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If you are a shooting enthusiast, you might find the one-inch tube rifle scopes more costly. Red dot sights offer a more reliable and affordable option. The big dilemma is finding the best budget red dots that will meet your budget and shooting needs.
There are many red dots in the market. For less than $220, you can find a reliable red dot that can run for close to 50,000 hours. Red dots provide shooters with a faster target acquisition making the shooting experience more fun. While most red dots are highly-priced, we want to cover budget-friendly red spots which shooters can use.
I have a background in hunting and target shooting. In my many years of shooting and hunting, I have had experience using both red dots and iron sights. I strongly recommend novice shooters first to learn shooting using the irons and later upgrade to red dots.
In this detailed red dot guide, we will cover the nine most reliable red dots that are budget-friendly. You can use the red dots on our list on different rifles. The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope stands out as the best budget red dot sight on our list. We will also cover important tips and tricks to use when shopping for the best budget red dots.
Here Are the Best Budget Red Dot Sights (Our Picks)
1. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope
Specifications:
- 3 MOA dot
- 4.0 oz.
- 25-millimeter Objective Lens
- 2.48″ Long
- 1X magnification
- 11 brightness settings
Bushnell presents the Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight, which features fog-proofing and nitrogen-purged capabilities. The red dot optics won’t fog up when faced with rapid temperature changes or high humidity. The optic is also O-ring sealed; so it remains dry even underwater. With the 11 brightness settings, shooters can make brightness adjustments for enhanced target acquisition. The brightness illuminates the optic’s reticle (3 MOA dot) to get a speedy target acquisition. When you use low luminance, you improve the battery life of the optic.
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 has been constructed to withstand abrasion, drops, bumps, and bangs. The red dot has a precision-engineered housing suitable for rough-and-tumble shooting environments and situations. The red dot mounts easily in Picatinny rails. It’s also compatible with shotguns, rifles, muzzleloaders, and pistols.
Pros
- It comes with a lifetime warranty.
- The sight has a 3,000 hour battery life.
- The elevation and windage adjustment is toolless.
- It has 11 brightness settings and 3 MOA dot size.
Cons
- Not very crisp compared to the expensive red dots.
Takeaway: The best budget red dot compatible with most shotguns, rifles, and pistols that have the Picatinny rails. The waterproof and shockproof construction ensures enhanced efficiency and durability.
2. AT3 Tactical Red Dot-50 PRO Red Dot Sight
Specifications:
- Riser mounting type.
- 1X magnification.
- 3.6 oz.
- 11 brightness settings
- 2 MOA dot
- 25-millimeter Objective Lens
The AT3 Tactical Red Dot-50 PRO is a crisp sight that provides hunters and shooters precise and accurate shots. You can enjoy an accurate picture even when you have both of your eyes open. The red dot is equipped with 11 brightness settings providing optimal visibility under various lighting conditions. The amber objective lens is multi-coated and scratch-resistant, giving improved image clarity.
Enjoy two different types of red dot mounts with the AT3 Tactical Red Dot-50 PRO. The sight has two different mounts: .83″ riser and 1″ riser. The two mounts make it easy for the shooter to clear any iron sights on their rifle. The 2 MOA dot has a big objective lens measuring 25 millimeters. The reticle size makes it perfect for precision shots. Despite having a rubberized cover that has integrated lens caps, the red dot is lightweight.
The 50,000 hours battery life ensures you have an uninterrupted shooting expedition. Even though the red dot sight doesn’t have an offset mount, shooters can still purchase and use an offset mount. With the AT3 Tactical Red Dot-50, PRO users are guaranteed maximum durability and dependability. The sight is fully waterproof, thanks to the sealed housing. It’s also equipped with shockproof circuitry, which protects the sight from rough handling and the environment. The black anodized style and finish of the red dot is scratch and abrasion-resistant and maintains a very stable profile.
Pros
- The red dot sight has two mounting options.
- The sight has a lifetime warranty.
- It comes with an impressive 50,000 hour battery life.
- The size of the 2 MOA is great.
Cons
- The red dot lacks an offset mount.
Takeaway: Fitted with two different mounts: .83″ riser and 1″ riser. The red dot sight offers users impressive versatility. The AT3 Tactical Red Dot-50 has a 50,000 hour battery life ensuring an uninterrupted shooting expedition.
3. Vortex Optics Crossfire Sight Gen II
Specifications:
- 5.2 oz.
- 25-millimeter Objective Lens
- 1X magnification.
- 2 MOA dot
- 11 brightness settings
- High and low mounting types.
