Are you considering a red dot sight on your pistol? The barrier to this upgrade used to be the price, but the cost of reliable red dot optics has dropped significantly within the past few years. Plus, more and more handguns arrive factory-cut with optics-ready slides.

There's no question that a red dot is superior to iron sights. Special forces and other military attachments have used them for decades. They are highly functional and drastically increase the accuracy of those who use them.

There are unique cases (such as astigmatism) where people prefer irons to optics. However, given the proper guidance, time, and practice, evidence suggests that shooters perform better with an increased percentage of shots in the critical zone (head and chest).

Given the popularity, it might be time to finally take the plunge on that red dot sight you've been eying. Today, we'll identify some of the best entry-level pistol red dots that won't break the bank.

What's the Best Pistol Red Dot Sight?

There's no "one-size fits all" solution to this question. Multiple options wouldn't exist otherwise, and that's what makes this question subjective. What works best for "Bud" down at the local gun shop may not be the best for you. And vice versa.

The "best" pistol red dot sight will be the highest quality optic that suits your needs and budget. Shooters have held the Trijicon RMR as the champion of pistol red dots for years, and we don’t deny its superior target acquisition and durability. However, the RMR could be friendlier for entry-level shooters and most options surpass it in price.

How do I Choose the Best Pistol Red Dot For Me?

Pistol red dots are newer and more compact, and their price represents that. While the cost of pistol red dots has decreased in the past few years, it's still worth noting that they will be more expensive than the average AR-15 red dot sight. So, set a budget and stick to it when beginning your search.

Secondly, consider your needs and preferences. You should have enough information on each option to make an informed purchase decision. The top features to compare on pistol red dots include:

• Auto power off/battery saver

• Battery life and ease of replacement

• Material durability and weather-proofing

• Reticle Options (MOA dot size and color)

What is an MOA Dot?

When discussing red dot sights and optics, you'll likely hear the term "MOA" used frequently. MOA is the unit of measurement for a circle and stands for "Minutes of Angle. "It identifies the size of the dot (in inches) and how much it covers a target at 100 yards.

The smaller the MOA number, the smaller the dot. The larger the MOA number, the larger the dot. Larger dots are easier to see but are less accurate. Smaller dots are more accurate but more difficult to acquire when drawing the pistol to raise it to the target quickly.

What's the Best MOA Dot Size?

Shooters hotly contest MOA sizes, but the size that will be best for you depends on the intended use. At 100 yards, a small, 2 MOA reticle will look like a 2-inch circle. A larger, 6 MOA dot will look like a 6-inch circle on the target.

Given this knowledge, a 6 MOA dot would be better for short-range shooting and self-defense. The 2 MOA dot would excel in long-distance and competition shooting.

Many optics have varying reticle settings, such as a dot, circle, or dot/circle combo but feature a single dot confirmation. Some offer dual or multiple dot options where you can tactfully change between MOA sizes.

Bushnell RXS-100: Best Price

Globally, Bushnell is one of the most recognized and reputable sports optics brands, well-liked for being reliable and affordable. Class-leading value and multi-platform versatility make the Bushnell RXS-100 a market leader in price and performance. At the time of blogging, the RXS-100 price falls under $100.

Auto Power Off/Battery Saver

The RXS-100 has a twelve-hour timeout with one of the most extended battery lives available.

Battery Life and Ease of Replacement

The battery life offers 5,000 hours on the middle brightness setting (setting 5). When it is time to replace it, a side-loading door ensures you don't have to remove the sight from your pistol for installation. This easy battery-replacement feature allows you to retain your zero.

Material Durability and Weather-Proofing

Aircraft-grade, extruded aluminum housing ensures protection against firearm recoil and rough field use for the optical glass and internal components. The oversized hood design reduces glare and increases lens durability against impact. True-Tone coatings maximize light transmission while mitigating blue tint.

Bushnell engineers its products to withstand all that you can throw. Their electro-optics have a 5-year product warranty. If the RXS-100 fails, Bushnell repairs it at no cost to you. When repair is not an option, they will replace it with a product of equal or better value.

Reticle Options

Bushnell's point-source LED creates a clean red beam that produces a strong 4 MOA dot. Eight brightness settings allow for excellent, clear nighttime and daylight visibility. Detented windage and elevation adjustments allow for the reliable adjustment of your sight with 1 MOA per click increments.

Holosun HE507C X2: Best for Astigmatism

Holosun is a familiar red dot industry leader, bringing high-quality optics that won't leave you stranded for ammo money. However, it also offers green and gold-dot products popular amongst those with astigmatism or impaired color vision.

The Holosun HE507C X2 offers a pistol red dot sight packed with features like the solar failsafe, shake awake technology, and multiple reticle system. At the time of blogging, the HE507C X2 (red dot) price falls at $365, and the HE507-GR X2 (green dot) at $377.

Auto Power Off/Battery Saver

An onboard motion sensor activates the red dot LED at the slightest movement. Solosun's Shake Awake™ Technology shuts the LED off during periods of motionlessness. Sleep Mode is user programmable, so you choose how long it takes for the LED to deactivate.

Holosun's Solar Failsafe™ Technology allows the red dot sight to remain powered even if your battery fails. Solar Failsafe features automatic brightness adjustment. When in direct sunlight, you'll have a bright reticle. Indoors, it will automatically dim to match ambient lighting conditions.

