As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve had the opportunity to test out dozens of red dot sights over the years. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of acquiring your target quickly and accurately with a quality red dot. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or willing to invest in a premium sight, I’ve rounded up my top picks for 2024 to help you find the perfect red dot for your needs.
Why Use a Red Dot Sight?
Before we dive into the recommendations, let’s quickly cover why red dot sights have become so popular for both hunting and tactical applications:
Rapid target acquisition: The illuminated red dot allows for much faster target acquisition compared to iron sights.
Improved accuracy: Once zeroed, the red dot provides a precise aiming point.
Both-eyes-open shooting: You can keep both eyes open for better situational awareness.
Generous eye relief: No need to worry about perfect eye placement like with magnified optics.
Versatility: Red dots work well in a variety of lighting conditions and on different firearms.
I remember the first time I used a quality red dot sight on a 3-gun course. The speed at which I could transition between targets was night and day compared to iron sights. For hunters, that split second advantage can make all the difference when a trophy buck steps into view.
Now let’s get into my top picks for 2024:
Best Overall: Aimpoint Micro T-2
The Aimpoint Micro T-2 continues to be the gold standard for red dot sights in 2024. Yes, it comes with a premium price tag, but the bomb-proof durability, crystal clear glass, and insane 50,000 hour battery life make it worth every penny for serious shooters.
Key Features:
– 2 MOA dot
– 8 daylight and 4 night vision compatible brightness settings
– Fully waterproof
– Weight: 3.7 oz
I’ve run my T-2 hard for years now, including a few rainy hunting trips where it was completely submerged crossing streams. It hasn’t missed a beat. The glass clarity is superb with minimal tinting, and the 2 MOA dot is the perfect balance of precision and quick acquisition.
For duty use or serious hunters who demand the absolute best, it’s tough to beat the T-2. The only real downside is the price, but as they say – buy once, cry once.
Best Value: Sig Sauer Romeo5
On the other end of the price spectrum, the Sig Romeo5 continues to punch well above its weight class. For under $150, you get a robust, feature-packed red dot that will serve most shooters extremely well.
Key Features:
– 2 MOA dot
– MOTAC (motion activated illumination)
– 10 illumination settings
– IPX-7 waterproof rating
– 40,000+ hour battery life
I actually keep a Romeo5 on my home defense AR. The MOTAC feature, which automatically turns the sight on when it senses motion, provides peace of mind that it will be ready to go at a moment’s notice. The glass is plenty clear for the price point, and the adjustments are positive and repeatable.
While it may not have the extreme durability of an Aimpoint, the Romeo5 is still plenty rugged for most applications. If you’re on a tight budget or want a solid optic for a range toy, the Romeo5 is my top pick.
Best for Handguns: Trijicon RMR Type 2
When it comes to pistol-mounted red dots, it’s hard to beat the track record of the Trijicon RMR. The Type 2 model addresses some of the battery issues of the original and remains the gold standard for duty use.
Key Features:
– Available in 3.25 MOA or 6.5 MOA dot sizes
– Automatically adjusts brightness
– Extremely durable
– Weight: 1.2 oz
I run an RMR on my carry gun and it has survived thousands of rounds and countless holster draws without issue. The automatic brightness adjustment works well in varied lighting, and the wide viewing window makes it easy to pick up the dot quickly.
For concealed carry or duty use, the bombproof durability of the RMR is tough to beat. The only real downside is the somewhat steep learning curve if you’re transitioning from iron sights. But with practice, you’ll be faster and more accurate than ever.
Best Budget Option: Bushnell TRS-25
If you’re really pinching pennies or just want a starter red dot to try out, the Bushnell TRS-25 remains a solid choice in 2024. For around $50, you get a functional red dot that’s good enough for range use and casual plinking.
Key Features:
– 3 MOA dot
– 11 brightness settings
– Shockproof and waterproof
– Weight: 3.7 oz
I actually started out with a TRS-25 on my first AR build years ago. While the glass isn’t the clearest and the dot isn’t the crispest, it holds zero well enough for casual use. The adjustments are a bit mushy, but it gets the job done.
I wouldn’t stake my life on a TRS-25 for home defense, but for new shooters wanting to try a red dot or for a .22 plinker, it’s a great gateway optic. Just don’t expect Aimpoint-level durability or clarity at this price point.
