Cheap Red Dot Sights

Michael Nunez
15 min readMay 28, 2024

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Welcome to our comprehensive roundup of the best cheap Red Dot Sights on the market. If you’re looking to upgrade your firearm without breaking the bank, look no further! In this article, we’ll dive into the world of discounted Red Dot Sights, exploring their features, performance, and reliability. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a newcomer to the world of firearms, we’ve got you covered with our top 5 picks for affordable Red Dot Sights.

The Top 11 Best Cheap Red Dot Sights

  1. Redline RL-2 Dovetail Hunting Sight with Precise Adjustment — The Redline RL-2 3 Pin Dovetail Sight — a high-quality, lightweight, and easy-to-adjust sight for precision shooting.
  2. Mission First Tactical Backup Light — White/Red — Unleash precision and stealthiness with Mission First Tactical’s Torch Backup Light, a rugged, long-lasting, and conveniently portable accessory designed to cater to your home protection and backup illumination requirements.
  3. Adjustable 4 Pin Rangefinder Bow Sight — Experience accurate and easy-to-adjust shooting with the Redline RL-4 Sight 4 Pin RH, featuring .019 fiber optic pins, tool-free locking adjustment knob, windage adjustment, bubble level, and light.
  4. Infinite Adjust Slotted Side Bracket Sight for Precision Shooting (0.65 lbs) — The HHA Optimizer Lite x Sight 5010.010 is a versatile, water-resistant, and feature-packed low profile red dot sight perfect for hunters seeking high accuracy and a smooth lever action in diverse shooting environments.
  5. Nikon DF-M1 Mini Red Dot Sight — Attach the Nikon Dot Sight DF-M1 to your Nikon P1000 for a seamless, lag-free experience, perfect for capturing your subject at extreme focal lengths.
  6. Hygoo Arrow Laser Bore Sighter for Compound and Crossbow Sighting — 635nM Class IIIa — Take aim with confidence and precision with the Hygoo Arrow Bore Sight Red Dot Laser, making fine-tune adjustments to your bow sights faster and safer for better accuracy — all without wasting arrows.
  7. Innovative Telrad Reflex Sight for Telescope Use — Experience the original and legendary Telrad Reflex Sight for optimal performance and unmatched durability in your telescope observing sessions.
  8. AccuHunter Multi-Pin Slider Sight with Dead Stop and Adjustable Rheostat Cover — Upgrade your airsoft game with AccuStat II 3 Pin .010 Ambidextrous Red Dot Sight, boasting easy micro-adjusts, quick elevation and brightness control, and a convenient Dead Stop feature.
  9. Waterproof Red Dot Sight for Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II & Stylus 1s — Olympus EE-1 Reddot Sight: Splash-resistant and versatile, effortlessly adjust your reticle while capturing breathtaking images with our advanced Airsoft technology.
  10. Airdrop Gaming Hipshotdot: Advanced Airsoft Red Dot Sight — The HipShotDot is a revolutionary gaming accessory that improves your aiming skills and reaction time in FPS and third-person shooters, giving you a competitive edge with its easy-to-see red dot sight and compatibility with various gaming platforms.
  11. SIG SAUER Buckmasters LRF 1500 Laser Scope — Expertly crafted riflescopes and rangefinders by SIG SAUER Electro-Optics, perfect for hunters seeking exceptional performance at an affordable price.

As an Amazon Affiliate™ I may earn from qualified purchases at no cost to you.

Reviews

Redline RL-2 Dovetail Hunting Sight with Precise Adjustment

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I recently had the chance to give the Redline RL-2 3 Pin Dovetail Sight a try during my hunting season. The sight has a sturdy build, thanks to its aluminum dovetail and aluminum housing. The features of this sight are quite impressive, like the tool-free locking adjustment knob and the ultra-smooth wheel adjustment.

One feature that stood out to me is the adjustable yardage pointer, which helped me keep my distance measurements precise. The enclosed fiber optic ring and bubble level also made a big difference, providing clear and accurate sight alignment. However, I did experience a bit of a drawback in terms of the pin color — the middle pin wasn’t as bright and clear as I would have liked.

Overall, I found the Redline RL-2 3 Pin Dovetail Sight to be a reliable and functional hunting sight. Its reasonable price point and versatility make it a great choice for those looking for an affordable yet high-quality target sight. With some minor improvements, this sight could be even better. So, for hunters seeking a reliable and budget-friendly option, the Redline RL-2 is worth considering.

