Today, you are going to find the best red dots for PDW. Red dots are 1x optics made for close to medium-range engagements. They utilize a simplistic red dot as their reticle.
Red dots can be put on big guns and small guns as well. Because of their increased availability and reliability, red dots make a perfect choice for personal defense weapons.
Mounting a red dot sight on a pistol is also beneficial, just like rifles. Some shooters get to enjoy instant benefits, for instance, those with aging eyes.
The primary use of mounting a red dot sight is staying focused on the target. The other advantage is enhanced accuracy when shooting at targets that are difficult to hit.
Having a pistol equipped with a red dot implicates more accuracy for the shooter. Having a red dot for personal defense is the best thing ever since intruders frequently attack at night, implying low light conditions.
8 Best Red Dots for PDW
Since not all red dots are designed for personal defense weapons, it is crucial to ensure that you are buying a suitable unit. Finding the best red dots for PDW can be tedious due to the plethora of options in the market. We have narrowed the search for you to eight primeval red dots. Let’s have a look:
#1) Aimpoint ACRO P-1 Red Dot Reflex Sight
Specially designed for pistols, Acro P-1 ranks top among the best red dots for PDW. It has a completely enclosed housing to protect the internal components from elements such as rain, mud and snow.
This reflex sight delivers reliable performance as it’s engineered to withstand extreme shock, vibration and material stress generated from firing thousands of shots.
Aimpoint Acro-P1 red dot reflex sight hosts unique features to optimize performance. It’s parallax-free and so the visible red dot is always parallel to your pistol’s bore maintaining sharp focus no matter the viewing angle. You don’t have to worry about centering the dot inside the sight.
Another positive aspect that makes Aimpoint Acro P-1 reflex sight one of the best red dots for PDW is that it allows shooters to focus with both eyes open. This enhances situational awareness and boosts your confidence when shooting. With this red dot sight, your first shot will always hit the target.
The red dot sight incorporates a 3.5 MOA reticle which delivers unmatched precision and facilitates rapid target acquisition. Close combat scenarios call for speed and no better way to stay on top of things than with a dedicated red dot sight.
Unbeatable versatility is another stronghold that makes Acro-P1 red dot sight one of the best red dots for PDW. With a 10 brightness setting, you have a highly adaptable optic that will deliver all the time. Day or night, this red dot got your back.
Features
- Lightweight design suitable for PDW
- Wide field of view for optimal situational awareness
- Made with highly durable materials
- Waterproof and shockproof construction
- 5 MOA reticle for precision and swift acquisition of targets
- 10 brightness settings enhance flexibility and extend operation into the night
- It runs on a 3V CR 1225 lithium battery
- The battery compartment is easy to access
#2) Trijicon RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA Adjustable Red Dot Sight
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA Adjustable Red Dot Sight is made with a small design and incorporates impressive features that deliver one-of-a-kind performance. Versatility makes RMR Type 2 red dot sight top contenders among the best red dots for PDW.
For optimal visual performance, the lens is fully multi-coated allowing maximum light transmission. As a result of the superior light transmission, there is a minimal color change in the target’s surroundings which helps maintain a sharp focus.
If the surrounding lighting conditions are unfavorable, the dual-illumination will come in handy. It will illuminate the reticle and automatically fine-tune brightness level and contrast to match the prevailing lighting conditions.
The red dot is constructed with a unique shape that averts impact force away from the lens. This will keep the lens working optimally for many years. It has a waterproof construction, which means it can withstand temporal immersion in water.
Still, on matters of durability, it is constructed from robust aluminum, which means it will be subjected to extreme conditions and remain in good shape.
Additionally, it has a fixed magnification range, meaning you cannot zoom the target. Unlimited eye relief allows you to have a clear target view with less strain on the eyes.
It is also equipped with rugged battery contacts for enhanced electronic performance. It will survive in the most challenging environments. You will love this red dot as it has the capability of mounting in all kinds of firearms, from pistols, rifles, and handguns to carbines.
