Red Dots & Prisms
A red dot sight puts one aiming point on the target and lets you shoot with both eyes open. This shelf is mostly Holosun, with EOTech, Burris FastFire, Viridian RFX, Bushnell and Athlon alongside. Choose open or enclosed first, then dot color and size. Athlon's Midas prism scopes and magnifiers are here for shooters with astigmatism or anyone who wants a little magnification.
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hunting optics · red dot mounts and optic plates · shotgun red dot mounts · picatinny risers · rifle scopes · gun holsters · weapon lights · thermal and night vision
Open or enclosed red dot sight
An open reflex sight is a single window with the emitter exposed at the base. It is lighter and lower, which is why it dominates on carry pistols. Holosun lists open versions of its 407, 507, 508 and 510 sights. An enclosed red dot seals the emitter behind a second piece of glass, so rain, snow, mud and lint cannot block the dot. Holosun lists its EPS, 509, 512 and AEMS Pro, Micro and Evo models as enclosed, and EOTech's closed reflex sight sits in the same camp.
Hunters who carry a sidearm through brush and weather have a good case for enclosed. Range and competition shooters often prefer the wider, lighter feel of an open window.
Pistol red dots and footprints
A pistol red dot has to bolt to the slide, and slides are cut for specific footprints. Before buying, find out which plate or cut your pistol has. Athlon marks two TSR1-M models as RMR footprint. Holosun lists slim-line EPS models and model-specific sights such as the SCS-VP9 and the SCS Carry with a K cut. If your slide is uncut or the footprint does not match, the fix is usually a plate from our optic plates.
Once the dot is on, check your holster. Many holsters are not cut to clear an optic. Our IWB holsters and OWB holsters list compatibility on each product page. Add a light later and you will want holsters for guns with lights.
Dot color, size and power
Green dots tend to stand out better in daylight against foliage, and red dots are the traditional choice. Holosun offers many models in both. Dot size is listed in MOA on several models here: a smaller dot covers less of the target for precise shots, while a larger dot is faster to find. Athlon offers its TSR1-M in both 3 MOA and 6 MOA.
Power is the last check. A handful of Holosun sights here list solar charging, and Athlon lists a 50,000-hour battery life on its TSR1, TSR2 and TSR3. Whatever you run, change the battery on a schedule rather than waiting for the dot to fade.
Prism scopes and magnifiers
Prism scopes typically use an etched reticle, which stays visible even if the illumination battery dies. Shooters with astigmatism often find an etched reticle sharper than a projected dot. Athlon's Midas TSP1, TSP3 and Flare are the prism options here. Athlon's Midas magnifiers sit behind a red dot for longer shots; set them up on risers so the heights line up. For real magnification at distance, step up to riflescopes.
Turkey hunters putting a dot on a shotgun should start with shotgun red dot mounts and pattern it with their turkey choke tubes before opening morning.
Red Dot Sight FAQs
What is the difference between a red dot and a holographic sight?
A red dot reflects an LED off a coated lens. A holographic sight, like the EOTech XPS2 HWS here, projects a reticle using a laser and holographic film. Both are shot with both eyes open.
Will a pistol red dot fit my gun?
Only if the footprint matches your slide cut or plate. Check your pistol's optic cut, then match it to the sight's listed footprint or buy the right adapter plate.
Is a prism scope better than a red dot?
A prism scope suits shooters with astigmatism and anyone who wants an etched reticle that works without power. A red dot is lighter and faster up close.
Green dot or red dot?
Green is often easier to pick up in bright light. Red is the long-standing default. Try both if you can; many Holosun models come in either color.