Mission First Tactical Backup Light — White/Red

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I recently added the Mission First Tactical Torch to my collection, and I must say, it’s been game-changing for my backup illumination needs. The pressure pad activation means I can turn it on without having to constantly fumble around for buttons in the dark.

One of the best things about this light is its waterproof rating. I live in an area that experiences sudden thunderstorms, and it’s always worry-free to know that my backup light won’t get damaged by a sudden downpour.

However, there was a bit of unexpected information I came across while using it. The battery door’s requirement for a quarter-turn was a nice touch, but the inclusion of CR2016 battery instead of CR123 was a bit confusing.

Overall, the Mission First Tactical Torch has been a reliable addition to my home protection setup. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and offers a bright, low-profile solution for backup illumination. I recommend it to anyone looking for a quality, budget-friendly backup light for their tactical toolkit.

Adjustable 4 Pin Rangefinder Bow Sight

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As an avid archery enthusiast, I recently had the chance to test out the Redline RL-4 Sight 4 Pin RH. What an impressive piece of equipment! Its tool-free locking adjustment knob made it a breeze to fine-tune for precision shots, and the windage adjustment knob proved to be invaluable when facing gusty winds.

One of the features that truly stood out for me was the inclusion of a bubble level and light. This added extra layer of confidence to each shot, ensuring my aim was on target in varying lighting conditions. However, I’d love to see this range finder bow sight with a slightly better weight for an improved field experience.

Overall, the Redline RL-4 Sight 4 Pin RH has been a valuable addition to my archery gear, and I’ve been able to achieve some impressive results using it. Its user-friendly design and advanced features have made it an indispensable tool on the field.

Infinite Adjust Slotted Side Bracket Sight for Precision Shooting (0.65 lbs)

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I’ve always been a fan of low-profile red dot sights, and the Optimizer Lite X definitely lives up to my expectations. The new infinite adjust slotted side bracket makes adjusting your sights effortless, allowing me to level out at 20 yards for the perfect shot.

The smooth lever action and water-resistant tapes make it a reliable option for all weather conditions. Plus, the machined aluminum pin carrier and optional mechanical rheostat add a great touch of personalization to the sight.

The only downside is that I wish it had blue burst light compatibility and a lens kit option. Overall, the Optimizer Lite X is a top-notch choice for my daily shooting needs.

Nikon DF-M1 Mini Red Dot Sight

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The Nikon Dot Sight DF-M1 is a versatile accessory perfect for your COOLPIX P1000. Compact and lightweight, this dot sight easily attaches to your camera via the hot shoe. With its lag-free performance, you can accurately track and frame your subject, especially at lengthy focal points.

The adjustable brightness and selectable dot color make it a comfortable fit for your preferences, while the folding design ensures optimal handling. Whether you’re shooting wildlife, sports or landscapes, this Nikon dot sight will help you make the most of your camera’s capabilities to capture stunning and accurate images.

Hygoo Arrow Laser Bore Sighter for Compound and Crossbow Sighting — 635nM Class IIIa

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As an enthusiastic archery hobbyist, I’ve recently come across the Hygoo Arrow Bore Sight Red Dot Laser Boresighter. This device has been a game-changer in my practice, transforming the process of fine-tuning arrow sights. Gone are the days of losing or damaging arrows just to hit the target with my first shot.

Using this boresighter, I was impressed by its ease of operation. It’s effortless to twist the end cap, place two LR44 batteries inside, and watch the red laser light up the target. Moreover, I appreciated that it’s not only convenient for compound bows but also applicable for cross-bows and thread bows.

However, there were a couple of concerns I had. As per the package specifications, I noticed the size of the head and its diameter, which might be a bit large for specific bow models. I would have preferred a more flexible or adjustable design for a wider range of compatibility.

Despite this minor issue, my overall experience with the Hygoo Arrow Bore Sight has been incredibly positive. It’s a solid tool for archers looking to streamline their sight-tuning process.

Innovative Telrad Reflex Sight for Telescope Use

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The Telrad Reflex Sight has been a staple in the world of astronomy and telescopes for decades. Its ingenious design by Stephen Kufeld, inspired by vintage bombsite and the love for astronomy, has become the go-to choice for reflex sight finders across all types of telescopes.

The Telrad, with its unique blend of reflex technology, projects deep red concentric circles against a tilted glass, allowing you to look right through it. Once mounted on your telescope, the collimating knobs at the back of the Telrad let you adjust it to your telescope’s optics. The on/off switch and continuously adjustable brightness control ensure the perfect brightness for your observing session.

The sight attaches to the telescope tube using a mounting base, which can be easily separated for use with multiple telescopes. It requires two 1.5V AA batteries, offering an extraordinary long life. Built to last, the Telrad is a rugged and reliable companion for your astronomy adventures.

