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If you are aiming for increased accuracy and speed on target, a red dot sight should be the next upgrade you make for your AR-15. Our team has spent many hours on the range tirelessly testing the top red dot sights on the market to help you choose the best red dot sight for AR-15.
- High quality and affordable
- Multiple brightness settings
- Shockproof and waterproof
- Easy to fit and adjust
- Works well as advertised
- Zeros fast
- Impressive brightness
- Excellent quality
- User-friendly
- Made with high-grade materials
- Power-efficient sight
- Waterproof
- Durable sight
- Good value for money
- Buttons function well
Table of Contents
- 1 Top 15 Red Dot Sights For AR-15
- 1.1 1. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight
- 1.2 2. DDHB Red Dot Reflex Sight
- 1.3 3. Sig Sauer SOR50000 Romeo5
- 1.4 4. Ozark Armament Rhino Red/Green Dot Reflex Sight
- 1.5 5. Sightmark Ultra Shot Multi Red & Green Plus Reflex Sight
- 1.6 6. Burris FastFire Red Dot Sight
- 1.7 7. Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight
- 1.8 8. Field Sport Red and Green Micro Dot Sight
- 1.9 9. Trijicon MRO
- 1.10 10. Trijicon RMR Type 2 Red Dot Sight
- 1.11 11. C-MORE Systems Railway Red Dot Sight
- 1.12 12. UTG 3.8" ITA Red/Green Single Dot Sight
- 1.13 13. Holosun HS403B Micro Red Dot Sight
- 1.14 14. Aimpoint Micro H-2 Red Dot Reflex Sight
- 1.15 15. Primary Arms SLX MD-25
- 2 Your Guide to Buying
- 3 Our Team's Selection Process
- 4 FAQs
- 5 And Our #1 Red Dot Sight For AR-15 Is…
Top 15 Red Dot Sights For AR-15
1. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight
Why We Picked It:
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 features a 3 MOA dot reticle which makes the sight reliable and affordable. It has 11 brightness settings and is compatible with shotguns, pistols, muzzleloaders, and rifles.
In addition, the Bushnell Trophy is waterproof and shockproof to withstand harsh environments.
Who Should Use It:
The Bushnell TRS-25 is ideal for beginners and experts who would like to engage in target competition, and plinking because of its ease of use and installation.
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Summary:
As we tried the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 red dot sight, the mirror lens finish provides good lighting and reduces glare reliability. In addition, the gaskets are waterproof and thick, which makes the sight very durable.
PROS
- High quality and affordable
- Multiple brightness settings
- Shockproof and waterproof
- Easy to fit and adjust
- Works well as advertised
CONS
- May need risers to co-witness
2. DDHB Red Dot Reflex Sight
Why We Picked It:
The DDHB Red Dot Reflex sight is made from aircraft-grade aluminum and designed to save space for other accessories. The DDHB comes with four reticles in both green and red dots to adapt to different lighting conditions.
In addition, it has an easy-to-use locking set screw to stabilize the sight if needed.
Who Should Use It:
The red dot reflex sights are ideal for indoor and outdoor shooting because of their different illumination settings.
Summary:
The DDHB Reflex Sight is easy to zero and provides impressive brightness for red and green reticles. Unlike other red dot scopes, it is reliable and accurate even when stored for a long time. In addition to this, it has a sleek black design that can match your AR-15 setup.
PROS
- Zeros fast
- Impressive brightness
- Excellent quality
- User-friendly
- Made with high-grade materials
CONS
- Water-resistant only
- Adjustment screws need improvement
3. Sig Sauer SOR50000 Romeo5
Why We Picked It:
The Sig Sauer Romeo 5 features a 2 MOA and 1x20mm objective lens. It can retain a Motion Activated Illumination System where it automatically switches off when not in use. The red dot scope has ten illumination settings suitable for different light conditions.
Who Should Use It:
The Sig Sauer red dot sights work well for target shooting and hunting because of their durability and automatic sensor.
Summary:
The Sig Sauer SOR50000 Romeo5 is reliable for all light conditions. It is battery-operated and can last up to 40,000+ hours in a medium setting. Unlike other red sights, it is equipped with a motion sensor that helps save battery when stored for a longer time.
