Though it may seem a bit overwhelming at first with how many red dot sights there are to choose from, when it comes down to it, there aren’t really that many differences in red dot and reflex sights. Picking a red dot sight is easier than choosing a magnified riflescope—which can feel like the options are endless. After breaking down a few features, buying a reflex sight should be a simple process.
What Are Red Dot Sights Good For?
Red dot and reflex sights are relatively simple, intuitive aiming tools and after deciding on how much you want to spend (your budget) and the type of reflex sight you want (open or tube), which features suit your needs—
size, type of illumination, weight, construction, etc.—it will come down to deciding which size dot is best.
Good for rifles, pistols and shotguns, dot sights are a highly effective aiming tool for CQB, close to medium ranges, competition and self-defense. The biggest advantage of a red dot over any other optic or sight is the ability to acquire and hit a target incredibly quick. The size of the dot directly relates to how quickly you can locate the dot in the unit’s head’s up display and how much target area the dot covers. Both these things can significantly affect your accuracy.
Top Red Dot Sights from Sightmark
Ultra Shot R-Spec Reflex Sight
The Ultra Shot R-Spec Reflex Sight offers rapid target acquisition with a wide-angle lens system and customizable reticle options. Its durable aluminum housing and protective shield ensure reliability in various conditions.
Mini Shot M-Spec M2 Solar
The Mini Shot M-Spec M2 Solar combines solar technology with battery power for extended operation. Its compact design is ideal for pistols and AR platforms, offering a 3 MOA red dot reticle for precise aiming.
Volta Solar Red Dot Sight
The Volta Solar Red Dot Sight features dual power options, utilizing both solar and battery energy sources. Its robust construction and 2 MOA red dot reticle make it suitable for a variety of shooting applications.
Understanding MOA in Red Dot Sights
The illuminated red or green dot of a red dot/reflex sight is measured in MOA—minutes of angle, a unit for angular measurement of a circle. 1 MOA equals approximately 1 inch at 100 yards. A 2 MOA dot would appear 2 inches wide at 100 yards, and so on. Therefore, the smaller the MOA, the finer the dot—and the more precise your aiming can be at distance.
Small vs. Large Red Dot MOA: Which Is Right for You?
Smaller dots—1 to 2.5 MOA—are ideal for precise shots at longer distances. These are commonly used in tactical and competition settings where precision matters. However, they can be harder to pick up quickly, especially in bright environments or for those with vision challenges.
Larger dots—4 to 8 MOA—are faster to acquire and best suited for close-range shooting, such as self-defense, steel competition, or hunting fast-moving targets. These dots may sacrifice precision for speed but shine in fast-paced scenarios.
Popular MOA Sizes and Their Applications
1 MOA dots are typically found on high-precision red dots and often paired with a 60 MOA circle to aid in acquisition. These are great for long-distance shots but require good eyesight and steady aim.
3 MOA dots strike a balance between speed and precision, making them the most popular for both self-defense and competition. A 3 MOA dot is easy to see and doesn’t obscure too much of the target even at mid-range distances.
5 MOA and larger are great for handgun use or CQB (close quarters battle) scenarios where target acquisition speed is critical. These sizes are also beneficial for shooters with astigmatism or limited vision.
How Sightmark Designs Its Red Dots
We designed the Ultra Shot and earlier red dot models based on available dot sizes and market feedback. Since then, we’ve adopted innovations like solar technology, improved battery life, and reticle customization.
About five years ago, we asked AR15.com and Sightmark Pro Staff members which reticles they preferred. Sightmark Product Development Director Jonathan Horton explains, “Most of our red dots are 3 or 5 MOA which is easy to acquire and still have on-target accuracy at 50 or 100 yards, even with a magnifier. Going bigger is good for short range but you’re covering a lot of your target anything over 50 yards. If we do a smaller aiming dot than 3, it does provide better accuracy out to 100 but we usually design a larger circle-dot around the dot for better acquisition at close range.”
