Red dot sights are some of the most popular optics for firearms. It’s a fairly simple technology that can, nonetheless, vastly improve your accuracy and speed. But how do red dot sights actually work? And, with so many options and price points, how do you choose the right ones? We’re here to help! Please keep reading for a run-down on red dot sights, along with a few of our brand/style recommendations. 

First, What Is a Red Dot Sight?

A red dot sight is a non-magnified optic that projects an illuminated aiming point into the shooter’s point of view. This is typically in the form of a red dot; hence, the name.

Unlike traditional iron sights that require aligning a front sight and rear sight, a red dot allows shooters to focus on the target while placing the illuminated dot where they want the bullet to impact.

This simple concept dramatically speeds up target acquisition and can improve accuracy. This can, obviously, be quite beneficial in both self-defense and competition scenarios.

How Do Red Dot Sights Work?

Most red dot sights use a light-emitting diode (LED) positioned inside the optic housing. The LED shines onto a specially coated lens that reflects only the red light back to the shooter’s eye. The result is an illuminated dot that appears to float in space over the target.

The weird part is that the dot is not actually projected onto the target. Instead, it appears superimposed within your line of sight.

When properly zeroed, this accomplishes 3 things:

1. The firearm points where the dot is aimed.
2. The optic and barrel are aligned for a specific distance.
3. The dot remains on target regardless of minor head movement.

Because there is no need to align front and rear sights, shooters can maintain focus on the threat or target while using the optic.

Why Are Red Dot Sights So Popular?

In addition to faster and more accurate target acquisition, red dot sights have a few more advantages over traditional iron sights: 

Better Situational Awareness

Most red dots are designed for shooting with both eyes open, which improves your peripheral vision and environmental awareness.

Improved Low-Light Performance

The illuminated reticle remains visible in conditions where iron sights can become difficult to see.

Easier for Aging Eyes

Many shooters find red dots easier to use as eyesight changes with age because they eliminate the need to focus simultaneously on multiple distances.

Increased Accuracy Under Stress

During defensive or competitive shooting scenarios, the single aiming point can help users engage targets more quickly and consistently.

Are There Any Drawbacks To Red Dot Sights?

Sure. Nobody’s perfect, and we will concede there are a few potential drawbacks to red dots sights, namely:

• They depend on batteries.
• They are more expensive.
• There is a learning curve for pistol-mounted optics.
• Electronic components can fail.
• The lens can get dirty, wet, or obstructed.
• If you have an eye condition known as astigmatism, the dot can appear distorted. But this usually isn’t an issue if you are wearing corrective lenses. 

Although modern optics are quite reliable, we feel it is wise to maintain backup iron sights on defensive or duty firearms whenever possible.

Types of Red Dot Sights

There are actually a few different styles of red dot sights to choose from. 

Open Reflex Red Dot Sights

These feature a single lens without an enclosed housing. They work well for concealed carry pistols, competition handguns, and generally more lightweight builds. 

Advantages:

• Lightweight
• Large viewing window
• Compact

Drawbacks:

• The lack of housing means more exposure to dirt, rain, and debris

Closed Emitter Red Dot Sights

These optics have fully enclosed housings that protect the emitter. They are the style more commonly found on duty pistols and tactical firearms, since they may be exposed to harsher environments. 

Advantages:

• Better weather resistance
• Less susceptible to debris

Drawbacks:

• Heavier
• More expensive

Tube-Style Red Dots

These resemble traditional scopes but contain no magnification. You’ll find these more commonly on AR-15s, PCCs, and Shotguns. 

Advantages:

• Durable
• Excellent battery life
• Easy mounting

Micro Dots

These are also called compact red dot sights, and they are designed to save weight and space. They are well-suited to hunting/sporting rifles, especially if you’ll be walking quite a ways. 