The Vortex Optics Crossfire Gen II represents high-quality optics developed by Vortex. All the Vortex optics have a lifetime warranty. The red dot sight is equipped with an anti-reflective coating which provides crisp and clear imagery around the reticle. The reticle has a 2 MOA dot sizing with 11 brightness settings, making it instrumental in making precision shots. The 2 MOA dot sizing is easy to get at short range and fine enough to offer an accurate pinpoint on a long shooting range. The 11 brightness settings allow the shooters to adjust the dot density depending on the shooting situation.
The red dot is very efficient for short-range shooting applications and only requires a simple aim. The lowest brightness settings have night compatibility, making the red dot suitable for different lighting conditions. The sight comes with two mounts; the low mount and the skeletonized 1/3 co-witness mount. The two mounts provide the needed versatility when handling rifle optics. It also comes with infinite eye relief, allowing for a fast target acquisition. The O-ring sealing of the red dot ensures the device is fully waterproof by preventing dust, debris, and moisture from penetrating the red dot.
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The red dot offers plenty of versatility to shooters when it comes to the mounting style. The optic has two different mounts: high mount and low mount style. Additionally, the site boasts of high battery life; 50,000 hours, eliminating the problem of having to frequently replace the battery. The air-to-glass lens surface is fully covered with several anti-reflective coatings for enhanced light transmission. Users are guaranteed durability when using the Vortex Optics Crossfire Gen II. The red dot has hard-coat anodization with a black low glare matte finish, a very instrumental camouflage feature.
Pros
- The anti-reflective coatings on the lens provide clear and bright imagery.
- The sight has 11 brightness settings and 2 MOA dot.
- It is equipped with both high and low mounting designs.
- The battery of the red dot has a life of 50,000 hours.
- It comes with a lifetime warranty.
Cons
- The sight isn’t suitable for short-range shooting situations.
Takeaway: The Vortex Optics Crossfire Gen II is an updated version. Even though the red dot is not suitable for short range shooting, it comes with exceptional features which make it one of the best red dots for long range shooting.
4. Pinty 1x25mm Tactical Red Dot Sight
Specifications:
- Riser mounting type.
- 3 – 4 MOA dot.
- 11 brightness settings.
- 20-millimeter Objective Lens.
- 1X magnification.
- 120 grams.
The Pinty 1x25mm Tactical offers the best functionality when it comes to accuracy with both eyes open. Shooters enjoy optimal visibility in all lighting conditions thanks to the 11 brightness settings present in the red dot. The 20-millimeter multi coated objective lens is scratch-resistant, providing the needed clarity when shooting a target. The 1/3 lower co-witness has an enhanced open view, facilitated by the 1’’ riser mount.
Pinty has ensured the red dot is waterproof, scratch-resistant, stealthy, and shockproof. The Pinty 1x25mm Tactical sight has sealed housing, making it fully waterproof. The red dot’s shockproof circuitry makes it resistant to any damage caused by bumping or rough handling. The black anodized finish keeps the profile of the sight steady and scratch-resistant.
Shooters enjoy a parallax-free design when they purchase the Pinty 1x25mm Tactical sight. This means the scope is aligned to the movement of the shooter’s eyes while still focused on the target. The parallax-free design eliminates the need for centering. The red dot weighs around 120 grams making it very lightweight and convenient to use. At the lowest brightness setting, the CR2032 Lithium battery can last you up to 50,000 hours.
Pros
- It is very affordable.
- The red dot has the 1″ riser mounting design.
- It is equipped with 11 brightness settings.
- The red dot has an impressive 50,000 hour battery life.
Cons
- It doesn’t come with an impressive warranty.
Takeaway: If you have trouble aiming with your eyes closed, the Pinty 1x25mm Tactical is the best red dot. With both eyes open you can enjoy maximum accuracy when using this red dot. Additionally the red dot is lightweight and has a parallax free design.
5. HOLOSUN – HS403C Solar Power Micro Red Dot Sight
Specifications:
- 0.26 Pounds.
- 2 MOA dot.
- 12 brightness settings.
- 20-millimeter Objective Lens.
- Low mount type.
The HOLOSUN – HS403C is a hunter’s best friend, having been designed specifically for hunters. Holosun is innovative, using two power systems on the HOLOSUN – HS403C red dot. The sight has a solar power system as the main power source. The dark battery power provides users with 50,000 hours of battery life. The “Solar Failsafe” technology present in the HOLOSUN – HS403C allows for optimal energy use from natural and artificial sources. The solar power and battery act as backup for each other.