Best for Astigmatism: Holosun 510C
Many shooters with astigmatism struggle with traditional red dots, often seeing a blurred or distorted reticle. The Holosun 510C’s optional circle-dot reticle can be a game changer for those with less than perfect vision.
Key Features:
– Multiple reticle options (2 MOA dot, 65 MOA circle, or both)
– Solar failsafe
– Shake awake technology
– 50,000 hour battery life
– Weight: 4.94 oz
I actually discovered I had a mild astigmatism when testing various red dots. The 510C’s circle-dot reticle appeared much crisper to my eyes compared to a simple dot. The large viewing window also makes it very fast to get on target.
While it’s a bit bulky for handguns, the 510C is a great option for rifles and PCCs. The solar failsafe and shake awake features provide peace of mind for home defense use as well.
Top 10 Red Dot Sights for 2024
1. Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic)
Best Overall Red Dot Sight
Key Features:
– 2 MOA dot
– 10 brightness settings (4 night vision compatible)
– 3 year constant-on battery life
– Fully waterproof
The Aimpoint PRO has been a gold standard in the red dot world for years, and for good reason. The ultra-clear 2 MOA dot provides an excellent balance of precision and rapid target acquisition. With a 3 year constant-on battery life, you never have to worry about your optic dying at a critical moment.
I’ve run the PRO on my patrol rifle for over 5 years now, subjecting it to rain, mud, and thousands of rounds without a single hiccup. The clear glass and crisp dot make shots out to 200 yards a breeze. While it’s on the pricier side, the bomb-proof durability makes it well worth the investment for serious shooters.
2. Trijicon RMR Type 2
Best for Handguns
Key Features:
– 3.25 MOA dot
– 8 brightness settings (2 NV compatible)
– Up to 4 years battery life
– Extremely durable
The Trijicon RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) sight is a favorite among law enforcement and military personnel for good reason. Its compact size and incredible durability make it perfect for mounting on pistols or as a backup sight on rifles.
I’ve put thousands of rounds through my Glock 19 with an RMR, and it’s never lost zero or failed me. The automatic brightness adjustment works flawlessly, and the clear glass gives you a wide field of view. For a duty or carry pistol, it’s hard to beat the RMR’s track record of reliability.
3. Holosun HS510C
Best Value Red Dot
Key Features:
– Multiple reticle options (2 MOA dot, 65 MOA circle, or both)
– Solar failsafe
– Shake Awake technology
– 50,000 hour battery life
Holosun has been disrupting the optics market with feature-packed red dots at very competitive prices. The HS510C offers an impressive array of features typically found on much more expensive sights. I’m a huge fan of the multiple reticle options – you can switch between a precise 2 MOA dot or a large 65 MOA circle for ultra-fast target acquisition.
The solar failsafe and Shake Awake tech help extend battery life, while the titanium housing provides excellent durability. I’ve beaten the crap out of my 510C on my competition AR and it just keeps on ticking. For shooters wanting high-end features at a mid-range price point, the 510C is tough to beat.
4. Sig Sauer Romeo5
Best Budget Red Dot
Key Features:
– 2 MOA dot
– MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination)
– 40,000+ hour battery life
– IPX-7 waterproof rating
For shooters on a tighter budget, it’s hard to beat the value of the Sig Romeo5. This compact red dot punches well above its weight class in terms of features and performance. The MOTAC system, which automatically turns the dot on/off based on motion, helps extend battery life to an impressive 40,000+ hours.
I picked up a Romeo5 on a whim for a budget build and was blown away by the clarity and dot crispness. While it may not have quite the bomb-proof durability of an Aimpoint, it’s held zero through thousands of rounds of 5.56. For the money, you’d be hard pressed to find a better red dot sight.
5. Aimpoint ACRO P-2
Best Enclosed Emitter Pistol Red Dot
Key Features:
– Fully enclosed emitter design
– 3.5 MOA dot
– 50,000 hour battery life
– Submersible to 35 meters
The Aimpoint ACRO P-2 was purpose-built for handguns, offering unparalleled durability in a compact package. The fully enclosed emitter design provides protection from dust, mud, and water – I’ve literally submerged my ACRO-equipped Glock in mud and it came up running without missing a beat.
