Real Military Red Dot on Airsoft

For fast acquisition of targets and an piece of cake utilise sighting arrangement with your AR15, you can't beat a red dot sight.

These types of sights characteristic an illuminated "cerise dot" (although other reticle designs and colors are sometimes available – see beneath) that functions every bit an authentic aim point for the operator. An AR-15 scarlet dot sight is primarily meant for targets within 100 yards, but it tin too work for longer ranges – peculiarly when paired with a magnifier .

How Does a Red Dot Sight Piece of work?

In guild to choose the best ruddy dot sight for your AR-xv, information technology is of import to first learn how red dot sights piece of work.

The red dot sight relies on non-magnifying reflectors to brandish the ruddy dot. Basically, a small LED generates a colored dot of light, which reflects against a pocket-sized spherical mirror. The mirror focuses the dot on a lens, which is what you run into when you look through the sight.

On more advanced (and expensive) red dot sights, additional lenses may be added to the setup to eliminate "parallax". What is parallax ? Information technology refers to changes in the position of the dot when yous look at it from different angles.

For instance – you put your gun in a vise with the blood-red-dot sighted on your target'southward bulls-eye. When y'all motion your caput to a different angle and look through the sight, is the dot still on the bulls-eye? If the respond is yes – that ways your ruby dot is "parallax-gratuitous". This enhances the overall accuracy and usability of the sight. But be prepared to pay a little extra for a truly parallax-free sight!

Different Types of AR-15 Red Dot Sights

Red Dot Sights come in many shapes and sizes. The most traditional style is the "tube" style. Those sights look a lot similar a curt telescopic ( like the AT3 RD-50 ), while "open" fashion sights are more than of a square shape ( Eotech red dot sights are a good case of this).

Since the original release of this commodity, "Reflex" style ruby-red dots have get increasingly pop. They offering the smallest footprint and lightest weight and can often increase time to target meliorate than a tube-style red dot. They are also very popular mounted on the slide of certain handguns. A good example of a Reflex-style red dot is the AT3 ARO .

Now that you know more nigh the overall styles of Red Dots, the dot size, dot pattern, and dot color are the next considerations when choosing the right cerise dot sight for your AR-15. Yous are the operator so your optics, usage, the mission parcel, and the Configuration Of Your AR-xv Would Come up Into Play In Choosing Your Cherry-red Dot Sight .

The dot size should be large enough for y'all to easily meet, only not too large to obscure targets. Dot size is typically measured in MOA ("minutes of angle"). Essentially, one MOA means roughly 1″ at 100 yards. So if you have a five MOA dot, that means this dot covers a v″ surface area on a target 100 yards away. For a general use AR-xv red dot sight, we recommend MOA between ane and 4 MOA. Anything larger than iv MOA may just arrive the mode. Yous may opt for a larger dot if you programme on generally engaging targets at <100 yards.

The dot pattern (AKA the reticle) is largely a personal preference. Most sights have a dot (hence the name crimson dot), just yous can besides get reticles shaped similar crosshairs, or many other patterns, such as a circle with a dot . Some sights accept adjustable reticles and permit you lot to quickly switch between different reticle styles.

The last main choice is the Color Of The Dot .

Expect – it'south a red dot sight so the dot is going to exist red, right?

Not necessarily – dark-green and blue are also available. From our experience, Red Is The Best All-around Colour , and green could be easier seen in brilliant conditions (this is because greenish is at the eye of the visible spectrum ). Information technology's best to endeavor a couple of different sights and see what y'all prefer.

AR-15 Red Dot Sights vs Scopes

For a sight that works well on shorter-range shooting (less than 300 yards), the cerise dot sight can be a great choice . They typically weigh less than a scope and are much amend for quick target conquering. Also, there will exist no "tube outcome" that is typical with a scope (due to the varying centre relief on scopes). Basically, a red dot is much simpler to employ just lacks the magnification of a telescopic. Another major advantage to a non-magnified red dot is the power to shoot with both eyes open. This enhances your situational awareness and prevents "tunnel vision".

If you desire some magnification, one option is to get a flip-to-side magnifier that goes behind your red dot. This allows you lot to flip the magnifier to chop-chop magnify your cherry-red dot for long distance shots. Despite that added weight, this is a versatile option that is worth looking into. Some red dot sights are available in a kit that includes the magnifier, like the Magnified Cherry-red Dot Kit pictured below.

