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6 Red Dots That Do It Differently

Leupold DeltaPoint Micro Red Dot
We take a look at a handful of red dots that take a departure from the normal design philosophy and offer an innovative approach to optics.
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    The red dot market has gotten very crowded in the last 5-10 years, but that’s not a bad thing. Having more options is always better, and the price of red dots is going down.

    Not only are they more affordable than ever, they’ve consistently improved. Making a good red dot is fairly simple if you follow the standard, proven formula.

    Leupold DeltaPoint Micro Red Dot
    Leupold DeltaPoint Micro Red Dot

    However, not everyone follows that simple roadmap. Some companies are still trying to innovate and develop new designs.

    Today, we are looking at a handful of these red dots that take a departure from the normal design philosophy.

    THE QUICK LIST

    1. Best Direct-Mount Option

      Holosun SCS

    Table of Contents

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    How We Chose Red Dots That Are Built Different

    For this article, we chose red dots that offered a little something extra — features or a design that bucked traditional red dots. 

    All of the models listed below are ones we’ve either tested in person, evaluated at an event, or heavily researched based on our expertise in optics.

    Leupold DeltaPoint Micro Red Dot
    Leupold DeltaPoint Micro Red Dot

    Leading this search is Travis Pike, a Pew Pew Tactical author and gun writer. 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 an NRA-certified instructor, concealed carry trainer, and competitor gives him unique insight into guns and their gear, including red dots. 

    Travis shooting Primary Arms Classic Mini Reflex Sight on Arex Delta M
    PPT author Travis Pike

    Red Dots That Do It Differently

    1. Ruger ReadyDot – Most Affordable

    Most Affordable
    $62
    at Kygunco

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Pros

    • Extremely affordable
    • No batteries required
    • Plug-and-play installation

    Cons

    • Large reticle isn’t for every use case
    • Non-adjustable for brightness or elevation/windage

    Specs

    • Reticle: 15 MOA dot
    • Power Source: Fiber optic illumination
    • Mounting Footprint: Shield RMSc
    • Weight: 0.3 oz

    Ruger releasing a red dot in 2023 was not on my bingo card. But after I saw how it worked, I knew I had to have one, especially with an MSRP of only $99.

    What can you expect from a red dot sight at $99 or less? If it’s adjustments to zero or brightness settings, you’d be wrong.

    This optic comes ‘pre zeroed’ from the factor and automatically adjusts for brightness depending on the ambient light. Yeah, that sounds a little crazy, but the sight starts to make a little more sense when you see that it uses a 15 MOA reticle.

    Ruger ReadyDot (Photo: Shoot On)

    Just put this massive dot on your target, and you are pretty likely to hit something. Mine tends to hit to the left, but it does hit.

    This strange combination of features creates the red dot equivalent of a J-frame front sight. It’s fixed and accurate enough at typical ranges to get you on target.

    You lose some of the advantages of a red dot, like the ability to take long-range precision shots. However, it’s simply a drop-and-go affair, and Ruger offers bundles with the red dot preinstalled on their MAX-9 handguns.

    Ruger ReadyDot view through
    Ruger ReadyDot view-through showing the 15 MOA reticle. (Photo: TFB)

    The Ruger ReadyDot does not use a battery; it gathers external light via fiber optics. The benefit is that it can sit lower enough to co-witness with standard iron sights, which is a good thing in case it’s too dark to generate the dot.

    Am I completely sold on the Ruger ReadyDot? Not entirely. But I do appreciate the cost-effective and super simple approach that makes it easy for new shooters to try out a pistol dot.

    2. Leupold DeltaPoint Micro Red Dot – Smallest Footprint

    Smallest Footprint
    $146
    at BattleHawk Armory

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Pros

    • Doesn’t require slide cuts or milling
    • Small form factor
    • Sight doesn’t have to be removed to change batteries

    Cons

    • Tiny viewing window
    • Only available for Glock and S&W M&P pistols

    Specs

    • Reticle: 3 MOA dot
    • Power Source: CR1632
    • Mounting Footprint: Glock or S&W M&P rear sight mount
    • Weight: 1.1 oz
    • Battery Life: 30,000 hours

    Leupold is rarely one of the first to do anything new, but they did go off the beaten path with their DeltaPoint Micro.

