Want faster target acquisition, easier 100-yard shots, and the upper hand in low-light situations?
You need a red dot for your pistol.
We hands-on review a few of the most popular and rugged red dots available.
We’ve mounted them on several pistols and rifles through thousands of rounds…and even shot them at night through night vision.
We cover “full-size” pistol red dots…and now smaller footprint “micro” red dots popular with concealed carry handguns.
By the end, you’ll know if pistol red dots are for you…and which one to get.
Let’s get started!
Summary of Our Top Picks
Editor's PickHolosun 507C X2 Pistol Red Dot Sight - ACSS Vulcan Reticle
Our favorite overall pistol red dot for features, reticle, & price.
Best Affordable OptionOur go-to affordable option that's solidly built with a crisp dot.
Best Red Dots for Pistols
Let’s get started with pistol red dots for full-size and compact handguns.
1. Trijicon RMR Type 2
The RMR Type 2 is the gold standard of pistol-mounted micro red dots. Pricey…but super rugged and with extra features not found in others.
Quick Stats
- Weight: 1.2 oz
- Battery Life: 4 Years at Brightness Level 4
- Night Vision Compatibility: Yes
- Dot Size: 6.5 MOA
- Waterproof: 66 feet for 1 hour with plate
- Footprint: RMR
- Price: $469
Super Rugged
The most robust casing of all the pistol red dots out there and battle proven.
However, this leads to a smaller viewing window. But not that big of a deal when you have both eyes open, and your brain superimposes the dot onto your target.
Battery Life
The longest-lasting as well with 4 years of continuous on at the very usable level 4 brightness level. However, if you’re using this on duty or using it at higher settings, I’d change the batteries every year.
One con of the battery is that it is on the bottom of the sight…so you have to unmount and re-zero each year.
Also, depending on your slide, you might need a sealing plate to make sure water does not get in. I got one just in case for my Glock Grey Ghost Precision slide (full review) since the sides were a little exposed.
Look & Feel
It’s got a vert quality feeling, and it’s compact. Everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Buttons are easy to use (the left side is higher brightness while the right side is lower brightness; hold a few seconds to turn off).
Adjustments are also very tactile feeling.
Glass is the most blue-tinted due to its special reflective coating that enhances battery life. However, like the smaller viewing window…once your brain superimposes the dot, it’s not that big of a deal.
Compatibility
Another huge plus for the RMR series…there’s the biggest selection of custom slides already milled for them.
Otherwise, you will have to get more universal systems such as the Glock MOS, M&P Core, or dovetail attachments.
Night Vision
The only optic on the list that works well with night vision. All the other ones bloom too much since they are too bright.
On the lowest brightness setting, the dot becomes like a laser on target. Makes NVG shooting pistols a breeze compared to only night sights.
Also…the least output from the front to other night vision devices. You know who you are if this matters.
Difference from RMR Type 1
You’ll see decent price savings from the Type 1…but the Type 2 has upgraded electronics that combat the semi-common flickering problem seen in Type 1’s. Definitely go for the newer Type 2.
Recommended Model & Accessories
I recommend both the 3.25 and 6.5 MOA models. Through the years, I’m leaning more towards the larger 6.5 for easier target acquisition.
Big enough for quick target acquisition but small enough for 100+ yard shots. Other models have different-sized dots, mounts, and even tritium dual illumination.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
It’s also the manually adjusted brightness model, so you can pick the best for your environment. I’m not a fan of self-adjusting brightness in my optics…it never really works well.
Also, be sure that if it’s going to be on a serious firearm…to get suppressor height sights (preferably night sights too). Check out Best Glock Sights.
They’ll help if your optic goes down…and also helps guide your eyes to the dot.
RMR Type 2 Summary
- Most robust and proven pistol red dot on the market
- Best battery life at 4 years on
- Night vision compatible and lowest reflection out
- Most custom slides are milled for it
- Smaller window and bluer tint than others
- Battery replacement on bottom
- Most expensive
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
2. Holosun HS507C X2 ACSS Vulcan
The regular Holosun 507C was already a real contender that punched way outside its price point.
With massive battery life, RMR footprint, durability, and reasonable pricing.
Now enter…the collaboration with Primary Arms’ reticle-smiths to make the HS507C X2 ACSS Vulcan.
Quick Stats
- Weight: 1.5 oz
- Battery Life: 20,000 hours + Solar Backup
- Night Vision Compatibility: Yes
- Dot Size: ACSS Vulcan
- Waterproof: Yes
- Footprint: RMR
- Price: $309
Look & Feel
This is a solid unit.
You pick it up, and you know that it has some beef on it and that it’s ready to get banged around, much like how an RMR feels.
We really like it, like a lot.
For our use, nothing has slowed it down. It is robust and has stood up to the abuse we’ve thrown at it, including things like using the optic as a contact point to charge our Glock off of a belt or table.
The glass has also been completely scratch-free thus far.
Buttons are easy to access and manipulate on the left side.
Battery Life
At over 20,000 of battery life, the Holosun 507C is an optic that you will likely never replace the battery on from use…just remember to change it every one to two years.
There’s also a solar panel on top that gives another source of power for when the optic is in sunlight. However, the solar panel does not recharge the battery in any way.
The 507C also features “Shake-Awake,” meaning it has an auto-off feature (you can choose how long it takes for the dot to turn off also!) and will auto-turn on when you move the optic. Very handy for setting and forgetting and for saving battery life.
Lastly…there’s a nice tray that slides out for the battery…meaning you don’t have to take the entire unit off your handgun and lose zero each time you swap the battery.
Reticle: ACSS Vulcan
What we truly love!
Check out that nice 10 MOA chevron reticle which draws you to the center.
But that’s not all (sorry…couldn’t resist); there’s also a ring on the outside to show you if you’re off-center.
Once you really get the hang of it…you shouldn’t see the ring anymore. And you can actually disable it to save battery life. But it’s a great training feature.
Compatibility
Using the same footprint as the Trijicon RMR, the number of slides that can mount the HS507C without the need for adaptor plates is a huge blessing.
It also makes it a great option for people that have older-gen RMRs and are looking to modernize.
We’ve mounted our multiple 507Cs to both Brownells Glock slides, PDP, and more.