Advantages:

• Small footprint
• Lightweight
• Versatile

Red Dot Sights vs Holographic Sights

This comparison creates a lot of confusion because both systems appear similar to the shooter. However, the work differently. 

Again, red dots use an LED that reflects off a coated lens to create the reticle. 

Holographic sights use a laser and holographic reticle system rather than a simple LED reflection. This system is often preferable to shooters using magnifiers and/or in tactical situations. They are more expensive and often larger in size and weight than red dot sights, but the advantage is that the reticle can remain usable even if the window is partially damaged.

How to Choose the Right Red Dot Sight

First, Consider the Firearm

Different firearms have different requirements. Start with what weapon you are sighting, and go from there.

• Concealed carry pistol: prioritize durability and compact size.
• Competition pistol: prioritize window size and fast acquisition.
• AR-15: consider battery life and magnifier compatibility.
• Shotgun: focus on weather-resistance and visibility.

Choose the Right Dot Size

Red dot reticles are typically measured in MOA (Minute of Angle). Very simply:

At 100 yards. 1 MOA ≈ 1 inch, 2 MOA ≈ 2 inches, etc. Here’s a general rule of thumb for choosing your MOA:

• 1-2 MOA: precise shooting
• 3-4 MOA: balanced performance
• 5-6 MOA: very fast acquisition

Why Not Just Use the Smallest Dot Possible?

Some shooters might assume a smaller dot is always better because it allows for more precise aiming. However, precision and speed often work against one another.

A tiny 1 MOA dot is highly precise, but it can be harder to locate quickly when drawing a pistol or transitioning between targets. A larger dot may cover more of the target, but it’s often much faster to pick up. This is why different dot sizes exist.

Many of us consider 3 MOA or 3.5 MOA the “sweet spot.” This size offers a good balance of speed and precision. It’s easy enough to see and still accurate at moderate distances. 

Evaluate Battery Life

Some modern red dots can operate continuously for years on a single battery. Certain models advertise battery life measured in tens of thousands of hours. 

Open or Closed Emitter?

Again, if the firearm may be exposed to rain, dust, sweat, or duty use, a closed emitter optic is worth considering.

Astigmatism Considerations

People with astigmatism sometimes perceive red dots as starbursts or smears. Testing optics in person can help determine whether a particular design works well for your vision. Some individuals find prism optics or holographic sights easier to use.

Our Brand Recs For Red Dot Sights

Osight 

Osight red dot sights have a clever magnetic charging cover and are very user-friendly. They are also some of the most affordable on the market. The Osight K, for example, will only run you about $160. It fits directly onto an optics-ready slide, and a motion sensor activates the sights automatically at the slightest movement.

SIG Sauer 

Sig Sauer is always at the top of our list, especially when it comes to rifle sights. The Romeo5  is another affordable, but reliable option. It is designed with precision in mind, as it comes only in 1 or 2 MOA reticles. You can choose from a red or green dot configuration. 

Holosun

Holosun optics have some cool features. The 407 series, for example, incorporates the brand’s trademark Solar Failsafe, Shake Awake, and Unlimited Eye Relief technology. The battery is guaranteed to last 100k hours, and all sights are IP67-certified waterproof. 

Trijicon 

Trijicon is one of the pricier brands, but it is well worth it, especially in law-enforcement/tactical scenarios. The RMR HD, for example, is exceptionally durable and designed specifically for military personnel. It is made from the highest quality materials and available in 1 or 3.25 MOA. There is a unique forward-looking light sensor for added convenience, and you can adjust the light brightness. 

Practice With Your Sights At Our Omaha Indoor Shooting Range

The best optic ultimately depends on your firearm, budget, intended use, and personal preferences. Regardless of the style you choose, practice makes perfect! Stop by our indoor shooting range in Omaha and fine-tune your accuracy in one of our climate-controlled lanes. If you need help sighting your rifle or have questions about optics, we’re happy to help with that, too! Call or stop by–walk ins are always welcome!