The M1911 is a superb pistol that is renowned for its ergonomic design and accuracy. Mounting a red dot sight on the M1911 is the best way to accessorize it and make the most out of it. Today, we will show you the best 1911 red dot sights.
You will have a clearer point of aim compared to when you shoot with your naked eyes and get the perfect focus. Mounting a red dot sight on the M1911 will also increase your speed of acquiring the targets, boost your confidence and enable you to shoot better from a distance.
In the market, there is a sea of red dot sights available and not all are ideal for use with the 1911 pistol. As a result, we have done our homework and reviewed a top selection of different red dot sights that are made for use with pistols.
These red dot sights have fine and impressive facets that make each model stand out. They are simple to use, dependable and great for a wide range of applications. Without wasting any more time, let’s have a look.
1) Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sights
Vortex is renowned for its quality and affordable optics and the Venom Red Dot Sights are proof of that. This ultra-compact and light red dot sight is available in 3 MOA and 6 MOA reticles which provide an upper hand in close-quarter combats.
The reticle has multiple brightness levels which maximize visibility in different lighting conditions. The wide field lens provides exceptional edge-to-edge clarity while the unlimited eye relief makes target acquisition quick in all situations.
To help the reticle achieve its function, the sight has a fully multi-coated lens that provides a clear view even in critically low light situations. Moreover, the durable aluminum housing has a Type III hard anodized finish that offers an extra shield from rust, corrosion and scratches.
Another impressive facet of the optic is the auto shutdown function that extends the battery life. Also included are a Picatinny mount and a Torch wrench for easy installation. These highly effective red dot sights are surely top contenders as the best 1911 red dot sights.
Features
- Unlimited eye relief
- Single-piece chassis
- Waterproof and shock-resistant
- Durable aluminum construction
- Fully multi-coated anti-scratch optics
- 1 MOA impact point correction
Pros
- Long battery life
- Compact and lightweight
- Multifunctionality
- Easy to install and use
- Battery included
Cons
- The battery is hard to replace
2) SIG SAUER Romeo 1 1x30mm Mini Reflex Sight
When you need to have better performance with your handgun, you will need a quality sighting tool like the SIG SAUER Romeo 1 1x30mm Mini Reflex Sight.
It is designed to maintain a consistent zero after every shot and boost your speed of target acquisition. With this reflex sight, you will dominate close-quarter engagements and take down nearby targets with utmost precision.
The red dot sight has a compact size that allows for low and co-witness mounting. Though compact, the optic is built like a tank. It is CNC machined from a solid billet of magnesium which is lightweight yet durable.
Besides, it has an IPX-7 water resistance rating for all-weather reliability. The tough construction helps it stand out as one of the best 1911 red dot sights.
For added convenience, the available CR1632 battery is top-loading, allowing for speedy and easy battery change without removing the sight from the firearm.
It also features a motion-activated illumination, MOTAC which provides for enhanced battery life and optimum operation safety.
Features
- 3 or 6 MOA red dot
- Multiple intensity settings
- Motion activated illumination
- IPX-7 water-resistant rating
- Unlimited eye relief
- HDX optical coating
- Strong magnesium housing
Pros
- Lightweight and durable
- Easy to adjust the red dot
- Holds zero well
- The battery is easy to install
Cons
- Poor battery life
3) Leupold Delta Point Pro Red Dot Sight
Leupold prides itself in making quality optics and this reputation is well maintained in the Delta Point Pro Red Dot Sight. It harbors a plethora of fine features that make it one of the best 1911 red dot sights.
The aiming point in this red dot sight is a crisp 2.5 MOA red dot that offers the best balance between precision and speed. It has 8 different illumination intensities to enhance your shooting abilities in vast lighting conditions.
Furthermore, the optic is made with lightweight aluminum housing shrouded by spring steel to maximize durability. The tool-free, spring-actuated battery compartment makes battery change easy and maintains an industry-leading 66 feet of waterproofness.
The aspheric lens produces a wide field of view with high-quality sight pictures. The optic also employs Motion Sensor Technology which automatically activated the illumination by sensing motion.
Enhance your shooting ability by mounting an effective red dot sight on your pistol. This red dot sight is one of the most versatile red dot sights you can find in the market.
Suitable for hunting and tactical situations, Delta Point Pro Red Dot Sight will be a fantastic partner for your handgun.
Features
- Diamond coat optical coating
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Motion sensor technology
- Locking adjustment system
- Rugged aluminum housing
- Spring-actuated battery compartment
- 5 MOA red dot reticle
Pros
- Sturdy build quality
- Crisp clear red dot
- Perfect size for handguns
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Mounting issues
4) Trijicon RM01 RMR Type 2 LED 3.25 MOA Red Dot Sight
Increase the accuracy and precision of your favorite weapon with the Trijicon RM01 RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA Red Dot Sight. It is engineered for use with pistols, rifles and shotguns where it provides a crisp clear point of aim in all lighting conditions.
