Your search for the best hunting red dot sights brought you here. Fortunately for the right reason. In our today’s post, we will be highlighting a selection of the best red dot sights suitable for hunting alongside other shooting applications. Read on and be enlightened.
Hunting is a popular past-time activity practiced by many. Whether hunting is your hobby or you hunt to make ends meet, having the right hunting gear is very important. Today, a red dot is a necessity when hunting. Their popularity has increased significantly especially among hunters who are involved in a close-range shooting.
If you are keen on boosting your level of accuracy out there, a red dot sight is a must-have accessory. With numerous options suitable for hunting, landing the best hunting red dot sights can be a hard shell especially for first-time buyers. To help you find the best of the best, we have compiled a top selection of the best hunting red dot sights.
What Makes a Great Red Dot for Hunting?
A great red dot enhances your hunting accuracy by giving you faster-targeting capabilities. Since hunting takes place outdoors, a great red dot for hunting should be weatherproof.
A durably made sight is also very handy since you don’t when the sight can slip from your fingers and fall. Also, a great red dot should offer a clear and wide field of view which is essential for easy target tracking and accurate shot placement.
8 Best Hunting Red Dot Sights
Red dots are usually lighter than traditional scopes. They are designed to give you rapid target acquisition while maintaining high accuracy. To ensure that you get the best hunting red dot, we have made a detailed review of the best red dot sights available on the market today. Without wasting any more time, let’s take a look.
#1) Aimpoint Pro Red Dot Reflex Sight
Aimpoint is known to make high-quality modern optics such as the Pro Red Dot Reflex Sight. This red dot sight delivers unparalleled performance under all conditions. It’s durably made to stand in harsh outdoor environments and ensure many years of field performance.
The reflex sight features a 2 MOA red dot for greater accuracy at all ranges making it one of the best hunting red dot sights. It is powered by a single 3V lithium battery which provides up to 30,000 hours of use.
This reflex sight has both day and night vision compatibility. You get 4-night vision compatible settings and 6 daylight settings with one extra bright for use in broad daylight. This versatility gives hunters the leeway to hunt different games in their active hours. It is also compatible with all generations of NVD.
Another good thing about this hunting red dot sight is that it allows for absolute co-witness with iron sights. Moreover, it’s amazingly light and easy to mount.
It also features an operational parallax-free for greater accuracy. This no-nonsense has earned the respect of hunters and no hunting red dot sight can match its performance.
Features
- High-strength aluminum construction
- Multi-layer lens coating
- 30,000 hours of battery life
- Absolute co-witness with iron sights
- 2 MOA red dot
- Waterproof and submersible up to 150 feet
- 4-night vision settings and 6 daylight settings
- Compatible with all generations of NVD
- Operationally parallax free
- Threaded from the lens opening
#2) Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is one of the best hunting red dot sights for the money. It features 3 MOA dot reticles with 11 different brightness settings. You can easily change from one setting to the other depending on the light conditions.
The red dot is made to last. It comes in a tough, precision-engineered housing that stands up to anything you through at it. The shockproof construction enhances its durability so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged while on the field.
Moreover, the sight is O-ring sealed and nitrogen-filled to provide reliable waterproof and fog-proof properties. Weighing just 0.23 pounds, the TRS-25 is incredibly light and portable. You can mount it easily on any Picatinny rails.
Plus, it’s designed to be compatible with pistols, muzzleloaders, rifles, and shotguns. Above all, the lens is multi-coated to give you high-quality images to help you get on target easily and quickly.
Features
- Matte black finish
- 3 MOA dot reticle
- 11 adjustable brightness settings
- Waterproof and fogproof construction
- Parallax adjustment from 50 yards to infinity
- Durable, shockproof construction
- Multi-coated lens
#3) Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Reflex Sight
The DeltaPoint Pro Reflex Sight might be compact, but it offers unparalleled performance. It provides an ultra-wide field of view making it easy to spot and track down moving targets.
