Night vision-compatible red dot sights are essential tools that enhance target acquisition under night vision devices (NVDs). True night vision-compatible (NVC) red dots feature specialized settings that maintain clarity and precision under NVDs while remaining effective in daylight.
This article reviews the best night vision-compatible red dot sight that will give you great performance, great features, and a long battery life.
Best Night Vision Compatible Red Dot- Top Picks
| Summary | Check Prices |
| SIG Sauer Romeo5
|
Amazon | Opticsplanet |
| HOLOSUN HE510C-GR
|
Amazon | Opticsplanet |
| Aimpoint PRO
|
Amazon | Opticsplanet |
| Trijicon RMR Type 2
|
Amazon | Opticsplanet |
| HOLOSUN HE509T
|
Amazon | Opticsplanet |
| EOTECH EXPS3
|
Amazon | Opticsplanet |
Aimpoint Micro T-2 |
Amazon | Opticsplanet |
Detailed reviews…
1) SIG Sauer Romeo5
The SIG Sauer Romeo5 stands out for being compact and budget-friendly. It’s also renowned for its durability, long battery life, and night vision compatibility. The reticle is a 2 MOA that is crisp 2 and ideal for precise shooting at both close and mid-range engagements.
The reticle has 10 illumination settings, including two for night vision. Its MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination) conserves battery life by powering up when it senses motion. This MOTAC system tremendously improves battery life, which has been rated for 40,000 hours.
The lens has also been commended for its clarity, which is achieved through the use of an upgraded technology that decreases distortion, particularly in intense sunshine. Included with a purchase is a M1913 Picatinny low mount riser and a co-witness 1.41” riser mount
Pros
- Offers high-end features at a budget-friendly price
- Simple controls and easy battery replacement
- Compact and lightweight
- Durable quality
Cons
- Comes with a mount that isn’t as durable.
2) HOLOSUN HE510C-GR
The HE510C-GR sight is a versatile open reflex optic designed for long gun applications. It stands out for combining advanced features with a robust construction. One of the standout features is the multiple reticle system, made up of a dot and a circle with different sizes. These reticles allow the shooter to precisely determine the aiming point.
Another great feature is the solar fail-safe safe where the dot receives power from sunlight in case the battery fails, guaranteeing reliability at all times. The dot is a green Super LED with 10 daylight and 2-night vision compatible intensity settings, and it’s able to achieve 50k hours of battery life.
The HOLOSUN HE510C-GR also stands out for having a great lens, which is large enough, making it easy to sight, besides giving a clear image to the shooter. The glass also uses a grade 5 Titanium glass, which has double the tensile strength of normal glass for added durability.
Pros
- User-friendly features like shake awake and a solar fail-safe
- Great battery life
- Rugged construction
- Multiple reticle system.
Cons
- May be bulkier compared to some micro red dot sights
3) Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight
The Aimpoint PRO Red Dot is a reflex Sight with four night vision compatible settings and 6 daylight settings. Because it was purposely built to withstand the challenging conditions undergone by the law enforcement officers, the Aimpoint Pro is durable.
It is vibration and shock-resistant and submersible up to 150 feet. Although bigger than most other red dot sights, it exhibits one of the best performances, with the 2 MOA red dot being crisp and precise.
The red dot is easy to use by any shooter, allowing both eyes to shoot, and other convenient features like where the shooter can shoot with the flip-up lens cover closed in emergencies. The battery is also dependable, managing to give you 30,000 hours with brightness at 7 setting.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Durable design
- Simple controls and mounting system
- Four NV settings outperform most competitors
Cons
- Heavier than most other red dots.
4) Trijicon RMR Type 2
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is a great choice for a shooter who wants a red dot sight designed primarily for pistols but also adaptable to rifles and shotguns.
It has 8 brightness settings, two of which are compatible with night vision. It, however, stands out for being versatile with 3 different reticles: a 1MOA that allows for shooting more accurately at greater distances, a 6.25MOA that gives the user the ability to locate the dot quickly, and a 3.25 MOA, which gives a proper balance and is the most popular of the range.
