Best Pistol Red Dots of 2020 – Complete Review

| Last Updated: January 14, 2022

Finding the best pistol red dot will take some time and detective work. By that, we mean finding the best one that will actually benefit you in terms of providing accurate and precise shooting for your pistol of choice. Whether you conceal carry or shoot in competitions, a great pistol red dot will always come in handy if you really want to make every shot count.

While there are a handful of these red dot sights saturating the market, we’ve found several of the best available. If you are looking for nothing but the best, we’ve got your bases covered.

Before we get to the list, let’s talk about how a red dot sight can work for you and why the models we chose made the cut. 

Comparison Chart of the Best Pistol Red Dots

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Best overall pistol red dot
  • Designed for multiple purposes
  • Housed in high-quality aluminum
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  • Runner-up for best pistol red dot
  • Includes automatic brightness controls
  • Durable housing made from aircraft quality aluminum
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  • Available with 3 or 8 MOA dots
  • Best pistol red dot for the money
  • The battery life of up to 10000 hours
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  • 2 MOA Red Dot
  • Battery life is 10000 hours
  • Best red dot for rimfire pistols
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  • Available in 1 and 2 MOA
  • Best red dot for 22 pistols
  • The battery life of 100000 hours
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  • Best red dot for AR-15 pistols
  • The battery life of over 8700 hours
  • Available with 1 MOA and 8 MOA dots
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How Does a Red Dot Sight Work?

Red dot sights are probably one of the most underrated and underappreciated sights on the market. They are typical sights that use a red, laser-like dot. These are designed for the purpose of making sure that every shot you take lands exactly where you need it.

You can hit a bullseye from a good distance with a well-placed red dot on the target. Just aim and pull the trigger and you’ll get consistent accuracy, even with tight shooting groups.

Why Did These Red Dots Make The List?

We didn’t choose these red dots at complete random. We chose these for the characteristics and features that stood out the most. If you are looking for a red dot sight, be sure to use a similar formula as we’ve used when selecting these models for review. The following are reasons why they made our list:

Affordable For Most Budgets

Whether you have money to play with or are on a budget, you are guaranteed to find a pistol red dot that will work to your advantage. It’s important to find one that is the best you can afford in terms of performance and quality. The last thing you want is to find a red dot sight that is disappointing overall.

Easy to Install

A great pistol red dot sight is something that will be easy to install and nothing more. All it takes is the right kind of tools and a few minutes of your time (or ten minutes max). Once installed, it will be ready for action, regardless of how you use your pistol. 

All Provide Excellent Accuracy

The point of these red sights is making sure that every shot you make lands exactly where you need it to go. So if you are looking for a sight that will, in all likelihood, hit all your shots close to the bullseye, a red dot sight will be one of the best available you can come across. They hit close distances and even some far-out distances (i.e.--approximately 100 yards). 

Review of the Best Pistol Red Dots

Below is a list of the best pistol red dots currently available on the market. As you go through each of the items on the list, be sure to note any features and characteristics that stand out as interesting. If you find one you might enjoy, be sure to look at it a bit further before making a decision. Let’s start off the list with our best overall pistol red dot on the list:

Best Overall:
Trijicon RMR Type 2 RM07

Pros

  • Easy to install
  • Fits on most pistols
  • Accurate and precise shooting
  • Really durable, doesn’t lose its zero
  • Perfect for multiple applications including tactical, concealed carry, and target shooting

Cons

  • None

What Recent Buyers Report

New users were really happy with this red dot sight. It was easy to install and able to fit a good number of pistols. As expected, it allowed for consistently accurate shooting up to 50 yards. One user said he was able to hit his shots on target at the range while seeing tighter shooting groups with his 9mm. He added that the farther his shots were, the tighter the groups.

Why it Stands Out to Us

If you want a red sight that will be able to deliver excellent accuracy, then this might be something you’ll love. And it’s at the perfect size to fit in most concealed carry holsters. The sight is tough and can handle a good amount of shock from recoil. That’s because the housing is made from high-quality aluminum. It will absorb and resist shock so you won’t have to deal with the sight losing its zero or position. If you want a simple-to-install red dot sight that will be reliable and hold its own through so many shots, this is one you’ll want to consider.

