Best Reflex Sights for AR-15s, Pistols and Shotguns in 2023
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In this guide, I’m going to give you the best reflex sight for AR-15, Pistols and Shotguns.
I’ve hand-tested lots of red dot sights before giving my input and review.
I’ve sorted the optics by use. So, whether you’re on a budget or need the best reflex sight for your AR-15, pistol or shotgun, you’ll find it here.
Let’s start!
Red Dot Sight vs. Reflex Sights vs. Holographics
Red Dot Sight:
A red dot sight is a type of optic that projects a red dot or reticle onto a lens, which is then superimposed onto the target. These sights use LED (Light Emitting Diode) technology to create the dot. The red dot appears to be on the same focal plane as the target, allowing for quick and easy target acquisition. Red dot sights are popular for their simplicity, ease of use, and versatility across various shooting applications.
Reflex Sight:
Reflex sights, also known as reflex red dot sights, function similarly to red dot sights but use a different optical system. Instead of projecting a dot onto a lens, reflex sights use a partially reflective glass or acrylic element to reflect an illuminated reticle back to the shooter’s eye. The reticle appears as a bright, glowing dot or shape that is superimposed on the target. Reflex sights are known for their wide field of view, fast target acquisition, and ability to be used with both eyes open.
Holographic Sight:
Holographic sights, like those produced by EOTech, use holographic technology to create a reticle pattern. They operate by reflecting a laser-generated holographic reticle onto a glass optical window. The holographic reticle appears as a three-dimensional image floating in front of the shooter’s eye. Holographic sights offer a crisp, clear reticle, excellent target acquisition speed, and the ability to be used with both eyes open. They are also known for their durability and resistance to parallax.
Key Differences:
1. Optical System: Red dot sights and reflex sights use LED or illuminated reticles, while holographic sights use holographic technology to create a reticle image.
2. Reticle Appearance: Red dot sights typically have a single dot reticle, while reflex sights and holographic sights can offer various reticle options, including dots, circles, or other shapes.
3. Field of View: Reflex sights generally provide a wider field of view compared to red dot sights and holographic sights, allowing for better situational awareness.
4. Power Source: Red dot sights and reflex sights often use batteries to power the illumination, while holographic sights commonly use a battery or a combination of battery and fiber optics.
5. Parallax: Red dot sights and holographic sights are designed to minimize or eliminate parallax error, while reflex sights can have some minor parallax due to their optical design.
Ultimately, the choice between red dot sights, reflex sights, and holographic sights depends on personal preference, shooting needs, and budget. Each type has its own advantages and considerations, so it’s important to try them out and see which one works best for your shooting style and requirements.
How to Choose the Best Reflex Sight
Choosing the best reflex sight for your needs can depend on several factors. Here are some key considerations to help you make an informed decision:
1. Purpose and Intended Use: Determine the primary purpose for which you will be using the reflex sight. Are you using it for target shooting, competitive shooting, hunting, or self-defense? Different reflex sights may have features tailored for specific applications.
2. Durability and Build Quality: Look for a reflex sight that is built to withstand the rigors of your intended use. Consider factors such as the materials used, water and shock resistance ratings, and overall construction quality.
3. Reticle Type: Reflex sights offer various reticle options, including single dots, multiple dots, circles, or other shapes. Consider the type of reticle that best suits your shooting needs and preferences. A crisp, clear, and easy-to-acquire reticle is desirable.
4. Field of View: Reflex sights with a wide field of view allow for better situational awareness and target tracking. Consider the size of the window and the sight’s field of view to ensure a comfortable and effective shooting experience.
5. Brightness Settings: Look for a reflex sight with adjustable brightness settings. This allows you to match the reticle’s visibility to the lighting conditions you are shooting in. Some sights offer automatic brightness adjustment based on ambient light, which can be convenient.
6. Battery Life: Consider the battery life of the reflex sight, especially if you plan on using it extensively. Look for sights that offer a long battery life or have energy-saving features, and ensure that the batteries used are readily available.
7. Mounting Options and Compatibility: Check the mounting options and compatibility of the reflex sight with your firearm. The sight should be easy to mount securely and align properly with your firearm’s bore axis.
8. Price and Budget: Set a budget range that aligns with your requirements and priorities. Reflex sights can vary widely in price, so determining the features and quality that are most important to you will help you find the best option within your budget.
9. Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews from reputable sources and seek recommendations from experienced shooters. Real-world experiences can provide valuable insights into the performance, reliability, and user satisfaction of different reflex sights.
Best Reflex Sights
1. Aimpoint PRO Red Dot: Best Reflex Sight for AR-15
The Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic) is a popular red dot reflex sight designed for professional use, including law enforcement and military applications. Here’s a review of the Aimpoint PRO based on its key features and user feedback:
1. Durability: The Aimpoint PRO is known for its rugged construction and durability. It is built to withstand harsh conditions, including recoil, impact, and extreme temperatures. The sight is housed in a hard-anodized aluminum alloy body, making it resistant to corrosion and providing long-lasting performance.
2. Battery Life: One of the standout features of the Aimpoint PRO is its impressive battery life. It utilizes a single DL1/3N lithium battery, and its energy-efficient design allows the sight to operate continuously for up to 30,000 hours (approximately 3 years) at a moderate brightness setting. This long battery life ensures reliable performance and minimizes the need for frequent battery changes.
3. Optics and Reticle: The Aimpoint PRO features a 2 MOA (Minute of Angle) red dot reticle. The reticle provides a crisp and clear aiming point, allowing for quick target acquisition and accurate shot placement. The sight has a parallax-free design, meaning the dot remains on target regardless of eye position, making it easier to shoot with both eyes open.
4. Mounting and Compatibility: The Aimpoint PRO comes with a mount that is compatible with most Picatinny or Weaver-style rails. It is easy to install and holds zero well, even after repeated disassembly and reassembly. The sight’s mount is also designed to co-witness with standard iron sights, providing an additional aiming option.
5. Brightness Settings: The Aimpoint PRO has a rotary dial that allows for easy adjustment of brightness levels. It offers six daylight settings and four night vision compatible settings, allowing you to adapt to various lighting conditions.
6. Weight and Size: The Aimpoint PRO is compact and lightweight, weighing approximately 11.6 ounces (with mount). Its compact size and low profile make it suitable for a variety of firearms without adding significant weight or bulk.
7. User Feedback: The Aimpoint PRO has received positive reviews from users, who praise its reliability, durability, and long battery life. The sight’s simplicity and ease of use are also appreciated, as it has a single power button for operation and no complex menus or settings.
It’s worth noting that the Aimpoint PRO does not have a magnification feature, as it is designed as a non-magnified red dot sight. If magnification is a requirement, other Aimpoint models or different optic options may be more suitable.
Overall, the Aimpoint PRO is highly regarded for its ruggedness, long battery life, reliability, and user-friendly design. It is a popular choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike who value a robust and dependable red dot reflex sight.
Here are some pros and cons of the Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic) Red Dot Reflex Sight:
Pros:
1. Durability: The Aimpoint PRO is known for its rugged construction and ability to withstand harsh conditions, making it suitable for professional use. It is resistant to recoil, impact, and extreme temperatures, ensuring long-lasting performance.
2. Battery Life: The Aimpoint PRO boasts an exceptional battery life of up to 30,000 hours (approximately 3 years) at a moderate brightness setting. This extended battery life reduces the need for frequent battery changes, providing reliable performance over an extended period.
3. Optics and Reticle: The 2 MOA red dot reticle of the Aimpoint PRO provides a clear and precise aiming point. The reticle allows for quick target acquisition and accurate shot placement. The parallax-free design ensures the dot remains on target regardless of eye position.
4. Mounting and Compatibility: The Aimpoint PRO comes with a mount that is compatible with most Picatinny or Weaver-style rails. It is easy to install and holds zero well, even after repeated disassembly and reassembly. The co-witness capability with standard iron sights offers added versatility.
5. Brightness Settings: With six daylight settings and four night vision compatible settings, the Aimpoint PRO allows for easy adjustment of brightness levels to adapt to different lighting conditions. The rotary dial provides convenient and quick brightness adjustments.
6. User-Friendly: The Aimpoint PRO features a simple and intuitive operation with a single power button. It doesn’t have complex menus or settings, making it easy to use and operate under high-stress situations.
Cons:
1. Price: Compared to some other red dot sights on the market, the Aimpoint PRO is relatively more expensive. However, its durability, performance, and long battery life may justify the higher cost for those who prioritize these features.