While focusing on affordability, Holosun hasn’t compromised on the reliability and efficiency of the red dot. The red dot uses military-grade optics. The 12 brightness settings offer the needed visibility at all times, with the red dot having 10 daytime brightness settings and two-night brightness settings.
Apart from the 2 MOA dot, the red dot is parallax-free. Additionally, the solar array onto the red dot functions as a brightness/ light sensor adjusting the illumination of the red dot automatically depending on the environment’s lighting. Users also enjoy mounting versatility, automatic and manual brightness adjustment features. The red dot comes with a lower 1/3 co-witness and low mounting style.
Pros
- It comes with two power sources: solar-powered and battery-powered.
- The battery has a 50,000 hour battery life.
- It has waterproof capabilities of up to one meter.
- It comes with two mounting options.
Cons
- It is slightly heavier than most micro red dots.
Takeaway: The HOLOSUN – HS403C stands out as being the best red dot when it comes to power supply. The red dot comes with two power sources: solar-powered and battery-powered, ensuring uninterrupted usage. The only downside is the red dot is quite heavy.
6. Vortex Optics SPARC Sight Gen II
Specifications:
- 0.8 Pounds.
- 44-millimeter Objective Lens.
- 1X magnification.
- 2 MOA dot.
- 12 brightness settings.
- Co witness mounting type.
The Vortex Optics SPARC Gen II is an upgraded red dot featuring rugged and lightweight conduction that is compact. The red dot is user-friendly with the 2 MOA dot, making it straightforward for the shooter to acquire the target in close ranges. The 2 MOA dot also provides the needed clarity and precision for pinpoint accuracy for long-range shooting situations.
The 12 brightness settings make the Vortex Optics SPARC Gen II stand out as a reliable red dot. With the 12 brightness settings, shooters can adjust the dot intensity depending on the situation. The last two brightness settings of the red dot come with night vision compatibility, making the sight suitable for all lighting situations.
The red dot has an impressive battery life; at the highest brightness settings, the battery has a life of 700 hours, while on the lowest setting, it possesses a 50,000 hour battery life. The multiple antireflection layering on the lens and the 44-millimeter diameter ensure the sight has plenty of light transmissions. Infinite eye relief of the red dot provides faster target acquisition.
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Vortex has used hard-coat anodization and low-glare matte to ensure the red dot has durability and camouflage capabilities. The multi-height mounting system offers the needed versatility when mounting the sight. The red dot can be used on lower 1/3 co-witness and absolute co-witness mounting designs. For enhanced durability, the Vortex Optics SPARC Gen II has O-ring sealing for optimal waterproof performance. The single-piece chassis has a rugged construction which keeps the red dot lightweight and compact while also withstanding heavy impact and recoil.
Pros
- It’s the best red dot for beginners.
- It features a durable and compact construction.
- It’s user-friendly with simple settings.
- It’s very affordable.
- The red dot is a much more improved model compared to its predecessor.
- It’s equipped with a big 44-millimeter objective lens
Cons
- The brightness buttons can be unresponsive.
Takeaway: Grab the upgraded version of the Vortex Optics SPARC. The new model is more compact and lightweight. Even though the red dot has unresponsive brightness buttons, its large objective lens enhances accuracy for long range shooting.
7. Vortex Optics Venom Sight – 3 MOA
Specifications:
- 3 MOA dot.
- 1.1 oz.
- 20-millimeter Objective Lens.
- 1X magnification.
- 10 brightness settings.
- Picatinny mounting type.
The Vortex Optics Venom is a beast among other red dot sights. With a 3 MOA dot, the sight provides speedy target acquisition. It offers shooter precise aim points, getting shots on targets faster. The housing and construction of the Vortex Optics Venom ensures the red dot can withstand pressure from bumping and adverse shooting environments. The lenses are high quality and fully multi-coated to offer a clear and wider field of view.
The red dot has 10 brightness settings, which you can easily adjust. The dot and power control settings are strategically located on the side of the red dot. The Vortex Optics Venom is equipped with auto-brightness features and is parallax-free. The features control the dot density by using the ambient light sensor. The elevation and windage adjustment settings system are sleek, making sighting super easy.
Thanks to the top load system, shooters can easily change the battery of the red dot without taking their eyes from the target. The red dot uses a CR1632 battery. For optimum performance at all times and in different shooting environments, the Vortex Optics Venom is equipped with O- ring sealing to prevent the entry of water, debris, and dust.
Pros
- The red dot has adequate observational comfort.
- The construction and design of the red dot are robust and impact-resistant.
- The zoom eyepiece allows both close and distant range views.
