The hosts introduce a ranked list of five rifle red dot sights, separate from an earlier video focused on pistol optics. This discussion is limited strictly to non-magnified rifle red dots, with no LPVOs or prism optics included. They emphasize how quickly costs add up in the firearm world and note that budgets vary, so each recommendation is framed with price in mind. The goal is to balance higher-end and more affordable options while acknowledging that, in many cases, performance follows what is paid for. They set expectations that the list reflects their own experience and opinions, and then move into the countdown starting with number five.
Number five is the Aimpoint T2, described as an expensive but extremely durable micro red dot. The MSRP is around $900 without a mount, and users must factor a separate mount into the total cost. The optic is characterized as essentially bombproof and one of the hardest-use options available, with a long track record among special operations and conventional forces. The T2 uses a common footprint, allowing a range of mounts such as the Scalarworks Absolute mount shown on the rifle. Scalarworks mounts are highlighted for reliably returning to zero after removal. The T2 offers excellent reliability, strong night vision compatibility, and very long battery life, cited around 100,000 hours at an appropriate setting, making it a premium choice for those prioritizing ruggedness.
Number four is the EOTech EXPS3-0 holographic sight. The updated MSRP is given as about $859, with the newer HD version around $999, which prompts some debate about its ranking relative to the Aimpoint T2. EOTech is described as a well-known brand with one of the few truly non-parallax designs on the market. The EXPS3-0 is praised for excellent glass clarity and strong night vision performance. The hosts clarify a common misconception about the night vision button: it is simply a shortcut to the lowest brightness, and the same effect can be reached by repeatedly pressing the down button on models without a dedicated NV button. Battery life is noted as roughly 1,000 hours, which is weaker than most optics on this specific list but still serviceable. Newer EOTech models with shake-awake and a rotary dial are mentioned as offering more user-friendly controls, especially in professional settings where quick brightness changes are important.
Number three is the SIG Sauer ROMEO4 series, specifically the 4T, 4T Pro, and 4XT Pro. Pricing is described in the mid-range, with the 4T around $540, the 4T Pro about $550, and the 4XT Pro roughly $580 to $600 depending on color. The 4XT Pro uses a AA battery, while other variants use coin-style batteries. The hosts characterize these optics as Aimpoint T2 alternatives that ship with more features out of the box. They can include a killflash, clear flip covers, and multiple reticle options such as a simple dot, a circle-dot, or a reticle with bullet drop references for distance shooting. A dedicated night vision button quickly shifts brightness to NV-compatible levels. One host notes using a ROMEO4 on a personal 11.5-inch build and appreciates the feature set but dislikes that, after being turned off, it powers back on at full daylight brightness. The design rationale is acknowledged for users transitioning rapidly between dark interiors under night vision and bright outdoor environments. Battery life is stated around 100,000 hours with shake-awake, and the footprint is compatible with common T2-style mounts.
Number two is the Holosun AEMS Core, discussed without a sample on the table but described in detail. Holosun is noted for challenging expectations about what a quality red dot can offer at lower price points, and the AEMS Core is mentioned as being used in current conflicts, including Ukraine, with units returning from service. The AEMS Core is chosen over the Holosun 510C because it is a fully enclosed emitter design, preventing issues where water or debris entering an open emitter can obscure the dot, especially under night vision. It includes its own mount and is positioned around a $299 MSRP, making it significantly cheaper than the earlier entries while still offering long battery life in the 50,000 to 100,000 hour range. This version does not include a solar panel; users wanting solar assistance must move to another AEMS variant such as the AEMS Pro. The optic provides a relatively large field of view and is compared to a slightly larger, mailbox-style Aimpoint ACRO that ships with its own mount at a much lower cost.
Before revealing the top pick, the hosts introduce the Trijicon MRO as an honorable mention. It is identified as likely the only optic on the table that is made in the United States. Trijicon is recognized for durable designs such as the RMR, RMR HD, and the ACOG, but here the focus stays on the MRO red dot. The SD model shown represents an updated version that addresses earlier complaints about the original MRO, including a noticeable blue tint and an unintended 1.5x magnification effect. The revised MRO improves glass clarity and corrects those issues while retaining a large objective lens that gathers light effectively and provides a generous field of view. Edge-to-edge image quality is described as much better than the first generation, making the current MRO a more viable option among modern rifle red dots.
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