Looking for the best red dots for Glock 17? In this post, we break down the top options available and help you choose the perfect sight that matches your shooting needs, whether for self-defense, duty use, or range practice.
The Glock 17 is a popular full-sized pistol revered for its reliability, accuracy, and versatility. To unlock its full potential, many shooters choose to pair it with a quality red dot sight. A red dot not only enhances target acquisition speed but also improves accuracy in both defensive and competition settings.
What Makes a Great Red Dot for Glock 17?
With so many optics available, finding the best red dot for your Glock 17 can feel overwhelming. The ideal model should offer:
1.Durable Build Quality. A great red dot should be rugged enough to handle recoil, rough use, and different weather conditions.
2. Long Battery Life. An extended battery life is essential, especially for everyday carry or duty use.
3. Crisp Reticle Clarity. Furthermore, the reticle should be crisp, easy to see, and available with multiple brightness settings.
4. Adjustable Illumination Settings. This allows fast target acquisition in both bright daylight and low-light conditions, giving flexibility across environments.
5. Compact Size and Light Weight. Since the Glock 17 is often used for duty or home defense, a compact and lightweight red dot minimizes bulk while maintaining balance and comfort during use.
6. Easy Adjustment and Zeroing. Last but not least, the best red dots for Glock 17 should have tool-less or easily adjustable windage and elevation turrets to make zeroing simpler.
Best Red Dots for Glock 17
1. HOLOSUN HE507C-GR X2 Open Reflex Pistol Sight
The HOLOSUN HE507C-GR X2 is the best red dot for Glock 17. It stands out as a versatile and dependable red dot sight built for shooters who value accuracy, speed, and durability.
Featuring a green reticle with multiple options, a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or a combination of both, it offers flexibility for different shooting styles and preferences. Additionally, there are 12 brightness settings to tailor the reticle to different light settings.
The sight is powered by both a high-capacity solar panel and a CR1632 battery, giving users an extended battery life of up to 50,000 hours. Its Shake Awake technology conserves power by activating the reticle instantly when motion is detected, ensuring the sight is ready whenever needed.
Furthermore, the robust housing, crafted from 7075-T6 aluminum with a hard anodized finish, provides excellent resistance to recoil, impact, and harsh environmental conditions. This makes the sight ideal for both competitive shooting and tactical applications.
On the usability side, the HE507C-GR X2 offers crisp glass clarity, minimal parallax, and unlimited eye relief, which allows shooters to quickly acquire targets while maintaining situational awareness. It also features a side-loading battery tray that enables battery replacement without removing the optic from the firearm, thus maintaining zero.
Pros
- Multi-reticle system
- Dual power system of solar and CR1632 battery
- Shake Awake technology for power efficiency
- Crisp, bright green reticle for fast target acquisition
- Rugged 7075-T6 aluminum housing
- Long battery life with solar backup
Cons
- Green reticle may not suit all lighting conditions
2. Trijicon RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA Adjustable LED Red Dot Sight
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA Adjustable LED Red Dot Sight is a premium optic designed with both durability and precision in mind.
Its ruggedized construction, featuring a forged aluminum housing, makes it nearly indestructible, capable of withstanding heavy recoil and harsh environmental conditions.
Regarding reticle, the 3.25 MOA dot size strikes a balance between fast target acquisition and precise shot placement, making it versatile for both defensive carry and range use. Besides, with its multi-coated lens, the sight provides a crisp, clear dot, while the adjustable brightness settings ensure optimal visibility whether you’re shooting under bright sunlight or in low-light environments.
Another standout feature of the RMR Type 2 is its reliable performance across a wide range of platforms. The user-friendly controls allow quick adjustments to brightness without interrupting focus on the target.
Over and above that, its battery life is designed to last thousands of hours, reducing the need for frequent changes. Additionally, the sight is parallax-free and offers true-to-life color transmission, which improves accuracy and shooting confidence.
Pros
- Exceptional build quality
- Unmatched versatility and dependability
- Long battery life
- User-friendly design
Cons
- It sits on the higher end of the price spectrum
3. Cyelee Wolf EDG Drop-Proof Enclosed Red Dot Sight
As one of the best red dots for Glock 17, the Cyelee Wolf EDG Drop-Proof Enclosed Red Dot Sight blends toughness with precision, offering shooters a dependable red dot that maintains accuracy and reliability in demanding situations.
