Hey Gunners! Welcome to Best Red Dot For Glock 23 Blog In 2024.
I’ve put the Glock 23 through its paces at the range and beyond. One thing I’ve focused on is finding the best red dot sight to pair with it.
I’ve tried out a boatload of options, from budget-friendly to top-of-the-line.
Glock 23 Red Dot | Category |
Trijicon RMR | Best Overall |
Trijicon SRO | Best for Professionals |
Holosun 507C | Best Budget Alternative of Trijicon |
Vortex Venom | Top Rated |
Vortex Viper | Great Value for Money |
Leupold Deltapoint | Highly Durable |
Aimpoint ACRO P-2 | Best Premium Option |
Top 7 Best Glock 23 Red Dot Sight
- Trijicon RMR – Best Overall
- Trijicon SRO – Best for Professionals
- Holosun 507C – Best Budget Alternative of Trijicon
- Vortex Venom – Top Rated
- Vortex Viper – Great Value for Money
- Leupold Deltapoint Pro – Highly Durable
- Aimpoint ACRO P-2 – Best Premium Option
1. Trijicon RMR – Best Overall
Overall Score 9.5
Tested With Scoring System 2.0
Why I Love It
Simply put, this sight is an all-rounder. From its rugged construction to its exceptional brightness options, it checks all the boxes.
The icing on the cake is how seamlessly it integrates with my Glock 23, enhancing my shooting accuracy to levels I didn’t even know were possible.
Pros
Exceptional durability for outdoor use
Versatile brightness settings
Crystal clear optics
Long-lasting battery life
Cons
Sensitive to extreme temperature variations
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is a premium, military-grade red dot sight with versatile features designed for optimal performance and durability.
3.25 MOA Adjustable LED RMR: This sight features a 3.25 MOA red dot reticle that’s exceptionally bright and crisp. The LED RMR is adjustable with up to eight brightness settings, including two for night vision and one super-bright setting.
This flexibility allows you to have the ideal brightness in various lighting conditions, be it high noon or twilight. With this sight, you’re not just buying an optic; you’re investing in a flexible, user-friendly tool that enhances your shooting precision drastically.
Dependable Electronic Design: What sets this sight apart is its ruggedized electronic design, including battery contacts that are built to last. You can trust this sight to perform even in extreme conditions like heavy rain or muddy terrains.
It’s essentially a reliable companion that stays consistent in performance, giving you one less thing to worry about when you’re out and about.
Unique Patented Housing Shape: Constructed from military-grade aluminum, the patented housing shape of the sight not only withstands impact but also intelligently diverts any force away from the lens.
So, even if you accidentally drop your Glock 23, the sight remains protected, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.
Battery Conservation Mode: This feature is something of a game-changer. After 16.5 hours, the sight automatically adjusts the brightness of the aiming dot according to the ambient lighting. This battery conservation mode offers a whopping four years of continuous use, eliminating the annoyance of frequent battery replacements.
Button Lockout: It’s a nifty feature that sets your RMR into an automatic mode, locking out manual adjustments. This ensures that your settings remain intact and accidental button pushes don’t mess up your aim.
My Experience
My time with this sight has been nothing but stellar. Its adjustability, reliability, and robustness make it a joy to use in all conditions.
Whether I was plinking cans in the backwoods or on a serious training drill, this sight never let me down.
2. Trijicon SRO – Best for Professionals
Overall Score 9.2
Tested With Scoring System 2.0
Why I Love It
This sight is a true workhorse, crafted to meet the needs of any shooting enthusiast.
From its durable construction to its user-friendly features, it’s a sight that doesn’t disappoint.
Pros
Extremely durable and scratch-resistant
Excellent water and shock resistance
Wide and clear field of view
Varied reticle options for different shooting needs
User-friendly illumination controls
Cons
Can be expensive, but worth the investment
The Trijicon SRO is a high-performance red dot sight with features like top-notch durability, water and shock resistance, and an expansive field of view.
Rugged, Durable Construction: The first thing you’ll notice about the Trijicon SRO is its robustness. Made from 7075 T6 Aluminum, the sight is virtually indestructible.
This particular alloy ensures not only high durability but also a smooth texture that resists wear and tear over time. Additionally, the lens frames are crafted from premium materials that are scratch-resistant.
Durability is one area where this sight really shines, so whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, you’ll appreciate this feature.
Resistance to Water and Shock: Resistance to water and shock are vital factors in any optic, and the Trijicon SRO excels in both. The unit is water-resistant and capable of functioning in moisture-laden environments and even underwater up to ten feet.
