Today you will find the best red dot sights for CQB worthy of pairing with your weapon. CQB stands for Close Quarter Battle situations and is applied differently in the shooting world.
In the military, this CQB means subduing your nemesis in the shortest time possible and moving rapidly to the next target while among civilian shooters, it means hitting as many targets as possible in the shortest period.
For you to achieve true CQB success, you will need an optic that provides rapid target acquisition. Whether you are in military or civilian shooting, adding a red dot sight that is up to the challenge can make a big difference in your shooting. The best red dot sights for CQB will help transform your firearm into a lethal shooting solution giving you the upper hand in the heat of action.
In this post, we have rounded up the best red dot sights for CQB. We also have a detailed buyer’s guide to help you pick the optic that matches your needs best. But first, let’s take a look at some of the key features that the best red dot sight for CQB should have.
What Makes a Great Red Dot Sight for CQB?
A great red dot sight for CQB can be a matter of life and death in a dangerous fighting situation. To be on the safest side, the red dot sight you get choose to buy should offer great precision and quick target acquisition.
It should perform well under varying ranges and in different lighting and weather conditions. Moreover, it should have an illuminated reticle that offers multiple brightness settings for precision aiming under different lighting environments.
For added convenience, the CQB red dot sight should be simple to use even for beginners and hassle-free to mount and detach. Lastly, it should have either a fixed or small range flexible magnification to magnify targets at a distance.
8 Best Red Dot Sights for CQB
With all that said, let’s dive right into some of the top-performing red dot sights ideal for close-quarter battle applications.
1) UTG 4.2” ITA Red/Green CQB Dot
The UTG 4.2” ITA Red/Green Dot is arguably one of the best red dot sights for CQB applications. No matter the shooting activity you are engaged in, this optic is made to provide reliable performance when you need it most. This bright and clear optic will be a valuable addition to any firearm.
Versatility is one of the features that make this red dot sight perfect for CQB. It provides quick aiming solutions when mounted on a wide range of pistols, shotguns and rifles. Besides, it comes with a fully adjustable QD lever lock for quick and simple installation.
With this red dot sight, you get unlimited eye relief which provides a comfortable shooting experience. You also get a wide range of windage and elevation adjustments to ensure that you hit your target accurately every time you take the shot.
More so, this red dot sight has an illumination rheostat with adjustable brightness settings. Another facet that makes this device stand out is its durable make. It is compact, but tough as a nail. Built with aluminum, it is sturdy enough to handle anything that comes its way.
Moreover, it features high-tech emerald coatings that optimize light transmission for clear and bright image views. Other notable features included are a red/green dot illumination and an aim and instant lock on target.
Features
- Optimal height design for co-witnessing with iron sights
- Quick detachable tactical mount
- Adjustable brightness levels
- Robust aluminum housing
- Wide field of view
- Unlimited eye relief
- Non-reflective high-tech emerald coatings
Pros
- Affordable and reliable
- Easy to mount and use
- Solid build quality
- Operation knobs work fine
- Compact size and ultralight design
Cons
- Blurry dot
- Poor battery life
2) Holosun Paralow HS503G ACSS CQB Reticle Red Dot Sight
When it comes to versatility, it is hard to go wrong with this Paralow red dot sight. It is ideal for both short-range and long-range engagements and it works during the day and at night as well.
As one of the best red dot sights for CQB, Holosun Paralow HS503G boasts incredibly unique qualities that help deliver incredible performance for both close-quarter and long-range engagements.
While most red dot sights are only effective out to 100 yards, this Holosun HS503G ACSS is different. It boasts three BDC dots under the chevron which provide an outstanding 600 yards of bullet compensation.
Besides, it is parallax-free for greater accuracy and it offers an unlimited field of view for rapid target scanning and acquisition.
Holosun built this red dot sight ready for rugged environments. It has an IP67 water-resistant rating for use even in extreme weather conditions. Construction-wise, it features robust and reliable housing that stands up to any punishment you subject it to.
Above all, this red dot sight boasts a multi-coated lens that delivers admirably bright and crisp views and it has a high-capacity battery that can last up to 50,000 hours.
Features
- Weaver and Picatinny mount
- Unlimited field of view
- Robust and dependable construction
- IP67 water-resistant rating
- 2 MOA dot
- Parallax free
- Multi-coated lens
Pros
- Long battery life
- Made for day and night use
- Unlimited eye relief
- Budget-friendly
- Ideal for both short and long-range shooting
- Pinpoint accuracy
Cons
- Only 2 brightness settings
3) Sig Sauer Romeo5 1x20mm Compact 2 Moa Red Dot Sight
The Romeo5 is a compact red dot sight ideal for multiple applications among them hunting, tactical and competition shooting, and military use. It has a 2 MOA dot that provides pinpoint accuracy even at longer ranges and a fixed 1x magnification for increased situational awareness.