The crisp clear glass gives you high-quality images for accurate shot placement. DeltaPoint Pro is all about being bold even in high-pressure situations. The reflex sight offers a 2.5 MOA dot and 8 brightness settings.
It’s fully waterproof and fog-resistant so you can use it even in extreme weather conditions. The rugged aluminum construction and steel sheath enhances durability and ensure that you will get many years of field use. The reflex sight features an easy-access battery compartment at the top.
Featuring a stellar optical performance, this reflex sight scores highly among the best hunting red dot sights. The unparalleled performance is credited to the superior optical system that delivers incredible light transmission for crystal clear images even in unconducive lighting environments.
Supplementing the optical system is an illuminated reticle that makes target acquisition in low light a breeze.
Features
- 5 MOA dot reticle
- 8 brightness settings
- Rugged aluminum housing
- Fogproof and waterproof
- Compact and lightweight
- Wide field of view
- High-quality crystal-clear glass
- Easy-access battery compartment at the top
- Compatible with all generations of night vision devices
#4) Sig Sauer SOR32004 Romeo3 XL 1x35Mm
Accuracy and reliability best describe the Sig Sauer SOR32004 Romeo3 XL 1x35Mm red dot. It features a high transmittance red dot notch reflector and a 6MOA red dot reticle.
The MOA dot has numerous brightness settings for fast target engagement across a wide range of lighting conditions. Not to mention the high-quality lens which offers excellent light transmittance and zero image distortion.
This red dot sight is built to withstand the harshest hunting environments. It features an aircraft-grade CNC aluminum housing which enhances durability to ensure a lifetime of reliable field use.
Above all, it comes with a Motion Activated Illuminated system which helps preserve the battery life. It powers up automatically when it senses motion and powers down when there is no motion detected.
An excellent field of view and great intensity on the dot make the Sig Sauer Romeo 3 a top contender among the best hunting red sights. Other than that, the sight comes with a low-profile M1913 Picatinny mount and it’s compatible with handguns, shotguns and rifles.
Features
- High-transmittance red notch reflector
- 6 MOA red dot reticle
- Multiple intensity settings
- Low-profile M1913 Picatinny mount
- Motion Activated Illuminated system
- Aircraft-grade CNC aluminum housing
- Compatible with a handgun, shotgun and rifles
#5) Sightmark SM26005 Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight
The Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight is made with the avid hunter in mind. Since most hunters prefer to hunt at dawn or dusk, this reflex sight is made to provide great views under different light conditions. It comes with 6 variable brightness settings for daytime use and 6 other settings in night vision mode.
This reflex sight features cast magnesium alloy housing which provides exceptional durability while keeping weight at a minimum. It’s fully covered with a protective shield to enhance durability and lockout weather elements. This top-notch reflex sight is a game-changer and a front runner among the best hunting red dot sights.
For all-weather reliability, this device has an IP68 waterproof rating and it’s fully submersible up to 40 feet of water. This red dot sight also features dual-pane glass, a wide field of view, and a parallax-corrected lens system for greater accuracy.
Features
- Lightweight and shockproof
- Illuminated reticle
- IP68 waterproof rating
- Parallax corrected from 10 yards to infinity
- Wide field of view
- Low power consumption
- Cast magnesium alloy housing
- Protective shield
- Adjustable reticle brightness with night vision modes
- Interlock internal locking system
#6) Trijicon RMR Type 2 Adjustable LED Sight
If you are on the market for the best lightweight red dot sight, the Trijicon Adjustable LED Sight suits you. This LED sight gives you a fast reflex action to engage targets in CQB scenarios.
It features a 3.25 MOA red dot reticle with automatic brightness mode and eight adjustable brightness settings among them 2-night vision and 1 super bright. This sight adjustment has a power-saving mode that adjusts the aiming dot automatically to the ambient light conditions after 16.5 hours.
Thanks to the rugged electronic design, this sight guarantees great performance and durability even in harsh environments. It also features a military-grade aluminum alloy housing which increases its durability.
Moreover, this sight comes equipped with a button lockout to prevent accidental adjustments. You can mount it on any variable or fixed magnification optic and increase your long-range accuracy.
