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Best Red Dot Optics in 2024 – Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo Staff Picks
Jul
Owning a retail and online location, you would not believe how often we get asked what is the best red dot. The answer is not simple as you are going to want a different red dot based on your firearm and how its being used. At Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo, we’ve witnessed the remarkable rise of red dot sights on pistols, and for good reason. To truly appreciate the significance of this trend, let’s take a step back and consider the evolution of aiming techniques throughout human history.
For thousands of years, humans have relied on threat-focused weapons – from rocks and spears to bows and arrows. Our natural instinct has always been to focus on the target. However, with the advent of semi-automatic pistols, we were suddenly instructed to focus on the front sight instead of the threat. This paradigm shift has dominated firearms training for decades.
Now, red dot sights are bringing us back to basics, aligning modern technology with our innate aiming instincts. Fudds might dismiss these optics as a gimmick, but at Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo, we see it differently. These sights allow us to do what comes naturally – focus on the threat.
The bottom line is that the benefits of red dot sights are numerous:
- Faster target acquisition
- Improved accuracy for many shooters
- Ability to keep both eyes open, maintaining situational awareness
- Versatility across various applications – duty use, concealed carry, and competition
While top-tier optics can be quite expensive, more affordable options are available for those on a budget or who don’t shoot frequently. These budget-friendly alternatives, like some of the options we’ll discuss, can still significantly enhance your shooting performance. However, it’s important to note that they may not withstand the same level of abuse as their more expensive counterparts.
As we explore the top 5 best red dot optics of 2024, we’ll consider options across various price points and applications, helping you find the perfect match for your needs and budget. Let’s dive in and discover how these innovative sights are revolutionizing the way we aim and shoot.
Best Red Dot Optic Overall: Aimpoint T2
If you want the best red dot in the world in 2024, it says Aimpoint on it. If it’s a rifle I am betting my life and the life of my family on, it’s an Aimpoint on top – every single time. There’s just no denying that the Aimpoint Micro T2 continues to reign supreme in the world of red dot sights. Known for its exceptional durability, crystal-clear glass, and unparalleled battery life, the T2 remains the gold standard for serious shooters and professionals.
Key Features:
- Incredibly rugged construction
- 50,000-hour battery life
- 2 MOA dot for precision aiming
- Night vision compatible
- Fully waterproof to 25 meters
The T2’s popularity stems from its ability to withstand extreme conditions while maintaining zero. If you’re like us, you might remember the old commercials with Larry Vickers wacking his Aimpoint with a baseball bat. It certainly left an impression on us. The Aimpoint T2’s compact size and lightweight design make it suitable for various firearms, from rifles to shotguns. While it comes with a premium price tag, the T2’s reliability and performance justify the investment for those who demand the best.
For those finding the T2’s price point prohibitive, it’s worth considering alternatives within the Aimpoint family. Tracking down an older Aimpoint T1 model can offer similar performance at a reduced cost. Alternatively, the Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic) presents a more budget-friendly option without significantly compromising on quality. We’ve talked with several staff members here who believe the Aimpoint Pro should actually take the crown for best red dot.
While the Aimpoint T2 sets the gold standard as the best red dot, the Holosun 403R deserves mention as a compelling alternative. After extensive testing, we’ve found the 403R to be one of the closest competitors to the T2 in terms of performance and features. This optic offers impressive durability, clear glass, and a crisp 2 MOA dot, all at a fraction of the T2’s price. The 403R boasts some unique design elements that some shooters might even prefer, such as a more accessible battery compartment. With a claimed 100,000-hour battery life on medium settings, it potentially surpasses the T2 in longevity. While it may not have the battle-proven track record of the Aimpoint, the Holosun 403R offers exceptional value for its price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shooters who still demand high performance.
Best Red Dot Optic Overall – Honorable Mention: Aimpoint PRO
As we mentioned above, the Aimpoint PRO deserves special mention as a robust and reliable option, especially with a retail price that is sub-$500. Designed for law enforcement and military use, it offers many of the advanced features of its more expensive siblings. The PRO boasts a 2 MOA dot, compatibility with all generations of night vision devices, and an impressive 30,000-hour battery life on a single battery. Its larger tube design may not be as compact as the T2, but it provides a wider field of view, making it an excellent choice for those prioritizing rapid target acquisition. The PRO’s included mount also adds value, making it ready to use right out of the box.
Best Red Dot on a Budget: Sig Sauer Romeo 5
For shooters looking for quality on a budget, the Sig Sauer Romeo 5 offers impressive features at a fraction of the cost of high-end optics. For the money, this might just be the best red dot on the market. This compact red dot sight has gained a strong following due to its reliability and value.
