Best Red Dot Sight Under 100 – Guide and Reviews by the Professionals

Whether you are a beginner shooter or experienced hunter, a red dot sight is an important tool that you need to have. There are several benefits that you will get when you have the best red dot sight under 100 which majorly include speed and accuracy. Red dot sight helps you pin your target fast and accurately as compared to iron sights or magnified optics.

In as much as traditional sights provide you with the needed accuracy, red dot sights give you fast aiming without missing your shots. Initially, red dot sights were used by the military but they are now available for recreational use such as paintball, hunting and others.

If you are on a budget and looking for the best red dot sight for shotgun or the best red dot sight for pistol, we have top reviews from well-known brands on the market today. Go through our detailed reviews and buying guide so that you can pick the right red dot sight that will meet your shooting needs. These are quality products that will give you a great performance for many years.

Best Red Dot Sight Under 100 - Comparison Table

Best Red Dot Sight Under 100 Review

Some hunters think that getting a quality red dot sight on a tight budget can be hard. The truth is, there are so many affordable models that you can find today without compromising performance. Here are 10 best red dot sight you can get with a budget of less than 100 bucks.

10 Best Red Dot Sight Under 100

1. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope

When it comes to optics, you can never go wrong with Bushnell. If you are looking for the best red dot sight for pistol, Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope makes a great pick. This sight is also ideal for shotguns, muzzleloaders and rifles. You can mount the sight easily on picatinny rails your weapon. 

The sight also features a matte black 3MOA reticle that offers you with 11 brightness settings.

You can adjust the red dot brightness to achieve the brightness that is suitable for your situation. Considering its price, you will love the build quality of this red dot sight. It has a small and compact design and a durable metal housing that assures you of many years of use. Its strong construction makes it a perfect selection for any type of shooter.

I also love the fact that the sight can be used on a wide range of activities. Whether you are into hunting, competitive shooting or simply spending a day at the range, this red dot sight will be suitable. It provides you with an optimum performance so that you can get accurate shots when you are aiming at your targets.

Pros

  • Features a durable construction
  • It is small and compact
  • Easy to mount
  • You can adjust the brightness to your liking
  • Longer battery life
  • Multi-coated lenses
  • Unlimited eye relief

Cons

  • Loss of dots after a few shots
  • Complaints of loose front lens

2. UTG 3-9X32 1" BugBuster Scope, AO, RGB Mil-dot, QD Rings

Many red dot scope manufacturers claim that their products are the best but sometimes you can end up with disappointments when you pick the wrong red dot sight. With a tight budget, you can enjoy a great performance from the UTG 3-9X32 scope. 

This scope features a rainproof and shockproof construction which allows you to use it regardless of the outdoor condition.

As compared to other red dot sights that you will find in the same price range, this model is one of the most efficient. It is designed with a red do that can change from red to green when it gets light. You can mount the scope perfectly on a picatinny 21 mm rail. The scope is powered by 2 lithium metal batteries which are included and it is best suited for airsoft assault rifles.

The scope has an impressive locking me that way better as compared to other red dots. When you lock the settings, you can easily aim at your target anytime. Even when your scope falls down accidentally, it will not interfere with your aim settings. You will also love the large field of view and a great eye relief that allows you to complete all your missions.

Pros

  • Comes with batteries
  • Has red and green dual illumination
  • Emerald coating provide maximum light transmission
  • Larger field of view
  • Comfortable eye relief
  • Shockproof, rainproof and fog proof
  • Has an adjustable objective

Cons

  • Its compact size makes the eye relief limited
  • Crosshairs are crooked

3. Field Sport Red and Green Reflex Sight with 4 Reticles

Are you on the market looking for a red dot sight for hunting, competition or target shooting? You can try the Field Sport Red and Green Reflex Sight which is a great options if you are firing rapid moving targets. This is a quality red dot sight that features an aircraft aluminum body to provide many years of use.

For enhanced handling, this sight is lightweight, shockproof and water resistant. It allows you to enjoy a nice performance regardless of the climate conditions. You will also enjoy unlimited eye relief as well as corrected parallax, thanks to the 4 reticle patterns.

When it comes to mounting, expect a simple task since it has a built-in picatinny mount base that offers you with easy sight remounting. You are free to adjust focus and distance and the brightness to achieve a clear reticle.

Pros

  • Designed with multi-coated lens for clear images
  • Offers unlimited eye-relief
  • Features a high quality aluminum construction
  • Can be used in all climate conditions
  • Features a dual brightness control
  • Easy to mount

Cons

  • Users say it stops working after a few rounds
  • Doesn’t stay zeroed

4. CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24x50 AOE Red and Green Illuminated Gun Scope with Free Mount

Improve your hunting with the CVLIFE Hunting Rifle Scope 6-24x50. This is an illuminated rifle scope that is made of high strength aluminum alloy to provide you with many years of great performance. The scope is completely sealed and 100 percent nitrogen filled which makes it rain and fog proof.