The 3.5 MOA dot provides a nice balance of precision and speed for pistol applications. With a 5 year constant-on battery life, you never have to worry about your dot dying when you need it most. Yes, it’s expensive – but for a dedicated defensive or duty pistol, it’s worth every penny.
6. Trijicon MRO
Best Compact Red Dot
Key Features:
– 2 MOA dot
– 8 brightness settings (2 NV compatible)
– 5 year battery life
– Fully ambidextrous
The Trijicon MRO (Miniature Rifle Optic) manages to pack full-size performance into an ultra-compact package. The large objective lens provides an impressive field of view, while the 2 MOA dot strikes a nice balance between precision and speed.
I’ve run the MRO on everything from .22LR plinkers to .308 battle rifles. The glass clarity is top notch and the dot stays crisp even on max brightness. While it’s not cheap, the made-in-USA quality and Trijicon’s legendary durability make it worth the price of admission.
7. Holosun 507K
Best for Subcompact Handguns
Key Features:
– Multiple reticle options (2 MOA dot, 32 MOA circle, or both)
– Up to 50,000 hour battery life
– Side-loading battery
– Very compact design
The Holosun 507K is purpose-built for subcompact pistols, offering a tiny footprint without sacrificing features. I love the versatility of the multiple reticle options – the 32 MOA circle is perfect for ultra-fast shots up close, while the 2 MOA dot allows for precision at distance.
I’ve been running the 507K on my Sig P365 for over a year now, and it’s held up admirably to daily carry and frequent range sessions. The side-loading battery is a nice touch, allowing for battery changes without removing the optic. For micro-compact carry guns, the 507K is hard to beat.
8. Vortex Crossfire Red Dot
Best Entry-Level Red Dot
Key Features:
– 2 MOA dot
– 11 brightness settings
– Up to 50,000 hour battery life
– Lightweight and compact
For shooters just dipping their toes into the world of red dots, the Vortex Crossfire offers excellent performance at a very attractive price point. The 2 MOA dot is crisp and clear, and the 11 brightness settings allow for use in any lighting condition.
I bought a Crossfire for my nephew’s first AR build, and I’ve been impressed with how well it’s held up to his less-than-gentle handling. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive options, it’s a rock-solid choice for budget-conscious shooters or those new to red dots.
9. EOTech EXPS3
Best Holographic Sight
Key Features:
– 68 MOA ring with 1 MOA dot
– 20 brightness settings
– Night vision compatible
– Extremely fast target acquisition
While not technically a “red dot,” the EOTech EXPS3 holographic sight deserves a mention for its incredible performance. The large ring and center dot reticle allow for lightning-fast target acquisition while still offering precision at distance.
I run an EXPS3 on my home defense AR and absolutely love it. The large viewing window and crisp reticle make it easy to get on target quickly, even in low light conditions. It’s on the heavier and more expensive side, but for close-quarters use, it’s tough to beat.
10. Burris FastFire 3
Most Versatile
Key Features:
– 3 MOA dot
– 3 manual brightness settings + 1 auto
– Low profile design
– Picatinny mount included
The Burris FastFire 3 is a versatile little optic that works well on everything from pistols to rifles to shotguns. The low profile design means it can co-witness with iron sights on many firearms, and the included Picatinny mount makes it easy to swap between guns.
I’ve used the FastFire 3 on both my turkey shotgun and my .22 plinker, and it’s performed admirably in both roles. The auto-brightness setting is particularly nice for hunting, automatically adjusting to changing light conditions. For shooters wanting one optic to use across multiple platforms, the FastFire 3 is an excellent choice.
Conclusion
Red dot sights have come a long way in recent years, with options available for every budget and use case. For most shooters, I’d recommend starting with something like the Sig Romeo5 to get a feel for red dot shooting without breaking the bank.
If you’re running a duty or defensive gun, investing in a bombproof option like the Aimpoint T-2 or Trijicon RMR is money well spent. And for those with astigmatism, don’t give up – try out a few different reticle designs to see what works best for your eyes.
Remember, the best red dot is the one you train with regularly. Get out to the range, dial in your zero, and practice acquiring that dot quickly. With a quality red dot and consistent practice, you’ll be faster and more accurate than ever before.
Happy shooting, and stay safe out there!