The Top Rated Red Dot Sights For the AR15

TheGunSource.com is proud to bring you the most in-depth guide to red dot sights available for your AR15.  We’ve reviewed countless optics and brought you the best of the best for your rifle.  Any brand worth a damn is mentioned and reviewed here!

Check out what we have in our shop right now or go a little further down and check out other good options available on other websites.

Red dot sights, although not exclusive to reflex devices, are often found in optical reflex sights (which rely on non-magnifying reflectors to superimpose an LED image). Red dot sights and AR-15s have been paired together since the inception of red dots.

A red dot sight is an ideal rifle application for many reasons. Red dot sights for AR Rifles are commonly found in tube devices because tube reflex sights offer superior reticle brightness/clarity and enhance long range target precision. The best red dot sights eliminate parallax, which means the dot remains constantly focused on the target regardless of your head position.

You want a sighting system that offers the fastest target acquisition and ease-of-use for your AR Rifle. You may also want an optic that is durable under tough conditions (this is where proofing and night-vision are relevant).

Red dot sights are extremely effective for targets within 100 yards, but are reliable at longer ranges when used with raised mounts and lower third co-witness setups. As previously mentioned, red dot sights for AR rifles can be open or tube shaped. Several companies that develop tube shaped devices offer a wide variety of aiming point patterns.

Choosing the right aiming reticle is an important preference for the user. The various patterns include a single red dot, a red dot encircled by a ring, two red dots, or a crosshair. These reticle patterns come in a variety of sizes as well. MOA (moment of angle) refers to the size of the dot. Bigger is better for tracking fast-moving close range targets.  Hawke once had a decent option.

Smaller reticles are ideal for longer ranges. 1 MOA refers to the dot covering roughly 1” at 100 yards. 4 MOA means 4” at 100 yards or 2” at 50 yards. Generally, red dots are great for short ranges and increase shooting speed and accuracy.

You need to decide what type of shooting you will be using your AR rifle for (and under what lighting/terrain conditions) and apply the best red dot sight for that application.

Check out these best red dot sights for AR Rifles:

The Best Red Dot Optics for Your AR15 Reviewed

Trijicon MRO

The Trijicon MRO (Miniature Rifle Optic) is a sealed reflex red dot sight designed for rifles, carbines, and shotguns in order to provide consistently fast target engagement in hunting or law enforcement/military situations (especially in non standard shooting positions common with rifle users in the field).

One of the newer red dot sights, based on the renowned ACOG rifle scope for mid-range military shooting applications, the Trijicon MRO provides a bigger field of view (larger aperture and tapered light path) than average, with minimal “tube effect”, thus aiding in target acquisition and accuracy.

Easily adjustable brightness settings, including an ambidextrous brightness control dial that features 6 daytime and 2 night vision-compatible settings, improve your situational awareness in any environment. The Trijicon MRO is durable and built to withstand a beating, designed with forged 7075 housing, a fully sealed construction, and dry nitrogen protectant.

Additional features include superior multi-coated lenses for excellent clarity and light-gathering capabilities with zero distortion, sub-flush adjusters that eliminate loss of zero and other snag hazards for constantly reliable shooting.

The medium and high mounts are designed to co-witness with AR-15s. The overall quality and durability of this optical device makes it an excellent choice in its price range, and one of the best overall red dot sights for AR rifles.

 

Trijicon Mro 2.0 MOA Adjustable Green Dot
  • 2 MOA green dot reticle/8 reticle brightness levels. Dimensions-2.6 L x 1.7 W x 2 H inches
  • 1x magnification/25mm objective/1/2 MOA ipc, 70 MOA windage/elevation
  • Low-distortion multi-coated optics/canted objective reduces glare
  • Nitrogen-filled, Fogproof & submersible/7075-T6 aluminum alloy housing
  • Parallax-free performance/requires mount.Waterproof to 100Ft

Sig Sauer ROMEO5 1×20 mm (High Mount)

Another fantastic sight from Sig Sauer’s electro-optics line, the ROMEO5 is a compact and robust red dot sight optimized for the best rifles and carbines on the market.

The high mount model is designed specifically for Modern Sporting Rifles like the AR-15. The tube reflex gives the user a less obstructed view of the target and facilitates pinpoint accuracy. The ROMEO5 compact red dot sight provides AR Rifle users with a durable 1x aiming solution with 2 MOA center dot size for precise mid to long range target engagement.