Holosun HS507C X2 ACSS Vulcan Summary
- Robust build with 20,000-hour battery life, solar backup, and shake awake
- Great chevron reticle with outer ring that helps beginner shooters
- Night vision capable and waterproof
- Great price for the features
This may be our favorite red dot yet.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
We’ve got a lot more to say about it in our full review…as well as video review:
Now let’s look at some micro red dots for concealed carry handguns.
3. Primary Arms SLx RS-10
A recent entry into the red dot space from Primary Arms…the SLx RS-10 is our go-to recommendation for an affordable red dot that excels in being a rock-solid optic, either Picatinny mounted or on a pistol.
Quick Stats
- Weight: 1.1 oz
- Battery Life: 25-50k hours
- Night Vision Compatibility: Yes
- Dot Size: 3 MOA Dot
- Waterproof: Yes
- Footprint: Docter + MOS Plate
- Price: $199
Look & Feel
This thing is solidly built and exceeds its more affordable price tag. Look-wise, the hood is cool, and the small PA logo is not too intrusive.
Oh, yea…this thing is strong. We dropped it a total of 9 times while attached to a Flux Raider in the full review. Besides some expected scratches, it cleaned right up with some water and held zero.
With all that weight falling on it, we think it would do well on a CCW handgun as well, where it (hopefully) isn’t subjected to as much punishment.
Battery Life
This little dot is awesome with 25-50k battery life…and also comes with shake-awake! That makes it extra nice as a CCW optic, where you don’t have to mess with buttons when you put it on and off.
Reticle: 3 MOA Dot
The dot is crisp, but there’s a noticeable blue tint when looking through the glass. However, it doesn’t feel any worse than other red dots.
That said, one annoyance is that there’s a reflection of the U and arrow designating up adjustments right above the dot. It doesn’t show up well in pictures, but once you see it with your own eyes, it’s hard to fully stop seeing it.
Dot is also super bright, so you’re good from sunny Florida to scorching California. And, of course, you can dim it for indoor use.
Compatibility
The RS-10 uses the popular Docter mount and also comes with Glock MOS mounting plates. However, there’s been some reports that PDP first-generation guns and PSA Dagger guns don’t fit…even though they are Docter cut.
Plus, it comes with a Picatinny mount to put on larger pistols or even rifles.
Primary Arms SLx RS-10 Summary
- Strong build with 25-50k hour battery life and shake-awake
- Crisp 3 MOA dot, however slightly blue tint on the glass
- Night vision capable and waterproof
- Great bang-for-the-buck
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
4. Leupold Deltapoint Pro
Another great option is the Deltapoint Pro…but it’s my favorite for competition shooting due to the clearest glass and largest view.
Quick Stats
- Weight: 1.95 oz
- Battery Life: Not listed, but most are saying less than RMR
- Night Vision Compatibility: No
- Dot Size: 2.5 MOA
- Waterproof: 22 feet
- Price: $360
Look & Feel
The biggest difference is that it’s slightly bigger than the RMR but has a much better view…both in clearness of glass and size.
2.5 MOA is perfect for close-up work and longer range shots.
Although plenty rugged with its double hood…I’d still give the overall win to the RMR in that department.
Battery Life
I couldn’t find exact stats, but most people are saying the battery is not as great as the RMR.
BUT…it’s top-loading, so you don’t need to remove your sight and re-zero.
Auto-On
Another great thing is that it has a motion-sensing auto-on function. It’s plenty fast, and when I used it…it was always on before I could finish my draw.
I really like the auto-on function, so I won’t fault its less-than-stellar button interface.
It’s one big spongy button in the middle that you have to keep pressing to go up and down in brightness. And hold to turn it off/on if you’re not using auto.
Compatibility
Not a lot of custom slides are milled for the Deltapoint Pro. But it’s ready for the Glock MOS and M&P Core (with adapter).
Also has a nice Picatinny adapter for pistols with rails. Or go with a 1/3 cowitness mount for your AR.
And works well with an Outer Impact dovetail mount shown on my Glock but is available in other flavors.
Check out our video for the full install:
If that helped, please subscribe to our YouTube channel since we’re adding new videos every week!
Deltapoint Pro Summary
- Plenty robust with double hood
- Largest window and clearest glass
- Easy battery change and decent life
- Motion-activated auto-on
- Larger and taller profile
- Not night vision compatible
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
5. Burris Fastfire 3
The Fastfire 3 is the most affordable and reliable option for entering the world of micro red dots.
Quick Stats
- Weight: .9 oz
- Battery Life: Up to 5 years
- Night Vision Compatibility: No
- Dot Size: 3 MOA
- Waterproof: Yes
- Footprint: Docter
- Price: $180
Look & Feel
It’s less than half the price of the RMR but doesn’t feel cheap (especially in its AR-F3 Mount).
Glass is not as nice as the Deltapoint…but it’s still way less green than the RMR. The view is also slightly larger than the RMR.
Only one button that cycles through 4 settings (off and 3 brightness settings) that are enough for most non-night vision wearers. Also, an auto-adjustment function that you can turn on/off.
Battery Life
I couldn’t find exact numbers on it…but it says it can be up to 5 years.
Also, a key thing to note is that there’s an auto-turnoff function at 9 hours.
Great on the surface since the battery won’t die if you forget to turn it off. But not the best if you’re carrying.
For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend it for CCW. But still perfect for a range/competition gun…especially with Burris’ forever warranty.
Compatibility
Not a lot of custom slides, but the AR-F3 model is a perfect co-witness on my AR-15 (and has handy slots for extra batteries and tools).
Here’s the co-witness.
If you get the regular version, it comes with a low Picatinny rail mount that should do well with railed pistols.
Plus, it fits into the Glock MOS (exact width) and M&P Core systems. And, of course, the Outer Impact system as well.
Fastfire 3 Summary
- Lightest on the list
- Top load battery for easy changing
- Auto-brightness and 9 hour auto-shutoff
- Clear glass but smaller viewing window
- Only 3 brightness settings
- Most affordable
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
6. Vortex Venom
Another affordable option is the Vortex Venom, that’s just a little more than the Fastfire 3 and what I recommend as the best bang-for-the-buck pistol red dot.
