A red dot is one of the best upgrades you can make to a pistol or rifle. It’s faster than iron sights, easier to use with both eyes open, and more forgiving for older eyes. Here’s how to pick one, from PM Customs in Yukon.
Pistol red dots
Check your footprint first
Optics-ready pistols use a specific mounting pattern, called a footprint, such as RMR, RMSc or a manufacturer plate system. The dot has to match your slide or plate. Tell us your pistol and we’ll help you find one that fits.
Open vs. enclosed emitter
- Open emitter: smaller and lighter, and the most common choice for carry.
- Enclosed emitter: protects the emitter from rain, lint and dirt. A favorite for duty and hard use.
Rifle red dots
- Tube or full-size dots are a durable, simple choice for ARs and shotguns.
- Prism sights etch the reticle on glass, so they still work if the battery dies, and they are a common pick for shooters with astigmatism.
- Magnifiers flip behind a red dot for extra reach.
Dot size
A small dot, around 2 to 3 MOA, is more precise at distance. A larger dot, around 6 MOA, is faster to pick up up close. Many newer optics let you switch between a dot and a circle.
Battery life and auto brightness
Look for long battery life, an easy battery change that doesn’t require removing the optic, and auto brightness or a shake-awake feature so the dot is ready when you are.
Get it mounted right
A red dot is only as good as its mount. We can install it with the right screws and torque, and bore sight it so you’re on paper fast. Optic mounting and bore sighting starts at $50. See our services.
Shop red dots at PM Customs
Browse red dot sights from Holosun, SIG Sauer, Trijicon and more, or pair one with an optics-ready pistol. Questions? Call 405-265-8955 or use our contact page.