    Most red dots require the slide to be cut in order to mount it, but not the DeltaPoint Micro. These simply replace your rear sight, resulting in much less bulk than a standard dot.

    Leupold DeltaPoint Micro Red Dot
    Leupold DeltaPoint Micro

    This is by far the smallest viewing window I’ve ever seen on a red dot optic. It’s a simple tube that looks more akin to a peepsight than a red dot. Inside that little tube, a 3 MOA dot gives you a precise aiming point.

    Since the dot replaces the rear sight it doesn’t require any suppressor height sights to co-witness. In fact, it places itself in such a way that should the battery die, you can use the Micro as the rear sight.

    The smaller window makes the dot harder to find if you have a not-so-stellar gun presentation. However, once you have practiced enough, it is easy to find repeatably.

    Leupold DeltaPoint Micro Red Dot

    The dot’s power source and electronics all sit below the gun, with the battery housing covering the back of your slide. Accessing and swapping batteries can be done quickly without removing the optic. The optic is fully enclosed, so it will work rain or shine.

    There are some challenges when trying to use the DeltaPoint Micro at longer distances. It can be done, but a lot of your sight picture is taken up by the front sight, which, combined with the small window, can obscure much of the target.

    Overall, it’s super convenient and requires no slide cuts to your gun. But sadly, the DeltaPoint Micro is only available for Glock and S&W M&P pistols.

    Leupold DeltaPoint Micro Red Dot
    Leupold DeltaPoint Micro Red Dot

    3. Meprolight Foresight – Most Feature-Rich

    Most Feature-Rich
    $349
    at Sportsman's Warehouse

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Pros

    • Can store up to 10 different zero profiles
    • Unique heads-up display
    • Compatible with smartphones

    Cons

    • Only rechargeable via USB-C
    • Recently discontinued

    Specs

    • Reticle: 20 different user-selectable reticles
    • Power Source: USB-C rechargeable internal battery
    • Mounting Footprint: Picatinny
    • Weight: 9.9 oz
    • Battery Life: 50 hours

    The Meprolight Foresight is the most Sci-Fi sight on this list. It’s the world’s first smart optic that can interface with your Android or iOS device.

    The purpose of this connection is to allow you to customize the optic, zero the optic, and store up to ten different zero profiles.

    So, what’s the benefit of having multiple zeroes that you can change with the push of a button?

    Bullpup Scorpion and Meprolight Foresight in the wild
    CZ Scorpion bullpup equipped with a Meprolight Foresight

    If you mark the mounting position on your gun, it’s an optic that can switch from gun to gun without having to re-sight it in each time.

    On a single gun, you can set different zeroes for different types of ammo. With a shotgun, you can have a zero for buckshot and another for slugs. With a .300 Blackout, you can set a zero up for both supersonic and subsonic ammo.

    The app also makes zeroing super easy, and you never have to turn a turret if you don’t want to. It also has the ability to swap between a ton of reticles, which is a feature we don’t see on most optics.

    Meprolight-Foresight-display
    Foresight HUD

    The most futuristic part is that the Foresight provides a total heads-up display. Not only does it have a reticle, but it also has a battery monitor, a compass, and a level. The HUD is customizable, and the user can pick and choose what is displayed.

    It might seem gimmicky, but in practice, the Foresight is a solid all-around optic. It’s precise, easy to use, and offers a number of unique features. Unfortunately, the Foresight has been recently discontinued, although some retailers still have existing stock.

    4. Holosun SCS – Best Direct-Mount Option

    Best Direct-Mount Option
    $349
    at OpticsPlanet

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Pros

    • No batteries needed
    • Direct, low-profile mounting
    • Solar charging

    Cons

    • No manual brightness adjustment
    • Battery life is lower than standard Holosun red dots

    Specs

    • Reticle: 32 MOA circle w/ 2 MOA center dot
    • Power Source: Solar-recharged internal battery
    • Mounting Footprint: Direct mount for Glock MOS, Walther PDP, HK VP9, Sig P320, S&W M&P 2.0
    • Weight: 1.05-1.3 oz
    • Battery Life: 20,000 hours

    Solar-charged sights aren’t new, and Holosun has been producing optics with solar backups for a while now. But they recently introduced the SCS, or Solar Charging Sight, that runs exclusively off solar power.