2. Limited Magnification: The Aimpoint PRO is a non-magnified red dot sight, which means it does not offer any magnification capabilities. If magnification is a requirement, you may need to consider other optic options or models.
3. Weight: While the Aimpoint PRO is compact and lightweight compared to some other optics, it still adds weight to the firearm. Some users may find the added weight noticeable, especially when considering the overall weight of their setup.
Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight
About this item
· Absolute co-witness with iron sights (with the supplied spacer installed)
· Features 2 MOA red dot for accurate target engagement
2. Trijicon RMR Type 2: BEST REFLEX SIGHT FOR PISTOL
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is a widely recognized and highly regarded miniature red dot sight that is designed for handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Here’s a review of the Trijicon RMR Type 2 based on its key features and user feedback:
1. Durability: The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is known for its exceptional durability. It is constructed from rugged forged aluminum, which makes it resistant to shock, recoil, and harsh environmental conditions. The sight is waterproof up to 20 meters (66 feet) and has been tested to military standards for reliability.
2. Optics and Reticle: The RMR Type 2 features a clear, crisp, and parallax-free aiming point. It is available with a variety of reticle options, including a 3.25 MOA dot, 6.5 MOA dot, and an adjustable LED reticle. The reticle is easy to acquire and allows for rapid target acquisition and precise shot placement.
3. Battery Life: The Trijicon RMR Type 2 utilizes a single CR2032 battery, and its energy-efficient electronics provide an extended battery life. The sight offers a battery life of approximately 4 years of continuous use at the medium brightness setting, ensuring long-lasting performance.
4. Adjustable Brightness Settings: The RMR Type 2 offers multiple brightness settings, including automatic and manual modes. The automatic mode adjusts the brightness based on ambient light conditions, while the manual mode allows for easy adjustment to match the lighting conditions. This ensures optimal visibility of the reticle in various environments.
5. Mounting Options and Compatibility: The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is compatible with a wide range of mounting solutions, including various adapter plates and mounting systems for handguns, rifles, and shotguns. It offers versatility in terms of compatibility with different firearm platforms.
6. User Feedback: The Trijicon RMR Type 2 has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from users. Its ruggedness, reliability, and battery life are often praised. Users appreciate the clear optics, fast target acquisition, and ease of use. The sight’s ability to maintain zero, even after repeated disassembly and reassembly, is also highly regarded.
It’s worth noting that the Trijicon RMR Type 2 is a premium optic and may come with a higher price tag compared to some other red dot sights on the market. However, its durability, performance, and reputation for excellence make it a preferred choice for many professionals and enthusiasts.
Here are some pros and cons of the Trijicon RMR Type 2:
Pros:
1. Durability: The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is renowned for its rugged construction and durability. It is built to withstand recoil, impact, and harsh environmental conditions, making it suitable for demanding applications.
2. Optics and Reticle: The RMR Type 2 offers clear and precise optics, allowing for rapid target acquisition and accurate shot placement. The available reticle options, including dot sizes and adjustable LED reticles, provide versatility to match various shooting preferences.
3. Battery Life: The RMR Type 2 boasts an extended battery life, providing long-lasting performance. With an average battery life of approximately 4 years at the medium brightness setting, users can rely on the sight without worrying about frequent battery changes.
4. Adjustable Brightness Settings: The sight offers multiple brightness settings, including automatic and manual modes. The automatic mode adjusts the brightness based on ambient light conditions, while the manual mode allows for easy adjustment to match specific lighting environments.
5. Mounting Options and Compatibility: The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is compatible with a wide range of mounting solutions, making it versatile for use with different firearm platforms. It offers flexibility in terms of installation and compatibility.
6. Reputation and Reliability: Trijicon has a strong reputation for producing high-quality optics, and the RMR Type 2 is well-regarded for its reliability. The sight has been extensively tested and is trusted by military, law enforcement, and civilian shooters worldwide.
Cons:
1. Price: The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is a premium optic and may come with a higher price compared to some other red dot sights on the market. Its advanced features and durable construction contribute to the higher cost.
2. Learning Curve: Some users may find that there is a slight learning curve in getting accustomed to the RMR Type 2’s operation and adjustments. Familiarizing yourself with the sight’s controls and reticle options may require some practice and experimentation.