It’s compatible with a wide range of rifles and handguns. To top it all, it’s suitable for military and law enforcement, not just hunting. It’s one of the most versatile red dot sights on the market.
Features
- Ultra-light design
- Button lock which prevents accidental adjustments
- Multi-purpose application
- Military-grade aluminum alloy housing
- Compatible with handguns and rifles
- Dependable electronic design
- 25 MOA adjustable LED RMR
- 8 adjustable brightness settings
#7) Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sight
Vortex makes high-quality optics and the Venom Red Dot Sight is one of their best hunting red dot sights. It comes with a 3 MOA red dot reticle which promotes fast target acquisition needed for accurate shot placement. This red dot sight fits well on a wide range of rifles and shotguns.
It’s crafted from high-quality aluminum to ensure long-lasting durability. Additionally, this device is O-ring sealed to prevent the entry of moisture, dust, and debris. This gives you reliable performance in all environments.
Venom red dot sight is amazingly easy to use. It has stylish 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments which make sighting a walk in the park, while the top-load system makes changing the battery simple. Also, the red dot sight has an automatic brightness mode which uses an ambient light sensor to make changes to the dot intensity.
The red dot sight is parallax-free for greater accuracy. The high-quality, fully multi-coated lenses increase light transmission to give your a bright and clear field of view. You also get 10 different brightness levels suitable for use in different light conditions.
Features
- 3 MOA red dot reticle
- 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
- Top load system which makes changing the battery a breeze
- Waterproof and dustproof
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Auto-brightness mode
- 10 reticle brightness levels
- Durable aluminum housing
- Wide field of view
#8) HOLOSUN- HS510C Reflex Red Dot Sight for Longer Barrels
HOLOSUN uses the latest technologies in their HS510C Reflex Red Dot Sight to make your hunting expedition more competitive and enjoyable. This reflex sight uses Solar Failsafe Technology which keeps it powered if the batteries fail in critical situations.
The battery is designed to last up to 50,000 hours while on the lowest brightness mode. Additionally, the sight features Holosun’s shake awake technology which activates the LED whenever it senses any motion.
The multi-layer coatings applied on the optical glass facilitate optimum light transmission needed for bright and clear images. It also increases lens durability by reducing wear and minimizes glare when hunting during the day.
With the multi-reticle system, you can easily toggle sections of the reticle depending on the job at hand and your preferred vision. You can choose the precision of a 2 MOA red dot, 65 MOA open circle, or a circle-dot reticle if you want fast target acquisition.
Features
- Multi-layer optical glass coatings
- Multi-reticle system
- Shake awake technology
- Automatic brightness adjustment
- Solar Failsafe Technology
- 50,000 hours of battery life
- Parallax free
- Waterproof construction
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Considerations when Buying Hunting Red Dot Sights
Getting up-close and personal with your target adds thrill to the hunt. Besides when hunting moving prey, there is no better sighting device to use than a red dot sight.
The market offers a plethora of red dot sights and choosing the best hunting red dot sights is easier said than done. Armed with the necessary information, you will find the best optic to pair with your hunting rifle.
Here are the key considerations to keep in mind when looking for hunting red dot sights.
Housing Configuration
A red dot sight will come in either an open style or a tube style. A red dot sight with a tube-style configuration is almost similar in appearance to a traditional sight. This housing allows the shooter to add filters and protective covers to the lens. Doing so helps make the red dot more visible in bright sunlight.
Open sights on the other hand don’t have the classic tube style. These sights have the bare basics, an illumination source, and the objective window to see through. You can’t add any filters as it has less room for flair.
Reticle Style
Red dots have different reticle styles. All reticles are illuminated to help you shoot easily in low-light conditions. However, the pattern of the red dot reticle varies, so it’s important to find a pattern that’s not only easy to read but also works well for your shooting needs.
These patterns range from simple single dots to crosshairs or bullseye patterns that are either displayed in red or green color. A good red dot for hunting should also offer different brightness levels.
