AR is among the most reliable rifle platforms in the market today. It is usable for various applications such as hunting, competitive shooting, and tactical operations. It is pretty versatile, even to the attachments that you can mount to it.
Of course, your AR15 is better off if it has a reflex sight. Target acquisition is an easy task if this particular component is present on your rifle. A close-range rifle like the AR-15 can benefit more from a reflex sight than an iron sight. It gives you the flexibility to roll on the field without compromising your pace. Such versatility is not present on any iron sights unless you are already an expert on using them.
More…
The Best Reflex Sight For AR15Best Reflex Sight For AR151. Trijicon RMR MOA Adjustable LED Red Dot Sight – Best Overall Reflex Sight for AR152. C-MORE Systems Railway Red Dot Sight – Runner Up/ Alternative Pick3. Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight – Budget-Friendly Reflex Sight4. Trijicon RMR Adjustable LED Red Dot Sight – A High-End Reflex Sight for AR155. Vortex Razor Red Dot Sight- Best AR 15 Reflex Sight for VersatilityHow to Choose the Best Reflex Sight for AR15Reticle SizeBatteriesDesign of the HousingAvailability of AdjustmentsThe Final Shot
You can use a reflex sight on various occasions. Some of the models that you can see on the market today can withstand extreme terrains and harsh atmospheric conditions. You will certainly need these capabilities from your reflex sight if you want a successful shooting experience.
Now, I am pretty sure that most of you are currently searching for the best reflex sight for AR15. Honestly, it is not an easy task, especially if you are dealing with multiple choices. But if you want an easy way out, then you are in the right place. In here, I have listed some of the most impressive reflex sights that your AR15 will surely love!
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Best Reflex Sight For AR15
1. Trijicon RMR MOA Adjustable LED Red Dot Sight – Best Overall Reflex Sight for AR15
It is pretty undeniable that the Trijicon RMR 3.25 Red Dot Sight is among the top choices today when it comes to AR15 reflex sights. It can automatically adjust its brightness, depending on the current setting. It also has eight controllable light configurations. Such of these are two-night vision settings and one super bright mode. You can quickly toggle these modes with just a single click of a button. The Trijicon RMR 3.25 Red Dot Sight features a patented body design. Specifically, the entire housing comes with an aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, which makes it absurdly durable and rugged. Meanwhile, the shape of the body has an intelligent design in which it can negate away any impact from the optics. As a result, you can guarantee that this tool can last long in the field. For the optics, this reflex sight also features multi-coated lens with actual color. This particular technology improves the light transmission of the device. It also allows the viewer to minimize the changes in color, regardless of the availability of light.It is also noticeable that the Trijicon RMR 3.25 Red Dot Sight has an adjustable elevation and windage. Moreover, you can make these adjustments without the help of any external tools, which is great. Per click, you can get 1 MOA increments. That’s pretty satisfying already!
Pros:
- checkDurable and rugged construction
- checkOptimal light transmission
- checkPreserves color fidelity
- checkDifferent brightness settings
- checkTool-free windage and elevation adjustments
Cons:
- times-circleThere are some battery issues with this sight.
2. C-MORE Systems Railway Red Dot Sight – Runner Up/ Alternative Pick
The C-MORE Systems is quite an unheard name if you compare it to the big players in the sight and scope industry today. But it doesn’t mean that shooters and hunters don’t recognize the capability of their products. Once you can try their reflex sight, you won’t be able to forget its performance. Specifically, the C-MORE Systems Railway Red Dot Sight is a great alternative for the Trijicon RMR Red Dot Sight. Its accuracy and stability don’t lag behind to the latter.
The construction of the C-MORE Systems Railway Red Dot Sight is fluid and reliable enough that quick target acquisition is a guarantee. The optics that it has can provide excellent light transmission and color fidelity for improved visuals. This reflex sight also features a red dot that has adjustable dot module and intensity. As a result, its versatility on the field.
I love the C-MORE Systems Railway Red Dot Sight due to its infinite adjustments for elevation and windage. They also sport a reliable locking mechanism, which ensures the fluency of their setup. Meanwhile, the body of this reflex sight is made from aluminum and features the Heads-Up Display (HUD) design. The latter ensures an unobstructed and limitless field of view. Such capabilities are cumbersome to secure when it comes to tube scopes.