This red dot excels in durability with an all-aluminum construction, fog proofing, and a waterproof rating. The battery is a CR2032 and will last up to 3 years, which is a great deal, especially for someone who shoots often.
Pros
- Different reticle options
- Exceptional battery life.
- Extremely rugged construction
- Clear optics.
Cons
- The battery compartment isn’t easily accessible.
5) HOLOSUN HE509T
The HE509T-GR X2 is a nitrogen-purged enclosed LED sight designed for handgun applications. It features a grade 5 titanium housing, Super LED with up to 50k hour battery life, and 12 reticle intensity settings, 2 of which are compatible with night vision devices.
The multiple reticle system (MRS) allows you to determine the type of aiming you want, when you want to use it. it gives you both precision and fast target acquisition when you want it.
The lens is a multilayer, with layers that reduce glare and provide a clear sight. Then you get a wide variety of useful features like a solar failsafe, which automatically adjusts brightness and keeps the optic functional without battery power in daylight. A shake awake deactivates the LED when not in use.
Pros
- Numerous useful features
- Great build quality
- Rugged, fully enclosed design
- Multiple reticle system
- Side-Loading Battery for easy access
Cons
- The enclosed design makes it taller.
6) EOTECH EXPS3 Holographic Weapon Sight
The EOTECH EXPS3 Works with all Gen 1–3 night vision devices. Unlike reflex sights, this red dot uses a laser-driven hologram, which results in a finer aiming dot (1 MOA) and less parallax shift, ideal for fast, accurate shooting at all ranges.
The red dot uses a “Speed Ring” reticle that guides the eye to the center aiming dot for faster target acquisition. It also allows both eyes to be open while shooting, and the rugged nature makes sure that the user will continue to have vision even with damaged glass.
The Eotech EXPS3, however, falls a bit short in battery life, only managing 600–1,100 hours, so if you are out of civilization for a while, make sure you carry a spare CR123A.
Pros
- Built for hard use in real-world combat environments
- A favorite for military and law enforcement
- Unmatched reticle speed
- Tried and tested.
Cons
- Battery life isn’t inspiring.
Red Dots- FAQs
What Features Should You Look for in a Red Dot?
- Reticle Type and Size
If you want a reticle for precision at longer ranges, consider a smaller MOA, but for fast target acquisition, a 3–6 MOA is the best option.
- Battery life
A longer battery life always makes a red dot more durable and reliable. A longer battery life, say anything above 7,000 hours, is great for a regular shooter. Some red dots also include features like motion activation and a solar failsafe that will help conserve the battery.
- Lens Clarity
When using a red dot, clarity is of utmost importance, and a red dot with a clear lens will always perform better when it comes to accuracy. This is because it provides a clear, true-color view with minimal distortion. A clearer lens is also the best for someone with astigmatism.
- Mounting
Ensure that the red dot you are getting is compatible with your mounting footprint.
- Window Size
Choose a window size that you believe fits your needs. Larger windows aid with target acquisition because you get a bigger view of the target. Conversely, a smaller window is good if you want a compact red dot.
6. Durability
Great red dot sights must withstand recoil, environmental stress, and rough handling.
What’s the difference between a red dot, reflex, and holographic sight?
Red dot uses LED projection, typically housed in an enclosed tube. These optics excel in durability with their sealed construction. Reflex sights take a different approach with their open-lens design, they provide an unobstructed sight picture and lightning-fast target acquisition.
Holographic, conversely, uses a laser to project a holographic reticle and is more complex and expensive. All holographic sights are red dots, but not all red dots are holographic.
What size MOA dot should I choose?
Depends on how I want to use my rifle. A 1–2 MOA is more precise for longer ranges, while a 3-6 MOA is good for faster target acquisition at close quarters.
Can red dots be used with magnifiers?
Yes. Most rifle-mounted red dots can be paired with a flip-to-side magnifier for variable magnification.
Conclusion
Finding the best red dot that’s compatible with night vision can be treacherous without the proper information. This guide, however, gives a detailed guide to make sure that you get a valuable red dot. Ultimately, the best night Vision-compatible red dot enhances your target acquisition speed and accuracy in the darkest conditions while standing up to real-world use.
Related