Aim with the best red dot for concealed carry to boost your target acquisition and enhance accuracy at close-quarter engagements. Today’s post is all about the top-rated red dot optics that are built for concealed carry.
A red dot sight is a valuable accessory to add to your shooting gear. They work well with virtually any type of firearm and are very easy to use.
A quality red dot sight will help you engage and acquire targets quickly and enhance your odds of placing the shot accurately while being very easy to conceal.
For many, finding the best red dot for concealed carry is not an easy task. This is because of the plethora of products available on the market today. To help, we will help you find the most compact red dot sights by taking you through the best models available. Let’s take a look.
Best Red Dot for Concealed Carry-Our Top Picks
1) Holosun HE407K-GR X2 Red Dot Reflex Sight
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First up, we have the Holosun HE407K-GR X2 Red Dot Reflex Sight. This is an open reflex sight designed for all concealed carry pistol applications. Harboring many innovative features, this reflex sight delivers an outstanding performance making it one of the best red dots for concealed carry.
The optic is suitable for use during the day and at night as well. This is thanks to the 10 daylight settings and the 2-night vision brightness settings. It also boasts an advanced lock mode that locks the buttons to prevent accidental setting changes.
Another big advantage of this red dot reflex sight is the long battery life. It is powered by a Super LED high-capacity lithium battery that provides continuous power for up to 50,000 hours. Besides, the battery compartment is conveniently placed on the side for effortless battery change.
This optic possesses multi-coated optics which provide a clear view of the target in any lighting condition. In terms of construction, it is crafted from 7075-T6 aluminum and coated with a hard anodized finish that shields it from scratches and corrosion.
It also has an IP67 water resistance level that makes it ideal for use in all environments. Other notable features included are a 6 MOA green dot reticle, unlimited eye relief, and a 30 MOA adjustment range.
Features
- IP67 water resistance level
- Hard anodized finish
- Shake Awake
- Unlimited eye relief
- Multi-coated optics
- High-capacity lithium battery
- 7075-T6 aluminum housing
- 6 MOA green dot reticle
- Shield RMS Footprint
- 12 Brightness Settings: 10 DL & 2 NV Compatible
Pros
- Parallax-free
- Clear glass
- Long battery life
- Easy to change the battery without removing the optic from the firearm
- Solid construction
- Great viewing window
Cons
- Requires significant adjustment to zero it
2) SIG SAUER Romeo Zero Red Dot Sight
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The SIG SAUER Romeo Zero Red Dot Sight is your ideal option if you are on a budget. Adding this optic to your firearm will enhance your target acquisition speed and also better your shooting precision.
High-quality performance and unparalleled clarity make it one of the best red dots for concealed carry. This compact red dot sight has a SpectraCoat HD polymer lens that provides 10 times more impact resistance than traditional glass lenses.
It also has a weapons-grade polymer housing that is ultralightweight yet durable. This housing is also optimized for conceal-carry, polymer pistols, and sub-compact firearms.
Furthermore, the Romeo Zero Red Dot Sight comes with 8 vivid, user-configurable daytime illumination levels and a highly efficient LED emitter that provides a crisp view of the red dot. It also employs a motion-activated illumination system, MOTAC that helps conserve the battery.
Features
- 1x fixed magnification
- 8 daytime illumination levels
- SpectraCoat HD polymer lens
- Weapons-grade polymer housing
- Highly efficient LED emitter
- Motion Activated Illumination System
- Parallax free
Pros
- Easy to install and zero in
- 10-year battery life
- Shield RMS-c footprint and J-Point footprint compatible
- Compact and ultra-light design
- Reasonably affordable
- Versatile: can be used with Polymer pistols,sub-compact firearms, concealed-carry, and slim slide profiles
Cons
- Not compatible with slides cut to accept a standard ROMEO1
3) Trijicon RMRcc Adjustable Red Dot Sight
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The Trijicon RMRcc Sight Adjustable LED Red Dot facilitates the swift and precise acquisition of targets even in stressful situations.
This top-notch red dot optic has a low-profile design that not only prevents snagging but also makes the red dot to be easy to conceal.