Quick Stats
- Weight: 1.1 oz
- Battery Life: 150 to 30,000 hours
- Night Vision Compatibility: No
- Dot Size: 3 MOA
- Waterproof: Yes
- Footprint: Docter
- Price: $229
Look & Feel
I’ve always liked Vortex products…and I’ve been rocking their scopes in my competition rifles for years. This one is no different. Feels quality in hand and still really light.
Glass quality is on par with the Burris. I like the slightly wider field of view.
It does win in the button department…there’s an up and down button to cycle through the 10 brightness settings. However, the lowest is still too bright for night vision use. Also, auto brightness function that’s activated if you hold a button for 3 seconds.
Also an auto-shutoff function…but it’s at 14 hours, so it’s acceptable for CCW use.
Battery Life
150 hours at the highest intensity and up to 30,000 at the lowest. Real-world use is probably somewhere in the middle, which is good enough for me if you switch the battery every year or so.
Plus…it’s top-mounted for easy swapping.
Difference from Vortex Viper
The Viper has a slightly lower profile and comes in a strictly 6 MOA dot size.
But the Venom is a newer design and has slightly better ratings. The only con is that it uses CR1632 batteries compared to the more common CR2032 of the Viper. AND also comes in a 6 MOA flavor too.
Both have Vortex’s famous lifetime warranty.
Again, please subscribe to our YouTube channel since we’re adding new stuff every week!
Compatibility
It comes with an extra-low Picatinny mount that goes the best on railed pistols. I’ve been shooting it a lot with my Buckmark, and it almost feels like I’m cheating!
Not a lot of pre-milled custom slides, but works with the Glock MOS and M&P Core. Plus, the Outer Impact system.
Vortex Venom Summary
- Light and lowest profile with Picatinny rail
- Clear glass and top-loading battery
- Good battery life and 14-hour auto-shutoff
- 10 brightness settings and auto-brightness
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
7. Holosun HS507K X2
Let’s continue with Holosun’s micro red dot with its K model…the HS507K X2.
And just for comparison…let’s see the full-size C model vs. the K.
Quick Stats
- Weight: 1 oz
- Battery Life: 50,000 hours
- Night Vision Compatibility: 10 daylight & 2 night vision settings
- Dot Size: 2 MOA Dot & 32 MOA Circle
- Waterproof: Yes
- Footprint: RMSc
- Price: $289
Look & Feel
Like its bigger brother, the all-metal housing HS507K feels great in hand and has a nice chunky enclosure that’s sure to survive all but the worst abuse.
+/- buttons are on the left side and easy to activate…and also turn off by pressing both at once.
Battery Life
50,000 hours (on setting 6)!
There’s also Lock Mode and Shake Awake tech to conserve even more battery life.
Reticle: Dot and Ring
One of my favorite reticles is the dot and ring that was pioneered by EOTech. Perfect for precise shots and also quick acquisition minute-of-bad-guy shots.
Everyone who shot the 507K thought it was cheating…if any part of the reticle was on target…it was a hit.
See it in action:
Compatibility
For the micro red dot market…the gold standard is the Shield RMSc footprint which the HS507K uses as well. It fits on all the guns we’ve tried.
Don’t have a micro yet? Check out our Best 9mm Micro Compacts.
Holosun HS507K X2 Summary
- Robust build quality
- 50,000 hours and shake awake technology
- 1 MOA Dot and 32 MOA Circle reticle
- Compatible with all tested micro compact guns
Overall our favorite micro red dot right now.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
8. Shield RMSc
Shield from the UK has been silently manufacturing red dots for a lot of big players…but now they’re here with their own Shield RMSc micro red dot.
Quick Stats
- Weight: .6 oz
- Battery Life: 2-3 years, >4 years in dark storage
- Night Vision Compatibility: yes
- Dot Size: 4 or 8 MOA
- Waterproof: Yes
- Footprint: RMSc
- Price: $319
Look & Feel
Probably the most unique looking out of our batch of micro red dots…the RMSc has a triangular cutout on the sides that definitely help with its minuscule .6 oz weight.
Battery Life
Shield went with 2-3 years as their timeframe, which gives an upper limit of around 26K hours. And up to 4 years if the unit is in dark storage.
Why dark storage? Since it’s an auto-on system with a light sensor on the side.
Its CR2032 battery is on the bottom, so you’ll have to remove the unit and re-zero…but that’s on par for the course for these tinier red dots.
And if you remember to do it every 2 years or so, you’re golden!
Reticle
We went with a 4 MOA dot, and this particular model is their polymer (instead of glass) window. It’s very clear, and the dot is good but slightly orange.
See it in motion here:
Compatibility
It’s the basis of the standard RMSc footprint…so it’s GTG for (almost) any micro-compact handgun out there.
Shield RMSc Summary
- Unique looking and super light
- 2-3 year battery life with more if kept in dark storage
- Clear polymer window with a crisp albeit slightly orange dot
- Night vision compatible
- Compatible with all tested micro handguns
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
9. Primary Arms Classic Micro
Another newer micro red dot from Primary Arms…the Classic Micro gives you an affordable red dot that’s tiny, and affordable, but still with great battery life.
Quick Stats
- Weight: .6 oz
- Battery Life: 25-50K hours
- Night Vision Compatibility: no
- Dot Size: 3 MOA
- Waterproof: Yes
- Footprint: RMSc
- Price: $149
Look & Feel
The Classic Micro is no frills in the looks department…but it probably doesn’t matter since it backs it up with useful buttons on the side that give great feedback.
However, like some other micros…the battery is on the bottom, so you’ll need to take it off and re-zero each time.
And after a month of carry, it’s still going strong, even with some minor hits (see that big scratch above).
Battery Life
Even with the annoyance of having to take it off and re-zero…that’s only once every few years with its up to 50K hour battery life.
Though with this budget option, you don’t get shake-awake, so you’ll have to remember to turn it on/off for CCW purposes. Or, because of the huge battery life, just keep it on!
Reticle
Zeroing takes an Allen key which is not a deal breaker…but there’s also no tactile click to let you know you actually adjusted something. So keep that in mind.
However, it’s held zero through everything we’ve thrown at it in the full review. The dot is easy to see and is bright enough even for the scorching sun.
