Red dot vs scope, which one is going to be best for your firearm?
If you are new to shooting rifles, and you are thinking about mounting an optic on your rifle you might be debating whether or not to go with a red dot sight or a scope. They are both great options.
But they also come with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. It really depends on the primary purpose of your rifle.
Today, we are going to compare these two optics. To do that, we are going to be looking at four different categories, speed, accuracy, weight, and reliability.
Our Top Red Dot Sights Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Sig Sauer Romeo5 Red Dot Sight |  Top Pick |
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| 2. Aimpoint Pro Red Dot Reflex Sight |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 3. Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sight |  |
| Check Current Price |
1. Sig Sauer Romeo5 Red Dot Sight — Best Overall
Introducing the Sig Sauer Romeo5, a high-quality optics that comes with a bunch of promises at a very reasonable price point.
Specs
- 1x20mm
- Glass lens
- Unlimited eye relief
- MOA adjustments
- Battery life of 40000 hours
This dot sight comes with motion-activated illumination, which is a great feature because it powers on the device for use when it detects motion.
It uses an integrated M1913 Picatinny interface that provides you with industry-standard mounting for different types of applications.
I really appreciate the waterproofing and weatherproofing of this sight, considering how well it performed in rainy and foggy conditions.
The batteries I received didn’t work. I had to order for new ones, which was quite disappointing.
Pros
- Turns on when it senses motion
- Waterproof and weatherproof design
- Superior visibility in different light conditions
- Easy elevation and windage adjustment
Cons
- May receive a bad battery
- May not be suitable for large calibers
Conclusion
The simplicity of its design is far outmatched by the versatility of its function.
Overall Rating: 4.7
2. Aimpoint Pro Red Dot Reflex Sight — Best 2 MOA Dot
The Aimpoint Pro features an advanced sighting technology that offers you precision target acquisition in all light and weather conditions.
Specs
- 1x23mm
- 2 MOA aiming dot size
- Anti-reflex optical coating
- Unlimited eye relief
- Battery life of 30000 hours
This sight has a 2 MOA dot, which provides you with a bright and precise aim for true target engagement at different distances.
It has a hard anodized aluminum construction that is lightweight, rugged, and capable of withstanding foggy and humid conditions.
Another good feature is its wide compatibility, which allows you to use it with all generations of night vision as well as Aimpoint 3X magnifiers.
I received a used product, and it did not come with instructions. I had to request for a new one before I could experience its impressive performance.
Pros
- Delivers a bright, precise red dot
- Rugged design that can withstand harsh conditions
- Has a wide compatibility
- Offers exceptional battery life
Cons
- Possible to receive a refurbished product
- May not come with instructions
Conclusion
This is a great red dot that will offer you good clarity, superior battery life, and unmatched durability.
Overall Rating: 4.7
3. Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sight — Best 3 MOA Dot
If you are looking for a compact, lightweight, and high performing red dot, look no further than the Vortex Optics Venom.
Specs
- 5mm
- 3 MOA dot
- Unlimited eye relief
- Fully multi-coated optical coating
- Battery life of 30000 hours
This sight has a three minute-of-angle dot, which is great because it allows for quick and effective target acquisition while providing you with a precise point of aim.
It has a durable machined aluminum construction, which ensures this device will stand up to whatever you throw at it when at the range or hunting.
Another amazing feature is the fully multi-coated lenses, which offer you a clean, wide field of view for quick and easy target acquisition.
I could not adjust the dot properly with the first model I received. I had to request for a new one.
Pros
- Precise aiming and quick target acquisition
- Heavy-duty construction works in all weather conditions
- Coated lenses offer a wide field of view
- Very generous and safe eye relief
Cons
- Possible to receive a faulty unit
- May receive defective batteries
Conclusion
This product fits well on your shotgun or AR, giving you optimal flexibility and optical performance.
Overall Rating: 4.5
Our Top Scopes Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Nikon Buckmasters II Riflescope |  Top Pick |
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| 2. Leupold VX-Freedom Riflescope |  |
| Check Current Price |
| 3. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Riflescope |  |
| Check Current Price |
1. Nikon Buckmasters II Riflescope — Best Overall Scope
Introducing the Nikon Buckmasters II, the most advanced BDC reticle rifle scope for outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and long-range shooters.
Specs
- Patented BDC reticle
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Generous eye relief
- Shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof
This high-quality scope is equipped with fully multi-coated lenses, which help enhance light transmission and eliminate reflected light.
It comes with a bullet drop compensating reticle, which is a great feature because it has unique ballistic circles that allow for long-range aiming.
I also appreciate the rugged construction that is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for effective weather, water, and shock resistance.
The model that was shipped to me was poorly packaged. Also, I didn’t get any mounting accessories.
Pros
- Ballistic reticle supports long-range shooting
- Anti-reflective lenses offer superior light transmission
- Generous eye relief keeps the eyes safe from recoil
- Weatherproof and waterproof design
Cons
- Possible to receive a poorly packed unit
- May not receive mounting accessories
Conclusion
The best rifle scope that is optimized for hunting and long-range shooting with its top-of-the-line BDC reticle.