It is designed with an adjustable dual illuminated reticle that allows you to use the scope in low light or night conditions. With its fully multi-coated lenses, you can expect crystal clear images all the time. The scope provide you with a magnification of 6-24x and has an objective lens diameter of 50mm that allows more light transmission lead to improved and crystal clear images.

Users also love the spherical structure design of the scope that provides an easy interaction between inner and outer scope tubes. This gives you a long lasting reliability. Additionally, it has a smart design that makes it shockproof and gives you precise windage and elevation adjustment.

Pros

  • Has green and red illuminated reticle
  • Larger objective lens diameter
  • Great rifle scope for the money
  • Comes with a free mount
  • Designed with fully multi-coated glass

Cons

  • Turrets would have been great

5. Dagger Defense DDHB Red Dot Reflex Sight

Having a heavy or larger red dot sight mounted on your scope can interfere with your optimal handling and performance. Dagger Defense DDHB Red Dot Reflex Sight is one of the most ergonomic models on the market that is designed to save space on your rail to accommodate other accessories.

The scope features a durable and strong aircraft grade aluminum construction which makes it long lasting. It also has a locking set screw to help you stabilize sighting adjustments. Elevation adjustment is also easy because the scope comes with a hex wrench to help you adjust the elevation. For example, when you adjust up, the target will move up without affecting the reticle.

This red dot sight also features a rotary knob that performs three functions. These functions include reticle color selector, fade adjustment and battery compartment. The knob allows you to choose brightness intensity between the green and red reticles.

Pros

  • Strong aluminum construction make it durable
  • Has a locking screw to stabilize sight adjustment
  • Easy to adjust the elevation
  • Has a four position reticles
  • Comes with an instruction manual, lens cleaning cloth, battery and 2 allen wrench
  • Excellent customer service

Cons

  • Issues with quality control
  • Doesn’t stay zeroed

6. Ozark Armament Rhino Red Dot Sight - Green Dot Sight

Another amazing and wallet-friendly red dot sight that you can consider buying is the Ozark Armament Rhino Red Dot Sight. This is a durable sight that features quality components and it is easy to sight. Additionally, the scope holds zero even after using it for several rounds.

It features red and green dot with adjustable brightness. With the 5 different brightness with red and green settings, you can adjust the light to suit your shooting conditions. This makes your work easier when you are shooting at night, dawn or during the day.

The sight also features waterproof and fog proof design so you can use it regardless of the weather condition. It also has a sealed optic that ensure dust and moisture do not reach the inside parts. On top of that, the sight is nitrogen purged to protect it from fog.

Pros

  • Offers a wide field of view
  • It is durable
  • Easy to adjust the brightness
  • Waterproof and fog proof
  • Accurate
  • Long battery life

Cons

  • Poor quality control
  • Complaints on its durability

7. Primary Arms Microdot Sight (Gen II) - 2 MOA Dot

Finding an affordable red dot sight that provides you with both quality and durable performance can be tough. In most cases, you have to part with more money to get quality optics. However, Primary Arms Microdot Sight allows you to enjoy all these great features without breaking your bank.

The scope comes with a MIL STD 1913 picatinny rail mount that allows you to mount it on your rifle with ease.

The mount is also removable and it has other mounting options for normal microdot riser mounts. The red dot sight gives you 1000 hours battery life on a single battery. It also includes 11 different illumination settings that you can adjust to suit bright day or night use.

Using this red dot sight provides crisp images and aimed shorts when shooting at short or medium range. It is designed with fully multi-coated lens that eliminate reflection and provides you with clear sight picture. To give you enhanced performance, the glass and the electronics feature a durable aluminum housing that has O-rings to offer fog and water protection.

Pros

  • Designed with aircraft grade aluminum
  • Water and fog resistant
  • Offers clear sight picture
  • Compatible with night vision devices
  • Easy to attach on your rifle
  • Lens cover protects the glass when the tool is not in use

Cons

  • Mounting screws get loose
  • Sight can turn off unexpectedly after extended range sessions

8. Sightmark SM 26008 Ultra Shot Plus Red Dot Sights

Finding a quality red dot sight can be a tough task if you are buying for the first time or if you have no idea of the features to check. One of the most reputable brands you can trust when it comes to affordable and functional red dot sights is Sightmark. 

