SHOT Show 2024 felt a little more like the SHOT of the past. Pre covid SHOT, if you will. Lots of people, tons of manufacturers, and so many new products there was literally no way to see them all. But I did my best when it came to the red-dot optics category.
16 Red-Dot Optics at SHOT Show 2024
I always focus my time on the SHOT floor on certain items or categories that suit my personal needs/likes. So, this year I focused hard on all the new Red Dots that got released at the show. If you are looking for a new red dot sight for your rifle or pistol, here is a simple list of the ones I highly recommend looking into for 2024.
Holosun HE508T X2
The HE508T X2 is available in a red or green reticle that can either be a 2MOA dot only, 32MOA Circle only, or Circle-Dot combination. It features a grade 5 Titanium body and is designed for hard use on a handgun.
With an industry-standard RMR footprint, the optic comes with Holosun’s ultra-efficient 650nm Red Super or 540nm green LED. As a result, it provides up to 50k hours of battery life from a 1632 battery. Correspondingly, the battery is easy to access through the side mount door.
The HE508T X2 also features Solar Failsafe and Shake Awake technology. In addition, it features Lock Mode, which, when activated, can prevent inadvertent setting changes. The HE508T X2 features 12 intensity settings, two of which are compatible with night vision devices. This is a great option for your pistol, especially with an MSRP of $435.28 – $470.58.
For more information, please visit Holosun.com.
Holosun DRS – TH
The DRS-TH (Digital Rifle Sight-Thermal) is probably one of the coolest new red dots I saw at the show. It is a red dot and thermal fusion optic that combines Holosun’s red dot sight technology with thermal imaging capability.
DRS-TH features an LED MRS (Multi-Reticle System) and digital reticle options (for use with the thermal overlay). Likewise, it features a 1024×768 resolution display at 50fps and 1x, 3x, and 5x digital zoom. Images and video can be captured on the fly and stored on the 32GB of onboard storage.
DRS-TH is powered by two 18350 rechargeable batteries, which provide up to 10 hours of battery life. Correspondingly, it features an onboard magnetic connection enabling battery charging and downloading of recorded images and video via USB.
DRS-TH models feature five thermal image modes, including White Hot, Highlight, and Outline modes. Once this one hits the consumer market, it should have an MSRP of around $1,599.
For more information, please visit Holosun.com.
UTG ACCU-SYNC 2018R
The UTG Accu-Sync 2018R features a red illuminated 3 MOA dot with eight manually adjusted brightness settings to choose from. Illumination memory conveniently gets users right back to the last brightness setting used upon activation. The ACCU-SYNC is Fully sealed, with an IPX7 waterproof rating, and constructed from matte black anodized 6061-T6 aluminum.
This dot is optimized for low power usage and powered by a single CR2032 battery that boasts a 30,000+ hour battery life. The mounting base uses the common mini ACOG footprint and is configured for a lower 1/3 co-witness out of the box.
Removing the included riser drops the height down to that of a low mount. Thus providing users with two commonly used height profiles for different firearm applications. The best part of this UTG optics is the price of only $179.97.
For more information, please visit Leapers.com.
Swamp Fox Sentinel 2
Not only does the company have a cool name, but they are making some very cool optics. The Sentinel 2 is crafted for precision and built to stand guard with a fusion of advanced features. And it does it in a sleek, cohesive design.
Designed for concealed carry, this micro pistol dot sight maintains the standardized RMSc footprint. Likewise, its familiar slimline profile maximizes visibility with a larger 20mm window.
Its most unique feature is the patented removable rear sight guide installed in front of the window. This rear sight guide is nice because it provides backup support for micro pistols that sacrifice their rear iron sights for a dot. As a result, it gives a nice reference if your dot goes down.
The Sentinel 2 features a 3 MOA dot in either red or green illumination and is equipped with Swampfox’s Shake N’ Wake auto on/off feature for grab-and-go readiness. With a very competitive MSRP of $269.00, you get a feature-packed red dot that won’t break the bank.
For more information, please visit SwampFoxOptics.com.
Swamp Fox Kraken
Closed emitter red dots are kind of taking over the market lately. So, it was no surprise that Swamp Fox came out with the Kraken. A versatile, multi-platform red dot sight designed for durability and reliability.
