When it comes to upgrading your Glock 19, few accessories match the performance and reliability of a red dot sight. In this guide, we will take you through the best red dots for Glock 19 available on the market.
Red dot sights transform handgun shooting by offering faster target acquisition, improved accuracy, and greater confidence at the range. Additionally, these optics are lightweight, durable, and designed for intuitive use, making them ideal for both new shooters and seasoned professionals.
What Makes a Red Dot Sight Suitable for Glock 19?
With so many options on the market, choosing the right red dot for your Glock 19 can feel overwhelming. The right model should offer:
- Compact size and low profile that Fits the Glock 19 slide without adding excessive bulk.
- Durable construction that is shockproof, recoil-resistant, and able to handle handgun recoil
- Battery Life: A long-lasting battery reduces frequent replacements and makes the red dot sight economical to maintain
- Brightness Settings: The best red dots for Glock 19 should have adjustable brightness for clear visibility in various lighting conditions
- Crips dot typically 3–6 MOA is ideal for fast target acquisition without obscuring the target
- Parallax-Free or Minimal Parallax: Ensures accurate point of aim regardless of eye position
- Lightweight design to ensure it doesn’t unbalance the Glock 19 or affect comfortable handling
Best Red Dots for Glock 19
1. 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 the best red dot for Glock 19. It is a standout choice for shooters seeking precision, durability, and versatility in a compact optic.
The selling point of this sight is its 3.25 MOA dot. It provides a perfect balance between speed and accuracy, making it suitable for both close-quarters engagements and more precise shots at medium distances. Furthermore, the adjustable LED brightness allows for excellent visibility in varying light conditions.
Regarding construction, the sight is built with a rugged aluminum housing. It is shock-resistant and capable of withstanding the harshest conditions. Additionally, the lightweight design adds minimal bulk to your firearm, preserving the handling and balance of your weapon.
Other impressive features of the RMR Type 2 is its versatility and ease of mounting. It is compatible with a wide range of pistols and comes pre-drilled for easy installation, reducing the need for complicated adjustments. The sight also features automatic brightness modes that adjust to ambient light, helping conserve battery life while maintaining optimal performance.
Pros
- Crisp, clear red dot
- Robust construction
- Versatile for competitive shooting, duty use, and self-defense
- Unmatched reliability and precision
- Long-lasting battery life
Cons
- Sits at a premium price
2. HOLOSUN HE507C-GR X2 Open Reflex Pistol Sight
The HOLOSUN HE507C-GR X2 stands out as one of the most versatile and reliable red dot sights on the market. It is designed to deliver precision and durability for both casual shooters and professionals.
Its green reticle option is particularly appealing, offering excellent visibility in various lighting conditions while reducing eye strain compared to traditional red dots. Furthermore, the Multi-Reticle System allows users to switch between a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or a combination of both. This gives you flexibility for different shooting applications.
More importantly, the sight is built with a rugged aluminum housing for ultimate durability. It is also equipped with solar failsafe technology to ensure consistent performance even when battery power runs low.
Ease of use is another strong point of the HE507C-GR X2. The Shake Awake technology conserves battery life by automatically activating the reticle when movement is detected. Also included is a convenient side-mounted battery tray that makes replacements quick and simple without the need to remove the optic.
Pros
- Compact size and lightweight design
- Versatile use
- Durable and reliable build quality
- Generous battery life
- User-friendly design
Cons
- The reticle options, while versatile, might feel a bit busy for beginners who prefer a simple aiming point
3. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Reflex Sight
As one of the best red dots for Glock 19, the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Reflex Sight excels in durability, clarity, and versatility.
Built with a rugged aluminum housing and a steel shroud, it offers excellent protection against impacts. Furthermore, it is fully waterproof and shockproof.
The sight also features an exceptionally wide field of view, which makes target acquisition fast and intuitive. Its crystal-clear glass and crisp red dot provide outstanding visibility in various lighting conditions, whether you’re shooting at the range during the day or in dim environments.
Moreover, the Motion Sensor Technology is another highlight. It automatically activates the sight when it detects movement, conserving battery life without requiring manual adjustments.
Another impressive aspect of the DeltaPoint Pro is its user-friendly design. The top-loading battery compartment allows for quick and hassle-free changes without the need to remove the optic, ensuring you stay zeroed in. Over and above that, the sight offers multiple brightness settings, giving shooters the flexibility to adapt to their environment.
Pros
- Exceptional lens clarity and wide field of view
- Rugged aluminum housing with protective lens coating
- Motion-sensor activation saves battery life
- Convenient top-loading battery compartment
- Versatile use
Cons
-
Comparatively shorter battery life
4. Aimpoint ACRO P-2 Red Dot Reflex Sight 3.5 MOA
For shooters who want a rugged, feature-rich optic with professional-grade performance, the Aimpoint ACRO P-2 Red Dot Reflex Sight 3.5 MOA is an outstanding choice. It is built for shooters who want reliability, precision, and durability in a compact package.