The Telrad offers several advantages over other sight finders. Its real sky view with no magnification allows you to keep both eyes open while using it. There’s no parallax, and the illuminated and graduated reticle image corresponds with many star maps and sky software. The extra eye relief provides comfort during long observing sessions. It even comes with a mounting base for easy installation.

If you’re looking for the smallest red dot sight, the Telrad Reflex Sight is an excellent choice. Its compact size makes it a popular companion for explorers and astronomy enthusiasts. With its timeless design and innovative technology, the Telrad is an essential tool for those looking to expand their horizons in the world of astronomy.

AccuHunter Multi-Pin Slider Sight with Dead Stop and Adjustable Rheostat Cover

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While testing out the Axcel AccuHunter Sight in my recent hunting trip, I was impressed by its seamless integration on my shotgun. The multi-pin slider sight offered excellent accuracy, with quick elevation adjustments and a Dead Stop for a quick 20-yard setting. The adjustable rheostat cover was especially helpful on bright days to control pin brightness.

Plus, being ambidextrous, it’s perfect for both right and left-handed shooters. Though its weight might be a concern for some, overall, I found this Red Dot Sight for Shotgun to be an excellent addition to my gear.

Waterproof Red Dot Sight for Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II & Stylus 1s

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The Olympus EE-1 Red Dot Sight is a versatile and practical addition to your camera setup. Designed for use with both Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II and Stylus 1s, this viewfinder accessory boasts an easy-to-use slide lever style opening mechanism and an adjustable reticle brightness and position, ensuring that you always have a clear line of sight to your subject. The dustproof and splash-proof construction makes it a reliable choice for outdoor adventures, while the clever design allows for quick and seamless attachment to your camera’s hot shoe, without the need for additional tools.

Overall, the Olympus EE-1 Red Dot Sight is a valuable tool for enhancing your photography experience, especially when capturing fast-moving subjects or shooting in low light conditions.

Airdrop Gaming Hipshotdot: Advanced Airsoft Red Dot Sight

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If you’re a hardcore gamer looking to improve your FPS and third-person shooter gameplay, the HipShotDot might be the game-changer you’ve been searching for. This red dot sight attachment gives you the ultimate advantage in aiming, promising faster speed, accuracy, and reaction time. With a permanent red dot sight on any weapon style, you can dominate hardcore matches, quickly no-scope, and free up slots for other in-game attachments or perks.

But don’t be fooled by the brightness of the dot. Some users found it a bit distracting and even uncomfortable to look at for extended periods. The attachment may also fall off or leave a mark on your TV screen from time to time due to a weak suction cup. Moreover, the wire that powers it up might not blend in easily with your screen, causing an unsightly hanging of the device.

Despite these minor drawbacks, many gamers swear by the HipShotDot for its powerful benefits. It works with multiple platforms like XBOX, XBOX One, PS3, and PS4, making it versatile for avid gamers. With this game-enhancing device, you can achieve a high K/D ratio in your favorite FPS or TPS, revolutionizing the way you play.

SIG SAUER Buckmasters LRF 1500 Laser Scope

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As a passionate hunter, I’ve had the opportunity to try out the Sig Sauer Buckmasters 1500 LRF rangefinder and riflescope combo in a variety of hunting conditions. The first thing that caught my attention was its compact, well-built design. The Buckmasters Bullet Drop Compensation (BDC) reticle reticle really made a difference when it came to aiming and targeting.

The rangefinder’s lightning-fast performance was definitely a standout feature. Its vivid red illuminated display was a great asset during low-light hunting sessions, while the custom Buckmasters Mode ensured accurate holdover dots for the riflescope. However, I did notice that the unit could sometimes be too bright at first light, making the display momentarily difficult to see.

The rangefinder’s waterproof feature came in handy during those unexpected rain showers while hunting in the wilderness. It’s worth mentioning that the rifle scope can be a bit heavy to carry around all day, but its 6x magnification makes up for it.

Overall, the Sig Sauer Buckmasters 1500 LRF combo is a reliable and value-driven option for hunters looking for top-quality gear. It certainly lives up to Jackie Bushman’s high standards. Just remember to turn down the brightness when the early morning sun starts peeking out.

Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to cheap red dot sights, there are a variety of options to choose from that can help enhance your shooting experience without breaking the bank. In this buyer’s guide, we will discuss some important features, considerations, and general advice to help you make an informed decision when purchasing a budget-friendly red dot sight.

