Reflex sights are remarkable optical devices because they allow for quick target acquisition and optimal accuracy. All shooters love them, but newcomers might find it hard to choose the right unit working for them.
We hope that our detailed list and buying guide of the best reflex sights can save you much time shopping around.
Table of Contents
List of The Best Reflex Sights
WAIT! Before delving into the detailed features of each product, take your time to check our comparison table to get an idea of what they are.
| Product Name | Score | Product Detail |
|---|---|---|
EOTech 512 Holographic Weapon Sight - 1 Dot Speed Ring Reticle  Highlights ● Shock-absorb, water-resistant, and fog proof ● Long battery life ● Quick target acquisition ● Improved accuracy ● Excellent brightness adjustment | 9.6/10 | |
Sightmark SM26005 Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight Highlights ● IP68 Waterproof rating - submersible up to 40 feet ● Various brightness options with night vision models ● Low battery consumption ● Dual-pane glass ● Unlimited eye relief ● Interlock internal locking system | 9.1/10 | |
| Best Scope For The Money Burris Fastfire III with Picatinny Mount  Highlights ● Unlimited eye relief ● 100% water-resistant ● Compact design yet durable build ● Fast target acquisition ● Better pinpoint accuracy | 9.5/10 | |
 Highlights ● Multiple applications ● Weather-proof ● Automatic brightness detection ● Offer crystal clear images | 9/10 | |
DD DAGGER DEFENSE - The DDHB Red Dot Reflex Sight for Holographic red dot Sights  Highlights ● Sighting adjustment stabilization ● Affordable ● Superior aircraft-grade platinum finish for maximum durability ● Versatile ● Compact design | 8/10 |
Now you have read our comparison table; it’s time to see what each reflex sight on our list has to offer!
1. EOTech 512 Holographic Weapon Sight–1 Dot Speed Ring Reticle
EOTech 512 Holographic Weapon Sight – 1 Dot Speed Ring Reticle
Pros:
- Twenty brightness settings for practical use in any lighting conditions
- Great for long-range shooting (accurate up to 300 yards)
- Easy-to-replace battery
- MIL-STD 1913 Rails and built-in 1″ Weaver mount
- Come with a solid 10-year limited warranty
- Waterproof (at up to 10 feet)
Cons:
- Bulkier than other models on our list
- The field of view at night could be better
Designed with versatility and combat speed in mind, the EOTech 512 Holographic Weapon Sight is the best reflex sight for AR15.
The EOTech holographic sight mounting system is admirable. It comes with both MIL-STD 1913 Rails and a 1″ Weaver, saving shooters the hassle of choosing a compatible railing system.
Though the EOTech holographic sight comes with twenty brightness settings, it lacks the night vision mode, giving it imperfect field of view when the sun comes down.
However, you can still find a comfortable setting without making your reticle overly bright.
2. Sightmark SM26005 Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight
Sightmark SM26005 Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight
Pros:
- Weather-proof
- Long battery life
- Digital switch controls
- Auto adjustment mode
- Can withstand the recoil of up to .50 cal
Cons:
- Difficult to mount
- The lack of fog-proof feature
- High price
Seasoned hunters in search of a reflex sight that can withstand any extreme conditions will never go wrong with the Sightmark SM26005 Ultra Shot M-Spec.
Sightmark encased their product in casting magnesium alloys, helping it withstand any abuse from your firearms’ repeated recoil.
Through the lens is not fog-proof, the metal casing is strong and sturdy enough to not only resist any scratches, shock, or damaging dings but also better protect the interior panels.
However, what really makes this unit outstanding is the parallax-corrected system which allows hunters to take advantage of the unlimited eye relief.
Whether it is day or night, the generous field of view can be up to 105 feet per 100 yards.
3. Burris Fastfire III with Picatinny Mount
Burris 300235 Fastfire III No Mount 3 MOA Sight (Black)
Pros:
- Lightweight yet sturdy
- Automatic brightness sensor
- Scratch-resistant and shock-resistant
- Perfect for short-range shooting
- Versatile sight with an impressive recoil resistance
Cons:
- Small buttons
- Shooters have to shut it off manually
Burris designed this red dot sight for optimal shooting speed and pinpoint accuracy.
The eye balance helps you save time aligning the rear and front sights. All shooters need to do is to point the FastFire III at the impact point to see precisely the hitting spot of their bullet.
What hunters love about this unit is its versatility. They can select either the no mount version or Picatinny rail mount version with ease, which makes it compatible with virtually any optics-ready handguns.
Users would love this product more if they did not have to deal with the manual shut-off setting. Luckily, it does not require much effort.
4. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Reflex Sight
Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Reflex Sight
Pros:
- Rugged build
- Best for close- and medium-range shooting
- Shockproof, waterproof, and fog proof
- Automatically shut down after about 5 minutes
Cons:
- You cannot mount it onto all firearms
- Come at a prohibitive price
The next option we recommend on our list is the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Reflex Sight. With multiple mounting solutions available, it works with almost all firearm models from 2.5 MOA dot to 7.5 MOA triangle reticle.
Whether you go hunting with your friends or find yourself in tactical environments, this model is an ideal add-on making your shooting session more exciting.
