7 Best Pistol Red Dot Sights

This guide features 7 best pistol red dot sights.  Handgun shooters trust these products for years, and they're great for both range training and daily concealed carry.

More red dot sights are coming out with new technology. Some cost a lot, while others are priced just right and still offer good quality.

Buying expensive red dot sights for handgun use doesn't mean it's one size fits all.  

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Best Pistol Red Dot Sights

Holosun 507C - Best Overall

The Holosun 507C red dot sight fits right into the any handgun slides machined for the RMR optic. The user doesn't need any extra pieces to install it. One of the best feature of this optic is its big buttons for people to operate in the field. They're simple to use, even if you have big fingers, and you can still operate them.

The battery on the Holosun 507C can last for up to 50,000 hours. And if it stops, there's a solar panel that keeps the sight going. You can switch out the battery easily from the side without having to remove the whole sight. Even if the battery stops, the sight won't turn off because of the solar backup. Right now, it's a great deal, making it as good of a choice as the Trijicon RMR.

Holosun EPS Carry - Best Weatherproof For Subcompact Guns

The Holosun EPS Carry pistol red dot sight is designed to withstand all types of weather conditions and seamlessly fits onto the subcompact pistols like the Springfield Hellcat. Thanks to the included K footprint to RMSc footprint, installation is a breeze. What sets it apart is its full enclosure, ensuring that no debris gets inside the optic.

Users have the flexibility to choose from a few distinct reticle systems, although some options are sold separately. If you're familiar with the Holosun 507K red dot sight, you'll appreciate the side battery access on the EPS Carry, which lets you switch out the battery without the hassle of removing the sight. 

Holosun 509T - Best Weatherproof

The Holosun 509T pistol red dot sight can handle any weather. It keeps out dirt, water, and other things you don't want interfering with the emitter screen. You can easily put this strong optic on any platform by using a RMR to 509T conversion mounting plate. 

The CHPWS plate can mount the Holosun 509T on the FN 509.

Trijicon SRO - Largest Sight Window

The Trijicon SRO 5 MOA is perfect for competitive pistol shooting and getting on target quickly especially with a longer sight radius. The SRO uses the same RMR base and has an impressive battery life that last more than 4 years, though it's not meant for heavy-duty use in the context of direct impact on the lens repeatedly.

With this pistol red dot sight, you can spot the dot faster and more reliably, even if your pistol draw is a bit off. It also offers automatic brightness settings. You can pick a brightness level and lock it, or let the surrounding light decide for you. A great feature is the top battery compartment.

You can change the battery from the top without removing the sight or resetting it. After each shot, you can spot the dot again quickly, so you don't waste time searching for it. Some people think you need to remove the sight to change the battery, With the SRO, battery changes are hassle-free right from the top without sight removal.

Trijicon RMR Type 2 - Best Durability

The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is the best RMR alternative for many years. It's designed with a better battery grip, ensuring the dot stays on without any hitches. This red dot sight is made from the super tough 7075 T6 aluminum material, so it can handle drops and other rough handling without breaking.

The Lock Mode on the Trijicon RMR automatically sets the brightness, making it great for concealed carry. It also has two modes that work well with night vision goggles. Its battery can last up to four years, but you should change it yearly. It offers red dot sizes from 1 MOA to 6.5 MOA.

For those with astigmatism, the 6.5 MOA dot is the best pick. Some people might think bigger dots are not precise, but in reality, the 6.5 MOA dot ensures faster target acquisition and a rounder dot.

Trijicon RMR HD - 3rd Gen RMR

The Trijicon RMR HD has a big window. Ultimately, this is bridging the gap between the Trijicon SRO and the RMR type 2.

The Trijicon RMR HD also has a special sensor in the front. This sensor changes the brightness of the dot based on the light around your target. So, if you're using a pistol light or if it's really sunny, the dot will always have the right brightness for shooting.

Swampfox Justice - Best For The Money

Most red dot sights differ from the Swampfox Justice handgun red dot sight. The Swampfox Justice fits perfectly on any RMR optic cut slide because it uses the same RMR footprint. Its unique tapered sight design (1 X 27) makes the field of view seem larger, helping users quickly lock onto targets.

The Justice from Swampfox has a clearer sight picture compared to the Liberty. Like other red dot sights, it gives unlimited eye relief for fast target spotting. Its lightweight, skeletonized body fits most optic-ready holsters, including the ALS series duty holsters. A unique feature of the Justice is its "Shake Awake" technology, which is like the motion sensor in the Holosun 507C.