Pistol Reflex Sight Cheat Sheet

This is a List of pistol optics and their features that I have compiled to help customers easily reference that pertinent information. There are some features that I have required to be present for me to feel comfortable selling or telling others to purchase. I chose the features specifically for their performance enhancement or tangible capability enhancement. I skipped the intricate details of each optic. Use this list to help find suitable ones. Research more about them on the product page and online for preferential features.

Mandatory Requirements For Pistol Reflex sights for Serious Use.

All these features are necessary for an optic to be listed on my website. These features fulfill the minimum requirements that I feel are necessary for an optic for serious 2nd amendment purposes. Bear in mind, there’s an uncountable number of products or optics that didn’t meet these requirements, that I won’t be listing here.

No Common Issues or QC Issues (subjective)-

The lack of any negative aspects may better explain this feature. This shows that no mainstream or high percentage problems are associated with these optics. For example, when dropped on the housing, they always break, or when shooting the glass cracks after a low round count. I label this as subjective because it’s hard to be completely confident in the reporting of these issues. No or few complaints provide reasonable confidence in that optic, all things considered.

Minimum 10K hour Battery Life (1 year aprox.)

With battery and electronics technology improving vastly each year, I find this a very reasonable requirement for any modern pistol optic. It is recommended to replace batteries yearly, even if their longevity exceeds that timeframe. Any optic that cannot last this long may be detrimental in the field, constantly needing to replace batteries, not knowing if your optic is going to be on next time you present it, etc.

Daylight Bright Dot

This may seem like this is unnecessary, but I feel it is necessary to include, as some optics may not truly be daylight bright in all conditions.

Aluminum or better Housing Material

As of the current time I am writing this, I have not seen a good enough performance from a polymer housed reflex sight to feel comfortable selling or recommending one. This requirement for aluminum or better material prevents purchasing an optic that is too fragile for serious use. Some aluminum optics were excluded from this list because even they are too fragile.

Optional Performance Enhancing Features

These features in this category are unnecessary, but may be for your particular use case. I have listed them as they are common and sought after in certain applications where not all optics provide them. As an example, someone may need an IP rating because they live in an extremely dusty environment. Having every feature doesn’t guarantee it’s the best optic for you. If you don’t plan on using night vision, why spend extra for an optic with that feature? Everything else the same? I am trying to best equip my customers, and if I can save them money from purchasing optics with features that are not pertinent to them, I would much rather they use that money on ammunition or training or other items they may need.

Waterproofing rating/IP Rating

Simple enough, this category lists any mention of waterproofing or an IP (Ingress Protection) rating that the optic has.

Enclosed Emitter

This shows that the optic encloses and protects the emitter from outside debris and elements.

Night Vision Performance acceptable (subjective)

Very niche, but important to those whom use handguns at night. Despite being subjective and coarse, each optic with this feature is acceptable for night vision use. Performance levels may vary in this category, but the goal is to distinguish night vision optics from others. If you are looking for more details, I would check the product pages and do online research to help find which optic best fits your wants. 

Pistol Red Dots Comparison