Best Enclosed Emitter Pistol Optics [All Budgets]

These days, red dots on pistols are as common as they are on carbines. If your handgun isn’t optics-ready, it feels dated!

In addition to considering size, mounting footprint, and reticle type, we have to consider whether we want an open or enclosed emitter pistol optic when we upgrade our CCW or home defense pistol.

To make life easy, we rounded up the best enclosed emitter red dots across a spectrum of price points. Then we’ll dive into the pros and cons of enclosed emitter red dot optics so you know what you’re getting yourself into.

THE QUICK LIST

1. Best Overall

   Aimpoint ACRO P-2

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2. Best Budget

   Swampfox Kraken

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3. Best Features

   Holosun EPS Carry

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4. Most Durable

   Steiner MPS

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5. Best CCW

   Meprolight MPO PRO-F

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6. Most Versatile

   Sig Sauer Romeo2

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How We Test the Best Enclosed Emitter Pistol Optics

To help you narrow down your search for the right enclosed emitter red dot, we focused on products that are durable, accurate, easy to install at home, and offer a lot of performance for the price. That includes some extremely high-end optics as well as lots of more budget-friendly alternatives.

Someone from the Pew Pew Tactical team has used every optic on this list and provided real-world feedback. We’ve set zero, run drills, carried these optics on our EDC pistols, and subjected them to enough bumps and scrapes to trust them on our personal sidearms.

Best Enclosed Emitter Pistol Optics

1. Aimpoint ACRO P-2 – Best Overall

Pros

• Incredibly durable
• Outstanding fit and finish
• Excellent glass

Cons

• Buttons aren’t super easy to feel
• Expensive

Specs

• Reticle: 3.5-MOA red dot
• Brightness Settings: 10 (six day, four night)
• Mounting Footprint: ACRO
• Battery: CR2032
• Battery Run Time: 50,000 hrs
• Window: 0.59″ wide, 0.59″ high
• Dimensions: 1.9” long, 1.3” wide, 1.2” high
• Weight: 2.1 oz

The Aimpoint ACRO P-2, successor to the original ACRO, is the pinnacle of the enclosed emitter market — and the price reflects that.

Optically, the ACRO P-2 is extremely good. The glass is clear, and I’ve yet to see one fog up. The 3.5-MOA red dot is crisp and easy for your eye to acquire.

It’s a combat-ready workhorse, too.

You can dive 115 feet under water with this thing. Subject it to temperatures from -49 degrees Fahrenheit to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Go ahead and blast it with dirt, sand, mud, or snow. It can handle it.

In keeping with Aimpoint’s tactical focus, there are 10 total brightness settings: six for daytime use and four for use with night vision.

The one weak point on this optic is the buttons that adjust brightness. They’re small and tricky to find by feel, so you have to really pay attention or watch the reticle as you make changes.

I used the ACRO P-2 at AMTAC Shooting in northern Idaho during a winter survival course with Walther. I went snowshoeing, built a snow shelter, and did lots of running and gunning both day and night with the ACRO P-2. It was a total champ.

The only reason not to buy one is the price. If you can swing the hefty cost of entry, you’ll end up with an incredible optic.

What do you think of the Aimpoint? Rate it below!

2. Swampfox Kraken – Best Budget

Pros

• Super affordable
• Shake-awake
• Oversized buttons for brightness

Cons

• Reticle is less crisp at lower brightness settings
• Noticeable blue tint

Specs

• Reticle: 3-MOA red dot, 3-MOA green dot
• Brightness Settings: 10 (eight day, two night)
• Mounting Footprint: ACRO
• Battery: CR2032
• Battery Run Time: 17,250 hrs
• Dimensions: 1.85” long, 1.38” wide, 1.27” high
• Window: 0.63″ wide, 0.63″ high
• Weight: 2.5 oz

Swampfox has established itself as one of the premier budget brands in the optics world.

They’ve taken some cues from Primary Arms and began producing optics at great price points that are often featured filled, but they’ve also implemented their own customer-friendly designs.

They’ve produced a number of competitively priced mini red dots, but the Kraken is the first that uses an enclosed emitter design.

It’s also one of the most affordable options that won’t fail or flop on you.

The window is 16mm by 16mm, so it’s comfortably in the middle when it comes to window size. A slight blue tint is detectable but not annoyingly so.

You get a 3 MOA dot that is surprisingly crisp and circular at its brightest setting, although it does get a little starburst-like at lower brightness. It is never to the point where it’s unusable, and since I’m not putting it through a magnifier, it doesn’t bother me.

I’ve used the Kraken in all manner of lighting situations from indoors and out, in the sun and against it, and against weapon lights. The dot is always visible and easy to see.

