Looking for the best red dot for your AR pistol? If yes, we’ve got you covered. Today’s spotlight is on the best red dots for AR pistols. A red dot is a valuable accessory to add to your AR pistol.
In this day and age, AR pistols are hugely popular for hunting and self-protection in addition to recreational shooting, skill development and more, largely because they are easy to use.
Adding a red dot sight on your AR pistol will help enhance your shooting accuracy and make the shooting more fun no matter the activity you are engaged in. But finding the best red dot for an AR pistol is not an easy task.
Given the wide selection of models to pick from, the selection process can be daunting and time-consuming. We combed the market and compared different reviews and came up with a top selection of the best red dots for AR pistols. Read on and discover the best AR pistol optics.
In today’s post, we will outline the best qualities of a red dot for an AR pistol and also share the best models available on the market currently. Let’s get started.
What Makes a Great Red Dot for AR Pistol?
Multiple attributes make a red dot great for the AR pistol. Firstly, the red dot sight should always provide a clear and wide field of view for rapid target acquisition. It should offer an ample amount of eye relief for comfortable glassing and be designed to be easy to use.
Furthermore, the red dot sight should have rugged and reliable housing that optimizes its durability. It should be crafted with quality materials that make it sturdy enough to take any beating.
For all-weather reliability, the red dot should be able to perform well under rain, mist and fog in addition to extremely high or low temperatures. Lastly, a great dot for AR pistol is versatile for use in multiple applications and has long battery life.
5 Best Red Dots for AR Pistols
If you want the very best red dot sight to get the most out of your AR pistol, this is the review for you. The red dot sights highlighted below share one thing in common robust construction that support excellent performance no matter the application. With that in mind, let us now have a detailed look at some of the best red dots for AR pistols.
1) Riton Optics 3 Taxtic PRD V2 Red Dot Sight
The Taxtic PRD V2 Red Dot Sight from Riton is arguably one of the best red dots for AR pistols out there. It is built versatile and is ideal for self and home defense, competition and recreation shooting, hunting as well as law enforcement.
It has a 3 MOA red dot with 11 different levels of red illumination with automatic adjustment. Even in low-light settings, the red dot stays visible for more accurate aiming. It is designed with an RMR-type footprint which makes it easy to install on a pistol and any AR platform.
This red dot sight is built to last. It has rugged and reliable housing which makes it ideal for use in any environment. On top of that, it is water resistant to offer reliable performance even under extreme weather conditions.
For functionality and ease of use, this optic is designed with a top-loading battery compartment that allows you to change the battery without dismounting the red dot. It also shuts off after 3 minutes of inactivity to help preserve the battery life.
Features
- 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustment
- 11 brightness levels
- RMR-type footprint
- Waterproof and shockproof construction
- Top-loading battery compartment
- 3 MOA red dot
Pros
- Auto brightness
- Shake awake technology
- Pinpoint accuracy
- Reasonably affordable
- Extremely compact and versatile
Cons
- Not the best for CCW as the dot turns off after some hours
2) Sightmark Min Short A-Spec M3 Micro Reflex Sight
Sightmark Min Short A-Spec M3 is one of the best red dots for AR pistols for home defense and shooting at close and medium ranges. It harbors a wide array of high-quality features and is ideal for all users, beginners and seasoned shooters alike.
This reflex sight is made with ease of use in mind. It is easy to mount on any pistol with a shield RMS-C footprint and it also allows for co-witness with standard pistol sights. Better yet, it has an auto-brightness control reticle and an ultra-light design for easy maneuverability.
Sightmark built this micro reflex sight to be nearly indestructible. It has a rugged aluminum alloy housing that stands up to anything you subject it to. It is also IP55 water resistant to be used under any weather condition, shockproof and recoil proof.
More so, this optic will operate reliably in a wide range of temperatures from -22°F to 122°F. Above all, this optic is powered by a high-capacity battery that lasts up to 100,000 hours.
