Today, you will find the best red dot sights for your crossbow. This guide looks into the best crossbow red dots and highlights the key aspects to keep in mind when buying one.
The best crossbow red dots are what any shooter needs to polish up their skill and become a seasoned marksman. These sights are perfect for close-range shots and are easy to mount. The problem however lies not in getting one but in how to go about selecting the right crossbow red dot.
The price range will always differ from one model to another so you will find some red dot sights are high on the price but with high quality to show for it while others are at a lower quoting but with equal quality construction as the expensive options.
Some are lightweight others heavier so depending on what you want it is easy to score a good red dot sight. Read on and find out more about the best crossbow red dots.
What Makes a Great Crossbow Red Dot?
Speed and accuracy. Without these two then you have no added advantage and you are still in a similar situation as someone who is not using the red dot sight.
To achieve this therefore a crossbow red dot sight should have a high-quality lens system that encompasses parallax elimination for accuracy. If the lens is coated the better.
A reticle addition also comes in handy for the perfect aim. On all matters of speed, the red dot sight should be easy to use that include mounting and maneuvering through adjustments or settings. A great crossbow red dot sight is characterized by strong waterproof performance as well.
8 Best Crossbow Red Dots
Finding the best crossbow red dots isn’t an easy affair. One has to research thoroughly to tell apart different models in the market. Comparing specs and features helps in making a wise purchase decision.
This is why we wrote this article to make it easier for you to find a good fit for your bow. We have highlighted top-rated red dot sights for crossbows and included a comprehensive buyer’s guide. Let’s dive in!
1) Sig Sauer Romeo Zero Micro Reflex SGT
We begin our list of the best crossbow red dots list with Sig Sauer Romeo Zero Micro Reflex SGT. This optic comes in as a handy tool for hunting, airsoft battle, tactical and military situations. It is pretty easy to carry around as it weighs 14grams only. This makes it easy to install and remove it when the need arises.
Magnification is fixed at 1x to avoid distorting your view when trying to bring down the game at close range. Spectra Coat HD Polymer Lens that has ten times impact resistance over other glass types are used to construct this crossbow red dot sight. What does this mean? This lens remains indestructible no matter the level of abuse it gets subjected to.
Since it is going to be used largely for the outdoors, this red dot sight also has WeaponsGrade Ultralite Polymer housing to handle recoils just fine. Additionally, this feature makes it compatible with Polymer pistols and slim slide gun profiles. There is an engraving of many dot-like structures on the housing to give a firm grip.
It utilizes a 6MOA reticle whose illumination is controlled by a motion activator system. The system runs on battery power. During daytime as well as at night there are 8illumination settings. Sig Sauer Romeo Zero Micro Reflex SGT is parallax-free and has 120 MOA windage and elevation adjustment.
Key Features
- Lightweight for easy installation and carrying around
- Fixed 1x magnification
- HD lens type with SpectraCoat that gives it a tough front against impact
- Strong overall housing
- Versatile use
- Contains a 6MOA reticle
- Has a motion-activated illumination system that goes on when motion is detected and off when there is no movement.
- 8 illumination settings available for day and night
- Parallax free crossbow red dot
2) CVLIFE 1X22X33 Red Green Dot Gun Sight
CVLIFE 1X22X33 Red Green Dot Gun Sight features a tube-free design with an objective lens aperture of 33mm that delivers to your eye a considerable field of view. It is one of the best crossbow red dots for hunters going after the fast-moving game.
With this optic, you get dual illumination made of red and green colors along with four reticle shapes which offer you a different choice depending on prevailing weather. So, what you get for a rainy day may not necessarily be what you get for sunny conditions. Parallax adjustment has been done to rid your visuals of aberrations.
The eye box offers forgiving eye relief. CVLIFE red dot sight has fully multi-coated on the objective lens to gather much light and transmit it for the formation of clearly defined images. Windage and elevation correction is not left behind with this one.