PROS
- Power-efficient sight
- Waterproof
- Durable sight
- Good value for money
- Buttons function well
CONS
- Prone to parallax
- The lens can be out of place
4. Ozark Armament Rhino Red/Green Dot Reflex Sight
Why We Picked It:
Ozark Armament features 4 MOA accuracy for all types of settings. It has green and red settings with five brightness levels that can be adjusted depending on the location. The sight is sealed to prevent moisture and dust build-up.
It is also purged with Nitrogen to prevent fogging. In addition, the dot sight is engineered to co-witness with standard iron sights.
Who Should Use It:
The Ozark Armament is ideal for competition shooting and all-day hunting sessions because of its Nitrogen-purged lens.
Summary:
Ozark is known for its durable and high-quality sight and guarantees a lifetime warranty on its products. It is ultra-rugged, scratch-proof, and waterproof to guarantee its accuracy and reliability to work in any condition.
PROS
- Easy to install and functional
- Reliable
- Highly durable
- Accurate
- Fully adjustable
CONS
- Quality control can be better
- The solidity of the dot can improve
5. Sightmark Ultra Shot Multi Red & Green Plus Reflex Sight
Why We Picked It:
The Sightmark Ultra Shot Sight has a wide field of view and provides limitless eye relief. It features one-click MOA and five brightness adjustments for different types of modes. In addition, the reflex sight has a dual-pane lens system with a built-in laser.
Who Should Use It:
The dot sight has a built-in laser and dual-lens system, which is ideal for tactical, military, hunting, and airsoft.
Summary:
The Sightmark Ultra Shot Reflex sight is a budget-friendly red and green dot reticle with a battery life of 1,000 hours. The housing is made from cast aluminum alloy, and it has red and green reticle illumination. The sight can be mounted on Picatinny or weaver and is easy to install.
PROS
- Excellent recoil resistance
- Adjustable and quick detach mount
- Impressive brightness
- Ideal for low light
- Good quality sight
CONS
- The laser could be improve
- The size can affect the peripheral view
6. Burris FastFire Red Dot Sight
Why We Picked It:
The Burris FastFire Red dot sight can significantly improve the target acquisition speed and accuracy. The sight features 3 MOA and can be used as a primary sight because of its lightweight. In addition, it has an automatic brightness sensor with manual illumination settings to match the environment.
Who Should Use It:
The Burris FastFire is ideal for hunting because of its 3 MOA and manual illumination settings.
Summary:
The Burris FastFire Red dot sight is compatible with different optics-ready rifles and handguns. We tried using it on an AR-15, the power buttons are convenient, and the adjustments do not need tools.
PROS
- Fast target access
- Excellent eye balance
- Well-built
- Adjustments are tools-free
- Versatile
CONS
- Dot can be pixelated
- The battery cover needs improvement
7. Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight
Why We Picked It:
The Aimpoint PRO can be a good choice if you are looking for an engineered red dot sight that can perform under harsh environments. It features 2 MOA and ten brightness settings. It is battery-operated but guarantees three years of continuous operation.
Who Should Use It:
The red dot reflex sight is ideal for shotguns and rifles and designed for military and law enforcement.
Summary:
The Aimpoint PRO is accurate for target shooting and does not require switches when used. The sight is made from hard-anodized aluminum alloy and features a semi-matte finish. In addition, it has true magnification with a 38mm lens.
PROS
- 30,000 hours battery life
- Submersible up to 150 feet
- Parallax Free
- Easy to install
- Quick target acquisition
CONS
- Field of view could be developed
- On and off switch should be considered
8. Field Sport Red and Green Micro Dot Sight
Why We Picked It:
The Field Sport red and green micro dot sight is a high-quality and durable optic sight with a red and green dot. It has five illumination settings and has true 1x magnification. We did not have any hard time mounting the sight since it has Picatinny rails compatible with AR-15.
Who Should Use It:
The micro red dot sight can be an excellent choice for sport shooting and hunting.
Summary:
The Field Sport micro dot sight is made from high-quality aluminum, making the sight shockproof, water-resistant, and fog proof. It is designed to lessen parallax and avoid the need for centering common in a prism sight. In addition, the windage and elevation adjustments are easily controlled by a locking screw.
