Red Dot Sights for Your 1911

Introduction

The red dot sight debate has been around for a while now. Many discussions have occurred, but most revolve around their capabilities. Since their demand keeps increasing by the day, the gun industry has started to embrace them slowly. Gun enthusiasts are using this gadget now more than ever before. If you own a 1911 and wonder the best red dot sights that fit your handgun, we’ve got you covered.

Why Buy a Red Dot Sight for your Gun?

There has been a particular misconception in the relationship between red dot sights and an individual’s ability to shoot. It’s not to differ from the theory of their expertise on a handgun. But red dot sights are meant to enhance your shooting capabilities. This is by increasing your accuracy and speed.

Red dot sights make you a fast shooter; that’s if your shooting skills are excellent. This gadget has several applications that cut across the board. These are; in shooting practice or competition, hunting, and in the forces. Also, red dot sights can be mounted in some cameras and telescopes to aid in capturing images for fast-moving objects.

Here, we will dwell more on their use when hunting with your 1911 handgun. With time, red dot sights have evolved, and today, you will find some which have superior features. If you own a 1911 and wondering the best red dot sights that fit your handgun, we’ve got you covered. We will meticulously review five of the best red dot sights for your 1911 pistol.

First, let us learn some tips and tricks for using this gadget.

How to Find the 1911 Red Dot on the Reticle Screen

This is the number one challenge that many shooters face after mounting the red dot sight on their handgun. It’s not just for the novice shooters, but all shooters find it hard to locate the red dot on the reticle. Nevertheless, it’s essential to understand that with enough practice, you can identify the red dot effortlessly. Meaning the more you use it, the more it grows in you and becomes something natural.

What are the Positives of a Red Dot Sight on your 1911?

If you are a trained shooter, this mountable gadget will make you better. Some of the positive attributes of red dot sights are the size and how easy it is to mount them. If you intend to carry your 1911 firearm with the gadget mounted, it’s possible. Concealing your weapon will not be an issue at all.

Buyers Guide: Some of the Factors to Consider When Acquiring a Red Dot Sight

If you’re in the market for a red dot sight, you need to fully reflect on the gadget you need. First, understand your handgun since this is the only way you can get the right specifications. Inquire on the features for the red dot sight and make comparisons to ensure you buy the best. This is because you will find different red dot sight models on the market.

Ease in Mounting

Before making that final decision on which red dot sight you prefer, consider the gadget’s mounting factor. Installing it on the dovetail rail of your handgun should not be a complicated affair; the easier it is, the better for you.

Compatibility with Your Handgun

Not every red dot sight will fit in every gun. But today, manufacturers are designing firearms with a dovetail rail, which can accommodate a red dot sight. Note that finding a standard size can be hard since most are adjustable or universal. Meaning they can fit different firearms but not every handgun on the market.

Therefore, make sure you find a red dot sight that fits your pistol best.

Is the Red Dot Sight Weatherproof?

At times, you might be in a situation where you need to use your weapon under the rain. Most red dot sights have several electronic components that are very vulnerable. Some of these components, if they come in contact with water, they cease to function. Since there are red dot sights with waterproof capabilities, you should look up for that.

Size and Weight

No one wants a gadget that is big and bulky, thus adding extra weight to your firearm. Plus, advancement in technology has allowed the manufacturing of devices that are small and compact. Therefore, finding a sizable red dot sight should be top of your priority.

Reticle Size and Type

The reticle is the most crucial part of a red dot sight, and this is where the red dot light is displayed. You will find different kinds of electro-reticles which come in various forms and sizes. 

From experience, a smaller reticle is best if you want to hit targets accurately from afar. On the other hand, a bigger reticle means the dot light displayed is more significant hence more visible.

This is something you should carefully deliberate on before buying a red dot sight.

The Design

There are two basic designs for red dot sights; these are tubes and open. The tube design has all the optics enclosed while the open configuration, the reticle, is easily accessible. Depending on your preference, ensure you consider which model works better for you.

