Red dots on pistols are nothing new, but until the RMSc footprint came along, they were manly relegated to larger-sized pistols only. Today, red dots on small carry pistols are more common, as concealed carriers want the same aiming benefits in the gun they count on for personal protection. The challenge with putting a red dot on a carry pistol is that adding a wide-footprint optic to a small gun not only looks silly but may not even be possible in many cases based on where the mounting screw holes are drilled.
As a result, the narrower RMSc footprint has become a popular standard for red dots, offering a wide range of options from various manufacturers. Whether you’re looking for a high-end optic from a renowned brand or a more budget-friendly alternative, there’s an RMSc sight to fit your needs and budget. When choosing a red dot for your pistol, consider factors such as durability, reticle size, battery life, and overall build quality to ensure you get the best optic for your intended use.
Trijicon RMR CC Adjustable LED Red Dot
The Trijicon RMR CC (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) has its own unique footprint, but is easily adapted to the RMSc mount with the use of an adapter plate. The optic is built on the legacy of the renowned RMR optic and offers a crisp 3.25- or 6.5-MOA red-dot reticle and is powered by a single CR2032 battery. The optic also has a thinner, lower-profile design that reduces the risk of snags. MSRP: $699
Gideon Judge
A shade over a half inch tall and available with either a red or green 3-MOA dot, the Gideon Optics Judge is a budget-friendly sight with eight daytime brightness settings and two night-vision-compatible settings. The Judge also has a power-saving mode that activates the dot in just milliseconds when you pick up your pistol.
MSRP: $189.99
Shield Sights RMSc Reflex Mini Sight Compact 4 MOA
The sight that gives the RMSc footprint its name. This particular model has a 4-MOA dot reticle with a low-profile design that makes it an ideal optic for any custom pistol build. Coupled with Shield Sight’s matching low profile Glock MOS plate, the sight sits low enough to co-witness without the need for suppressor sights. MSRP: $364.99
Crimson Trace RAD Micro Red Dot Sight
Crimson Trace, known for its laser sights, offers the RAD Micro red-dot sight in the RMSc footprint. This compact optic features a 3-MOA red-dot reticle and is designed for close-quarter engagement scenarios. It boasts a wide field of view and is constructed from aircraft-grade 7075 series aluminum for durability. The RAD Red Dot Sight is powered by a 20,000-hour CR1632 battery. MSRP: $214.99
Bushnell RXC-200 Reflex Sight
Bushnell’s entry into the RMSc market is the RXC-200 reflex Sight. This budget-friendly optic offers a 4-MOA red dot reticle and is designed for rapid target acquisition. It features multi-coated optics for a clear sight picture and is powered by a CR2032 battery. The RXS-250 is constructed from durable aluminum and is designed to withstand the rigors of everyday carry. MSRP: $209.99
Parting Shot
In the world of pistol red dot sights, the RMSc footprint has become a popular standard, offering a wide range of options from various manufacturers. Whether you’re looking for a high-end optic from a renowned brand or a more budget-friendly alternative, there’s an RMSc footprint sight to fit your needs and budget. When choosing a red dot for your pistol, consider factors such as durability, reticle size, battery life, and overall build quality to ensure you get the best optic for your intended use.
