Red dot sights have exploded in popularity over the last few years. Whether it’s competition shooting, home defense, or just range time, a good red dot can speed up target acquisition and make shooting more intuitive. But with so many styles out there, how do you know which one is right for you?
Let’s break it down into three major choices: housing style, dot size, and window size.
Open Red Dot Sight vs. Enclosed Red Dot Sight
Think of it this way: open red dots are the sprinters, enclosed red dots are the marathon runners.
Open Red Dot Sights
Exposed design makes them compact and super lightweight.
Wider field of view = faster target acquisition.
Awesome for competitions, range work, or indoor use where the elements aren’t a concern.
Less rugged, but if your world is speed, they deliver.
For shooters who want a lightweight, everyday carry option, check out the VictOptics SRD 1x20x25 Pistol Red Dot (RDSL33). Weighing only 28g / 0.99oz for EDC, it pairs a compact 20x25mm window with a rugged 7075-T6 aluminum housing. An intelligent light sensor auto-adjusts brightness for any environment, making it a reliable choice for pistols, EDC setups, or even airsoft tactical training where mobility matters.
Enclosed Red Dot Sights
Fully sealed housing keeps the emitter safe from rain, dirt, and abuse.
Built tougher, with higher waterproof ratings—perfect for rough weather, hunting, or duty use.
Slightly bulkier, but that’s the trade-off for peace of mind when reliability is non-negotiable.
If you prefer the ruggedness of an enclosed design, the VictOptics SRD 1x18x20 VOD Red Dot (RDSL34) is a versatile pick. Featuring a 4 MOA dot for a balance of speed and accuracy, it comes with a side-loading battery tray for easy swaps without re-zeroing. With VOD footprint (compatible w/ ACRO), and 8 daylight + 1 night vision brightness settings, it’s built for serious shooters who demand reliability across any lighting condition.
In general, here is a rule of thumb for you: Go enclosed if you need durability. Go open if you want fast and light.
3 MOA vs 6 MOA: Precision or Speed?
Dot size is all about balancing accuracy with speed.
3 MOA
Small, precise, and great for stretching distance.
Perfect if you don’t want the dot to cover your target.
Great fit for rifles, PCCs, or anyone who values tight shot placement.
6 MOA
Big, bold, and fast.
Designed for close-quarters and fast-paced shooting sports like IPSC or USPSA.
Quicker to pick up under pressure, but less ideal for long shots.
Heads-up: if you’ve got astigmatism, the bigger dot can sometimes look messy.
Simple split: 3 MOA for accuracy, 6 MOA for speed.
Large Window vs Small Window
The window is literally your view into the sight—size matters.
Small Window Red Dot Sight
Compact, lightweight, easy to carry every day.
Great for EDC pistols or minimalist rifle builds.
Downsides: smaller field of view makes tracking the dot trickier when you’re moving fast.
Large Window Red Dot Sight
Bigger view, easier to stay on the dot during recoil.
A must-have for dynamic shooting—competitions, 3-Gun, or just moving and shooting at the range.
Slightly heavier and bulkier, but that wide sight picture is worth it if speed is your game.
Bottom line: Small window for carry, large window for performance.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a red dot sight really comes down to how you shoot and where you shoot.
Environment tough? Go enclosed.
Want more precision? Stick with 3 MOA.
Need raw speed? Grab 6 MOA and/or a larger window.
Get these three choices lined up with your priorities, and you’ll end up with a red dot that feels like it was made for you.
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