9 Best Red Dot Sights for AR

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Looking for the best red dot sight for ar? Today, there are so many red dots for AR available on the market. While it’s a good thing to have plenty of options to choose from, it can be hard to pick the right one.

To help you out, we have taken our time and researched a detailed list of the best.

Let’s jump right in.

What Makes the Best Red Dot Sights for AR?

Choosing the best red dot sight for an AR  will require to emphasize several factors. Firstly, reticle type, with many options available, a simple, illuminated red dot is the best for quick target acquisition. The size of the dot matters as well; a 2 MOA dot is a popular choice for balancing precision and speed.

Another crucial consideration is durability, especially for use on an AR platform known for its recoil. Look for red dot sights constructed with robust materials, featuring shockproof designs that can handle the recoil of a rifle. Additionally, water-resistant or waterproof capabilities are important to ensure the optic remains functional in adverse weather conditions.

Adjustability and ease of use are also vital aspects. A red dot sight with easily accessible and intuitive controls for brightness settings and windage/elevation adjustments contributes to a seamless shooting experience.

Battery life is another critical factor; a reliable red dot sight should provide long battery life to minimize the need for frequent replacements during extended use.

The ability to co-witness with backup iron sights can enhance versatility and ensure a reliable aiming solution in case of optic failure. Overall, the best red dot sights for AR combine these features to offer a rugged, user-friendly, and reliable aiming solution for various shooting scenarios.

 

Best Red Dot Sights for AR

1) Vortex SPARC AR II 1x22mm 2 MOA Red Dot Sight

Vortex SPARC AR II 1x22mm 2 MOA Red Dot Sight

 

 

 

This SPARC AR II 1x22mm 2 MOA Red Dot Sight is the best red dot sight for ar, it is one of the most effective ways to maximize your AR’s effectiveness, its lightweight, rugged, and compact.

Carrying one of the most respected optics names, the SPARC AR II will help hone your hunting and shooting skills with your AR.

It offers faster and more accurate target acquisition without sacrificing your vision.

The 2 MOA dot is very easy in close quarters and fine enough at extended ranges for pinpoint accuracy.

This unit has a 2 MOA red dot with 12 illumination settings for accurate aiming in different light settings.

It also comes with fully multi-coated optics that optimize light transmission to ensure that the images formed on the lens are crisp clear and bright.

You get a 50,000-hour battery life and reliability even in darker conditions thanks to the night-vision compatibility at the lowest two settings.

Furthermore, the optic comes with an unlimited eye relief which allows for easy target finding and comfortable glassing during extended viewing sessions.

This red dot is waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof for all-weather reliability and durability.

Features

  • Fully multi-coated optics
  • Parallax Free
  • Night-Vision Compatibility
  • Compact and lightweight single-piece chassis
  • Water, fog, and shockproof
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 22 mm
  • 1 MOA adjustment
  • Hard anodized finish
  • Magnification: 1 x
  • Reticle: 2 MOA Dot
  • Made for AR Platform
  • Multi-height mounting type
  • 50,000-hour battery life

Pros

  • Unlimited eye relief
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Durable construction
  • Friendly on the wallet
  • Comes with a rubber cover with flip-up lens caps
  • 10 illumination settings with the lowest two being night vision compatible
  • Able to withstand recoil and impact with its rugged construction
  • Rapid target acquisition with unlimited eye relief

Cons

  • Battery life is shortened by extreme weather

 

2) Burris AR-332 3x32mm Prismatic Red Dot Sight

Burris AR-332 3x32mm Prismatic Red Dot Sight

 

The AR-332 is designed for additional range, fast acquisition, and a compact performance

The Burris AR 332 red dot is a fast acquisition optic specially designed for the AR platform.

It makes a handy companion when hunting and target shooting at close to medium ranges. The sight is known for pinpoint accuracy with various cartridges including the .223, 300 blackouts, and 7.62.

This prismatic red dot sight is applauded for its durability and ability to maintain zero after rugged use.

It has a fixed 3x magnification to help you zoom in on distant targets and multiple reticle colors with 5 illumination settings for use in different lighting environments.

The optic features Hi-Lume multi-coating that optimizes low light performance.