PROS
- Bang for your buck
- Parallax Free
- Easy to Install
- Impressive brightness
- Accurate and reliable
CONS
- Not for regular guns
- Laser needs work
9. Trijicon MRO
Why We Picked It:
Trijicon MRO is one of the popular sights with excellent multi-coated lens clarity. It has a large viewing area for easy and fast target acquisition. In addition, the Trijicon MRO has eight brightness settings and 2 MOA, which is compatible with rifles and shotguns.
Who Should Use It:
The Trijicon MRO is best to use for hunting and outdoor target shooting.
Summary:
The Trijicon MRO is an optic designed to fit AR-15 and other long guns. It is made from 7075 aluminum which guarantees a durable and dependable optic sight. In addition, the lenses are multi-coated and can be submerged in water for about 100 feet without being damaged.
PROS
- Long battery life
- Fast target acquisition
- Ambidextrous brightness control
- No tube effect
- Works well on all light conditions
CONS
- A slight blue tint appears
- Minimal magnification
10. Trijicon RMR Type 2 Red Dot Sight
Why We Picked It:
The Trijicon RMR is a small optic with a red dot used on most ARs and handguns on the market. It is lightweight but built with high-grade aluminum to withstand harsh environments. In addition, it features 6.5 MOA with a big dot to quickly locate the location and good solution for shooters with vision problems.
Who Should Use It:
The Trijicon RMR is ideal for outdoor shooting and hunting because of its tough-as-nails property.
Summary:
The Trijicon Ruggedized Miniature Reflex is made from 7075-T6 aluminum, making it one of the rock-solid optics you can get. We mount one on our AR-15, and the first we notice is the upgraded electronics that type 1 does not have. In addition, it has an impressive battery-saving feature and lock-out mode.
PROS
- Compact and light
- Extensive battery life
- Different mounting options
- Manual and auto-brightness
- Easy to center
CONS
- Can be expensive
- Do not retain bullet compressor
11. C-MORE Systems Railway Red Dot Sight
Why We Picked It:
The C-MORE red dot sights feature an impressive, super-bright red dot with interchangeable and adjustable intensity. It has an infinite windage and elevation adjustment and a positive locking screw. In addition, it has nine illumination settings operated by a click intensity switch.
Who Should Use It:
The C-MORE red dot is compatible with different shotguns, rifles, handguns, and crossbows and is ideal for close and self-defense.
Summary:
Red dot scopes from C-MORE are built to improve your shooting skills and speed target acquisition. It has a unique heads-up display that provides an infinite field of view and eliminates tunnel vision. The railway sight is easy to install to different weaver and Picatinny rail style scope mounts.
PROS
- Night vision compatible
- Weatherproof
- Enhances shooter awareness
- Easy to use adjustment knobs
- Fast target access
CONS
- Day shooting can easily drain the battery
- Dirt can obscure the diode
12. UTG 3.8" ITA Red/Green Single Dot Sight
Why We Picked It:
The UTG ITA Red or Green dot features five illumination settings for instant aim and lock. It has unlimited eye relief and a wide field of view that will be beneficial, especially for shooters with vision problems. In addition, it has a vivid 4 MOA, which is crisp and clear with a non-reflective lens coating.
Who Should Use It:
The red dot sights from UTG are ideal for outdoor shooting and compatible with different types of guns.
Summary:
The UTG Single dot optic features an ambidextrous display and provides a better vision compared to other optics. It retains six varied power settings for different lighting conditions and is suitable for large target and center shooting.
PROS
- Sturdy built
- Easy to install
- Easy to zero
- The red dot can be adjusted easily
- Impressive accuracy
CONS
- Laser may flicker
- The battery cover can improve
13. Holosun HS403B Micro Red Dot Sight
Why We Picked It:
Holosun Micro red dot optic offers a wide range of brightness intensity from low-light to very bright light locations. Equipped with 12 brightness settings, the LED has an automatic motion sensor that operates when motion is detected.
We love the unlimited eye relief and real parallax-free features of this product.
Who Should Use It:
The HS403B is best for night hunting and outdoor shooting because of its impressive brightness intensity.
