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A red dot sight is a type of reflex sight which is used by the users of firearms to display an illuminated red dot as an aiming point which helps in shooting with great accuracy. It has the variations of a tubed red dot, full-sized red dots, micro red dot, dependable red dot, unmagnified red dot, sturdy red dot and lightweight red dot sights. If you are looking for the best red dots under $200 you have reached the right place as this article lists the 10 best red dot sights. This article lists the best 10 best red dots for you to choose from.
10 Best Red Dots Under $200 Reviewed
Starting with
1 – Sig Sauer SOR52001 – Best Budget Red Dot Sight
- 2 MOA Red-Dot provides 10 illumination settings (8 daylight...
- MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination) powers up when it...
- Integrated M1913 Picatinny interface provides...
- Dependable waterproof (IPX-7 rated for complete water...
This amazing MOA red dot features MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination) which means that when a system is not in use it shuts down which increases the battery life. It also activates the system when it senses a slight vibration or movement. Sig Sauer ROME 05 red dot sight is compact and effective.
Technical Specs
Its 2 MOA Red Dot provides 10 illumination settings which includes 8 daylight and 2 night vision for clear visibility in all light conditions. MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination) powers down when not is use. Its battery life is 40,000+ hour. It has a motion sensing technology through which it activates. It has the magnification power of 1x. It has a clear objective aperture of 20 mm with unlimited eye relief and elevation adjustment range of +/- 40 MOA, windage adjustment range: +/- 40 MOA and adjustment increments of 0.5 MOA.
Design
Its dimensions are 4.7 x 3 x 0.8 inches and it weighs only 5.1 ounces.
Features
It is dependable waterproof with the capacity of complete water immersion of up to 1 meter. It is also fog proof. It features 2 MOA and MOTAC. It is highly efficient and has an ultra wide broadband. It also has anti reflection a lens coating which helps to reduce surface reflections to an extremely low level across the whole visible spectrum thus providing you with superior light transmission.
Performance
It performs very well. It has good ratings and is mostly liked by the users with 86% five stars. Its elevation and windage are easily adjusted and its lens are crystal clear. The red dot is clear and bright. It is one of the efficient and compact red dot optics.
What’s in the box
It comes with one lithium metal batteries, riser mount, low profile mount, lens cloth, lens covers, adjustment and mounting tool. It also includes a user manual.
- The Elevation and Windage are extremely easy to adjust
- The lenses are crystal slear and the dot is bright and round
- At times, it starburst at higher settings indoors
- For some user, this red dot is not upto the mark.
Verdict
With excellent 4.7 out of 5 ratings on Amazon this is one of the best red dot sights.its lens are clean and clear and it’s efficient.
2 – Aimpoint CompM4 Red Dot Reflex Sight under 200
- Features advanced lens system for better light transmission...
- Professional quality components fully tested to meet or...
- Up to 80,000 hours (over 8 years) of daytime operation using...
- Includes anti-reflective device and black rubber lens covers
It uses professional quality components which are widely tested to meet all US military specifications. It has an anti reflective device and magnification of 1x. This is a professional quality red dot sight, used in extreme harsh conditions.
Technical Specs
It has 7 night vision settings and 9 daylight settings which includes one extra bright setting for use in bright daylight. It can operate for 80,000 hours (over 8 years) of continuous use during daytime using one AA battery and 500,000 hours of use on night vision device (NVD) settings with a single AA battery. It has an optical magnification of 1x. Its aiming dot size is 2 MOA. The intensity of the dot is such that it is visible against a background luminance of 0.1 to 55,000 1x and have the wavelength of 655 +/- 15 nm.
Design
Its dimensions are 4 x 3 x 6 inches and weighs 13.1 ounces. It has a black rubber lens cover.
Features
It has multi layer and anti reflex coatings with unlimited eye relief. It is submersible in water for up to 45 m/ 150 ft. It has a mechanical switch for speed and reliability.
Performance
This sight ought to perform well as it is used in extreme harsh conditions.
What’s in the box
Inside the box you will only find compM4 sight only. Unfortunately it doesn’t come with a mount or batteries.
- It is electronically regulated to allow the use of any AA siza battery available worldwide
- It is compatible with all generations of night vision devices
- It doesn’t come with a mount
Verdict
As most sights come with mounts, batteries and other accessories this one unfortunately doesn’t. However, the batteries required are used commonly worldwide and you also have option of buying separate mount. Although if you want a complete package you can consider buying any other red dot optics mentioned in this article.
3 – Nikon P-Tactical Superdot Black
- 10 levels of brightness for virtually any light Condition
- 1x magnification for both-eyes-open rapid engagement
- True color proprietary coating that minimizes the bluish...