The distinct feature, though, is the Motion Sensor technology allowing for a useful power saving mode. After 5 minutes of inactivity, it will automatically go off. That way, there is no need to worry about battery-wasting.
The only major drawback is that you cannot mount the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro onto all firearms. Some users also expect a more affordable price.
5. DD DAGGER DEFENSE-The DDHB Red Dot Reflex Sight for Holographic Red Dot Sights
DD DAGGER DEFENSE – The DDHB Red Dot Reflex Sight, Scope Optic and Substitute for Holographic red dot Sights
Pros:
- Four position reticles
- A locking set screw to for sighting adjustment stabilization
- Excellent zero holding
- Exceptional brightness
Cons:
- Allen screws
When it comes to the most affordable reflex sight on the market, nothing can beat the Dagger Defense’s product.
What you’re hard pressed to find at other reflex sights at the same price range is the reticle brightness, which is always clear and bright enough for you to spot it without any difficulty, even on sunny days.
This Dagger Defense red dot sight is already excellent. However, but without the Allen screws, which demands you to have an Allen wrench with you all day long, it would be more popular.
Things To Consider When Choosing The Best Reflex Sights
Housing Structure
Reflex sights and pure red dot sights share a lot of similarities when it comes to housing structure – the construction type holding the glass panels. There are two common styles, which are open and tube (or pipe).
The tube style allows you to install filters or any protective covers with ease, making the red dot more visible at night. Being more traditional in design, the open style allows you to see the reticle through an open window.
Both of these styles can work well, but the open-style red dot sights do not allow shooters to put filters on.
Each sight-housing combination allows for a smaller or larger field of view. So, you should choose the type of housing depending on how much you expect to see through your sight.
Those who are seeking for the model giving the best value for their money should purchase a pipe-style reflex sight. However, only the open style can satisfy fans of classic designs.
Light Transmission
Besides the housing structure, the glass transparency is also a property to consider. Expensive reflex sights often come with high-quality glasses that can transmit as much light as you might expect.
So, to fully take advantage of your sight’s clear light projection whenever and wherever you are using it, you should invest in a premium model.
Durability
A high-quality reflex sight must have the top-notch durability and stability, helping it withstand your firearms’ frequent recoil.
Also, only the models with fog-resistant, waterproof, and shockproof features can continuously provide you with superior service.
Elevation and Windage Adjustments
Customization can take your comfort and performance to the next level. However, there are more to consider than just the size, pattern, and dot color customization. For example, the adjustments for elevation and windage.
While the elevation refers to the bullets’ vertical movement, the windage pertains to the way they move from left to right. Adjust both elevation and windage, and then you can take more accurate shots.
Battery Life
No shooters want their battery to run out in the middle of their shooting, and reflex sight owners are not an exception. They should be watchful on how long their device can last if they use it at a stretch.
There are a lot of LED red sights offering the battery life of up to 1000 hours and even longer. You should look for the models coming with a high-capacity battery.
And to avoid any unexpected situations, you should bring a spare battery along with you.
Your Shooting Range
The shooting range – the distance between you and your targets is among the essential things to weigh up while choosing your reflex sight.
For example, close and mid-range shooters will never go wrong with the best units for AR15. Meanwhile, a sight a bit further out is a better choice for a .308.
FAQs
Are Reflex Sights Are Good for Close-Range Shooting?
The reflex sight reticle, which stays aligned with your device, works as the target’s illuminated projection. Before shooting, all you need to do is to point the red dot to see images superimposed on your target.
With that said, without any power magnification, reflex sights are still a great solution for shooting at the close- and medium-range where speed is the most crucial factor.
Red Dot Sights vs. Reflex Sights – Which Are Better?
While some hunting newcomers might mistake the reflex sights for red dot sights, they are different from each other. The red dot models can belong to the reflex system, but the reflex sights are not all about the red dot sights.
There are other popular types such as a prismatic, laser, or holographic sights.
Where Should You Mount Your Reflex Sight?
The answer varies according to each shooter’s comfort zone. Since a reflex sight has unlimited eye relief, you can position it wherever you want.
However, you should keep your devices mounted on the receiver part instead of the hand guard part. Experienced shooters often mount their sights on the rail.
Is The Reflex Sight’s Battery Running Out Dangerous?
Since the battery can run out all of a sudden, using it is dangerous. It is such a popular fallacy. Let me break it down for you!
- Your reflex sights can still function without batteries. Some models have a reticle etched in their glass while others are self-charging.
- The battery can last up to 5 years. And you can replace it with a new one without taking the unit off.
How Much Will You Pay For The Best Reflex Sight?
Expect to pay from $100 to $400 for a high-quality reflex sight.
Which Reflex Sight Will I Choose?
Did you have a good time checking out our buying guide and list of the best reflex sights? So, which unit should you choose? It all comes down to your specific requirements and personal preference.
My top pick, though, is the EOTech 512 Holographic Weapon Sight. This performance-oriented product is packed with a ton of excellent features from long battery life to fast target acquisition at a budget-friendly price tag.
If you use this sight at close or medium range, expect to receive loud applause from fellow hunters.
What do you think about our choice? Let us know your opinion in the comment box below!
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