With advancements in optics technology, red dot sights have become an indispensable tool for shooting. In this guide, we will explore the best red dot sight for Glock 19 Gen 5, taking into account factors such as durability, battery life, installation ease, reticle clarity, and overall performance.
Whether you’re a competitive shooter, a self-defense advocate, or a tactical enthusiast, selecting the right red dot sight is vital to enhance your shooting experience and provide a significant advantage in various scenarios. Besides, red dot sights enhance target acquisition speed, improve accuracy, and allow for easier shooting in low-light conditions.
Best Red Dot Sights for Glock 19 Gen 5
However, with a vast array of options available, choosing the best red dot sight for your Glock 19 Gen 5 can be a daunting task. We will walk you through the best models available and help you find the ideal sight for your shooting needs. Let’s dive in!
1)Trijicon RMR Type 2 (RM06) – Best Overall
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 (RM06) is the best red dot for Glock 19 Gen 5. It is a top-tier reflex sight that stands out for its rugged durability, precision, and versatility.
The highlight of this red dot sight is its reticle. Featuring a 3.25 MOA red dot, this optic strikes a perfect balance between rapid target acquisition and fine aiming capability. As a result, it is an excellent choice for both defensive and competition shooting.
Another praised attribute is its robust forged aluminum housing, which effectively diverts impact force away from the lens, ensuring long-term durability even in harsh environments. Furthermore, the waterproof, shockproof, and temperature-resistant design ensures consistent performance in extreme conditions.
With the adjustable LED brightness settings, shooters get to tailor the dot intensity to different lighting conditions. The automatic brightness mode provides convenience for quick transitions, while the true-color multi-coated lens enhances clarity and provides a wide field of view, ensuring minimal distortion for improved accuracy.
To top it all off, the sight is powered by a CR2032 battery, which can last up to four years under moderate use, and features a battery-saving auto-adjust mode.
Pros
- Button-activated brightness settings that offer greater control
- Outstanding build quality
- Ease of use
- Unmatched versatility
- Exceptional optical quality and clarity
Cons
- Bottom-mounted battery compartment,
2)Holosun 507C X2 – Best for Concealability
Holosun is renowned for its rugged and reliable red dot sights and the 507C X2 is not any different. Whether used for self-defense, competition shooting, or duty applications, this red dot sight delivers an outstanding balance of reliability, functionality, and affordability compared to high-end optics.
As a feature-rich red dot sight designed for handgun applications, one of its standout features is the Multiple Reticle System (MRS). It allows shooters to switch between a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or a combination of both. This versatility caters to different shooting preferences and scenarios, from precision aiming to rapid target acquisition.
Furthermore, the solar failsafe and Shake Awake technology further enhance battery life, ensuring the optic remains operational when needed while conserving power when not in use. The red Super LED delivers a bright and crisp reticle with adjustable brightness settings for optimal visibility in various lighting conditions.
Regarding construction, this red dot sight is constructed from 7075-T6 aluminum. It is both lightweight and rugged, featuring an IP67 waterproof rating that allows it to withstand harsh weather conditions and rough handling.
Above all, the Holosun 507C X2 shines from a usability point of view with its side-mounted battery tray that eliminates the need to remove the optic for battery changes.
Pros
- Easy to mount
- Long battery life
- Lock mode prevents accidental adjustments to brightness settings
- Precise windage and elevation adjustments
- Durable construction
Cons
- Slightly smaller field of view
3)Leupold DeltaPoint Pro – Best for Competition Use
Here is another top-tier red dot sight ideal for competition use. The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro is a top-tier reflex sight that delivers exceptional optical performance, durability, and ease of use.
Designed for professionals and enthusiasts alike, this red dot sight features a crystal-clear, wide field of view that enhances situational awareness and target acquisition. The 2.5 MOA red dot provides a sharp aiming point, making it ideal for fast and accurate shooting in a variety of conditions.
Furthermore, with motion-sensing technology (MST), the DeltaPoint Pro automatically activates when it detects movement, ensuring that it’s always ready when needed. Additionally, the sight’s tool-free battery compartment allows for quick and hassle-free battery replacement, ensuring uninterrupted performance in the field.
Regarding optics, the diamond-coated aspheric lens enhances light transmission and provides outstanding image clarity, reducing distortion for precise shot placement.
Moreover, this red dot sight is built to withstand harsh conditions. It boasts a rugged, lightweight aluminum housing that is shockproof, fog-proof, and waterproof up to 33 feet. Besides, it’s designed to handle recoil from even the most powerful firearms, making it suitable for handguns, rifles, and shotguns alike.
Pros
- Click-adjustable brightness settings
- Includes an optional rear iron sight for co-witnessing when mounted on a pistol
- Versatile for tactical applications, hunting, or competitive shooting
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Short battery life
4)Aimpoint Acro P-2 – Best Enclosed Emitter
Aimpoint Acro P-2 is a top-tier enclosed red dot sight designed for professional and civilian use. It eclipses the rest with its outstanding durability, battery life, and performance.
Building on the success of its predecessor, the Acro P-1, this updated model features a high-efficiency LED emitter to significantly improve brightness and clarity while maintaining a crisp 3.5 MOA dot.
Another stand-out upgrade is the longer battery life. It boasts an impressive 50,000 hours of continuous use on a single CR2032 battery, a substantial improvement over the P-1. Furthermore, the fully enclosed design makes it impervious to dust, dirt, and moisture. This makes it an ideal choice for duty or concealed carry applications.
Additionally, the sight is submersible up to 35 meters (115 feet), reinforcing its rugged, all-weather capabilities. The anodized aluminum housing is built to withstand extreme shock, making it compatible with not only handguns but also rifles and shotguns.
