Improve the precision and speed of your Glock 23 by mounting a proficient red dot sight. The best red dot sights for Glock 23 highlighted in this guide will help you be more successful with your shots in any application.
When it comes to optimizing the performance of your Glock 23, a red dot sight is an important accessory to have. Finding the best red dot sights for Glock 23 can significantly enhance your shooting accuracy and speed and we are here to take you through the best reflex sights on the market.
The Glock 23 is renowned for its reliability and versatility. It benefits greatly from a high-quality red dot sight that offers clear visibility, quick target acquisition, and increased situational awareness. Adding a worthy red dot on this handgun is also important for shooting activities where precision aiming and fast follow-up shots are vital.
About the Glock 23
Glock 23 is a compact semi-automatic pistol chambered in .40 S&W. It is known for its reliability, versatility, performance, and compact size, making it easy to conceal. Introduced by Glock, the Model 23 offers a perfect balance between size and firepower.
Besides, the Glock 23 is compatible with various aftermarket parts and accessories, including sights, triggers, and magazine extensions. As such it is suitable for both concealed carry and law enforcement use.
Key Features
- Magazine Capacity: 13 rounds
- Barrel Length: 4.02 inches (102 mm)
- Overall Length: 7.28 inches (185 mm)
- Overall Width: 1.18 inches (30 mm)
- Height: 5.04 inches (128 mm)
- Weight (Empty): 23.65 oz (670 g)
- Weight (Loaded): Approximately 32.5 oz (922 g)
- Trigger Pull: Approximately 5.5 lbs (24.5 N)
- Sight Radius: 6.02 inches (153 mm)
- Frame Material: Polymer
What Makes a Great Red Dot Sight for Glock 23?
Several features make a great red dot sight for Glock 23. These features are
Solid Construction
Firstly, the red dot sight should have a durable construction from hard-wearing materials like aircraft-grade aluminum.
Optical Clarity
Furthermore, the sight needs to have clear glass and high-quality, multi-coated lenses for a clear sight picture.
Crisp Reticle
The best red dot sight for Glock 23 employs a crisp reticle typically, a 2-3 MOA dot for precision and quick target acquisition. On top of that, the sight should have multiple brightness levels for different lighting conditions.
Long Battery Life
It is also important for the sight to have a long battery life preferably thousands of hours to avoid frequent changes.
Compact and Lightweight
The red dot sight should have a compact and lightweight design to ensure that it does not add any excessive weight or bulk to the firearm.
5 Best Red Dot Sights for Glock 23
Should you be looking for an effective red dot sight for Glock 23 and don’t know where to start? Worry no more, we scanned the market and found the perfect shooting solution for your pistol. Without further ado let’s take a look at the best red dot sights for Glock 23.
1) Vortex Defender-ST 3 MOA Red Dot Sight
Introducing a masterpiece from the experts at Vortex, the Defender-ST is arguably one of the best red dot sights for Glock 23. The red dot sight harbors innovative and beneficial features to help you find the targets quickly and take accurate shots in any shooting application.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1x
- Reticle: 3 MOA Defender Dot
- Adjustment Graduation: 1 MOA
- Parallax Setting: Parallax Free
- Max Windage Adjustment: 145 MOA
- Max Elevation Adjustment: 115 MOA
- Dot Size: 3 MOA
- Mounting Footprint: DeltaPoint® Pro
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Length: 1.83″
- Weight: 1.48 oz.
The Vortex Defender-ST 3 MOA Red Dot Sight is a testament to quality, value and performance. It is one of the best red dot sights for Glock 23. It stands out as a robust and reliable optic designed for a wide range of applications, from tactical use to hunting and recreational shooting.
The selling point of this optic is the 3 MOA dot reticle. It strikes an excellent balance between precision and visibility, allowing for quick target acquisition while still being small enough to not obscure the small targets.