Battery Life and Ease of Replacement

On top of the two battery-saving techniques listed above, the HE507C features up to 20,000-hour battery life on setting 6. A convenient tray slides out when you need to replace the CR1632 battery. This tray allows for easy battery changes without removing the optic from your pistol.

Material Durability and Weather-Proofing

Holosun's limited lifetime warranty backs this product. Optical glass with multilayer coatings reduces glare while boosting light transmission and wear resistance. Holosun Super LEDs provide a versatile range of intensity for the brightest environments down to no-light situations.

Holosun's use of Grade 5 Titanium produces unparalleled resilience—double the tensile strength and five times the fatigue strength of 7075 Aluminum. Grade 5 Titanium is also able to withstand seawater.

Reticle Options

This model offers a revolutionary, patent-pending ACSS Vulcan reticle with an outer circle, making it a multi-reticle option. Multi Reticle System (MRS) allows users to use their optic as needed by turning on/off certain sections of the reticle. Like most optics, the center dot is a 2 MOA. However, around it is a larger 32 MOA crosshair circle.

Leupold Deltapoint Pro: Best Competition Option

Leupold is well known in the firearm community for its scopes but only recently developed pistol red dot optics. The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro (DPP) matches the optics cut on the current US Army Modular Handgun System (MHS) contract holder–the Sig Sauer P320-M17. At the time of blogging, the Leupold DPP price falls under $450.

Auto Power Off/Battery Saver

One of the main selling points of the Deltapoint Pro is its patented motion sensor technology (MST) that works to save battery life. MST turns the red dot reticle off if there are five minutes of no movement. It automatically reactivates when motion is detected.

Illumination is inset into a light tunnel, which reduces the light signature (and glare) in tactical situations. Brightness settings allow you to fine-tune the red dot to match your sensitivity preferences.

Battery Life and Ease of Replacement

The Leupold DPP has a battery life of 1,600 hours. You can quickly locate the CR2032 battery compartment on top of the sight, so there's no need to re-zero. The toolless, spring-actuated battery compartment makes battery changes effortless.

Material Durability and Weather-Proofing

Lightweight aluminum housing shrouded by spring steel combines for ultimate ruggedness. Additionally, the sight is impervious to water at depths up to 33 ft.

The Leupold Golden Ring Full-Lifetime Warranty covers the DPP, while the Leupold Golden Ring Electronics Warranty (~2 years) covers the electronics.

Reticle Options

Leupold's DPP has two reticle options: 2.5 or 6 MOA. It only comes with a red reticle, so there is no green option. However, the optic body comes in black and flat dark earth (FDE) options. Unfortunately, the sight doesn’t perform well with night vision.

The aspheric lens generates a wide field of view with some of the best image quality available in a reflex sight, making it ideal for competition shooting. The 1 MOA elevation and windage adjustments eliminate the need for adjustment lock screws.

Trijicon RMR®cc: Best for Concealed Carry

Born from the industry-leading Trijicon RMR®, the new RMR®cc has the same tested reliability and durability as its predecessor. However, the slimmer design fits a variety of pistols and is ideal for concealed carry. It increases user speed and improves accuracy while keeping the focus on the target. At the time of blogging, the RMR®cc is the least expensive RMR option but still retails at $699.

Auto Power Off/Battery Saver

RMR®cc features an automatic brightness mode and eight manual positions for custom settings. The user-controlled illumination settings include two night vision modes. A Button Lock-In Mode prevents accidental adjustments to your preferred brightness setting.

Battery Conservation Mode adjusts the aiming dot to ambient lighting conditions after 16.5 hours without a button push to further extend battery life. Windage and elevation adjustments allow quick and easy zeroing without special tools or devices.

Battery Life and Ease of Replacement

The RMR®cc operates with the same CR2032 Lithium Battery as the RMR Type 2, which gives the optic an insanely long battery life. It provides four years of continuous use at setting four at 70ºF.

The downside to the RMR®cc is its battery compartment, hidden at the bottom of the sight. While it helps to waterproof and prolong the battery's use, you must remove the sight from the pistol to replace its battery. Removal also means you must re-zero after every battery change.

Material Durability and Weather-Proofing

Trijicon's legacy of innovation is fed by what the company refers to as "The Science of Brilliant®." This science refers to the fact that all products undergo temperature shock, immersion, vibration, drop testing, and scope zero testing.

Trijicon warrants all of its manufactured products to be free from defects in material and craftsmanship for the original owner's lifetime. If problems arise, Trijicon will repair or replace the registered product.

RMR®cc's 7075-T6 forged aluminum housing and matte black finish are virtually indestructible. Its patented housing shape diverts impact force away from the lens, significantly increasing its lasting durability. It is waterproof up to 66 feet.

Reticle Options

Depending on your shooting style and preference, you can buy the RMRcc in either a 3.25 MOA or 6.5 MOA. True-color, multi coated lens allows for wide-band light transmission with minimal change in target area color.

Button "Lock-Out" mode secures the auto-brightness setting feature, making it ideal for everyday carry and hunting. The "Lock-In" mode ensures the user-chosen brightness setting appears indefinitely. This mode is perfect for competition and target shooting.

How Do I Decide?

There are many red dot options, but we hope this article steers you in the right direction. Each of the above pistol red dot sights offers advantages for different users, but it's up to you to determine if one is the right fit for you.

If you're in the market for optics, ammunition, or accessories, check us out! We ensure a consistent supply of quality gear and ammunition so that our customers never need to look for it elsewhere.