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When shopping for an optic, red dot sights are some of the most common options for everything from pistols to rifles, shotguns, and carbines. This is because “red dot sight” is a fairly general term that encompasses a huge selection of optics in a variety of shapes, sizes, styles, and features, so it’s almost guaranteed you’ll find one that meets your unique needs. One of the biggest differentiating factors in red dot sights is that not all of them actually have a red dot as the reticle. Recently, green dot sights have become a lot more popular, as many people find the green dot is easier to see in certain conditions. If you’re looking to upgrade your favorite firearm and need help deciding between a red dot and a green dot, here is everything you need to know about both options.
Red Dot Sights: What Are the Benefits?
Like the name suggests, red dot sights generally have a red reticle in the middle of the optic. This reticle can be a dot, a circle with a dot in the middle, a small crosshair, or anything else, but it is usually red. This is the classic color and allows for precise aiming whether you’re outside at the range or maneuvering through a dimly lit area inside a building. There are thousands of models and options when it comes to red dot sights, with some of the most popular coming from brands like Vortex, Trijicon, and Holosun. One of the main benefits of red dot sights is that they are often cheaper than green dot sights, as the red reticle is easier to produce. This means you can outfit more firearms for less money.
Most red dot scopes do not have any magnification, which means they are primarily used for short- to medium-range engagements. While this is fine for most shooting situations, if you want to increase your effective range with the optic, you can attach a red dot sight magnifier that lets you engage and disengage magnification for when you need it. This further increases the versatility of the optic, allowing you to quickly swap between range settings whenever you need it.
Why Should You Pick a Green Dot Sight?
Above all, the main reason a green dot sight can be a better option is because the wavelength of green light is much closer to the peak wavelength perceived by the human eye, which means it’s much easier to see. This translates across all lighting conditions, from extremely bright days out in the desert to dark back rooms of a building. This means you can acquire the reticle and your target faster when you’re aiming, giving you a significant tactical advantage.
While not a tangible advantage, green dot sights also look different and can let you further customize your firearm. If you’re simply tired of the traditional red reticle, swapping over to a green dot sight can be a welcome change that makes training and practicing with your firearm more exciting again. Green dot sights are generally used by more experienced shooters, as there aren’t as many options, so they’re primarily for people who know exactly what they want and need the best performance possible from all of their accessories and attachments. Some popular brands that make green dot sights are EOTech, Viridian Weapon Technologies, TruGlo, and many more.
Which Should You Choose?
First, if you really can’t decide between a red dot sight and a green dot sight, you’re in luck. There are some optics that let you swap between a red dot and a green dot on the fly. For example, the Vortex StrikeFire II line of optics has multiple illumination settings, letting you quickly swap between red and green, as well as brightness, depending on your situation. However, if you’re looking for a dedicated green dot or red dot sight, the answer for which one you should pick depends a lot on how you plan to use your firearm. For example, if you’re a casual shooter or hunter and just need a reliable optic that you can count on for when you go to the range, a red dot sight is the perfect choice. They are often cheaper than green dot sights and have excellent battery life, so this is a safe option for most people. On the other hand, if you need the clearest reticle in all shooting situations, a green dot sight is the better bet.
Grab a Green Dot or Red Dot Today!
Regardless of which optic you choose for your next upgrade, OpticsPlanet is here to help you find exactly what you need. We have tons of Red Dot Sight How-To Guides if you need help attaching or using them, as well as plenty of other optics guides for all your needs. And if you’re looking for other gun parts or weapon accessories, we can help you with that too. Don’t forget, we offer Free Shipping on most orders over $49!