- Waterproof (IPX7)
It has TRUECOLOR lens and coating technology which provides a lifelike view with an amazing both-eyes open sighting. It has multiple layers of anti-reflective coating on all of its air to glass surfaces which helps maximize the light transmission, brightness and contrast.
Technical Specs
It has 10 levels of brightness for clear visibility in any light conditions. It has the magnification power of 1x with both eye open rapid engagement. It is also compatible with night vision. Its first two brightness settings are compatible with the night vision. Its battery life is 14,000 hours.
Design
Its dimensions are 2.8 x 1.7 x 1.7 inches and weighs only 4.2 ounces. It is constructed using aluminum. It is designed to fit picatinny rail.
Features
It has multiple anti-reflective coatings, maximizing the light transmission. It is also waterproof and shockproof. It is powered by a single CR2032 battery.
Performance
Its aircraft-grade aluminum housing provides for a lifetime reliable performance.
What’s in the box
It comes with one lithium metal batteries.
- The colour through the glass does not distort
- The controls are easily changed even while wearing gloves
- It has a very natural view
- A user complained that the red dot was a red squiggle instead.
- Another use also complained that his red dot didn’t work straight out of the box
Verdict
I don’t know what exactly it is about some products that they just wouldn’t function for some. Probably the reason is their poor quality control. If a product reaches your door step, it might not be what it looked like when you saw it with someone else.
4 – Bushnell Optics TRS-25 – Red Dot Riflescope with Riser Block
- Beautiful design and durability built to last
- Black with 3 MOA Dot reticle
- High-Rise mount
- Waterproof Construction - O-ring sealed optics stay dry...
This stylish red dot prolongs the battery life by self-regulating the brightness based on the available light. It has 11 brightness settings and an impressive 3 MOA red dot which is visible in all light conditions.
Technical Specs
Its 11 brightness settings provide for regular illumination in all light conditions. It has unlimited eye relief which means it can be used with both eyes open.
Design
It has a beautiful design with the dimensions of 6 x 3 x 6 inches and it weighs only 6.4 ounces.
Features
It is lightweight and durable. It is built in a way to withstand bumps, bangs, drops and the harsh weather conditions. This high-performance red dot is O ring sealed which helps the sight to stay dry on the inside even when it is completely immersed in water. It is also fog proof. Built to Nitrogen inside the scope ensures interior optical surfaces won’t fog due to humidity or rapid temperature change.
Performance
It performs very well as it has a durable body to resist water and fog.
What’s in the box
It comes with integral mount, 1 CR2 battery and protective lens cover.
- It has crystal clear optics
- It is durable as it survives the harsh weather condition
- The mount is too high
- Some users were found to have a problem with its bad working conditions
Verdict
This is a good product which comes at a good price. It also includes a mount and lens cover, thus, it is a complete package. It is one of the popular red dots.
5 – Vortex Optics VMX-3T Magnifier with Built-in Flip Mount
- The VMX-3T Magnifier and Flip Mount combo adds a 3x...
- The lens are fully multi-coated maximizing resolution, light...
- The VMX-3T does not require any special sight-in. The dot...
- The magnifier is nitrogen purged for reliable waterproof and...
This popular red dot is simple fast and effective. It has an excellent magnification of up to 3x. Its allows the magnifier to lock in at the desired position. Its push button design engages and disengages.
Technical Specs
It has an eye relief of 2.2 inches. Its lens is completely multi coated which helps maximize the resolution, light gathering capability and color fidelity.
Design
Its dimensions are 10.2 x 8.4 x 6.8 inches and it weighs only 11.8 ounces.
Features
It is waterproof and fog proof. It is light weight and tough which assures its durability. It also has field of view of 38.2 feet/100 yards. This VMX-3T does not require any special sight in. It allows for lower 1/3 or co witness mounting heights which makes it ideal for shooters.
Performance
It performs very well as it is simple, fast and effective. It is also a good quality product which makes it durable.
What’s in the box
It comes with a mount.
Pros/Cons
- This is the best budget red dot sight of high quality
- It is simple to use
- Some users complained that the mounting hardware was loose or difficult to use.
Verdict
This inexpensive red dot is good on your pocket as you get a high quality product in failry low price. Besides it also it also has the magnification of up to 3 times, which is quite more than other products mentioned above. It is one of the top red dots. So if your priority is both, a good red dot sight and high magnification power then this will prove to be yoir best choice.
6 – Tacticon Armament Predator V1 Red Dot Sight
- ✔ TACTICON IS A COMBAT VETERAN OWNED COMPANY ✔ STURDIEST...
- ✔ RED OR GREEN DOT ADJUSTABLE BRIGHTNESS - Whether you are...
- ✔ CO-WITNESSES BEAUTIFULLY - This red/green dot scope was...
- ✔ WATERPROOF AND FOG PROOF - Sealed with O-rings to...