On it, you find audible-click adjustment dials for the two though you may require the use of screws when resetting them to zero. Its overall body build is centered on high-grade aluminum alloy with a black anodized finish. For mounting options, the red dot sight has a Picatinny base.
Key Features
- Tube-free design
- Large objective lens for a wide field of view
- Dual illumination
- Parallax correction available with unlimited relief
- Audible-click adjustment dials for windage and elevation
- Fully multicoated lens for excellence in light transmission
- High-grade aluminum construct
- Picatinny mount style option
3) AT3 Tactical RD-50 PRO Red Dot Sight
This is one of the best crossbow red dots you can get for $100. It has an appealing design that is compact yet feature-rich. Its body is protected with a rubberized armor that is waterproof.
Its internal components remain intact during shock thanks to these two features. The design also features a riser mount for a wider view field alongside a base that supports Picatinny mount style. The objective lens size is 25mm with 1x magnification power.
The lens is kept from destruction by RD-ARMOR and integrated lens caps. This crossbow red dot sight has accuracy you can count on held up by parallax-free setting, 2MOA red dot reticle that is illuminated, and multicoated amber lens. Shooting is supported in all light conditions thanks to the 11 brightness settings available.
Illumination is dependent on battery power with a promise of 50000 hours in the lowest brightness setting. The 6061 T6 aluminum housing is nitrogen-filled rendering it resistant to water and fog. Scratches are kept at bay by the matte black anodized finish covering it as well.
Key Features
- 2MOA illuminated reticle for accuracy, 11 brightness settings available
- Battery-powered illumination with up to 50,000 hours at the lowest light setting
- 25mm objective lens with fixed magnification
- Lens protection by integrated lens covers and RD-ARMOR
- Multicoated optics for crisp images
- Fixed parallax adjustment
- Nitrogen filled to fight off interference by water and fog
- Riser mount for wider FOV
- Shockproof circuitry to protect internal elements from shock
- Long eye relief
- 1 MOA click value for windage/elevation
4) HOLOSUN – HS510C Reflex Red Dot Sight
Once you go through the features of HOLOSUN – HS510C Reflex Red Dot Sight for Longer Barrels, you will easily understand why it did not miss on our best crossbow red dots list.
For starters, it has a solar power failsafe technological system that is meant to cushion you in case your battery power bails out on you. This system makes the reticle brighten up when you use the red dot on a sunny region and it grows dim when light levels go down.
Do not undermine its CR2032 battery life though since it has the capabilities of going for up to 50000 hours depending on settings in place. HOLOSUN’s tech features do not end there, you also get to experience yet another one of their useful additions, Shake Awake technology. Yes, you interpreted that right. A shake in its proximity equals the awakening of the LED light. With zero movements the LED shuts to conserve battery life.
You are spoilt for options with this crossbow red dot sight. There are a 2 MOA dot, 65MOA, Open circle, and a fast acquisition circle-dot reticle all of which are at your disposal for you to pick the one that fits best.
All optics on this red dot sight have multi-coating to promote optimal light transmission while keeping away interference by debris and scratches. IP67 waterproof rating makes it ideal for use in rainy weather. Best crossbow red dot for the money for sure!
Key Features
- Solar power failsafe technology to act as backup for illumination in case battery power runs out
- Uses CR2032 batteries that last up to 50000hours
- Has motion sensor illumination in the form of Shake Awake Technology
- Multiple reticle styles to choose from
- Superior light transmission
- Excels in waterproof performance
5) Trijicon SRO Sight Adjustable LED 2.5 MOA Red Dot
Trijicon has earned its name in the optics market its consistency in quality. Peering through the Trijicon SRO Sight Adjustable LED 2.5 MOA Red Dot will have you capturing that deer in no time.
As one of the best crossbow red dots released by this brand, it provides a large field of view that remains unobstructed as it is crafted with parallax-free settings. the dot can be viewed in any of the eight brightness settings that are easy to operate.