- Shooters can make quick and easy adjustments.
Cons
- The windage changes don’t result in exact estimations.
Takeaway: The Vortex Optics Venom red dot couldn’t miss our list due to impressive optic features. Even though the windage adjustment is a little disappointing, the red dot can completely provide speedy target acquisition with precise aim shooting.
8. Ozark Armament Rhino Red/Green Dot Reflex Sight
Specifications:
- 9.7 oz.
- 1X magnification.
- Weaver, Cantilever, and Picatinny mounting type.
- Five brightness settings.
- 4 MOA dot.
Ozark provides a lifetime warranty to all their red dot sights. The Ozark Armament Rhino red dot has been designed to be compatible with Ozark Armament’s customized iron sight and standard iron sights, thanks to the cantilever mount. Even after multiple shooting rounds, the red dot will still hold zero and provide easy sighting of the target. Unlike most red dot sights in the market, the Ozark Armament Rhino comes with a green and red dot. Even though it has only five brightness settings, the red and green settings of the sight allow the shooter to use the red dot at all times, from daytime to night nighttime.
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Ozark has developed ultra-rugged housing for the Ozark Armament Rhino. The optic is sealed to ensure zero entry of dust and moisture, while the nitrogen purging ensures the device is fog proof.
Pros
- Shooters can use the red dot at dusk, dawn, daytime, and nighttime.
- It comes with a 4 MOA dot.
- It is suitable for various mounting types.
Cons
- It has only five brightness settings.
- It isn’t as durable as the other brands.
Takeaway: The Ozark Armament Rhino has five brightness settings which might not be impressive. However the red dot works very well at dusk, dawn, daytime, and nighttime. It is compatible with various mounting types.
9. Predator V3 Micro Red Dot Sight
Specifications:
- 4.87 oz.
- 20-millimeter Objective Lens.
- 1X magnification.
- Riser mounting type.
- 11 brightness settings.
- 2 MOA dot.
The Predator V3 is a uniquely designed micro red dot that is both affordable and functional. With a price below $200, a lifetime warranty, and 12 brightness settings, the red dot offers more functionality than most red dots in its price bracket. Shooters can effectively use the red dot in various lighting conditions, even during dusk or dawn.
For maximum versatility, the red dot sight also has a 45-degree offset and riser mount, without the user spending more money buying additional rifle accessories. The .83″ riser has been specifically engineered to co-witness efficiently with all iron sights. The best iron sights to use with the Predator V3 red dot will be the TACTICON branded iron sights.
The red dot has a parallax-free design that ensures speedy sight in and target acquisition. Like all the other red dot sights on our list, the Predator V3 boasts fog proof and waterproof capabilities. The sight has an O-ring sealing, which ensures zero moisture and dust penetration, while the nitrogen purging ensures no fogging inside the optics.
The sight has a 20-millimeter objective lens that has reflective protection. The reflection-proof coating on the lens ensures effective target location and shooting in a sunny shooting environment.
Pros
- The red dot has a great MOA size of 2 MOA dot.
- It is equipped with two mounting options (45 degrees offset and a riser mount).
- The sight has a lifetime warranty.
- The red dot has 12 brightness settings.
Cons
- It is not as impressive as the other red dots in the list.
Takeaway: With a parallax free design and two mounting options, the Predator V3 red dot offers functionality and affordability. The red dot will be very useful to beginners, but won’t meet the needs of professional shooters.
Buying Guide
The market is flooded with so many options of red dot sights suitable for different types of rifles. As a shooter, you may have plenty of questions regarding the best red dot for your rifle. Our comprehensive guide will guide both expert and novice shooters in picking the best rifle red dot.
So, who needs to use the red dot? If you take part in target shooting or hunting, a red dot will be a useful tool. The red dot comes with more advantages compared to the iron sights. Apart from clear and upgraded imagery, red dots have faster target acquisition, infinite eye relief, and are user-friendly. Even though they lack offset magnification, you can shoot your targets from unconventional positions.
When shopping for a reliable red dot, it’s crucial to consider the following factors:
The Mounting Types
To effectively use a red dot, you need to mount it on your rifle. You have two main options when mounting your red dot, a straight-up mounting type or an offset mounting type. While the difference between the two mounting styles is pretty simple, getting the perfect mounting style for your rifle is imperative.
With a straight-up mount, the red dot is fixed on top of the rifle. The straight-up mounting style is the traditional mounting style common with many rifle scopes. Even though the straight-up mounting style is a wonderful choice, it comes with one crucial limitation. You cannot add any additional devices or optics on top of your rifle. This can be very limiting to shooters who like using various optics when target shooting.