This sight comes with red or green dots. Its brightness is also adjustable with 5 different brightness levels to give you the best results during any time of the day or night. It has a life time warranty which means that your product can be replaced or repaired by the company in case of damage. Besides that this product is also refundable. The elevation and windage are easily adjustable.
Technical Specs
It has 5 different brightness settings, 4 reticle patterns, 4 MOA and an eye relief of 2.5 inches. It has adjustable elevation and windage. It can zoom up to 1 times.
Design
Its design is such that it is compatible with any hunting or tactical rifle including Winchester, Remington, Colt, etc. It can also fit any rifle platform and all picatinny rail and weaver rail sections. It weighs only 15.2 ounces.
Features
It is waterproof and fog proof. It is sealed with O rings to prevent moisture and dust to get inside and nitrogen purged to prevent fogging inside the glass optic.
Performance
It performs quite well. Besides it is easy to use as it has a hand tightening rail mount to easily mount the red dot sight. It is one of the best red dots.
What’s in the box
It comes with one lithium ion battery and one extra battery.
Pros/Cons
- You don’t need tools to tighten it. It can be done by hands
- It has life time warranty
- Users complained that it needed a flat edge screw driver to turn the knob
Verdict
Whether you need a screw driver to turn the knob or not, although, as advertised it should perform as it says but I personally don’t think it be a great problem. What is rather worth considering is its life time warranty. You can purchase a product and always be able to replace, repair or refund it. Isn’t it awesome?
7 – Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight Gen II- 2 MOA Dot (CF-RD2), Black
- The updated Crossfire is a no-nonsense sight for near any...
- With up to a 50, 000 hour battery life and night-vision...
- The 2 MOA dot is quick to acquire in close-quarters, while...
- Increased light transmission with multiple anti-reflective...
This is a simple and updated crossfire red dot sight. It has a battery life of up to 50,000 hours. This is a new red dot. It is a versatile red dot which proves to the best red dot sight for shotgun, best red dot sight for Rifle and a best red dot sight for pistol. It has elevation and windage dials.
Technical Specs
It has a 2 MOA dot which corresponds to one inch at 100 yards, 1/2 inch at 50 yards, 1/4 inch at 25 yards and so on. It has 11 brightness settings to work efficiently in all light conditions. Its battery life is up to 50, 000 hours. It allows the shooter to change the dot intensity. It has night vision compatibility at the lowest two settings.
Design
Its dimensions are 4.7 x 5.6 x 2.7 inches.
Features
It gives an unlimited eye relief, for use with both eyes and target acquisition, has multiple layers of anti-reflective coatings on all its air to glass surfaces and comes with O-ring seals which prevents moisture, dust and debris from penetrating into the sight.
Performance
With its 11 illumination settings the sight will keep working in a variety of light conditions and with its long lasting battery it performs very well.
What’s in the box
It comes with one lithium metal battery.
Pros/Cons
- It is well built and durable
- It can be easily installed
- For some, the brightness knob is difficult to turn.
Verdict
If you are looking for the best affordable red dot sights you should definitely consider buying this sight. Personally I think the product of Vortex are great and they also come at an afforable price.
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8 – HOLOSUN HS403C Solar Power Micro Red Dot Sight, Black
- Two power systems: Primarily Solar Powered, the red dot...
- Military grade optics without the military grade price
- High quality clear lens with crisp red dot and 12 brightness...
- Parallax-free; when the red dot is on the target, so are...
It has two power systems, primarily solar powered. Its red dot brightness auto adjusts according to available light. Its battery life is 50,000 hours. It is a military grade optic but it does not come with the military grade price. It has a life time warranty.
Technical Specs
It has 2 MOA dot size. It has 12 brightness settings which includes 10 Daytime and 2 night vision.
Design
Its dimensions are 2.4 x 1.6 x 3 inches and it weighs only 4.2 ounces.
Features
It is completely waterproof. It has high quality clear lens with crisp red dot.
Performance
With its 12 brightness setting and crisp dot it performs very well.
What’s in the box
It comes with 1 Lithium Metal battery.
Pros/Cons
- It has life time warranty
- It is accurate and strong built
- A use complained that it was rugged red dot
Verdict
I personally like products with warranty because you can always replace or repair. This lightweight red dot sight especially comes with a warranty for life. Besides, it is also strongly built.
9 – Sig Sauer SOR31002 Romeo 3 Miniature Reflex Sight with Riser 1x25mm 3 MOA Red Dot Reticle Graphite
- Activated through motion sensing technology, MOTAC...
- Highly efficient, ultra-wide broadband, anti-reflection lens...
- Electro-Optics industrial design inspired by our legendary...
- 3 MOA Red Dot
It is activated through motion sensing technology. In order to prolong the battery life MOTAC immediately powers up illumination when it senses motion and powers down when it does not.