Perhaps the biggest downside of a crimson dot sight is most require batteries. No Batteries, No Dot! But on most blood-red-dots, batteries last and then long it's non an issue. For example, on the RD-l Ruby Dot Sight , the battery lasts up to 50,000 hours between replacements.

Scarlet Dots with Astigmatism

If y'all are new to Reddish Dots and can't seem to get a clear dot, it may non exist the sight, yous may take a red dot astigmatism. You tin larn more than about this topic in our article AR-fifteen Red Dot Sights and Astigmatism .

Best AR-15 Crimson Dot Sights

There are many choices bachelor for red dots , and everyone seems to take an opinion on the best red dot sight for AR15.

But nosotros have 3 categories of recommendations: All-time Value , Best Overall, And Other Excellent Red Dot Sights .

Best Value Crimson Dot Sights for AR 15: AT3 Cherry-red Dot Sights

Looking for a great ruddy dot sight on a budget? AT3 cherry dot sights are the place to start, with many models to choose from. Since the original publish date of this article, the option has expanded. The peak selection is still the aforementioned, notwithstanding. The all-time value red dot sight is…

The AT3 RD-l PRO Red Dot Sight

At a toll (still) under $100, the AT3 RD-50 PRO Scarlet Dot Sight is an unbeatable value. Information technology's tough, lightweight, accurate, and piece of cake to employ. The RD-fifty PRO features a crisp 2 MOA dot, a lightweight riser with several height configurations, and an armored housing with integrated lens caps.

Other key features are a waterproof, shockproof design; crystal-clear multi-coated lenses; and upwardly to l,000 hour of battery life. Plus, all AT3 products are backed past a transferable Lifetime Warranty.

Included with the RD-50 PRO is the PRO-MOUNT Riser – a premium lightweight riser mount that serves equally the perfect companion for any AR-15. In that location are 2 mounts heights available – a medium .83″ riser for "absolute" cowitness with AR atomic number 26 sights, and a 1″ loftier riser for lower 1/iii cowitness. If you need additional information on cowitness and which method volition work all-time for you, bank check out this article.

In addition, the RD-50 PRO includes RD-ARMOR – a cover with integrated lens caps that protects your scarlet dot sight from scratches, grit, moisture, and other harm.

If yous want a cerise dot sight that is lightweight, dependable, accurate – at a price that won't suspension the bank, y'all can't go wrong with the AT3 RD-fifty PRO . The RD-fifty PRO is besides available on Amazon .

The AT3 LEOS Ruby Dot Sight with Laser

The AT3 LEOS Red Dot Sight is designed for the AR-15 rifle and is packed with features like carmine or light-green targeting laser, integrated riser mount, flip-upward lens caps, and tool-free windage & pinnacle adjustment. Both the light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation and cerise dot are controlled with easy push-button controls.

Just like the RD-fifty-PRO , it features up to 50,000 hour battery life, and a durable, waterproof, and shock-resistant blueprint that unfailingly stays on target. Selection upwardly the ruby laser version for simply $124.99 or footstep upwards to the green laser version for $159.99.

For an authentic, undecayed AR-15 reddish dot sight that's packed with features, the AT3 LEOS can't be browbeaten.

[2021 Update] – More than Value Red Dots from AT3

AT3 ARO Micro Reflex Red Dot Sight

The ARO is a traditional reflex sight that has had a smash in popularity since the original publishing of this article. It provides top engineering, a huge FOV, and multiple mounting styles (choose between a depression mount or Absolute Co-Witness mount). This sight is perfect on your AR xv, AK-47, or shotgun. These red dots have become increasingly popular on some hunting guns too. Grab an ARO reflex sight today – prices start at $134.99.

AT3 RCO Red Dot Sight with Circle Reticle and Variable Riser Mounts

The AT3 RCO is a fantastic value and has become a favorite among shooters since information technology launched. The RCO includes a rugged housing, riser, and spacer for absolute co-witness and lower ⅓ co-witness, 2 MOA/62 MOA reticle dot-and-circle with holdovers, flip-up articulate lens caps, 11 digitally adaptable effulgence settings, and, like all AT3 Cherry-red Dots, a transferable Lifetime Warranty. The AT3 RCO retails for $159.99

Best Overall AR-xv Ruddy Dot Sight:

(Note – all links for the following items redirect to Amazon – we've establish that they have the best pricing and availability for this sight)