Compatibility
Standardized RMSc, so you should have no problem mounting on almost all CCW guns.
Primary Arms Classic Micro Summary
- Super affordable for the build and features
- Great battery life with tactile +/- buttons on the side
- Crisp/bright 3 MOA red dot
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Our current most affordable micro red dot that suitable for daily carry.
10. Crimson Trace CTS-1550
Want to ease into the world of micro pistol red dots with the least financial pain? Check out Crimson Trace’s CTS-1550.
Quick Stats
- Weight: 1 oz
- Battery Life: 20K hours
- Night Vision Compatibility: No
- Dot Size: 3 MOA
- Waterproof: Yes
- Footprint: RMSc
- Price: $139
Look & Feel
The CTS-1550 is from a slew of new options from Crimson Trace (originally known mostly for laser stuff). Check out our review of the larger RAD Pro pistol red dot and also RAD Max rifle optic.
Pretty average in terms of styling.
But I do have to let you know that it’s slightly wide compared to “standard” micro compact handguns. So you’ll have a little bit of shelf hanging off on the sides.
It doesn’t seem to expose any electronics, so waterproofness should still be fine.
Battery Life
20K, or over 2 years, is great.
You also don’t need to mess with buttons since it has an ambient light sensor that turns the unit on and changes the dot intensity.
It also turns off to further increase battery life.
Reticle
A nice crisp and bright middle-of-the-road sized 3 MOA reticle.
One good thing about the side overhang is that it grants you a slightly wider field of view.
See it in action here:
Compatibility
It’s listed as a J-Point, which, as far as we can tell, is the same footprint as the RMSc, which is the standard.
Crimson Trace CTS-1550 Summary
- Most affordable unit when you shop around
- Good battery life with auto on/off functions
- Slight overhang, but gives you a wider field of view
- Crisp/bright 3 MOA red dot
Want to try a micro red dot but not break the bank? The CTS-1550 is a good starting point.
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
11. Swampfox Sentinel
I’ve tested the Swampfox Sentinel for the longest since it’s lived on my P80 G43 project…and it’s a good Goldilocks micro red dot.
Quick Stats
- Weight: .6 oz
- Battery Life: 2 years real world
- Night Vision Compatibility: No
- Dot Size: 3 MOA
- Waterproof: Yes
- Price: $239
Look & Feel
I love the look of it with the rounded window.
And for the most part, I ran it with its optional “armor.”
When shooting, I felt that the optic had a taller field of view which can make dot acquisition faster…especially for beginners.
The reason being you’re likely pulling down from the top when learning to migrate from iron sights to a pistol-mounted red dot.
Battery Life
Battery life is on par for the course with 2 years…and I like how they added real-world applications.
Reticle
A nice crisp/bright 3 MOA dot.
There are several models of the Sentinel:
- Auto Brightness with Auto-On
- Manual Brightness with Shake-n-Wake
Plus, throw in red or green dot varieties, and you’ve got a bunch of flavors to choose from…I went with the red Auto Brightness with Auto-On.
Compatibility
RMSc footprint that will fit on almost anything…plus a good amount of set screws.
Swampfox Sentinel Summary
- Nice red dot with a slightly taller field of view that might help beginners
- Good battery life with 4 models to choose from
- Decent price with ability to uparmor for more protection
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
12. Trijicon RMRcc
Does Trijicon still reign supreme even in the world of micro red dots with its RMRcc?
We love the red dot itself…but compatibility becomes the limiting factor for micros.
Quick Stats
- Weight: 1 oz
- Battery Life: 4 years
- Night Vision Compatibility: Yes, 8 settings, including 2 NV
- Dot Size: 3.25 or 6 MOA
- Waterproof: Yes
- Footprint: RMRcc
- Price: $469
Look & Feel
It looks great and is essentially a smaller RMR. So it’s built like a tank and will survive almost anything you can throw at it.
Nice tactile buttons on each side and essentially tool-less adjustment for windage/elevation.
Battery Life
At the high end with 4 years.
Plus, the ability to either secure auto-brightness for carry or a user-chosen brightness for competition.
Reticle
I like the option of having both 3.25 or 6 MOA reticles.
The dot is crisp and bright, but the window tint is slightly blue/green.
Compatibility
Here is where the RMRcc strays…it went with its own footprint instead of the RMSc standard (for micro compacts). Therefore, you’ll need adapter plates that raise it up.
If it weren’t for that…I’d love the RMRcc for a serious carry gun.
Trijicon RMRcc Summary
- Trijicon build quality and battery life
- Crisp 3.25 or 6 MOA reticle
- Needs an adapter plate for most firearms (didn’t directly fit any of our test micro compacts)
Prices accurate at time of writing
Prices accurate at time of writing
-
25% off all OAKLEY products - OAKLEY25
Copied! Visit Merchant
Pros/Cons of Red Dots
Now you know the best red dots for specific applications…but why even go with one on your pistol?
Pros
- Sight acquisition: tracking a red dot is easier than rear and front irons…but you have to practice! The first time you try out a handgun with a red dot is going to feel really weird. The lower the mount (such as pre-milled slides)…the closer it’s going to be to using irons.
- Long range shooting: if you’re running a 2-3 MOA dot…it’s going to get MUCH easier to hit farther distances. If you have your trigger fundamentals down (How to Shoot More Accurately)… 100-yard steel gong hits will become the norm.
- Low light shooting: much easier compared to regular irons or even night sights. Even more so if you’re using NVGs (night vision goggles). Just make sure to choose the correct brightness setting with your goggles or your flashlight.
- Poor eyesight: for many cases, if you’re eyes are a little older and focusing on the front sight gets harder…it can be great to use red dots. Make sure your astigmatism is in check; otherwise, the dot will look blurry.
- Situational awareness: since you can have both eyes open easily…you get to see more of your surroundings.
Cons
- Electronics: more likely to fail than iron sights. Choose the correct ruggedness for your use, and make sure to have fresh batteries. And/or have suppressor height irons as a backup.
- Training: you have to practice with your exact optic and handgun to make sure you see the dot when you bring up your gun. It’s an “all or nothing” optic…you either see your dot, or you need to fumble around to get it in view.