Features
- Windage and elevation are easily adjustable
- 25 MOA dot reticle
- Runs on a powerful CR2032 battery
- Made of highly durable aluminum
- Eight illumination settings
- Lens have multiple coatings
- Continuous operation of at least four years
- Ideal for all weather conditions
- Easy to use buttons
- Compatible with several firearms
- Upgraded electronics enhance performance and durability
#3) Leupold Deltapoint Pro 2.5 MOA Red Dot Sight
If you need a red dot sight that delivers impeccable performance, but in a small unit, the Leupold Deltapoint Pro Red Dot Sight is for you.
This red dot sight provides a lucid field of view and a bold aiming point necessary when dealing with challenging situations. Compatibility with several firearms makes Deltapoint Pro a leader among the best red dots for PDW.
When it comes to construction, Leupold doesn’t compromise on quality. The red dot is made of aircraft aluminum for strength and rigidity. Boost your shooting confidence with the Deltapoint Pro red dot sight. Versatility makes Deltapoint Pro red dot sight stand out among other red dots for PDW.
The red dot sight integrates a state-of-the-art red dot optical system that offers unrivaled light transmission. Even in the harshest of lighting conditions, this system remains relentless granting the shooter vivid target images.
Besides, the red dot delivers the resolution and clarity most shooters demand in the field. An aspheric lens produces a wide field of view, giving you the best image quality that cannot be seen on standard units.
Better yet, you get eight illumination settings to choose from to suit your environment. It stands out from the crowd as it has a Motion Sensor Technology that detects any sight movement.
An illuminated reticle is another critical addition because it helps shooters to focus speedily in low-light environments. The MST technology helps deactivate the reticle when the red dot isn’t in use to prolong the battery life.
The triple features of waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof capabilities helps deliver reliable performance in any weather. Advanced purging with dry gases and sealing methods lock out any elements that may interfere with the lens performance.
Features
- 2.5 MOA dot is ideal allows precise shot placement
- Motion Sensor Technology activates reticle when it detects motion
- Lightweight aluminum housing yet tough and durable
- Equipped with an aspheric lens for a wide field of view
- Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof construction
- Eight illumination settings
- An illuminated reticle for speedy target acquisition in low light
- A large field of view for improved shooting experience.
- Covered in spring steel to enhance durability
#4) Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sights
Rapid target acquisition and error-free point of aim define the Venom 3-MOA red dot sight. The wide field of view coupled with the meticulous optical system enhances situational awareness crucial in personal defense.
Vortex makes some of the best optics and red dots you can find on the market, and the Venom Red Dot Sight is no exception and delivers an extraordinary performance when attached to any firearm.
Made with durability in mind, the red dot has a single-piece chassis constructed of high-quality aluminum. It combines features of waterproof and shockproof capabilities, making it ideal to use even in bad weather. Also, it is shockproof so it will withstand bumps and drops associated with use in harsh environments.
Additionally, its lens has an Armortek coating that resists scratch and protects against dirt and oil. A hard-anodized finish provides additional protection to the red dot. It utilizes a 1 MOA red dot reticle with ten brightness levels. You can use the one that suits your condition.
You will also love its unlimited eye relief that allows you to have a shooting experience with both eyes open. A 26.5mm objective lens allows fast and accurate acquiring of the target. It also comes with a low rail mount that locks to a slotted spec base rail.
It comes with an optional riser to place it at the appropriate height for rifles. It’s very light and can be mounted easily to any Picatinny rail style. This is the perfect self-defense unit as it instantly turns on thanks to the auto-brightness feature that reacts in no time.
Features
- Single-piece chassis enhances durability
- Ten brightness levels
- It comes with a lifetime warranty
- Waterproof and shockproof
- Scratch-resistant Armortek coating on the lens
- 5mm objective lens
- Unlimited eye relief
- Hard anodized finish
- It can be easily mounted on Picatinny rails
- Auto-mode feature
- Lenses protected by a scratch-resistant coating
- A wide lens with impeccable edge-to-edge resolution
#5) Burris FastFire III Reflex Red Dot Sight
The Burris FastFire III Reflex Red Dot Sight is another red dot for personal defense weapons. This is a highly versatile red dot as it can work on a rifle, shotgun, or handgun. It can be installed seamlessly using a Picatinny or Weaver mount.