Made of 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum, it features a closed emitter and an independent inner tube. Ten illumination settings, including day, night, low light, and two NVG options, make it suitable for a range of conditions. The “Shake ‘N Wake” feature ensures the device is always ready to use. Likewise, the two included mounting plates (RMR and MOS) provide added versatility.
Whether for personal protection or hard-use situations, Kraken is an all-around great choice with an MSRP of $349.
For more information, please visit SwampFoxOptics.com.
Riton Optics 3 Tactix EED
Another Closed emitter I found interesting was the Riton 3 Tactix EED (Enclosed Emitter Dot). The closed emitter design protects the internal components from dust, moisture, and impact. As a result, this ensures consistent and reliable performance even in the worst environments.
The Tactix EED features a 21.0mm x 16.5mm viewing window, which makes for easy target and dot acquisition. Additionally, the shake awake function ensures optimal battery life. The Riton 3 Tactix EED has an ACRO footprint designed to fit the two included plates—one for Glock MOS, and one RMSc plate.
The body is made out of 6061-T6 aluminum, and everything runs off one 2032 battery. This is another budget-conscious closed emitter with an MSRP of $349.99.
For more information, please visit RitonOptics.com.
Burris Optics FastFire C
In the pursuit of the smallest red dots available for pistols, I came across the FastFire C from Burris Optics. This little guy is designed specifically for sub-compact and micro-compact pistols with concealed carry in mind. Weighing less than one ounce, the FastFire C offers durability and reliability.
Featuring “Always On” technology the optic provides a 25,000-hour run time, powered by a CR2032 battery. Its low profile allows for absolute or lower 1/3 co-witness with standard iron sights. Thus eliminating the need for new, taller suppressor height sights on your pistol.
Equipped with an Intelligent Auto-Bright system and offering manual illumination settings, this compact red dot ensures optimal visibility in any light condition. Not to mention, this little guy won’t break the bank at $276.
For more information, please visit BurrisOptics.com.
Burris Optics Speed Bead Shotgun Sight
Apply the ease, speed, and accuracy of a red dot sighting system to your favorite shotgun with this unique mounting system. The SpeedBead System is the FastFire 3 with 8 MOA dot and a specially designed SpeedBead mount. This makes it easy to throw the FastFire3 on your shotgun.
The SpeedBead mounts a FastFire optic between the stock and receiver of many popular shotguns. As a result, you get a line of sight that will fall naturally just above the vented rib. This allows for accurate and instinctive aiming.
Available for a variety of shotguns, you can also purchase a SpeedBead Mount without the FastFire 3 optic. With the optic, it has an MSRP of $360, and the mount itself is only $15.00.
For more information, please visit BurrisOptics.com.
Meprolight M22
The new Mepro M22 is the next generation of the legendary Mepro M21 Reflex Sight. The M21 was used for decades by the Israeli Defense Force, military forces, and law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Smaller and more compact, the M22 is a reflex sight with fiber-optic illumination by day and premium Tritium by night. As a result, it will perform in any lighting condition with no need for batteries, ever. The transition between the two systems is instantaneous and automatic.
Its rugged, battle-proven construction meets or exceeds rigorous standards to thrive in the harshest environments. Extremely reliable in any weather conditions, the Mepro M22 is suitable to use with NVDs as well as magnifiers. With an MSRP of $499.99 and no need for batteries, this M22 is a fantastic choice for your AR’s.
For more information, please visit Meprolight.com.
Leupold Freedom RDS
All red dots are not created equal, and Leupold is proving it with the Freedom RDS (red dot sight). This thing changes the game when it comes to consistency and durability in a red dot sight. It’s everything you need in a red dot and nothing you don’t. And like all Leupold riflescopes, it’s designed, machined, and assembled in the USA and guaranteed for life.
The Freedom RDS features motion sensing technology and a super crisp 1 MOA dot. Likewise, the unit is completely waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof. At $279.99, there is no reason not to pick one up for your rifle.
For more information, please visit Leupold.com.
Vector Optics Maverick-II 1×25 GenII
I came across the Vector Optics booth in the basement and didn’t know anything about the company. The Maverick-II caught my eye immediately with its 3 MOA Dot with Motion Sensing technology. This technology activates the reticle the second it senses motion and keeps it on for 5 Minutes. Then, the Auto Shut-off shuts it down after 90 Minutes of inactivity.