- Expense: the optic will run at least $200 for a proven, reliable red dot…plus custom mounts.
- Weather: droplets of water or temperature differences can mess up the projecting laser or fog up the glass
Final Thoughts
There you have it…the reasons why or why not to get a pistol red dot. And our favorite picks across some price ranges and applications.
| Best Pistol Red Dot | Category | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Trijicon RMR Type 2 | Gold Standard | $469 |
| Leupold Deltapoint Pro | Best for Competition | $360 |
| Burris Fastfire 3 | Most Affordable | $180 |
| Vortex Venom | Best Bang-For-The-Buck | $229 |
| Holosun HS507c | Another Best Bang-For-The-Buck | $299 |
What are your experiences with shooting red dots on your pistol? Any tips for the learning curve? Check out our How to Shoot Pistol More Accurately for more tips that translate to iron sights AND red dots.
122 Leave a Reply
awesome article: personally I cannot afford any of them but maybe the Crimson Trace. In my opinion there has to be alternative options for less money. I would like to see a top 10 list of alternative options for less than $100. unless you all about the branding, and don't care about those of us the are unable to spend that kind of cash, for top name brand dot optics. I never see any articles aimed at us poor's, that cant afford to spend big money for name brand products. we just get ignored or made fun of, because our budget prices are not the same as yours. budget for us is less than $100 for optics and accessories and less than $500 for firearms. where influencers get your information about budget prices is beyond me because it is not even remotely true. I'm not trying to offend anybody or even argue. I am just trying to speak the truth, and am not embarrassed to admit it.
Seems like your review missed Vortex's latest product release. called the DEFENDER-CCW™ RED DOT, or maybe you purposely excluded it. From my review, it's at the top of my buy list even though a little more expensive than Vortex's Venom, and priced in the middle of your list. I also like Vortex's lifetime warranty on all its products and have them adourning all my firearms!
I bought the Holosun/Primary Arms 507C X2 ACSS Vulcan reticle in green as my first optic. While neat in concept, the inverted V reticle was too large and too "giggly" for me and became a distraction. I tried it in Steel Challenge and USPSA and disliked it so I sold it and got the 508T in green with the 3 reticle option (dot, circle, or dot in circle). Worked much better for me in competition and wasn't as "giggly" like the inverted V. Also, being able to switch reticles on the fly was a big plus when trying to shoot double alphas and steel plates at various distances.
Your photos don't do the Holosun HS507C X2 ACSS Vulcan reticle justice. This is the best "red dot" I've ever used. Te inverted V reticle is crisp and sharp, and is very helpful for precision aiming. It's like having a 6 MOA dot with a sharp 1 MOA aiming point on it. Great for quick shots, and precision placement.
Another good review which fails to include what I believe is the most innovative and best red dots on the market, the Leopold Deltapoint Micro. It is reasonably priced, is VERY low profile with much of the sight extending beyond and below the top of the slide. Yes, it only is made for Glock and M&P for now, but certainly deserved recognition!
Yes, the Leopold Deltapoint Micro .... AND .... the Meprolight FT Bullseye (rear sight).
I have both - love both of them.
the Meprolight FT Bullseye took some time to get used to. But 4 magazines later I suddenly got it and it became easy and simple and became 'natural'. That's what people who I had seen using them had told me, that at some point while practicing with it suddenly I would get it and it will became easy and simple and 'natural' just like iron sights.
Love the the Leopold Deltapoint Micro also.
On my EDC I use the FT Bullseye now, and my other defense pistols a mixture of the Leopold Deltapoint Micro and FT Bullseye. My only complaint with using the Leopold Deltapoint Micro on my EDC is how the battery hangs off the back of the slide extending the length of the gun - and its not because I object to it but rather that in my carry position at 4 o'clock with my body shape it pokes me such that the 'extension' it adds to the slide it makes it a little uncomfortable at times.
Wow, no SRO or SIG Romeo sights in the review. I guess premium competition sights were not in the budget.
I'd love to see this updated to include comparing the newer Burris Fastfire 4. And it could note that the 507c is also available in green (perhaps others), which I prefer even with the shorter battery life.
I’m afraid you misfired on this article. Three friends of mine and I have the Romeo 1 pro red dot on our pistols. I would wager it is better than all but the most expensive dots on your list. Inexpensive, solid, reliable this is the red dot your readers should check out. It is a total winner and terrific bang for the buck!
You gotta be kidding me. Not one SIG RDS? Ridiculous.
How can Aimpont not be on this list. The Acro has to be the toughest take anything red dot on the market.
This is what I came to say. Closed emitters are definitely the future.
I have two of the Viridian RFX-35 green dots on two of my pistols. The green is very easy to see and I've never seen a more crisp dot. I got both of mine on sale from Optics Planet well under $200 each. I also have one of the Holosun's with the ACSS reticle and really like it.
While my favorite pistol optic is the Holosun 507k X2, I totally agree with you about the Viridian RFX35. It’s a great optic!
I really like the Red Dots on my ARs (one is a Vortex Venom), and I'd like to put one on at least one of my pistols. Unfortunately, that means either buying a new slide or seeing if a gunsmith can mill the existing slide(s). Either of which, is not without some not insubstantial costs when you're on a fixed income.
Has anyone had a slide milled? What's the average cost.? I live in a rural area, so I'd have to ship the slide to someone for the work.
Eric, what sight do you recommend for an Alaskan .454 with a 2.5 inch barrel? Didn't see any revolvers in this article.
interesting to see that there is no closed emitter red dots on this list
For the micro red dot market…the gold standard is the Shield RMSc footprint which the HS507K uses as well. It fit on all the guns we’ve tried…
I have read conflicting information. Is this true for the Shield Plus? I would like to get one for my wife’s Shield plus.
I am a little disappointed that there was no mention of the Riton red dot. I couldn't find a date on this article so maybe this predated it?
Funny , you all really don't care much about the Shield Red Dot. I have been using Shield Red Dots for years ,have one on my Max9 and Glock 43 and HK VP9 to be fair(Glass Lens), I also have a Trijicon RMR on a Sig P2022. You mentioned that Shield Uk has been making Red Dots for years and YES they have for OTHERS. IE look at the Sig,and Trijicon and interesting they are made by Shield under contract. Personally I'll stay with Shield UK. For the price it's outstanding . Oh their customer service is the EXCELLENT even if they are across the pond. Response time is within 24hrs or less and they are eager to help.
