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Imagine effortlessly aligning your sights in any light, quickly acquiring your target, and achieving tighter groupings-red dots offer all this and more. Today, we will show you the best red dots for Glock 19. The red dots are made with an array of top-notch features to elevate your Glock 19 to a new level of precision and speed.
A red dot sight transforms your Glock 19 from a reliable sidearm into a formidable tool for rapid target acquisition and enhanced accuracy. Keep reading to find all that you need to make an informed decision so that your next shot is your best yet!
About Glock 19
The Glock 19 is a versatile, compact semi-automatic pistol known for its reliability, durability, and ease of use. It features a 15-round magazine capacity and a 4.02-inch barrel, making it suitable for both concealed carry and duty use. The Glock 19’s polymer frame and Safe Action® system provide a lightweight, low-recoil design with consistent trigger pull and built-in safety features. Its compact size strikes a balance between firepower and concealability, while its modular design allows for various aftermarket upgrades, including sights, grips, and accessories. This combination of features makes the Glock 19 a popular choice for self-defense, law enforcement, and recreational shooting.
Best Red Dots for Glock 19
Let’s dive into the high-ranking options that you can never go wrong with:
1) Holosun HS507C X2 Red Dot Sight
The Holosun HS507C X2 Red Dot Sight is a high-performance optic designed for full-sized pistols, packed with cutting-edge technology to ensure speed, accuracy, and reliability. It tops our list of the best red dots for Glock 19.
It features Holosun’s exclusive ACSS Vulcan reticle which offers a unique reticle system with a 10 MOA center chevron for precise aiming, while a large outer reference circle can be deactivated depending on the user’s preference. This versatile reticle system enhances both short- and long-range shooting, making it ideal for a variety of shooting scenarios.
One of the standout features is the Solar Failsafe, which ensures continuous operation even if the battery depletes. This system automatically adjusts reticle brightness based on the surrounding light conditions, providing optimal visibility in any environment.
Complementing this is the Shake Awake technology, which powers down the sight when inactive and instantly reactivates the red LED when motion is detected. This feature, along with a 20,000-hour battery life from a single CR1632 Li-ion battery, ensures the sight is ready when needed while conserving power during downtime.
Built for durability, the HS507C X2 is housed in rugged 7075-T6 aluminum with a black hardcoat anodized finish, making it resistant to harsh elements and impacts.
The multicoated glass provides clear and crisp visuals with minimal glare, and the side-mounted battery tray allows for easy battery replacement without removing the sight from the pistol. This red dot sight also offers two reticle modes, allowing for further customization of your sight picture.
Features
- Lock Mode prevents inadvertent setting changes by locking the buttons
- Made from 7075 T6 aluminum with anodized finish
- Solar Failsafe and CR1632 battery power source
- Battery Life of up to 50,000 hours
- 2 MOA Green Dot & 32 MOA Circle reticle options
- Shake Awake Technology:
- 10 daylight (DL) and 2 night vision (NV) settings
- 1 MOA adjustment per click
- Windage & Elevation Travel Range: ±50 MOA
- Parallax-free viewing
- Unlimited eye relief
Pros
- ACSS Vulcan reticle offers precise aiming with a 10 MOA chevron and customizable reference circle.
- Solar Failsafe ensures continuous operation with automatic brightness adjustment in varying light conditions.
- Shake Awake technology preserves battery life and ensures the sight is always ready for action.
- Up to 20,000-hour battery life on a single CR1632 battery.
- Rugged 7075-T6 aluminum housing with black hardcoat anodized finish for enhanced durability.
- Multicoated glass provides clear and sharp visuals with minimal glare.
- Side-mounted battery tray for easy battery replacement.
- Two reticle modes for greater customization
Cons
- Reticle complexity may be unnecessary for shooters who prefer simpler designs.
2) Swampfox Sentinel II 1x20mm Red Dot Sight
The Swampfox Sentinel II 1x20mm Red Dot Sight combines a sleek, compact design with advanced features and provides shooters with enhanced visibility and precision. Its 20mm objective lens offers a larger field of view compared to many micro red dot sights, which maximizes visibility without compromising the slimline profile.
