14-05-2025
Improve targeting with the best red dot sights
One of the most accurate sights available for any given rifle, pistol or shotgun is the red dot sight, thanks to its significantly increased levels of simplicity and durability. They are so easy to use and accurate that some handguns even include a red dot sight built in. However, it can be tricky to find the perfect red dot sight due to a few minor complicating factors.
For most firearms, the best red dot sight is the Bushnell Red Dot Sight. The Bushnell brand is well known for its high-quality gear, and this high-accuracy and strong durability red dot sight handily continues that trend.
Types of red dot sights
The two types of red dot sights are tubeless and tubed.
Lens coatings
Red dot sights apply many different lens coatings, with some of the more common coatings being:
Mounting
Red dot sights can be attached to almost any firearm, though certain red dot sights will only natively attach to matching firearms. For example, most red dot sights mount to your existing rear iron sight or Picatinny or Weaver rails. If your firearm and prospective red dot sight are incompatible natively, plenty of adapters are available to attach them eventually.
Adjustments
Two of the main adjustable features of a red dot sight are brightness and parallax.
Entry-level red dot sights are surprisingly low in cost, as one of the cheapest available is only $25, give or take, though you do sacrifice some quality, which may or may not be a deal-breaker based on your needs. At least the midrange red dot sights typically run from $50-$150, meaning it should be reasonably easy to find an option that fits you perfectly. Should you need the absolute best-of-the-best for any reason, you can find yourself spending anywhere from $200 to $1,000 or more.
Why does a red dot sight sometimes include a green dot sight option?
A. The color red can have several complicating factors for people with various specialized considerations. One of the most common issues is that for some with a certain kind of color blindness, red can be seen as a light orange, which makes the sight challenging to see. The color red also becomes more difficult to focus on as the eyes age. Even without these factors, the color green is easier to see in low light than red.
What's the difference between a laser sight and a red dot sight?
A. Firstly, laser sights aren't technically a sight but a projector. They project the laser outward to an exterior point that you use a scope to see and are illegal for hunting some types of game in a few states. A red dot sight uses an LED light to illuminate the center of an optical device, and they currently have no legal restrictions.
Top red dot sight
Bushnell Red Dot Sight
What you need to know: Bushnell is one of the best brands available for red dot sights, and this offering is no exception.
What you'll love: The battery can last for several months, and the reticle is easy to adjust for accuracy.
What you should consider: High-powered rifles can cause the sight to loosen after enough firings.
Top red dot sight for the money
Dagger Defense DDHB Red Dot Reflex Sight
What you need to know: This is a surprisingly low-cost red dot sight of high quality.
What you'll love: The reticle is bright, especially at night, and you can set it to either red or green.
What you should consider: This red dot sight uses screws of several different sizes and won't fit all rifles.
Worth checking out
Ozark Armament Rhino Tactical Green 7 Red Dot Sight for Rifles & Shotguns
What you need to know: This is one of the lowest-cost red dot sights with a few issues, but it remains a good option for the price.
What you'll love: The optics are clearer than most, and you can easily see the red dot in any level of brightness.
What you should consider: The red dot can sometimes be out of shape, and the lens caps aren't the highest quality.
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