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.

Best PCC Red Dot Sights

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Product

Details

  • Best Overall
  • Best Compact Size
  • Largest Field Of View
  • Best Durability
  • Best For Competition 
  • Best For Training
  • Best For The Money

Holosun 510C - Best Overall

best pcc optics


The HoloSun 510C is an exceptionally lightweight open emitter red dot sight, tailor-made for PCC aficionados. Dominating the market with its advanced features, its ultra-lightweight and streamlined design ensures unparalleled speed and agility in high-intensity situations.

Given its affordability, it stands out as the premier choice for those seeking peak performance for their pistol caliber carbines.


holosun 510c mount bottom

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.

holosun 510c reticle selection

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

Check out Holosun 510C Review

Holosun AEMS - Best For Small PDW

best red dot sight for 9mm carbine

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

holosun aems ar15

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

Trijicon MRO on CZ Scorpion

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.

sig mpx with trijicon mro

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

rmr hd

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

trijicon sro kp9

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

trijicon sro parallax test

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.

trijicon sro bottom view

Same RMR mounting footprint - Uses the exact Trijicon RMR mounting footprint to keep everything compatible without having to buy special mounting accessories.

Read Trijicon SRO Review

Sig Sauer ROMEO5 - Hottest Selling

best red dot sight for 9mm carbine
The Sig ROMEO5 stands out as a top-tier red dot sight specifically designed for 9mm carbines. Not only is it robust and compact, but its affordability makes it a prime choice for pistol caliber carbine enthusiasts who seek value without compromising quality.

Its ultra-low parallax feature ensures that the point-of-aim aligns perfectly with the point-of-impact, with the red dot maintaining parallelism to the firearm's bore.
sig-romeo-5-with-battery-CR2032


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.

Read detailed ROMEO 5 review

Burris FastFire 3 - Best Budget Optic

burris fast fire 3

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.

burris fastfire 3 8 moa side view

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

68 MOA reticle at night

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.

To learn more about 3 vs 6 MOA reticles


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 

open emitter led blocked by melting snow

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.