Here are the 7 best AR15 red dot sights under $300 that hold zero for most range uses and some hard training classes
Best AR15 Red Dot Under $300
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Holosun 515GM - Best Overall
The Holosun 515GM offers a budget-friendly alternative for those seeking a red dot sight comparable to the Aimpoint Micro without the hefty price tag of over $800. Boasting mil-spec grade construction, this top-tier product from Holosun delivers quality and performance on par with the renowned Aimpoint Micro.
It shares the same mounting footprint as the Aimpoint Micro, allowing for the use of the same mount.
Additionally, the HS515GM is equipped with a 65 MOA ring and a center dot, which facilitates quicker close-quarters combat target acquisition compared to a standalone 2 MOA dot. Users can also switch to a 2 MOA dot for reduced reticle obstruction by holding the "-" button for 3 seconds, and revert back in the same manner.
Added Honeycomb flash hider - For tactical advantages, the Honeycomb flash hider eliminates lens glare so bad guys can't see you during sunny daylight
Recoil proof - This red dot sight can retain zero perfectly when handling 9mm, 5.56, 7.62 and 6.5 CM recoil, so use this with confidence on your AR and other carbines.
- 2 MOA + 65 MOA Ring (red or green)
- 50K hrs
- 7075 T6 Aluminum
- 3.74 oz
- 0.5 MOA / click
- Aimpoint Micro Footprint
Holosun 510C - Best Selling
The Holosun 510C open emitter reflex sight has a large field of view for fast target practice and competition. The raised optic height sits perfectly on the AR 15 for most people's cheek weld positions.
Large Lens Window For Faster Shooting - This parallax-free red dot sight is easy to aim with both eyes open while shooting on the move or transitioning
Versatile Reticle System - Use the large CQB 65 MOA reticle circle for range estimation and it's perfect for fast close-range holdover
Solar Fail Safe - Solar panel kicks on if the battery dies in the field
Multi-Purpose For Various Firearm Platforms - Use it on any firearm other than AR15 thanks to its simple QD lever mount
At this price point, this is one of the hottest selling red dot sights that most new shooters are buying.
- 2 MOA + 65 MOA Ring (red or green)
- 50K hrs
- 4.94 oz
- Aluminum + Titanium Hood
- 0.5 MOA / click
Holosun AEMS Core - Great Sight Picture
This is Holosun's newest large window enclosed emitter red dot sight for AR15 . This is the perfect option for small PDW ARR15 setup with integrated/see-through lens covers (front and rear).
Smaller Profile - The AEMS Core is the sae
6061 T6 Construction - The AEMS Core version features is the same red dot sight as the 7075 T6 grade AEMS, but it's $100 cheaper and it doesn't come with a solar panel.
Motion Sensor - It's equipped with the MOTAC system found in numerous Holosun products, offering over 50,000 hours of use
Solar Or No Solar - The CORE model does not include solar capabilities to slash the price tag down to $300
Green or Red Reticle - Select your preferred reticle color, either green or red
CQB Ring Reticle - It features a 2 MOA central dot for precise targeting and a 65 MOA ring for range estimation
- 2 MOA (red or green)
- 50K hrs
- 3.9 oz
- 7075 T6 forged aluminum
- 0.5 MOA / click
Holosun 507C - Best Offset AR15 Red Dot
The Holosun 507C uses the RMR footprint to go on any existing aftermarket offset red dot sight mount. It's durable and useful for all types of competition shooting.
Fast Sight Transitions - Use the Holosun 507C along with a magnified scope for fast sight picture transition between mid range targets and close up targets
Cost Effective - The Holosun 507C X2 is much cheaper than an Trijicon RMR and it does the same thing.
Solar Panel Power - When the battery finally dies, the solar panel power will kick on and functions like a fiber optic sight under ambient lights
Side Loading Battery - No sight removal is required for battery swap and re-zeroing. Access the battery directly from the side tray
Multi-Reticle - Switch between
- 2 MOA Center dot only
- 32 MOA circle only
- 32 MOA circle + 2 MOA Dot
*Change by pressing the minus button for 3 seconds.
The 32 MOA circle helps significantly for picking up the sight faster because it's big and easier to see.
- 2 MOA + 32 MOA Ring (red or green)
- 50K hrs
- 1.5 oz
- 7075 T6 forged aluminum
- 1 MOA / click
Sig Sauer ROMEO 5 - Best For The Money
The Sig Romeo 5 is a robust1X20mm red dot sight just under $150. It's one of Sig Sauer's hottest selling red dot sight for AR15 under $300. Many first time budget shoppers get this red dot sight when purchasing their first AR15.
Standard 2 MOA Dot For Fast Aiming - The 2 MOA dot is standard for most red dot optic for fast target acquisition and pin-point accurate shooting when using a magnifier
No Lens Tint - Very little lens tint under the sunlight or low light
Easily Mounting - Use any Aimpoint Micro mounts readily available on the market
Extended Battery Life - The sight lasts about 50,000 hours of battery life without having to turn it off
MOTAC - Motion sensor deactivates the reticle when sitting in idle to save more battery
- 2 MOA
- 50K hrs
- 5.1 oz
- 6061 T6 aluminum
- 0.5 MOA / click
Primary Arms SLx MD25 - Lowest Price
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The MD25's quick target acquisition ACSS reticle and the large field of view is for anyone looking for an optic that isn't just an Aimpoint Micro copy.
It's priced under $210, it's made in China, which can be a deal breaker for some buyers, but the reality is that in today’s economy, many shooters simply can’t justify spending $600 to $800 on high-end alternatives. That’s why this optic remains a popular choice, offering solid value without the hefty price tag.
AR15 Red Dot Sights FAQ
How We Pick Red Dot Sights
There are tons of red dot sight products available, and you maybe overwhelmed by them. I've picked these red dot sights for AR15 mostly based on durability and price point. Anything lower than $60 for airsoft are not recommended for real steel use.
While the common denominators for a red dot sight now days are pretty much the same. Most of them have 50k hours battery life, 2 MOA dot, 0.5 MOA / click turret, multi coated lens and they retain zero fairly well. The biggest price difference from material, product origin, quality control and branding.