One of the best red dot sights for the AR Rifle, it features ultra-low parallax and unlimited eye-relief for optimum point-of-aim regardless of the user’s viewing angle or eye position. Side-loading CR2032 battery for quick replacement, 40,000+ hours.

The ROMEO5 provides the shooter a truly superior aiming reticle with a sharp, crisp red dot that is easy to zero.

 

Sig Sauer SOR52102 Romeo5 XDR Compact Red Sight 2 MOA Dot with 65MOA Circle
  • 2 MOA Red-Dot provides 10 illumination settings (8 daylight plus 2 NV) for visibility in all light conditions
  • MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination) powers up when it senses motion and powers down when it does not. Provides for optimum operational safety and enhanced 50,000+ hour battery life
  • Integrated M1913 Picatinny interface provides industry-standard mounting options for a wide range of applications
  • Dependable waterproof (IPX-7 rated for complete water immersion up to 1 meter) and fog-proof performance
  • Includes a M1913 Picatinny low mount riser and a co-witness 1.41” riser mount

Holosun HS503R MRS

Holosun strives to develop optical sights that provide the best value for your dollar, implementing innovative and improved technologies in their products that you would normally expect in more expensive reflex sights.

The Holosun HS503R is a 20mm micro optical sight for AR rifle and carbine applications. It is one of the more affordable red dot sights for AR rifles which offers all the basic essentials that a shooter needs. However, unlike most red dot reflex sights, the HS503R has an incredible 100,000 hours of battery life from a CR2032 battery.

The 503R provides a customizable viewing experience and features a multiple reticle system (MRS) that gives the user the flexibility of turning on or off certain sections of the reticle depending on the shooting application. Features a parallax-free view with unlimited eye relief like other more expensive reflex sights.

Up to 10 brightness settings available with 2 MOA dot reticle/65 MOA circle, and T6 aluminum housing case material. Weighs just 3.74 oz.

Equip the Holosun HS503R Red Dot Sight to your AR for maximum bang for buck.

 

HOLOSUN HS503CU, Paralow Red Dot Sight 1X, 2 MOA Dot & 65 MOA Circle, Matte Black
  • Product Type: Aiming Scope Sight
  • Package Height: 11.937 Centimeters
  • Package Length: 7.62 Centimeters
  • Package Width: 8.89 Centimeters

EOTech Model EXPS2

EOTech is the unrivaled leader in holographic sight technology and its Model EXPS2 is one of the best holographic sights for AR rifles on the market.

The beauty of this holographic sight is its ability to make it remarkably easy to focus on the target. Unlike red dot sights that have a close focal point that appears distant from the target (requiring a slightly more sluggish adjustment process for your eyes), holographic sights project the red dot in front of the sight so that you only need to focus on the target.  These make great options for handgun and shotgun applications.

Offering the shooter a truly “eyes wide open” experience, the EOTech Model EXPS2 is an amazing optic with an unmatched 68 MOA ring with two incredibly tiny 1 MOA red dots (for better range precision over 300 yards), a transversely mounted 123 lithium battery for 600 continuous hours, and a quick-detach lever that is compatible with 1” Weaver or MIL-STD-1913 rails. EOTech claims that the EXPS2 is up to six times easier to see than other standard red dot reticles.

The EXPS2 is an incredibly durable optical sight that can withstand intense temperatures, G-forces, recoil forces and is ideal for the relentless firing of an AR Rifle. It is compact to maximize rail space and easy to co-witness with front sights.

The EOTech Model EXPS2 holographic sight provides a competitive advantage for MSR users through its superior aiming reticle. Discover speed and precise shot placement unlike any other sight.

  

EOTECH EXPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight
  • EOTECH EXPS2-0 - Holographic Weapon Sight in black with 68 MOA ring and 1 MOA dot reticle
  • Side Button Operation - Compact design and side button operation consumes minimal rail space and is ideal for use with a G33 magnifier
  • Mount - Quick Detach lever fits 1" Weaver and MIL-STD 1913 Rails
  • Adjustable Brightness - The EXPS2 has 20 brightness settings for use in any lighting scenario
  • EOTECH HWS Prestige Warranty - Comes with a 10 year limited warranty

Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight

If you are accustomed to tube sights, the Bushnell Trophy red dot sight provides extreme durability, fast target acquisition and pinpoint accuracy.