It is also designed to be fully waterproof and fog-proof for use in any weather. Above all, the red dot is built to be easy to use even for beginners.

Features

  • Windage and elevation adjustment
  • 10 brightness settings-5 green/5 red
  • 3x fixed magnification
  • 32 mm objective lens
  • 2.5 in eye relief
  • 10-position power selector
  • Fast-action Ballistic CQ reticle ( works perfectly with 5.56 or 7.62 ammunition)
  • Hi-Lume multi-coated optics
  • Waterproof and fog-proof design
  • 0.5 MOA adjustment value
  • 32 ft at 100 yds linear field of view
  • Picatinny attachment/mount

Pros

  • Lightweight design
  • Cost-effective
  • Well built
  • Easy to mount and use
  • Great clarity
  • Great sight for  out to 600 yards
  • Has Picatinny rails for additional sights, lasers, or lights

Cons

  • Short eye relief (2.5 in)

 

3) Sig Sauer Romeo5 1x20mm Red Dot Sight

Sig Sauer Romeo5 1x20mm Red Dot Sight

 

 

ROMEO5 is a quick target acquisition red dot that works perfectly on AR platforms, it’s a compact red dot with very low parallax for perfect aiming and point accuracy.

With unlimited eye relief, you are able to easily and quickly acquire targets and aiming points regardless of the eye’s position behind the red dot sight.

The battery is side-loading for easy and quick replacement and can give  40,000+ hours of life battery life.

With this red dot sight, you get a waterproof (IPX-7 )and fog-proof performance.

Features

  • MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination)
  • Spectracoat for superior light transmission
  • Quick Target Acquisition Speed Sight design
  • Multipurpose- Hunting, Airsoft, Tactical & Military
  • 10 illumination settings (8 daylight plus 2 Nightvision)
  • 40,000+ hour battery life
  • IPX-7 waterproof
  • Unlimited eye-relief
  • 1x magnification
  • 20mm objective lens
  • Weighs 5.1 oz
  • 2 MOA Red Dot reticle
  • T10 Torx Low Profile and T10 Torx 1.41 in Riser mount type
  • Parallax Free

Pros

  • Increased battery life with MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination)
  • Spectracoat for superior light transmission
  • Waterproof performance
  • The Integrated M1913 Picatinny interface makes it versatile and standard for a wide range of applications
  • With ultra-low parallax, the point-of-aim is the point-of-impact
  • Unlimited eye-relief for easy and fast target acquisition and aiming  regardless of the position of your eye behind the sight
  • Quick battery replacement with side loading

Cons

  • None

 

4) Holosun Paralow 1x20mm Red Dot Sight

Holosun Paralow 1x20mm Red Dot Sight

 

 

This Holosun red dot is a lightweight and versatile sight for the AR platform.

The sight is parallax free making it easy to shoot with both eyes open

You get 50,000-hour battery life, an auto wake feature for automatic turning on with movement, and an adjustable auto shut-off.

It’s made of CNC aluminum, it’s weather-resistant, and waterproof making it ideal for different weather conditions.

Features

  • 50,000-hour battery life
  • Reticle: 2 MOA Dot
  • CNC Aluminum material
  • Red LED illumination
  • Magnification: 1 x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 20 mm
  • Adjustment Click Value: 0.5 in at 100 yds
  • Multi-Layer Reflecting optical coating
  • CR2032 battery type
  • Operating Temperature: 22 – 140 Fahrenheit
  • 22mm tube diameter

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Waterproof
  • Parallax-free
  • High-grade aluminum construction for strength and durability
  • Weather-resistant finish
  • Unlimited eye relief
  • Improved motion-activated “Shake Awake Technology”
  • Multiple brightness settings
  • Designed for day and night use
  • Wide range of attachment styles- 1/3 Co-Witness Mount, Quick Release, Low Profile

Cons

  • None

 

5) Trijicon MRO 1x25mm 2 MOA Reticle Red Dot Sight

Trijicon MRO 1x25mm 2 MOA Reticle Red Dot Sight

 

 

 

Trijicon MRO 1x25mm 2 MOA Reticle Red Dot Sight is made for fast target acquisition whether you are using a rifle, carbine, or shotgun.

With the ambidextrous brightness control, you are able to dial without removing your hand from the control for both left- or right-handed operators.

