We have hand-picked the 7 best PCC red dot sights after extensively testing various options for the lightest optic weight, practical reticle style, zero retention, long battery life, good durability, and reasonable cost.
All the red dot sights on this list, even the cheaper ones, work well with centerfire bullets and can easily handle pistol caliber ammo. You don't need to spend $600 to $1500 on a sight just for PCC. But if money isn't a concern and you want a quality optic for other guns later.
Check out our recommendations below:
Best PCC Red Dot Sights
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Holosun 510C - Best Overall
Find Target Fast - The expansive viewing window ensures an unobstructed view for the shooter. position the dot on the target while on the move without losing the reticle
No Sight Alignment Needed - The reticle remains parallax-free and consistently on target, even if your eye deviates horizontally or vertically, guaranteeing pinpoint accuracy with every shot.
68 MOA Reticle - Shooters will be able to estimate range and perform accurate close-range shooting with a rapid holdover reference point.
Quick Detach - Mount and remove the optic easily on the go without tools
Holosun AEMS - Best For Small PDW
Holosun presents its latest large-window enclosed emitter red dot sight, boasting an IPX7 rating. It's the ideal choice for compact PDW style pistol caliber carbines, with complete with integrated, see-through lens covers on both the front and back.
Smaller Profile - AEMS feels like a Holosun 509T with a bigger window
7075 T6 Construction - Fully protected with recessed buttons to survive harsh field use. The optic can also accept aftermarket mounts with various optic heights
Motion Sensor - It features the same MOTAC system as many Holosun products. It lasts over 50K hours
Solar Or No Solar - CORE model features no solar
Green or Red Reticle - Pick the reticle color you like
CQB Ring Reticle - 2 MOA center dot for accurate aiming + 65 MOA for range estimation
Trijicon MRO - Largest FOV
Are you in the market for a reliable, high-performing red dot sight? Look no further than the MRO. This sight is a favorite among shooters for its large window and wide field of view - similar to the Aimpoint Micro, but at a more affordable price point.
Reduced Tube Effect - The tapered body design allows the tube to remain small while giving the shooter a wide view.
Reduced View Obstruction - Unique about the design is that the brightness adjustment is on the top of the optic, which eliminates view obstruction on the sides, and it also made it ergonomical for lefties and righties.
Battle Proven Durability - The 7075 T6 aluminum body is built to withstand rough handling, drops, recoil and kicks, making it a perfect choice for anyone who wants a battle-proven durable optic.
Trijicon RMR HD - Best Durability
The brand new 2023 Trijicon RMR HD offers a larger window close to the Trijicon SRO, the mounting footprint is still the same as RMR.
Real Time Target Light Sensor - The optic is equipped with a forward-facing light sensor that intuitively adjusts the reticle's brightness based on the lighting conditions of the target, rather than the ambient light surrounding the shooter.
Use RMR Mounts - Fit all existing RMR mounts
White Light Optimized - The forward light sensor will auto adjust the reticle brightness if the shooter is using a white light to illuminate the target
Larger Than RMR Window Size - The optic window is now 0.2" wider than the original RMR without compromising duty grade durability that everyone wants in the Trijicon SRO
Ring Reticle Built In - The user can cycle through a single dot or a ring dot for PCC use
Trijicon SRO - Best Lightweight Red Dot Sight
We selected the Trijicon SRO for its rapid and streamlined performance, especially when paired with pistol caliber carbines such as the MP5, MPX, AR9 and similar firearms. While it delivers an lightweight experience to PCC shooters.
Bigger Window - Get on target faster compared to other small window red dot sights
Easier Battery Access - Load/Replace battery right from the top! No sight removal or re-zero required
Better Follow Up - Experience enhanced sight acquisition speed, ensuring rapid and consistent follow-up shots. The dot remains visible within the window, even if the eye drifts slightly off-center, ensuring uninterrupted targeting precision.
Same RMR mounting footprint - Uses the exact Trijicon RMR mounting footprint to keep everything compatible without having to buy special mounting accessories.
Sig Sauer ROMEO5 - Hottest Selling
2 MOA dot size with 10 illumination settings including 2-night vision works extremely well in all light conditions.
Motion Activated - MOTAC powers up the optic and shuts down when sitting idle to save battery and last as long as up to 40K hours
It also accepts standard Aimpoint micro mounts.
Burris FastFire 3 - Best Budget Optic
If you want to take your PCC to the next level, you need the Burris FastFire 3 as a offset sight. This micro red dot sight is a favorite among competition shooters and for good reason also as an offset red dot sight.
Its durability is evident in its impressive battery life, which can stretch up to 5 years. Recognized for its value, the FastFire 3 is deemed one of the most economical open emitter reflex optics for pistols available in today's market.
Multiple Dot Size Options - With options of 3 MOA, 8 MOA, and even a larger size for shooters with astigmatism, the FastFire 3 gives you the flexibility to match your specific shooting needs.
Super Lightweight - The FastFire 3 is among the featherweights in its category, adding minimal heft to your firearm. This ensures swift target acquisition and tracking, enhancing your shooting experience.
Auto Brightness Control - The optic adapts seamlessly to the surrounding light conditions. This ensures the reticle remains vivid and clearly visible, regardless of the lighting environment.
Common FAQ
MOA Reticle Dot Sizes
In competitive shooting, it's common to find targets set between 10 to 25 yards, though some events might position them as far out as 50 to 80 yards.
For enhanced target spotting and heightened accuracy, especially for individuals with astigmatism, a more prominent dot is advised.
This larger dot size not only aids in maintaining sight of the dot amid recoil but is particularly beneficial when shooting with a PCC. With a more sizable dot, targeting using a PCC becomes effortlessly precise with less dot tremor.
Long Battery Life
Red dot technology is improving, and as a result, battery life on these optics are becoming absurdly long, nearly infinite.
No need to worry about forgetting to turn it off after a range trip.
If battery life is a concern for you, we recommend choosing an optic with a battery life of at least 50,000 to 100,000 hours, as most reflex sights on the market today have that capability.
Shake awake optics are great, but they will remain on if the firearm is constantly on the move or inside a vehicle.
Enclosed Emitter VS. Open Emitter
An enclosed emitter will be the best option to protect the lens and emitter from dust and water, and making it full weather proof.
An open emitter sight can't defend against dust, moisture, water, or debris. Anything can get in there and completely obstruct the reticle projection.
If you like the Trijicon RMR, Holosun 510C are your favorite sights, but you would like more protection.
As the content creator of badassoptic.com, My background in the firearms industry and shooting sports gives me the experience to recommend tried and true products and keep away subpar ones.