The settings are inclusive of a super bright mode and two-night vision modes supported by a lock-in button to hold settings indefinitely. There is an array of dot sizes to choose from, you can opt for 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 MOA. 1.0 is your run-to option if accuracy is a priority, 2.5 is for versatile applications and 5.0 sits well with competitive shooting.
The illumination source is the CR2032 battery as is the case in many red dot sights. The battery is loaded from the top which is much convenient as compared to having the position located elsewhere.
For elevation and windage, you need not battle with screws when zeroing making the process easy for you. Trijicon SRO Sight base resembles the footprint on their RMR series so you can use similar mounting rings for it.
Drop this red dot sight 10 feet deep in water and still, its interior will remain intact. What’s more, is that it is fabricated with 7075 aluminum making it a formidable opponent against harsh weather conditions.
Key Features
- 2 inches long, 1.6 oz in weight
- Adjustable illumination settings
- ½ MOA clicks plus 150 MOA total travel
- Large view field
- 5 dot size for a variety of shooting applications
- CR2032 battery power that is loaded from the top
- Windage and elevation adjustments that require no tools for zero resets
- Water and shockproof
6) Aimpoint CompM5s Red Dot Reflex Sight
To give you a sense of how crossbow red dots transform your firing skill, allow us to take you through Aimpoint CompM5s Red Dot Reflex Sight. It does not add much weight to your equipment but it gives a big boost to accuracy given it utilizes innovatively made lenses that are coated to improve on light transmission.
The lens harbors a 2MOA dot to give you the correct estimation at any distance. Lens has flip-up covers for protection. To support this function this red dot sight is parallax-free. The dot area is illuminated and supports 4-night vision settings together with 6 for daylight. Battery power can be relied on for constant operation for up to 5 years.
Unlike the Trijicon red dot sight, this one has a low battery compartment that is relatively easy to access. Turrets are reinforced for protection and overall, this dot sight is ruggedly built with good performance even when submerged 150 feet in water. Undoubtedly, COMP M5s is one of the best crossbow red dots.
Key Features
- Ideal for AR-15 use
- Made with coated lens for good picture quality plus flip-up covers for durability
- Has 2MOA reticle style
- 10 brightness settings to choose from
- Low battery compartment
- Tough construction
- Built with the inclusion of reinforced turrets
7) TRUGLO Red-Dot Crossbow 30Mm 3-Dot Sight
TRUGLO Red-Dot Crossbow 30Mm 3-Dot Sight is made for short and medium-range shooting applications and has become a top go-to option for many crossbow hunters.
Descending Diameter Dots reticle style offers the chance to a clean shot at multiple shooting distances. The top dot in the 3-Dot design is made for shots that are 20 yards or less, the middle dot is for 35-yard shots and the bottom-most is for a 45-yard distance.
To regulate brightness on the dot surroundings, a rheostat control is given. The battery on which illumination is based can be accessed from the top. Still, on accuracy, the sight has click adjustments for windage and elevation correction.
Eye relief is unlimited to offer a wide field of view for the user. This sight comes with an integrated weaver-style mounting configuration. TRUGLO Red-Dot Crossbow 30Mm 3-Dot Sight is waterproof and exhibits great performance in heavy-duty assignments.
Key Features
- 30mm objective lens diameter
- 3-Dot reticle for accurate target acquisition
- Rheostat control for varying brightness settings
- Click adjustments for windage and elevation
- Unlimited eye relief
- Integrated weaver-style mount configuration
8) Barnett 17054 Premium Red Dot Sight for Crossbows
Barnett 17054 Premium Red Dot Sight for Crossbows supports the ideology that both eyes should stay open during any shooting operation. This way your field of view remains unlimited and you keep up with changes in your environment. It makes the hunting experience easy by availing dots with 11 different densities to help with the aiming point.
These densities are configured to allow your reticle to stay in line with the background of your target. This red dot has no magnification but its precision is beyond comparison. Glare and reflection are not an issue since the optics are coated.