3. Limited Field of View: Due to its small window size, the RMR Type 2 offers a relatively limited field of view compared to larger optics. This may be a consideration for shooters who prioritize a wider sight picture.
Trijicon RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA Red Dot Sight
About this item
· 3.25 MOA ADJUSTABLE LED RMR: Features an automatic brightness mode and easy push buttons for eight adjustable brightness settings including 2 nv and 1 Super bright
3. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25: Best for the Budget
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is a popular and affordable red dot sight that is known for its reliability and performance. Here’s a review of the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 based on its key features and user feedback:
1. Affordability: One of the standout features of the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is its affordable price point. It offers solid performance without breaking the bank, making it accessible to a wide range of shooters.
2. Optics and Reticle: The TRS-25 features a 1x25mm multi-coated amber lens that provides a clear and bright sight picture. The 3 MOA red dot reticle is crisp and easy to acquire, allowing for quick target acquisition and precise shot placement.
3. Durability: Despite its budget-friendly price, the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is surprisingly durable. It is shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof, making it suitable for use in various environmental conditions.
4. Mounting Options and Compatibility: The TRS-25 comes with a built-in mount that fits most Picatinny and Weaver rails. It is easy to install and holds zero well, providing a secure attachment to the firearm.
5. Battery Life: The sight utilizes a single CR2032 battery, which provides a decent battery life. It offers approximately 3,000 hours of continuous use at the medium brightness setting, ensuring reliable performance during extended shooting sessions.
6. Compact and Lightweight: The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is compact and lightweight, making it suitable for a variety of firearms without adding excessive weight or bulk. It is ideal for those seeking a streamlined and minimalistic setup.
7. User Feedback: The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 has generally received positive feedback from users. Many appreciate its affordability and solid performance, especially considering its price point. The sight’s durability, ease of use, and clear optics are often highlighted by users.
It’s important to note that, given its lower price point, the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 may not offer the same level of features, durability, or battery life as higher-end red dot sights. However, it provides good value for the price and is suitable for shooters who are on a budget or don’t require advanced features.
Overall, the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is a reliable and affordable red dot sight that offers clear optics, a crisp reticle, and decent durability. It is a popular choice among budget-conscious shooters or those looking for a reliable backup optic.
Here are some pros and cons of the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 red dot sight:
Pros:
1. Affordability: The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is known for its budget-friendly price, offering solid performance at an affordable cost. It provides a cost-effective option for shooters on a budget or those looking for a backup or secondary optic.
2. Optics and Reticle: The TRS-25 features a clear and bright 1x25mm multi-coated amber lens, providing a sharp sight picture. The 3 MOA red dot reticle allows for quick target acquisition and precise aiming.
3. Durability: Despite its lower price point, the TRS-25 is surprisingly durable. It is designed to be shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof, allowing it to withstand various environmental conditions and rugged use.
4. Mounting Options and Compatibility: The TRS-25 comes with a built-in mount that fits most Picatinny and Weaver rails. It is easy to install and holds zero well, ensuring a secure and stable attachment to the firearm.
5. Compact and Lightweight: The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is compact and lightweight, making it suitable for a variety of firearms without adding excessive weight or bulk. It is particularly suitable for shooters who prefer a streamlined and minimalist setup.
Cons:
1. Battery Life: While the battery life of the TRS-25 is decent, it may not match the longevity of higher-end red dot sights. It offers approximately 3,000 hours of continuous use at the medium brightness setting, which may require more frequent battery changes compared to pricier alternatives.
2. Adjustment Controls: Some users have noted that the adjustment controls of the TRS-25 can be a bit stiff or difficult to manipulate, particularly when making precise adjustments to the windage and elevation.
3. Limited Features: As an entry-level red dot sight, the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 lacks some of the advanced features found in higher-end optics. It does not have features like night vision compatibility, motion-activated illumination, or multiple reticle options, which may be important to some shooters.
4. Parallax: The TRS-25 has a slight parallax issue, meaning that the reticle may not always appear perfectly centered when looking through the sight. However, this is a common characteristic among many red dot sights in this price range.