Pros:
- checkEasy to attach on Picatinny rail and weaver mounts
- checkWaterproof and durable design
- checkUnlimited adjustments for windage and elevation
- checkAdjustable and extremely bright red dot
- checkHighly stable and reliable
Cons:
- times-circleZeroing this scope is quite tricky
- times-circleTurning the red dot on and off is a tad bit confusing.
3. Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight – Budget-Friendly Reflex Sight
Your bank account might be reminding you right now that you have lay-low on your spending. But don’t worry. It is okay. There is still a high-quality reflex sight that is within your reach. That is in the form of the Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight. You can trust this device, both on its construction and features. Despite its price, this sight reflex still proves that it can improve the process of your AR15 rifle.
The Sightmark features a cast magnesium-alloy construction for maximum ruggedness. It also has an embedded shielding to ensure that this device can resist external detriments such as water, dust, and debris. Notably, this reflex sight has an IP68 waterproof rating. Therefore, you can quickly submerge it to up to 40 feet underwater. It is an exciting fact, considering that some of us usually trail down muddy and swampy terrains.
Practically is the name of the game for the Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight. That is due to its low-battery consumption. Per one battery, the sight can run for up to 1,000 hours! Moreover, the controls for this tool are all in digital switch. Therefore, controlling it is not cumbersome.
Meanwhile, it also provides various configurations for reticle brightness. Night vision settings are also present, too. The locking and mounting system of this reflex sight are on point, too. You can quickly remove and mount it with ease!
Pros:
- checkDurable and rugged housing
- checkSubmersible feature
- checkLong battery life
- checkParallax correction applied
- checkBrightness and night mode settings are available.
Cons:
- times-circleNot immune to fogging
- times-circleAutomatic on and off feature is not present
- times-circleIs not ambidextrous
4. Trijicon RMR Adjustable LED Red Dot Sight – A High-End Reflex Sight for AR15
For those that have no restrictions on what they can spend, I recommend this reflex sight coming from Trijicon. The Trijicon RMR 6.5 MOA Adjustable LED Red Dot Sight has a cutting-edge performance. I have seen many military and law-enforcement personnel mounted this reflex sight on their AR15s and other rifles. It is unobtrusive, innovative, and ergonomic. The construction is durable, but the device remains lightweight and compact.
Specifically, the Trijicon RMR 6.5 has a housing forged from 7076-T6 aircraft aluminum-alloy. It has an insane ruggedness that can withstand any detriment on the field. The design of the house is never distracting at all. Just like the first Trijicon reflex sight I featured, this one also has an impact-diversion design, ensuring the safety of the optics all the time. Of course, this doesn’t mean that optics of the Trijicon RMR 6.5 is flimsy.
This reflex sight is ideal for nighttime and daytime usage. It features adjustable brightness settings and various night mode features to ensure that you have proper vision wherever you go. The display that it gives is in full resolution as well, as the optics come with multi-coated lenses. From light transmission to color fidelity, the Trijicon RMR 6.5 has them all.
Moreover, the windage and you can make the elevation adjustments of this device in a tool-free manner. It’s a guarantee that it comes with five can be mounted on fixed and variable magnification optics. That allows you to adapt to various scenarios in the field.
Pros:
- checkLightweight and non-obtrusive design
- checkSturdy and resistant to the elements
- checkVarious brightness settings
- checkCan be mounted on rifles and handguns
- checkEasy-to-toggle switches and controls
Cons:
- times-circleYou need to remove the sight from the firearm whenever you are going to change batteries
5. Vortex Razor Red Dot Sight- Best AR 15 Reflex Sight for Versatility
The Vortex Razor Red Dot Sight is a vicious reflex sight on the field. It is ideal for competitive shooting and versatile applications due to the finesse of its construction. This one has a bright optics to ensure its display clarity from all of its corners. The resolution that it has is very impressive, too, making it an optimal choice for tactical and hunting applications. It also provides its user with a broad and unobstructed view. I can easily say that the Vortex Razor Red Dot Sight is ideal for daylight and nighttime shooting. It has a red dot that doesn’t get washed out by sunlight. Of course, it also has an adjustable brightness and night vision capabilities to ensure your versatility on the field. There are layers of proprietary coating on the lens that optimizes the sight’s light transmission capacities. The Vortex Razor Red Dot Sight features an innovative eye relief that ensures quick target acquisition. The device also features an auto shutdown feature. After six hours of being idle, the reflex sight automatically shuts off to preserve battery life. When cranked at the highest setting, the Vortex Razor can provide 150 hours of relentless performance. For its lowest setting, the sight can work up to 30,000 hours.
