In this article, I’ll take you through the Best Red Dots for Glock 43.
Choosing the best red dot sight for the Glock 43 is a decision that requires careful consideration of the pistol’s compact size and intended use.
As a slim, subcompact firearm built primarily for concealed carry, the Glock 43 demands an optic that enhances speed, precision, and reliability without adding unnecessary bulk.
The right red dot should offer a clear sight picture, fast target acquisition, and robust construction that can handle the rigors of daily use.
Whether for personal defense or range training, a red dot sight tailored to the Glock 43 can significantly improve both confidence and performance.
About the Glock 43
The GLOCK 43 is a highly regarded single-stack 9mm pistol, designed for ultra-concealability without sacrificing performance.
Compact yet durable, it maintains the same rigorous engineering standards and reliability as larger GLOCK models, easily enduring the brand’s signature torture tests. With a 6-round magazine capacity and a slim frame, it fits comfortably in any hand, aided by a built-in beaver tail grip for a secure, high hold.
The aggressive grip texture ensures consistent control, while the oversized magazine catch allows for quick reloads.
Weighing just over 20 ounces when fully loaded and featuring GLOCK’s Safe Action System with a 24N trigger pull, the G43 is a dependable and accurate everyday carry option for all shooters.
Best Red Dots for Glock 43
1) HOLOSUN HS407K X2 Red Dot
The Holosun HS407K X2 Red dot sight is the best red dot for Glock 43, it is designed specifically for slimline, subcompact pistols like the Glock 43, features a crisp 6 MOA dot that is easy to acquire quickly, shake awake technology, long battery life, compact profile, lightweight construction, unlimited eye relief among other features.
The Holosun HS407K X2 red dot features Shake Awake Technology, which conserves power by deactivating the LED when not in use and instantly reactivates with the slightest motion.
Paired with a high-efficiency Red Super LED, this system provides an impressive 50,000-hour battery life, meaning you can go years without a battery change. Conveniently, the side-mounted CR1632 battery tray makes replacements quick and tool-free, eliminating the need to remove the optic from your slide.
For customized visibility, the sight offers 12 brightness settings, including 2 night vision-compatible modes, making it suitable for daylight, low-light, and night ops. The multilayer reflective glass lenses enhance light transmission while minimizing glare and improving clarity, giving you a crystal-clear view of the dot and your target.
Additionally, the optic includes Lock Mode to prevent accidental setting changes, a must-have for EDC reliability.
With its parallax-free design and unlimited eye relief, the HS407K X2 delivers a comfortable and intuitive shooting experience. Although it mounts directly to P365X/XL slides, Glock 43 users will need an adapter plate for compatibility, but once mounted, it sits low and clean on the slide, allowing for fast target acquisition and co-witness potential with suppressor-height sights.
Pros
- The crisp and bright 6 MOA dot is ideal for fast target acquisition
- Shake Awake technology with adjustable timeout and motion activation
- Up to 50,000-hour battery life with side-access battery tray
- 7075-T6 aluminum housing with IP67 water resistance and 5000G vibration rating
- 12 brightness settings, including 2 night vision modes
- Lock Mode prevents accidental button presses
- Parallax-free with unlimited eye relief
Cons
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Requires adapter plate for Glock 43 (not direct-mount)
2) Vortex Defender-CCW Red Dot Sight
The Vortex Defender-CCW Red Dot Sight is one of the best red dots for Glock 43. Available with a 3 MOA or 6 MOA dot, the Defender-CCW offers rapid target acquisition while maintaining precision and control in a slim, snag-free profile. Designed to fit Shield RMS and RMSc footprints without modification, it blends effortlessly with the slim slide of the Glock 43 and enhances its everyday readiness.
This optic is built to endure daily wear and hard use. The 7075 aluminum housing is reinforced with ShockShield technology, a polymer insert that absorbs impacts from drops or slide manipulation.
The aspherical glass lens delivers a large, distortion-free sight picture with true color fidelity, allowing for fast alignment and a clear visual of your target.
Paired with 10 daylight brightness settings and 2 night vision-compatible levels, the Defender-CCW adapts to lighting conditions both indoors and out.
Motion activation wakes the dot automatically with the slightest movement, ensuring your sight is ready the moment you draw. A 10-minute auto-shutoff function helps conserve battery life when idle.
Changing the battery is simple, thanks to the top-mounted battery compartment, which eliminates the need to remove the optic or re-zero after replacement. The optic also includes a button lockout feature to prevent unintended brightness adjustments during concealed carry.
With Fast-Rack texturing on the optic’s front face, users can rack the slide against nearly any surface in an emergency. The low-glare matte black anodized finish reduces reflections and resists corrosion, while waterproof and fogproof construction ensures dependable performance in extreme weather conditions.
Lightweight and low-profile, the Defender-CCW was built from the ground up with concealed carriers in mind.