A defining feature that makes this red dot sight one of the best 1911 red dot sights is a parallax-free performance that combines well with LED illumination to create a dependable shooting solution for any setup.
The sight combines superior toughness and compact size that makes it easy to carry around. Both the 7075-T6 aluminum housing and the glass window are resistant to impacts to stand up to the rigorous of outdoor use. They are also waterproof and submersible to 66’ to be operable in all weather conditions.
Furthermore, the optic offers an unlimited field of view for rapid target finding. The glass window has True-Color multi-coatings that maximize image brightness and clarity by enhancing light transfer. The optic also boats improved electronics and battery contacts to ensure reliable performance in harsh conditions.
Features
- 25 MOA red dot
- Unlimited field of view
- Tempered glass window
- LED illumination
- Parallax free
- Ruggedized electronics and battery contacts
Pros
- Outstanding durability
- Easily adjustable windage and elevation
- Multi-platform friendly
- Long battery life
Cons
- No mount included
- Expensive for a budget buyer
5) Vortex Razor Reflex Red Dot Sight
Equip your M1911 with a high-clarity optic and add accuracy to your firearm. With a wide field of view, unmatched resolution and premium lenses, this red dot sight gives you the utmost control in any shooting situation.
The Razor Reflex Red Dot Sight is a perfect sighting tool for close-range shooting engagements making it one of the best 1911 red dot sights. It has 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments, and a large 6 MOA red dot reticle that is well suited for multiple hunting and tactical tasks.
The red dot sight has manually adjustable reticle brightness that optimizes the red dot’s visibility in different lighting conditions. The lens window is coated with an anti-reflective coating to enhance brightness and clarity. It also has an Armortek layer that shields it from scratches, dirt and other contaminants.
Construction-wise, the sight is housed in an aerospace aluminum chassis that is sturdy enough to perform on firearms of any style and caliber. The housing is O-ring sealed to be waterproof and is designed to operate in temperatures ranging from -40 to 140℉.
For high-speed precision targeting with a large field of view and crisp reticle, mount the Vortex Razor Reflex Red Dot Sight and lock in targets quickly and accurately.
Features
- Unlimited eye relief
- 6 MOA red dot reticle
- Non-reflective anodized black finish
- Waterproof housing
- XR anti-reflection lens coating
- Manually adjustable reticle brightness
Pros
- Solid construction
- Crystal clear sight picture
- Bright and clear dot
- Minimum maintenance
Cons
- Design
6) Eotech XPS2 Holographic Red Dot Sight
As one of the best 1911 red dot sights, the Eotech XPS2 Holographic Red Dot Sight has every handy feature you will need to shoot more accurately with your pistol. It allows you to shoot with both your eyes open and maintain full situational awareness in the field.
Another selling point of this sighting tool is its reticle. It has a 68 MOA outer ring with quadrant stadia and 1 MOA center aiming dot that offers superior precision even at long ranges. The reticle is laser-illuminated and has 20 different intensity levels for use in different lighting conditions.
Moreover, this red dot sight is built to last long. It has durable housing with an aluminum hood assembly. The optics are fog-resistant and the entire housing is waterproof and submersible to 10’ for added protection from the elements.
Other essential features included are unlimited eye relief, anti-reflective coated optics and recesses side windage and elevation dials.
Features
- Red laser-illuminated reticle
- 20 intensity levels
- Anti-reflection coated optics
- Fogproof and waterproof
- Durable aluminum hood
- Unlimited eye relief
Pros
- Great battery life
- Wide field of view
- Solid build quality
- Excellent craftsmanship
Cons
- Slightly clunky buttons
7) Holosun HS407C-X2 Red Dot Sight
Holosun is known for making high-quality red dot sights and the HS407C-X2 Red Dot Sight is one of their best models. It is an open handgun reflex sight that is designed to improve your accuracy and target acquisition speed in any shooting application.
The super LED illumination provides a clear point of aim, while the multi-layer lens coatings enhance image brightness and clarity in any environment. Even better, the optic has an IP67 water resistance rating and is operable in temperatures ranging from -30 to 60°C.
To improve the battery life, this red dot sight has a Shake Awake motion technology that activates the device only when it senses motion. It also features a Solar Failsafe that provides power when the battery fails.
Above all, it has a tough, lightweight aluminum housing that is anodized to provide extra durability and resistance to elements. Improve your target acquisition speed and accuracy by pairing your handgun with a red dot sight with proven performance and dependability.