It is designed with durability and reliability at its core, making it an excellent option for shooters who demand rugged performance in challenging conditions. Its enclosed emitter design ensures that dirt, dust, water, and debris won’t interfere with visibility, a crucial advantage for outdoor or tactical use.
Optically, the lens clarity is sharp, providing a clean sight picture with minimal distortion. Furthermore, the red dot is bright, crisp, and easily adjustable across multiple brightness settings to perform well in both low-light and bright daylight environments.
Functionality is also a strong point of the Cyelee Wolf EDG. The sight offers simple, user-friendly controls that make adjusting windage, elevation, and brightness smooth and intuitive. On top of that, its battery life is impressive thanks to an efficient power management system that ensures users can count on long-term operation without frequent replacements.
Pros
- Compact, low-profile mounting design
- Solid build quality
- Compatibility with a wide range of pistols
- Crisp 3 MOA reticle
- Ease of use
Cons
- The enclosed design slightly limits peripheral visibility compared to open emitter optics
4. Burris FastFire 3 Red Dot Sight
If you are looking for a red dot sight that balances precision, robustness, and convenience, the Burris FastFire 3 Red Dot Sight is your ideal option.
Its lightweight aluminum body makes it easy to mount without adding unnecessary bulk, and the tool-free adjustment system allows for quick zeroing in the field. Furthermore, its IPX7 waterproof rating provides reliable performance in wet or harsh environments.
Reticle-wise, the sight features a crisp 3.5 MOA red dot that provides fast target acquisition, even in low-light conditions. Its multi-coated lens offers a clear, bright sight picture, reducing glare while maintaining optimal clarity. The FastFire 3 is also equipped with automatic brightness adjustment, ensuring the reticle remains visible across different lighting conditions.
Performance-wise, the FastFire 3 delivers consistent accuracy and reliability, making it suitable for competitive shooting, hunting, or tactical applications. The intuitive controls and simple battery replacement process make it beginner-friendly without sacrificing functionality for experienced shooters.
Above all, its low-profile design ensures it co-witnesses easily with iron sights, providing a seamless backup option.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Crisp 3 MOA red dot for fast target acquisition
- Durable aluminum housing
- Adjustable brightness for varying light conditions
- Easy to mount on multiple firearms
- Simple and intuitive controls
Cons
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Limited battery life at higher brightness levels
5. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Reflex Sight
Carrying the renowned Leupold name, the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Reflex Sight combines durability, clarity, and fast target acquisition. This makes it an excellent choice for serious shooters looking for a dependable and precise reflex sight.
The sight impresses with its wide field of view and ultra-clear lens, which ensures a crisp, bright reticle even in low-light conditions. Its 2.5 MOA red dot provides excellent precision for quick target acquisition, making it ideal for both tactical and competitive shooting scenarios.
Furthermore, the rugged construction is fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof, so it can withstand harsh environments and heavy recoil without losing zero. This optic also features intuitive windage and elevation adjustments, allowing shooters to fine-tune their aim effortlessly.
The low-profile design also minimizes bulk on the firearm, maintaining balance and maneuverability. Moreover, the lens coatings reduce glare while enhancing contrast, making it easier to track moving targets.
It is also easy to install with versatile mounting options compatible with a range of pistols and which adds to its flexibility.
Pros
- Rugged build
- Low-profile design
- Large sighting window
- Bright and clear optics
- Ease of installation and adjustment
Cons
- Limited battery life
6. HOLOSUN HE407C-GR X2 Open Reflex Sight
Last but not least, we have the HE407C-GR X2 from Holosun. It offers exceptional value, combining advanced features and rugged construction suitable for both everyday carry and recreational shooting.
Encased in a robust CNC-machined 7075 T6 aluminum housing, this reflex sight is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, including recoil and environmental exposure.