Comparing the high-end Delta Point Pro and Trijicon to the budget-priced Vortex Venom is an unfair and flawed comparison! Why didn't you include the Vortex Razor? It is similar or lower priced than your top-rated entries. The Vortex Razor has fantastic glass, super-crisp 6moa dot(or 3moa if you prefer), side loading battery compartment, and tough. And with the best customer service. Importantly; I've used them all and I do not work for Vortex.
because they were payed to compare specific red dots.
Just to clarify, we were not paid to include or compare any specific red dots. These are the ones we have on hand and have experience with.
I have Holosun 507C Green and the 507 with the red chevron ACSS. While I prefer the bright green I use the ACSS for competion. When in odd positions or weak hand only stages the large outer centering ring is a treat.
A question, as I am considering the purchase of a red dot.
I am retired, but I still have access to a high precision milling machine, my dad's, that used to be a machinist. He taught me I did not want to be a machinist, but needed the training.
What is the precision I need to drill and tap holes for a red dot sighting system?
±0.003, ±0.0005?
Thank you kindly gentlemen.
Tony
+/-.005
Having been in my share, and some of others, defensive gun use - 3/5/7 and 10 yards is where you need to be practicing with fast target focus shooting and forget the red dot. These distances will be where you will most likely find yourself right quick and in a hurry when the time comes and you will not be using a red dot either.
I might add that my friends Trijicon SRO on his competition GLOCK 19 is the only red dot I might consider using on one of my competition pistols along with my Holosun 507c green.
Holosun HE507c Green..... hands down.. 2nd Place to Trijicon RMR.. I love both my Holosun's..The other has red dot. I took off my Vortex Venom and bought another Holosun.
100% agreed !!!
you people need to stop pushing made in china garbage
Glad to see the 507c on there, I have the green version for my P320. Any availability or review info on the Fastfire 4 with selectable reticles? I'm thinking of one for my PCC. Also, any issue with gases from LCI pistol barrel notches clouding the lenses? Thanks!
We have a 507C on a 9mm AK and so far so good! https://www.pewpewtactical.com/kalashnikov-usa-kp-9-review/
Thanks very much for an insightful and well researched article, as always. I have four Shield RMSc sights, two “glass” and two with a polymer lens. The polymer lens requires careful maintenance and cleaning as it scratches easier than you would expect. The battery life of the Shield is about one year also. I would recommend these sights but I would most definitely recommend the “glass” and not the polymer lens.
I have a Trijicon SRO too. I see it’s not mentioned in the article. Any views on the SRO? I use it on my working Glock 19. Thanks again for your excellent firearm journalism.
Good info on the two types of lenses! And yes we have a standalone SRO review: https://www.pewpewtactical.com/trijicon-sro-review/
Why do you say the Holosun 507K is "Overall our favorite micro red dot right now" yet it does not appear in your top 5?
Hi Mike, we split it up by footprints with full-size/compact red dots and micro red dots. The K is a micro red dot which take up places 6-11.
This was a great rundown on red dots. Have you ever reviewed the Riton MPRD 2? It looks interesting and I’m wondering where it falls within the range of red dots in your list and if it’s worth considering.
I wish the RMR type 2 was shake and wake. Don’t like having to press a small button to turn it on.
Hey guys im really busy this sunday and its when i check into Pew Pew but i didnt get a chance to really look over the whole post/message? I am wondering since i jumped into the whole P80 Glock19 thing i didnt realize that an RMR cut slide limits me to a Trijicon red dot? They are so damn expensive i cant justify buying one?!!! Are there any other red dots out there that will fit the RMR cut that are a bit cheaper? Or am i limited to "only" Trijicon"$$$$?
It fits the holosun mentioned here
Check out the SOUSA Optics R.A.I.D. Pistol Dot. It’s RMR mount, nice quality, and well under $200.
As Anthony Stevenson said the Holosun 507C (not K) will fit the RMR plate
I am glad you did not omit the Holosun 507C. It's the best.
I hear it will mount on an RMR cut slide......do you know if it dose? Or if there is any kind of adapter to be able to buy something other then a Trijicon? I mean damn$$$?
Dah! Some one screwed the pooch missed big time! The Leupold DP-Pro is also has a specific night vision model the is compatible with the latest night vision equipment.
I like the holson HS507c will that co-witness with the staccato 2c dpo
Jealous. I miss my STI...
Do any of these fit/compatible with the Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP Edition? I want to get an optic for it but want to make sure it fits without me having to do any extra work. Greatly appreciate your response in advance to my question!
If I had the Hellcat OSP, I’d buy the HEX Wasp, which fits the mounting footprint precisely. Springfield just launched HEX as an optics company and though the the Wasp fits any slide w/ a Shield RMSc footprint, aesthetically it was made for the Hellcat and just looks great. Plus, it’s aluminum and glass, not polymer (Romeo Zero, Shield RMSc).
I can't find the "V2" version tested and it's not listed on Holosun's website. It seems that it was upgraded to the Holosun HS507C-X2. Could you check to verify this as your replacement recommendation?
That is the correct optic! Not sure if they renamed it or if we mistyped it, either way -- very highly recommended and good to go!
How are red dot sights affected by the gases coming off a suppressor mounted on a hand gun?
I'm curious. Why did you aim the RMR and Vortex at the darkened part of your wall, and then aim the Leupold, Burris and Holosun at the white the part of your wall? Personal bias or are Trijicon and Vortex providing you with pistol red dots?
We never even noticed. The Holosun footage was taken months after the others, Vortex and Burris might have provided a red dot for T&E but I don't remember -- Leupold and Trijicon I believe were ones bought by Eric, Holosun red dots are all ones I've bought. A white wall in the day time provides enough contrast that I don't think the minor difference in shadow really equates to anything.
Only one red dot or maybe two red dots on this list are worthy for EDC. The RMR and the Delta point. These reviews lack any sort of real shooter feedback. All this is a bunch fluff info to get you to by through their affiliate link on Amazon. The Vortex Venom and Viper are pure garbage along with the Burris. Basically fake ass news. You want real reviews from a real shooter go to Sage Dynamics.