Overall Rating: 4.7
2. Leupold VX-Freedom Riflescope — Best for Low Light Conditions
If you are looking for a rifle scope that features premium features and rugged construction, look no further than the Leupold VX-Freedom.
Specs
- Duplex reticle
- Aircraft quality aluminum tube
- Twilight light management system
- 1/4 MOA finger click adjustments
- Scratch-resistant lenses
This scope has a magnification range of three to nine power, which is a good feature when shooting the AR-15.
It comes with a high performing reticle that has hash marks that are an MOA apart, which is perfect if you don’t know what caliber you are going to use.
A feature unique to this scope is the twilight light management system, which improves visibility in low light and ensures you get premium lens clarity.
The tactile turrets were not audible when I was testing the scope. I wish they were. Also, it didn’t come with mounting gear.
Pros
- Lightweight, waterproof, and durable design
- High-quality glass that’s reliable in low light conditions
- Scratch-resistant optics are highly durable
- Fog-proof and waterproof construction
Cons
- Doesn’t have audible clicks
- May not be the most ideal for long-range applications
Conclusion
This is Leupold’s flagship rifle scope that comes equipped with all the features you will need for your different applications.
Overall Rating: 4.7
3. Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn Riflescope — Best HD Clarity
Introducing the Bushnell Banner Dusk & Dawn, an all-rounded big-game optics that comes highly recommended for centerfire rifles and muzzleloader.
Specs
- Multi-coated lenses
- Fast focus eyepiece
- 1/4 MOA tool-less fingertip adjustment
- One-piece tube construction
This scope is fitted with multi-coated optics, which offer enhanced light transmission, optimum brightness, and superior image clarity.
I really appreciate the dusk and dawn brightness of this scope, which helps to ensure that you have sufficient illumination in low light conditions.
It has a fast-focus eyepiece and a very generous eye relief, making it easy and comfortable to acquire the target position and take accurate shots.
The first model I received had elevation adjustment problems. I had to request for a new one.
Pros
- Offers enhanced light transmission and image clarity
- Very effective in low light conditions
- Fast focus eyepiece allows for quick image acquisition
- Safe and generous eye relief
Cons
- Possible to get a defective product
- You may not get mounting accessories
Conclusion
It is a high-powered scope that is capable of long-range shooting with its impressive magnification, reticle design, and turret adjustments.
Overall Rating: 4.6
Red Dot Buying Guide
A red dot sight needs to be adjusted in the same manner as a regular scope. It has elevation and windage adjustments.
There are various things I would urge you to consider when shopping for a red dot, including:
Dot Size
The dot can come in different sizes, and it is usually measured in minute of angle (MOA). You can choose a small or large dot, depending on your application.
Tube or Open Design
Tube or closed red dot sights provide you with the ability to add filters and fitted dust covers for protecting the optics from the elements and damage.
An open style red dot doesn’t have a tube, but you can find the optics situated in front of the emitter. This design is normally lightweight and compact.
Rifle Scope Buying Guide
Scope selection requires you to pay close attention to specific design features, even though there are so many things to consider.
Durable Construction
You want the best investment that will last a long time. So, you have to choose a scope that is either nitrogen or argon purged for weatherproofing.
Magnification
There are two types of magnification: fixed and variable. I will urge you to consider the latter because it is more versatile, depending on your application.
Elevation and Windage Adjustments
Elevation and windage adjustments are extremely important because they determine how accurate your scope will be.
To get the best adjustments, you have to choose high performing turrets. One of the most popular designs is ballistic turrets.
Scope vs Red Dot Sight — Which is the Better Option?
The red dot vs scope battle is fierce, but I am going to breakdown the comparison into a few categories to determine the overall winner.
Category One: Speed
The advantage here has to go to the red dot sights because they are simply engineered for speed. They have a very simple and visible reticle and they don’t have magnification.
Category Two: Accuracy
The advantage here goes to the scope. This is so since accuracy requires magnification in order to see fine details. Red dots don’t have magnification.
Category Three: Weight
By design, red dots are lighter in weight. So, they are more convenient when you want to shave off a few ounces from your rifle.
Category Four: Reliability
The advantage here goes to the scope, simply because the reticle of the scope does not rely on batteries. In some cases, the batteries may go dead or fail.
Final Words
A red dot is faster because it does not depend on magnification when acquiring the target position. It simply points to the target.
A red dot is also extremely lightweight, especially the compact open design. They are perfect when you want to reduce the weight of your rifle.
A scope; however, is more accurate because it uses magnification and high performing reticle designs for image acquisition. Also, scopes are more reliable because they don’t depend entirely on batteries.
Based on our findings, our overall best red dot sight is the Sig Sauer Romeo5 and the best overall scope is the Nikon Buckmasters II.
