We’ve written more about optics than I ever thought we would, but as they become more popular it’s important to find the right one for your gun. Whether you’re using a red dot on a shotgun, AR, or handgun, you need to ensure your optic is compatible before you go out and spend a few hundred dollars. This blog is dedicated to the top 5 red dot optics that have been restocked at Palmetto State Armory. This is in no way an all-inclusive list; instead, it’s a list for the optics that are currently on sale. We hope you enjoy and learn something new for the start of the week.
Vortex Venom Red Dot Sight
The Vortex Venom Red Dot Sight is arguably one of the best in the world for handguns. The Vortex Venom comes with features that you didn’t even know you needed until you saw them on this optic. For example, the Venom comes with multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces to increase light transmission and prevent glare. The ArmorTek® material is an ultra-hard, scratch-resistant coating that protects exterior lenses from scratches, oil, and dirt. These two features ensure your optic has unmatched durability and performance under any environmental condition.
With 10 levels of brightness in manual mode with the ability to transition to automatic with the click of a button provides versatility in any lighting condition. I love the unlimited eye relief that provides rapid target acquisition with both eyes open. Finally, to have an optic with a battery that can last up to 30,000 hours on the lower settings is incredible. There is nothing this optic won’t do for you and I’ve yet to see any complaints on the Venom Red Dot sight.
Specs:
Reticle | 3 MOA |
Reticle Color | Red |
Magnification | 1X |
Clear Objective Lens Diameter | 25mm |
Finish | Corrosion and wear-resistant anodization provides a low-glare matte surface and helps camouflage the shooter’s position. |
Field of View | Unlimited |
Eye Relief | Unlimited |
Elevation Adjustment | 130 MOA |
Windage Adjustment | 100 MOA |
Click Value | 1 MOA |
Height Above Rail to Optic Centerline | 0.41″ |
Parallax/Focus | Parallax-free |
Length | 1.9″ |
Width | 1.1″ |
Weight | 1.2 oz. |
Waterproof | O-ring seals ensure no moisture, dirt, debris get inside the housing or lens |
Illumination Control | Manual push-button & automatic brightness adjustment |
Illumination Setting | 10 levels of brightness in manual mode or switch to auto mode. |
Battery | CR 1632 Battery |
MSRP | $249.00 |
Sig Sauer Romeo MSR
The Sig Sauer Romeo is known by many in the special operations community as a go-to for an AR attachment in close-quarters combat (CQB) situations. The MSR is incredibly durable with the housing and mount being made from Aircraft-grade aluminum. I chose this optic because it’s the most affordable optic on the list and will be a great AR red dot sight for at least 5 years or so. One of the better features on this optic is the top-loading battery compartment with integral brightness control featuring 10 daytime and 2 NV settings. I love the top-loading battery compartment because it makes the optic easier to operate with the controls on top.
Specs:
Reticle | 2 MOA |
Reticle Color | Red |
Magnification | 1x |
Clear Objective Lens Diameter | 20 mm |
Finish | Matte |
Field of View | .87 x .63 in. |
Eye Relief | Unlimited |
Elevation Adjustment | 100 MOA |
Windage Adjustment | 100 MOA |
Click Value | 0.5 MOA |
Height Above Rail to Optic Centerline | 1″ |
Parallax/Focus | Parallax-free |
Length | 3.1″ |
Width | 1.5″ |
Weight | 4.9 oz. |
Illumination Control | Manual push-button & automatic brightness adjustment |
Illumination Setting | Automatic & 12 Adjustable Settings (10 day, 2 night) |
Battery | 1 CR1632 battery |
MSRP | $119.99 |
Trijicon RMR Type 2
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is my favorite red dot optic to use on my pistols for so many reasons that we’ve written multiple blogs. For starters, the durability is increased in the type 2 RMR by diverting the force of the recoil away from the lens. Many companies have different click adjustments, but to keep it simple Trijicon uses a 1 click adjustment.
The amount of color you see through the Trijicon RMR Type 2 is amazing with the multi-coated lens and true-color lens. This feature ensures that no matter what lighting condition you’re in, the lens gives you the same color as the target and its surroundings. The tritium-phosphor lamp illuminates the reticle in low-light conditions and fiber optics automatically adjust the brightness level and contrast to available light conditions.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Trijicon and other pistol red dot sights, read our blog, “Top 6 Pistol Red Dot Sights | Definitive Review“.