It is made with a lightweight and compact design, which means it will not affect handling or balancing your firearm. It is equipped with an automatic brightness sensor that adjusts illumination to suit your condition. It also comes with three manual brightness settings.
This red dot sight nonetheless has a high-quality optical glass that offers brilliant brightness and clarity for your target image. Besides, it is waterproof, which means it will not let you down even when the weather becomes harsh. This is in addition to being shockproof, which means it withstands recoil and any impact thrown at it.
Another feature of the red dot is a fixed 1x magnification, making it perfect for close ranges and letting you shoot with both eyes open. This is beneficial as it promotes awareness and helps in the fast acquisition of the target.
For enhanced accuracy, the unit is parallax-free. Windage and elevation adjustments are a breeze as no special tools are needed. It is also powered by a CR1632 battery conveniently found on the top of the sight. The battery has a lifespan of up to five years. The red dot is backed by a Burris warranty in case of repair or replacement issues.
Features
- Parallax-free
- Allows you to acquire your target quickly
- Lightweight and compact design
- Automatic brightness sensor
- Three manual brightness settings
- Waterproof and shockproof construction
- Includes a CR1632 battery
- Easy windage and elevation adjustments
- High-quality optical glass
- Black Matte finish
- Fixed 1x magnification
- Rugged construction
- 21mm objective lens diameter
#6) Holosun HS507C-X2 Reflex Red Dot Sight
Holosun HS507C-X2 Reflex Red Dot Sight is what you need. Made with a 1x fixed magnification, you are guaranteed precise shots. It gives a crystal-clear view of the targets that are closer to you. It has one focus point that avoids focusing many points and offers precision shots.
It is designed with a premium-quality optics system that delivers clear and bright target images regardless of the condition. The lens is multi-coated to enhance the clarity of the target. You will thus be confident even in low-light conditions.
There is also a massive field of view for better situational awareness of the environment. When it comes to durability, this red dot sight is among the most durable on the market.
It is made of aircraft-grade aluminum which ensures maximum durability. It is also lightweight and very compact, which is suitable for mobility.
Because the power supply is an essential factor in an optic, the red dot comes with two power supplies; a lithium battery and Solar Failsafe technology. The CR1632 lithium battery can last up to 50,000 hours.
This implies that the red dot will continue functioning for years of severe use. The battery’s compartment is conveniently placed, which makes it easy for you to change it without detaching the optic from the pistol.
Solar technology enables the red dot sight to preserve battery life when drained out. It offers power during bright lighting conditions and provides backup when there is no ambient light.
Features
- High-quality optics for clarity and brightness
- Multi-coated lens enhances light transmission
- Wide field of view
- One focus point
- Made of high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum
- Powered by a CR1632 lithium battery
- Solar Failsafe technology
- The battery compartment is conveniently located
- Hard anodized finish
- Unlimited eye relief
- Fixed 1x magnification
- 16mm objective lens
#7) Sig Romeo Zero Micro Reflex Sight
This is another tremendous red dot for personal defense weapons. The red dot sight has a lightweight polymer housing, so it doesn’t hinder mobility. It comes with a Spectra Coat HD Polymer Lens with more impact resistance. Eight brightness levels allow you to choose the one that suits your condition.
The unit runs on a CR1632 battery with a battery life of over 20,000 hours for prolonged use. Motion Activated Illumination System is another feature. Its primary function is to power up when it detects motion and power down when it doesn’t. This helps to conserve the battery. It is also parallax-free to enhance accuracy.
Nevertheless, it is equipped with eight brightness levels. You can pick the one that best suits your environment. There is also a point source LED emitter that is very efficient and delivers a crisp dot that is nothing compared to the usual red dots.
Features
- Textured finish
- Eight brightness settings add on convenience
- Parallax-free
- Spectra Coat HD Polymer lens enhances clarity
- Polymer housing ensures durability
- Motion Activated Illumination System powers up or down after detecting the motion
- 3 MOA red dot
#8) Swampfox Sentinel 1×16 Ultra-Compact Micro Red Dot
Swampfox Sentinel Micro Red Dot is the perfect red dot for defensive shooting scenarios. The red dot is highly durable as it is crafted from 7075 aluminum.