Technical Specs
It has a 3 MOA red dot. It has elevation/windage adjustments. Its magnification power is 1x and has an unlimited eye relief, for use with both eyes. It has an objective clear apparatus of 25 mm. It has 11 brightness settings which include 9 daytime and 2 night vision.
Design
Its dimensions are 2.4 x 1.1 x 2 inches and weighs only 1.44 ounces.
Features
It has anti-reflection lens coatings which helps reduce surface reflections to extremely low levels across the whole visible spectrum providing superior light transmission.
Performance
It has a MOTAC technology which proves helpful in its efficient performance.
What’s in the box
Within the box you will find Sig Sauer SOR31002 Romeo 3 miniature red dot sight.
Pros/Cons
- It is a solid and durable
- The red dot is bright and highly
- A user complained that he could not see the dot in low light.
Verdict
It has MOTAC which helps prolong the battery life and great 3 MOA dot.
HunterWiki’s Choice
The favourite red dot of HunterWiki is the Sig Sauer SOR52001 Romeo5 1x20mm Compact 2 Moa Red Dot Sight which has the amazing MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination) technology. It means that when a system is not in use it shuts down which increases the battery life. It also activates the system when it senses a slight vibration or movement. It consists of 2 MOA and 10 brightness settings. It is lightweight and compact, thus it is also light on your product. It has a clear objective aperture of 20 mm with unlimited eye relief and elevation adjustment range of +/- 40 MOA, windage adjustment range: +/- 40 MOA and adjustment increments of 0.5 MOA. It comes with one lithium metal batteries, riser mount, low profile mount, lens cloth, lens covers, adjustment and mounting tool. It also includes a user manual.
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Overall it is a great product at an affordable price. This article includes budget red dot sights with variations of lightweight red dot sights, full-sized red dots, micro red dot and dependable red dot unmagnified red dot, sturdy red dot which gives you a lot of options to choose from. One thing that is worth mentioning is the condition of astigmatism. We human beings usually jump to conclusions. We usually try to find fault in others. You may have this condition and might not know of it. So if in case you see the red dot blurred there can be a problem with the red dot sight but it is also very problem that it is because of your own eyes.
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Some red dots come with more magnification power than others. Usually, you will have to buy a separate magnifier for it. The products mentioned in this article have the maximum magnification of 3 times which is not bad. At least you would not have to buy a separate magnifier. One other thing you will be looking for in the red dot sight is that it should be waterproof, shock proof and fog proof because you never know what kind of situation you will have to face when in field. you can find the cheapest red dots of great quality.
If you are looking for a red dot that is light on the pocket then you should definitely choose one from the article which consists of the best red dots under 200 dollars.
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WHY SHOULD I USE A RED DOT?
Technology
The typical construction of a red dot sight is its tilted spherical mirror reflector with a red light-emitting diode (LED). The mirror has a partially silver multilayer dielectric dichroic coating which is designed to reflect the red spectrum and allows it to pass through most of the other light. Mostly the LED used is deep red 670 nanometer wavelength because they are very bright and high contrast against a green scene. Purchasing a red dot sight because of its great technology is irresistible. When you are out for hunting or shooting this technology of a red dot comes quite in handy.
Eye relief
Eye relief is the distance between the eyepiece of the red dot sight and what your eyes see in the field of view. Red dot sights can be mounted easily on a shot gun or rifles. How you should be using it is you should locate your target first. Next bring your firearm to a shooting position while keeping your both eyes open. Next make the reticle and your target lined to each other. After that you can shoot. Aiming a red dot is very simple and fast. The reticle does its job as it corrects itself with the target.
Dot and Clarity of the Glass
A red dot sight is used to display a red dot aiming at your target. The last thing you would want your red dot to do is display a blur dot, it would be worthless and useless. You would want the red dot to be bright and clear that too in all light conditions for precise aiming. Besides that the glass or lens should also be crystal clear without any marks or dirt on it otherwise you will not be able to see the red dot clearly and it will be worthless. Your red dot sight should be able to prove itself in the field.
Ease in Shooting
When in field a red dot should prove to be an asset rather than a headache. Suppose you take a red dot for your help in shooting or hunting but all it does is frustrate you and make you angry because it doesn’t work properly. A red dot sight should make hunting and shooting easy for you as it displays a red dot on your target for accurate aiming. It also has a magnification of 1 to 3 times which further helps in precise aiming. It should be simple and easy to use. You should also be able to mount it easily.
Astigmatism
It is a condition which causes blurred vision. The main reason for it is that the cornea is irregularly shaped or at times because of the curvature of lens inside the eye. Sometimes you might think that the red dot is blurry but maybe it’s your condition which makes it so. Thus before reaching to quick conclusions check if you have astigmatism. If incase you have this condition you can have a surgery, use contact lens glasses or contact lenses. Some find the green dot to be less distorting than the red ones. You can always go for the green one.