Shooters can pick between red or green dots if they’re picky. Ten illumination settings are present, with two being night vision options.

Two big buttons provide tactile feedback with each press for adjustments. Those buttons are also nicely recessed to avoid accidental adjustments when hit.

In the durability department, it’s completely waterproof with an IPX7 rating and proofed up to 1,500 Gs of recoil. That means it can take the abuse your handgun slide tosses at it.

To help with battery life, you get a shake awake feature that I love because I always leave my dots on. The Kraken comes with both an RMR adapter plate and a MOS plate for mounting, as well as numerous screws.

When it comes to an affordable option, the Kraken offers you a lot for the money.

3. Holosun EPS Carry – Best Features

Pros

• Doesn’t need adapter plates
• Great glass clarity
• More brightness settings than most red dots

Cons

• Not as affordable as they used to be

Specs

• Reticle: 2-MOA red dot, 6-MOA red dot, red multi-reticle, 2-MOA green dot, 6-MOA green dot, green multi-reticle
• Brightness Settings: 12 (eight day, four night)
• Mounting Footprint: RMSc
• Battery: CR1620, solar (optional)
• Battery Run Time: 50,000 hrs
• Window: 0.58″ wide, 0.77″ high
• Dimensions: 1.62″ long, 1.07″ wide, 0.95″ high
• Weight: 1.2 oz

The Holosun EPS Carry is my current carry red dot on my Sig Sauer P365.

Within the EPS Carry lineup, there are lots of options. The most expensive solar version tips the budget at more than $500 MSRP, and the budget-friendly EPS Carry Red 6 costs a hair under $390 MSRP.

Take your pick from red or green reticles, 2-MOA or 6-MOA dots, or multi-reticles.

I prefer the big 6 MOA dot. It’s easy to see and fast to acquire, all without obstructing targets out to 50 yards. Holosun also offers an MRS (Multi Reticle System) version that includes a circle and dot combo reticle. Both green and red options are available on all EPS Carry models.

With the EPS Carry, we get the simplest mounting solution of all the enclosed emitter optics. There are no plates or adapters needed — it plops right down on a Shield RMSc footprint, which is what a lot of compact pistols use.

The budget-friendly EPS Carry Red 6 has a 6-MOA red dot reticle that’s bright and sharp, with 12 brightness settings (eight for daytime, four that work with night vision). The dual lenses are also quite clear, with only a slightly noticeable blue tint.

The optic sits incredibly low on the slide, and a rear notch can double a rear sight if necessary. A side door battery means you can easily swap batteries without removing the optic from the gun.

Shake-awake provides up to 50,000 hours of battery life.

When blasting away in the sunshine state, the dot was always bright enough. It never washed out, even at a range that was mostly white sand. I’ve never had to dial it up past setting eight, so it’s got brightness to spare.

The EPS series might be the future of handgun red dots. It’s small but mighty, with an efficiently sized window and plenty of features. It’s tough to beat at a fair price point.

4. Steiner MPS – Most Durable

Pros

• Built like a bunker
• Large window
• Sits low on the slide

Cons

• Short battery life

Specs

• Reticle: 3.3-MOA red dot
• Brightness Settings: eight (six day, two night)
• Mounting Footprint: ACRO
• Battery: CR1632
• Battery Run Time: 13,000 hrs
• Window: 0.79″ wide, 0.63″ high
• Dimensions: 2.17″ long
• Weight: 2.1 oz

Steiner makes some great products, but its main problem seems to be a slow-to-market approach.

Oftentimes their products are solid but seemingly outclassed by the time they launch. This isn’t the case with the Steienr MPS (Micro Pistol Sight).

This time around, they developed and released an outstanding, professional-grade pistol optic at a rather attractive price point. And it arrived right on time.

They did a lot right with the MPS, first by using the ACRO footprint to ensure aftermarket availability of plates and mounts isn’t an issue. Additionally, the battery loads on the top of the optic for quick and easy access.

You get crystal-clear lenses with seemingly no tint and a perfectly shaped 3.3-MOA dot. With a huge 21-by-16-millimeter window, you get an amazing view through the MPS.

Controls are recessed for maximum protection and provide good tactile feedback when pressed.

Steiner built the optic to duty standards, and it’s submersible up to 10 meters. The front lens is deeply recessed and protected by an aggressive hood to protect it from damage. Feel free to rack it off a wall if you so choose.

You can’t tell from the outside, but Steiner put the emitter at the top of the optic. This reduces the bulk on the bottom and allows it to sit a little lower than the competition.

Battery life tops out at 13,000 hours, which is quite short for this day and age.

If Steiner releases a Gen 2 MPS with some of the kinks ironed out, it might become my favorite enclosed emitter optic.

