With many options available in the market, choosing the best red dot for Glock 17 can be overwhelming. In this article, we will explore the top red dot sights for Glock 17 and help you make an informed decision.
Glock 17 is outstanding because it is simple to use, reliable and accurate. Mounting an optic on this highly versatile handgun will make it more reliable. The best red dots for Glock 17 will not only provide a precise point of aim but also boost your shooting confidence irrespective of shooting application.
As the demand for red dot sights grows, different manufacturers have introduced different optics to fulfill the demands of shooters. Red dot sights have become indispensable tools for gun enthusiasts because they increase the precision and target acquisition speeds.
Finding a red dot sight that is tailored to your shooting needs can be a daunting task, especially in a market flooded with different options. To offer a helping hand, we examined different models in the market and came up with a selection of the best pistol sights perfect for the Glock 17. Mount any of the optics on your handgun and take accurate shots with a full field of view.
What Makes a Great Red Dot for Glock 17
Several attributes make a red dot great for Glock 17. Firstly, the sight has to have a compact form and a lightweight design so as not to add any weight to the handgun or affect its accuracy.
Furthermore, the red dot sight should have a crisp clear red dot that stays visible in all lighting and weather conditions. The size of the red dot reticle that you get depends on your shooting needs and preference.
To endure the rough handling that comes with handgun shooting, the red dot sight should have an impact-resistant body and scratch-resistant lenses. It should also have a housing that is both waterproof and fog resistant.
Moreover, a great red dot for Glock 17 should have quality coatings applied on the lenses to enhance light transmission. With the optimal light transfer, the images generated will be bright and clear.
Last but not least, the optic should have a mounting system that is easy to install and remove, and an interface that is simple to use.
5 Best Red Dots for Glock 17
If you are having a difficult time finding the best red dots for Glock 17, here is a list of the top-performing models to choose from. Let’s take a look.
1) Trijicon RMR Type 2 6.5 MOA LED Red Dot Sight
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Trijicon continues to build high-quality optical devices and the RMR Type 2 6.5 MOA LED Red Dot Sight is not built any differently. It is an improvement of the previous models and features a ton of reliable and easy-to-use features that make it one of the best red dots for Glock 17.
A defining feature of this red dot sight is a 6.5 MOA red dot reticle. The reticle has a parallax-free performance and an LED illumination that is adjustable. Eight of the brightness settings are for daylight use, one for super bright conditions and two of the lowest settings are night vision compatible.
Another highlight of this optic is its durability. It has a robust 7075-T6 aluminum alloy housing that is waterproof and submersible to 66’. The unique forged body design diverts impact from the lens, while the ruggedized electronics and battery contact pull it through the roughest outdoor conditions.
Furthermore, the sight features true-color multi-coatings that yield clear and bright target views. It also boasts windage and elevation adjustments to help fine-tune your accuracy, and a battery conservation mode that preserves the battery life.
Mounting this red dot sight on your pistol will surely increase your precision while allowing you to acquire targets effortlessly and quickly.
By offering premium optical solutions centered on precision and quality, the Trijicon RMR Type 2 LED 6.5 MOA Dot Sight is arguably one of the best red dots for Glock 17.
Features
- 6.5 MOA red dot reticle
- Parallax-free design
- Scratch and impact-resistant tempered glass window
- Waterproof construction
- Adjustable LED illumination
- True-color multi-coated lens
- 7075-T6 aluminum alloy housing
Pros
- Outstanding durability
- Brilliant and crisp red dot
- Easy to install and use
- Multi-platform friendly
Cons
- Battery replacement requires reinstalling and re-zeroing
2) Leupold Deltapoint Pro Red Dot Sight
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Leupold Deltapoint Pro Red Dot Sight is another premium-quality optic that pairs perfectly with handguns. Adding this sight to your Glock 17 will reduce your target acquisition time and boost your shooting ability in all situations.
The durability of the sight is outstanding. Rugged construction helps it stand out as one of the best red dots for Glock 17. It is made with an aluminum housing shrouded by spring steel to withstand every impact and rough handling that comes it’s way.