More importantly, the optic is built with high-quality, fully multi-coated lenses that deliver a bright and clear sight picture, even in low-light conditions.
Regarding construction, the red dot sight has a rugged housing, featuring a hard-anodized finish and shockproof design to ensure durability and longevity. Additionally, it is waterproof and fog-proof for reliable performance in all weather conditions.
User-friendly design elements further enhance the appeal of the Vortex Defender-ST. It offers an impressive battery life, with up to 150,000 hours of use on the medium setting, powered by a CR1632 battery.
Over and above that, its intuitive controls are easily accessible, allowing for quick adjustments to brightness settings with minimal effort. Select the Vortex Defender-ST for the best shooting experience with your pistol.
Pros
- Great optic for the price
- Durable and reliable construction
- Crisp clear 3 MOA reticle
- Ease of use
- Quick and straightforward installation
Cons
- Battery life
2) Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Red Dot Sight
A versatile red dot sight that delivers accurate aim in close-range shooting applications. The reflex sight delivers unparalleled performance making it one of the best red dot sights for Glock 23. Choose the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Red Dot Sight for all of your close-range shooting applications.
Specifications
- Fabric/Material: Aluminum
- Magnification: 1 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 0.71 – 1.05 in
- Reticle: 2.5 MOA Dot
- Illumination Type: LED
- Brightness Settings: 8
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA
- Battery Life: 300 hours
- Length: 1.82 in
- Weight: 1.95 oz
Here is a premium optic that stands out for its rugged durability and exceptional performance. It carries the respected Leupold name that guarantees durability and performance.
Crafted with lightweight yet robust aluminum housing, this sight withstands the harshest conditions while maintaining precision. One of its most notable features is the crystal-clear lens, which provides an unobstructed and wide field of view, allowing for quick target acquisition.
Furthermore, the 2.5 MOA red dot is crisp and easily visible, even in bright daylight, thanks to its superior brightness settings. This makes the sight an ideal choice for both tactical applications and competitive shooting. On top of that, the motion-sensing technology automatically adjusts the brightness and extends battery life, ensuring that the sight is always ready for action.
Ease of use is another feature that makes this red dot sight a worthy purchase. It features a top-loading battery compartment that eliminates the need to remove the sight from the firearm, preserving zero and simplifying maintenance. Besides, it is easy to install and simple to use, even for beginners.
Pros
- Robust aluminum housing
- Ease of use
- Lightweight construction
- Bright and crisp reticle
Cons
- Short battery life
- Lacks night vision-compatible brightness settings
3) Holosun Sub-compact HS507K-X2 Red Dot Sight
Delivering a comfortable and intuitive shooting experience, this Holosun reflex sight will boost your target acquisition speed and accuracy when engaging targets at close distances. As one of the best red dot sights for Glock 23, this incredible red dot sight will elevate your shooting confidence.
Specifications
- Reticle: 2 MOA Dot & 32 MOA Circle
- Illumination Color: Red
- Footprint: RMSAttachment/Mount Type: Shield RMS Footprint
- Fabric/Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
- Magnification: 1 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 0.58 – 0.77 in
- Brightness Settings: 10
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA
- Battery Type: CR1632
- Battery Life: 50,000 hours
- Water Resistance Level: IP67
- Weight: 1 oz
The Holosun Sub-compact HS507K-X2 Red Dot Sight is the best red dot sight for Glock 23 for the money. It is an exceptional optic tailored for compact and subcompact firearms, delivering unmatched durability, precision, and reliability.
The HS507K-X2 is constructed from robust 7075-T6 aluminum. It provides resilience against the rigors of everyday carry and intensive use. Furthermore, the optic is waterproof and shockproof for use even in adverse conditions.
To complement the solid construction, the red dot sight features a multi-reticle system (MRS), allowing users to switch between a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or a combination of both. This versatility makes it adaptable for various shooting scenarios.