    The goal of the SCS is to eliminate the need to ever swap batteries again.

    The optic has an internal rechargeable battery capable of lasting 20,000 hours. Any exposure to light will start the charging process, and there is a low power indicator.

    Holosun SCS (Photo: Concealed Carry)

    The Holsoun SCS series lacks buttons to adjust the brightness but does offer an override function to shoot the battery to the highest setting for 30 minutes. Unlike other optics that automatically adjust, the SCS utilizes a series of multi-directional light sensors to get a more realistic adjustment.

    This system works very well with weapon-mounted lights. It’s the only automatic adjustment system I’ve seen work to a proper degree for a multitude of situations.

    The SCS series can directly mount to the Glock MOS system without the use of an adapter plate. The same goes for the VP9, S&W, and PDP series of guns. Their latest 320 version is an enclosed emitter that mounts directly to DeltaPoint Pro footprints.

    SHOT Show 2022 Holosun SCS
    Holosun SCS mounted on a Glock

    Another huge bonus to the SCS is that these optics sit so low that you don’t have to use suppressor height sights to co-witness with your irons.

    No batteries, an auto-adjust feature that actually works, and an ultra-low direct-mount profile make the SCS an attractive option.

    What are your thoughts on the Holosun SCS? Rate it below.

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    5. Bear Creek Arsenal Smart Red Dot – Best Integrated Rangefinder

    Integrated Rangefinder
    $299
    at Bear Creek Arsenal

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Pros

    • Built-in laser range finder
    • Reasonably small size, even with the range finder
    • Not overly expensive

    Cons

    • Range finder limited to 400 yards
    • No alternative reticle options

    Specs

    • Reticle: 4 MOA dot
    • Power Source: CR2 battery
    • Mounting Footprint: Picatinny
    • Weight: 14.4 oz

    Bear Creek Arsenal is known for their budget-minded AR-15s. But in 2022, they released the Smart Red Dot. This product combines your standard red dot with an integrated laser rangefinder.

    This mini laser range finder makes it quick and easy to obtain a distance and adjust as necessary.

    The Smart Red Dot uses a simple 4 MOA dot, features ten brightness settings, and has an integrated Picatinny mount. 

    BCA Smart Red Dot (Photo: Bear Creek Arsenal)

    The range finder can be button pressed for one distinct range or set to scan mode to continuously display the range to target.

    It is a bit disappointing that the range finder is only good out to a maximum of 400 yards. However, that still means it can be beneficial for things like subsonic .300 Blackout, .458 SOCOM, and other cartridges where the drop is significant, and knowing your ranges is critical.

    I wish they had picked a more reticle dot like the bullet drop estimating EOTech-type reticle. I feel like this would make it easier to use with the range finder and would make it a bit more effective.

    A look at the rangefinder display on the rear of the sight. (Photo: Bear Creek Arsenal)

    The use cases for the Bear Creek Arsenal Smart Red Dot may be niche, but it is budget-friendly despite offering a built-in laser rangefinder.

    6. Holosun DRS-TH

    $1,883
    at Holosun

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Pros

    • Thermal imaging capability
    • Affordable as far as thermal optics go
    • Small form factor for a thermal
    • Ability to operate as a standard red dot

    Cons

    • Fast battery drain
    • Resolution isn’t as high as dedicated thermal optics

    Specs

    • Reticle: 32 MOA circle w/ 2 MOA center dot
    • Power Source: 18350 rechargeable battery
    • Mounting Footprint: Picatinny
    • Weight: 18.5 oz
    • Battery Life: 10 hours (thermal sensor), 50,000 hours (red dot)

    When Holosun announced their combination red dot/thermal overlay sight at SHOT Show 2024, they definitely caught everyone’s attention.

    Thermal imaging is nothing new, but the technology is getting more compact and more affordable. The DRS Thermal series aims to bring thermal optics to the everyman.

    Holosun DRS-TH (Photo: Gritr)

    While a price point of around $1,600 doesn’t seem cheap, it’s remarkably cheap when you look at other thermal optics.

    On top of being a thermal optic, it still functions as a standard red dot. You can turn the thermal overlay off and use it like you would any other dot.

    The Holosun DRS seems to be based on the AEMS design and provides similar features but without a solar failsafe panel. The optic is powered by two 18359 rechargeable batteries, which can be charged while they remain in the optic.

