Is it time for a better sight for your firearm? Perhaps you want a more accurate option for your pistol or rifle. You want to be able to raise the gun and fire accurately in a split second. For both hunting and self-defense, this is a priority. So how do you accomplish this?
Reflex sights are your answer. These are small sights which are more accurate than open sights but can be used on moving targets. Standard scopes cannot accomplish what reflex sights can. They add less weight and profile to your firearm and allow you to fire faster and with more accuracy.
In this article, we will discuss and review the benefits of the best reflex sights on the market. Hopefully, this guide will help you find the perfect option for your needs.
Summary: 5 Top Reflex Sights for the Moneygu
| Image | Model | Pros | Cons | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Editor's Choice: TZWNS Holographic Tactical Reflex | Multiple reticle patterns, cost, adjustments, ease of use | Batteries required, no military use | 5.0 |
| Meprolight Self-Powered Day/Night Reflex Sight | No batteries, multiple reticle options, quick release, battle tested | Washout potential, no anti-reflective options | 5.0 | |
| EOTech 512.A65 Tactical HOLOgraphic | US military tested, laser based, 20 brightness settings, quick release, adjustable auto-shutoff | Price, size, cannot be used with night vision | 4.7 |
| Pinty Tactical Reflex Red & Green Dot Sight Riflescope | Inexpensive, ample adjustments, waterproof, quick release, good battery life | Almost too small | 4.2 |
| Burris 300235 Fastfire III | Ease of use, auto-brightness, lifetime warranty | Small, no auto-shutoff, small control button | 4.3 |
Why Reflex Sights?
Traditionally there have been two options for shooting. You could shoot open sights, or you could buy a scope. Open sights are fine for short distances and for moving targets but are not ideal for low light or long distances. Scopes are great for long distances or iffy eyesight but provide slow target acquisition.
Reflex sights are the perfect middle ground between these two options. They are illuminated to provide a bright target picture. They are open enough for a very fast target acquisition. Reflex sights typically have a red dot or a similar reticle to pinpoint your spot of fire in seconds. This makes them very easy to use.
Reflex sights are also typically more durable and portable than a scope. They are much smaller, meaning that they are less likely to be damaged or snagged on brush. They are designed for combat, so reflex sights are designed for abuse. Most are waterproof and fog proof, which is hard to find in a scope.
These are the reasons why police and military are rapidly moving towards reflex sights. They are ideal for close quarters combat and will endure the abuse that they receive in military and police applications. They do not strain the eyes and allow equal shooting capability for marksmen having iffy eyesight. These sights truly allow shooters to get better at their craft by allowing a clear sight picture for anybody.
It is simple. If you want to raise your gun and fire immediately and accurately in any light conditions, reflex sights are your best option.
Considerations
There are many factors that should affect your decision on a reflex sight. This product is relatively new to the firearm industry, which means there will be wild variations between the models you consider. Here are a few things you should ask yourself before buying a reflex sight:
- What kind of bullseye reticle do you want? This can really only be determined by using the different options. The red dot may be fine, but you may prefer a triangle or X reticle.
- Is battery life important? Do you need your sight to work the first time every time, or do you have time to change batteries when needed?
- How much do you want to spend? Reflex sights can cost anywhere from $20 to over $1,000. As with most optics, you get what you pay for.
- Will you need to remove this sight quickly? You may need to use it on several weapons. This means that a quick release is important.
- Is true waterproofing important? If rain is your only factor, then a water resistant model is fine. However, if there is a chance of your sight being submerged in water you will need a waterproof model.
- How much do you need to fine tune your sights? If you need the perfect lighting and perfect reticle, having more options for adjustments is important. Some will also have adjustments for windage and distance.
- Will you need to attach other devices such as magnification or night vision? For these devices, you will need room on the rail as well as a specific setup for the controls on your reflex sight.
- Do you care about who produces or endorses the sight? Some of these sights are made in the USA and endorsed by the US military. However, others are made and endorsed by militaries that have similar reputations.
- Is warranty a concern? Some of these units have a very brief factory warranty, and some are guaranteed for life.
Reviews of the Best Reflex Sights
#1: TZWNS Holographic Tactical Reflex Review
This sight is very accurate and effective, but also very affordable coming in at the second least expensive in our group. The model is shockproof and fog proof as well as water resistant. This sight offers both red and green reticles making it ideal for all light conditions.
In addition, it offers adjustable reticle patterns including four multi-reticle patterns and four red dot patterns. As with most reflex sights, it is parallax corrected to reduce eye strain. You can adjust the brightness of this model to accommodate low light or high light situations. You can also easily adjust the windage and elevation settings as you shoot.
The ease of use for this model is one of the main reasons it is rated so highly. It can easily be installed in about 10 minutes. It is also very easy to zero this sight for accurate shooting. The target acquisition is quick and really amazing for how little the sight costs.
