In the world of tactical training, red dot sights are a must have tool. They allow you to work on the accuracy of your shot, so you are ready when it matters most. With so many models on the market, and just as many opinions on the matter, it can be intimidating to find the right one for your needs. With our red dot sight buying guide, here are a few main areas to consider when purchasing this important item.

Look at size

The first matter is to consider the size of the red dot sight. While all sights essentially perform the same task, the size of your weapon will matter greatly as to which sight is right for your needs. For example, a small handgun would benefit more from a smaller red dot sight and a rifle would be better with a larger one. While the bottom line is how well you perform with the sight, you always want to make sure the sizing works for the weapon in question.

Consider battery

Another important matter is to look at is the battery in terms of both life and ease of access. For example, if you choose a sight with special order batteries as opposed to more readily available batteries, you are putting yourself at a slight disadvantage. However, if the benefits for you in terms of performance or weapon compatibility outweigh the factor of ease of access of battery type then that is a decision only you can make. The other aspect of the battery to consider is the battery life. You need a battery life to meet the needs of how long you intend to train or utilize the weapon for real action. Most sights will tell you clearly from the manufacturer the battery type and expected battery life so make sure you consider this factor before purchasing.

Open or tube?

Another main consideration is whether you should go for an open or tube option. The open style is also called a window design because it uses a small square shaped window. The tube option has all of the interior workings of the optic housed inside an enclosed tube. Each option has its own benefits and potential drawbacks you need to consider carefully. For instance, a tube style offers a more limited scope of vision because it is enclosed but it is also more protected which may make it last a little longer. The window or open sight tends to offer a better scope of vision and is lighter, but it is also more exposed to damages. All of these considerations should be kept in mind when choosing this item as you prioritize which aspects matter most to you.

Reticle Size

The size of the red dot itself also matters more than you might think. The use of a smaller reticle is ideal for taking precise shots at longer distances because it covers less area, so the shot is more precise to the target. A smaller red dot will naturally be harder to see, especially in bright daylight, so keep that in mind. A lager reticle is ideal for newer shooters because it is much easier to see, but it can obstruct target view at longer distance. A general rule of thumb is to look at it in inches versus yards. For example, a 1-inch red dot is ideal at 100 yards, a 2-inch diameter is ideal for 200 yards, and so on. Make sure you consider the types of shots you will be taking and their distance when choosing the reticle size.