One highlight of the red dot is the removable rear sight guide. Positioned in front of the optic window, this guide helps users who have sacrificed their rear iron sights for optic compatibility, offering an additional aiming reference for quick target acquisition.
The 3 MOA dot is available in red or green illumination, with 10 brightness settings to adapt to various lighting conditions, including night vision compatibility. The Shake N’ Wake auto on/off feature conserves battery life by powering down the optic when not in use and instantly activating it upon motion detection, making it always ready when you are.
It is made with durability in mind as it features a 7075 aluminum housing with an enforced hood design for added durability. Its anti-glare serrations improve clarity in bright conditions, while the 1500 Gs shockproof rating ensures the optic can handle the rigors of daily use.
Features
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Rugged enforced hood design
- 7075 aluminum construction
- Hydrophobic lens coating
- Free of parallax
- 3 MOA reticle
- 20mm objective lens diameter
- 10 illumination settings with night vision compatibility
- Open emitter type
Pros
- 20mm objective lens offers a larger field of view for improved visibility.
- Removable rear sight guide provides backup aiming support and improves target acquisition.
- 3 MOA dot available in both red and green illumination options.
- 10 illumination settings, including night vision compatibility.
- Shake N’ Wake technology conserves battery life by automatically powering on/off.
- Rugged 7075 aluminum construction and 1500 Gs shockproof for durability.
- Anti-glare serrations reduce reflections for a clearer sight picture.
- RMSc footprint ensures compatibility with a wide range of micro pistols.
Cons
- No manual brightness adjustment override for some users who prefer constant illumination control.
3) Holosun Sub-Compact HS407K-X2 1×6 MOA Red Dot Sight
The Holosun Sub-Compact HS407K-X2 1×6 MOA Red Dot Sight boasts a range of features that make it an excellent choice for concealed carry and tactical use. With a 6 MOA red dot reticle, this optic provides a clear, easy-to-see aiming point, ensuring fast target acquisition even in high-pressure situations.
The Shake Awake Technology, is a major highlight. It conserves battery life by powering down the sight when not in use and instantly reactivates it when motion is detected. This extends the optic’s battery life to an impressive 50,000 hours on a single CR1632 battery, making it highly reliable for long-term use.
The sight also offers 12 brightness settings, including two night vision-compatible modes, ensuring the red dot is visible in all lighting conditions. This versatility is another reason the HS407K-X2 is one of the best red dots for Glock 19.
The housing is crafted from durable 7075 T6 aluminum, offering rugged protection in a lightweight package. The Lock Mode feature prevents accidental changes to the settings, making the sight even more user-friendly.
Additionally, the multilayer reflective glass enhances light transmission and reduces glare, providing a sharp and clear view through the optic. The IP67 waterproof rating ensures the sight can withstand harsh environmental conditions, adding to its reliability.
Features
- Red Super LED offers a crisp 6 MOA dot
- Up to 50,000 hours of battery life.
- 12 brightness settings, including 10 daylight and 2 night vision modes.
- Lock Mode
- 7075 Aluminum Housing with anodized finish
- Shake Awake Technology
- Side-Mounted Battery Tray
- Multilayer Reflective Glass:
- Compact 0.58 x 0.77 inches lens window.
- Parallax Free & Unlimited Eye Relief
- 1.5 MOA per click for windage and elevation.
Pros
- 6 MOA red dot reticle offers quick target acquisition.
- Shake Awake Technology conserves battery life, with up to 50,000 hours of use.
- 12 brightness settings, including 2 night vision-compatible modes.
- Lock Mode prevents accidental changes to settings.
- Durable 7075 T6 aluminum housing ensures long-lasting protection.
- Multilayer reflective glass reduces glare and improves clarity.
- IP67 waterproof rating for reliable use in various environments.
- Side-mounted battery tray allows for easy battery changes without removing the optic.
Cons
- Adapter plate required for slides with a four-boss interface.
4) Burris FastFire III Reflex Red Dot Sight
The Burris FastFire III Reflex Red Dot Sight is a lightweight, rugged optic designed for versatility across rifles, handguns, and tactical shotguns. Its compact size ensures it won’t add unnecessary weight or bulk, preserving the balance and handling of your firearm.
It is built for durability and quick target acquisition, making it an ideal choice for tactical, hunting, or competition shooting.