Sage Dynamics doesn't recommend the Delta Point. The only two he recommends for EDC are the Trijicon RMR and the Holosun line.
Jerry Miculek uses the Vortex Viper, so I wonder just how bad it can be.
Not saying the Viper is good or bad (never used one) but it's a safe bet Miculek doesn't pay for them and when/if it goes tit's up he get's a new one overnighted to him from the Vortex.
I second that.
How far forward are these typically mounted?
Is there any additional precision in mounting them more towards the rear of the rail?
They are mounted where the rear sight normally goes, plus or minus a tiny bit.
There is no accuracy or precision advantage in placement location.
Thank you David!!
These red dots are a big money maker. Look at the less expensive units and check the comments. First thing you don’t need a lot of the extras, you want the dot and the target to line up clearly, so long as the dot doesn’t move your in business.
You've seriously missed the boat by not including the Holosun red dot. They're durable, well built with monolithic frame, clear optics, greatbatterylifewithinstan-on... I could go on but, that's your job.
For the price point, it doesn't get any better.
I apologize! I didn't see the Holosun listed up top and found it way down at the bottom so, I acquiesce!!
You got it right! Absolutely the best for the $ and then some!
Do any of those sights come with an adapter of some sort in order to mount them on a HK Mark 23?
Wondering if there are any recs for a green dot sight for my weaver mount rifle. Seems they range in cost from under $100 and go up to about $700 or so. I am not sure what I am looking for re value, accuracy, etc. If anyone has a suggestion or you have a previous post regarding green dots I would appreciate it. Thanks all.
We got an article for you! Red vs. Green Dots, my recommendation would be the Holosun 510c GR
Thank you David. Much appreciated
Good job! Keep it up. Also can you do a review on European red dots like Leica and Docteurs too pls.
Yes, I agree. Great to see the reviews and I’d like to know about Leica and any other Euro red dots.
The delta point Pro has a night vision model, how would this compare with the type 2 night vision?
Any way to attach a red dot to (an original) 70 Series Gold Cup? My old eyes can no longer see rear sight, front sight and bullseye in the same picture.
Nothing from Sig Sauer?
Do you have thoughts on how the Sig Romeo series, in particular the Romeo Zero fit into this lineup?
We haven't tested the pistol optic series from Sig yet, but from what I've heard they have durability issues compared to Trijicon and Holosun.
I have the Sig Romero 1 and it’s so awesome. Rugged. Great features, auto off and on. 10 levels of brightness. Top battery replacement etc. it’s awesome and has a great price point
What are your thoughts on the Sightmark Core Shot and Sighmark Mini Shot?
I haven't tried or seen any Sightmark product that was worth the money. I would not put their optics on my firearms.
I have heard the Holosun is one of the best, if not the best, if you have an astigmatism (especially the green dot). The only red dot I had was a Vortex and I sold it because it looked terrible to me. All I could see was a star-like plume in lieu of a dot. The Holosun is said to virtually eliminate that compared to other red dots.
I have a Holosun 510 on my AR. I also have astigmatism. I looked at several other sights before I bought the Holosun. It has the clearest dot to me. Go to a dealer that has a good variety of sights, tell them what you want and check them all out. Like usual, you get what you pay for. I spent about $300 or so and I’m really happy with it. I looked at a Trijicon and I couldn’t see it well. Aimpoint same thing. If I’m right, the Holosun is a reflex sight. Mine is also shake awake and is supposed to last about 30000 + hours. I like it and it works well for me.
I am now 62 years old but I have used red dots for almost 10 years. I have trijicon, vortex and burris and am satisfied with all of them. I have a burris fastfire on a 45-70 guide gun and continue to take deer in season, i have vortex on ARs and can't see why anyone would rely on iron sites for less then 100 meters, i have a trijicon on a Glock 35 and am getting accustomed to it but see the same promise for this configuration as the others. Practice is what counts! from seeing the dot on target to learning the controls. For us old guys, red dots keep us in the game. Stay safe and healthy!
i am 65 and purchase my first red dot. i am VERY happy with the Burris FF. I know i don't have anything to compare it to, but, with my eyesight, it has became hard to focus on the front and rear sight and the target all at the same time. the red dot took care of that. What i was extremely pleased about was the forever warranty. I drop the pistol will adjusting a new holster and broke the sight, totally my fault. Contacted Burris, told them what i did, sent the sight in and they covered it 100% at NO CHARGE to me. Today its hard to find a company that believe in and stands behind their products. Burris lives up to their word. I shot over 300 rounds in my Ruger American 45 and the sight is still dead on.
“I couldn’t find exact numbers on it…but it says it can be up to 5 years.
Also, a key thing to note is that there’s an auto-turnoff function at 9 hours.
Great on the surface since you the battery won’t die if you forget to turn it off. But not the best if you’re carrying.
For this reason, I wouldn’t recommend it for CCW. But still perfect for a range/competition gun…especially with Burris’ forever warranty.”
So why exactly are you unable to recommend this for CCW usage? Is it due to the 9hr auto turn off or the 5 year battery life? Does the optic turn on with movement like other systems? The lack of proper editing/ proof reading in this article leaves me a bit unsure about the validity of the reviews.
I second that. Reading that article, the author's "about me". The run-on sentences, the lack of most punctuation, completely horrible read. The guy is lucky he can feed himself while disguised as a journalist. JS. First impressions of a first visitor.
Where did you get the titanium for $205? I'm about to purchase one and I'd like to get titanium if you could post the link please?
Interesting article
However, one thing I've noticed from having three Trijicon RMRs, some for four years, plus both Type I & Type II, is that I've NEVER found it necessary to re-zero after the annual battery change.
Have an original Series 70 Gold Cup. Currently have tritium adjustible rear sights, otherwise identical to the original rear sight setup and which was an easy drop-in.
Is there a red dot setup that would use the original Gold Cup slide without slide modification? All my other mods have been drop-in (extended grip safety, Pachmyer rubber grips, etc.) Would like to avoid making permanent mods to this great, classic .45 that out of the box was and is more accurate than I.