The tube sight maintains a brighter and clearer reticle than most open reflex HUDs. Excellent red dot aiming solution for AR Rifles and long range shooting applications.

Offers the user with “two-eyes open” shooting for full situational awareness and unlimited eye relief. The aluminum mount with lower third co witness is an advantage that allows for uncluttered field of view and designed for AR Rifles with fixed sights (the optic is mounted slightly higher than the iron sights to elevate the reticle view).

The Bushnell Trophy features a 2 MOA dot size, 10 tool-less day brightness settings (auto-shutoff after 16 hours), 2 night vision settings, 5 years of battery life, an easy to find AAA lithium battery, and weighs just 3.9 oz.

 

Sale
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope, 1x20mm, Black
  • Matte black featuring a 3 MOA Dot reticle with 11 brightness settings; Mounts easily on most picatinny rails and is compatible with pistols, shotguns, rifles and muzzleloaders.Adjustment Range : 70+ MOA
  • Waterproof construction: O ring sealed optics stay dry inside, even when totally immersed in water. Parallax - 50
  • Shockproof construction: Built to withstand bumps, bangs, drops and the rough and tumble environment of the field
  • Nitrogen purged fog proofing: Nitrogen inside the scope ensures interior optical surfaces won’t fog due to humidity or rapid temperature change