Pros
- Available in 3 MOA and 6 MOA dot options
- Large, distortion-free aspherical lens with a clear sight picture
- Motion activation with auto-shutoff conserves battery life
- Top-mounted battery allows for easy changes without re-zeroing
- Durable 7075 aluminum body with impact-absorbing ShockShield insert
- Night vision-compatible brightness settings (2 levels)
- Fast-Rack front face aids emergency slide manipulation
- Waterproof, fogproof, and corrosion-resistant
Cons
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Button lockout can be hard to manage with gloves
3) Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Reflex Sight
The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro brings high-performance red dot capabilities to compact pistols like the Glock 43, delivering professional-grade features in a robust and compact design. Featuring a precise 2.5 MOA red dot, this optic strikes a balance between rapid target acquisition and pinpoint accuracy,perfect for self-defense, concealed carry, or duty use.
It stands out with its exceptionally wide field of view and crystal-clear glass, giving shooters an edge in close quarters and fast-paced situations.
Built for real-world demands, the DeltaPoint Pro is encased in a lightweight aluminum housing reinforced with a rugged spring steel shroud for enhanced durability.
Whether it’s being carried daily or used in more demanding conditions, it’s 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, offering peace of mind in unpredictable environments.
Leupold’s Professional-Grade Red Dot Optical System ensures unmatched light transmission, glare reduction, and outstanding clarity, even in harsh lighting or low-light scenarios.
Ease of use is another strong point of the DeltaPoint Pro. The top-mounted battery compartment allows for quick battery replacement without removing the sight or re-zeroing.
It also includes a tool-less, spring-actuated battery door, streamlining the process even further. Click-adjustments provide tactile, precise elevation and windage changes, making fine-tuning simple and accurate.
Integrated Motion Sensor Technology (MST) preserves battery life by automatically deactivating the reticle after five minutes of inactivity, and instantly reactivating it with movement.
Although the DeltaPoint Pro is compact enough for pistols like the Glock 43, it’s also versatile enough for use on rifles, shotguns, and carbines.
Whether you’re using it for defensive carry or professional applications, this optic is designed to deliver elite performance every time you press the trigger.
Pros
- Bright and crisp 2.5 MOA dot for both precision and speed
- Wide field of view with excellent clarity and light transmission
- Motion Sensor Technology extends battery life
- Top-loading battery compartment for quick changes without re-zeroing
- Durable aluminum housing with spring steel shield
- Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof for all-weather reliability
- Designed, machined, and assembled in the USA
Cons
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Adapter plate required for Glock 43 mounting
4) Trijicon RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA Adjustable LED Red Dot Sight
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 Adjustable LED red dot sight is one of the best red dots for Glock 43 , it features a patented housing shape that redirects impact force away from the lens, dramatically improving its ability to survive drops, bumps, and harsh use. Whether for concealed carry, duty use, or recreational shooting, this red dot is engineered to endure.
The 3.25 MOA dot is widely considered the ideal size for balancing rapid target acquisition with precision. It’s large enough to locate quickly in stressful conditions but small enough to allow for accurate shots at extended distances.
Trijicon’s adjustable LED system gives users full control over brightness levels through side-mounted buttons. Shooters can toggle between manual and automatic modes, or even power the sight down for storage.
A unique battery conservation mode will automatically return the sight to auto mode after 16.5 hours in manual, ensuring it’s always ready for the next use.
One of the standout features of the RMR Type 2 is its multi-platform adaptability. While perfect for subcompact pistols like the Glock 43, it’s also suitable for rifles, shotguns, and carbines.
The optic includes night vision compatibility, making it a reliable choice for low-light and tactical applications. Windage and elevation adjustments are simple and require no special tools, with each click providing 1 MOA of adjustment.
The true-color, multi-coated lens ensures optimal light transmission with minimal color shift, offering a crisp and clear aiming point in virtually any lighting condition.
Waterproof up to 66 feet and built with upgraded electronics for enhanced shock resistance and reliability, the Trijicon RMR Type 2 stands as a professional-grade optic trusted by military, law enforcement, and civilian users alike.
For Glock 43 owners looking for a red dot sight that offers a blend of precision, toughness, and user control, this optic delivers on every front.
Pros
- Extremely rugged and impact-resistant design
- 3.25 MOA dot offers a balance of speed and precision
- Manual and automatic brightness modes
- Waterproof to 20 meters (66 ft)
- Top-tier glass clarity with true-color multi-coating
- Compatible with night vision devices
- Long battery life with auto-return to auto mode
Cons
- More expensive than many other red dot options
- Requires an adapter plate for Glock 43 mounting
5) HOLOSUN EPS Carry Red Dot Sight
The HOLOSUN EPS Carry-RD-MRS is a premium enclosed reflex sight built for subcompact handguns like the Glock 43. Engineered for concealed carry, this optic combines clarity, durability, and adaptability in a small and rugged package. Its aspheric lens provides a distortion-free sight picture, and the ultra-low dot height keeps co-witnessing with factory iron sights simple and effective.
Built from 7075 T6 aluminum, the sight includes a built-in rear notch and comes with an RMSc-to-K adapter plate for wide mounting compatibility across many compact pistol platforms.