Features
- 2 MOA red reticle with 10 brightness settings
- IP55 water resistant
- Co-witness with standard pistol sights
- Auto-brightness control
- Fits pistols with shield RMS-C footprint
- Unlimited eye relief
- Rugged and shockproof aluminum alloy housing
Pros
- Long battery life
- Lightweight and compact for concealed carry
- Easy to install and sight-in
- Affordability
- Ideal for numerous applications
Cons
- Not fog proof
3) Vortex Viper 1x24mm 6 MOA Red Dot Sight
In the industry of optics, Vortex is one of the leading brands. Vortex optical devices are known for their quality and this is clear in the Viper 1x24mm 6 MOA Red Dot Sight. It has a super-low mounting height that makes it ideal for pistols.
As one of the best red dots for AR pistols, Viper 1×24 offers shooters the speed and precision needed for accurate shot placement in close combat scenarios. Improve your shooting performance with this outstanding red dot sight.
With this red dot sight, you get the simplicity and speed advantage for quick target acquisition. You also get to co-witness with superior height iron sights. Furthermore, it features fully multi-coated lenses which optimize light transmission for bright and ultra-clear views of the target.
It also boasts a wide, unobstructed field of view for smooth target spotting. Like any other Vortex optic, this red dot sight is made to last for ages. It has a shockproof construction that keeps it ready for use under any field conditions.
On the exterior surface is a hard anodized finish that eliminates glare while keeping the optic rust-free and scratch-resistant. It is also sealed with strong O-rings to prevent moisture, dust and debris from entering for reliable performance in any environment.
Features
- Super low profile
- Waterproof design
- Armortek lens coatings
- Shockproof construction
- Hard anodized finish
- Shockproof and recoil-resistant
- Low height for co-witnessing with iron heights
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Ultra-clear lens
- Affordable
- Long battery life
- Simple controls
Cons
- Lacks automatic brightness feature
- You must dismount it from the firearm to change the battery
4) Bushnell AR Optics Engulf Micro Reflex Red Dot Sight
Another prime choice among the best red dots for AR pistols on our list is the Engulf Micro Reflex Red Dot Sight from Bushnell. It has a small design that makes it appropriate for mounting pistols.
While this reflex red dot sight is small in size, it is built like a tank. It is well-designed to stand up to anything you subject it to.
It is shockproof to take in any rough handling and withstand impacts and accidental falls. Additionally, it is O-ring sealed to offer reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance.
Another feature that makes this red dot shine is its versatility. It comes with a Picatinny adapter mount which makes it compatible with numerous rifles and semi-automatic pistols.
Other useful features included are extended battery life and unlimited eye relief for comfortable glassing.
Features
- Waterproof and fogproof
- 1x fixed magnification
- Compatible with numerous rifles and semi-automatic pistols
- Shockproof housing
- Picatinny adapter mount included
- Push buttons for brightness adjustment
Pros
- Compact and ultralight
- Value for money
- Crisp clear dot
- Outstanding brightness
- Wide and clear field of view
Cons
- Brightness adjustment is manual
5) Leupold DeltaPoint Pro 6 MOA Red Dot Sight
When it comes to versatility, it is hard to beat the DeltaPoint Pro 6 MOA Red Dot Sight. You can mount it on your AR pistol, rifle, or any other shotgun.
Plus, it is ideal for use during the day and at night as well. It has an advanced night vision capability which supports modern white phosphor equipment.
This red dot sight has 1x fixed magnification for increased situational awareness. The 6 MOA red dot has numerous illumination settings for use in different lighting conditions.
Furthermore, this optic offers a huge field of view that improves target acquisition and crisp clear lenses that provide color-accurate views of the target.
Construction-wise has a lightweight aluminum housing that is tested and verified to provide superior ruggedness. Combining the unmatched durability and outstanding optical performance, you have a reliable shooting solution.
The ultra-lightweight construction disperses recoil for optimum durability, while the scratch-resistant lenses stand up to the most rugged field conditions. To top it all, the optic is waterproof, fogproof and guaranteed to perform for life.
