You will agree with us that choosing a reliable sight for your weapon is something that requires careful research. And that’s even truer if you’re after the best reflex sight on the market.
That said, you’ve come to the right place. We promise to do everything to help you out with the right advice on how to choose one that fits your style and purpose.
So we’ll start by taking into account all the essential factors that influence your purchase decision. Afterwards, we’ll tell you which our favorite products are, and you can compare their characteristics to make the best choice.
All the reflex sights on the market have a 1x magnification, which makes them great for a range of applications. The factors that need to be taken into account are:
Purpose
You can use this sight for hunting, competitive speed shooting or for military purposes. All of that requires different red dot sights in terms of dimensions, reticle types, and construction.
The most important thing for professional applications is to get a resistant body, especially to shocks. For hunting, it’s good to get one that’s weatherproof. And for speed shooting, you need a recoil-proof sight.
Reticle Size
There will be different sizes of reticles for different sights. So you need to consider the amount of space on your weapon, and what type of reticle you want. But remember that your dot won’t look sharp or perfectly outlined, it’s normal for most reflex sights, though it might bother you a bit.
The dot size is measured in minutes of angle, with 1 MOA being approximately 1 inch at 100 yards. The 2 MOA reticle is great for versatile shots up close or further away, but most reflex sights have a 4 MOA reticle.
Reticle Type
The most common type of reticle for a reflex sight is the red dot, which is the best for shooting varmint or at a bigger distance. The crosshair reticle will help with faster target acquisition, so it’s also a good choice especially for high-contrast targets.
Make sure you get the right reticle for your needs. If you want a versatile sight, you can also put reticle variety on your list of top priorities.
Battery Life
You need a long battery life for reflex sights. Among our red dot sight reviews, some have batteries with an extended life of a few years. That’s important for hunting when the cold weather affects the battery life.
A shorter battery life can be ok if your red dot has other features you like better. It can even work out for shorter hunting trips when you’re closer to home, or if you have a recharging device with you. It can also be important for professional use, but in this case, you have pre-set maintenance checks, and maybe even a mandatory battery change.
Extra Features
We always like to see versatility in our products. For reflex sights, that includes the ability to be used at nighttime, for a variety of targets and weapons. That’s why a versatile mounting system and a laser are great additions.
A complete package is also something we like. A protective cover, along with a lens cloth, battery and warranty aren’t game changers, but they’re not useless either.
With that in mind, take a look at our reviews below.
Best Products on Today’s Market
The items below come from a wide price pool, and they all have different characteristics. So we’ve summarized their pros and cons, in order to help you make a better choice.
Sightmark Ultra Dual Shot Pro Spec NV QD Sight
Price: Approx. $150
Weight: 9 ounces
Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 5 inches
Specific features: 1×33 mm – 24 mm lens, class IIIA <5 mW laser, 4 red reticles, aluminum and metal body, waterproof, shockproof, quick-detach mounting system
Best use: Brush hunting
The Sightmark Ultra Dual Shot Pro Spec NV QD Sight is a very precise sight, you can even count on for night vision. That’s because it has a class IIIA <5 mW laser incorporated. However, the switch that turns on/ off the laser is a bit flimsy, and you can activate it by mistake if you’re not careful.
We love its versatility for day and night use, but also because it has four different red reticle patterns: star, red dot, bullseye, and cross.
The body is made from aluminum, with a metal coating, which makes it light, but also recoil-resistant. That means you can use it with weapons that have a bigger recoil, another point in favor of its versatility. Plus, the mounting system can be detached quickly, so you can use it any way you like.
The downside is that you only get 1x magnification, as with all red dots. So although you’ll have an accurate depth perception and a wide field of view, you won’t see any amplified details. The 33 – 24 mm lens diameter is good for dim light, and that’s a plus since you’ll get clear images, but the lens fog up pretty fast in cold, rainy weather.
PROS:
Versatile
Precise
Resistant
Night Mode
CONS:
Foggy in bad weather
Flimsy laser switch
Related: We recommend the Sightmark 7x Tactical Reflex if you want to add some magnification to this sight. This is a quality magnifier, with multi-coated optics for increased image brightness, and it’s easy to adjust properly.
Specific features: 1.07x, 21 x 15 mm window, 3 MOA dot reticle, automatic windage and elevation adjustments, automatic brightness adjustment, top battery access, Picatinny mount, CR1632 3V battery, and cover included
Best use: Brush hunting
The Burris Fastfire III Sight is a quality sight, that’s been extensively tested. It’s one of our favorites in our red dot sight reviews, seeing that it’s so easy to zero in. Besides, the 3 MOA dot reticle is really clear, and the three levels for automatic brightness adjustment work really well.
We also love the automatic windage and elevation adjustments and the top battery access that makes it easy to handle the battery. Speaking of which, a CR1632 3V battery is included in the package so you can use this sight right out of the box.
The dimensions are good too. The 1.07x renders few distinct details, but it’s good in terms of accurate depth perception. The 3 MOA dot reticle is also precise, not just clear. However, there’s just one-button operation for the brightness settings, so you need to learn how to work with that.
