When upgrading your gun, choosing the right reflex sight is one of the most critical decisions you'll make. With a variety of reflex optics options available, it can feel overwhelming to identify the perfect fit for your firearm. But here's the good news – reflex sights have many variations, and you'll certainly find the right device.
A reflex sight is a type of red dot sight that uses a light-emitting diode to project a reticle onto a semi-reflective lens. This creates a single point of focus for the shooter while allowing for a clear view of the surrounding field. Unlike traditional scopes, reflex red dot sights eliminate the parallax effect, meaning the reticle stays aligned with your weapon regardless of your eye position. This ensures better accuracy and faster target acquisition.
One common question is, "What is the difference between reflex sights and red dots?" Reflex sights are technically a subset of red dot sights. While all reflex sights are red dot sights, not all red dot sights are reflex sights. For example, holographic sights like those from EOTech use laser beams and are technically not reflex sights. Reflector sights stand out for their simpler construction and compact size, offering a lightweight and user-friendly alternative.
Whether you're using a tube-style rifle reflex sight, an open-style pistol reflex sight, or a reflex sight for a shotgun like the Vortex Viper, they share 3 benefits:
Today’s reflector sights are categorized into two main designs:
Open Reflex Sight (from mini reflex sights for compact pistols to big competition grade sights): Lightweight and sleek, this design features a single front lens housed in a durable frame. Open reflex optical sights are ideal for handguns and short-range shooting applications.
Tube Reflex Sight (includes both scope-like rifle sights and enclosed emitter sights): Resembling a compact scope, tube reflex sights feature two lenses – one for projecting the reticle and the other for reflecting it. Tube designs are popular among rifle users seeking enhanced protection against environmental factors.
Another important feature to consider in reflex sights is the MOA reticle size. Common options include 2 MOA, 3 MOA, and 6 MOA, each catering to different needs:
2 MOA/3 MOA vs 6 MOA: A 2 MOA reticle is smaller and preferred for precise, longer-range shots, while a 6 MOA reticle is larger and ideal for close-quarters engagements.
Circle Dot Reticle: Some reflex sights feature a circle dot sight design, combining a dot with a surrounding circle. Holosun sights with the Multi-Reticle System is a great example - their MRS sights allow the user to choose between a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or a combination of both.
At Gritr Outdoors, we carry an extensive range of reflex sights for sale from the leaders in sporting optics. Here’s a short list of the best models to begin your research from:
We stock everything from large reflex sights for rifles to micro reflex sights for pistols, ensuring you find the perfect optic for your needs.
Looking for something specific? We also carry:
If you’re looking for the best reflex sight for your shooting needs, Gritr Outdoors offers a curated selection of top-rated brands and designs. Whether you need a reflex rifle scope-like device or a reflex pistol optic, we’ve got you covered.
A reflex sight uses an LED to project a reticle onto a semi-transparent lens, allowing the shooter to aim without aligning traditional iron sights.
While many believe that the difference is in the housing (like reflex sights using an open lens design, while red dots being tubes) true difference is in the underlying tech. Reflex sights use a reflective lens to project the reticle from an LED emitter. This can be in an open or enclosed design. Red dot sights is a broader term that refers to any sight projecting a red dot reticle, including reflex, prism, and holographic sights.
Smaller reticles like 2 MOA are great for precise, long-range shots, while 6 MOA dots are better for fast, close-quarters targeting.
Whether on a pistol, rifle, or shotgun, reflex sights are versatile enough for everything from competitive shooting to home defense and close-to-mid range hunting.