5. Meprolight MPO PRO-F – Best CCW

Pros

• Great size-to-window ratio
• Useful multi-reticle
• Automatic and manual brightness control

Cons

• Proprietary footprint requires multiple adapter plates
• Limited battery run time

Specs

• Reticle: red multi-reticle
• Brightness Settings: 12 (10 day, two night)
• Mounting Footprint: Proprietary (ships with an RMR adapter)
• Battery: CR1632
• Battery Run Time: 20,000 hrs
• Window: 0.95″ wide, 0.7″ high
• Dimensions: 1.85″ long, 1.19″ wide, 1.26″ high
• Weight: 1.8 oz

Meprolight recently launched its MPO line of pistol optics, which includes four open emitters and two enclosed emitters. If you ask me, the MPO PRO-F is the best of the bunch.

Take a peek through that sleek housing and you’ll get your choice of a 3-MOA dot, 33-MOA ring, or both (all in red).

The optic features automatic and manual brightness adjustment with 12 settings — 10 for daylight and two for use with night vision.

With auto-shutdown, you can squeeze 20,000 hours of battery run time out of the CR1632 battery and the optic will shake awake when you pick it back up.

More run time would be nice, considering some of the competition gets more than 50,000 hours out of a battery, but that’s what you get when you downsize to the more compact CR1632 from the CR2032.

I think the MPO PRO-F hits the sweet spot between concealment and field of view. Despite being smaller than most enclosed emitter pistol optics, the MPO PRO-F’s window is one of the largest ones here!

I tested this optic on the new Smith & Wesson Performance Center M&P9 M2.0 Compact Carry Comp and the size didn’t bother me at all. It’s easy to conceal but offers a fantastic view of the target. Being able to cycle through three reticles is icing on the cake.

Would longer battery life be nice? Sure. Is the glass a little blue? Somewhat, but overall this is a fantastic do-it-all optic

If you want something even smaller, check out the Meprolight MPO PRO-S!

6. C&H Precision Duty – Best Multi-Reticle

Pros

• Three reticle options available
• Long battery run time
• Rated for +P and +P+ ammo

Cons

• Chunky

Specs

• Reticle: 3-MOA red dot, 3-MOA green dot, red multi-reticle
• Brightness Settings: 10 (eight day, two night)
• Mounting Footprint: ACRO
• Battery: CR2032
• Battery Run Time: 50,000 hrs
• Window: 0.63″ wide, 0.63″ high
• Dimensions: 1.85″ long, 1.38″ wide, 1.26″ high
• Weight: 2.5 oz

I first experienced C&H Precision optics at a training course at Full Spectrum Warrior in Florida. Their optics performed well, and the company’s adapter plates have become my go-to for mounting optics because they make it so easy to order exactly what I need.

The Duty is C&H Precision’s duty-oriented optic (go figure). It’s built to be more robust than the open emitter alternatives.

The one I tested hasn’t failed me yet, which shouldn’t be surprising based on what a beefcake this thing is. It’s definitely one of the biggest pistol optics I’ve seen, but it carries itself well; I never notice the extra size when I’m shooting.

There are three reticle options available: a 3-MOA red dot, 3-MOA green dot, or a red multi reticle that lets you choose just the dot, just a 33-MOA ring, or both. I think the multi-reticle is the way to go.

At distance, the little dot is great for placing the point of aim on a small target. Up close, the outer ring makes quick engagements a breeze. Having both options in one optic is the best of both worlds.

The buttons that adjust brightness and the reticle selection aren’t giant, but they’re well-placed and intuitive enough to use.

Battery life is listed at a healthy 50,000 hours, and you can swap out the CR2032 battery from the side. Everything is just easy with this thing.

To top it off, the Duty is affordable! C&H lists prices ranging from $324.95 to $349.95, depending on which reticle you want.

7. Sig Sauer Romeo2 – Most Versatile

Pros

• Run it open or closed
• Lots of brightness settings
• Fog-proof in our experience

Cons

• Not truly an enclosed emitter design
• Expensive

Specs

• Reticle: 3-MOA red dot, 6-MOA red dot, multi-reticle
• Brightness Settings: 15 (12 day, three night)
• Mounting Footprint: PRO
• Battery: CR2032
• Battery Run Time: 25,000 hrs
• Window: 1.18″ wide, 1.18″ high
• Dimensions: 1.84″ long, 1.32″ wide, 1.12″ high
• Weight: 1.6 to 2.5 oz

The Sig Sauer Romeo2 is one of the most fascinating red dots ever created.

It’s not only an enclosed emitted optic; it’s a modular, customizable sight. Users can install a big metal shroud and polycarbonate lens to convert it from an open emitter optic to an enclosed emitter on the fly.