You can try the Sightmark SM 26008 red dot sight and enjoy shooting accurately when you are aiming at your target.

This tool uses the normal camera battery and provides you with up to 2000 hours of continuous operation. The sight is great for close-range shooting or shooting fast moving objects. It is equipped with a green and red illuminated reticle and a digital switch button located on the side that helps you adjust the brightness regardless of the lighting condition.

Another thing that you will love about this red dot sight is the quick-detach mount that offers fast and easy removal when you are using iron sights or other accessories. It also features a durable cast iron housing that makes the tool last longer. Additionally, it includes a protective aluminum shield hood to provide more defense.

Pros

  • Has multiple reticles.
  • Features a durable cast aluminum housing.
  • It doesn’t consume more power.
  • It is water resistant and weatherproof.
  • Gives you a wide field of view.
  • You enjoy unlimited eye relief.
  • Features an adjustable quick detach weaver mount.

Cons

  • Complaints of a slight glare. 
  • The green looks blur.

9. AT3 Tactical RD-50 Micro Reflex Red Dot Sight - 2 MOA Compact Red Dot Scope

If you are looking for a compact red dot scope to mount on your rifle, AT3 Tactical RD-50 is an affordable option that you can select. This scope is accurate and provides you with both eyes open shooting. With this scope, you can enjoy hitting your targets accurately all the time.

The scope offers you with 11 red dot brightness settings that give you optimal visibility when you are shooting in low light situations. It is also designed with multi-coated and scratch resistant lens that provide clear images. You will also love the long battery life meaning that you can get up to 50,000 hours of continuous use even when you are using it at the lowest brightness settings.

Another amazing thing about this red dot scope is that it is fully waterproof and features a sealed housing making it dependable. Additionally, it features shockproof circuity that resists any damages even from tough handling. The scope also has a matte black anodized finish that is resistant to scratch.

Pros

  • Allows you to shoot even when both of your eyes are open.
  • The scope is accurate.
  • Has a longer battery life.
  • Comes with an instruction sheet, allen wrench and lens cloth.
  • Has a waterproof housing.
  • Offers 11 brightness settings.
  • Great scope for the price.

Cons

  • Some people find the dot blurry.
  • Complaints of poor customer service.

10. Ade Advanced Optics Crusader 8 Reticle Green and Red Dot Reflex Sight with QD Mount, Black

If you are still finding it hard to select the best red dot sight under 100, you can try the Ade Advanced Optics Crusader 8 Reticle Green and Red Dot Reflex Sight. This tool has 8 different types of reticle and provides 5 adjustable brightness setting. 

Depending on the lighting situation, you can adjust the light to suit your environment for the best performance.

Even when you are on a budget, you want to get a durable red dot sight that will not let you down when it comes to the performance. This one is designed with a strong and durable aluminum body and features metal protective shield which makes it long lasting. Again, mounting is not complicated because the scope is designed with a quick detach mounting system.

Other important features that you will enjoy when using this red dot sight include unlimited eye relief, shockproof and water resistant design. The scope is also parallax corrected and provides you with a wide field of view. When it comes to power consumption, it uses less energy. It features a built-in rechargeable battery that has a charge indicator. The light will turn off automatically when the battery is full.

Pros

  • Offers 5 adjustable brightness settings.
  • Aluminum body for durability.
  • Provides unlimited eye relief.
  • Consumes low battery power.
  • Designed with a quick detach mounting system.
  • Has a battery indicator light.

Cons

  • Reticle seems off the center a little.
  • Optics would have been quality.

Best Red Dot Sight Under 100 - Buying Guide

Things to Consider When Choosing the  Best Red Dot Sight

The fact that you are shopping for low cost red dot sight doesn’t mean that all the models on the market will meet your requirements. The last thing that any hunter needs is an optic that will cause more disappointments. To help you pick a quality product, I have prepared a buying guide to help you know some of the most important things that you should consider before you buy the best red dot sight under 100.

Dot Size

When searching for red dot sight, you will find many models with different minute of angle (MOA). This is the size of the dot which you should take into account when buying. For most sights, you will find that they have an average MOA of around 4. You can also find other that have MOA of up to 60. If you want to view your target well, look for a red dot sight with an MOA that is not too small or too big.

Construction

Buying low-priced optics doesn’t mean that you should compromise on the quality. Look for a product that features a strong construction and made with durable materials so that you can enjoy a great performance for many years. On top of that, make sure that you pick a lightweight product which will be easy to carry when you are going for a hunting trip.

Battery Life

This is another important thing that you should check when buying red dot optics. If you want your hunting experience to be better, look for a sight that will provide you with longer battery life. You don’t want a sight with a low battery life that forces you to stop what you are doing to change the battery.