Mounting the HS507K-X2 on a firearm is straightforward, thanks to its compatibility with the Shield RMS footprint. The sight’s design includes easy-to-use buttons for adjusting brightness and reticle settings, with tactile feedback that is intuitive even under stress.
Above all, the glass quality is excellent, providing a crisp and clear sight picture with minimal distortion.
Pros
- Extended battery life
- Solid and durable construction
- Multi-reticle system
Cons
- The adjustment buttons are small and somewhat difficult to manipulate
4) Trijicon RMR Type 2 1x 1 MOA Adjustable LED Reflex Sight
When you need a top-of-the-line reflex sight you can count on the Trijicon RMR Type 2 LED reflex sight. Unmatched speed and precision make it a great option for Glock 23. Built to excel in any close-range application, this Trijicon reflex sight will elevate your shooting performance.
Specifications
- Fabric/Material: Forged Aluminum
- Magnification: 1 x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 0.63 – 0.83 in
- Reticle: 1 MOA Red Dot
- Brightness Settings: 8
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA
- Lens Material: Glass, Tempered Glass
- Battery Life: 4 Years at setting 4
- Water Resistant Mark: 66 ft
- Length: 1.8 in
- Weight: 1.2 oz
In the realm of red dot optics, Trijicon RMR Type 2 1x 1 MOA Adjustable LED Reflex Sight stands out as a pinnacle of reliability and precision.
Designed with rugged durability in mind, this sight features a forged aluminum housing that is rigid enough to withstand abuse and recoil forces. Additionally, it is fully waterproof and weather-resistant to ensure reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Its 1 MOA dot size provides exceptional precision, allowing shooters to confidently engage targets at various distances with minimal target coverage.
The LED illumination offers eight brightness settings, including two night vision-compatible modes. This ensures optimal visibility in diverse lighting conditions.
Beyond its durability and precise aiming capabilities, the RMR Type 2 excels in ease of use and versatility. It has intuitive adjustment controls that allow shooters to quickly dial in windage and elevation adjustments without tools.
Furthermore, its long battery life, powered by a single CR2032 battery, ensures extended use without frequent replacements.
Pros
- Outstanding durability
- Crisp and accurate 1 MOA reticle
- Versatile and easy to use
- Long battery life
Cons
- Big budget
5) Steiner Micro Pistol 1x 3.3 MOA Red Dot Sight
This Micro Pistol red dot sight is an exceptional choice for the Glock 23 as it’s specially designed to transform your shooting experience with features. Tailored with brilliant optics and a commitment to excellence, the Steiner Micro Pistol 1x 3.3 MOA Red Dot Sight is surely a force to be reckoned with among the best red dot sights for Glock 23.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Objective Window Size: 0.63 x 0.83 in
- Reticle: 3.3 MOA
- Illumination Color: Red
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Battery Type: CR1632
- Battery Life: 13000 hours
- Operating Temperature: -40 – 140 Fahrenheit
- Water Resistance Level: Waterproof
- Length: 2.17 in
- Weight:2.05 oz
The Steiner Micro Pistol 1x 3.3 MOA Red Dot Sight is our last recommendation for the best red dot sight for Glock 23. It is a compact and robust addition to any pistol enthusiast looking to hone their shooting skills.
Designed for rapid target acquisition and precision aiming, this sight features a crisp 3.3 MOA red dot that remains sharp and clear during use. The illumination intensity of the reticle is adjustable for visibility even in low light.
The sight’s compact size makes it ideal for handguns, ensuring minimal added bulk while providing enhanced accuracy. Besides, setting it up is straightforward, with a user-friendly design that simplifies installation and adjustment.
Built with durability in mind, the Micro Pistol Red Dot is constructed from rugged materials that withstand the rigors of daily use and adverse environments. It is fully weather resistant to withstand elements outdoors. Furthermore, the intuitive controls allow for quick adjustments, catering to various shooting environments.
