5 of the Best Red Dot for AR15 Rifles For Tactical and Hunting Needs
Oh boy! I know that you are excited to use your brand new AR15. It needs no denying that an AR-15 is a powerful rifle, and a consistent one, too. But just like any weapon platforms, the performance of AR rifles are doubled when you install scopes and sights to them.
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Specifically, the best red dot for AR15 is a game changer. Regardless of the application, the red dot will undoubtedly aid your aims. It can result to more successful hits. If you are a beginner, having such amenity is quite advantageous to your part. They can teach you the fundamentals of the proper aim-and-shoot. Of course, I acknowledge the fact that iron sights can do this feat, too. But for simplicity and automation, red dot sights are the best choice.
You can benefit various advantages from using a red dot sight to your AR15. But before I discuss each of them, I will feature some of the ideal options for this shooting accessory first. I have listed some of the best units of red dot sights that are compatible with AR15. Do you want to know them? Then read on!
Table could not be displayed.Best Red Dot for AR15: Top 5 Options
1. Vortex Optics Sparc 2 Red Dot MOA (SPC-402) Scope - Editor's Choice
The Vortex Optics Sparc 2 is among the most excellent red dot scopes that you can see on the market today. It features superb responsiveness and ingenuity at a price range that will make your jaws drop. It is capable of fast target acquisition, thanks to its Speed Point Aiming for Rapid Combat or Sparc 2 Technology. You can freely mount this device to your AR-15 rifle and other firearms. Take note that the height of its mount can be adjusted, too.
The controls of the Vortex Optics Sparc 2 are ergonomic as well. All of them are rear-facing, which means that you can easily access them. Specifically, this red dot sight offers several brightness levels to its red dot. It also has a smart feature that allows the dot to return to its last intensity level once you activated the sight again.
Of course, the sturdiness and durability of the Vortex Optics Sparc 2 are prolific as well. The housing of this red dot sight comes from aircraft-grade aluminum. It also comes with O-ring seals that ensure a fog-proof and waterproof performance. The optics are quite durable, too. The latter features a low-grade matte finish, which enhances its sturdiness and reliability. Therefore, you can freely take this device to any harsh terrains or climate conditions.
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A close contender of the Vortex Optics, the C-MORE has been responsible some of the most reliable red dots used by professional shooters nowadays. Precisely, the C-MORE Systems Railway Red Dot Sight proves to be a convenient choice. The latter has a low-profile design that prevents obstructions in your field of view. It is also lightweight, which makes it very comfortable to use.
Its unique design enables this red dot sight to perform quick target acquisition. It can keep up with moving targets because of its responsiveness and clarity. The red dot doesn't wash out in bright conditions. You always have the freedom to use this in daylight applications. Of course, the same with Vortex Optics, the C-MORE Systems Railway Red Dot Sight also features an adjustable brightness intensity. It also features a replaceable dot module.
One of the best features that this red dot sight has is its infinite adjustment for elevation and windage. There are special locking screws included on these changes, which ensures their reliability and accuracy. Meanwhile, the housing of this device comes from aircraft-grade aluminum. Hence, it is as sturdy as other modern scopes and sights. It is also compatible with both Picatinny and Weaver mounts.
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The Sightmark Ultra Shot Pro Spec Sight NV QD is a great red dot sight for those who don't have the freedom to do a shopping spree. Despite its entry-level price, this red dot sight still has impressive features. One of these is its night vision mode. With this capability, you can freely take your AR-15 rifle on evening hunts and other tactical applications. Of course, it still performs well during the daytime. It comes with adjustable brightness to prevent the fading of the red dot.
Moreover, the Sightmark Ultra Shot Pro Spec Sight also have four patterns for its reticles. That enables the users of this scope to modify the reticle based on their preferences. Once you are in your comfort zone, your accuracy will improve, regardless of the atmospheric condition or terrain. Of course, it has a solid construction, too, as the housing comes from a sturdy aluminum.
Another good thing that this red dot sight offers is its double-pane lens system. With the said feature, the optics of the Sightmark Ultra Shot Pro Spec Sight effectively prevents parallax. As a result, the target-acquisition factor is suitable for optimization. Using this device is not problematic either, as most of its control knobs are accessible. Its locking system is notoriously in holding zeroes consistently.
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If you don't have any spending limits, then I recommend that you should get the Trijicon RMR Red Dot Sight. It is an excellent red dot sight that features various capabilities and technologies. It is incredibly reliable and accurate. You will never encounter any difficulties on using this device, regardless of how bright or dark your environment is. Specifically, it comes with eight brightness levels. That excludes its two night-vision modes and one ultra bright setting.