One of the standout features is Holosun’s Multi-Reticle System (MRS), which lets users switch between a precise 2 MOA dot, a fast-acquisition 32 MOA circle, or a combination of both. The large circle can act as a visual guide or range reference, while the dot offers pinpoint aiming. This flexibility allows shooters to quickly adapt the sight for different types of shooting scenarios, whether it’s close-quarters self-defense or more precise target engagement.
The Red Super LED, operating on the 650nm wavelength, delivers excellent brightness and clarity, with up to 50,000 hours of battery life using a CR1620 battery. To back up this already impressive run time, the EPS Carry also includes Solar Failsafe technology.
When in auto mode, the optic adjusts brightness based on available light and switches to solar power if the battery is depleted. With 10 daylight and 2 night vision brightness settings, this optic performs equally well in bright sun or low-light environments.
The EPS Carry also provides unlimited eye relief and parallax-free operation, enhancing speed and accuracy under pressure. The small window size (0.58×0.77 inches) is optimized for concealability, while the anodized finish ensures corrosion resistance.
With easy 1.5 MOA-per-click windage and elevation adjustments and a ±30 MOA travel range, zeroing is both simple and reliable.
Pros
- Enclosed emitter design protects from debris and weather
- The Multi-Reticle System allows a dot, circle, or both
- Solar Failsafe extends operational reliability
- Extremely long battery life (up to 50,000 hours)
- Durable 7075 aluminum construction
- Low profile ideal for co-witness with factory sights
- Compatible with many popular subcompact pistols
Cons
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Smaller viewing window compared to full-size optics
Next Read: 5 Best Red Dots for Glock 26
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Red Dots for Glock 43
When choosing the best red dot sights for a Glock 43, several key factors help determine which optic will offer the best balance of performance, durability, and usability.
Size and Profile
Given the compact dimensions of the Glock 43, it’s important to choose a red dot sight with a low-profile and lightweight design. A bulky optic can interfere with concealment, affect the gun’s balance, and snag during a draw. Micro-sized or slim-profile sights are ideal, as they blend seamlessly with the pistol’s compact frame and maintain a smooth, snag-free silhouette for everyday carry.
Durability and Build Quality
Every day carry pistols face constant movement, impacts, and exposure to harsh environments. That’s why a red dot must be built from tough materials like aircraft-grade aluminum and offer rugged features like waterproofing, fog resistance, and shock protection.
The stronger the housing and construction, the more reliable the optic will be under real-world conditions, including drops, recoil, and adverse weather.
Reticle Type and Size
Red dots come with various reticle options, including simple dots in different MOA sizes or more complex designs with rings or multi-reticle systems. A smaller MOA dot allows for more precise aiming at longer ranges, while a larger dot or circle speeds up target acquisition at close distances.
Choosing the right reticle depends on intended use, whether for self-defense, competition, or general carry, and personal visual preferences.
Battery Life and Power Management
Battery life is a major consideration for red dots used in defensive roles. Look for optics with long-lasting power sources, efficient LED technology, and battery-saving features like auto-shutoff or motion activation.
Some models even offer backup power through solar panels. Reliable power management ensures your red dot is always ready when needed and reduces the chances of it failing in a critical moment.
Lens Clarity and Sight Picture
The quality of the lens and the clarity of the viewing window significantly affect how quickly and accurately a shooter can acquire a target. A distortion-free aspheric lens and anti-reflective coatings contribute to a clean, true-color sight picture.
A large window also helps with faster target acquisition and maintaining situational awareness, especially under stress or when shooting with both eyes open.
Mounting Footprint and Compatibility
Not all red dots fit all pistol slides out of the box. Compatibility with the correct mounting footprint, such as RMSc or Shield-standard cuts, is essential for easy installation on a Glock 43 or similar subcompacts.
Some optics include adapter plates or feature universal mounting patterns, which increases versatility and ensure a secure and aligned fit without extensive modification.
Brightness Settings and NV Compatibility
A good red dot should have multiple brightness settings to adapt to a variety of lighting environments, from bright daylight to low-light and indoor scenarios. The ability to fine-tune the dot intensity helps avoid reticle washout or overpowering glare.
For those who may use night vision gear, compatibility with NV devices through specialized low-brightness settings adds even more versatility.
Ease of Use and Adjustments
An intuitive control layout and accessible battery compartment make day-to-day use and maintenance much easier. Tool-less windage and elevation adjustments, top-loading battery trays, and lockout modes for buttons all enhance the user experience.
Simplicity in operation becomes especially important in high-pressure situations, where ease of use directly contributes to speed and effectiveness.
Conclusion
Finding the best red dots for Glock 43 comes down to striking the right balance between functionality, durability, and ease of use. An optic that integrates seamlessly with the pistol while delivering crisp reticle visibility, long battery life, and dependable performance in all conditions can make a meaningful difference.
With the right features in place, a quality red dot sight transforms this compact handgun into a faster, more capable tool for defensive shooting and beyond.