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope
About this item
· Matte black featuring a 3 MOA Dot reticle with 11 brightness settings; Mounts easily on most picatinny rails and is compatible with pistols, shotguns, rifles and muzzleloaders.Adjustment Range : 70+ MOA
3. Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sights: Best Shotgun Reflex Sight
The Vortex Optics Venom is a popular and well-regarded red dot sight known for its versatility and quality. Here’s a review of the Vortex Optics Venom based on its key features and user feedback:
1. Optics and Reticle: The Venom features a high-quality multi-coated lens that provides a clear and crisp sight picture. The 3 MOA red dot reticle offers a precise aiming point for quick target acquisition and accurate shot placement.
2. Durability: The Vortex Optics Venom is built to withstand rugged use and demanding conditions. It is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, ensuring reliable performance even in challenging environments.
3. Battery Life: The sight is equipped with a top-loading CR1632 battery that offers a decent battery life. With the auto-shutdown feature, the sight automatically powers down after 14 hours of inactivity, conserving battery life and minimizing the need for frequent battery changes.
4. Mounting Options and Compatibility: The Venom comes with a Picatinny mount, making it compatible with a wide range of firearms and easy to install. It also offers co-witness capability with suppressor-height iron sights for added versatility.
5. Adjustability: The sight provides convenient windage and elevation adjustments with audible clicks. The 1 MOA per click adjustment allows for precise zeroing and sighting in.
6. Brightness Settings: The Venom offers ten brightness levels, including an automatic mode that adjusts brightness based on ambient light conditions. This ensures optimal visibility of the reticle in various lighting environments.
7. Warranty: Vortex Optics is known for its VIP (Very Important Promise) warranty, which provides a lifetime guarantee and excellent customer support. In case of any defects or issues, Vortex Optics stands behind their products and offers hassle-free warranty coverage.
User feedback on the Vortex Optics Venom has generally been positive. Users appreciate the sight’s quality construction, clear optics, and ease of use. The sight’s durability and reliable performance, even under recoil, are often praised. Additionally, the Venom is regarded as a good value for the price, offering features and performance comparable to higher-priced options.
It’s worth noting that the Venom may have some minor drawbacks. Some users have reported a slightly shorter battery life compared to other optics in its class. Additionally, a few users have mentioned that the reticle can appear slightly blurry at the highest brightness settings, although this may vary based on individual preferences and shooting conditions.
Overall, the Vortex Optics Venom is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and versatile red dot sight. It offers clear optics, durable construction, and user-friendly features at a competitive price point.
Here are some pros and cons of the Vortex Optics Venom:
Pros:
1. Optics Quality: The Vortex Optics Venom offers high-quality optics with a clear and crisp sight picture. The multi-coated lens provides excellent light transmission and enhances target visibility.
2. Durability: The Venom is built to withstand rugged use and is shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof. It can handle recoil and harsh environmental conditions, ensuring reliable performance.
3. Versatility: The sight is compatible with a wide range of firearms and mounting systems, thanks to its Picatinny mount. It also offers co-witness capability with suppressor-height iron sights, allowing for flexibility in sighting options.
4. Battery Life: The Venom features an efficient battery system with a top-loading CR1632 battery. It offers a decent battery life, and the auto-shutdown feature helps conserve battery power when the sight is not in use.
5. Adjustability: The sight provides easy windage and elevation adjustments with audible clicks. The 1 MOA per click adjustment allows for precise zeroing and sighting in.
6. Brightness Settings: The Venom offers a wide range of brightness settings, including an automatic mode that adjusts brightness based on ambient light conditions. This ensures optimal visibility of the reticle in various lighting environments.
7. Warranty: Vortex Optics backs their products with their VIP (Very Important Promise) warranty, which provides a lifetime guarantee and excellent customer support. In case of any defects or issues, Vortex Optics offers reliable warranty coverage.
Cons:
1. Battery Life: Some users have reported that the battery life of the Venom could be better, especially when compared to other optics in its class. However, this can vary depending on usage and brightness settings.
2. Reticle Blur: A few users have mentioned that at the highest brightness settings, the reticle can appear slightly blurry. However, this is subjective and may vary based on individual preferences and shooting conditions.
3. Controls: Some users have found the control buttons on the Venom to be slightly stiff or difficult to operate, particularly when making adjustments in the field.
Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sights
About this item
· The Venom Red Dot Sight-3 MOA promotes rapid target acquisition while providing a precise point of aim; getting shots down range and on target fast. The Venom’s aluminum housing ensures this unit will stand up to whatever you throw at it.