Today we will help you find the best pistol reflex sights. Mounting a proficient red dot sight on your handgun will help you find your targets quickly and increase the odds of having successful shots when engaging close-range targets.
When it comes to pistol accessories, a reflex sight is a handy item to have. It will increase your efficiency no matter the application you use it for. Additionally, it will simplify your aiming in all conditions and help with the quick acquisition of targets.
There are so many benefits that come with getting a pistol reflex sight, choosing the right one for your needs is not a simple task. You have to consider plenty of factors before you settle on a specific product. Moreover, there are a multitude of products available on the market for you to pick from.
What are Red Dot Sights Good For?
Red dot sights provide numerous benefits to shooters making them incredible companions for your handgun.
Reflex sight can greatly improve your aim allowing for the execution of accurate shots. Once you zero your red dot sight properly, the red dot will remain precise even with follow-up shots.
The other benefit of mounting a reflex sight on your handgun is faster target acquisition. Effective red dot sights have sharp and bright reticles that can be seen in any lighting condition.
When scanning for targets, your eyes are focused on the aiming point giving you more confidence to engage the targets faster.
Red dot sights are useful when engaging targets in low-light conditions. Reticle illuminations come in handy when sighting in dark conditions. This is paramount for home defense.
Pistol reflex sights are uniquely designed to allow shooting with both eyes open providing full situational awareness. They also offer a full field of view which helps you to precisely aim at your targets without losing sight of your surroundings.
8 Best Pistol Reflex Sights
It’s time to upgrade your sighting experience. We have reviewed the best pistol reflex sights to help you find the perfect optic for your shooting needs.
We have also put up a buying guide that sheds a light on all the information you require to make an informed buying decision.
Without much ado, let’s get started, shall we?
1) Trijicon RMR Type 2 6.5 MOA Adjustable Red Dot Sight
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This Trijicon RMR is the perfect reflex sight to greatly enhance your aim and performance. It is engineered for use on different firearms including pistols, shotguns and rifles where it provides a precise point of aim.
A defining facet of this red dot sight is the 6.5 MOA reticle with adjustable LED illumination. With the adjustable illumination, you will be able to customize the brightness of the reticle based on your preference and lighting conditions.
Besides, the optic features True-Color multi-coatings to ensure that you see the target and the reticle clearly, without any distortion. Have the brightest and clearest images by mounting this red dot sight on your pistol.
Complementing the unmatched optical performance is compact, solid housing to withstand daily use and the rigors that come with outdoor use. Look no further for a red dot engineered to take your shooting experience to greater heights.
Both the 7075-T6 aluminum body and the glass window are impact-resistant to guarantee durability. They are also waterproof and submersible to 66’ for all-weather reliability.
The sight features windage and elevation adjustments to fine-tune your accuracy. It is also equipped with a battery conservation mode to provide more runtime.
As one of the best pistol reflex sights, this red dot sight brings advanced speed, precision, unmatched reliability and high performance to your handgun. Get it today and be more confident when engaging close-range targets.
Features
- Adjustable LED illumination
- Waterproof construction
- Unlimited eye relief
- True-color multi-coated lenses
- Battery conservation mode
- Adjustable windage and elevation
- Tempered glass window
- 5 MOA reticle
Pros
- Multi-platform friendly
- Long battery life
- Excellent quality
Cons
- Higher price
2) Trijicon RMR Dual Illuminated 9 MOA Amber Dot Sight
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Trijicon makes high-quality products and the RMR Dual Illuminated 9 MOA Amber Dot Sight is hard to beat. It features a large 9 MOA green aiming point which is easy to spot in all lighting conditions, even for people with aging eyesight.
This unmagnified targeting device is built to last. It has a forged aluminum housing with a hard anodized finish that is scratch and corrosion-resistant. Unrivaled durability and reliability are
Furthermore, it has a tempered glass window for added reliability when you are using heavy caliber pistols. It also has robust O-rings for additional protection from dust and moisture.
To keep the reticle illumination all the time, this red dot sight has a battery-free illumination system that employs a tritium phosphor lamp and fiber optics. The window lenses are multi-coated to maintain a clear field of view and provide additional protection from scratches.
The reflex sight is also equipped with a parallax-free aiming point and 1 MOA impact point correction. There is no better way to improve your aim and target acquisition when engaging close to medium-range targets than with an effective reflex sight.
Features
- Dual fiber optic/ tritium illumination
- True-color multi-coated lens
- Anodized aluminum body
- Waterproof and submersible to 65’
- Tempered glass window
- Parallax-free aiming point
- 9 MOA green dot reticle
Pros
- Battery-free illumination
- Compact and lightweight
- Outstanding durability
Cons
- Not bright in dark to bright scenarios
3) Vortex Razor Reflex 6 MOA Red Dot Sight
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Vortex makes tough and reliable optics and the Razor Reflex 6 MOA Red Dot Sight is not any different. It has a 6 MOA red dot reticle that is easy to find in any lighting condition and parallax-free optics to ensure accurate aiming at close and medium ranges.