The Battery

For a red dot sight to function, it needs a source of power that comes from a battery. Here, you need first to consider the battery life and the type. Some red dot sights will come with special batteries that you have to order from the manufacturer. While others have batteries available in your closest store.

For the battery life, it depends on how you plan to use your red dot sight. If you are using your firearm for an extended period, then you need a long-lasting battery. Also, the ease of replacing the battery should be a factor to keep in mind when buying a red dot sight.

5 Best Red Dot Sights for 1911 Pistol Available on the Market

Below are some of the best red dot sights for 1911 handguns.

Aimpoint® Acro P-1

Aimpoint does not disappoint when it comes to sights. The Aimpoint Acro P-1 design fits different handgun models. During production, this sight is taken through rigorous tests to withstand extreme conditions. Hence, it can absorb shock, high temperatures, and vibrations experienced when a handgun is discharged. It has proven reliable, and its roughness or ruggedness makes it a preference for many gun enthusiasts.

The sight has a long battery life which can serve you for one and a half years. This is the equivalent of fifteen thousand hours. When the battery requires replacement, it can be done without detaching the sight from the dovetail rail. The sight is compatible with many night vision devices, and it comes with a 3.5 (MOA) minutes of angle.

This is particularly advantageous for targeting and shooting moving targets. When it comes to adapter plates, you are provided with different sizes to ensure you get a perfect fit. This Professional grade sight can also be used underwater with a maximum depth of 25 meters.

Why You Will Love This Product

• It’s easy to mount and detach.
• Its professional grade
• The sight has a long battery life
• Its ruggedness allows it to withstand harsh conditions.
• The dot size enables you to shoot moving objects.

The Not So Good

• It’s not suited for significant firearms.

Burris Fastfire III

The Burris Fastfire III is without mistake a high caliber sight. This red dot sight is compatible with a hunting rifle, shotgun, and most handguns. Its accuracy is high, and with the 3 MOA dot, you can sport targets fast. You also get an 8 MOA dot, which displays a bigger dot, which is best for short-range shooting.

The Burris optics provides you with 1x magnification; this enables you to shoot when your eyes are open. The sight is lightweight but durable, and the size is perfect with a great design. It is mountable directly on the rail of a handgun or on top of another sight. The versatile design allows automatic adjustment of the level of brightness.

This enables the sight to self-adjust depending on the weather conditions or the environment you are. But it’s also important to note you can still adjust the brightness manually. The Fastfire III sight is shockproof, and it can withstand the shocks of gun recoil. It has a warning mechanism that alerts you when the battery is going low, and it has a life of 10,000 hours.

The battery position is at the top of the sight for easy access when you need to change it.

Why You Will Love this Product

• Compatible with most weapons.
• Automatic light adjustment.
• Suitable for all weather conditions.
• Battery low alert.
• It’s lightweight.

The Not So Good

• Low battery life.

Check out the Burris FastFire 3 full review.

Sig Sauer Romeo5

When developing this red dot sight, the manufacturer had the user in mind, and much technology is incorporated. It comes with a 2 MOA optic, which provides you with eight different daylight settings and two for night vision. With the eight illumination setting, you can be able to use this sight even in direct sunlight. Romeo5 comes with MOTAC technology, and its primary purpose is to help save your battery life.

The MOTAC powers the optics of lenses automatically when it detects motion and shuts down when there is no motion. It has a battery life of 40k hours which is considerably much. The Sig Sauer red dot sight can is mountable on any firearm of rifles using the M1913 Picatinny interface. Also, the amount of energy and time required to mount this sight is minimal.

There is a coat of spectra on each side for light transmission in the right amount through the lenses. This helps in reducing the surface reflection, giving you crisp images. The Sig Sauer Romeo5 is for shooters who want a sight that is versatile in features and functionality.

Why You Will Love this Product

• The sight is waterproof.
• It’s Fog proof.
• It has a long battery life.
• You can install it on any firearm.
• Enough technology incorporated.