Specs:
Reticle | 1 MOA |
Reticle Color | Red |
Magnification | 1x |
Clear Objective Lens Diameter | 21×15 mm |
Finish | Matte |
Field of View | .87 x .63 in. |
Eye Relief | Unlimited |
Elevation Adjustment | 30 MOA |
Windage Adjustment | 30 MOA |
Click Value | 1 MOA |
Height Above Rail to Optic Centerline | 1″ |
Parallax/Focus | Parallax-free |
Length | 1.8″ |
Width | 1.1″ |
Weight | 1.2 oz. |
Illumination Control | Manual push-button & automatic brightness adjustment |
Illumination Setting | Automatic & 8 Adjustable Settings |
Battery | 1 CR2032 Lithium Battery |
MSRP | $568.40 |
Holosun Reflex Sight
I believe that Holosun doesn’t get the credit they deserve because the powerhouses like Trijicon, Vortex, and Leopold are more established. However, Holosun offers newer features that haven’t been replicated by any other company yet. For example, the Solar Failsafe™ technology keeps the red dot illuminated, even when your battery fails. The reticle automatically adjusts to the level of light in your environment and either brightens or dims the reticle to match the lighting.
To keep the battery going as long as possible the optic will turn off when you’re motionless. The amount of time it takes for the LED to deactivate (enter Sleep Mode) is user-programmable. Shake Awake can also be completely deactivated which keeps the optic powered on for up to 100k hours (certain models). This feature is called the Shake Awake™ and works by simply (lightly) shaking your gun to wake back up the reticle.
Specs:
Reticle | 2 MOA |
Reticle Color | Red |
Magnification | 1X |
Clear Objective Lens Diameter | 1″ |
Finish | Multi-Coatings |
Field of View | Unlimited |
Eye Relief | Unlimited |
Elevation Adjustment | 50 MOA |
Windage Adjustment | 50 MOA |
Click Value | 0.5 MOA |
Height Above Rail to Optic Centerline | 1.4″ |
Parallax/Focus | Parallax-free |
Length | 3.3″ |
Width | 1.26″ |
Weight | 8.3 oz. |
Waterproof | O-ring seals ensure no moisture, dirt, debris get inside the housing or lens |
Illumination Control | Manual push-button |
Illumination Setting | 10 levels of brightness in daylight; 2 nighttime settings |
Battery | Type CR2032 Battery |
MSRP | $309.99 |
Steiner MRS Micro Reflex
Steiner is a company that anyone who’s ever heard of them has good things to say. Just like everything in life, you’ll get what you pay for and this optic is loaded with features. This optic is meant for either SMG’s or rifles with a compact and low profile design to accommodate any rifle. Since the Steiner Multiple Reticle System (MRS) is only 1.8″ in length and sits lower on the rail, it’s not as ergonomic with larger rifles. It’s perfect for an MP5k or Scorpion EVO.
The magnification is only 1x, but it offers the shooter the ability to keep both eyes open without straining your eyes or losing situational awareness. The red dot is a 3 MOA reticle that makes it incredibly easy to acquire as you lift your rifle up to shoot. This feature gives you an advantage in CQB environments because you’ll have faster target acquisition with this optic. The battery will last up to 550 hours of run time and the housing is made from hard-anodized steel for a nearly indestructible optic.
Specs:
Reticle | Illuminated 3 MOA Red Dot |
Reticle Color | Red |
Magnification | 1X |
Clear Objective Lens Diameter | 21x15mm |
Finish | Multi-Coatings/ Black |
Field of View | Unlimited |
Eye Relief | Unlimited |
Elevation Adjustment | 90 MOA |
Windage Adjustment | 90 MOA |
Click Value | 0.5 MOA |
Height Above Rail to Optic Centerline | 1.4″ |
Parallax/Focus | Parallax-free |
Length | 1.8″ |
Width | 1.0″ |
Weight | 2.4 oz. |
Waterproof | Submersible to 10 m |
Illumination Control | Manual push-button |
Illumination Setting | Automatic brightness and 3 manual settings illumination control |
Battery | CR1632 Lithium |
MSRP | $490.99 |
If you’re interested in other blogs about optics or scopes, find them below:
New! Trijicon RMR CC Red Dot Sight | Complete Review
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