The red dot sight boasts an XR anti-reflection coating on the lens to enhance light transfer and reduce reflection that causes light loss. With this reflex sight, you are assured of bright and crisp images when engaging targets.
This maximizes the brightness and clarity of both the target and the reticle. The lenses also feature an Armortek coating which makes it scratch resistant, dirt proof and abrasion resistant.
Like any other Vortex optic, the sight is built to offer unmatched durability. It is housed in an aerospace aluminum chassis which is rigid enough to perform on different firearms and with almost any caliber. The housing is also weatherproofed to be usable in any weather condition.
Features
- Manually adjustable reticle brightness
- Parallax-free optics
- Non-reflective anodized black finish
- Waterproof housing
- Aerospace-grade aluminum construction
- 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments
- XR anti-reflection coating
- 6 MOA red dot reticle
Pros
- Solid construction
- Crisp clear optics
- Easy to use
- Highly visible red dot
Cons
- Bad button placement
4) Vortex Venom 1×26.5mm 3 MOA Red Dot Sight
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The other prime choice among the best pistol reflex sights is the Venom 1×26.5mm Red Dot Sight. Carrying the highly respected Vortex name, the sight is designed to help you achieve an upper hand in close-quarter combats and hone your accuracy in all conditions.
It has a lightweight design to ensure that it does not affect the balance of your pistol and a compact size for mobility convenience. Apart from that, the sight has an aiming point of 6 MOA which guarantees rapid target acquisition. The reticle is also equipped with 10 brightness levels to ensure that you have the ideal illumination in all lighting conditions.
To help the highly visible reticle achieve its purpose, this optic boasts a fully multi-coated lens which enhances light transfer and provides a large, unobstructed viewing angle with stunning edge-to-edge clarity.
The lenses also feature an Armortek protective coating on the exterior surface which provides added protection from scratches, dust and oil stains.
Moreover, the sight is built to be operable in all weather conditions. It is O-ring sealed and filled with gas so it is fogproof and waterproof. It also has a durable aluminum body that is coated with Type III hard anodized finish to be scratch-proof and corrosion-resistant.
Features
- Variable illumination
- Type III hard anodized aluminum
- Armortek lens coatings
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Waterproof and impact-resistant
- Unlimited eye relief
- 6 MOA red dot reticle
Pros
- Multi-platform friendly
- Crisp clear optics
- Quick and simple installation
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- The battery cap is hard to tighten
5) Burris FastFire III Reflex 8 MOA Red Dot Sight
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The Burris FastFire III Reflex 8 MOA Red Dot Sight suits you if you are on a budget. It harbors a multitude of fine and user-friendly features which make it one of the best pistol reflex sights.
This sight has an 8 MOA red aiming dot which is large enough to see clearly in broad daylight but won’t obstruct the small targets. For optimal aiming in different light settings, this optic has three brightness settings that you can easily set to match your preference. It also has fully multi-coated optics for increased light transmission.
Regarding construction, it is made with high-strength aluminum which enhances durability while remaining lightweight. The entire body is coated with a matte-black anodized finish to not only prevent light reflection but also shield it from scratches and corrosion that causes rust.
Another outstanding feature is the waterproof construction for operability in all sorts of weather conditions. The sight is also built with a top-loading battery compartment which allows for easy battery change while the sight is still mounted on the firearm.
Features
- Aluminum housing
- Waterproof and submersible
- Top-loading battery compartment
- Fully coated optics
- 1x magnification
- 1 MOA impact point correction
- Matte black anodized finish
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Small and lightweight
- Easy to install
- Auto brightness
Cons
- The on and off switch is hard to push
6) Holosun HE509T Reflex Optical Red Dot Sight
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Our next pistol reflex sight recommendation is the Holosun HE509T Reflex Optical Red Dot Sight. Mounting this versatile sight on your pistol will boost your speed of target acquisition and fine-tune your accuracy.
It is appropriate for a wide range of applications and has an intuitive, user-friendly design which makes it ideal for all users. It is powered by one CR1632 battery which provides up to 50,000 hours of battery life.
This is made possible by the Shake N Wake technology which powers the illumination only when it senses motion. Moreover, it has a backup Solar Failsafe which powers the sight when the batteries fail.
When it comes to construction, this sighting tool boasts a rugged CNC-milled 7075 aluminum housing that is tough enough to weather rough handling and shield the optics from damage. You can also use it in any weather condition thanks to the IP67 waterproof rating.
Another detail that makes the red dot stand out is the multi-reticle system so you can choose a reticle that works best for your needs. The illumination settings are also adjustable into 10 different settings, two of which are compatible with night vision devices.
Features
- Multi-coated optics
- 10 brightness levels
- 7075 aluminum housing
- Shake N Wake technology
- Parallax-free design
- Unlimited eye relief
- IP67 water resistant
Pros
- Compatible with night vision
- Improved programming which enhances usability
- Exceptional glass clarity
- Multi-reticle system
Cons
- Proprietary footprint
7) Sig Sauer Romeo1 1x30mm Mini Reflex Sight
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As one of the best pistol reflex sights, the Sig Sauer Romeo1 1x30mm Mini Reflex Sight offers fast and accurate target acquisition in all environments. It is designed to maintain consistent zero shot after shot and make your shooting or hunting expedition more successful.