This MRO red dot sight has 8 brightness settings with 2 being night vision-compatible.

With multi-coated lenses, the red dot sight is known for very clear imaging and amazing light-gathering capabilities with no distortion and a  crisp dot reticle.

Features

  • 8 brightness settings, with 2-night vision compatible settings
  • Forged 7075 housing
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 25 mm
  • Long battery life (5 years  MRO red dot,1 year MRO green dot)
  • Magnification: 1 x
  • Red LED Illumination
  • Adjustment Type: MOA
  • Battery Type: CR2032
  • 20.4 mm objective aperture
  • Reflex-style

Pros

  • A larger viewing area for faster acquisition
  • Fully-sealed construction to handle the worst conditions
  • Amazing light-gathering capabilities with  multi-coated lenses for superior clarity
  • Left- or right-handed operators’ ambidextrous brightness control
  • Maintains zero with capless design

Cons

  • None

 

6) Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sight

Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sight

 

 

When it comes to versatility, it is hard to beat the Venom Red Dot Sight from Vortex.

You can mount it on your rifle, shotgun, or pistol and use it for either hunting or tactical shooting.

It features a 3 or 6MOA red dot that promotes rapid target acquisition.

The 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments make sighting in the unit a breeze and with the auto-brightness mode, the red dot adjusts its illumination setting automatically based on the ambient light settings.

Another impressive feature of the optic is the solid construction. It has a robust aluminum housing designed to stand up to anything you throw at it.

More importantly, it is sealed with O-rings to keep the optics moisture and dust-free.

Features

  • Premium, fully multi-coated lenses
  • Auto-brightness mode
  • 22 – 122 Fahrenheit operating temperature
  • Aluminum Alloy Chassis
  • 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
  • Waterproof and dustproof
  • ArmorTek lens finish
  • 3 or 6 MOA red dot
  • Unlimited eye relief
  • 26.5 mm objective lens diameter
  • 150 – 30000 hours battery life
  • CR 1632 battery type
  • Battery top-load system

Pros

  • Lightweight design
  • Easy battery access
  • Solid construction
  • Easier sight visibility
  • Rapid target acquisition
  • Unlimited eye relief
  • Waterproof performance
  • Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun compatibility

Cons

  • Not night vision compatible

 

7) Burris FastFire III Reflex Red Dot Sight

Burris FastFire III Reflex Red Dot Sight

 

 

The Burris FastFire is your ideal option if you are looking for the best red dot for AR for the money.

It comes with a host of quality and user-friendly features at a price that is admirably easy on the wallet.

The optic is constructed of metal for strength and durability and has a waterproof roof to keep the lens clean and clear.

It utilizes a 3 MOA/8MOA red dot that aids in rapid target acquisition and you can rely on the automatic brightness sensors to adjust the brightness of the dot depending on the lighting conditions.

For added convenience, the optic features a lightweight yet durable design for mobility convenience.

It also boasts tool-less windage and elevation adjustments, a low battery warning indicator, and a top-loading battery system for easy changing of the battery.

Features

  • Waterproof roof
  • Shockproof design
  • 3 MOA/8MOA red dot- 3 MOA dot for pinpoint accuracy ad 8 MOA dot for short-range and fast acquisition
  • Top loading battery access
  • Automatic brightness setting ( 3 levels)
  • Low battery warning indicator
  • -10 – 130 Fahrenheit operating temperature

Pros

  • Automatic brightness sensor
  • Solid construction for durability
  • Lightweight design
  • Affordability
  • Shockproof for recoil
  • Tool-less elevation and windage adjustments
  • Works with Glock MOS system and all “optics ready” handguns

Cons

  • Not night vision compatible

 

8) Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec Reflex Sight

Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec Reflex Sight

 

 

Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec Reflex Sight will help hone your shooting skills every time you step foot on the shooting range or hunting field. It is simple to use and ideal for every user no matter their skills.

It features a wide-angle lens system that makes target finding a breeze and unlimited eye relief for rapid target acquisition.

Construction-wise, it is built with high-quality materials to stand up to anything you throw at it.

It is rated to be shockproof and recoil resistant for added durability and has a lightweight 6061-T6 aluminum hood for added protection.