Furthermore, the optic is fully waterproof, fog proof and shockproof for total reliability in all environments. Relentless performance best describes this red dot sight.
With a weight of 1.95oz only, the sight is ultra-light so it won’t add any weight to your handgun. Complementing the lightweight construction is a toolless spring-actuated battery compartment that makes battery change simple and quick while maintaining the industry-leading 66 feet of waterproofness.
Moreover, the sight has a 2.5 MOA red dot reticle that provides a great balance between speed and precision. The unrivaled precision of this reflex sight augments its prominence among the best red dots for Glock 17.
It also features unlimited eye relief for comfortable glassing and an aspheric lens that generates a wide field of view for quick target finding. Elevate your pistol shooting prowess by equipping this versatile red dot sight.
Features
- Motion sensor technology
- Rugged aluminum housing
- 5 MOA red dot reticle
- Locking adjustment system
- Water, fog and shockproof
- 8 brightness settings
- Diamond coat lens coating
- Tool-less spring-actuated battery compartment
Pros
- Sturdy and well built
- Versatile
- Big glassing window
- Crisp clear red dot
- Easy to change the battery
Cons
- Comparatively expensive
3) Holosun HS507C-X2 Reflex Red Dot Sight
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If you are looking for a red dot sight that will improve your reaction time and precision with your handgun, look no further than the Holosun HS507C-X2 Reflex Red Dot Sight.
It is perfect for CQB engagements and great for shooters of all skill levels, including beginners. The selling point of the red dot is its battery life. It is designed to provide up to 50,000 hours of battery life.
What’s more, is that the long battery life gives you easy access to the 12 brightness settings as well as the multiple reticle options. This way, you can customize it to the ambient lighting conditions.
Construction-wise, the sight is crafted from 7075-T6 aluminum and has an anodized black finish that is scratch and corrosion-resistant. Furthermore, it has an IP67 water resistance rating for use in all environments and an operating temperature range of -30 to 60°C.
To complement the battery is a Solar Failsafe technology that powers the sight when the battery fails. Besides that, the sight is designed with multi-coated lenses that provide clear views in any environment.
It also features a lock mode to prevent accidental operation and an ergonomic button layout for ease of use. This pistol sight is one of the best red dots for Glock 17.
Features
- Shake Awake technology
- Multi-coated glass
- Multi-reticle system
- Solar failsafe
- 7075-T6 aluminum construction
- IP67 water resistance level
- RMR mount
- Anodized finish
Pros
- Durable and reliable construction
- Excellent value
- Side access battery
- Easy to install and use
- Holds zero well
- Long battery life
Cons
- No drawbacks
4) Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sights
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As one of the best red dots for Glock 17, the Venom Red Dot Sight will give you an upper hand in close-quarter combat and boost your shooting accuracy. It has an aiming point of 3 MOA for laser-sharp precision even in longer ranges.
The red dot sight is ideal for use in virtually all lighting conditions. It has fully multi-coated lenses that provide a clear field of view and exceptionally bright and clear target views even in low light conditions. Furthermore, it has 10 adjustable brightness settings that keep the red dot optimally illuminated in all light settings.
To guarantee the quality of service for many years to come, the lenses are treated with an Armortek coating that offers an additional shield from scratches, abrasions, oil stains, and dust.
When it comes to construction, the sight has durable aluminum housing finished with a Type III hard anodized coating. With quality construction, you are assured of many years of use.
Furthermore, the sight is O-ring sealed to lock out dirt, moisture, and debris. The other essential features included are a Picatinny mount, wide-field lens, and 1 MOA impact correction point.
Features
- Type III hard anodized finish
- Waterproof construction
- 1x parallax-free magnification
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 1 MOA impact point correction
- 3 MOA/6MOA red dot
- Single-piece aluminum alloy chassis
Pros
- Long-lasting battery life
- Crisp red dot
- Easy to install
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight and durable
Cons
- Replacing the battery is quite some work
5) AT3 Tactical ARO Micro Red Dot Reflex Sight
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Our last red dot recommendation for the Glock 17x is the AT3 Tactical ARO Micro Red Dot Reflex Sight. This red dot sight is built with versatility in mind and is ready to mount on any handgun, shotgun, or rifle.