It features an automatic brightness sensor, which adjusts the reticle brightness to suit the current lighting conditions, ensuring a clear and visible red dot at all times. This is particularly helpful in situations where lighting changes rapidly. For those who prefer manual control, the sight offers three brightness settings, allowing you to customize the red dot’s intensity to your preference.
Battery access on the top of the sight makes changing batteries convenient without removing the sight, helping maintain zero. The automatic time-out feature activates after eight hours of use, significantly extending the battery life, which can last up to five years on a single battery.
Features
- Automatic brightness sensor adjusts to environmental lighting.
- Three manual brightness settings for personalized control.
- Top-mounted battery access for easy battery changes.
- Automatic time-out feature extends battery life up to five years.
- Picatinny/Weaver mount compatibility for rifles, handguns, and shotguns.
- Lightweight and compact for optimal firearm handling.
- Durable construction designed to withstand rugged use.
Pros
- Auto-brightness sensor adapts to different lighting environments.
- Easy battery replacement with top-mounted access.
- Long battery life, with up to five years of use.
- Versatile mounting options for a variety of firearms.
- Lightweight and compact, maintaining firearm balance.
Cons
- No shake awake feature, meaning it doesn’t auto-power on like other red dot sights.
5) Crimson Trace CT-RAD Micro Pro 1×3 MOA Red Dot Sight
The Crimson Trace CT-RAD Micro Pro 1×3 MOA Red Dot Sight is crafted from durable aerospace-grade aluminum which implies it is built to withstand the demands of daily carry while maintaining precision in every shot. Its sleek design is optimized for smaller pistols, making it ideal for concealed carry or tactical applications.
A feature worth noting is the CT Radiant ambient light sensor, which automatically adjusts the reticle brightness based on the surrounding light conditions, ensuring that the 3 MOA red dot is always clearly visible without needing manual adjustment.
The Shake to Wake sensor adds to its ease of use, instantly activating the sight with the slightest movement and conserving battery when the sight is not in use.
With a battery life of 10,000 hours (over a year of continuous use), powered by a single CR1632 battery, this sight provides long-lasting performance. While the battery is conveniently housed in a bottom-accessible compartment, it ensures the sight’s compact profile remains unobtrusive on your firearm. The industry-standard mounting interface guarantees compatibility with a variety of mounting solutions, making installation straightforward.
Features
- 3 MOA red dot designed for compact and subcompact firearms.
- CT Radiant ambient light sensor automatically adjusts reticle brightness.
- Shake to Wake technology for instant activation and power conservation.
- 10,000-hour battery life for over a year of continuous operation.
- Aerospace-grade aluminum construction ensures durability and protection.
- Bottom-accessible battery compartment for easy battery replacement.
- Industry-standard mounting interface for versatile compatibility.
- IPX4 water-resistant rating for added weather durability.
Pros
- Automatic brightness adjustment via the ambient light sensor.
- Long-lasting 10,000-hour battery life.
- Shake to Wake feature for instant readiness.
- Durable construction with IPX4 water resistance.
- Compact design, perfect for smaller pistols.
- Industry-standard mounting ensures wide compatibility.
Cons
- Bottom battery access requires removing the sight for battery changes.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Red Dots for Glock 19
When selecting the best red dots for Glock 19, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you’re making the right choice for your shooting needs. These include:
Durability and Construction Material
Since Glock 19s are often used for self-defense, concealed carry, and law enforcement, the durability of the red dot sight is a crucial consideration. Look for models made from high-quality materials like aerospace-grade aluminum, which offers a balance of strength and weight. Durability also includes impact resistance and shockproof capabilities, ensuring the sight can handle recoil and rough use without losing zero. A water-resistant or waterproof rating is also important for all-weather reliability.
Battery Life and Accessibility
A red dot sight with a long-lasting battery is essential, especially if you plan on using the Glock 19 for self-defense or extended range sessions. Battery life should be in the thousands of hours, ensuring minimal interruptions. Consider sights with automatic shut-off features, such as Shake to Wake technology, which conserves battery life by powering down when not in use. Additionally, the ease of battery replacement is important—sights with top-loading battery compartments allow for hassle-free changes without removing the optic from the slide and re-zeroing.