All in all this sight is considered the best value because of its performance and cost. When looking at both of these factors, it is hard to deny which model gives you the best bang for your buck.
Pros: Multiple reticle patterns, cost, adjustments, ease of use
Cons: Batteries required, no military use
>>Check Price and More Reviews<<
#2: Meprolight Self-Powered Day/Night Reflex Sight Review
This sight is quite a bit more expensive at almost ten times the cost, but there are a few reasons why. This sight was in part developed by the Israeli military and is commonly used by their military as well. It has truly been battle tested to ensure the sight is accurate and will last. It is actually the first reflex sight designed for close quarters combat… ever!
The unit is a quick release so it can be moved from one firearm to another without losing your zero. Amazingly, this sight requires no batteries. You can read that again if you need to. No batteries required. It uses a fiber optic light collector system during the day, and by night it is illuminated by a miniature, self-powered tritium light source. Users have kept the sight in the dark for months and used it regularly for years with no decrease in illumination.
This model is compatible with magnifiers or night vision units and is small enough to allow room on your rail for these devices. When ordering, you can choose from a bullseye, triangle, or X reticle. The illumination has a 10-year warranty, so you know it is built well. This sight has been thoroughly tested with massive recoil and in full auto mode, and have maintained zero with no issues.
The only negative on this model is that there is a potential for washout in certain light conditions. Also, one user was unable to find an anti-reflective device that would fit on this model.
Overall, we feel that this model is a good value despite being the second most expensive on our list.
Pros: No batteries, multiple reticle options, quick release, battle tested
Cons: Washout potential, no anti-reflective options
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#3: EOTech 512.A65 Tactical HOLOgraphic Review
This model is at the top of our price range but has all kinds of advantages you will not find with other models. It is waterproof so it will keep working even willfully submerged. This may be why this model is the choice of most Navy Seals.
The unique aspect of this model is that it uses lasers to form a sight picture instead of LED. The lasers give you a more accurate image that is less likely to be affected by recoil or physical contact. It also has 20 brightness settings to give you the perfect amount of light for any situation. When detached and reattached, it provides a perfect zero. This makes it ideal to move from one weapon to another. It has an adjustable auto-shutoff feature which helps to preserve the batteries.
There are a few downsides to this unit. It is not compatible with night vision, which is surprising for a model that is predominately used by the US military. Also, the controls are on the back making it difficult to add a magnification device. The unit is longer than most, so there is actually less room on the rail for these types of devices as well.
Pros: US military tested, laser based, 20 brightness settings, quick release, adjustable auto-shutoff
Cons: Price, size, cannot be used with night vision
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#4: Pinty Tactical Reflex Red & Green Dot Sight Riflescope Review
This model is the least expensive in our group, which adds a great deal to its value. It has five brightness levels making it ideal to work in any light. The unit has windage and elevation adjustments that are quick and easy to use. It is waterproof and fog proof, allowing it to work in almost any conditions.
The sight has a quick release, which means it can be attached to any weapon in a matter of seconds. It also holds its zero well when detached and reattached. It offers both red and green options for the reticle and provides illumination for 2000 hours per battery making it one of the most maintenance-free models.
This unit is very small, which is ideal for most applications but could be too small for some. Be aware of this before purchase.
Pros: Inexpensive, ample adjustments, waterproof, quick release, good battery life
Cons: Almost too small
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#5: Burris 300235 Fastfire III Review
This model falls in the middle of our price range and has plenty of pros and cons. It comes with a lifetime warranty and is the only providing this feature. However, the sight is very small and may not be ideal for some firearms.
It does take batteries, but they are found in a location which makes them easy to replace. The sight has three brightness levels and an automatic mode which works well in most lighting. This is a unique feature of the model. It also holds a zero very well.
The ease of use is over the top allowing installation in about 10 minutes. It also has five modes to adjust the size of your red dot.
The drawbacks of this model are clear. The button for the controls is so small that you have to use a fingernail to press it. There is no auto-shutoff, so you have to be careful not to run out your batteries. It is also a very small unit which could be an issue.
Pros: Ease of use, auto-brightness, lifetime warranty
Cons: Small, no auto-shutoff, small control button
>>Check Price and More Reviews<<
Conclusion
In our opinion, the best option is the TZWNS Holographic. You cannot ignore the price on this model, but there is so much more to it. The adjustability and ease of use for this unit make it a solid choice.
With eight different reticle options, it is the most versatile reflex sight we reviewed. It also has plenty of brightness settings along with windage and elevation adjustments. It is super easy to install and use.
The only real downside of this model is that it has not been battle tested. However, most users will not be using it in a battle situation. Based on the build, we feel that it would be plenty durable for combat if needed.
We appreciate that you took the time to read our advice, and hope you can find the right model for your pistol or rifle. Please provide us with feedback on this article and on social media.