Finding High-Quality Red Dot Sights Under $100

Introduction:

Red dot sights are a popular choice among shooters due to their simplicity, ease of use, and accuracy. They provide the shooter with a clear aiming point, making target acquisition quick and efficient. While red dot sights can sometimes be quite expensive, there are several options available for under $100 that still offer excellent performance. In this article, we will explore some of the best red dot sights under $100, discuss their pros and cons, explain how to mount and adjust them, and touch on the legal requirements related to using red dot sights.

Best Red Dot Sights Under $100:

1. Bushnell Optics TRS-25:

The Bushnell Optics TRS-25 is highly recognized as one of the best red dot sights under $100 on the market. It offers a 3 MOA (Minutes of Angle) reticle that provides a crisp and clear aiming point. The sight is compact and lightweight, making it suitable for various firearms, including rifles and handguns. It features a long battery life and is shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof, ensuring its durability in various conditions.

2. Sightmark Ultra Shot Plus:

The Sightmark Ultra Shot Plus is another affordable option that offers reliable performance. It features a wide field of view, allowing shooters to track moving targets efficiently. The sight has a built-in red laser that provides an additional aiming option. It is constructed with a durable aluminum housing and offers multiple brightness settings for the reticle.

3. MidTen 2MOA Micro Red Dot Sight:

The MidTen 2MOA Micro Red Dot Sight is a compact and lightweight option that offers a 2 MOA reticle. It has a robust waterproof and shockproof construction and provides unlimited eye relief, allowing for quick and comfortable target acquisition. The sight offers 11 brightness settings, ensuring visibility in various lighting conditions.

4. TRUGLO 30mm Dual-Color Dot Sight:

The TRUGLO 30mm Dual-Color Dot Sight features a 5 MOA reticle with dual-color options, red and green, providing versatility for different shooting environments. It offers unlimited eye relief and has a wide field of view, making it ideal for rapid target acquisition. The sight comes with a durable and shock-resistant design.

5. TruGlo Open Dot Sight:

The TruGlo Open Dot Sight is a compact and durable sight that offers a 5 MOA illuminated red dot reticle. It has a wide field of view and unlimited eye relief, providing quick and comfortable target acquisition. The sight is constructed with a shock-resistant housing and offers multiple brightness settings.

6. Primary Arms Classic Series Gen II Removable Microdot:

The Primary Arms Classic Series Gen II Removable Microdot offers a 2 MOA dot reticle and comes with a removable base for easy installation and removal. It features a crisp and clear glass for improved visibility and has a long battery life. The sight is constructed with a durable aluminum housing and is compatible with various firearms.

Mounting and Adjusting Red Dot Sights:

Mounting a red dot sight on a firearm depends on the type of firearm and the specific mounting system of the sight. Most red dot sights come with mounting options such as picatinny or weaver rails. To mount the sight, remove any existing optic if applicable, align the mounting screws or clamps with the rail slots, and secure them tightly.

Adjusting a red dot sight involves zeroing it to match the point of impact with the red dot reticle. This ensures that the bullet hits the target where the red dot is placed. Most red dot sights allow for windage and elevation adjustments. Turn the adjustment dials or screws to move the reticle horizontally (windage) or vertically (elevation) until the red dot aligns with the point of impact.

Pros and Cons of Red Dot Sights:

Pros:

1. Quick target acquisition: Red dot sights provide a clear aiming point, allowing for rapid target acquisition.
2. Increased accuracy: The precise aiming point offered by red dot sights improves shooting accuracy.
3. Versatility: Red dot sights can be used on various firearms, including rifles, shotguns, and handguns.
4. Ease of use: Red dot sights are user-friendly, making them suitable for beginners and experienced shooters alike.
5. Durability: Many red dot sights are constructed with durable materials, making them resistant to shock, water, and fog.

Cons:

1. Limited magnification: Unlike magnified optics such as scopes, red dot sights do not provide magnification, limiting their effective range.
2. Battery dependency: Red dot sights require batteries to power the illuminated reticle, and a dead battery can render the sight unusable.
3. Sensitive to parallax: Red dot sights can suffer from parallax, which means the reticle might appear to shift when the shooter’s eye position changes. However, most red dot sights are designed to minimize parallax.

Legal Requirements:

The legal requirements associated with using a red dot sight vary based on the jurisdiction and the firearm in use. Before purchasing and using a red dot sight, it is important to research and understand the firearm laws in your area. Some jurisdictions might have restrictions on certain types of sights or impose additional requirements for specific firearms. It is always advisable to comply with local laws and regulations to ensure safe and legal firearm use.

Conclusion:

Red dot sights provide shooters with an efficient and accurate aiming solution. While there are many high-end options available on the market, there are also several reliable red dot sights under $100. The Bushnell Optics TRS-25, Sightmark Ultra Shot Plus, MidTen 2MOA Micro Red Dot Sight, TRUGLO 30mm Dual-Color Dot Sight, TruGlo Open Dot Sight, and Primary Arms Classic Series Gen II Removable Microdot are all excellent choices within this budget. By understanding how to mount, adjust, and use a red dot sight, shooters can enhance their shooting experience and improve their accuracy. Additionally, it is crucial to be familiar with the legal requirements related to these sights in your jurisdiction. Happy shooting!