Best Budget Red Dot in 2022

As you prepare to pull the trigger, there is an adrenaline rush that feels unlike anything else. At this moment, a red dot can maximize your chances of hitting your intended target. Not just any red dot sight will do, though. 

In this article, we share what we use a red dot for and the perks of buying one. You will also discover some of the best budget red dots on the market. 

IMAGEPRODUCT 
  • Best overall
  • 11 adjustable brightness settings for shooting any time of day
  • Easy to mount with a rail riser mount and a 45 degree offset mount included with red dot sight
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  • Best value for the money
  • Designed with a flip-to-side mount that allows shooting at 1X to 3X magnification
  • Shooters can adjust every red dot magnifier for better focus
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  • Best budget red dot for ar15
  • Has a multi-coated amber lens that prevents the lens from fog
  • The sealed housing makes this sight waterproof
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  • Best budget pistol red dot
  • You can use the sight on pistols, shotguns, and rifles
  • An optimal height design lets you mount this sight on an AR15 to co-witness with iron sights
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  • Has four reticle patterns to choose from
  • A 22X33 lens offers users a wide view
  • Designed with a dual illuminated color in the sight
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What is a Red Dot Used For?

A red dot is a sight used for shooter precision. It can attach to handguns, shotguns, and rifles. When the shooter looks through the sight, they can see a red dot on their target. 

To be clear, a red dot is not a laser target finder. It is an internal sight that only lets the shooter see the dot. 

While red dots are popular for target shooting, they have other uses as well.

Keeping Both Eyes Open

Using a red dot to hit your target lets you keep both eyes open. Unlike iron sights, where you have to squint one eye to line up your target, a red dot gives your eyes relief. 

Improved Short-Range Hunting

Hunters enjoy getting as close as possible to the target. With a red dot, hunters can improve their chances of making a clean shot. 

Improved Aim 

Hunters and firearm enthusiasts use red dots for their ability to maximize their chances of hitting their target. They are an excellent tool for beginners and expert marksmen to utilize. 

Can You Find a Quality Red Dot Under $100?

The slogan “you get what you pay for” has led consumers to believe that they have to spend more money to get a quality product. That is just not the case when purchasing a red dot. More is not necessarily better.

The trade-off between price and quality is a sticky area. Before making a purchase, you need to know what you want. Doing a little research can help you nail down what you’re looking for. There are certain attributes that you should not waver on, but you can find them in a quality, affordable product. Hint: Say goodbye to auto shutoff.

What to Look For When Buying a Red Dot

Before heading to the checkout, let’s note three features you should look for when buying a red dot. 

Optical Clarity

Look for red dots that have a multi-coated lens. This will help with light transmission and contrast. 

Hunters are most likely shooting at a moving target. It is crucial they can see clearly to make their shot count. If your red dot doesn’t have good optical clarity, you’re probably not going to use it, and that is a waste of money. 

Durability

You want to purchase a red dot that is going to stand the test of time. It will not serve you well to spend $100 over and over because your red dot has broken.  

Look for red dots that are shockproof. Recoil can be a quick way to break a red dot. Shock proofing will also protect your red dot from bumps, drops, and other accidents.  

Waterproof/Fog Proof

Water, condensation, and fog can be detrimental to hitting your target and cause irreparable damage to your sight.

Review of the Best Budget Red Dots

We have established the basics. Now let’s look at the best budget red dots we promised you. 

Top Pick

Predator V3 Micro Red Dot Sight

Predator V3 Compact Red Dot Sight | Combat Veteran Owned Company | 45 Degree Offset Mount and Riser Mount Included | Reflex Rifle Optic with 11 Adjustable Brightness Settings | Reddot Gun Scope

PROS

CONS

 

Let’s start with our top pick that happens to be designed by a combat veteran and includes a lot of perks. 

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers are raving about this red dot sight. They love that a combat veteran designed this sight. The sight is simple to mount, with two options for mounting included. Customers also love the easy-to-use brightness adjustments and lifetime warranty.  

Why It Stands Out to Us

The manufacturer uses aluminum alloy in the construction and has sealed the sight with O-rings to create a water and dust barrier. We also love that we can use this sight with firearms from Remington, Winchester, or Colts. 

The Predator V3 continues offering exceptional versatility with its ability to fit any rifle platform. Users can reach a zero with ease when reaching higher elevations and wind conditions. Last, this red dot stands out because the design is by a war veteran with experience using red dot sights. 

Bottom Line

The Predator V3  has a lot to offer beginner and seasoned firearm handlers. Recent buyers highly recommend the Predator V3, and it is definitely worth considering.

Best Magnifier Option

Falcon V1 3X Red Dot Magnifier

Tacticon Falcon V1 3X Red Dot Magnifier | Disabled Combat Veteran Owned Company | Flip to Side Mount for Picatinny Rail and 2.5 inches of Eye Relief | Cross Compatible with Red Dot Sights Accessories

PROS

CONS

 

Next on our list is a red dot magnifier designed to be compatible with any brand optic you choose.

What Recent Buyers Report

Users like that the flip mount is solid, with no play. They are also talking about the cross-compatibility with other red dot brands like Aimpoint, Sight Mark, and EO Tech. 