Summary:
The Holosun red dot optic has a fully multi-coated lens and true magnification for maximum light transmission and durability. It is made from aluminum and has an impressive 50,000 hours battery life.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Ease of usage
- Easy to mount
- Works as advertised
- Impressive battery life
CONS
- Expensive for its function
- Re-sighting needed after battery replacement
14. Aimpoint Micro H-2 Red Dot Reflex Sight
Why We Picked It:
The Aimpoint Micro H-2 is an engineered objective lens for excellent light transmission and optical clarity. Equipped with 2 MOA and ten daylight settings and low light brightness, it can last up to 5 years of continuous usage.
Who Should Use It:
The optic is compatible with shotguns and rifles and is best to use for tactical and hunting.
Summary:
The red dot optics from Aimpoint is a lightweight optic with impressive battery life. It comes with a flip-up lens and reinforced elevation and windage turrets. It has limitless eye relief at an optimum coating to protect the lens from abrasive elements.
PROS
- Works good
- Lightweight
- Sturdy built
- Unmatched optical clarity
- It comes with a lens cover
CONS
- Limited mounting option
- Challenging to zero at times
15. Primary Arms SLX MD-25
The SLX MD-25 from Primary Arms is a lightweight, compact and durable optic with 2 MOA. It has 12 illumination settings for different lighting conditions and has night vision settings. In addition, it has a ruggedized mounting system that we don’t have any trouble with when mounting it in an AR-15.
Who Should Use It:
The SLX MD-25 is ideal for hunting, night, and outdoor shooting. It is compatible with different firearms and night vision devices.
Summary:
The Primary Arms SLX MD-25 can be a good option if you are looking for a sight that provides speed and a wide field of view. It comes in a compact and lightweight design with different illumination settings. Unlike other red dot optics, the SLX MD-25 is compatible with micro mounts and an easy mounting system.
PROS
- Good value for money
- Impressive mounting system
- Lightweight
- Night vision compatible
- Multiple illumination setting
CONS
- Durability can be an issue
- Dot intensity could improve
Your Guide to Buying
Design
Most red dot optics have a simple design wherein it comes with a red dot that helps with aiming and accuracy. The design’s workaround is simple since you just have to place the red dot on the target, pull the trigger, and you will hit the target.
However, some manufacturers want things to be more complicated by adding additional dots, crosshairs, and larger rings.
Reticle Options
Ranging
Ranging reticles differ in size, shape, and function, but the purpose remains the same. A ranging reticle helps a shooter to hit the target by adjusting the optic. It comes with a gauge that indicates where the bullets will land. In addition, the predetermined distance is an edge for a shooter to hit the target accurately.
Single Red Dot
A single red dot can range from 1 MOA – 6 MOA. It is the fastest aiming reticle and is mostly used on moving targets compared to an iron sight.
If you prefer a low-end optic to come with this reticle, you may notice a lot of distortion. However, high-quality optics with a single red dot has a clean and crisp dot.
Circle Red Dot
Circle red dot on a reticle contains a circle around the center dot. With the circle dot, it would be faster to place the target in the circle. However, the precision can be of your concern. However, compared to other reticles, it is easier to use.
Multi-Red Dot
Multi-Red dot is commonly used for range shooting and popular in holographic weapon sight. The reticle has two red dots, wherein the top dot can be seen for 50 to 100 yards. Upon seeing the top dot, you can now determine the distance of the bottom dot, which is more likely at 150 to 200 yards.
Horseshoe/Dot
The horseshoe dot reticle can be similar to a circle dot, but it has an open bottom that imitates the horseshoe shape. Unlike the circle dot, the reticle patterns three red dots with a chevron at the center. In addition, it can interchange the center chevron dot with a range dot below the larger center dot.
Crosshair
Crosshair is common in red dot reticle and magnification scopes. Crosshair is a fine line in the focus of a reticle used for reference or marking an aiming device [1]. Lower-end optics like NcStar usually use this reticle option since it is cheaper and easier to work with.
Minute Of Angle
Another thing to consider when buying the best red dot sight for AR-15 is the minute of angle (MOA). It is designed to allow the shooter to shoot at a longer range. The Minute of Angle is an angular measurement equivalent to 1/60th of one degree every 100 yards [2].
Most professional race gun shooters prefer higher MOA. It is used by shooters who need to make exact adjustments on benchrest or gun competitions.