Pros
- Versatile and suitable for competitive shooting, self-defense, and recreational use
- Precise aiming point
- Superior lens clarity and parallax-free design
- Durable construction
- Compact size and lightweight design
Cons
- Limited battery life
Further Reading
- Best Red Dots for SIG M18
- Best Red Dots for Glock 48
- Best Red Dots for Glock 19
- Best Red Dots for Glock 43x
How to Choose the Best Red Dot Sights for Glock 23
The following are the key factors you should consider when purchasing a red dot sight for Glock 23:
Compatibility
Ensure the red dot sight is compatible with the Glock 23. This includes the mounting system and whether it fits securely without modification.
Optical Clarity
Opt for a red dot sight with clear optics and a sharp, crisp dot. High-quality glass elements enhance image brightness and sharpness for crisp aiming. The red dot sight you choose should also have quality lens coatings that boost light transmission and fight glare.
Read: Best Micro Red Dots for Pistol
Reticle Type and Size
The type of reticle affects precision at different distances. So, choose a reticle type (dot, circle-dot, etc.) that suits your shooting style and preferences.
Regarding size, the best red dot sight for Glock 23 features a small reticle of between 1 MOA and 3 MOA. Such reticles offer the best balance of speed and precision.
Durability and Construction
Look for sights made from durable materials like aluminum for ultimate longevity. The red dot sight should also have a hard-anodized finish for resistance against recoil, impact, and environmental conditions. Waterproof and fog-proof ratings (IPX7 or higher) are also beneficial for all-weather use.
Read: Best Red Dot Sights for Shotguns
Battery Life and Power Source
Consider the battery life expectancy and the type of battery and opt for a sight that is powered by a high-capacity battery. Some red dot sights also offer solar panels or dual-power options for extended use without frequent battery changes.
Mounting System
Ensure the red dot sight can be securely mounted on the Glock 23 without compromising the pistol’s balance or concealability. Check if it requires specific mounting plates or if it directly fits Glock MOS (Modular Optic System) models.
Size and Weight
The next thing to consider is size and weight. Balance the size and weight of the red dot sight with your intended use. Compact and lightweight sights are ideal for concealed carry or tactical applications without adding excessive bulk to the pistol.
Read: Best Burris Red Dots for Turkey Hunting
Adjustment Controls
Evaluate the ease of adjusting windage and elevation controls. Look for audible and tactile clicks for precise adjustments, especially important for zeroing the sight.
Price and Value
Set a budget and compare features across different red dot sights before settling on any particular product. Additionally, consider the overall value based on performance, durability, and additional features offered.
Read: Best Red Dots for Glock 34
Best Red Dot Sights for Glock 23 FAQs
Q: What features Should I Look for in a Red Dot Sight for Glock 23?
There are multiple features to look for in the best red dot sight for Glock 23. They include durability, ease of mounting, battery life, brightness settings, and compatibility.
Q: Do Red Dot Sights Affect the Concealability of my Glock 23?
Generally, red dot sights can add a slight bulk to the firearm, but many are designed to be compact to not affect the Glock’s concealability.
Q: Do I Need Special Training to Use a Red Dot Sight on my Glock 23?
While basic firearm safety and handling apply, using a red dot sight might require some adjustment and practice to maximize its benefits in aiming and shooting.
Final Shot
A sea of red dot sights is available on the market, and finding the best red dot sights for Glock 23 can be taxing. We have done the homework for you to make the quest for a dependable and trustworthy red dot sight less taxing.
Your ideal choice depends on specific shooting needs and individual preferences. Remember to settle for a red dot sight from a reputable brand for quality assurance. Red dot sights from reputable manufacturers are durable and backed by a great warranty so you can have the confidence you are investing in a reliable device that will serve you for many years.
The Vortex Defender-ST 3 MOA Red Dot Sight is a powerhouse in our red dot lineup and will be an effective shooting solution for your Glock 23.