For on-the-go precision, this optic comes with toolless windage and elevation adjustments. Furthermore, it has a true-color, multi-coated lens that prevents glare and loss of light through reflection.
This increases light transmission and guarantees bright and clear views of the target.
With this red dot sight, you get to choose an aiming dot of 3.25 or 6.5 MOA. Both reticles have 8 brightness settings, including 1 super bright mode and 2-night vision-compatible modes.
You also get a button lock mode that prevents accidental adjustments of the brightness setting selected.
Another facet that makes the optic stand out is its outstanding durability. It has a ruggedized battery compartment to withstand rough handling in harsh environments and a unique housing shape that redirects the impact force away from the lens.
Besides, the housing is fully waterproof for use in all weather conditions. With all these features at hand, you are guaranteed unmatched performance and reliable consistency in any scenario. Truly it is one of the best red dots for concealed carry.
Features
- True-color, multi-coated lens
- Tool-less windage and elevation adjustments
- Unlimited eye relief
- 1x fixed magnification
- Waterproof and shockproof
- Upgraded electronics
- 8 brightness settings for the reticle ( 2NV)
Pros
- Crisp clear red dot
- 4 years of battery life
- Designed for concealed carry
- Night vision compatible
- Outstanding durability
- Compact, snag-free design
- Easy to use
Cons
- No Bindon Aiming Concept (BAC)
4) SIG SAUER Romeo 1 Pro 1x30mm Red Dot Sight
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To boost your target acquisition speed and enhance your accuracy at close and mid ranges, you need a quality optic like the SIG SAUER Romeo 1 Pro red dot sight. This compact and ultra-light optic harbors a wide range of features to help give you a more efficient shooting experience.
Though compact, this red dot sight is built like a tank. It has a housing machined from rugged aluminum which is sturdy enough to stand to whatever you subject it to. It also possesses an IPX-7 rating for waterproof protection.
This red dot sight has a molded glass aspheric lens with high-performance optic coatings that guarantee unmatched light transmission and zero distortion.
To complement the high-end optics is a new point-source emitter that provides exceptional brightness of the red dot and 12 brightness settings for you to choose from.
Last but not least, the SIG SAUER Romeo 1 Pro red dot sight has a Motion Activated Illumination System that powers up when it senses motion and shuts down when there is no motion.
Features
- TruHold Lockless Zeroing system
- 12 brightness settings (2NV)
- 3 and 6 MOA red dots for you to choose from
- Ruggedized protective steel shroud
- MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination System)
- Dependable IPX-7 waterproof rating
- Molded glass aspheric lens
Pros
- Top battery access
- Solid construction
- Long battery life (20000 hours)
- Crisp clear red dot
- Night vision-compatible settings
- Ruggedized protective steel shroud for durability
Cons
- None
5) Shield Sights Compact Reflex Mini Red Dot Sight
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Another top performer among the best red dots for concealed carry is the Shield Sights Compact Reflex Mini Red Dot Sight.
This optic has a unique, low-profile design that makes it very easy to conceal. It is also designed to allow shooters to co-witness it with standard iron sights.
Unlike similar red dot sights in its class, this optic comes with no red reflective filter on the lens to ensure a minimal visual signature. Even better, it is completely eye-safe as there is no laser included.
With a weight of 0.61oz only, the red dot sight is ultra-light so don’t have to worry about it interfering with the balance of your firearm. Furthermore, it is built to provide unbeatable durability.
It is crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum and coated with a hard anodized finish that makes it scratch-proof and corrosion-resistant.
Furthermore, this mini red dot sight brings to the table unlimited eye relief for quick and easy target acquisition.
It is also built with a variable-intensity drive circuit that senses the light levels and controls the LED output to ensure optimum visibility of the dot in all lighting conditions.
Features
- Hard anodized finish
- A variable intensity drive circuit
- Shockproof
- Aerospace-grade aluminum body
- 4 MOA dot 8 MOA dot
- Parallax-free
- Underneath battery fitting
Pros
- Fully eye safe
- Long battery life ( 2 to 3 years)
- Fits existing RMS/SMS mounts
- Compact, lightweight design
- Bright and crisp red dot
- Automatic brightness adjustment
- Available in both Polymer or Glass
- Completely eye safe
Cons
- Slightly expensive
6) Holosun HE507K-GR X2 Green Dot Reflex Sight
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Last but not least, we have the Holosun HE507K-GR X2 Green Dot Reflex Sight. This is a 2 MOA dot open reflex sight designed for concealed carry pistol applications.
