If there's one optic known for speed and simplicity, it’s the red dot sight. These compact, intuitive sights have become a go-to choice for shooters across skill levels because they accomplish one essential task better than almost anything else: putting you on target fast.
Whether you’re running drills at the range, equipping an AR-15 for home defense, dialing in your pistol setup, or prepping your shotgun for turkey season, a red dot delivers quick target acquisition and confidence with every shot.
At Gritr Outdoors, we carry red dot sights from the most trusted names in the firearms industry. Our selection includes open reflex sights, tube-style red dots, mini pistol red dots, and advanced models with multiple reticle options. If you’re building a new firearm or upgrading an existing one, you’ll find an optic here that matches your shooting style, your platform, and your budget.
Despite their technological advantage, the fundamentals behind red dot sights are surprisingly simple. Inside the sight, a small LED emits light toward a specially coated lens. This lens only reflects certain wavelengths - in most cases, red - while letting the rest pass through. The reflected light becomes the reticle you see: a crisp dot, circle, or combination pattern designed for fast alignment.
Because the LED projects onto the lens and not out into the environment, the dot is visible only to the shooter. You’re not shining a laser at the target; you’re viewing a reflection that always appears centered regardless of eye position. This phenomenon, known as parallax mitigation, is what makes red dots so intuitive. Simply place the dot where you want the shot to go and press the trigger.
While red is the most common reticle color due to its visibility against a wide variety of backgrounds, many modern models also offer green or amber options. Some sights include multiple reticle shapes in dots, circles, and crosshairs. Each option giving shooters flexibility based on their firearm or application.
Red dots earned their reputation by offering speed, simplicity, and adaptability. They are:
Fast
Versatile (Effective on pistols, rifles, shotguns, PCCs, and air guns)
Compact enough for concealed-carry pistols and competitive AR builds.
Easy to learn
Using a red dot encourages shooting with both eyes open, improving situational awareness. Red dots give you an advantage in fast-paced shooting scenarios or when tracking a moving target.
If you’re ready to have the ultimate advantage on your next hunting trip, Gritr Outdoors has the red dot sights you need..
We’ve seen many customers wonder whether they should choose a red dot or a traditional riflescope. The right answer depends on your environment and your quarry.
Red dots excel at close to moderate ranges, especially if you’re stalking or moving through dense terrain, or using shotguns or AR-platform rifles to hunt fast-moving game.
Red dots allow shooters to acquire targets quickly, maintain awareness, and react to movement. Our products give you the crucial advantage during close-quarters hunts or fast breakaway shots.
However, if your hunts involve longer distances (100+ yards) or static shooting positions, a traditional riflescope provides the magnification and holdover marks that may make it a better choice.
You don’t have to choose one or the other for your next hunt. Many shooters pair a red dot with additional tools to expand versatility, like magnifiers and offset sights.
At Gritr Outdoors, we carry red dots for AR-15s, rifles, pistols, and shotguns, along with magnifiers, mounts, and accessories to complete your setup.
Whether you're upgrading a defensive firearm, refining your hunting rig, or building a competitive platform, you’ll find a sight that delivers speed, clarity, and dependability in our online store.