Key Features:
- Motion-activated illumination (MOTAC)
- 40,000-hour battery life
- 2 MOA dot
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Multiple mount options included
The Romeo 5’s MOTAC technology helps conserve battery life by turning the optic on when it senses motion and off during inactivity. Its robust construction and clear glass make it a popular choice for home defense, competition, and recreational shooting. While it may not match the extreme durability of top-tier optics, the Romeo 5 (as well as the Romeo MSR) offer excellent performance for its price point.
Best Red Dot on a Budget – Honorable Mention: Vortex Sparc AR
The Vortex Sparc AR stands out as an excellent budget-friendly option for AR platforms. This compact sight, weighing 7.5 ounces and measuring 2.9 inches, offers impressive features at an affordable price point.
Key Features:
- Battery Life: 50,000 hours with auto-shutoff after 12 hours
- Brightness Settings: 10 daytime and 2 night-vision compatible
- Reticle: Quick-acquisition 2 MOA dot
- Durability: Robust construction with integrated mount
The Sparc AR punches above its weight class, offering night-vision compatibility and a long battery life typically found in pricier models. Its rugged build ensures reliability under frequent use, providing consistent accuracy and rapid target acquisition.
Vortex has proven that quality and affordability can coexist in the red dot sight market. The Sparc AR is a true workhorse optic, capable of withstanding significant abuse without compromising performance. This makes it an ideal choice for shooters seeking reliability and value in 2024.
Best Red Dot – Holographic: EOTech EXPS3
While holographic sights offer unique advantages, it’s important to understand their limitations. The EOTech EXPS3 is a popular choice in this category, known for its large field of view and distinctive reticle design.
Key Features:
- 68 MOA ring with 1 MOA center dot
- Night vision compatible
- Quick-detach lever mount
- Submersible to 33 feet
- Side buttons for easy operation
The EXPS3’s holographic reticle allows for fast target acquisition while maintaining precision at longer ranges. Its robust construction meets military standards, making it a favorite among law enforcement and military personnel.
However, at Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo, we generally favor non-holographic sights due to some inherent drawbacks of holographic technology:
- Battery Life: Holographic sights use a laser to project the image, which significantly increases power consumption. This results in much shorter battery life compared to LED-based red dots.
- Battery Limitations: Holographic sights typically shut off when the battery reaches about 20% capacity, as they can no longer run the laser effectively. This means you can’t use the full capacity of the battery.
- Auto-Shutoff Features: To conserve battery life, many holographic sights use auto-wake or auto-shutoff features. While this helps extend battery life, it introduces a potential point of failure in high-stress situations.
- Reliability Concerns: If the sight has shut itself off and you need it in an emergency, you’ll have to turn it back on while potentially dealing with a chaotic situation. This added step could be problematic in critical moments.
While we want to support companies like EOTech and see them succeed, these limitations make holographic sights less ideal for many users, especially those prioritizing reliability and longevity. For most shooters, we recommend considering LED-based red dot sights that offer significantly longer battery life and more consistent performance.
That said, if you prefer the reticle style and wider field of view of holographic sights and are willing to manage the battery life limitations, the EOTech EXPS3 remains a top choice in this category. Just be sure to regularly check and replace batteries, and consider keeping the optic on to avoid auto-shutoff issues in critical situations.
For those seeking an alternative to the EOTech, the Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II is worth considering. This holographic sight, often called the “Huey,” offers a competitive feature set at a lower price point. It features a unique holographic reticle with a 1 MOA center dot and 65 MOA circle for quick target acquisition. The UH-1 Gen II boasts tool-less adjustments, night vision compatibility, and a durable aluminum housing. A standout feature is its ability to use a rechargeable battery, potentially reducing long-term costs. While newer to the market than EOTech, the Vortex AMG UH-1 Gen II has been gaining traction among shooters looking for a high-quality, feature-rich holographic sight.
We were also recently impressed with the Crimson Trace HRO. The Crimson Trace HRO (Heavy Recoil Optic) stands out as a durable and sturdy sight built to handle significant recoil. It combines ruggedness with an attractive design, making it an excellent match for hard-hitting firearms like AR-10s and tactical shotguns. Extensive testing on various high-recoil platforms has proven its ability to maintain performance under harsh conditions.
Best Red Dot for Pistols: Trijicon RMR Type 2
As pistol-mounted optics gain popularity, the Trijicon RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) Type 2 continues to lead the pack as the best red dot for pistols. Known for its durability and compact design, the RMR has set the standard for pistol red dots, that said, it is getting a bit long in the tooth and there are other options out there now that make a strong case. If that’s the case, then why is this widely still considered to be the best red dot for most pistols? It comes down to longevity and its track record. If pressed on what is the actual, rock-solid best red dot, based on that criteria, we still have to give a nod to this now classic optic. Just like the Aimpoint T2, this is THE pistol optic we would bet our life on working when we need it to, even after a beating.