With a 25mm objective lens, you get a spacious view through the super clear glass. Thus allowing for faster target and dot acquisitions. The Maverick-II comes equipped with a cantilever riser QD Mount & Low Picatinny Mount. For only $60, you can just buy a couple of them to throw on whatever you want.
For more information, please visit VectorOptics.com.
Trijicon RMR HD 1 MOA
The Trijicon RMR HD is not necessarily new for 2024. However, you can’t do a red dot roundup without a Trijicon product. This red dot pistol optic is specifically designed for the evolving needs of law enforcement and the military.
The optic is built on the foundation of the iconic Trijicon RMR Adjustable LED model. For this reason, the RMR HD features the same patented housing shape made from forged aluminum. Likewise, it houses a robust electronic system and quality lenses. It also adds a long-lasting, top-loading battery, larger window, and an innovative, forward-looking light sensor.
The new model is offered with a very crisp 1 MOA dot, which allows for an incredible view through the larger window. The RMR HD comes with a hefty price tag of $849.00 but also has that name to back it up.
For more information, please visit Trijicon.com.
Aimpoint Acro P2
Aimpoint has once again advanced the standard for pistol-mounted optics with the introduction of the Acro P-2 red dot sight. This is the next generation of the Acro lineup. It incorporates an improved LED emitter coupled with a higher-capacity CR2032 battery. As a result, it provides an astonishing five years or 50,000 hours of constant-on power.
Like the original Acro, the P2 is designed to endure the physical forces generated by a pistol slide. The ACRO series was the first pistol sight to offer a fully enclosed optical channel to protect the LED emitter and a design many other companies have borrowed since.
The new high-efficiency LED emitter provides a sharp 3.5 MOA dot. Protective clear glass front and rear lenses guard the advanced reflective lens system. The new digital intensity adjustment keypad provides a more distinct tactile feel when adjusting the dot intensity. Correspondingly, these controls are now placed next to the battery compartment to help protect the power adjustments against unintentional changes.
The new P2 has a price tag of $599.99.
For more information, please visit Aimpoint.us.
Sightmark Mini Shot M Spec Solar
The Sightmark Mini Shot M-Spec M2 Solar is ideal for short- to medium-range shooting. The M2 Solar features a 3-MOA red-dot reticle for rapid target acquisition. Likewise, an automatic brightness adjustment provides a crisp reticle and field of view in varying light conditions.
A top-mounted solar panel, combined with CR1620 batteries, delivers up to 20,000 hours of battery life. Additionally, the fully enclosed design and IP67 waterproof rating ensure years of reliability. The M2 mounts on Weaver and Picatinny rails, and it fits pistols with the RMR footprint.
This optic is constructed of aircraft-grade aluminum with a matte-black finish and offers a great budget option at only $299.99.
For more information, please visit Sightmark.com.
Sig Sauer Romeo X
This is a new edition to the Romeo family and is specifically designed for pistols. It features a low deck height, so most iron sights will peak over the window and allow for a lower 1/3 picture. The CNC 7075 aluminum housing is built strong enough to handle all environments.
In addition, it features intuitive adjustment buttons, a side-mounted battery compartment, and distortion-free glass. The Romeo X is designed, tested, and assembled in the USA and boasts direct mounting footprints for the Shield RMS-C or Delta Point Pro.
It has an MSRP of $499.99 with the Delta Point Pro footprint.
For more information, please visit SigSauer.com.
Primary Arms Optics GLX MD 21s Micro Red Dot
The all-new GLX MD 21s features a blazingly bright emitter and intuitive push-button controls for easy operation. Additionally, a powerful solar cell fully illuminates your optic from sunlight alone. The solar panel is the primary power source in standard lighting conditions. However, the second there is not enough natural light, the CR2032 battery takes over.
The optic is available with the ACSS CQB reticle, which can be configured across four user-selectable modes to display your preferred reticle elements. Correspondingly, the GLx MD-21s features push-button controls on the left side for faster operability and reduced visual obstruction.
The optic is extremely customizable for the user and designed to withstand anything a shooter can throw at it.
For more information, please visit PrimaryArms.com.