With the offset mounting style, you mount the red dot on your rifle at a specific angle. The most recommended angle is 45 degrees, even though one can opt for any angle depending on how comfortable they are. If you buy a red dot mounting type, you get to have the versatility of adding extra optics to your rifle. Shooters can use the red dot sight and traditional rifle scope together for different types of shooting ranges.
Offset mounting style will require the shooter to frequently get used to tilting their rifle when shooting, unlike the straight-up mounting style. However, it’s important to practice using the red dot at different shooting ranges to fully utilize an offset mounting type and achieve precise and accurate shooting.
Mounting the Red Dot
When shopping for the red dot, mounting will always be an issue. Even though you might prefer a specific mounting style, you have to consider the compatibility of the mounting type to your rifle. Most of the rifles used in hunting and target shooting have a Picatinny or Weaver rail mount, while pistols have a dovetail mount.
First, you need to determine the mounting style that your rifle has. Picking a red dot suitable to your rifle’s mounting style will ensure you have plenty of clearance over iron sights and other rifle accessories. Additionally, shooters can purchase different mounting options that will provide maximum clearance.
You can purchase red dots with low-profile mounts for rifles that don’t have a look-over accessory. To achieve sight elevation, red dots with absolute co-witness mounting style will be the best option. Always carry out plenty of research on the mounting type and get the perfect mount for your rifle.
Zeroing Your Sight
If you are an experienced shooter or hunter, you understand the importance of zeroing your sight. If you want to make an accurate shot when using any sight, you will have to zero your sight on the rifle scope. When using a red dot, you enjoy a super easy process of zeroing your sight, making it simple to spot your target, range and shoot.
While the main principles behind sighting in your rifle scope are pretty similar, your target will greatly affect the zeroing distance you select. When you make the MOA adjustments, the only thing you will change is the distance of the shot.
The Reticle Size
When picking any optics, the size of the reticle plays an important role. Red dots come with different reticle sizes, and each comes with various merits and demerits. You will spot your target much easier with larger reticles, even though a very large reticle will blur your target. With a blurry target, it will be challenging to make a precise shot. While smaller-sized reticles have minimal chances of blurry imagery, they can make it hard to spot your target.
As a shooter, you need to understand the perfect reticle sizing of your red dot fully. Using the 1 MOA reticle will blot one target at 100 yards, but the 5 MOA reticle will spot a five target at the same distance. Such specifications will be very useful when the target moves much closer, but there will be a minimal difference with targets at a long-distance shooting range.
If you are a shoot range shooter, you should go for a red dot with a 5. MOA reticle sizing. The same should be used by shooters planning to use a red dot on pistols for home defense. If you are shooting long-range targets, use a red dot with a 2. MOA reticle, you can even look for a smaller reticle. Always go for a reticle that will effectively meet your shooting needs.
Warranties
When shopping for any optics for your rifle, the warranty offered by the manufacturer is very important. Warranties are very important because many companies promise to deliver a durable product; it’s important to ensure their claims are backed up with a reliable guarantee. Red dots with a warranty rarely have durability problems. Since most manufacturers don’t want to deal with warranties, the warranty strengthens their durable promise.
Different brands offer different types of warranties. A lifetime warranty is the most desirable warranty, sought after by many buyers. Red dots with a lifetime warranty are very popular since the company will fix the optic even after many years of use.
Motion Detection
Red dots with motion detection features are becoming more popular with time. You don’t need to use the adjustment knobs with the motion detection option since you will be using your site. Shooters only need to look through the optic and enjoy a clear and accurate shot. Motion detection features mean the red dot will also be equipped with brightness memory. This is very useful for hunters and shooters who frequently shoot in the same range since the optic will automatically save your settings.
Red dots with an auto motion detection option make remembering to turn off the optic simple. So it’s easy to save the battery life of a red dot.
Final Verdict
After reading our detailed reviews of all the red dot sights, you should now have a better understanding of what each product has to offer. The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight tops the list of the best red dot since it offers durability, performance, and versatility. Additionally, Bushnell has ensured the red dot rifle scope is affordably priced and has a lifetime warranty. Shooters don’t need to be worried about replacing it in the future. The red dot has 1X magnification and 11 brightness settings. If you want to look for something still reliable but at a lower price, the Pinty 1x25mm Tactical Red Dot Sight will be a wise decision.
As shooting experts, we are convinced the best budget red dot for your rifle is on our list. Equipped with the correct information, we are certain you will find the best red dot that falls in your budget.