This red dot sight brings to the table an ultra-low parallax that keeps the point of aim parallel to the bore of the firearm. With this, your viewing angle stays relative to the sight’s optical axis no matter your shooting position. It also provides unlimited eye relief which is key for rapid target acquisition.
The 2 MOA red dot has 10 brightness settings, 8 for daylight use and 2 for night vision compatibility. Moreover, it features a motion-activated illumination that preserves the battery life by powering the optic only when it senses motion.
Even better, the battery included lasts up to 50,000 hours and you don’t have to dismount it to change the battery. To top it all, this optic comes with a multi-platform friendly M1913 Picatinny interface and it is fully waterproof and fog resistant.
Romeo5 1x20mm Compact 2 Moa Red Dot Sight is optimized for a wide range of firearms making it a prime choice among the best red dot sights for CQB.
Features
- 2 MOA red dot with 10 illumination settings
- IPX-7 waterproof and fogproof
- Motion-activated illumination (MOTAC)
- Built-in M1913 Picatinny interface
- 1x fixed magnification
Pros
- Long battery life
- Unlimited eye relief
- Easy to operate
- Game-changing optics for all types of shooters
- Compact and light in weight
Cons
- Can be difficult to switch on
4) EOTech 510 Series 512-A65 Holographic CQB Weapon Sight
The EOTech 512-A65 Holographic CQB Weapon Sight provides civilians and law enforcement officers with the perfect non-magnifying optic for close quarters. If what you are after in your CQB red dot sight is versatility, speed and pinpoint accuracy, this is your ideal optic.
The red dot sight features 1x fixed magnification and it offers unlimited eye relief for rapid acquisition of targets. On the external surface of the optics is an anti-reflective coating which increases light transmission for brighter and crisp image views.
Moreover, this revolutionary weapon sighting system is built to last. It has a rugged and reliable construction which provides long-lasting durability. Additionally, it is dustproof, fog resistant and water resistant up to 10ft/3m for use in any weather condition.
It also has windage and elevation adjustment and a MIL-STD 1913 Weaver mount which is compatible with both Picatinny and Weaver rails. If you are looking for an amazing optic that holds zero, allows speedy target acquisition and is deadly accurate, this Holographic sight has it all and more.
Features
- Anti-reflective lens coatings
- Waterproof and fog-resistant
- Windage and elevation adjustment
- 1x magnification
- Universal mount
- 65 MOA circle with 1 MOA aiming dot
Pros
- Pinpoint accuracy
- Easy to use
- Reliable battery life
- Unlimited eye relief
- High-end optics
Cons
- Lack night vision
5) Vortex Razor AMG UH-1 Gen II Holographic Sight
Next on our list is the Razor AMG UH-1 Gen II Holographic Sight from Vortex. It is fast, intuitive to use and technologically advanced to ensure CQB success.
Featuring 1 MOA red dot, this holographic sight guarantees great accuracy even for distant targets. Even better, you get a large viewing window that makes target acquisition even faster and with the tool-free battery cover, you get to make a battery replacement without dismounting the sight.
With a weight of just 11 ounces, this sight is ultra-light for ease of use. It has a rugged construction to stand up to recoil and impacts, and an Armortek coating that shields the exterior lenses from scratches, dirt, oil and dust.
Furthermore, it is sealed with O-rings to provide a lifetime of waterproof and fog-proof performance. Last but not least, this Vortex holographic sight has 4-night vision compatible settings.
Features
- 1x fixed magnification
- Rugged and reliable housing
- Ultra-hard scratchproof Armortek coating
- 1 MOA red dot size
- Waterproof and fogproof
- XR plus fully multi-coated windows
Pros
- Zero image distortion
- Large viewing window
- Ultralight design
- Night vision compatible
- Outstanding accuracy
Cons
- Poor battery life
- High cost
6) Newcon Optik NC 6×50 Red Dot Sight
The Newcon Optik NC 6×50 Red Dot Sight is another best red dot sight for CQB on our list. It comes with a top Picatinny/Weaver rail that you can use to attach accessories like cameras, lasers, and flashlights in addition to secondary optics like holographic sights.
With this red dot sight, you get unmatched optical clarity regardless of the lighting and weather conditions. This is thanks to multi-coated lenses that optimize the transmission of light. Besides, it has a red/green reticle that helps with precision target acquisition. This reticle also provides adjustable brightness for use in different environments.
This red dot sight is designed to stand up to the rigors of the battlefield. It has robust aluminum housing and it offers reliable waterproof and fog-proof performance. Also, it comes with windage and elevation adjustments and a built-in Picatinny/Weaver rail mount that is compatible with a wide selection of firearms.