Who Will Use This Most

This red dot sight will be perfect for concealed carry users and competitive shooters. If accuracy and precision are what you’re looking for, then you’ll have no trouble making this your top-priority sight. You’d be hard-pressed to find an easy-to-install, super-durable, and super-accurate sight anywhere else. 

Bottom Line

The Trijicon RMR Type 2 RM07 is undeniably the best overall pistol red dot to ensure that every shot counts. Install this bad boy onto your favorite pistol and you’ll have a sight that will go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure you hit your shots effectively and accurately, no matter how far out you are. 

Runner-up:
Vortex Optics Venom 6 MOA Red Dot Sight

Pros

  • Super easy to install
  • Perfect for target shooting
  • Really durable right out of the box
  • Allows for tight shooting groups up to 50 yards
  • Waterproof and shockproof. No recoil or weather can ruin it

Cons

  • None

What Recent Buyers Report

A lot of new users say this red dot sight was super-durable. It was excellent in quality, allowing for great shock resistance. It also was able to withstand a good amount of weather conditions like rain, snow, or sleet. This has the ability to fit all kinds of pistols and even rifles with Picatinny rails. One user said it took him about five minutes to install this on his pistol. He loved it so much that he bought a second one for his AR-15, delivering the same accurate and precise shooting, but at a slightly farther distance.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Vortex Optics is no stranger to making sights and scopes that have superior durability. The housing is made from high-quality, aircraft-grade aluminum that will resist shock, water, and who knows what else. Simply put, it’s a really tough sight. On top of being a beast, it is unsurprisingly accurate. With pistols, it can reach about 50 yards. With AR-15 pistols, it can go farther. To best describe this sight other than accurate, it’s versatile and designed to impress and be really useful. 

Who Will Use This Most

If you are a fan of versatile sights, you might already be sold on this one. It can work with pistols or AR-15 rifles. Hey, why not get both? But first, you should try it out with either one. Once you have this sucker installed, it’s going to give your pistol or rifle a considerable boost in accuracy. And you’ll know exactly where to land your next shot and the shot after that. 

Bottom Line

If you want a red dot sight that is tough and will allow your pistol or rifle to coil and strike like a snake, the Vortex Optics Venom 6 will certainly give your shots some bite. Whether you are target shooting or hunting for varmints, this could be the sight you’ll enjoy putting to good use. Just install this and you’ll instantly get a considerable boost in accuracy and overall toughness in your pistol or rifle. 

Best for the Money:
Burris Fastfire III Red Dot Reflex Sight

Pros

  • Fits most pistols
  • Super-simple to install
  • Affordable for most budgets
  • Allows for accurate and reliable shooting
  • Really durable housing protects the sight from shock

Cons

  • May have a hard time fitting Weaver rails
  • Battery life may not be as long as expected
  • Pieces of plastic may break off after short-term use

What Recent Buyers Report

As expected, a good number of users were quick to point out how easy this sight was to install. They were also happy with the versatility, ensuring that not only it was able to fit pistols but also large semi-auto rifles in the process. One user said he was using this on his .45 ACP for target shooting (casual and competition). Once he saw a consistent amount of accurate shots across various distances, he decided to purchase a second sight for his AR-10 rifle for varmint hunting. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

Versatility is what makes a sight more useful, whether you are using a pistol for target shooting or an AR-10 or AR-15 for hunting those invasive critters and predators. Simply install this on your favorite firearm of choice and you’ll get a red dot that won’t obscure your target. You’ll feel like a psychic knowing where the shot will go before you even pull the trigger. The sight is solid, won’t move around, and makes sure every shot is straightforward. Nail a kill shot or close to the bullseye with this red dot sight and you’ll know that you got more than what you paid for. 

Who Will Use This Most

This will make a great starter red dot sight. You can use it until you find a good upgrade. But there is a good chance that won’t happen. The reason is that it’s pretty sturdy and durable, meaning it will protect against a good deal of shock and prevent any damage to the sight. If you want something that’s easy to install and easy to change out from one gun to the next, this might be what you’re looking for. 