Key Features:
- Available in 1 MOA, 3.25 MOA, and 6.5 MOA dot sizes
- Automatic and manual brightness adjustment
- Battery-saving feature
- Extremely durable construction
- Wide variety of mount options
The RMR Type 2 addresses the battery connection issues of its predecessor, ensuring reliable performance under recoil. Its low profile and rugged design make it ideal for everyday carry and duty use. The variety of dot sizes allows users to choose between precision and rapid acquisition based on their needs.
Best Red Dot for Pistols on a Budget: Vortex Defender Series
The newest optic on our best red dot list, the Vortex Defender series represents a significant step forward in the world of compact red dot sights. At Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo, we’ve been thoroughly impressed by the performance and value offered by these optics. The series includes three models: the Defender-CCW™, the Defender-ST™, and the Defender-XL™, each catering to different shooting needs while maintaining an affordable price point.
Vortex Defender-CCW™:
Designed specifically for concealed carry weapons (CCW), the Defender-CCW™ excels in its compact size and reliability.
Key Features:
- 3 MOA dot
- Shake awake technology
- Up to 30,000-hour battery life
- Multi-coated lenses
- Compatible with common mounting footprints
The Defender-CCW’s shake-awake feature helps conserve battery life while ensuring the optic is ready when needed. Its durable construction and clear glass provide reliable performance for concealed carry and home defense applications, making it one of the best red dot optics of 2024, when cost and durability are considered.
Vortex Defender-ST™:
The Defender-ST™ offers versatility for various platforms, making it suitable for both pistols and rifles and one of the best red dot offerings we’ve seen this year.
Key Features:
- Slightly larger window than the CCW model
- Compatible with both pistol and rifle mounting systems
- Durable construction for increased recoil resistance
- Multiple brightness settings for various lighting conditions
This model bridges the gap between compact pistol optics and larger rifle sights, providing a versatile option for shooters who want one optic for multiple firearms.
Why Choose the Vortex Defender Series?
- Affordability: These optics deliver impressive performance at a competitive price point, making red dot technology accessible to more shooters.
- Reliability: While they may not match the extreme durability of top-tier optics, the Defender series has proven to be dependable for their intended uses.
- Versatility: With models tailored for concealed carry, multi-purpose use, and competition, there’s a Defender optic for various shooting needs.
- User-Friendly Features: Shake awake technology, long battery life, and clear glass make these optics easy to use and maintain.
- Suitable for New Red Dot Users: The Defender series offers an excellent entry point for shooters new to red dot sights, allowing them to experience the benefits without a significant financial investment.
At Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo, we’ve found the Vortex Defender series to be an excellent option for shooters looking to enhance their firearms with the best red dot technology without breaking the bank. Whether you’re carrying concealed, looking for a versatile optic for multiple firearms, or stepping into the world of competitive shooting, there’s a Defender model that can meet your needs.
Holosun Options
That said, we cannot have a complete list of the best red dot optics for pistols on a budget without also mentioning the Holosun 407C, 507C, 508T, 509T. This could be an entire article on its own, but we’ll spare you. Bottom line, they are good, and well worth considering. Each model provides robust performance with long battery life, thanks to Holosun’s advanced LED technology. The 407C and 507C are compact and lightweight, with the 507C offering a versatile multi-reticle system. The 508T, made with titanium housing, offers superior durability. The 509T is fully enclosed, providing excellent protection against elements and debris. These optics are praised for their reliable construction and innovative features, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious users without compromising on quality.
Conclusion:
The world of red dot optics continues to evolve, offering shooters more choices than ever before. In 2024, there are a lot of options out there, and the cheaper options are getting better all the time. From high-end options like the Aimpoint T2 to budget-friendly alternatives like the Vortex Defender series, there’s a red dot sight to suit every need and budget.
These optics are more than just a trend; they represent a return to a more natural, instinctive way of aiming. By allowing shooters to focus on the threat rather than the front sight, red dot sights are enhancing speed, accuracy, and situational awareness for countless firearms enthusiasts, professionals, and competitors.
When choosing the best red dot optic for you, consider factors such as intended use, battery life, durability, and compatibility with your firearm. It’s also worth noting that while these optics represent some of the best options in 2024, technology is constantly advancing. Always research the latest reviews and comparisons before making a purchase.
Remember that regardless of which optic you choose, regular practice and training are essential to maximize its benefits. A red dot sight can enhance your shooting experience, but it’s your skills as a shooter that truly make the difference.
At Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo, we’re excited about the future of red dot technology and how it’s revolutionizing the way we shoot. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the world of firearms, we encourage you to explore the benefits of red dot sights and find the option that best suits your needs. The return to instinctive, threat-focused aiming is not just a passing trend – it’s a significant advancement in firearms technology that aligns with our natural shooting instincts.