The Not so Good

• Slow to adjust in different light conditions.

EOTech 512 Red Dot Sight

EOTech 512 is known as one of the best holographic red dot sights available on the market. It’s probably the only sight with holographic capabilities. The sight is black and comes with a 1 MOA red dot reticle. There are 20 light settings to choose from, making sure that you can use the 512 in any lighting condition.

 Adjusting the setting is pretty simple, allowing fast adjustability when you find yourself in a shooting situation. The 512 uses triple-A lithium or alkaline batteries, and each will perform for at least 2,200 hours. It delivers pinpoint accuracy and enhances the speed of finding a target with the holographic lenses. It is water-resistant, and even when it’s snowing, the 512 has been designed to function without mishaps.

For precision shooters with rugged demands on their red dot sight, this sight is best for you.

Why You Will Love this Product

• Batteries are readily available.
• Many light settings to choose from.
• It’s holographic.
• It has a rugged design.

The Not so Good

• No night vision capability.

Vortex Optics Venom

The Vortex optics sight also falls in this list and is regarded as among the best red dot sights. It has a 3 MOA red dot, which helps in acquiring targets faster while increasing shooting precision. The Vortex red dot sight comes with aluminum housing, which protects the optics. This helps keep the sight intact and functioning regardless of the condition.

With the sight’s prismatic lenses, they offer clarity while increasing the field of view. There are ten distinct brightness levels, but the sight also has light sensors. You can switch it on manually when you need the light intensity automatically controlled. There are adjustments to control wind resistance and elevation for smooth operation under windy or stormy conditions.

The CR1632 battery slot is located at the top of the sight, making it easy to make a replacement. The Vortex sight can fit in most handguns and rifles due to its flexibility.

Why You Will Love this Product

• It has a durable aluminum casing.
• Easy access to the battery.
• The sight has two modes of light adjustment.
• Simple design.
• It’s easy to mount.

The Not so Good

• It has limited features.

Which are the Best 1911 Red Dot Slide Mounts?

When buying a red dot sight for your 1911 handgun, it might not fit precisely. This is because manufacturers are yet to agree on a common standard of measurement for red dot sights. But that should not worry you because dovetail rail mounts are available today. These mounts can be fixable at the dovetail before mounting your red dot sight. Thus, allowing the dot sight to fit on your firearm perfectly.

Here are some red dot sight slide mounts you can use if your handgun is incompatible or needs a raise.

UTG Super Slim 3 Riser Mount

This UTG riser mount is the most sought after mount on the market. It comes in 4 different saddles that are compatible with various firearms. This mount has a rise height of 0.5 inches, and it’s made from aluminum used in aircraft building. It has been designed to be snag-free during mounting and weighs 4 pounds only.

Its lightweight is due to its longitudinal cuts, which also make it look sleek and stand out.

Why You Will Love This Product

• It has a silky design.
• Durable and reliable material used.
• Snag-free mounting.

The Not so Good

• Its raised height can be a bit low.

UTG Med-pro Compact Riser Mount, 0.83” High, 3 Slots

The UTG Med-pro mount also falls in this list for the best mounts for firearms, and it’s the new generation. It comes with a weaver rail that provides you with enough surface area to mount your red dot sight. It has been carefully machined with precision to give users a taste of perfection. The mount is made from aircraft aluminum and black anodized for strength and durability.

Why You Will Love This Product

• It’s sturdy and durable.
• It provides enough surface area for sight mounting.
• The mount has a perfect height.
• Its new generation.

The Not so Good

• The saddles come in only one model.

Most Popular Sight Accessories

Final Verdict

Red dot sights have been a phenomenon, and many gun enthusiasts are embracing them. If you are a shooter or a hunter, you cannot afford to miss out on owning one. With a red dot sight, you increase your shots’ accuracy while increasing the ability to find your target. You should make a point of visiting online stores and finding yourself the best red dot sight for your 1911.