Red Dot Sights

How to choose a red dot

Dot size is the first thing to settle. A 2–3 MOA dot covers less of the target and rewards careful aiming at distance, while a 5–6 MOA dot is quicker to find for close work. If you think you'll add a magnifier later, stay small, because a 6 MOA dot gets blobby under magnification.

Body style is next. Tube sights enclose the emitter, shrug off rain and dust and usually take a bigger battery. Open reflex sights give you a wider window and less weight, though they're more exposed to weather. Mount height matters as well: absolute co-witness puts the dot in line with iron sights, and lower 1/3 keeps the window clear above them.

Last thing is the battery. A side-loading tray lets you change cells without pulling the optic and losing your zero, and a shake-awake circuit means the sight is ready whenever you pick the rifle up.