for seamless transitions between lighting conditions.
Lens Clarity
Another factor that affects performance is lens clarity and coatings. High-quality red dot sights feature anti-glare and multi-coated lenses, which improve visibility by reducing reflections and enhancing light transmission. A clear, distortion-free lens also provides a crisp reticle, allowing for more accurate aiming. Additionally, these coatings enhance durability, protecting the lens from scratches and environmental elements.
Mounting Options
Mounting options play a significant role in selecting a red dot sight, particularly for firearms like the FN 5.7. Some models come optic-ready, allowing for direct mounting, while others require a mounting plate. Ensuring compatibility with popular mounting footprints expands optic choices, offering flexibility in selecting the best sight for the firearm.
Durability
Finally, consider durability and waterproofing that are vital for maintaining performance in various conditions. High-quality materials and robust engineering provide reliability, making the optic a trustworthy companion in demanding situations. The best red dots for FN 5.7 should also have a shock-resistant, waterproof, and fog-proof construction to ensures that the optic remains functional in harsh environments, from rain to extreme temperature changes.
Best Red Dots for FN 5.7 FAQs
- What mounting plate do I need for a red dot on the FN 5.7?
The modern FN 5.7 handgun includes mounting plates for popular optics footprints. If you have an older model, you may need an aftermarket mounting plate from companies like FN or C&H Precision.
- What is the best MOA size for a red dot on the FN 5.7?
It depends on user case. A 2-3 MOA dot is ideal for balancing accuracy and quick target acquisition while a larger dot (4-6 MOA) may be better for rapid shooting.
- Do I need night vision compatibility?
If you plan to use the FN 5.7 in low-light or tactical scenarios, a red dot with night vision compatible settings can be beneficial.
Final Words
Hopefully, you have found this buying guide insightful and of great help. There are plenty of great red dots available on the market. When making a selection, carefully evaluating the key features each model brings to the table and select the model that meets your needs, whether for self-defense, competition, or tactical applications.