Other essential features included are advanced optical coatings, a low battery indicator and a quick detach mount for easy installation and removal.

Features

  • Fixed 1x magnification
  • Advanced optical coatings
  • 4 red/green reticles
  • 200 to 2,000 hrs battery life
  • CR123A battery
  • 6061-T6 aluminum hood
  • 4 red/green reticles with 10 brightness settings
  • Quick detach mount
  • Multipurpose-Hunting, Airsoft, Climbing, Tactical & Military
  • Scratch-resistant lens System
  • 10 brightness settings
  • Auto shut-off and low battery indicator
  • Recoil rated up to .50 BMG
  • -22 – 160 Fahrenheit operating temperature
  • Picatinny mounts
  • 33 mm objective lens diameter
  • 1 x magnification

Pros

  • Wide-angle lens system
  • InterlokTM Adjustment system
  • Unlimited eye relief
  • Easy on and off
  • Advanced anti-reflective coated lens
  • Affordable pricing
  • Shock-proof and IP55 weather-resistant
  • Auto shut-off
  • Precise and repeatable accuracy

Cons

  • Can be blurry, especially in low lights

 

9) Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Red Dot Sight

Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Red Dot Sight

 

 

DeltaPoint Pro Red Dot Sight from Leupold is perfect for alleviating reacquisition time while ensuring that you get a precise point of aim.

This reflex sight is made to last. It has a lightweight yet robust aluminum housing shrouded by spring steel to add strength and durability.

On top of that, it is waterproof, fog-proof, and ideal for operation in temperatures ranging from -20 to 120℉.

The 2.5 MOA dot offers excellent accuracy at extended ranges and has 8 brightness settings for increased visibility in different light settings.

The sight also offers a wide field of view that offers good quality views of targets.

It boasts a long battery life and you can easily change the battery without detaching it from the rifle.

Features

  • Motion Sensor Technology
  • Robust aluminum housing
  • Crisp 2.5 MOA red dot
  • Waterproof and fog-proof design
  • Shrouded in rugged spring steel
  • Locking adjustment system
  • Ideal for hunting or tactical situations
  • 300-1600hrs battery life
  • Lightweight housing
  • -40 – 160 Fahrenheit operating temperature
  • 25.7 x 17.5 mm objective window size
  • 1 x magnification

Pros

  • Lightweight design
  • Unlimited eye relief
  • Quality glass
  • Easy to operate
  • Long battery life
  • Large field of view
  • Battery-saving motion Sensor Technology deactivates after 5 minutes of inactivity

Cons

  • Not night vision compatible
  • Comparatively expensive

 

How to Choose the Best Red Dot Sight for AR

When shopping for the best red dot for AR, the following are some of the important features you should put into consideration.

Reticle Size

The size of the reticle is one of the first things you should consider. The smallest dot size that is currently available on the market is 1 MOA. Any model with 3 MOA red dot size and below is suited for precision shooting, while a unit with 4 MOA or more will be ideal for fast target acquisition at close ranges only.

Battery Life

All red dots run on batteries but the capacity of the batteries is different from one unit to the other. The higher the battery capacity the better. Whether you plan to use the red dot for hunting or tactical shooting, get a unit that offers 8 hours of continuous battery power or more.

Another thing you should consider is the ease of access. Go for a red dot that lets you change the battery without having to dismount it from the firearm.

Size

The other important factor to consider is the size of the red dot size. Majorly, the type of weapon you plan to mount the red dot on will determine the size that you go for.

Since the AR is a big rifle, it will benefit more from a large red dot compared to a mini one that you could otherwise use on a smaller weapon like a pistol.

Build Quality

The best red dot for AR is one that is built like a tank. It should have sturdy housing that is built from high-strength materials such as aluminum. With the rigid housing comes the ability to withstand shock, and recoil, as well as anything nature, throws at the optic. On top of that, go for a red dot sight that is built to perform under rain, fog, mist, and extreme weather conditions.

Conclusion

We do hope that this best red dot sight for ar post has given you all the information you need about the best red dot for AR. Keep in mind that the application you purpose to use the red dot for plays a huge role in determining which unit suits you best.

Factor in your individual needs then focus on looking for a red dot sight that will transform the way you shoot or hunt for the better

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