Features
- 10 brightness settings
- Multi-coated optics
- Shake Awake technology
- Waterproof and dustproof
- Solar failsafe
- 2 MOA red dot reticle
- Unlimited eye relief
Pros
- Long-lasting battery
- Crisp clear red dot
- Accuracy
- Easy to use
- Inexpensive
Cons
- No drawbacks
8) Shield Sights Reflex Mini Red Dot Sight
The Shield Sights Reflex Mini Red Dot Sight is built to deliver unprecedented results throughout its lifetime and is arguably one of the best 1911 red dot sights. It is simple to use and completely eye safe as there are no laser or radioactive materials used.
To enhance durability, the sight is made from aerospace-quality aluminum that is tough enough to withstand impact and rough handling. The brightness adjustments are automatic for added convenience and compatible with night vision gear on the lowest settings.
Furthermore, the sight has anti-reflective optical coatings which provide bright and crisp target views. It also boasts a long-lasting battery that offers 2 to 3 years of continuous runtime on average use.
Features
- 1x magnification
- 8 MOA red dot reticle
- Anti-reflective optical coating
- Aerospace quality aluminum
- Automatic brightness
Pros
- Easy to install
- Side-loading battery tray
- Crisp clear optics
Cons
- The optics break easily
Further Reading
- Best Red Dot Sights for MP5
- Red Dot Sights for Sig P320
- Best Red Dot Sights for CQB
- Red Dot Sights for 9mm Carbine
- Best Hunting Red Dot Sights
Criteria for Choosing the Best 1911 Red Dot Sights
Finding the best 1911 red dot sights is not something you do on a whip. Here are the important factors to consider when making your selection.
Reticle Size
The reticle size of the red dot sight is measured in MOA and it varies from one product to the other. For close and medium-range shooting where precision is vital, we recommend that you get a 2-3 MOA dot size. The smaller the reticle the greater the balance between precision and speed it offers.
On the other hand, a bigger reticle of 4 MOA and above will be easier to pick even if you have an eyesight problem. But larger MOA reticles have the downside of being less accurate as they tend to cover up the target at a distance.
Brightness Levels
Red dot sights have different brightness levels for use in different lighting conditions. The more brightness settings a sight has the better. You will be able to tailor it to fit your needs and enhance your accuracy.
Durability
Get a red dot sight that is built to last long. With solid construction, the optic will stand up to recoil, impacts and any rough handling you subject it to. Besides, quality construction guarantees reliable field use.
Read: Best AR-15 Red Dots
Battery Life
Next, consider the battery life. All red dot sights are powered by batteries. But the lifespan is different depending on the capacity of the battery.
The best 1911 red dot sights should have long-lasting batteries that offer continuous runtime for multiple years without the need to change the battery.
Another thing to consider regarding batteries is their placement. Look for a red dot sight that either has a top-loading or side-loading battery compartment. Such optics allow for battery change without detaching them from the firearm.
Price
Lastly consider the price. How much you are willing to spend goes a long way to determining the product that you get.
If you are on a budget, there are plenty of quality red dot sights available at around $200. But if you want a professional red dot sight, be ready to pay more than $400 for a single product.
Read: Best Pistol Reflex Sights
Why Choose a Red Dot Sight
A red dot sight is one of the best accessories you can get for your 1911 pistol. With the years of technological advancements, red dot sights now provide multiple benefits in more compact and lightweight packages.
Here are some of the benefits that you will gain by getting a red dot sight for your pistol.
- Rapid target acquisition. With a red dot sight, you will be able to engage and acquire targets quickly in any environment.
- Better low-light shooting. The multiple brightness settings and red dot sights allow for better shooting in low-light settings.
- Greater accuracy. A red dot sight will perfect your accuracy when taking shots either at
- close or medium ranges.
- Increased awareness. With a red dot sight, you don’t have to shift focus between every target. This increases your situational awareness when you are in the field.
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Best 1911 Red Dot Sights FAQs
Q: How far is a 1X Red Dot Good For?
A red dot sight is a type of sighting tool that is typically used for close and medium-range shooting. Normally, a red dot with a fixed 1x magnification is good for 100 yards or less.
Q: Is a 3 or 6 MOA Red Dot Better?
It depends. If you have poor eyesight or aging eyes, you will find the 6 MOA red dot easier to spot than the 3 MOA counterpart. However, the 3 MOA red dot sight is better for taking more distant shots as it offers greater accuracy.
Q: Do Red Dots Help with Accuracy?
Yes, they do. A red dot sight provides a more precise point of aim to fine-tune your shooting accuracy. With the dot, you will be able to easily hold over for long-range shots, and still see the entire target in the window.
Conclusion
The best way to accessorize your favorite 1911 pistol is to get a red dot sight. It will significantly increase your speed of acquiring targets and boost your accuracy irrespective of the kind of shooting that you use it for.
Irrespective of the product that you end up getting, we hope that this post on the best 1911 red dot sights has been of great help to you. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro 2.5 MOA Red Dot Sight is a perfect choice as it harbors all the key features you need to enhance your shooting ability.