Built with 12 brightness settings, this reflex sight is suitable for use day and night. It boasts unlimited eye relief for comfortable glassing and speedy target acquisition.
It is also equipped with multi-coated glass that guarantees bright and clear views of the target in any lighting condition.
Regarding construction, this compact reflex sight is crafted from 7075-T6 aluminum which guarantees longevity and durability.
The housing is finished with an anodized coating which provides additional protection from scratches for added durability.
Above all, the optic is built to be operable in temperatures ranging from -20 to 51°C and in virtually all environmental conditions.
Features
- Unlimited eye relief
- IP67 waterproof rating
- 12 brightness settings: 10 DL and 2 NV compatible
- 32 MOA Circle Dot, 32 MOA Circle, 2 MOA Dot reticles
- Multi-coated optics
- Anodized finish
- 50000 hours of battery life
Pros
- Compact footprint
- Designed for CCW
- Crisp clear views
- Side-mounted battery for easy replacement
Cons
- Difficult to turn off
Further Reading
- Best Red Dots for Sig P365XL
- Trijicon Shotgun Scopes
- Best Red Dots for Hellcat Pro
- Red Dots for Sig P365 SAS
- Best Glock 19 Lights
Best Red Dot for Concealed Carry Buying Guide
Explained below are the key factors you should take into consideration when shopping for a red dot optic for concealed carry.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of red dot optics vary from one product to the other. For concealed carry, the optic has to have a compact size. It should also have an ultra-light design so it is easy to carry.
Reticle
The next thing to consider is the size of the red dot reticle. Like size and weight, different red dot optics have different reticle sizes.
Smaller red dot reticles work best for firearms designed for precision, where speedy target acquisition is key.
On the other hand, bigger dots lack the precision found in the smaller reticles. However, they are simpler to use and faster to get on target.
Read: Best Pistol Red Dot Sights
Brightness Levels
The best red dot for concealed carry will have multiple brightness levels for use in different lighting conditions.
Typically, an optic with at least 8 brightness levels will do. You will be able to use it even in excessively bright daylight settings.
Durability
The next feature to consider is durability. With a well-made optic, you are guaranteed solid performance and reliable consistency in the field as well as many years of use.
Look for a red dot sight whose construction is solid and sturdy enough to withstand rough handling and anything nature throws at it.
Furthermore, the red dot sight should have a solid waterproof rating for use in all weather conditions.
The housing should also have an anodized finish which provides additional protection from scratches and corrosion that causes rust.
Read: Best Vortex Red Dot Sights
Battery Life
Last but not least, consider the battery life of the red dot optic. Try and look for a model that is powered by a high-capacity battery such as a lithium-ion battery.
It will keep the reticle illuminated for a long even on the brightest illumination setting without you worrying that it will get depleted during use.
Best Red Dot for Concealed Carry FAQs
Q: Are Red Dot Sights Good for Concealed Carry?
Yes. Putting a red dot optic on a concealed carry handgun will enhance your target acquisition speed for targets at close and medium distances. It will also improve your vision and boost your shooting accuracy.
Q: Are Red Dots Good for Self-Defense?
Yes. Red dot optics makes a great accessory for home and self-defense applications. In an event of an attack, a red dot sight will help you stop a threat more quickly and effectively, given the consistent reliability they provide.
Q: How Far are Red Dot Sights Accurate?
It depends. In most cases, a red dot sight will let you aim accurately at a target that is as far as 100 yards without any magnification. However, this distance increases with an increase in magnification.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have found this best red dot for concealed carry guide enlightening. Each of the red dot optics we have mentioned is made with a unique set of features that makes it ideal for certain applications.
Identify the features that you need in a red dot optic, then use our guide to find a model that blends perfectly with your individual needs and shooting habits.