Top Selling Red Dots for your AR-15 on Amazon

SaleBestseller No. 1
SIG SAUER ROMEO5 1X20mm Tactical Hunting Shooting Durable Waterproof Fogproof Illuminated 2 MOA Red Dot Reticle Gun Sight | Picatinny Mount Included
  • ROMEO5 GUN SIGHT - The ROMEO5 1X20mm Red Dot Sight mounts on any platform, and even though it's small, it's tough; The solid, lightweight aluminum design gives peak performance & years of service, so you can be on the top of a hunt or shooting competition
  • 2 MOA RED-DOT - For those avid shooters who admire classic red dot reticles on their gun sights, the ROMEO5 has 2-MOA Red-Dot, which is also adjustable; It provides 10 illumination settings (8 daylight plus 2 NV) for visibility in all light conditions
  • MOTAC TECH - The versatile ROMEO5 red dot sight features our Motion Activated Illumination technology; It is developed to increase battery life by shutting down the system when not in use and instantly activating it by the slightest vibration/movement
  • VERSATILE MOUNT - This gun sight comes with an integrated Picatinny mount & provides industry-standard mounting options for a wide range of applications; Also M1913 Picatinny low mount riser & a co-witness 1.41" riser mount guarantees great compatibility
  • WEATHER RESISTANT - The dependable IPX-7 waterproof and fogproof construction of the ROMEO5 delivers non-stop hunting whatever the weather; Unlimited eye relief allows you to acquire the aiming point and the target regardless of the position of your eye
SaleBestseller No. 2
Feyachi RS-30 Reflex Sight, Multiple Reticle System Red Dot Sight with Picatinny Rail Mount, Absolute Co-Witness
  • Tubeless design with 40mm reflex lens aperture provides quick target acquisition, also a wider field of view to maintain situational awarenes.
  • 4 Selectable reticles and 5 brightness settings. Low power consumption for long battery life.
  • Integrated mount for standard 20mm Picatinny or Weaver rails which will not loose, made to last.
  • Parallax corrected & unlimited eye-relief. Fully adjustable height, brightness, windage and elevation. Where the dot goes, so does the bullet!
  • Made of high grade aluminum alloy which makes the red dot sight durable and light weight.
Bestseller No. 3
Sig Sauer Romeo5 1x20mm Tread Closed Red Dot Sight High-Performance Durable Waterproof Fog-Proof Compact 2 MOA Red Dot Sight for SIG M400 Tread
  • -2 MOA Red-Dot provides 10 illumination settings (8 daylight plus 2 NV) for visibility in all light conditions
  • -MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination) powers up when it senses motion and powers down when it does not. Provides for optimum operational safety and enhanced 40,000+ hour battery life
  • -Integrated M1913 Picatinny interface provides industry-standard mounting options for a wide range of applications
  • -Dependable waterproof (IPX-7 rated for complete water immersion up to 1 meter) and fog-proof performance
Bestseller No. 4
Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight - 4 MOA Red/Green Dot,Black
  • The Strikefire II Red/Green Dot is a rugged, reliable red dot sight that is at home in a variety of shooting applications. It allows the shooter to operate between two dot colors and ten brightness settings to easily adjust for changing conditions
  • Fully multi-coated lenses provide a clean and bright, unobscured point of view. Unlimited eye relief allows for rapid target acquisition. Max Elevation Adjustment- 100 MOA. Max Windage Adjustment- 100 MOA
  • The single-piece chasis is compact and lightweight but still delivers shockproof performance withstanding both recoil and impact. Nitrogen purging and o-ring seals ensure fogproof and waterproof performance
  • An offset cantilever mount is provided; allowing you to move the sight forward to be used in conjunction with a magnifier and backup iron sights all on the same rail
  • With aesthetics and functionality in mind, the power controls are at the rear of the Strikefire for easy access. The Strikefire II runs off a CR2 battery.
SaleBestseller No. 5
Bushnell RXS100 Reflex Sight, Red Dot Sight with 4 MOA and 8 Brightness Settings, Durable with Long Battery Life
  • [The RXS-100] is the new market leader in price and performance. Class leading value starts with multi-platform versatility with its DeltaPoint Pro mounting pattern, daylight bright 4 MOA dot with 8 settings, side battery door, up to 5000 hours of battery life, and an included Weaver-style low-rise mount.Min Parallax Distance : 50 yds
  • [REFLEX SIGHT] RXS-100 has a clear 4 MOA dot with 8 brightness settings
  • [ADDITIONAL FEATURES] Detented windage/elevation, top loading battery for easy replacement, mounts on an array of pistols, MSRs, and shotguns.
  • [PURPOSE BUILT QUALITY] Rugged aircraft grade durable aluminum construction, long lasting 5,000 hour (on mid-setting) battery
  • [IDEAL FOR] Training/target shooting, home defense, Hunting
SaleBestseller No. 6
Crimson Trace CTS-25 Compact Sight with 4 MOA LED Red Dot Reticle and 1x Magnification for Rifles, Long Guns, Defense and Competition
  • DIMENSIONS: 2.7" L x 2" W x 2.7" D and a weight of 4.8 ounces - 25mm Lens Diameter
  • RUNTIME: 1 year of battery life powered by (1) CR2032 battery (included)
  • EASE OF USE: Side-accessible battery compartment allows you to change battery without removing from firearm and large function buttons provide for easy brightness adjustments
  • ACCURACY: Sight features 4.0 MOA red dot reticle and 1x magnification for easy target acquisition
  • DURABLE: Shock, impact, fog, water, and vibration resistant design means this sight will withstand normal use
Bestseller No. 7
Holosun HS510C Multi-Reticle Circle Dot Open Reflex Sight w/Solar Failsafe, Shake Awake, & QD Mount HS510C