Features
- 6x magnification
- Multi-coated optics
- Adjustable reticle illumination
- High-strength aluminum housing
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Windage and elevation adjustment
Pros
- Integrated Picatinny/Weaver rail mount
- Pinpoint accuracy
- Full reticle illumination
- Easy to use
- Bright and crisp optics
Cons
- High cost
7) Vortex Strikefire II 1x30mm 4 MOA Red Dot Sight
If you are on the hunt for the best red dot sight for CQB for the money, this is it. It harbors excellent quality and versatile features that every shooter will find useful.
If you are always involved in situations that demand split-second target acquisition and a wide-angle field of view, this red dot sight has your back. It allows for both eyes open shooting that increases situational awareness. It also provides unlimited eye relief that aids in the rapid acquisition of targets.
This Vortex red dot sight is made to be virtually indestructible. It has a 30mm aluminum alloy chassis which is both shockproof and recoil resistant. Besides that, it features fully multi-coated lenses which provide a bright and unobstructed field of view.
You will also get a 4 MOA red dot with 10 brightness settings, with the lowest 2 settings being compatible with night vision.
To add on everything else, the red dot sight is nitrogen purged to prevent internal lens fogging and sealed with O-rings to lock out dirt and moisture.
Features
- Offset cantilever mount included
- Waterproof and fogproof
- 30mm aluminum alloy chassis
- Allows for both eyes open shooting
- Unlimited eye relief
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 4 MOA dot size
Pros
- Extra-high recoil resistant
- Crisp clear optics
- 10 different illumination settings
- Remarkably affordable
- Ease of use
Cons
- Battery life could be better
- 4 MOA is quite big for larger distances
8) Leapers UTG 4.2in ITA Red/Green CQB Dot
Lastly, we have the UTG 4.2in ITA Red/Green CQB Dot. Its versatility makes it compatible with a wide selection of pistols, rifles and shotguns. It even comes with a fully adjustable QD lever lock which makes the installation process quick and straightforward.
For any rapid-aiming situation, this optic got you covered. It offers unlimited eye relief and a large viewing window for instant target acquisition. When it comes to construction, it is compact but built like a tank.
It is crafted on a True Strength Platform and it provides long-term reliability no matter the weather condition. To top it all, it comes with a patterned illumination rheostat with adjustable brightness settings.
Features
- Quick detachable tactical mount
- Adjustable brightness levels
- Robust and reliable housing
- Wide field of view
- Unlimited eye relief
- 4 MOA dot
- Non-reflective high-tech emerald coatings
Pros
- Affordable and reliable
- Easy to mount and use
- Solid build quality
- Operation knobs work fine
- Compact size and ultralight
Cons
- Aiming dot is not the best
Further Reading
- Best AR-15 Red Dots
- Red Dot Sights for 45-70
- Best Red Dots for AR Pistols
- Red Dot Sights for 30-06
- Best Trijicon Red Dot Sights
Best Red Dot Sights for CQB Buyer’s Guide
The following are some of the important factors you should consider when shopping for the best red dot sight for CQB.
Durability
Multiple elements contribute to the durability of a red dot sight. One of the elements is the type of material used. To get many years out of your red dot sight, go for a model that is built from aluminum. Aluminum stands up to rough handling without adding ounces.
Water Resistant
Whether you are a civilian or in the military, you will want your red dot sight to perform well under the rain, mist, fog, snow, or any other weather element. For the red dot sight to offer reliable weather resistance, it should be filled with either nitrogen or argon gas, and sealed with O-rings.
Read: Best 223 Red Dots
Illumination Levels
Red dot sights have numerous reticle illumination levels for use in various lighting environments. The more illumination levels an optic has, the better. Today, modern red dot sights even have both daytime and night vision brightness settings for greater versatility.
Reticle
It is also important to consider the size of the reticle and get one that aligns best with your needs. Bigger red dot reticle sizes like 6 MOA remain visible all though and they are the best for people with poor vision, particularly seniors. But they lack precision at extended ranges.
For CQB, it is best to get a model with a smaller reticle size. It is even best to get a unit that incorporates multiple reticle designs for greater versatility.
Read: Best Red Dots for AR Pistols
Ease of Use
A red dot sight that is easy to use is a must-have for CQB applications. Size-wise, it should be compact and light in weight for easy handling. More so, the operation knobs should be easily accessible for both left and right-handed users. The optic you get should also be simple to sight in.
Best Red Dot Sights for CQB FAQs
Q: Do Soldiers Use Red Dot Sights?
Yes. red dot sights are used by soldiers in the army for rapid target acquisition. Currently, the M68 CCO and Trijicon RMR are some of the red dot sights that the military use.
Q: What is the Best Red Dot Sight for CQB?
There is no one red dot sight that fits everyone. You have to consider what you plan to use the red dot sight for so you can find a model that is best for your needs. Usually, the best unit is one that provides all the features that you need
Conclusion
We are hopeful that you have gained some insights into the best red dot sight for CQB. Remember that what you intend to use the red dot sight for will play a huge part in determining the model that you choose. Put into consideration your individual needs then look for a product that meets all your demands.