This ensures that it withstands rugged use that is associated with the outdoors. It uses glass with multiple coatings for maximum light transmission. As a result, your target image is bright, clear and sharp.
The left side of the unit hosts a photosensitive sensor that offers a bright dot relative to ambient light regardless of the lighting condition. Its compact design guarantees an easy time in the field as it will save you the exhaustion that comes with heavy red dots.
Ten illumination settings can be adjusted manually or accessed through digital push buttons. You have to choose the one that works best for you. The unit has a Shake N Wake motion-sensing illumination to preserve the battery life.
To add to that, it has a 1x magnification range that is perfect for targets at close range. Its unlimited eye relief lets you shoot with both eyes open for more awareness of your surroundings.
Waterproof and shockproof, the red dot sight will suffice in bad weather conditions. It will also not disappoint in harsh terrains and conditions.
Features
- Made of high-quality aluminum
- Waterproof and shockproof performance
- Powered by a CR2032 Lithium battery
- Hydrophobic lens
- Compact design
- Ten illumination settings to choose from
- Shake N Wake motion-sensing illumination preserves battery life
- Unlimited eye relief
- A photosensitive sensor on the left side on the red dot
- Multi-coated optics deliver bright and clear target images
- Black matte finish
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Considerations When Buying the Best Red Dots for PDW
Compatibility to Your Firearm
The compatibility of your red dot sight to your rifle is crucial. An incompatible red dot sight is good as useless. This is because you will not experience the best optical view that you should.
Therefore, it is better to check whether the red dot sight of your choice is compatible with your rifle. If not, you will need to get another red dot sight.
Weight and Size
Red dot sights are available in varying sizes and weights. Some are made with a heavy and bulky design, while others are lightweight and compact. It is also pertinent to keep in mind that some red dot sights are designed for specific rifles. Having a light unit may increase your mobility for as long it is well-suited with your rifle.
Brightness Setting
The red dot sight has a feature to switch the illumination level of your reticle based on your environmental lighting condition. Most users prefer a wide range of illumination settings.
Having an adjustable type makes it effortless to switch between multi-brightness options, and the comfortable position will enhance your shooting skill. Some units are equipped with an automatic brightness setting that aids in adjusting the illumination level according to the lighting condition.
Eye Relief
A short eye relief implies strain on your eyes, which will be uncomfortable, especially wearing eyeglasses. Units with unlimited eye relief are the best choices as they cause no harm to your eyes when viewing your target.
Resistance
Having a red dot sight that can endure extreme conditions without compromising its optical performance is a plus. The unit is a good investment as long as it has built resistance against different weather conditions such as fogging, submersion in water, impact and shock.
Benefits of a Red Dot
- Speed
A pistol raised to eye level will organically draw your eye to the luminously colored red reticle overlaid on the target.
- Superior contrast
If you are shooting in relatively low light or are in a self-defense situation, a red dot offers remarkable contrast compared to other sights.
- Accuracy
Unlike iron sights, where the geometric understanding is determined by the distance between the front and rear sights, the red dot can be placed as close or as far away from your eye as long as you are comfortable.
- Poor vision
It may be hard for those with poor eyesight to focus on the front sight, let alone shift the focus between three focal planes. A red dot is a highly effective alternative.
FAQs on Best Red Dots for PDW
Q: Are Red Dot Sights Lasers?
No. The notion that red dot sights are lasers is common, especially among firearm beginners. The red dot sight is not a laser; the laser used in the red dot sight is just for the reticle reference.
Q: Is There a Red Dot with Magnification?
Red dot sights are constructed without magnification or optical distortion. Red dot sights differ from lasers, whereby lasers project a red dot onto a target, while the former is all internal, letting only the shooter see the red dot on their target.
Q: What is the Difference Between ACOG and Red Dot Sights?
The ACOG comes with the BDC, making it ideal for long-distance and capable to hit your target. ACOG sights are designed for distance and accuracy. On the other hand, red dots are designed for shooting at short ranges. While both are accurate, it comes down to the distance you are looking at.
Conclusion
Red dots are very beneficial for personal defense weapons. We are confident that you have found a red dot that suits you and your needs. So, all you have to do is buy the one you like. Keep in mind that the models above have proven reliable and will not let you down.