Battery Life
Battery life is the other important thing you should consider when shopping for a red dot for hunting. Whenever you are hunting, you’ll want the reticle to be there when you need it.
Without the red dot reticle, targeting becomes difficult and the accuracy can be affected. So, try to look for a hunting red dot sight that offers thousands of hours of use before the battery life diminishes.
Mounting
What do you intend to use the red dot sight on? Is it a handgun, a rifle, or a shotgun? Luckily, most red dot sights are compatible with these three firearms. But it is important that you confirm and not assume.
The majority of red dots for hunting will mount up fine on a rifle with Picatinny or Weaver rail. But each handgun manufacturer has its mounting system which might work or not work with the red dot sight. So, make sure that you check the compatibility of the sight with the firearm you intend to use it with.
Further Reading
Advantages of Hunting Red Dot Sights
Accuracy
Red dot sights hold a special place among gun enthusiasts because of their accuracy. Hunting red dot sights can place the aiming point on the target allowing you to take a shot with pinpoint accuracy.
When shooting at a distance, a red dot sight allows you to easily hold over and see the entire target in the window. Since you are only aligning one focal plane, the focus is only on the target and you get to be as accurate as possible.
Versatility
Hunting red dot sights are insanely versatile optics that can be paired with almost hunting firearms. From handguns, and shotguns to rifles, there is a red dot to couple with your platform.
If you are a bow hunter, you haven’t been left out. There are crossbow red dot sights specially designed to enhance crossbow performance significantly.
Faster Target Acquisitions
Speed is one of the main reasons hunters and shooters have embraced red dot sights. With a red dot sight, you only need to focus on your front sight and then pull the trigger.
The shooting process is more simplified and helps you get to the target faster. The fastness is very resourceful when shooting at moving targets.
Hunting red dot sights also facilitates a faster transition from one target to another. With a properly zeroed red dot sight, you reign in the field. Simply put, where speed is paramount, a red dot sight is supreme.
Read: Best Red Dot Sights for 45-70
Good for Aging Eyes
The focusing ability of the human eye deteriorates with age. Hunting red dot sights will greatly improve the shooting prowess of older shooters.
The shooters can align the dot on the target easily and take accurate shots even when the reticle isn’t crisp.
Wider and Less Restricted Field of View
Red dot sights present a greater field of view of the target. You get to see the entire target through the window alongside its surroundings.
This greatly increases your situational awareness. Another bonus of using a red dot sight is unlimited eye relief.
Read: Best Red Dots for AR Pistols
Disadvantages of Hunting Red Dot Sights
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Durability Concerns
Red dot sights are complicated electronic devices that are inherently prone to destruction. Although modern red dot sights are ruggedly constructed, they still have fragile components such as glass which may not stand-up abuse. Care should be taken when using these devices.
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Fixed Power
Hunting red dot sights have a single power setting limiting their overall applications in the hunting world. The problem can be mitigated by the use of red dot magnifiers.
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Battery Life
Most hunting red dot sights run on batteries. The lifespan of the batteries depends on the usage and the brightness setting you employ in the field.
If you use the brightest setting, the battery may not live up to the recommended period so you have to find replacement batteries to continue using the red dot sight.
Replacement of the batteries requires unscrewing the battery compartment in some red dots. You will also need to clean the screws before screwing them back. Not everyone appreciates the hassle.
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Performance Affected by Weather Conditions
While speed and accuracy are undeniable for a red dot sight, weather elements will deny you these benefits, especially for open sights. Fogging and condensation obscure the LED emitter rendering the red dot sight ineffective.
To overcome this challenge, manufacturers have introduced fully enclosed MRDS such as the Aimpoint ACRO P-2 Red Dot Reflex Sight and Holosun 507 Red Dot Reflex Sight.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this review has given you meaningful insights into the best hunting red dot sights. Remember, the best hunting red dot meets your hunting needs. All the red dot sights listed above are specially designed for hunting. They are durable, reliable and easy to use. Which red dot sight will be adding to hunting accessories?