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:

Reticle3 MOA
Reticle ColorRed
Magnification1X
Clear Objective Lens Diameter25mm
Finish Corrosion and wear-resistant anodization provides a low-glare matte surface and helps camouflage the shooter’s position.
Field of ViewUnlimited
Eye ReliefUnlimited
Elevation Adjustment130 MOA
Windage Adjustment100 MOA
Click Value1 MOA
Height Above Rail to Optic Centerline0.41″
Parallax/FocusParallax-free
Length1.9″
Width1.1″
Weight1.2 oz.
Waterproof O-ring seals ensure no moisture, dirt, debris get inside the housing or lens
Illumination ControlManual push-button & automatic brightness adjustment
Illumination Setting10 levels of brightness in manual mode or switch to auto mode.
BatteryCR 1632 Battery
MSRP$249.00


Vortex Venom Red Dot  (3 MOA Dot)

 

 

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:

Reticle2 MOA
Reticle ColorRed
Magnification1x
Clear Objective Lens Diameter20 mm
FinishMatte
Field of View.87 x .63 in.
Eye ReliefUnlimited
Elevation Adjustment100 MOA
Windage Adjustment100 MOA
Click Value0.5 MOA
Height Above Rail to Optic Centerline1″
Parallax/FocusParallax-free
Length3.1″
Width1.5″
Weight4.9 oz.
Illumination ControlManual push-button & automatic brightness adjustment
Illumination SettingAutomatic & 12 Adjustable Settings (10 day, 2 night)
Battery1 CR1632 battery 
MSRP$119.99

Sig Sauer Romeo MSR 2MOA Red Dot, Black - SOR72001

 

 

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:

Reticle1 MOA
Reticle ColorRed
Magnification1x
Clear Objective Lens Diameter21×15 mm
FinishMatte
Field of View.87 x .63 in.
Eye ReliefUnlimited
Elevation Adjustment30 MOA
Windage Adjustment30 MOA
Click Value1 MOA
Height Above Rail to Optic Centerline1″
Parallax/FocusParallax-free
Length1.8″
Width1.1″
Weight1.2 oz.
Illumination ControlManual push-button & automatic brightness adjustment
Illumination SettingAutomatic & 8 Adjustable Settings
Battery1 CR2032 Lithium Battery
MSRP$568.40


Trijicon RMR Type 2 Red Dot Sight With Picatinny Rail Mount, Black

 

 

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:

Reticle2 MOA
Reticle ColorRed
Magnification1X
Clear Objective Lens Diameter1″
FinishMulti-Coatings
Field of ViewUnlimited
Eye ReliefUnlimited
Elevation Adjustment50 MOA
Windage Adjustment50 MOA
Click Value0.5 MOA
Height Above Rail to Optic Centerline1.4″
Parallax/FocusParallax-free
Length3.3″
Width1.26″
Weight8.3 oz.
Waterproof O-ring seals ensure no moisture, dirt, debris get inside the housing or lens
Illumination ControlManual push-button
Illumination Setting10 levels of brightness in daylight; 2 nighttime settings
BatteryType CR2032 Battery
MSRP$309.99

Holosun Reflex Sight, Circle Dot Reticle with Solar & QD

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:

ReticleIlluminated 3 MOA Red Dot
Reticle ColorRed
Magnification1X
Clear Objective Lens Diameter21x15mm
FinishMulti-Coatings/ Black
Field of ViewUnlimited
Eye ReliefUnlimited
Elevation Adjustment90 MOA
Windage Adjustment90 MOA
Click Value0.5 MOA
Height Above Rail to Optic Centerline1.4″
Parallax/FocusParallax-free
Length1.8″
Width1.0″
Weight2.4 oz.
Waterproof

Submersible to 10 m

Illumination ControlManual push-button
Illumination Setting

Automatic brightness and 3 manual settings illumination control

Battery

CR1632 Lithium

MSRP$490.99

 

Steiner MRS 1x21x15mm Micro Reflex Red Dot Sight - 8700

 

 

If you’re interested in other blogs about optics or scopes, find them below:

New! Trijicon RMR CC Red Dot Sight | Complete Review

Best Red Dot Sights | The 2019 Buyer’s Guide

Top 5 Rifle Scopes For Hunting| Guide Before You Buy