Reticle Size and Type
The reticle size is another aspect when selecting the best red dots for Glock 19. It is typically measured in MOA (minutes of angle) and affects the speed of target acquisition and precision. For general shooting and self-defense, a 3 MOA to 6 MOA dot is ideal, balancing quick sight alignment with enough precision for accurate shots. Larger dots (like 6 MOA) are quicker to pick up but may obscure smaller targets at longer distances, while smaller dots offer more precision for longer-range shots. Consider sights that offer multiple reticle options (like a dot or circle-dot combination) for greater versatility.
Brightness Settings
A good red dot for a Glock 19 should offer a wide range of brightness settings, allowing you to adjust the dot’s visibility depending on the ambient lighting conditions. Some sights feature ambient light sensors that automatically adjust brightness, while others have manual settings for precise control. If you plan to use the sight in low-light or nighttime conditions, consider a model with night vision compatibility to maintain visibility without overwhelming night vision equipment.
Mounting Compatibility
Not all red dot sights are compatible with Glock 19 slides out of the box, so you’ll need to ensure the sight has the appropriate mounting footprint. The Glock MOS (Modular Optic System) uses a range of adapter plates, while some sights may require third-party mounting solutions. Choosing a sight with industry-standard mounting footprints or one that is directly compatible with the Glock 19 MOS slide ensures a secure fit and easy installation.
Size and Weight
For concealed carry or everyday carry, the size and weight of the red dot sight can impact comfort and concealability. Opt for a compact and lightweight red dot that doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to your Glock 19. Smaller optics with low-profile designs are ideal for minimizing printing when carrying concealed. However, you also want a sufficiently large window to ensure quick target acquisition and clear visibility.
Optical Clarity and Coatings
The quality of the glass in a red dot sight directly impacts your shooting experience. Look for optics with multicoated lenses that maximize light transmission, reduce glare, and provide a clear, crisp image. The clarity of the glass is especially important when aiming quickly in dynamic situations, and anti-reflective coatings help maintain visibility in bright or sunny environments. Parallax-free designs and unlimited eye relief are also critical for fast, accurate shooting, ensuring that the red dot remains aligned regardless of head position.
Read Also: The Best Air Rifles
Best Red Dots for Glock 19 FAQs
Is It Worth Putting a Red Dot On a Glock?
Yes, putting a red dot on a Glock is worth it for many shooters, particularly for improved accuracy and faster target acquisition. Red dots offer a clear aiming point, reduce the need for perfect sight alignment, and are particularly beneficial in high-stress situations or for shooters with aging eyesight. They are also useful in low-light conditions and for extending effective range.
While there is a learning curve in adapting to red dot use on a handgun, the benefits in terms of precision and speed make it a worthwhile upgrade for both self-defense and competitive shooting applications.
Does a Red Dot Help You Shoot Better?
Absolutely. A red dot can help you shoot better by providing a clear and precise aiming point, which simplifies target acquisition and improves accuracy. Unlike iron sights, a red dot eliminates the need for perfect sight alignment, allowing you to focus on the target rather than the front sight. This can lead to faster and more intuitive shooting, especially in dynamic or high-stress situations. Additionally, red dots are particularly helpful for shooters with aging eyes, as they offer a bright, easy-to-see reticle that enhances overall shooting performance.
How Far Is a Red Dot Accurate?
A red dot sight is typically accurate for close to medium-range shooting, with most being highly effective up to around 100 yards, depending on the shooter’s skill and the firearm it’s mounted on. For pistols, like the Glock 19, red dots are generally used for ranges between 10 to 50 yards, providing fast target acquisition and accuracy within that distance. However, on rifles or carbines, red dots can still offer solid performance at distances beyond 100 yards when combined with magnifiers or for certain shooting applications. Red dots are primarily designed for quick, close-quarters engagements, but can still maintain precision at moderate ranges.
Conclusion
When choosing the best red dots for Glock 19, balancing factors like durability, battery life, reticle size, brightness settings, mounting compatibility, and ease of use is essential for enhancing your shooting experience. The right optic will provide quick target acquisition, maintain reliability, and seamlessly integrate with your Glock 19’s functionality.