Bottom Line

The Burris Fastfire III Red Dot Sight is versatile, accurate, and affordable. Those are probably the three best things to look for in a pistol red dot. If that’s what you want, you’ll get it. Tack this onto your pistol or rifle and you’re going to enjoy shooting off so many rounds at paper targets or any varmint or predator targets, if hunting is your intended use. 

Best Red Dot for Rimfire Pistol: 
Holosun HS407C Red Dot Sight

Pros

  • Easy installation
  • Doesn’t obscure targets
  • Accurate and precise shooting 
  • Versatile, fits pistols and rifles
  • Zero remains intact, even through 600 rounds

Cons

  • Battery life may be shorter than expected
  • May not be suitable for concealed carry holsters
  • Sight picture might look less natural compared to some other sights

What Recent Buyers Report

New users were competitive shooters or casual target shooters looking for a great sight for Rimfire pistols. They were really happy with the sight’s ability to hit accurate shots no matter how far out they were with their pistols and even some rifles. With trouble-free installation and sharpshooting ability, this red dot sight was no match for any paper target, clay pigeon, or varmint. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

If you want a red dot sight that is easy to sight-in and will keep the zero settings intact through hundreds of rounds, this is something you won’t want to ignore. It’s a pretty good Rimfire sight that will make sure you shoot accurate, precise shots with your favorite pistol or rifle for the purpose of target shooting. Whether you do it for fun or competition, it’s the red dot sight you can count on when every shot has to count. Accuracy always matters in these applications. Is your pistol or rifle up to the task?

Who Will Use This Most

If you are looking for a red dot sight that can handle the heavy-hitting shots of Rimfire shooting. This is a sight that will maintain zero settings through so many shots. If you hate the idea of having to reset your zero all the time, this is a sight that might be worth every penny. Use this for hours of target shooting fun or use it when the competition is heating up. It takes a tough sight to make sure you hit every shot where you want it to go. 

Bottom Line

Rimfire shooting can be hard-hitting. So you’ll want a red dot sight that can handle it all. The Holosun HS407C Red Dot Sight is no slouch and can hold its own with every shot you take. You won’t have to reset your zero again. Sight it in, forget it, and get back to shooting. If you hold accuracy to a high standard, this red dot sight will probably be your best friend at the range. 

Best Red Dot for .22 Pistol: 
Holosun HS507C Solar

Pros

  • Easy to zero-in
  • Battery life is long
  • Excellent for .22 pistols
  • Easy to install, takes a few minutes
  • Super-lightweight. Doesn’t add any additional weight to the pistol

Cons

  • None

What Recent Buyers Report

Many new users were utilizing this red dot for the purpose of concealed carry and target shooting purposes. The sight was easy to install and didn’t take long for any sighting in. One user said it was quite accurate with targets up to 45 yards at outdoor ranges. The sight was at the right size, thus making it easy to fit in most concealed carry holsters. So far, that hasn’t caused any snagging or any additional issues. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

A .22 caliber pistol is perhaps one of the best calibers for those who practice concealed carry or use a pistol for target shooting (casual or competitive). The housing is made from high-quality aluminum so it proves itself as a super-durable and shock-resistant sight that will turn your .22 pistol into a sharpshooting machine. That will certainly place you at an advantage, no matter which application you use your pistol for. For a true marksman experience, this might be the go-to sight for those who love their .22 most. 

Who Will Use This Most

This will be a beneficial sight for many .22 caliber users who are avid target shooters. But don’t write this off as a useless sight for concealed carry. It can be useful in a self-defense situation if and when the opportunity presents itself. This red dot sight will be hard to beat against competition sights that best fit a .22 pistol. If you want to turn your trusty pistol into an accurate, reliable .22, you’ll love using this sight to your advantage. 

Bottom Line

If you are looking to up your shooting ability, the Holoson HS507C Solar Red Dot Sight is the obvious choice. Not to mention, it will take only a few minutes for you to install this sight and instantly turn your favorite .22 pistol into an accurate shooting machine that many shooters are dying to have. Make every target shooting or concealed carry application count with this red dot sight.