The included cover isn’t that great either because it’s very tight. But you can replace that with another one you can get literally anywhere. The real problem is that this sight can be scratched easily, so it won’t look that good for long, though it will still work properly.
PROS:
Clear reticle
Automatic adjustments
Complete package
CONS:
Tight cover
Easy to scratch
One button operation
Related: We recommend the Burris Fastfire Picatinny Protector for anyone who is using the Burris Fastfire III on a tactical weapon, for grade A protection. It fits and works great, you can keep the sun shade on, plus you can hold the zero.
Specific features: 1×22 mm, 4 MOA red dot reticle, Weaver mount, low profile micro, fully coated, two-eyes open, parallax-free, Allen head adjustable windage and elevation, aluminum alloy body
Best use: Hunting, target practice
The FieldSport Micro Red Dot Sight is great for anyone who’s not interested in professional applications. As you’ve probably noticed, the price is extremely low, so the corresponding manufacturing quality isn’t the greatest on the market, but this sight works. That makes it the best red dot for the money in our view.
You will see a bluish tint on the lens because this sight doesn’t have a great coating, you only get one full layer of coating. But the “two-eyes open” construction means you’ll see the target faster. And thanks to the parallax-free red dot reticle, you won’t have to center this sight either.
The windage and elevation aren’t automatic, so they’re pretty difficult to adjust with an Allen head screw. On the other hand, the Picatinny mount is easy to remove and adjust. The whole build is strong and durable regardless of the environment since it’s made of aluminum alloy.
With a 1x you won’t see any magnified details, but you also don’t have parallax and eye relief to consider. The depth perception is top notch, and you can use it with heavy recoil weapons since this sight is so solid. The 22 mm lens diameter might be a bit small for increased light transmission, though, so we wouldn’t recommend using it in low light conditions.
PROS:
Inexpensive
Solid
Accurate
CONS:
Bluish tint on lens
Difficult to adjust windage and elevation
Not for low light
Related: We recommend the UTG Med-Pro Compact Riser Mount that works great for Picatinny mounts. It’s actually one rail with three slots, that’s 0.83 inches high for medium height. And the good news is that you can use this for Weaver mounts as well, so it’s a versatile item.
Specific features: 1x, 3x magnifier, 2 MOA dot, internal voltage regulator, integral mount, reflective coating, killFLash anti-reflection, MILSPEC rubber lens covers, extruded high strength aluminum housing, 80,000 hours battery life
Best use: Versatile shooting
The Aimpoint M4s QRP2 CompM4 Sight is at the other end of the spectrum when it comes to the price, but you’ll definitely see the improvements in the overall quality, design, and craftsmanship. For instance, you get an internal voltage regulator so you can use an AA battery and save energy.
There’s also an integral mount so you don’t need a separate ring, and you can customize it so it fits most weapons. The front lens coating reflects the red dot reticle almost fully, so you get maximum brightness with minimal energy consumption. Just consider you’ll get 80,000 hours of functioning during the day.
The killFLash anti-reflection and MILSPEC rubber lens covers are great extras, and you can use this with night vision and day vision as well. The 2 MOA dot is highly versatile since it can be used up close and further away.
The 1x magnification provides accurate depth perception and unlimited eye relief, but there’s also a 3x magnifier in the package. And the housing is made from extruded high strength aluminum, with a matte black finish, for optimum strength and durability.
There are disadvantages in buying this sight though. For this price, the red dot only reticle could use some improvements. There are far less expensive sights with different reticle patterns, including the Sightmark Ultra Dual Shot Pro Spec we’ve reviewed here. And there’s no drop compensation either, which would have been great in terms of accurate shots.
PROS:
Extremely versatile
Grade A quality
Precise
Long battery life
CONS:
Expensive
Single red dot reticle pattern
No drop compensation
Related: We recommend the Aimpoint Flip Cap Rear if you want to cover the back lens of your sight, not just the front ones. Albeit inexpensive, this lens cap is sturdy and easy to use, especially thanks to its flip-up design.
The Vortex Strikefire II Red Dot Sight is a great sight in terms of fast shots. The 1 x magnification means you won’t see much enhanced details, but we love the corresponding unlimited eye relief for extreme comfort.
The housing is made from polymer, with anti-reflective coating. That makes this sight very solid, although it’s not the lightest in our reviews. The multiple layers of coating applied to the lenses are great for rendering bright images.
Besides, you can adjust the brightness as well as the 4 MOA red dot reticle so you can use it in different light conditions. The windage and elevation aren’t automatic, though, so they entail a ½ MOA click adjustment. The parallax-free and two-eyes open design are definite perks here too.
The downsides regard the overall aspect of the red dot reticle, which looks less like a dot and more like a collection of dots. The end caps are also a bit iffy since their aluminum nut doesn’t hold very well.
PROS:
Fast
Solid
Functions regardless of lighting conditions
CONS:
Reticle not perfectly round
Flimsy end caps
Related: For more than just 1x, you can get this Vortex VMX-3T Magnifier with Flip Mount. It provides a 3x, it’s fully multi-coated for increased image brightness, and provides a generous 22 mm eye relief.