It is built with a crisp 3 MOA red dot that allows for accurate shooting at any range. Furthermore, the sight allows you to shoot with both eyes open on any platform. This enhances your shooting accuracy and increases your situational awareness.
Optically, it has multi-coated lenses that enhance light transmission in low-light settings. This maximizes the image brightness and clarity so you can increase your odds of taking a clean shot. Moreover, 6 red dot brightness settings ensure optimal visibility in all lighting conditions.
The battery life of this device is outstanding. It is powered by a single CR1632 battery that provides up to 5,000 hours of continuous use at the medium brightness setting. The optic also features waterproof and shockproof circuitry for use in any kind of weather.
Features
- Aircraft aluminum housing
- 6 brightness levels
- Unlimited eye relief
- Waterproof and shockproof circuitry
- Multi-coated optics
- 3 MOA red dot reticle
- Picatinny mount type
Pros
- Built to last
- Holds zero well
- Simple to install and use
- Great value for money
Cons
- Not bright in direct sunlight
Further Reading
- Best Red Dots for Concealed Carry
- Best AR-15 Red Dots with Night Vision
- Best Red Dots for Walther PDP
- Best Glock 19 Lights
Best Red Dots for Glock 17 Buyer’s Guide
When looking for the best red dots for Glock 17, take into consideration the following factors before you settle for any specific product.
Compatibility
The first thing to consider is compatibility. While the market is flooded with red dot sights, not all are compatible with the Glock 17. So, make sure that the model you get is designed to be compatible with your handgun.
Usage
In the tactical training world, red dot sights are one of the most versatile sighting tools out there. It is therefore important to first determine the kind of shooting you will be doing, then look for the appropriate red dot.
It could be for hunting, target shooting, home defense, or competitive shooting. When you are more activity-specific, you will have an easy time finding the right product for your needs.
Reticle Size
The next thing to consider is the reticle size that is measured in MOA. If what you are after is precision and rapid target acquisition, go for a small reticle size of 3 MOA and below.
A sight with such a reticle will hone your shooting accuracy and decrease your target acquisition speed greatly.
On the other hand, red dot sights with big reticles such as 6 MOA are the best for use with aging eyes or poor eyesight. They are simpler to spot than their smaller counterparts.
Battery
You will need a battery life that is long enough to meet your shooting needs irrespective of how long you will be using the handgun for real actions. The longer the battery life is, the better.
It will save you from having to do replacements every other time. Additionally, you will be able to concentrate more on your shooting and not worry about the battery failing.
Another thing to consider is the availability of the battery and where the battery compartment is. The best red dots for Glock 17 have a side or top-loading battery compartment that makes it easy to do a replacement without having to remove the sight from the handgun.
Durability
Another main consideration is durability. getting a red dot sight that is built well using high-quality materials will guarantee many years of use.
The best red dots have a chassis made from aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, or any other high-quality materials. Such devices are durable and sturdy enough to weather whatever you subject them to.
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Best Red Dots for Glock 17 FAQs
Q: What MOA is Best for Glock 17?
It depends on several factors that include your individual preference and the kind of shooting you will be using the sight for.
A small reticle of less than 3 MOA suits you if precision and rapid target acquisition are what you are after. On the other hand, a large reticle of about 6 MOA is the best for users with poor eyesight as it is simpler to spot.
Q: Is Red Dot on a Handgun Worth It?
Absolutely. A red dot will significantly revolutionize how you shoot with your handgun. These devices work in virtually any lighting condition and simplify your point of aim.
A red dot sight will also reduce your speed of target acquisition even in the most challenging shooting environment.
Conclusion
Getting a good red dot sight for your Glock 17 is the best way to make your handgun more functional. All the red dots we have listed on this post are made with handguns in mind. They are versatile, simple to operate, and a handy companion for every kind of shooting activity.
They also work exceptionally well in nearly all lighting conditions. No matter the model you choose to buy, we hope that you have found this post to be insightful. Mount any of the optics highlighted above and elevate your pistol’s performance.