Why It Stands Out to Us

The Falcon VI stands out for us because they fully make it in the USA and are compatible with all red dot sights. Including the 3mm shim makes it virtually impossible to find a firearm that one can’t use this sight on. 

The push-button mount makes it so easy to flip from right to left, so no matter what eye is dominant, you can aim your shot almost perfectly. This product also has a well-designed optic made with crystal clear glass. 

Bottom Line

Overall, the Falcon VI is a well-designed red dot magnifier. It has a crystal clear magnifier, push-button mount, and is compatible with almost all brands of optics.

Best Budget Red Dot for an AR15

AT3 Tactical RD-50 PRO Red Dot Sight

AT3 Tactical RD-50 PRO Red Dot Sight with 1' Riser - for Lower 1/3 Cowitness with Iron Sights - 2 MOA Compact Red Dot Scope

PROS

CONS

 

The AT3 Tactical is a sight that goes beyond the typical shotgun

What Recent Buyers Report

Those that have recently purchased this sight are pleased to have a sight that works well with an AR. They report that with the ⅓ cowitness; they have a wider viewing field. The long battery life has allowed users to spend longer enjoying their firearm and not worrying about having a backup. 

Why It Stands Out to Us

First, this is a red dot sight that users can install on an AR. Shooters can be more aware of their surroundings with the ⅓ cowitness. Its shockproof circuitry keeps any recoil, drops, or bangs from affecting your sight. 

Whatever the weather conditions are, it is still a quality sight to mount on your gun. It has a sealed housing and multi-coated lens that keeps condensation, fog, or water from harming your sight. The two MOA red dots in this sight leaves no room for an inaccurate shot. 

Bottom Line

Overall, this sight has everything. A long battery life and preventative design measures leave shooters comfortable with their aim. The only drawback is that the mount can be difficult to attach. 

Best Budget Pistol Red Dot

Leapers UTG 4in ITA Red/Green Circle Dot Sight

 

PROS

CONS

 

Our next to last red dot sight is great for the pistol specifically revolver shooting fans. 

What Recent Buyers Report

The sight works well in bright light conditions outdoors. It also has a wider field of view for better aim. Even with five brightness settings, shooters are finding it hard to see in low light or indoors. 

Why It Stands Out to Us

The biggest thing for us is that you can use this sight on pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Users can pair their red dot with iron sights on an AR15. We can mount this sight on a Picatinny rail and have a secure feel. 

When you look into the sight, you see a circle around a dot. This design truly helps you determine your target quicker and shoot with more confidence. The Leapers sight has moderate versatility, but is best used for hunting or outdoor shooting.

Bottom Line

The Leapers UTG is a good red dot sight but has a couple drawbacks. Users find it too bright for indoor shooting but like the accuracy of the red dot when hunting.

Feyachi RS-29 Reflex Sight

Feyachi RS-29 Reflex Sight, Red & Green Illuminated 4 Reticles Red Dot Sight Gun Sight for 20mm Picatinny Rail, 1x22x33mm

PROS

CONS

 

Our last sight on the list is one you can have fun with. 

What Recent Buyers Report

Those that have purchased the Feyachi red dot sight are surprised at how easy it is to install. Changing the battery is extremely easy because you don’t have to take the optic off. You have unlimited eye relief and completed parallax.

Why It Stands Out to Us

The Feyachi red dot sight stands out for its ability to let shooters keep both eyes open while looking through the 22X33 lens. It comes with three brightness levels, allowing shooters to adjust for indoor and outdoor light.

We can’t forget the adjustable height available for windage and elevation. They make the sight from a high-grade aluminum that gives you a highly durable product. 

Bottom Line

If you use the Feyachi red dot sight, you will enjoy its easy installation and durability. Be aware that you may have some issues with your sight keeping zero. 

Perks of Getting a New Red Dot

Getting a new red dot sight has many perks. Since we don’t have room to list them all, we will share the major ones with you. 

1. Improving Your Aim and Accuracy

Shooters of all ages strive to improve their aim and accuracy. Using a red dot sight raises the level of confidence in making the shot you desire. 

2. Increase Your Speed

Red dot sights allow you to pin your target much faster than using iron sights. When you are hunting a moving target, pinning your target too late could cost you the hunt. 

3. Add Simplicity to Your Shot

Red dot sights let the shooter aim and pull the trigger with both eyes open. The need to squint one eye, aim, and shoot is no longer necessary. Simplifying this process lets shooters make the shot quicker.

Conclusion

Red dot sights are good for beginners and seasoned shooters. They increase your aim and accuracy by simplifying the shooting process. These sights give every shooter many ways to enjoy their firearm and improve their skills.

People Also Ask

Below are the two most popular questions people ask about red dot sights.

What distance are red dot sights good for?

Red dot sights are most accurate at 100 yards. Anything more than that will depend on the size of the target. 

How much should I spend on a red dot sight?

Most manufacturers hover around $200 for their sights, with some pricing their sights under $100. Some can be as much as $400. It really is a personal choice regarding what you spend on your red dot sight.    

Joseph Fox

Joseph Fox

Joseph Fox writes on a variety of topics ranging from reloading ammunition to gun cleaning. He has been featured on various publications like thetruthaboutguns, Sofrep & many more. Joseph is also the founder of Gunloading, where he reviews different types of reloading & firearm products available on the market.