The discussion opens by contrasting traditional iron sights with modern pistol-mounted red dots. Iron sights remain reliable, but red dots are presented as a clear advantage, especially when shooting under night vision. Shooting a pistol with night vision and no red dot is described as problematic, which has driven more recent experimentation with optics. For shooters new to pistol red dots, the learning curve often comes from hunting for the dot instead of establishing a normal sight picture. The recommended approach is to build a consistent iron sight alignment first; if the optic is properly zeroed, the dot will appear naturally. After some repetitions, picking up the dot becomes faster and easier than using irons alone, improving target acquisition and shot placement without changing basic fundamentals.
The number five choice is the Holosun 508T RD X2, the red dot version of this model, with a green dot variant also available. It is an open-emitter optic, contrasted with the Holosun 509, which is preferred in concept for its closed emitter but is incompatible with certain ZEV Technologies and Shadow Systems mounting systems. The 508T uses a 2 MOA reticle, which is favored over larger options such as 6 MOA dots for more precise shot placement. The optic includes solar technology and can reach around 50,000 hours of battery life at a mid-level brightness setting. It features shake-awake functionality that powers the dot down when stationary and reactivates it when moved. The titanium housing and side battery tray allow battery changes without removing the optic, though long-term reliability is still being evaluated.
The number four pick is the Vortex Venom, which has been used extensively and compared directly to the Vortex Viper. The Viper is viewed as slightly more rugged in concept, but the Venom is considered better overall in quality. A Viper mounted on a Glock 19 has shown a noticeable stutter or glitch in the dot when the pistol is moved, while the Venom provides a clearer, more stable aiming point. The Venom is available with a 3 MOA or 6 MOA reticle; the 3 MOA version is preferred for general pistol use, while a larger dot might be more suitable on a shotgun. The optic ships with a Picatinny mount, making it easy to install on platforms like an SP5, AK-style firearms, or on a stabilizing brace such as the Recover Tactical setup. It has a top-loading battery compartment, avoiding the need to remove the optic for battery changes. Battery life at the brightest setting is around 150 hours, but lower settings extend life into the tens of thousands of hours, though the minimum brightness is still considered quite bright.
The third optic is the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, an option with which there is limited personal range time but a strong reputation among competitive shooters. It uses an easy-access top battery compartment, so the optic does not need to be removed or re-zeroed during battery changes. The DeltaPoint Pro features a 2.5 MOA red dot, offering a fine aiming point that supports more precise shot placement. Battery life is relatively modest, with about 300 hours on the brightest setting and roughly 1,600 hours on lower settings. In exchange, it provides a wide field of view and a sleek profile that helps shooters pick up the dot quickly and achieve faster target acquisition. The segment also notes EOTech’s forthcoming pistol red dot, the EFLX, which is expected to use the DeltaPoint Pro footprint. That choice of footprint should simplify mounting by avoiding the need for EOTech-specific slide cuts or plates.
The number two pick is the Aimpoint Acro P2, an evolution of the original Aimpoint Acro. The first-generation Acro gained popularity but developed a reputation for battery issues, with some units failing after about a year of use. The P2 is presented as a significant improvement, particularly in power management and durability. It is a fully enclosed, closed-emitter design, protecting the emitter from dirt, debris, and moisture that can interfere with the dot on open-emitter optics. The Acro P2 offers a claimed 50,000-hour battery life, four night vision-compatible brightness modes, and six daylight modes. It is rated as submersible to approximately 115 feet. The added weight of the closed-emitter housing is described as beneficial on pistols, contributing to a more stable feel in the hand and potentially flatter shooting characteristics. Comparisons are made to shooting with a suppressor, noting that extra weight at different points on the gun can change recoil behavior and muzzle movement.
Before naming the top choice, the Swampfox Kraken is briefly mentioned as a closed-emitter optic that uses an RMR footprint instead of an Acro footprint. That footprint choice should make it compatible with a wider range of pistols, and further testing is planned, with additional coverage available in SHOT Show content. The number one pick is the Trijicon RMR, specifically the RM06 model. The RMR is described as proven and highly reliable, built to withstand rough handling on duty or carry pistols. The RM06 uses a 3.25 MOA dot, which is on the larger side compared to some 2 MOA options, but the reticle is noted for its exceptional crispness. At distances such as 100 yards on a condensed target, the dot can be dimmed and still remain clearly visible without obscuring the target, unlike some optics with less defined reticles. The availability of various mounting plates and configurations further supports its role as the primary recommendation among pistol red dots discussed.
Loading... 