Who Uses Red Dot Sights?
Most shooters purchase a red dot sight for its original intention—quick target acquisition in a self-defense situation. However, red dots are also increasingly popular among:
- Turkey hunters needing fast target visibility
- Steel and speed competition shooters
- Home defense setups
- AR users and tactical rifle setups
- Handgun carriers and concealed carry pistols
At the end of the day, choosing the size of the illuminated dot reticle depends on your primary use and the firearm you're mounting it to.
What dot size do you like and why? Tell us in the comment section.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are red dot sights used for?
Red dot sights are designed for quick target acquisition and are ideal for close to medium-range shooting. They're commonly used for self-defense, hunting, competition, and tactical applications.
What’s the difference between red dot and reflex sights?
All reflex sights are red dot sights, but not all red dot sights are reflex sights. Reflex sights usually have an open design, while some red dots come in a tube-style housing. Both project a red dot as an aiming reticle.
What does MOA mean in red dot sights?
MOA stands for "Minute of Angle." It refers to the dot’s size as seen on target. For example, a 2 MOA dot covers 2 inches at 100 yards. Smaller MOA means more precision; larger MOA means faster acquisition.
Which MOA size should I choose for a red dot?
Choose 1–2 MOA for precision shooting, 3 MOA for a balance of speed and accuracy, and 5–8 MOA for fast, close-range shooting or for shooters with vision issues like astigmatism.
Are larger dots easier to see?
Yes. Larger dots like 5–8 MOA are quicker to pick up in the sight window, which is beneficial for close-range and defensive shooting scenarios.
What is the most common dot size for red dot sights?
3 MOA is the most popular size because it provides a good balance between speed and precision, making it ideal for a wide range of shooting situations.
Can I use a red dot sight on a shotgun or pistol?
Absolutely. Red dot sights are highly effective on shotguns, pistols, and rifles. They're especially popular for AR platforms and defensive handguns.
What are the benefits of solar-powered red dots?
Solar-powered red dot sights extend battery life by supplementing energy with solar input. They can operate longer and remain functional even if battery power runs low.
How does dot size affect accuracy?
Smaller dots (1–2 MOA) offer greater precision for longer distances, while larger dots (4–8 MOA) are faster to acquire but may cover more of the target, reducing precision.
Who typically uses red dot sights?
Red dot sights are used by hunters, tactical shooters, competition shooters, home defenders, and concealed carry users due to their speed, simplicity, and versatility.
8 comments
I have a browning BPS 12 guage shotgun with ventilated rib and a second scoped rifled barrel that I use to hunt deer and hogs. Where I live we can hunt turkeys and hogs at the same time. Can you recommend a red dot setup that I can mount to my smoothbore so I can shoot foster slugs and turkey loads? Thanks in advance.
MOA = Minute of Angle, a measurement of gun accuracy ….. approximately equal to 1" @ 100-yds, 2" @ 200-yds, etc.
Represents the VERTICAL LEG HEIGHT of a RIGHT TRIANGLE that connects at three points …..
(1) the end of the barrel, (2) the target and (3) the spot you aim at vertically to allow for bullet drop
The distance from barrel crown to target is the horizontal leg of the triangle and the distance from the barrel crown to the aiming point is the HYPOTHENUSE of the right triangle..
To solve, the math equation is : TANGENT (TAN) of ANGLE “A” = vertical adjustment needed to allow for bullet drop. TAN “A”= vertical leg / horizontal leg. For a 1 MOA, look up the value of the TAN (1-deg) on the web and you know the distance of the horizontal leg (target distance).. This allows you to calculate the vertical distance => TAN (1-deg) x TARGET DISTANCE.
What does MOA stand for? I thinking about buying a Smith &Wesson M&P 15-22 rifle.I’m trying to find a red DOT that will not set be back too much coin. I served i the navy and it kind of reminds me of a small version of an M16 (well sort of) I did not want to spend too much money. Just want have fun plinking around.