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We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More \u203a<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n A decade ago, pistol red dots were little more than a novelty for the average shooter. If you weren\u2019t trying to achieve dominance at the Steel Challenge while shooting something like a tricked-out Caspian 1911 comp gun in .38 Super, you didn\u2019t have much use for a red dot. Things have changed.<\/p>\n The concept of using a reflex or projected red dot sight for a pistol was always a good one, but the technology wasn\u2019t advanced enough to make them practical for the everyday shooter. The sights weren\u2019t compact or durable enough for carry-gun use. Some of the old competition pistol red dots are larger than what many shooters have on their carbines today. Another challenge for would-be red-dot shooters was mounting the optics. Any standard carry pistol had to be custom milled, drilled, and tapped to host a red dot sight.\u00a0<\/p>\n As rugged and compact pistol red dots, led by the Trijicon RMR, trickled onto the market, more shooters began adopting them. Within the last few years, the market has exploded, and many pistols ship in optics-ready configurations as a standard. Shooting pistols with red dots has a learning curve but with practice, compared to iron sights, most good red dots can help a person aim quicker and shoot more accurately. Contemporary pistol red dots are rugged, reliable, versatile, and sport a long battery life. Each has its pros and cons, but a broad market means lots of choices for you.<\/p>\nBest Pistol Red Dots: Reviews & Recommendations<\/h2>\n
Best Overall: Trijicon RMR Type 2<\/a><\/h3>\n