Good article, I like your analysis and ratings, but you forgot to mention a positive festure of the Burris FF: it has different mounting plates that fit many specific firearm's rear iron sight grooves. If you don't have a rear sight mount/removal tool, a gunsmith can press out your rear iron sight and press in the mounting plate.
What do you think about the Shield RMS or the Noblex Doctor?
The Doctor is one of the better small light weight optics available. It’s more common in Europe than in the U.S. due to marketing and hype. If you buy one, I think you’ll be very happy. The Shield RMS is not a strong optic. It is small, lightweight and compact and that is both the Pro and the Con. Unfortunately it is not a good option unless you are very very careful using it because bit is not rugged or durable. It cannot take a lick and keep on ticking. All of the other optics reviewed are much much better, especially the Acro, Holosun and RMR
I was frustrated with a conventional handgun scope on my 454 Casull, and my aging eyes. Decided to try a Vortex Venom with a small Burris mount. Love the darn little thing. Only have to focus on my target, because the red dot looks like it’s on the target. Have over 500 full power loads through it now without any problems at all. I wonder why it took me so long to go with this type of sight.
February seems early to come out with a 2019 list. Was the Trijicon SRO out when you made the list?
Also, I'm surprised the Holosun 507c was only an honorable mention
Feb was when we last did an update, we have another update coming soon though!The SRO was not out at the time, but we JUST published a complete review of it! (literally published it just a few minutes after your comment, haha). I've been running the Holosun 507c on my Glock for a couple of months now, we're going to include it in the next update of this article and not just as an honorable mention :D
I cannot find a pre-milled slide for either my Walther PPQ nor for my SIG 320 Compact. Any suggestion?
What do you think of the SIG Romeo 1 on the SIG320 Compact RX? Heard it is not very reliable??
I picked up the P320 XCompact yesterday and it is milled for Sig’s optics. springer precision makes mounts to adapt that slide for a variety of optics. Not sure if you’d be able to find that slide by itself, unfortunately.
Evolution Gun Works makes a playe that fits the ppq. I just ordered on for mine
A British firm, Shield Sights, makes at least 2 red dots, the RMS and the RMSc, that are excellent and smaller than most of the sights you reviewed. They are available at Brownells etc. and are a much better fit for smaller handguns like Glock G26, Glock G43, Sig P365 etc.
I had an RMS put on a Glock G26 and the slightly smaller RMSc put on a Glock G43 at Lone Wolf Distributors. You just send your slide and your red det to them and they will have the slide back to you in about a week (or at least they did for me).
What? Holosun 507c isn't in this list??
Can we add Holosun once updated? Thanks
I have had a Trijicon RMR RM07 on my S&W M&P40 PC Ported for about three years.
You DO NOT have to resight after changing the battery.
Otherwise good info on the Trijicon RMRs.
H K
could you guys write an article about pistol red dot mounting solutions? And some affordable solutions to actually have one mounted on the slide?
Anyone tried the Truglo TRU•TEC MICRO SUB–COMPACT OPEN RED DOT SIGHT?
What a great goddamm article. Love the content, exactly what I needed to read to know what's what in the current crop of red dot sights.
Looking to add a red dot to my Glock 29 hiking/woods/campin gun and I've got some soul searching to do, as far as what to go with.
Thanks so much, Bryan! Let us know what you end up doing with your G29!
I chose the Vortex Viper over the Venom. The sides don't bulge out and it will fit a single stack pistol better because it is narrower.
Thanks for the review, I really had a hard time deciding between the RMR, Delta Point Pro & Dr. Optic (surprised Dr. Optic wasn’t included in review as they are in my opinion better than Burris & Vortex and have would b better priced with the RMR & DPP). I decided to go with the Delta Point Pro for many of the pros you detailed but also needed to be mentioned is the optional rear sight mount on the DPP that allows more esthetic look and provide co-witness. One other important feature that was failed to be mentioned is Leupold Gold Ring Lifetime Warrany on this product, this is what really sealed the deal as other red dots of similar quality and price only had a limited warranty that lasted a few years.
Sig Romeo 1 needs to be added to the list.
Agreed. A great optic, well priced, and in my opinion better than at least a couple of these.
Red dot is a little blurrier than a venom. I have one of each on a sig p320 and a kimber arctic lw and the venom has a sharper dot.
The Burris FF3 is GREAT; I have three on different pistols and they work great on my Tuesday nite shoots; I use the 8-min dot for pistol. Really improved my score.
You need to move the "pros/cons of red dots" to the top of the article. Got all excited to spend money, only to see the dreaded fogging problem at the very end! I'm running in and out of VERY different environments at work, from a humid 95 outside, to AC, to a reefer (35 degrees), and back out. Tried wearing my glasses at work, can't see after the 1st trip in (same results in the winter as well). Even tried anti fog spray, and while that helps initially, after the 3rd trip, I can't see, lol. Red dots won't work on my CC, dang it!
Trying a slightly different format since I was seeing readers leaving unless the list is at the way top.
As always, thanks for the great information. Actually something I was looking for a long time. I got the Romeo1 on my Sig and love that one too. Did you have the chance to look at the Nikon Spur? I got that one for my WC EDC X9 - still waiting for it to come back from the Gunsmith.
You're so welcome! Haven't heard about the Nikon Spur yet...let me know how you like it.
Your review was useful and well written I noted, however, that you omitted tube sights like the Accupoint and UltraDot. While the reviewed sights might work well for action shooting, they be unlikely to be seen on a bullseye conventional pistol line. It should also be mentioned that those with astigmatism will see more flare than dot. Interestingly, many illuminated rifle scopes also under-serve those with older or astigmatic eyes. Such shooters often do better with etched glass reticles. Why pistol scope makers don't use this approach remains a mystery.
Question, Do you know of a Red Dot that uses the rear sight dovetail on a Ruger Security 9?
I purchased a Vortex Venom for my Buckmark, for Bullseye Competition, mainly for the 3 MOA dot, and battery placement. Does really well, have not had battery replacement as of yet.
Good to hear!
The Amazon link for the FastFire III points to the Vortex Venom.
perhaps they must have fixed it ? I found the Burris on Amazon via that link.