Source: www.tacticon.com
The AR-15 style rifle is one of the most iconic firearms ever made. It features a super lightweight design, it offers semi-automatic operations, and the range of AR-15 aftermarket upgrades is pretty much endless. On top of that, if you get a Colt AR 15 rifle, you know you’re getting both quality and reliability.
However, even such a seemingly perfect firearm as the AR 15 undoubtedly is can be perfected a bit more … That is if you get yourself some of the best AR-15 accessories. A great example of such products are AR 15 scopes, which you can read more about in our latest blog taking you through the best scopes for AR 15 rifles.
But today I’d like to shed some light on a slightly different type of AR-15 optics - red dot sights. While the telegraphic scope is an ideal choice if you use your rifle for medium to long range shooting, AR-15 red dot sights are a great choice if you use the gun for short range shooting or close quarters combat. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the best AR-15 red dot sights.
The best red dot sights for AR 15 rifles
Source: www.lynxdefense.com
In case you’re completely new to the world of red dot sights, don’t hesitate to learn more about them in our bit on the best red dot sights for pistols. But as time is scarce, let’s jump straight to the most popular AR 15 red dots, as I’m quite positive you’ll find your favorite on our list.
The first AR15 red dot device on our list has been developed by none other than SIG Sauer Inc., who take pride in building not only ultra reliable semi-auto pistols, but also excellent firearms optics. While this red dot sight comes with the expected SIG quality, it actually costs much less than you’d expect, which is the first huge advantage of this nifty little AR-15 gadget.
This AR-15 Romeo5 red dot sight comes with a 2 MOA red dot (more on what MOA stands for in our red dots for pistols blog) and it features 10 different illumination settings, including some optimized for night vision. Moreover, this AR-15 optics comes with motion activated illumination, which can save quite a lot of battery life.
- Developed by SIG Sauer Inc.
- Features a 2 MOA red dot
- Offers 10 different illumination settings
- 8 different daylight settings
- 2 illumination setups for night vision
- Boasts motion activated illumination
- Excellent water and fog-proof performance
- Battery life of 40.000+ hours
- Fed with a single CR2032 battery
- Available in black color
- Quite cheap for a SIG product
- Offers night vision options
- Motion activated illumination
- Not as much battery life as other red dots
- Could use a more modern design
The second AR-15 optics was made by Holosun, another behemoth in the field of firearms optics. Just like the one by SIG, this Holosun AR-15 red dot sight also boasts a 2 MOA red dot. However, you can also toggle between some other settings - an open 65 MOA circle and a fast-acquisition circle-dot reticle.
This red dot also features Holosun’s Shake Awake Technology, which means even the slightest movement will enable the on-board motion sensor to instantly activate the LED. During periods of motionlessness, the LED will turn off, which means you’ll save a lot of battery life.
- Developed by Holosun
- Features a 2 MOA red dot
- Multi reticle system - 2 MOA, 65 MOA circle, circle-dot reticle
- Automatic brightness adjustment
- Boasts Holosun’s Shake Awake Technology
- Multi-layer coatings
- Solar Power Failsafe Technology
- 12 illumination settings, including night vision
- Excellent water and fog-proof performance
- Battery life of 50.000+ hours
- Operates on a single CR1632 battery
- Available in black color
- Incredible battery life
- Multiple reticle settings
- Compact design
- Quite expensive
Best holsters for your backup gun
You’re here because you want a new AR-15 red dot sight, right? But what if I told you can leave with much more than that. If you set out on a hunting trip, I’m pretty sure you’ll not only take your AR, but also a reliable back-up gun … or at least that’s what you should always do.
Provided you already have a sidearm, why not get yourself a custom made leather holster for your semi-auto or revolver? So, if you wanna leave with more than “just” the best AR-15 red dot, grab yourself one of the best custom made holsters for your back-up firearm.
Another AR15 RDS (red dot sight) by Holosun is actually a combination of a red dot and AR-15 scope. Even though this AR-15 sight only offers 1x magnification, it would still perform well on our list of short range AR 15 scopes.
This AR15 red dot sight by Holosun also features multiple reticle-settings. You can choose between the standard 2 MOA red dot or a 65 MOA circle, but you’re also given a set of 12 different illumination options, including some for night vision.
- Developed by Holosun
- Multiple reticle settings - 2 MOA, 65 MOA circle
- Features a 1x magnification rifle scope
- Ideal for short range AR15 shooting
- 12 illumination settings, including night vision
- Excellent water and fog-proof performance
- Battery life of 50.000+ hours
- Works on a single CR2032 battery
- Available in black color
- AR-15 red dot & scope combo
- 1x magnification
- Quite affordable
- Not the most breathtaking design
This AR-15 red dot sight developed by Bushnell is your best option if you’re on a limited budget. It boasts a 3 MOA red dot, which is more than most riflescopes, and it also offers 11 different illumination settings, allowing you to use this red dot under pretty much any circumstances.
Built to withstand bumps, bangs, and drops, Bushnell’s Trophy is also one of the most resistant and durable AR 15 red dot sights. Despite the fact that this red dot is super durable, it still maintains quite a compact design. The only problem I can see is that this AR15 red dot was introduced quite long ago, back in 2013, so it doesn’t offer everything modern red dot sights for AR 15 rifles do.
- Developed by Bushnell
- Features a 3 MOA red dot
- Compact design
- Super durable construction
- Water, shock, and fog resistant
- Excellent budget option
- Available in black color
- Perfect budget option
- Resistant to pretty much everything
- 3 MOA red dot
- Slightly outdated design and technology
As I believe that no single list devoted to firearms optics can omit a Vortex product, the last AR-15 red dot sight on our list was made exactly by them. The second generation of this Vortex Optics AR sight features a 2 MOA dot that is quick to acquire in close-quarters, while remaining fine enough to deliver exceptional accuracy even at extended range.
This AR scope features 11 different illumination settings as well as unlimited eye relief for super quick target acquisition. This RDS for AR15 rifles also boasts night vision and 50.000+ hours of battery life. On top of that, it’s also one of the best AR-15 red dots in its price category.
- Developed by Vortex Optics
- Features a 2 MOA red dot
- 11 different illumination modes
- Includes night vision settings
- 50000+ hours of run time
- Ideal for both short-medium as well as long range shooting
- Super durable and resistant
- Unlimited eye relief for rapid target acquisition
- Available in black color
- Quite a lot of bang for the buck
- High durability and longevity
- Super long battery life
- Doesn’t come with a MOA circle
Conclusion - What’s the best AR-15 red dot?
It’s hard to tell which AR-15 red dot is the best one, but it’s quite safe to say you can find it on our list. If it was up to me, I’d tell you to get the Holosun HS510C. Why? Well, this AR-15 RDS comes with multiple red dot settings, but it’s also super durable and it boasts incredible battery life. And as if that wasn’t enough, Holosun’s Shake Awake Technology will let you save a lot of your battery.
I hope you found your AR-15 RDS on our list. And there's one more thing I hope for - that you always carry a reliable sidearm when hunting. And if you do, don't forget to get yourself a reliable holster for your backup gun!
Do you fancy some more light reading? Then carry on with these articles:
The Best Scopes for AR-15 Rifles