Best Red Dot for AR-15 Pistol: 
Shield Sights Ltd. Sis Center Dot Red Dot Sight

Pros

  • Battery life is as expected
  • Easy to adjust for better use
  • Fits on most Picatinny rails
  • Doesn’t add any unnecessary extra weight to the pistol
  • Accurate and precise shooting up to approximately 100 yards

Cons

  • None

What Recent Buyers Report

Most new users were able to easily install this red dot sight on their Picatinny and Weaver rails. After installation, they managed to zero-in this sight in a couple of minutes. One user said he was able to make precise, accurate shots ranging from 50 to 100 yards. The shots were noticeably tighter when the distance was longer than 50 yards, according to this user.

Why it Stands Out to Us

AR-15 pistols are, without question, some of the best pistols you’ll find anywhere. They have ridiculously smooth firing power and are less likely to jam or malfunction over time. They also provide some serious shooting power, thus producing some recoil and shock in the process. This red dot is perhaps one of the best choices you can find for AR-15 pistols. It can handle multiple episodes of shock and won’t lose its zero settings. Through 1,000 rounds, it will keep itself intact and provide straightforward, accurate shooting every time you pull the trigger.

Who Will Use This Most

If you are looking for the perfect red dot sight for a pistol appropriate for casual target shooting and varmint hunting, this is the one to consider for a few good reasons. It can resist a good amount of shock, allows you to go the distance, and will waste no time making sure all your shots are hitting exactly where you want them to go. 

Bottom Line

The Shield Sights Sis Center Red Dot Sight is one of the most fascinating pistols that has ever existed. You’ll be dealing with a tough little unit that will hold off all kinds of shock and keep its own zero settings intact. If you haven’t fired an AR-15 pistol yet, you have no idea what you’re missing. If you own one, you’re going to need a red dot sight that will turn it into a super-accurate beast of a pistol. 

Benefits of Investing in a Quality Pistol Red Dot Sight

Knowing what the benefits are desired for a pistol red dot sight are key. Not only will they make you more aware of what to expect in such sights, but they should excite you enough to buy one for your own use. Here are some benefits you’ll get to enjoy:

Better Accuracy

This is basically the point of these sights. Not only are they able to provide better accuracy compared to regular sights, but they are also almost guaranteed to hit exactly where you want your shots to go. Depending on the rounds you use, you may even improve the shooting groups. 

Easy on the Eyes

Let’s face it, relying on regular sights might be a good thing. But over time, it will not be the best for your eyes, thanks to the constant squinting. Red dot sights will not cause you to squint or strain your eyes so you can easily take aim and shoot at your targets. 

Faster Target Acquisition

Believe it or not, a red dot sight will provide better target acquisition over regular sights. And that alone will allow for quicker target locking and of course, getting the shot off quickly without second-guessing. Accuracy is fine, but speed is another thing that should matter most. 

Conclusion

The best pistol red dot sight is out there. You should consider the idea of investing in one to fit your intended application. You’ll get the best accuracy and speed out of any one of the sights listed above. Install one of these on your pistol or even your rifle of choice, and you will be able to land more precise, accurate shots over any ordinary sight.

People Also Ask

The following is a list of frequently asked questions about pistol red dots. It’s important that you utilize this as a guide to help you gain more information on how this works. Let’s take a look at the following questions below:

What is the Best Red Dot Sight For a Handgun?

There are handfuls of red dots sights you can find for a handgun. It depends on the size of the pistol. But if there was one to choose, it would be the Trijicon RMR (our best overall choice on the list). But you don’t have to take our word for it, read other user reviews and see for yourself.

What is the Best MOA For a Red Dot Sight? 

The usual size of an MOA dot will range between 3 to 5 MOA. It will also depend on your intent and purpose. If you want something that will cover your bases at long ranges, don’t go any lower than a 2 MOA. For self-defense or target shooting, 3 MOA will probably be your best bet. 

Do Red Dot Sights Work at Night?

Some do and some don’t. It will depend on the model. Those that do work at night will have some kind of night vision or thermal imaging to go along with it. Be sure to choose wisely and consider your intent or purpose prior to choosing one for night use.