When this article was first published, the Trijicon MRO was named the all-time overall Red Dot sight. The Trijicon MRO is still a slap-up Red Dot Sight for AR-15 merely a lot has inverse in the ruby-red dot game since then. Nosotros retrieve the best overall AR-15 Red Dot Sight at present is…

The EOTECH XPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight

The EOTECH XPS2 is a simple, lightweight, and effective red dot. There are multiple reticle options, but the best overall characteristic of the reticles are the multiple holdover points. The large outer circle at the lesser will be accurate for close range shots at 7 yards while the other aiming points are suitable for more standard AR15 ranges. You are able to take a quick showtime marker in the reticle to business relationship for close up shots. The large outer circumvolve is a 68 MOA circle which helps become on targets faster every bit well. This large circle is too good for shotguns – taking into consideration shot spreads.

The XPS2 has a fairly large lens which aids in FOV and situational awareness. Similar all EOTECH products, the XPS2 is widely known and tested to be very reliable and durable. Information technology also provides all the "standard" features: waterproof, fog proof, co-witnessing is an pick, using a magnifier is an choice, long bombardment life, and a ton of brightness settings.

EOTech is a premier manufacturer of Holographic Ruby-red Dot Sights that permit heads-up, 2-eyes-open up shooting. EOTech ruby dot sights come in many different styles and reticles, some of which are made for specific calibers like .223, .308, and .300 Blackout.

What makes the EOTech sights then great? For one, they are reliable – these sights are used extensively in combat and law enforcement. They as well have excellent low-parallax optics and unique rectangle-shaped lenses for a wide field of view. Many of the EOTech red dot sights are also night-vision compatible.

In 2015, EOtech'due south parent company lost a fraud lawsuit, where they were implicated in knowingly selling defective sights to the U.s. armed forces and government agencies. The company recalled many red dot sights after this, and they say they take since addressed the problems, only this incident damaged EOtech's reputation in the firearms community.

Now that these issues are addressed, we think that EOtech sights are still an first-class choice. Want to learn more well-nigh EOTech sights? Cheque out our option guide and comparison chart.

Other Best Red Dot Sights

Trijicon MRO

Even though the MRO isn't on the top spot on our list anymore, it is notwithstanding considered a corking Red Dot.

Launched in 2015, the MRO (Miniature Rifle Optic) rapidly became a favorite with the military, law enforcement, and serious shooters. The quality, functionality, immovability, and decent price (under $500) of the MRO puts it ahead of many other sights.

Trijicon is best known for their legendary ACOG rifle scopes, which accept been the go-to military optic for mid-range applications for over 20 years.

The Trijicon MRO red dot sight packs many of the best features of the ACOG into a pocket-size ruddy-dot sight. The forged aircraft-course housing is every bit durable equally you'll discover and even waterproof upward to 100 ft. The glass quality is superb, with exceptional clarity and a well-baked red dot reticle. The MRO offers iii choices of mounts – depression, medium, and high – with the medium and high mounts designed for co-witness on AR-fifteen.

Aimpoint Red Dot Sights

Aimpoint is a Swedish optics visitor that makes red dot sights for civilian, police and military use. It is Aimpoint's conventionalities that a weapon sight should simplify aiming while performing reliably under the toughest weather condition. And they most certainly succeed in that.

Aimpoint sights are regarded by many as the all-time sights on the market place – and for adept reason – they are nearly indestructible cherry dot sights with excellent bombardment life. Aimpoint sights are pricey, and the functionality is fairly bones, only you cannot go wrong with an Aimpoint.

Best AR-xv Red Dot Sight Comparison Nautical chart

Product	Price (MSRP)	Max Bombardment Life	Dot Size	Weight
Eotech XPS2	$575	1K Hours	i MOA Dot & Band	ix.0oz
Trijicon MRO	$579	50K Hours	two MOA	iv.1oz
Aimpoint PRO	$445	30K Hours	ii MOA	vii.8oz
AT3 RD-50 PRO	$99.99	50K Hours	2 MOA	iii.6oz

This chart compares some of the nearly popular cerise dot sight models on the key attributes of price, bombardment life, dot size, and weight.

One Last Tip

If there's anyone that knows the AR-15 platform, it'southward the United states of america war machine. As a special offer for our readers, you lot can get the Official US Army Manual for AR-fifteen/M4/M16 right now – for free. Click hither to snag a copy.