Its 2 MOA green dot reticle provides precise aiming, while the parallax-free design and unlimited eye relief ensure rapid target acquisition and a clear sight picture. Furthermore, the optic boasts an impressive 50,000-hour battery life and includes 12 brightness settings, 10 for daylight and 2 compatible with night vision devices,
Another feature that makes it one of the best red dots for Glock 17 is its Solar Failsafe technology. It utilizes a solar panel to power the sight during daylight, extending battery life and ensuring functionality even if the primary power source fails. The Shake Awake system further enhances convenience by automatically activating the sight when motion is detected, preserving battery life when the firearm is idle.
The sight also brings to the table a side-mounted CR1632 battery tray that allows for easy battery replacement without removing the sight from the firearm.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Convenient side-mounted battery tray
- Robust CNC-machined 7075 T6 aluminum housing
- Ease of installation
Cons
- Occasional issues with zero retention under heavy use
How to Choose the Best Red Dots for Glock 17
It is crucial to take into considerations these factors when buying a Glock 17 red dot sight.
Reticle Type and Size
The reticle is the core of any red dot sight, and selecting the right type and size is crucial for fast and precise targeting. Most Glock 17 owners prefer a simple dot, usually ranging from 3 to 6 MOA (Minute of Angle).
A smaller dot offers higher precision at longer distances, while a larger dot allows for quicker target acquisition, especially in close-quarters scenarios.
Durability and Build Quality
Glock 17s are often carried in tactical or defensive situations, so the red dot sight needs to withstand recoil, drops, and harsh environmental conditions. Look for optics made with high-grade aluminum or alloy housing, shockproof construction, and water- and dust-resistant seals. Durability ensures that your sight maintains zero and remains reliable, even under frequent use or rough handling.
Battery Life and Power Options
Next, battery efficiency is another major consideration, as a dead red dot in the middle of training or self-defense scenarios can be critical. Many of the best red dots for Glock 17 offer long-lasting batteries that can run thousands of hours on a single CR2032 or similar cell. Some advanced models also include solar panels or rechargeable batteries for added reliability.
Mounting Compatibility
Not all red dot sights fit all Glock 17 models without proper mounting options. Check that the sight is compatible with your Glock’s slide and that it works with standard or aftermarket mounting plates. Some optics require milling the slide, while others are designed to fit “optic-ready” Glock models. Ensuring proper fitment avoids installation hassles and ensures the sight stays secure under recoil.
Optical Clarity and Lens Quality
Furthermore, the quality of the lens affects target acquisition speed and accuracy. High-end red dots offer multi-coated lenses that reduce glare, enhance brightness, and provide a clear, sharp view of your target. A clean and bright sight picture also allows you to acquire your target faster and shoot more accurately, which is particularly important in low-light conditions or fast-paced shooting drills.
Adjustment Features
Precise windage and elevation adjustments are essential for maintaining accuracy. The best red dots for Glock 17 should provide easy-to-use adjustment turrets with audible and tactile clicks, allowing you to zero the sight efficiently. Some models offer tool-less adjustments or even auto-calibration features to ensure the sight stays accurate across various distances and conditions.
Weight and Size
Lastly, a quality red dot sight should complement the Glock 17 without significantly altering its balance or handling. Compact and lightweight models help maintain the pistol’s ergonomics, allowing for fast draws and smooth follow-up shots. Heavier optics may add stability but can also make the pistol front-heavy, affecting speed and comfort. Consider a sight that offers a balance between durability, functionality, and weight.
FAQs
- How do I mount a red dot sight on my Glock 17?
For MOS Models, use the provided adapter plates to mount the optic directly. If you have a Non-MOS Glock 17, you’ll need to mill the slide or purchase a compatible aftermarket slide.
- What is co-witnessing, and is it necessary?
Co-witnessing aligns your iron sights with the red dot, providing a backup aiming system. While not mandatory, it’s recommended for added reliability. Ensure your iron sights are the correct height to co-witness with your chosen optic.
- How do I choose the right dot size?
Dot sizes typically range from 2 to 8 MOA (Minute of Angle). Smaller dots of 2 3 MOA are precise for longer distances, while larger dots of 6 MOA and above are quicker to acquire for close-range targets.
Conclusion
To conclude, there are many great red dot sights for Glock 17 and your ideal model depends on your budget and use case. Hopefully, the information in this buying guide has helped you find the ideal model for your needs.