You think, hey, that’s subject to fogging, right? I thought so too, but if you follow Sig’s instructions and ensure no moisture is in the optic when you seal it up, you won’t have an issue.

I live in Florida, with plenty of temperature changes and humidity, and I have never experienced any fogging.

Beyond the modular option, we get a solid and well-made optic. The metal shrouds protect the optic and the lenses since they sit recessed inside. I sprayed it with water, dunked it, and got zero water entry.

The lenses are incredibly clear, and the dot is a perfect circle. It’s on par with the Steiner MPS dot, which is a favorite of mine. The 6-MOA dot is perfect, and it’s backed by 25,000 hours of battery life.

Sig’s MOTAC shake awake technology is present here. It also uses a spring-loaded battery door that’s fantastic. I’m not sure why they included such a fancy door, but I’ll take it.

You get 12 daylight settings and three-night vision options. Two buttons control the sight, and they are recessed and difficult to press, which requires some finesse to operate but is good for preventing adjustments when the gun is holstered.

The Romeo2 is my go-to competition red dot. Inside and out, you get a very high-quality modular and modern optic.

How to Choose the Best Enclosed Emitter Pistol Optic

Some enclosed emitter pistol optics are pleasantly affordable. Others might cost more than your pistol. The first thing you need to decide is how much you want to spend.

The good news is that even if less expensive optics aren’t quite as fancy as the top-shelf ones, they’re still more than adequate for home defense, range days, and even competitive shooting.

Consider what kind of reticle you prefer. Do you want to stick with a simple red dot or does a more versatile multi-reticle appeal to you? Some optics come in multiple reticle colors, so you may be able to pick between red or green.

Finally, you can always use the usual factors — weight, size, battery life, etc. — to break a tie between multiple options.

Benefits of Enclosed Emitters

An enclosed emitter uses a rear and front lens with a housing connecting the two. The emitter sits between the lenses, and the housing fully encloses it.

This prevents any form of debris, like rain, snow, and dirt, from getting between the emitter and the front lens.

If you’ve ever shot in the rain with an open emitter dot, you know just how fast water can get between the emitter and the lens. Water and debris can distort your dot and render it useless — it’s not common, but it happens.

With an enclosed emitter, this isn’t a problem because the whole system is — you guessed it — enclosed.

It’s also typically easier to acquire the dot for beginners with an enclosed emitter because aligning the housing with the target is easier than lining up a single plane.

Downsides of Enclosed Emitters

It’s not all good news, though; there are a few slight downsides to the enclosed emitter design.

These optics are a little heavier and a little bulkier than their open emitter counterparts. They also tend to be considerably more expensive.

Having a second lens and housing really drives up the price of the optic. That’s why we’ve attempted to find a little something for everyone at most price points.

Mounting also tends to be tricky. You might even need to stack two adapter plates to get an enclosed emitter onto your slide.

You’d better get used to using plates, too, because most handgun manufacturers don’t cut their slides for enclosed emitter optics.

Why Trust Pew Pew Tactical

Input for this gear guide came primarily from Travis Pike, with a few picks from Scott Murdock.

Travis has spent thousands of hours at the range testing and evaluating gear as well as researching the best models available on the market. His experience as a Marine, NRA-certified instructor, concealed carry trainer, and competitor gives him unique insight into guns and their gear, including red dots. 

Scott is a gear tester with shooting experience as a Marine, hunter, and long-distance shooter. His desk is usually strewn with pistol optics from various manufacturers.

One or both of them has put rounds on target with every one of the optics you see here.

FAQs

Are enclosed pistol optics worth it?

Enclosed emitters are generally more expensive than open emitters, but they do a better job of keeping the optic clear of contaminants that might compromise your sight picture.

What are the benefits of enclosed emitters?

Compared to open emitters, enclosed emitter pistol optics are less susceptible to water and debris ingress, and they can make it easier to find the red dot quickly.

How many yards should I zero my pistol red dot at?

The most common pistol zero distance is probably 15 yards. Some people prefer to use a seven- or 25-yard zero, though.

Final Thoughts

Enclosed red dots are likely the future of handgun red dots, and hopefully, we’ve helped you find a model that fits your budget and needs.

They offer a much higher level of reliability and durability than the red dot design. As gun owners, we really harp on reliability, and for a good reason.

Do you have any experience with any of these? Are there any that we missed? Let us know in the comments below! Not fully sold on enclosed emitters? Check out our article on the 12 Best Pistol Red Dot Sights!

Latest Updates

October 2024: Added the Aimpoint ACRO P-2, C&H Precision Duty, and Meprolight MPO PRO-F. Removed the Holosun 509T.