It wasn’t that long ago that nobody would have considered using anything other than iron sights on a self-defense pistol. Not to mention just about any other handgun, for that matter. My, how things have changed. However, as optics have become more popular, many firearm manufacturers, like Glock, are making their pistols compatible with red dots. Here are five options that are ready to mount directly onto optic-ready Glocks.
5 Glock MOS Pattern Compatible Red Dot Optics
It seems like every time you go to the range, you see more shooters with red-dot sights mounted on their pistols than shooters using conventional iron sights. To say that using a red dot on pistols is a growing trend would be a gross understatement.
Of course, red dots do have their ups and downs. The debate over whether they belong on a pistol can get contentious. Advocates point toward easier and faster target acquisition, both-eyes-open shooting, improved low-light performance, and increased accuracy at distance.
Those who swear they would never use one argue that they are too expensive, the batteries could fail at any time, and they make pistols harder to conceal. Likewise, some models don’t hold up well to rough treatment, and they can lose zero from time to time.
Whichever way you feel about it, there’s no doubt that red dots on pistols are here to stay. A few recent trips to the range have revealed to me that Glock shooters have jumped on the red-dot train. So have shooters using other brands.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at five good red-dot sights for Glocks. They are listed in alphabetical order—not in preferential rank.
Aimpoint Acro P-2
Aimpoint’s Acro P-2 might look a little different than the other red dots on this list. However, it’s a feature-packed sight that can get you on target quickly and keep you there for a long time.
This next generation of the Acro line incorporates an improved LED emitter coupled with a higher capacity CR2032 battery. The battery provides an incredible five years (50,000 hours) of constant-on power, largely alleviating concerns of the battery going dead. Plus, the battery compartment is situated so the user can quickly and easily change the battery without removing the sight.
The sight’s new high-efficiency emitter provides a sharp 3.5-MOA dot. Correspondingly, it offers protective clear glass front and rear lenses to guard the advanced reflective lens system. Also, a new digital intensity adjustment keypad provides a more distinct tactile feel when adjusting the dot intensity. These controls are now placed next to the battery compartment to help protect against unintentional adjustments.
This red dot features ten brightness settings—six daylight and four night-vision-compatible settings. And at only 1.9 inches long and 1.2 inches high, it doesn’t take up much room on a Glock slide.
The sight is available in black, flat dark earth, or sniper gray. MSRP is $649.
For more information, please visit Aimpoint.us.
Holosun 507c X2
For over a decade, Holosun has been designing innovative optic and laser/IR technologies for a broad range of shooting and hunting needs. Designed for full-size pistols, the 507c X2 from the company improves on previous versions by adding a lock mode. This locks the buttons, preventing inadvertent setting changes.
The unique reticle, a 2-MOA dot surrounded by a 32-MOA circle, makes accurate shooting easy up close and at distance. Plus, the red-dot sight offers a dozen different brightness settings—10 daylight and two that are compatible with night-vision devices.
Holosun designed this reflex sight with multi-coated lenses for clear views in any environment. It also offers unlimited eye relief for maximum comfort while practicing at the range or in emergency situations.
The durable housing is made from anodized 7075 T6 Aluminum using an industry-standard footprint. Spec-wise, the little sight measures 1.78×1.15×1.15 inches, weighs only 1.5 ounces, and has window dimensions of .63x.91 inches. It’ll run for 50,000 hours on a single 1632 battery in a side-mounted tray for easy replacement when that need eventually arises.
Incidentally, this little red dot also works great on PCCs, carbines, and shotguns. MSRP is $364.99.
For more information, please visit Holosun.com.
Leupold DeltaPoint Pro
Leupold is synonymous with quality optics, and its DeltaPoint Pro has proven to be one of the most popular pistol red-dot sights on the market. Crafted from aircraft-grade aluminum, the sight is built to last regardless of the rough handling the user might dish out.
This versatile sight has an easy-access battery compartment, so you don’t have to re-zero after a battery change. It also has click adjustments for more precision, along with eight brightness settings for dot intensity. Plus, the 2.5-MOA red dot is ideal for shot placement on both near and far targets.
To get the most out of your battery, the DeltaPoint Pro uses Leupold’s Motion Sensor Technology to extend battery life. This feature automatically deactivates the illumination after five minutes of inactivity. However, as soon as movement is detected, the illumination instantly reactivates, keeping the user in the fight.
You also won’t have to worry about this red-dot fogging up or leaking. Leupold’s proprietary gas blend and seals are tested to a 33-foot depth and a multitude of pressure changes. Along with Glock and other pistols, this little unit is at home atop ARs, PCCs and shotguns.
The DeltaPoint Pro is available in black or FDE with an MSRP of $449.99.
For more information, please visit Leupold.com.
Trijicon RMR
Trijicon has led the industry in the development of superior any-light aiming systems since the company’s founding in 1981. The RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) sight from Trijicon is designed to be as durable as the legendary Trijicon ACOG. It also improves precision and accuracy with any style or caliber of firearm.
The RMR’s unique, patented housing shape diverts the force of an impact away from the lens, increasing durability. Plus, its true-color, multi-coated lenses create a wide-band light transmission for minimal change in target area color.
Easy-to-use buttons on the sides of the optic allow the user to adjust the illumination brightness of the 3.5-MOA reticle, toggle between manual and automatic modes, and power down the RMR for storage. Additionally, a battery conservation mode automatically adjusts the aiming dot to ambient lighting conditions after 16.5 hours.
Trijicon also offers a battery-free Dual-Illuminated (DE) model that uses tritium and fiber-optic technology to provide any-light aiming without the need for a battery. In that model, a tritium-phosphor lamp illuminates reticles in low-light conditions. Likewise, fiber-optics automatically adjust the brightness level and contrast to available light conditions.
The Trijicon RMF has an MSRP of $784.
For more information, please visit Trijicon.com.
Vortex Razor
Vortex has been manufacturing high-quality optics and accessories since 1986 to provide shooters with some of the best glass in the game. The Razor red dot is an open-top reflex sight built for top-level performance and versatility.
The large, clear window provides edge-to-edge sharpness with a wide field of view and is protected by a thick, durable aluminum housing. XR fully multi-coated lenses are given an ultra-hard, scratch-resistant ArmorTek coating to protect exterior lenses from scratches, oil, and dirt.
Dot size is available in 3 MOA or 6 MOA for your choice between a more precise aiming point on a rifle or one that’s extremely quick to acquire on a handgun. The unit’s daylight bright red dot is easy to see and paints targets regardless of lighting conditions or background.
A side-load battery tray makes for quick changes of the CR232 battery without removing the sight from your firearm. Battery life is up to 150 hours on the highest setting and up to 30,000 hours on lower settings. Spec-wise, the Razor is 1.83 inches in length, 1.16 inches tall, and 1.21 inches wide. It weighs only 1.3 ounces, adding little weight to your Glock.
MSRP of the Razor is $599.99.
For more information, please visit VortexOptics.com.
