Reflex vs Red Dot Sight – The Ultimate Guide To Scoping The Differences

So, you’ve heard about red dot sights and have a pretty good idea about what they are.

Suddenly, you see an optic that looks like a red dot sight, but the salesperson says it’s a reflex sight. Of course, you don’t want to look uneducated, so you simply agree with them.

This happened to me at the start of my hunting and optics lifestyle, and whether this story is true for you or not, discerning between a reflex and red dot sight is important.

It is one of the foundational knowledge pieces you need. After all, knowledge is power.

Let’s get into it.

What Are Red Dot Sights and Reflex Sights?

Red dot sights are a broad category in themselves.

They are non-magnifying sights you use to enhance your aim.

How do red dot sights work? Well, an LED is projected on a lens, which is reflected back to your eye, functioning as your aiming point.

Reflex sights are a subtype of red dot sights. They use a reflective system to project the reticle (your aiming point) back to your eye.

Shortly put, all reflex sights are red dot sights, but not all red dot sights are reflex sights.

Differences Between Reflex Sight and Red Dot Sight

Here are the key differences between red dot optics and reflex sights:

• Reticle – Reflex sights usually have a simpler reticle, like a single MOA dot. Meanwhile, red dot sights offer more variety in designs, featuring dots, crosshairs, and circles.

• Precision – Both these are precise, but some manufacturers design red dots to have reticles and other features that specifically promote precision.

• Field of View – Reflex sights tend to have a wider field of view due to their open design – a big plus for quick target acquisition.

• Size – If you want something compact and small, reflex sights are your better option.

• Brightness Settings – Brightness settings vary between individual models. I’ve tested some reflex sights that have more brightness settings than some Holographic sights, and the opposite is also true.

• Price – It depends on the brand and features you’re targeting. But reflex sights are usually more friendly on your wallet.

• Ease Of Use – Red dot sights, including reflex sights, are known for their user-friendliness. However, reflex sights often edge out with their simpler design and wider field of view, allowing for a good view of both the target and its surroundings.

• Range – Both should be used at short and medium distances. However, some red dot sights are compatible with a red dot magnifier, allowing you to extend the range to longer distances as well.

Applications Of Red Dot Sight vs Reflex

Both sights are versatile and used for more or less the same applications.

However, reflex sights tend to perform better for close-range shooting and moving targets due to their wider field of view.

They are perfect for turkey hunting as well as concealed carry weapons.

In comparison, red dot sights, with their variety in reticle design and brightness settings, are great for a range of scenarios, from deer hunting to competitive shooting.

Reflex Sights Pros and Cons

Reflex sights are the hot ticket for many hunters and other use cases like self-defense because of their many advantages and few disadvantages.

Here is our pros and cons list for reflex sights:

Pros:

• Lightweight

• Compact

• Affordable

• Accurate

• Functions in low-light conditions

• Promotes faster target acquisition

Cons:

• Not suitable for long-range shooting

• More fragile than tube sights

What Is The Difference Between Open and Closed Red Dot Sight?

Within the red dot family, we’ve got open and closed sights.

Open sights, often lighter and smaller, are exposed reflex sights. They have an exposed reflective glass that projects the dot.

Closed sights, resembling a traditional rifle scope, encase the optics in a tube. These are rarely called reflex sights. Instead, they are most often holographic sights or tube sights.

Closed sights are also a better option if you want to utilize a Co-Witness sight.

Examples Of Red Dot and Reflex Sights

I’ve been fortunate enough to test many red dot and reflex sights. These are my favorite sights:

Reflex Sights: Holosun reflex sights, like the HS507C and 407K, Vortex Venom, Shield RMSc, and Trijicon RMR Type 2, just to name a few.

Red Dot Sights: EOTech EXPS, Vortex Razor, Holosun HE503CU, EOTech 512, Trijicon MRO.

Other Types of Red Dot Sights

Let’s not forget about the other key players in the red dot sight game – prism sights and holographic sights.

Prism Sights

Unlike their reflex and traditional red dot counterparts, prism sights use a prism to focus the image instead of a lens.

This allows for a more compact design, higher durability, and better optical clarity than most traditional sights.

Another huge bonus of prism sights is that they’re suited for folks with astigmatism. You know that starburst effect? Well, with prism sights, you hardly even notice it!

Prism Sights Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Compact

• Durable

• Very clear sight picture

• Functions in low-light conditions

• Suitable for people with astigmatism

Cons:

• A bit heavier

• Narrower field of view

Holographic Sights

Holographic sights are the high-tech sights in the red dot family.

They use a laser to project the reticle and often have an enclosed design.

These sights are known for their precision and durability.

Holographic Sights Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Excellent accuracy

• Generally compatible with a red dot magnifier

• Extremely durable

Cons:

• Heavy

• Pricier

• Often have a short battery life

How to Shoot with a Reflex or Red Dot Sight

Shooting with red dot sights is fairly easy – the best red dot sights make it incredibly easy with their user-friendliness.

The main thing is to keep both eyes open (Don’t worry; red dot sights are parallax-free!) for a wider field of view and faster target acquisition.

As with all things, the key is to practice.

Are Iron Sights or Red Dot Sights Better?

The classic debate – an iron sight or a red dot?

Iron sights are reliable and straightforward. You don’t need a battery, and they can’t experience any technical issues.

However, their aiming point is restricted to bright light conditions, and it takes time to align the front and rear sight.

In comparison, red and green dot sights offer exceptional speed and ease of use, especially in low-light conditions.

But they can be expensive, and it takes longer to zero a red dot sight, than an iron sight.

Conclusion

Reflex sights are a type of red dot sight. Each type – reflex and red dot sight – has its strengths and scenarios where it shines.

In the end, if you decide on a red dot optic, choose one that suits your personal needs and budget, regardless if it’s a reflex or another type of red dot sight.