Specific features: 1x, 2MOA red dot reticle, 3 years battery life, maintenance reminders, 30 mm tube, hard anodized tube, band-pass coating, night vision, QRP2 mount
Best use: Patrolling
The Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optic is another sight with an extended battery life, that lasts for almost 3 years with no replacements if you’re to believe the official specs. And you can use it at varying distances thanks to the 2 MOA red dot reticle that’s bright and clear for accurate shots.
We love the reminders you’ll get for maintenance, including the in-service dates and battery changes, these show real interest in user experience. In fact, it’s designed for law enforcement, when maintenance dates are extremely important, and that’s also visible in the qualitative design. The lenses are fixed inside this sight, so they’re more protected from any on-field damage.
The 30 mm tube is hard-anodized for maximum solidity. The band-pass coating for the front lens allows use with night vision weapons too. And the modular QRP2 mount makes it easy to use with AR15/M16/M4 weapons, but it can also be removed for use with shotguns and pistols.
On the downside, just like the Vortex Firefighter, the reticle looks like a collection of dots here too. And it’s rather a big, heavyish sight too, so it’s definitely not for beginners.
PROS:
Versatile
Accurate
Solid
CONS:
Reticle looks like grapes
Heavyish
Related: If you want to protect your sight, even more, we recommend the Aimpoint Outer Rubber Cover. This is a very solid cover, so you won’t scratch your sight at all. Plus, it allows fast target acquisition too.
Specific features: 1×33 mm, 4 reticle patterns, five levels of brightness adjustment, 200 mm rail mount, tubeless design, metal housing, package includes a CR2032 battery, a camera mount, a lifetime warranty and two Allen wrenches
Best use: Versatile shooting
The SVBONY Green and Red Dot Sight is another best dot sight for the money, only this time the dot can be red and green, along with three other reticle patterns: star, bullseye, and cross. Apart from that, the lenses are multicoated for decreased light reflection, but the image isn’t the sharpest on the market.
We love the five different levels of brightness adjustment for the reticle, and how clear each reticle pattern is if you use it in the proper light conditions. The 20 mm rail mount is sturdy, and the housing is solid as well, manufactured from metal.
The package is complete with a CR2032 battery, a lifetime warranty, a camera mount, and two Allen wrenches. That’s because you need to adjust the windage and elevation yourself, which might be a bit tricky. The tubeless design with a 33 mm lens diameter grants a wide field of view, so you can shoot moving targets as well as still ones.
PROS:
Inexpensive
Light
Versatile
CONS:
Not the sharpest image
Manual windage and elevation
Related: The ACCMOR 2-Point Rifle Sling can be a great addition to your arsenal of weapons. It’s great for portability, it looks awesome, it’s sturdy and lightweight. So what more could you want from a nice sling for your rifle?
Specific features: 1×25 mm, 2 MOA reticle, both eyes open design, 11 different adjustment levels, multi-coated amber lens, waterproof, shockproof, 6065 aluminum body, matte black finish, 50,000 hours battery life, package includes cover, lens cloth, Allen wrench
Best use: Hunting
The AT3 Tactical RD-50 Red Dot Reflex Sight is a good red dot sight, seeing as it has a clear 2 MOA reticle so you can take accurate shots. The “both eyes open” design is a definite plus, and there are 11 different adjustment levels for the reticle. However, the reticle appears as a starburst, not like a perfect dot.
The lenses are qualitative, with multiple layers of coating for extra image brightness, and they’re made from amber so they’re resistant to scratches. In fact, the whole sight is resistant seeing as it’s waterproof and has a shockproof circuitry. The 6065 Aluminum body with a matte black finish helps to that, and the maximum 50,000 hours battery life is an asset that can’t be ignored.
The package comes with a cover, a lens cloth, an Allen wrench and an optional riser mount of your choice. The windage and elevation adjustments are pretty difficult to make though, and the 25 mm lens diameter might not be great for increased light transmission.
PROS:
Long battery life
Versatile shots
Bright images
Resistant body
CONS:
Starburst dot
Difficult to make windage and elevation adjustments
Related: Do you want a cool rifle sling for maximum portability? The STI 2 Point Rifle Sling is perfect in this regard, It’s easy to wear, inexpensive and resistant, so it’s a great way to carry your rifle on the field.
You might want a versatile sight that can be used in different light conditions, for which you need a lot of reticle patterns, like the SVBONY sight. Or you might just need a reliable device for patrolling purposes, in which case the Aimpoint PRO is a reliable choice.
And remember, some sights are as inexpensive as a couple of drinks, and still get the job done, like the FieldSport Micro. Others, like the Aimpoint M4s, require you to use some of your savings but are great for professional, prolonged uses.
In the end, the choice is yours, depending on your purposes, interests, and abilities. So after you’ve decided on a sight, drop us a line too. The comments are right below.
Shawn Harrison is our expert in hunting. He was born in Alaska, so hunting was his hobby since high school. Later, Shawn took a Hunter Training at Alaska Department of Fish and Game to structure his knowledge and now he is open to share his knowledge with our readers. Shawn is taking ‘Safety First’ approach on all of his trips, especially is some people are going hunting for the first time.