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Important Features

  1. Focal Plane: Consider whether you want a first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) red dot sight. FFP reticles will maintain their size even when magnified, allowing for accurate holdover shots. SFP reticles will remain the same size regardless of magnification, which can be useful for close-range shooting.

Considerations

  1. Reticle Design: Choose a red dot sight with a reticle design that best suits your shooting needs. Some popular reticle designs include the dot within a dot, the triangle crosshair, and the mil-dot reticle. Consider the purpose of the sight and your personal preferences when making your decision.
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General Advice

  1. Optics Quality: Don’t sacrifice quality for the sake of saving money. Choose a red dot sight with good optical clarity, as poor-quality lenses can hinder your ability to accurately sight in and hit your target.

Mounting Options

  1. Rifle-Mounted or Handheld: Decide whether you want a rifle-mounted red dot sight or a handheld unit. Rifle-mounted sights can provide a more stable and accurate shooting experience, while handheld units offer greater versatility and are easier to transport.
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FAQ

What are red dot sights?

Red dot sights are optical sights that use a red dot reticle in the center of the lens for aiming. This simple, single color dot makes it easy to acquire the target, and the dot’s size can easily be adjusted. Red dot sights are primarily designed for close to medium-range shooting and are perfect for hunting, home defense, and tactical operations.

Red dot sights are reliable, functional, and extremely popular due to their versatility and ease of use. Most of them are battery operated, and some lower-end models can be purchased for a relatively low price. However, be cautious when purchasing the cheaper sights, as they may not have the build quality or functionality of higher-end models.

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What are some of the most popular red dot sights on the market?

Some of the most popular red dot sights on the market are the Sig Sauer Romeo 5, Trijicon MRO, EOTECH 512 Holographic Weapon Sight, and the Aimpoint Micro H-2. These sights offer an excellent balance of functionality, price, and build quality. They come with different reticle options and ranges of dot sizes to allow for maximum flexibility.

Most of these sights are compatible with a variety of firearms and are available in multiple color options, including black, green, and red. They all have adjustable brightness settings and are waterproof, shockproof, and fog resistant. Some models also have auto-power shut off and auto-on features to conserve battery life.

What is the best cheap red dot sight?

The best cheap red dot sight can vary based on the specific needs of the shooter. However, one of the best options is the C-More Systems 2 MOA Reflex Sight. This sight provides accurate and reliable performance, and its low cost makes it a great choice for budget-conscious shooters. It also comes with a protective lens cover and a built-in flip-up rear lens cap.

The C-More Reflex Sight has a durable construction and operates on a single CR2032 battery. It is water-resistant and rated for use in temperatures ranging from -40°F to 195°F. The sight is also compatible with most popular Picatinny and Weaver mounting systems, making it a versatile choice for different firearm configurations.

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Can I use any red dot sight on my rifle?

In general, you should be able to mount most red dot sights on your rifle as long as your rifle has a Picatinny or Weaver rail system. However, it is always advisable to check the specific manufacturer’s guidelines or compatibility chart to ensure that the sight is a good match for your rifle’s rail system.

It is also essential to take into consideration the sight’s weight, offset, and eye relief requirements. A sight with a higher offset may not be suitable for all shooters and may require additional mounting adjustments. Additionally, some rifles may have more extensive rail systems, which may require different mounting options to accommodate the sight’s size and weight.

What is the best place to buy a red dot sight?

The best place to buy a red dot sight will depend on your location, budget, and personal preferences. Online retailers like Amazon and Brownells have a wide range of red dot sights to choose from, with competitive pricing and shipping options. Local sporting goods stores may also carry a selection of red dot sights, which can be helpful for those who prefer an in-person shopping experience.

If you are shopping for a specific brand or model, check the manufacturer’s website, as they may have authorized dealers or distributors in your area. It is also a good idea to read online reviews and consult with experienced shooters or local gun clubs for recommendations on quality, reliable red dot sights.

What are the major differences between good and cheap red dot sights?

One of the primary differences between good and cheap red dot sights is the build quality and durability. Good red dot sights are usually constructed of high-quality materials, are weather-resistant, and have better components that enable an accurate and reliable performance. They also typically have more flexible and diverse features such as different reticle options, brightness settings, and mounting options.

On the other hand, cheap red dot sights may be made of lower-quality materials and may not perform as well, especially under harsh weather conditions or heavy use. They may also lack some features or have limited mounting options. Therefore, when purchasing a new red dot sight, it is highly recommended to invest in a well-reviewed, durable sight from a reputable manufacturer.

As an Amazon Affiliate™ I may earn from qualified purchases at no cost to you.

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