The Best Pistol Red Dots for Night Vision

Published on September 23, 2023
Duration: 13:26

This guide, from an expert firearms instructor, details the selection criteria for pistol red dot sights intended for use with night vision. It covers the nuances of handgun NV use, the importance of light transmission and dimmable reticles, and provides specific recommendations for various models like the Trijicon RMR, Aimpoint Acro P2, and Leupold DeltaPoint Pro NV. The guide also highlights the drawbacks of tritium sights with NVG and offers practical advice for choosing the right optic for specific applications.

Quick Summary

When selecting pistol red dot sights for night vision, prioritize models with sufficient dimming capabilities and excellent light transmission. The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro NV and Holosun EPS are strong contenders, while tritium sights are generally unsuitable due to blooming issues.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Pistol Dots for Night Vision
  2. 00:08Pistol Usage Under Night Vision
  3. 00:41Passive Aiming on Handgun vs. Rifle
  4. 01:00Optic Characteristics for NV
  5. 01:15Pistol Dots as Piggyback Optics
  6. 01:47Trijicon RMR
  7. 02:27Trijicon SRO
  8. 03:20Trijicon RMR HD & RCR
  9. 04:52Carry Gun Optics & RMR Recommendation
  10. 05:00Aimpoint Acro P2
  11. 06:12Steiner MPS
  12. 06:31Leupold DeltaPoint Pro NV
  13. 07:54Holosun Red Dots
  14. 09:12Bushnell RXS-250 & EOTech EFLX
  15. 10:04Sig Sauer Red Dots
  16. 11:27Tritium Night Sights for NV
  17. 12:20Summary & Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key considerations for pistol red dot sights used with night vision?

Key factors include the optic's ability to dim sufficiently for NVG use, its light transmission capabilities, reticle clarity, and distortion under night vision. Passive aiming capability is also important, though less critical on a handgun than a rifle.

Which pistol red dot sights are recommended for night vision use?

Top recommendations include the Trijicon RMR Type 2 for general use, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro NV for ultimate passive aiming, Holosun EPS for carry (with reliability caveats), Trijicon RCR for duty, and Aimpoint Acro P2 for piggyback/offset mounting.

Why are tritium night sights not ideal for night vision?

Tritium night sights tend to bloom severely under night vision devices. This blooming effect can obscure the target and significantly hinder the ability to aim passively and effectively.

How does light transmission affect red dot performance with night vision?

Good light transmission is crucial, especially when a pistol red dot is used as a piggyback or offset optic on a rifle. It ensures the reticle remains visible and clear without excessive brightness or distortion when viewed through NVGs.

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