Large, Unobstructive Field of View: For me, a wide field of view is an absolute necessity, and the Trijicon SRO delivers. The sight has exceptional glass clarity, providing an expansive and unobstructed view of your surroundings.
This feature allows for better situational awareness, which can be critical when you need to be accurate and quick on the draw.
Eye Relief and Parallax-Free: The SRO also impresses when it comes to eye comfort. With unlimited eye relief, you won’t experience any strain during long shooting sessions. It also boasts a parallax-free nature, ensuring that your reticle remains in place even when you move your head or attempt adjustments.
Clear, Crisp Red Dot: The reticle is available in three variations: 1 MOA, 2.5 MOA, and 5 MOA dots. Each has its own set of benefits, depending on your shooting requirements.
The 1 MOA dot is excellent for long-range and bullseye shooting, while the 2.5 MOA dot is versatile enough for competition, hunting, and general target practice. The 5 MOA dot, while not as precise, is bold and ideal for close-up shooting.
Top Loading Battery: I can’t emphasize enough how convenient this feature is. The battery compartment is on the top, which means you don’t have to remove the sight from your firearm for replacements.
Powered by a CR-2032 lithium battery, this sight ensures you’re always ready for action.
Easy-to-Adjust Illumination Controls: With up to eight brightness settings, adjusting the illumination is a cinch. Whether you’re in broad daylight or in low-light conditions, you can easily toggle between the settings to find the optimal brightness level.
My Experience
My field experience with the Trijicon SRO on my Glock 23 has been exhilarating. The expansive field of view, easy brightness adjustment, and durability make it the perfect addition to my setup.
3. Holosun 507C – Best Budget Alternative of Trijicon
Overall Score 8.9
Tested With Scoring System 2.0
Why I Love It
Here’s the thing, the Holosun 507C X2 doesn’t just offer great features; it synergizes them into a cohesive unit that is more than the sum of its parts.
The way it marries durability with features like Shake-Awake technology and Solar Failsafe means you’re not just buying a sight; you’re investing in a reliable shooting companion.
Pros
Exceptional Durability
Amazing Battery Life
Versatile Brightness Settings
Cons
The reticle is not that clear after some rounds
Holosun 507C X2 is an open reflex sight that combines innovative features like Shake-Awake technology and solar failsafe for an unparalleled shooting experience.
Rugged Durability: Alright, let’s talk durability, because nobody wants a sight that can’t handle a rough day at the range or in the field. The Holosun 507C X2 is constructed with 7075 aluminum housing.
Now, what’s special about that? Well, this particular aluminum alloy is super robust and lightweight, giving the sight a rugged framework.
Multi-Coated Glass: One feature you might overlook but should absolutely appreciate is the multi-coated glass. We’re talking about a series of layers that serve as a strong, resilient shield.
What it does is ensure optimum light wave transmission while keeping the lens resistant to wear and shock.
Waterproof Abilities: Weather is unpredictable, but your sight shouldn’t be. The Holosun 507C comes with an IPX-6 rating, which, in layman’s terms, means it can handle some pretty serious moisture.
Brightness Settings: Look, different lighting conditions demand different settings. Thankfully, the 507C delivers, and how! With its varying brightness options, it’s suitable for any lighting condition.
Whether you’re a daytime shooter or prefer the twilight, this sight adapts. There’s also compatibility with night vision, which honestly rounds out an already great package.
My Experience
Slapping this on my Glock 23 was like giving the gun a new pair of eyes; clear, sharp, and reliable. The sight held its zero impressively, making each shooting experience sheer joy.
See Detailed Comparison of Trijicon RMR Vs Holosun 507c.
4. Vortex Venom – Top Rated
Overall Score 9
Tested With Scoring System 2.0
Why I Love It
The Venom Red Dot Sight-3 MOA stands out for its robustness, adaptability, and ease of use. From its multi-coated lenses to its ten-level brightness settings, it feels like a sight designed by someone who understands shooting.
It takes away the common frustrations and lets you focus purely on your skill. It feels less like an accessory and more like an extension of yourself.
Pros
Robust Aluminum Housing
Fully Multi-Coated Lenses for Clear View
Convenient Battery Change Design
Parallax Free
Impressive Brightness Controls
Cons
Prone to Scratches
The Venom Red Dot is a versatile and durable sight with features like rapid target acquisition, multiple brightness settings, and easy battery changes.
Aluminum Housing: First thing first; the Venom Red Dot Sight has an aluminum housing that’s designed to take a beating. And by beating, I mean it can survive heavy recoil, falls, or general mishandling.
It’s lightweight but not delicate. It gives you the confidence to focus solely on your shooting. Whether it’s your first time on the range or you’re a seasoned pro, knowing your gear can handle whatever you dish out is a big relief.