    The bulbous design of the optic is due to the thermal sensor, which creates the overlay. The DRS can be connected to various other devices like a tablet or phone. Doing so lets you watch through the thermal imager and even record videos and take pictures.

    View-through on the DRS-TH on the thermal setting. (Image: Dirty Civilian)

    While the DRS might not yet be up to military duty standards, the thermal design is well-suited for hunting hogs or recreational shooting. Trust me, thermal is just a ton of fun to play with and enjoy; shooting frozen water bottles is a blast.

    The DRS-TH is set to release at the end of this month (September 2024).

    Final Thoughts

    Not everyone is looking for the most bomb-proof heavy-duty optic out there, and it is nice to see some different designs and approaches in a crowded market.

    With the market ever-growing, I expect even more innovation and oddities to come our way in the near future — and I am here for it.

    Bullpup Scorpion and Meprolight Foresight ADS alt view

    What are your thoughts on the optics on this list? Do you have any experience with any of them? Let us know in the comments below! And if you are looking for more traditional red dots, we’ve got you covered with the Best Red Dots.

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    7 Leave a Reply

    • Jim

      Are comments turned off? I posted a comment a couple of days ago, and it still has not shown up. There should be a lot more than four comments, so apparently others are seeing the same issue.

      October 4, 2024 11:38 am
    • Jim

      I'm glad to see the Ruger ReadyDot on this list. It's not a "competition" red dot, but rather a "self-defense" red dot. It allows you to get quickly on the target and hit what you are shooting at - the big dot is a lot easier to find quickly than a little dot. And no battery to fail or fragile electronics to break.

      Not mentioned: I was shooting my Max-9 a little off. I couldn't understand why, because I was lining up my sights precisely on the target. When I mounted the Ready Dot on my Max-9 and lined up the front sight, back sight, and red dot all on the target, I hit the target. I then discovered that the front sight's dot needed to just touch the right wall of the rear sight, rather than be in the exact center of the rear sight. I never would have known that had I not been using the Ready Dot.

      October 2, 2024 12:46 pm
    • Jim

      I suggest you get the Ruger EC9S. You should be able to get one new for around $250. Very reliable, and very easy to carry due to it being thin. If this was the only gun I had, I would be good with that.

      October 2, 2024 9:02 am
    • John

      The Holosun SCS is a nice idea but they have a ways to go in the internal battery area. There seems to be a problem with the internal battery its self failing and there's no way to change it out your self and need to send it back to Holosun. All they do is swap it for another sight, they don't even bother to change the battery (or at least didn't at first when it was marketed, not sure what they do now though.)

      The Bear Creek Arsenal Smart Red Dot - had a chance to try one of these. Its not a bad sight at all but if you have no real need for the range finder portion its kinda wasted and it would be better with a decent BDC type reticle.

      September 23, 2024 11:18 am
    • Tony S

      Red dots are great when you have time to focus on the target before taking the shot.
      The combat matches I take forbid red dots or anything except iron sights. Emphasis is placed on speed and magazine changes. Only 5 rounds are loaded per magazine with the final section being three rounds in each of two magazines. This final section you cannot raise the pistol above your shoulders. It’s fire three rounds into one target, change the magazine and three rounds into a second target. Five seconds is the time limit.
      The first time I did this match I was surprised at how fast I could change magazines under pressure - and that I also missed the target a lot.
      In a fast real world shootout sights are the last thing you are looking at.
      But for training and most competitions a red dot is nice to have.

      September 20, 2024 3:37 pm
    • A. Short

      This is a little off topic. However nobody makes anything with a "true poor" in mind. These so called budget prices, do not reflect a true poor. Such as a poor on a low fixed income, or minimum wage. $100. might not seem like allot to some, but to a true poor, it might as well be $1k optics included.

      September 20, 2024 5:29 am
    • J

      I am done with red dot pistols. I completely agree that they are more precise than iron sights, but not that much more that they outweigh the cons. I had my red dot come loose once (maybe my fault) , but this week it just stopped working properly too. Dot disappeared with each shot. Also, I find it annoying that in different lighting settings, you have to adjust brightness. Iron sights simply always work

      September 19, 2024 1:54 pm
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