The advantages of a pistol-mounted micro red dot optic are becoming easier to recognize. At the same time, the cost of these optics is starting to fall, and optics-ready slides on defensive pistols have become the rule rather than the exception.
Aimpoint | Acro-P2 Cerakote
The popular Acro-P2 enclosed-emitter MRDS gets a facelift, with new Cerakote color finishes available in Flat Dark Earth and Sniper Grey. Adding Cerakote enhances the durability of this already exceedingly tough optic that also boasts a battery life of 5 years of constant-on use—off of a single CR2032 battery.
Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 15x15 mm
Reticle: 3.5-MOA red dot
Length: 1.9 inches
Weight: 2.1 ounces
MSRP: $649
(877) 246-7646; aimpoint.us
C&H Precision | Comp
Appealing to both competitive shooters and concealed-carry practitioners alike, this red-dot optic offers a large viewing window, 10 brightness levels, automatic power management including a motion-detecting sensor and shock- and water-resistance. Designed for the RMR footprint, the Comp has both red and green reticles and even has a multi-reticle option.
Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Diameter: 27 mm
Reticle: 3-MOA dot
Length: 2.1 inches
Weight: 1 ounce
MSRP: $299
(912) 445-5803; chpws.com
C-More Systems | RTS3
The RTS3 features a larger, aspherical lens and high-performance LED for a bright, clear dot. Battery life has also been improved, and this MRDS features a shorter footprint. With a strong, aluminum housing, side-load battery tray, integral baseplate and two night-vision and 10 daylight settings, plus Shake Awake technology and a 30-year warranty, C-More has packed a lot into this red-dot sight.
Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 25x30 mm
Reticle: 3-, 6-, or 8-MOA red dot
Length: 2.03 inches
Weight: 1.8 ounces
MSRP: $749
(540) 347-4683; cmore.com
Hawke | Endurance Reflex Sight
With 10 brightness settings and 3-MOA size, the Endurance dot is easy to find. Optimized for pistols, it is parallax-error-free at 10 yards. It incorporates A.I.M., or Auto Illumination Mode, so it’s ready to go when you are. It mounts directly to an RMSc cut for simplicity, convenience and security. All of this technology is offered at a budget-friendly price.
Magnification: 1X
Objective Lens Diameter: 21 mm
Reticle: 3-MOA circle-dot
Length: 1.6 inches
Weight: .9 ounce
MSRP: $249
(877) 429-5347; hawkeoptics.com
Hi-Lux | TD-3E
Machined from 7075-T6 aluminum, the TD-3E offers an enclosed reflex design that can be quickly attached to any subcompact handgun slide with an RMSc footprint. Shooters can choose from three reticles to suit their needs. Thanks to its shake-awake sensor, the TD-3E boasts 30,000 hours on a single CR1632 battery.
Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 23x16 mm
Reticle: 40-MOA segmented circle with 3-MOA dot, 3-MOA dot or 40-MOA segmented circle
Length: 1.60 inches
Weight: 1.2 ounces
MSRP: $249
(310) 257-8142; hi-luxoptics.com
Meprolight | MPO Pro-F
Built to endure direct impacts and operate in the harshest conditions, this closed-emitter MRDS sports both automatic and manual brightness control. It features a user-selectable, three-segment reticle system, allowing the shooter to choose how they interact with their optic. It mounts to the RMR-footprint.
Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 24.1x17.8 mm
Reticle: Segmented; 3-MOA dot, 33-MOA ring and 3/33-MOA bullseye
Length: 1.85 inches
Weight: 1.8 ounces
MSRP: $359
(717) 985-4488; meprolight.com
Meprolight | MPO-S
This new MRDS is engineered with a low-profile design to minimize the risk of snags, helping to provide a cleaner, faster draw from concealment. It includes auto and manual brightness control, a power-saving sleep mode and 2.5 years of constant-on illumination. The MPO-S mounts via the RMSc/JPoint footprint.
Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 20.3x15.2 mm
Reticle: Segmented; 3-MOA dot, 33-MOA ring and 3/33-MOA bullseye
Length: 1.63 inches
Weight: .8 ounce
MSRP: $259
(717) 985-4488; meprolight.com
Primary Arms | GLx RS-15 Mini Reflex Sight
The GLx RS-15 Mini Reflex Sight is designed to perform for both competition and duty-carry purposes. Its large, high-visibility aperture promises superior acquisition and engagement speeds, while the top-loaded CR2032 battery with AutoLive technology ensures a runtime of 1,000 to 5,000 hours, depending on the brightness setting.
Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 26x20 mm
Reticle: 3-MOA red dot; ACSS Vulcan Dot
Length: 1.84 inches
Weight: 1.11 ounces
MSRP: $359
(713) 344-9600; primaryarms.com
Shield Sights | AMSc
The RMSc footprint is one of the de facto standards for MRDS optics. Now, Shield has introduced an enclosed-emitter dot sight that uses the same footprint. The AMSc has an anti-reflection coating for a minimal signature, an auto-brightness sensor that is night-vision compatible and is powered by a CR2032 battery.
Magnification: 1X
Viewing Window Dimensions: 19x16 mm
Reticle: 4-MOA or 8-MOA red dot
Length: 1.65 inches
Weight: .75 ounce
MSRP: $569
+44 (0)1297 678233; shieldsights.com