Pros:
- checkIt is lightweight and compact
- checkComes with O-ring seals for preventing the entry of moisture and debris
- checkLow-glare finish for efficient camouflaging
- checkWorks on daylight and nighttime settings
- checkScratch-resistant housing
Cons:
- times-circleWindage and elevation adjustments requires you to loosen a screw (which is quite a hassle)
How to Choose the Best Reflex Sight for AR15
Reflex sights vary from one model to another. Therefore, the choosing process becomes tricky. Reflex sights or red dot sights are always on zero power. That means that these devices don’t have any magnification feature. Therefore, reflex sights are not really for applications that require extreme precision. Instead, they are ideal for fast-paced shooting.
It is not a surprise that many military and tactical personnel are using these sights on their small and medium firearms. It is due to the accuracy that they have for small and medium-sized guns. As I mentioned earlier, they are better than iron sights.
Reticle Size
The sizes of the reticle do vary. There is no such thing as a standard size. Choosing between them is just a matter of preference. However, take note that larger reticles will allow you to acquire your target quickly.
Some of the reflex sights feature reticle that has adjustable sizes. It may come advantageous at some point, but you have to consider if your firearm has enough room for such. Since we are talking about AR15 here, this should not pose a problem. Just make sure that you know the spec of the reflex sight and see if it is compatible with your rifle.
Mull over if you want a dot sight that has crosshairs on them. Some shooters out there (like myself) prefer the presence of crosshairs on your sights. It gives us the flexibility that we need in making our shot adjustments.
Batteries
Take note that reflex sight does not operate without batteries on them. Those red and bright light will appear on their default color (usually black) when they are no batteries. Moreover, nothing will be visible on a reflex sight without their power source. Therefore, it is pretty important that the red dot sight will have a reliable battery with long runtime and lifespan.
Whenever you are going to hunt on cold climates, always remember that low temperatures can quickly drain the battery. If you want to avoid going home empty-handed, make sure that you bring a spare backup. Fortunately, on reasonable and humid conditions, the batteries of reflex sights have a long lifespan. As a result, hunters tend to forget to shut them off! If you have similar inclinations, then it would be great if the reflex sight that you choose has an automatic shutdown feature.
Design of the Housing
Reflex sights do come in different designs. The majority that you can see on the market today are in either in the form of tube or open-structure. Those units that have tube sights are very compatible with further installments such filters and covers. Therefore, they allow you see the reticle easily, regardless of the application. However, tubed reflex sights are usually obtrusive. That is the reason why some shooters the open type of reflex sights.
Specifically, open reflex sights have a straightforward and understandable layout. Because of this, you can see the reticle in a hassle-free manner. On the other hand, open reflex sights are not suitable for filters. That is their only downside.
But overall, both of the housing designs are practical and conducive for red dot sights. Just make sure that you know what kind of setup can fit your style and preferences.
Availability of Adjustments
Windage and elevation adjustments are crucial for red dot sights. They are the essential components that help you adjust your shot. Without them, this can affect your precision. Eventually, you will have no choice but to rely on guessing, which somehow defeats the purpose of having a reflex sight.
The windage is the concept that refers to the trajectory or movement in horizontal motion. That goes in conjecture with elevation. The latter is the same, but it pertains to vertical movements of the bullet.
Also, make sure that the adjustment for elevation and windage can give precise increments. It would guarantee that your next shots would still be fluid and consistent. In the long run, it would help you improve your performance even in varying conditions.
The Final Shot
Reflex sights are useful in any shooting applications. Your AR15 will certainly benefit from them, regardless of the setup. The precision and accuracy of your shots will certainly elevate if these devices are on your favorite rifle.
Among the reflex sights that I featured, the Trijicon RMR 3.25 has the most impressive qualities. It has a stable housing and weather-proof construction that makes it an all-rounder. Moreover, it features different brightness and night-vision capabilities. You will also love that it has a long battery life and easy configuration. You can quickly mount or dismount it, which is a perfect for fast-paced hunts. If you are going to ask me, this is the best reflex sight for AR15 right now.
But let me ask you, too. Which of these red dot sights do you think has the better construction and performance? Tell me your answers in the comment section below!