  • HOLOSUN RED DOT SIGHT - The HS510C sight is a versatile open reflex optic designed for long gun applications; It is at home on carbines, PCCs, and shotguns due to its durable design; This gun sight has an aluminum housing with titanium hood for added shock resilience and includes a QD absolute co-witness mount (1.41" dot height); This red dot sight is packed with Solar Failsafe, Shake Awake, MRS (Multi-Reticle System), Red Super LED with up to 50k hour battery life
  • MULTI-RETICLE SYSTEM - This Holosun red dot sight is equipped with MRS to let you select a fast sight picture for shorter distances with a 65 MOA circle with 2 MOA dot; The large circle allows for a hold-over reference and helps guide your eye to the 2 MOA dot; The large ring can be deactivated leaving just the 2 MOA dot for an uncluttered sight picture and increased precision
  • SHAKE AWAKE TECHNOLOGY - Extends battery life by deactivating the optic's LED while not in use; Shake Awake offers settings from 10 minutes to 12 hours depending on the model and can be deactivated altogether if preferred; The slightest touch of the optic instantly reactivates the LED so your Holosun reflex sight is ready when needed
  • SOLAR FAILSAFE - If your battery fails, this red dot sight has a backup power source when natural or artificial light is available; Solar Failsafe is activated while in Auto Mode where reticle intensity is automatically adjusted: in brighter conditions, you have a brighter reticle and in lower-light conditions, the reticle will step down in intensity to match any lighting conditions
  • SPECIFICATION - Reticle: Red 2 MOA Dot & 65 MOA Circle; Light Wavelength: 650nm; Magnification: 1x; Parallax Free & Unlimited Eye Relief; Power Source: Battery; Battery Type: CR2032; Battery Life (Hours): 50000; Brightness Setting: 10 DL & 2 NV; Window Size: 0.91x1.26; Housing Material: Aluminum & Titanium Hood; Surface Finish: MAO; Adjustment per Click: 0.5 MOA; W&E Travel Range: ±50 MOA
SaleBestseller No. 8
OHHLION OL 551 Metal Holographic Bright Green & Red Dot Sight
  • Exquisite Technology: Adopts high transmittance lens and the latest design technology to ensure a clear vision, and shooting the aim without any shaking.
  • Superior Material: Equipped with shockproof and weatherproof materials, as well as metal frame, which will guarantee the sight can be used in severe environment.
  • Easy to Use: The reticle color can be changed into red or green dot with one switch. There are 10 levels of brightness settings.
  • Battery Features: Powered by an LR44 battery that can be performed for a long time. - easy to set up.
  • Versatility: The sight is suitable for any 20 mm tactical rails.
Bestseller No. 9
DD DAGGER DEFENSE- A Veteran Owned Company-DD119X Battle Flag Red Dot Reflex Sight Scope, Reflex Sight Optic (Not for Pistols) red dot Sight mil-spec 1913 Rail Mount only (Black)
  • Requires 3x batteries (included) for your convenience, 3x spare batteries are also included
  • NOT a pistol red dot, this is a full sized red dot made for standard mil-spec 1913 rail mounting
  • The DD119X includes: 1x Type Red Dot & Green Dot Sight, LR41 Batteries- 1x Instruction Manual- Allen Wrench- 1x Lens Cleaning Cloth
  • The DD119X comes packed and shipped in a hard plastic case for sturdy storage and other storage uses
  • Ergonomic design for adjusting and mounting
Bestseller No. 10
MidTen 2MOA Red Dot Sight 1x25mm Reflex Sight Waterproof & Shockproof & Fog-Proof Red Dot Scope, Mini Riflescope with 1 inch Riser Mount, Black
  • 【More Accurate】 From 3-4MOA to 2MOA. This Updated MidTen 2MOA red dot sight is more accurate. Unlimited eye relief makes for quick target acquisition. Multi-coated scratch resistant lens provides enhanced image clarity and increases light transmission during low light situations.
  • 【Enhanced Red Dot】make the dot centered in the inner tube and not blurry, reduce red glare and extra red lights in the view.
  • 【Multi-Intensity Levels of Brightness】 11 red dot brightness settings provide optimal visibility in any light conditions. Settings 1-5 are suitable for dim or rainy environment while settings 6-9 are better for a bright or sunny day. Settings 10-11 are good for middle days.
  • 【Dependable】 A shockproof aluminum body displays extreme durability. Nitrogen purged and O-rong sealed. Fully waterproof with sealed housing.Matte black anodized finish resists scratches while keeping a stealthy profile. Nitrogen purged fog proofing: Nitrogen inside the scope ensures interior optical surfaces won’t fog due to humidity or rapid temperature change
  • 【2 Height Mount Options】 Offers two height options (Low and Lower 1/3 Co-Witness), lending its functionality on any platform.

Final Thoughts

Red dot sights are very compatible with AR-15s and other MSR rifles (or others like the AR10). Users of these firearms want their optical sights to be tough, accurate, lightweight, easy-to-use, long lasting and feature all the basic necessities that are expected of reflex sights.

Red dot sights are a great way to increase shooting speed and accuracy. Their fast target acquisition capabilities make them ideal for self-defense, competitive shooting, fast-game hunting, or long-range applications.

They offer an optimal compromise between speed and accuracy. Tube sights usually have brighter reticles and aid the user in precise shot placement. Open HUD sights are often lighter and provide a wider field of view. If you are a hunter, look to utilize flip-to-side magnifying accessory kits to magnify your red dot for longer range target engagement.

Casual shooters may only need a compact and affordable red dot optic that has an objective lens between 20 mm and 25 mm.

Other users may require the longer battery life and extreme weather proofing found in full-sized optics that have lenses above 26 mm.