The barrel is nitrogen-filled to seal it off from fog. It comes with integrated 3/8- and 7/8-inch mounts for easy installation. This red dot sight is an ideal fit for Recurve and Compound Crossbows. It includes a battery positioned on its upper part.
Key Features
- Both eyes stay open during the shooting
- Illuminated dot with 11brightness variations
- Simple red dot sight with no magnification
- Coated optics reduce glare and reflection
- Nitrogen filled and sealed for fogproof effect
- Has integrated 3/8,7/8inch mounts
- Ideal for recurve and compound crossbows
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Best Crossbow Red Dots Buying Guide & FAQs
Criteria for Choosing the Best Crossbow Red Dots
Illumination
This feature helps when tracking targets in low-light situations. Check for illumination in the crossbow red dot to enable you to perform early morning and late evening hunts. Also, consider the power running the illumination and how sustainable it is. This way you go out well-equipped with batteries/ enough power to keep you going.
Magnification
Though not a feted feature in crossbow red dots, with some level of magnification long-range shots, are achievable. Variability in magnification power will allow you to take short-distance shots accurately just as you would for mid and long distances.
Mounting
Compatibility to the firearm or crossbow is essential. There are three categories of mount options; Dovetail, Picatinny and Weaver rails. Dovetail rails borrow their name from the straight mounting bracket that bears an inverted cross-section that resembles a dove’s tail. The attachment is easy to remove and install.
Picatinny rails or otherwise referred to as MIL-STD -1913 offer military-style mounting. Weaver rails on the other hand utilize flat rails with crosswise slots. The advantage of the Weaver-style mount style is that it does not interfere with your zero when attaching the crossbow red dot sights.
Weight/Size
The best crossbow red dots should be lightweight not only for portability but also for keeping your hand steady which will determine the accuracy of your shot. Having a heavy red dot is exhausting when used over some time and results in inaccuracies.
Reticle
Reticle refers to the markings you see when you place your eye on the eyepiece area of scope and in this case, the red dot. It is instrumental in determining how accurate your shot will be.
There are many reticle style options with some having the inclusion of a range finder that does estimation and wind drift corrections to ensure your shot lands on the right points. Look for a crossbow red dot with a reticle that carries easily visible crosshairs to guide your aim.
Durability
Best crossbow red dots are durably constructed such that they do not break in the face of drops and bangs. The ability to perform in all-weather environments is also something to look for. Anything less than this will mess up your aim and make your hunting escapade very dissatisfactory.
Read:
What are the Advantages of Crossbow Red Dots?
- Wide field of view helps when a target is constantly on the move
- Fast-shooting accuracy
- Both eyes remain eye for more surrounding awareness
- Great performance in lowlight setups
- They offer background complexity that is easy identification even in bushy areas as well as plain fields
Best Crossbow Red Dots FAQs
Q: What Magnification Do You Need?
Magnification helps you focus and determine the correct point to shoot at. Typically, red dot crossbows have fixed magnification that ranges between 1 to 5x
Q: What is the Best Range to Sight in a Crossbow?
Sighting in at 10 yards is the best range however you can also begin at 20 yards. With correct windage and elevation adjustments, your bolt should be accurate.
Q: Red Dot or Green Dot?
Some models offer the choice between the colors while others include both in the configuration. Red dots have the advantage of being easily identified in green surroundings making them ideal for daylight hunting.
Green dots on the other hand offer relaxation to the eye that reduces eye fatigue especially when you have been sighting for a long period. They are also best suited for use at night. As long as you go for the best combination of other features, dot color is a drop in the ocean matter.
Q: What is better? A Red Dot Sight or Scope?
It is argued that red dot sights are far better than scopes. They do not rely on magnification as scopes do. With red dots, you also get to have both eyes open during operations making you more aware of your surroundings at any given time.
Conclusion
Well, that’s all on best crossbow red dots. Hopefully, you are now in a more informed position to make a selection. HOLOSUN – HS510C Reflex Red Dot Sight for Longer Barrels stood head and shoulders above all other red dot sights in our review. This is because of its multiple optic options that are user-friendly.