The Trijicon RMR Red Dot Sight is ergonomic as it can get. All of its adjustments and controls are easy to access and utilize. They have a proper position so that you can quickly tap whenever you need to. Of course, the functionality of this red dot sight can also attribute to its reliable and durable housing. The aircraft-grade aluminum body of this device has a unique design that allows it to negate any impact. As a result, it can protect its internal circuitries and the lens itself!
Speaking of the lens, the latter features a wide-band of light transmission. It improves the light-gathering capability of the optics. At the same time, the same feature ensures there is minimal color change on your field of view. On the other hand, the windage and elevation adjustments of the Trijicon RMR Red Dot Sight are tool-free. Therefore, adjusting them won't deter your pace at all. Per click, you can gain 1 MOA, which is pretty accurate for me.
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For those who need a red dot sight for tactical applications, the Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optic can serve them best. It is precisely designed for police and military personnel to help them in confronting in various challenges. The housing of this red dot sight is made from aircraft-grade aluminum and received hard anodized finish. This construction ensures the safety of sensitive circuitries, regardless of the condition.
With its existing battery, the Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optic can last for up to 3 years. It has an efficient power consumption that enables long and extended performance on the field. Meanwhile, the optics of this red dot sight has a band-pass coating. With this feature, the device becomes compatible with standard night visions today.
The Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optic also features a QRP2 mount. The latter can be adjusted so that it can accommodate the line-of-sight of its user. It has an integrated spacer that co-witness any iron sights on M16 and AR15 platforms. Of course, you can remove these spacers so that you can use the view of sub-machine guns or shotguns. The QRP2 mount comes with a torque-knob that ensures the right level of rail pressure. It also eliminates the chances of over-tightening.
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How to Choose the Best Red Dot for AR15
Red dot sights are always a great accompaniment for modern rifles like the AR-15. They provide the consistency and speed that you may not get if you are just going to rely on your iron sight. It would be great if you would spare some money to invest in this device, especially if you are serious if your hobby. They can make the difference, regardless of the application.
But how should you choose the right red dot for your firearm? Are there any factors that you should pay attention? Well, the next section will teach you the ropes. Let's start.
Durability
Overall, a red dot sight should be as durable as your rifle. If you want to take this device outdoors, it should have impervious construction. Fog, moisture, dust, and other external detriments must not easily penetrate its housing. Otherwise, the circuits inside would be damaged.
Furthermore, the housing should be resistant to recoils as well. AR-15 rifles have notoriously strong recoils. Therefore, the scope should be rugged enough to keep all of its parts in place. Of course, this factor is dependent on the integrity of the mounting system. If the scope is compatible with the standard Picatinny or Weaver rails, then things are right for you already.
If the red dot sight can be mounted snugly, the stability and precision of your shots won't be affected. You can gain quick target acquisitions since the view is not wobbly and flimsy.
The Reticle
The size of the reticle is another crucial factor that you should consider when choosing a red dot sight. Some reflex sights offer a fixed size while others will let you adjust them. These two options are great. Just take which one do you think can give you more versatility and comfort in the field.
Also, don't forget that the reticle should have adjustable brightness. In this way, the red dot sight can adapt to extremely bright conditions. Ordinary scopes have reticles that quickly wash out during daylight conditions. That's not a good thing at all. For better results, the sight should produce a reticle that can shine brightly, regardless of the illumination. Ideally, it should also work during the night, too.
Don't worry if the red dot appears to be fuzzy. That is normal. It is quite impossible to find a reticle that has a clear and detailed outline.
Batteries
Of course, red dot sights will not operate if you won't insert its batteries. These are electronic devices after all. Unfortunately, all red dot sights have different battery capacities. Some of them can last a day without switching off, while others have limited hours of use. Logically, you should opt for those units that can operate for an extended period. They can provide a reliable service that is necessary for police and tactical personnel.
Despite this, you should never be abusive and clumsy. If you are done using, you should already switch off the device. If you tend to be forgetful, then you must get a unit that has an automatic shutdown feature. Also, take note that batteries quickly discharges during cold weather.
Final Verdict
Red dot sights are useful amenities. They can drastically improve the performance and accuracy of AR-15 rifles and other firearms. Your handgun can even benefit from them because of the extra precision they can provide.
All the red dot sights that I have featured here are capable of doing these feats and more, especially if you are going to choose the Vortex Optics Sparc 2. The latter is my best red dot for AR15. It is incredibly versatile and stable. It is very functional, too. All the necessary adjustments, such as for the brightness, windage, and elevation are on this device. The housing and lenses are very durable, too. It is not a surprise anymore if professionals like this reflex sight.
But for you, which of these red dot sights have the most exemplary performance? Have I missed anything? Tell me your answers in the comment section below!