Multi-Coated Lenses: The Venom offers fully multi-coated lenses, and believe me, this is a standout feature. It significantly enhances your field of view, offering you a clean, wide vista to focus on your target.
No distortion, no obscure corners; just a clear, bright view for precise shooting. It almost feels like you’re not looking through a lens at all, just an exceptionally clear window.
Brightness Controls: Located conveniently on the left side of the sight, you can toggle through 10 brightness levels.
And if you’re the type who’d rather not fiddle around, there’s an auto-brightness mode that adapts to ambient lighting.
Battery Convenience: Let’s talk about the battery situation. The top-loading design is pure genius. There’s no need to dismantle the sight from your Glock 23 just to swap out a battery.
The CR1632 battery is easy to access, and changing it is a smooth operation. It’s not just convenient; it saves a ton of time.
Parallax Free: The Venom Red Dot Sight is parallax-free, making aiming and hitting your target even more straightforward. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, ‘parallax-free’ means the reticle stays in place even if you move your head.
My Experience
Mounting this sight on my Glock 23 was a transformative experience. The quick target acquisition and the responsive controls made every session a delight.
5. Vortex Viper – Great Value for Money
Overall Score 7.4
Tested With Scoring System 2.0
Why I Love It
The Vortex Viper packs a punch with its blend of technological sophistication and practical functionality.
The low-mounting profile enhances accuracy while the multi-coated lenses ensure a pristine view
Pros
Exceptional low-mounting design for increased accuracy
Bright and customizable 6 MOA red dot
Armortek coating makes maintenance a snap
Built for the harshest conditions
Cons
Battery changes require unmounting, which can be inconvenient
The Vortex Viper Red Dot Sight is a top-notch, technologically advanced sight designed for high accuracy and rugged durability.
Low-Mounting Design: Okay, let’s talk about its low-mounting design first. This isn’t just for looks; it’s a game-changer for your shooting accuracy.
It aligns perfectly with the barrel of your Glock 23, minimizing what’s called parallax error. That’s the visual distortion that can throw off your shot if the sight’s reticle doesn’t align well with the target.
Multi-Coated Lens and Armortek Coating: The lenses are fully multi-coated, which means no distortion and a crystal-clear view of your target. But let’s go a step further with the Armortek coating.
Durable Construction: The Viper’s durability deserves a special mention. With a hard-anodized finish and a low-glare matte texture, this sight is built like a tank. It’s not just waterproof; it’s also shockproof.
Whether you’re on a peaceful range or out in the wild, this sight can withstand whatever you throw at it. Feel free to challenge it. Honestly, it loves a good challenge and won’t let you down.
Elevation and Windage Adjustments: Precision is key, and the Vortex Viper allows for precise adjustments to both elevation and windage.
Yes, the two locking screws might seem like a bit of a hurdle, but trust me, it’s worth the extra minute. Once adjusted, it’s rock solid. No drifts, no unintended movements; just sustained accuracy. So, yes, the initial setup might need some getting used to, but the payoff is tremendous.
Comparison of Vortex Venom vs Vortex Viper
My Experience
Once I got the Viper on my Glock 23, it felt like they were made for each other. Every shot seemed to count more, and the sight responded beautifully to all kinds of tactical scenarios.
6. Leupold Deltapoint Pro – Highly Durable
Overall Score 8.8
Tested With Scoring System 2.0
Why I Love It
The Leupold Deltapoint Pro is a culmination of advanced features and practical benefits. From its robust construction to the expansive field of view, it’s user-centric to the core.
It’s a sight that you can rely on, rain or shine, making each shooting experience not just easier, but also more enjoyable.
Pros
Expansive and clear field of view
Built with 7075 T6 Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
Resistant to extreme weather conditions
Precise 3.25 MOA dot
Exceptionally long battery life
Cons
Somewhat bulky when mounted on a pistol
The Leupold Deltapoint Pro is a high-end red dot sight known for its expansive field of view and robust, precision-centric construction.
Unobstructed Field of View: First up is the expansive, unobstructed field of view. Imagine having a panoramic window straight to your target and its surroundings; this sight offers just that.
This wide-field doesn’t just look good; it’s also functional. The more you can see, the quicker you can identify and engage targets.
Durable Construction with 7075 T6 Aluminum: Now, let’s talk about this sight’s durability. Made from 7075 T6 Aluminum, it’s not just another piece of metal. This is aircraft-grade stuff we’re talking about here, combining lightness with extreme durability.
Tough Construction and 3.25 MOA Dot: And let’s not forget the 3.25 MOA dot. For those unfamiliar, a smaller dot is fantastic for long-range shots, and the 3.25 MOA dot hits the sweet spot.