With a mere weight of 0.8oz only, the sight is ultra-light, portable and easy to use. It comes with a universal mount with rear sight adapters for easy mounting on the most popular handguns. It is also available with either the M1913 Picatinny or KeyMod rail interface for use with modern MSR platforms.
Construction-wise, this mini reflex sight is built to offer unrivaled durability. It is crafted from an extremely strong and light CNC magnesium housing to ensure that you get to use it for many years. The sight is also waterproof and fogproof for use in all weather conditions.
Furthermore, this optic employs a motion-activated illumination which powers it up when it senses motion and shuts down when there is no motion detected. It also boasts a top-loading battery compartment for easy battery replacement without having to detach the sight from the firearm.
Features
- Motion activated illumination
- IPX7 waterproof and fogproof
- CNC magnesium housing
- HDX optical coating
- 10 illumination settings
- Unlimited eye relief
- Matte finish
Pros
- Night vision compatible
- Easy to adjust the red dot
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Easy to install
Cons
- Poor battery life
8) Bushnell 1X25mm RXS-250 Reflex Sight
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Lastly, we have the Bushnell 1X25mm RXS-250 Reflex Sight. When it comes to versatility, this sight is hard to beat. It is compatible with a wide range of firearms including pistols. It is also ideal for holster/duty carry, hunting, target shooting, competition shooting and home defense.
The reflex sight is built with ease of use in mind. It has a compact and lightweight design which makes it easy to install and convenient to carry wherever you go. The lightweight design also ensures that it doesn’t affect the balance of your pistol. It also has a top-loading battery for simple battery replacement.
Built from high-strength aluminum, the sight offers great durability. It also features an IP67 water and dust-proof rating for use in all environments. Furthermore, it boasts a longer-lasting battery which keeps the 4 MOA reticle optimally illuminated.
To complement the rugged construction, the sight features windage and elevation adjustments which let you adjust the point of aim effortlessly with 1 MOA increments per click. It also brings to the table a large field of view and fully multi-coated optics to enhance light transmission.
Features
- 4 MOA red dot reticle
- Rugged aluminum housing
- IP67 waterproof construction
- Adjustable windage and elevation
- Large field of view
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 10 brightness settings
Pros
- Night vision compatibility
- Versatility
- Light and compact design
- Easy to use
Cons
- No shake-awake function
Related Posts
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- Best EOTech Holographic Hybrid Sights
How to Choose the Best Pistol Reflex Sights
Choosing the best pistol reflex sights is not something to do on a whip. There is a lot you need to consider when making your selection. Irrespective of the application you propose to use the sight for, these are the factors to consider.
Size
Since you will be using the reflex sight on a pistol, you must get a compact and lightweight product.
A compact sight will be easy to conceal together with the pistol and not get in your way of shooting. Additionally, a lightweight red dot sight will not affect the balance of the pistol and interfere with your shooting accuracy.
Build Quality
The build quality of any pistol sight determines how durable it will be. The most important facet to consider concerning build quality is the quality of materials used to make the sight.
Look for a model that is crafted with aerospace-grade aluminum or magnesium alloy. The best pistol reflex sights are also waterproof, dustproof and fogproof to add durability.
Read: Best Red Dots for 1911
Reticle Size
Next, consider the reticle size the sight has. Generally, the size of the reticle is dependent on how you plan to use the sight. A smaller red dot is the best for precision shooting where speed and accuracy are important. On the other hand, you will need a large red dot for rapid target acquisition.
Battery Life
The battery life of pistol reflex sights varies from one product to the other. You want a model that offers many hours of continuous use so you don’t keep buying batteries every other time. A tip is to get a sighting tool that offers more than 50,000 hours of continuous operation.
Another thing to take into consideration is the battery placement. The best pistol reflex sights have a top-loading battery compartment which makes it easy to replace the battery without removing the sight from the pistol.
Read: Best Red Dots for Canik TP9SFX
Best Pistol Reflex Sights FAQs
Q: What MOA is Best for Pistols?
It largely depends on individual preference and the activity you intend to use the sight for. But given the pistol’s design where you are less likely to be shooting past 100 yards, larger dots are better for fast target acquisition.
Q: Which Reflex Sight does the military Use?
The Aimpoint comp sight series. These red dot reflex sights are military-tested, combat-proven and largely touted by seasoned shooters and professional users as the best quality red dots available on the market.
Q: How Far is a Reflex Sight good for?
100 yards. The farthest distance you can use a reflex sight to take down a target is 100 yards without any problems. However, this distance can be more or less based on your shooting skills, the environment you are shooting in and the type of red dot you are using.
Final Thoughts
A reflex sight is a valuable optic to add to your pistol if you are looking to improve your accuracy and speed of target acquisition. All the products we have listed above are of great quality to ensure that you get uncompromised performance. Irrespective of the product you settle for, we do hope that this post has been of great help to you.