Water/Fop Proof Design

Sometimes, you might be hunting in extreme weather conditions. If your sight is not water or fog proof, this means that its performance will be affected if you use it under such conditions. Look for a red dot sight with a waterproof and fog proof design so that you can enjoy a great performance even when the weather is extreme.

Variable Brightness

Yet in other times, you might find yourself hunting in low light conditions. In such cases, you can appreciate having a sight with a variable brightness. This will help you set the right brightness for use in low light conditions.

Projection type

When it comes to the type of projection, you can either choose a holographic or the best reflex sight. In holographic projection, sight illumination comes from the front of the lens and the laser diode light is projected to the viewing window to come up with a red dot that will help you aim your targets. In reflex sight, an LED light is reflected behind the lens of your sightline.

Style of Reticle

Reticles come in different styles and they are illuminated to make your work easier when you are shooting in low light conditions. You will find that the color and the pattern of the red dot vary so you need to look for the best that will make shooting comfortable. When it comes to style, you can get single dot, cross hairs and bullseye patterns that can be displayed in either green or red color. You can also adjust the size of the reticle. Having a bigger dot means that your targeting will be easier.

Size and weight

You should also consider the size and weight of the red dot sight before you purchase. Make sure that you get the right size that suits your gun and will be easy to store. If the red dot sight you choose is heavy, it will also affect the overall weight of your gun. To get accuracy when shooting, ensure that you can still handle the gun effectively even when the sight is attached.

Gun compatibility

Red dot sights are designed differently meaning that they are not compatible with all guns. Different sights are made for certain types of guns to perform well. Ensure that you buy a sight that is compatible with your gun so that you can enjoy using it. Additionally, you should know how to shoot with a red dot sight well so that you can get acute shots all the time.

Mounting

Whether you choose the vortex optics Sparc ii 2 moa red dot sight, or any other ideal sight you decide to buy, you need to consider how you will mount it. This is important because if your sight is slightly off, then your aiming will be off as well. Mount and adjust the scope well and ensure that it is straight. Proper mounting will help you achieve precision and this helps you to aim at your targets well.

Advantages of Using Red Dot Sight

If you would like to improve your hunting techniques, buying the red dot sight can be a great addition. There are so many benefits that you will get when you mount a red dot on your gun. First, you will achieve fast target acquisition. When you have acquired your target well, it is easy to center the reticle and then shoot your target.

Another advantage of using a red dot sight is that it provides you with a better view as compared to other tube-style sights. If you have a wider field of view, then it is easy to shoot at a great distance. Additionally, having a red dot sight mounted on your weapon provides you with unrestricted eye relief. This makes targeting easy because you will enjoy unlimited eye relief.

Red dot sights also allow you to use them at night. In most sights, the cross hairs are not visible at night but in red dots, they are visible making it to hunt even in the darkest environment.

Frequently Asked Questions on Red Dot Sight

Q: Is it okay if I mount a red sight on my pistol?

A:  A red dot sight on a pistol will help you focus on your target especially if you are a police officer watching the actions of a suspect.

Q: How should I zero my red dot sight?

A:  Zeroing your red dot sight is simple and this will help you to get accurate shots all the time. To zero your sight, have a target at around 25 miters and when your gun is at solid rest, ensure that the sight dot is one the target. Next, fire your shot and then check the point of impact. Adjust the sight depending on the direction of the bullet from the center of your target and make another shot so that you can determine its accuracy. You can repeat this process until you hit the target at the center.

Q: Where do I need to place my red dot sight on AR15?

A: If you want to get the best outcome, place the red dot sight at the forward part of the rifle’s upper receiver. This provides you with the best field of view and you can achieve easy focus.

Q: What are the best red dot sight for pistol and handgun brands on the market today?

A: There are many red dot sight brands that provide you with quality products. Some of the most trusted brands that offer dependable and high quality products include Bushnell, Sightmark, Ozark and UTG just to mention a few.

Best Red Dot Sight Under 100 - Final Verdict

Hunting is fun and enjoyable when you have the right tools with you. If you would like to hunt even in dark environments, then you need to look for a red dot sight. From the above guide and reviews, you can see all the benefits that you will enjoy when you have a red dot sight mounted on your scope. Again, you don’t have to purchase a sight that comes with a hefty price tag to enjoy the best performance. From our top reviews, it will be easy for you to find the best red dot sight under 100 that will meet your needs. These are wallet-friendly red dot sights that provide you with many benefits. When making your selection, ensure that the sight you pick meets your needs and has all the features that you want. Any of the above red dot sights will be a great purchase and they improve your hunting experience.

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