Features
- The optional built-in rear sight
- Tool-less quick-change battery compartment
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
- Motion sensor technology that extends battery
- Compatible with modern white phosphor equipment
- Bright and crisp 6 MOA red dot
- Adjustable reticle brightness
Pros
- Night vision compatible
- Large field of view
- Ultra-clear optics
- Ultralightweight and compact design
- Solid construction
- Easy to install
Cons
- Low battery compared to other products in this list
Related Posts
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- Best LPVO Scopes for AR-15
How to Choose the Best Red Dots for AR Pistols
Mounting a red dot sight on a pistol greatly improves the accuracy. When looking for a pistol red dot sight, you will come across several brands and telling apart the best from the rest can be taxing. Here are some of the key considerations to keep in mind when searching for a red dot for your AR Pistol.
Durability
A durable red dot sight equals a reliable optic. Regardless of what you intend to use the red dot sight for, make sure that it is built to offer long-term durability.
A red dot sight with robust and reliable housing will stand up to rough field conditions and take in anything nature throws at it.
The best red dot for an AR pistol is one that is built using quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum.
It should also have a protective shield that cushions it from impacts and weather elements. Additionally, the optic should have scratch-resistant lenses for added protection.
Weatherproofing
Weatherproofing is key particularly if you plan to use the red dot sight chiefly for hunting or shooting.
Weather conditions are always unpredictable, so it is important to stay readily prepared all the time.
Go for a red dot sight that is sealed with O-rings so it will perform reliably even under rainy conditions. Also, make sure that it is fully fogproof.
Brightness Levels
The good thing about red dot sights is that they have numerous brightness levels for use in different lighting environments.
For any application, the more brightness levels the optic has, the better. With such a red dot sight, you have the flexibility to adjust the red dot brightness setting to suit the situation at hand.
Read: Best AR-15 Laser Sights
Reticle
You should also consider the size of the reticle as it matters a lot. Big red dot reticle sizes like 5 MOA and 6 MOA are the best for beginners and users with poor vision.
This is because they are easy to see no matter the light setting. However, their major drawback is that they lack the precision for long range.
On the other hand, smaller 1, 2 and 3 MOA reticles offer high precision even at long ranges. For greater versatility, get a red dot sight that incorporates multiple reticle designs.
Read: Best Trijicon Red Dot Sights
Ease of Use
To get the most out of your red dot sight, it must be easy to use even if you are a beginner. It should be compact in size and light in weight for easy carrying in the field. The control dials should be easily accessible and ambidextrous.
Moreover, the optic should boast a huge field of view for rapid target acquisition and it should also offer unlimited eye relief for comfortable glassing.
Why Get a Red Dot for your AR Pistol?
A red dot will help you aim more accurately when shooting targets at close to medium ranges. Also, red dot sight aid in quicker target acquisition as they provide a large field of view.
Furthermore, most red dot sights allow for both eyes open to shooting. This is beneficial in that it allows for comfortable glassing while enhancing situational awareness.
Additionally, red dot sights are smaller and light for easy portability and they are reasonably affordable.
Read: Best Hunting Red Dot Sights
Best Red Dots for AR Pistols FAQs
Q: Can I Put a Red Dot on My AR Pistol?
Yes, you can mount a red dot on your AR pistol. You should mount it as far forward as you can on the receiver to optimize your peripheral view and enhance situational awareness. Adding a red dot on your AR pistol will aid in quick target acquisition.
Q: What Does MOA Mean?
MOA is an abbreviation for Minute of Angle, which is correlated to the minute hand of a 360° clock face. When shooting, fine-tuning your MOA is very important as the slightest angle can make you miss the mark.
Q: What is the Best MOA for a Red Dot Sight?
For precision especially at long ranges, a small MOA of not more than 3 is the best. But for recreational shooting where accuracy is not that critical, a larger 6 or 5 MOA is ideal as it is big, bright and easy to find.
Conclusion
A good red dot sight will help you aim more accurately and aid in fast target acquisition. Hopefully, you have gained some insight into the best red dot for AR pistol.
Remember that what you intend to use the red dot for will play a big part in determining which model you choose. Be activity specific then focus on finding the right red dot for your AR pistol.