Another feature that makes it the best red dot for Glock 19 Gen 5 is the refined brightness adjustment buttons. They allow for quick and intuitive changes, accommodating varying lighting conditions with ease. The optic’s parallax-free performance and unlimited eye relief also contribute to rapid target acquisition, even in dynamic shooting scenarios.
Pros
- Rock-solid attachment options
- Easy to install and operate
- Military-grade reliability
- Exceptional battery life
- Versatile use
Cons
- Premium price point
5)Sig Sauer SOR01300 Romeo Zero Reflex Sight – Best Budget
If you are looking for a budget-friendly, ultra-light red dot sight with a solid balance of performance and reliability, look no further than the Sig Sauer SOR01300 Romeo Zero Reflex Sight.
Designed for micro-compact and subcompact pistols, this red dot sight delivers impressive performance in a lightweight and durable package. It features an ultra-compact polymer housing that is robust enough to withstand rigorous use while keeping weight to a minimum.
Furthermore, the 3 MOA red dot reticle provides precise aiming, ensuring quick target acquisition and improved accuracy, even in fast-paced shooting scenarios. The SpectraCoat HD polymer lens helps the reticle serve its function by enhancing clarity and resistance to scratches.
With eight user-configurable brightness settings, this red dot sight allows for easy adaptability to various lighting conditions. Additionally, its Motion Activated Illumination System (MOTAC) helps preserve battery life by automatically shutting off the reticle when the sight is not in use and instantly reactivating it upon movement.
This red dot sight also boasts a long battery life of up to 20,000 hours of operation under standard use.
Pros
- Remarkably long battery life
- Lightweight design
- Affordable
- Ease of installation
- Bright and clear optics
Cons
- The battery compartment is located on the bottom of the sight, requiring removal for battery replacement
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Criteria for Choosing the Best Red Dot Sight for Glock 19 Gen 5
When selecting the best red dot sight for a Glock 19 Gen 5, consider these key factors to ensure optimal performance, durability, and compatibility.
Compatibility and Mounting Option
The most important aspects to consider are compatibility and mounting options. Since the Glock 19 Gen 5 MOS System is designed for optics, ensuring the sight fits the MOS mounting plate or has an appropriate adapter is crucial. Some red dot sights may require additional plates or modifications, which should be factored into the decision.
Build Quality
Another vital factor is the build quality, which affects durability. The best red dot sight for Glock 19 Gen 5 should be constructed from high-quality materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum to withstand recoil, environmental conditions, and potential impacts. Waterproof, fog-resistant, and shockproof features are also important for reliability in different conditions, whether for self-defense, competition shooting, or law enforcement use.
Battery Life
Battery life and power efficiency play a significant role in choosing the best red dot sight for Glock 19 Gen 5. Some models offer extended battery life lasting thousands of hours, while others feature solar power backup or motion-activated technology to conserve power. Ensuring the sight has a convenient and easy-to-access battery compartment can also be beneficial, as this makes battery replacement quick and hassle-free.
Brightness Settings
The brightness settings are also a crucial consideration. A clear, crisp reticle with adjustable brightness levels allows for versatility in different lighting conditions. A tip is to get a red dot sight with at least 8 brightness levels. Some red dot sights offer night vision settings for compatibility with night vision gear.
Optical Clarity
The best red dot sight for Glock 19 Gen 5 should have premium glass elements that ensure color accuracy in all lighting conditions. Furthermore, the lens should have premium anti-reflective coatings that fight glare and enhance light transmission. This guarantees a bright and clear field of view, even in low light settings of early morning or late evenings
Reticle Type
The dot size is another key element, with a 2-3 MOA dot being a popular choice for balancing accuracy and target acquisition speed. Some sights offer multiple reticle options of a red dot and circle or a combination of red and green dots to improve visibility and enhance versatility.
Windage and Elevation Adjustment
Additionally, consider the ease of adjustment for windage and elevation. Look for a model with tactile and precise adjustments to ensure quick and accurate zeroing. Some sights offer tool-less adjustments, making them more convenient for on-the-go modifications.
Price
Lastly, price and brand reputation should be factored in. Investing in a high-quality red dot sight from a reputable brand such as Trijicon, Holosun, Leupold, or Aimpoint ensures reliability and long-term performance. While budget-friendly options exist, they may lack durability or advanced features. Evaluating your budget and needs to make the right selection.
How to Maintain and Care for a Red Dot Sight?
Regular maintenance includes:
- Periodic Cleaning: Gently clean the lens with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and smudges
- Battery Checks: Regularly check and replace the battery to prevent power loss
- Inspection: Regularly inspect the red dot sight for any signs of wear or damage and ensure all mounting hardware remains secure
FAQs
- Do I need a special mounting plate for my Glock 19 Gen 5?
Yes, unless your Glock 19 Gen 5 has the MOS (Modular Optic System) cut, you’ll need a custom milling or an adapter plate to mount the red dot. If you have a Glock 19 MOS, you should use the included adapter plates.
- Is a red dot better than iron sights on a Glock 19 Gen 5?
Yes. A red dot allows for faster target acquisition, better accuracy, and improved low-light performance compared to iron sights. However, it takes time to train to get used to finding the dot quickly.
- Do I need to re-zero my red dot often?
A high-quality red dot should hold zero well, but it’s recommended to check zero periodically, especially after intense range sessions or impacts.
Final Words
To wrap it up, there are many great red dot sights compatible with the Glock 19 Gen 5. Your ideal model will largely depend on your budget, shooting needs, and individual preferences. Look at the features that make each red dot sight a good buy and choose accordingly.