It allows for the precision you need at greater distances without obstructing your view of the target. It’s like having a sniper’s precision in a more compact form.
Long Battery Life: The Deltapoint Pro takes a single CR2032 cell, and this isn’t a short-term relationship. It’s a marathon.
The sight is designed for years of continuous use without having to worry about changing batteries constantly. It’s like a trusted old friend that sticks around.
My Experience
When I fitted the Deltapoint Pro on my Glock 23, it was like unlocking a new level of shooting expertise. The broad view, coupled with its robust build and energy efficiency, made every shot an experience to relish.
7. Aimpoint ACRO P-2 – Best Premium Option
Overall Score 7.1
Tested With Scoring System 2.0
Why I Love It
The Aimpoint Acro P-2 has genuinely impressed me with its fusion of durability, clarity, and user-friendly customization.
From its exceptional lens quality to its reliable power source, it hits all the right notes for what I look for in a red dot sight.
It feels like a natural extension of my Glock 23, providing an edge in target acquisition and shot accuracy
Pros
Exceptional durability with an enclosed aluminum housing
Crisp and clear 3.5 MOA red dot
Broad range of brightness settings
Long-lasting battery life
Cons
High price tag
The Aimpoint Acro P2 is a robust and versatile red dot sight, tailored for those who seek a blend of advanced features and long-lasting performance.
Durability and Reliability: Alright, you can’t talk about the Aimpoint Acro P-2 without touching on its unbelievable durability.
This sight has an enclosed design, effectively shielding its internals from shock, water, and other environmental factors. It’s not just a claim; this sight is waterproof up to 25 meters.
Reticle: Now let’s shift our focus to the reticle. It’s a crisp 3.5 MOA red dot. What stands out here is the sight’s ability to quickly acquire targets, whether up close or at a distance.
I find the 3.5 MOA dot to be just perfect for all sorts of shooting; whether that’s home defense, target practice, or tactical scenarios. The clarity and sharpness of the reticle ensure that you’re not second-guessing or squinting; you’re just confidently taking that shot.
Lens and Glass Clarity: And boy, the lens clarity is something else. With multi-coated, high-transmission glass, the ACRO P2 offers unmatched clarity.
No matter how rough you treat it, the lens remains scratch-resistant. In real-world use, this means regardless of the lighting or conditions, the reticle stays sharp and the view remains clear. It’s pretty much like peering through a crystal-clear window on a bright day.
Source of Power: When you’re out on the field for extended periods, you don’t want to be worrying about battery life. The Aimpoint Acro P-2 addresses this with 50,000 hours of battery life at middle brightness settings.
Brightness Setting: Let’s talk about customization. The Acro P-2 has ten different brightness settings, suitable for a variety of scenarios.
Whether you’re navigating through low-light conditions or under the glaring sun, you have a setting that’s just right. It’s incredibly intuitive to toggle between these settings, allowing you to adapt swiftly to any situation.
My Experience
Mounting the Acro P-2 on my Glock 23 felt like the final piece of a puzzle. The sight adapted to every condition, and its speed in acquiring targets was lightning-fast. It was more than up to the challenges I threw at it.
Final Verdict
Alright, folks, we’ve gone through the gamut of red dot sights tailored for the Glock 23. After countless hours at the range, burning through ammo, and putting each sight through a rigorous evaluation, one emerges as the champion: the Trijicon RMR Type 2.
Now, let’s be clear; each sight has its own merits, catering to different needs and preferences. Some offer premium features, while others are ideal for those on a budget.
But if you’re looking for the top-dog that blends performance, durability, and ease of use, the Trijicon RMR Type 2 has no match. Simply put, it’s my go-to when it comes to pairing a sight with the Glock 23.
FAQ’s
What is the best red dot for a Glock 23?
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 comes out on top for the Glock 23. Remember to weigh your own needs, preferences, and budget to find the sight that’s right for you.
Is it worth putting a red dot on a Glock?
Absolutely, a red dot can improve accuracy, especially in high-speed situations or at a distance. It’s a worthy investment for more precise shooting.
Is 3 or 6 MOA better?
If you’re mainly shooting close-range, go for a 6 MOA dot. For high-precision applications, especially with rifles, a 3 MOA dot is more suitable.
How far should you zero a Glock red dot?
A 10-yard zero is generally preferred, as most self-defense situations occur within a range of 7 or fewer yards.
Is the Glock 23 a good carry gun?
The Glock 23 is light, compact, and versatile, making it a solid choice for everyday carry.
Is Glock 22 or 23 better?
The main difference is size and round capacity. The Glock 23 is more compact and generally easier to conceal, making it a popular choice.