Ease Of Installation
The red dot scope must be easy to install. As our team tested the different red dot sights, we always ensured that it gave installation ease. Since it has limitless eye relief, mounting the red dot sights on the top barrel or doing an offset cantilever mount is ideal. There are a variety of rail mounts you can try depending on the mounting compatibility of the unit.
Versatility
It would be best to get optical sights that offer versatility. It should be adjustable in intensity and size, and the orientation should be changeable to fit your shooting goal.
Sight should be compatible with different types of weapons like rifles, shotguns, and handguns. Lastly, it should be versatile enough to be used in hunting, competitions, home defense, and law enforcement.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
One of the greatest advantages of red dots sights is unlimited eye relief. Eye relief is the distance of the eyepiece to the shooter’s eye that allows obtaining the full viewing angle [3].
Red dot sights can be placed in your most comfortable position where the field of view cannot be compromised. Red dot sights allow the shooter to see the target with two eyes wide open with the eye box.
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Magnification
Red dot sights should give 1x magnification and not use any internal magnification. 1x magnification is a hundred percent increase of a magnified object [4]. Since the red dots are used in close to mid-range shooting, 1x magnification is ideal for red dots and iron sights.
However, you can augment the magnification with a co-witness magnifier or backup iron sights as your second piece. It is equipment that can be placed at the front or back of the optic to provide your desired magnification.
Battery Life
It is important to check the battery life of the red dots for longer usage. Some high-end optics offer a tritium or fiber optic illumination that offers battery-free sights or limits its usage [5]. However, the best budget red dot sight offers longer battery life that guarantees years of service.
Illuminated Reticle
It would be a challenge to participate in any low-light situations competition without an illuminated reticle. An illuminated reticle allows the shooter to hit the target because of its illumination properties easily. If you are clueless about its appearance, you can check out its physical properties since illuminated reticles are fatter than non-illuminated.
Durability
It is ideal to get a budget red dot sight that provides the utmost durability. As much as possible, it should be fog proof, water-resistant, Nitrogen purged, and shockproof.
We tried to drop and submerge all the best red dot sights on the list to check their durability. We noticed that some cheap optics could not stand the bruises, little water, or intense recoil, and you should avoid that.
Price
The price of red dot sights should not be out of the picture when choosing the best yet budget red dot sight. Investing in your AR-15 upgrade can be inexpensive when it comes to red dots. A cheap optic can be bought roughly at $50, but we highly recommend buying at least $100 and above for a quality red dot scope.
Our Team's Selection Process
Overall Performance
Our team tested the listed red dots on the range to check their overall performance. It should have different brightness settings to make it easier for the shooter to use the red dots in any lighting situation. In addition, we also check its speed and accuracy when aiming at targets.
Weapon Compatibility
We selected the red dots based on their compatibility with AR-15. In addition, it would be ideal that red dots must be compatible with different guns like the AR-15, pistols, and handguns. It should be compatible with the mount and different accessories of your firearm. Red dots could be compatible with night-vision devices to make them more versatile.
Product Quality
We also considered the quality of the red dots when selecting the best red dot sight for AR-15. Since the sight is placed at the top of the barrel, it should also resist heavy recoil. In addition, the fully multi-coated lenses should be shockproof, fog proof, and submersible to water for at least 150 ft.
FAQs
Yes, a red dot sight is better than a holographic sight. Red dots are easier to use and are more compact compared to holographic sights. In addition, red dots use power-saving LEDs that can last for years, unlike holographic weapon sight with shorter battery life. More on red dot vs holographic sights here.
Yes, you can use an AR-15 red dot sight to other rifles. Most red dot sights are universal and can be used for different firearms like rifles and handguns.
Yes, you can use a red dot sight for an AR-15 at night. AR-15 red dot sights are compatible with night vision devices. Moreover, sights have different illumination settings, which is ideal for low-light situations.
And Our #1 Red Dot Sight For AR-15 Is…
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 red dot sight is our number one red dot sight. It has 11 illumination settings which are ideal for different types of low-light situations. In addition, it has an easy mounting system and compatibility for different types of firearms.
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 features fast and accurate target acquisition. It is made from high-quality materials to ensure shockproof and waterproof construction. The sight is Nitrogen purged for moisture, making the red dot scope ideal for rapid temperature change and humidity [6].
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Our #1 Recommendation
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight
- Best value for money
- Easy to install and use
- Lightweight
- Sturdy built