The highlight of this sight is its precision. Featuring a 3.5 MOA dot, it provides a crisp and highly visible aiming point that makes rapid target acquisition smooth and effortless. With multiple brightness settings, it adapts well to different lighting conditions, whether in broad daylight or low-light scenarios.
Construction-wise, the sight is designed with a fully enclosed housing that protects the lens from dust, debris, and harsh weather. This ensures consistent performance in all environments. On top of that, its rugged aluminum construction gives it exceptional durability, while the long battery life lasting up to five years on a single CR2032 battery, means you can depend on it for extended use without constant replacements.
To top it all off, the sight’s compact design allows it to sit low and integrate seamlessly with backup iron sights, while its parallax-free design ensures accuracy at any distance.
Pros
- User-friendly controls for quick adjustments without breaking your shooting rhythm
- Maintains zero even under heavy recoil
- Long battery life
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Big budget
5. HOLOSUN HE508T X2 Open Reflex Pistol Sight
The HOLOSUN HE508T X2 is a premium red dot sight designed with durability and versatility in mind. This makes it a standout option for handgun users.
Built with a rugged titanium housing, it offers exceptional strength while keeping the optic lightweight for balanced handling. Besides, the tactile, user-friendly adjustments for windage and elevation enable shooters to zero in effortlessly and maintain accuracy.
Regarding reticle, the multi-reticle system allows you to choose between a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or a combination of both, giving you flexibility for precision shots or faster target acquisition. On top of that, the reticle remains crisp and consistent even under recoil, proving its reliability for both defensive and competition shooting.
This red dot sight also features an open reflex design that ensures a wide field of view. Moreover, the glass clarity is excellent, with minimal distortion, and the brightness settings adapt well to both daylight and low-light shooting conditions.
Pros
- Outstanding battery life, offering up to 50,000 hours of use on a single CR1632 battery
- User-convenient side-mounted battery tray
- Advanced and user-friendly features
- Rugged construction and long-term dependability
Cons
- Smaller sighting window size
6. Burris FastFire 3 Red Dot Sight
The Burris FastFire 3 Red Dot Sight is a compact and reliable optic designed for hunters and shooters who value speed and accuracy.
Its lightweight construction makes it easy to mount on a variety of firearms, from rifles and shotguns to handguns, without adding unnecessary bulk. Furthermore, the FastFire 3 features a bright red dot reticle that is quick to acquire, even in low-light conditions, and offers multiple brightness settings so you can adapt it to your environment.
As one of the best red dots for Glock 19, its top-mounted battery compartment makes replacing batteries simple without losing your zero. Besides, its automatic brightness sensor adjusts to changing light conditions seamlessly.
Durability is another highlight of the FastFire 3. Built with tough materials and a low-profile design, it withstands recoil and rugged hunting conditions without compromising performance. The lens offers a clear and crisp field of view, while the waterproof construction ensures it continues to perform in harsh weather.
Above all, it is easy to install, user-friendly, and well-suited for both beginners and experienced shooters.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design adds minimal weight
- Crisp 3 MOA or 8 MOA dot options for precision or speed
- Automatic brightness sensor adapts to lighting conditions
- Top-loading battery compartment
- Versatile use
- Durable construction built to handle recoil and harsh environments
Cons
-
Limited battery life
Criteria for Choosing the Best Red Dots for Glock 19
Consider the following key factors when choosing the best red dots for Glock 19:
Durability and Build Quality
The Glock 19 is often carried for personal defense, so its red dot sight must withstand heavy use, recoil, and environmental stress. A quality optic should be constructed from durable materials like aircraft-grade aluminum, offering resistance to shock, impact, and harsh weather conditions. Additionally, waterproofing and fog resistance are also important, ensuring the sight remains reliable whether you’re shooting in the rain, extreme heat, or cold.
Size and Weight Compatibility
The Glock 19 is a compact pistol, so the red dot must balance well without making the firearm bulky or top-heavy. A low-profile and lightweight optic enhances concealability for everyday carry and prevents printing under clothing. Sights designed with a compact footprint also allow for a more natural draw and holster fit, avoiding interference with standard Glock 19 holsters.
Battery Life and Power Management
The best red dots for Glock 19 rely on consistent illumination, so battery performance is crucial. Optics with extended battery life, often thousands of hours on a single cell, minimize the hassle of frequent replacements. Features such as motion-activated “shake awake” technology or auto shut-off are also essential for conserving power when the sight is not in use and ensuring the optic is ready whenever you need it.
Reticle Options and Brightness Settings
The reticle is the core of any red dot, and its visibility directly impacts shooting accuracy. A crisp, clear dot, typically between 2 to 6 MOA, is ideal for the Glock 19, balancing quick target acquisition with precise aiming.
With adjustable brightness settings, opt for a model with more than 8 illumination settings. This will help you adapt to different environments, from bright daylight to low-light conditions.
Mounting Compatibility
Mounting a red dot on a Glock 19 requires consideration of footprint compatibility and mounting systems. Many Glock 19 models use the MOS (Modular Optic System) platform, so choosing a red dot with the right footprint is essential for a proper fit. For non-MOS models, you will need adapter plates or aftermarket slide milling.
Ease of Use and Adjustability
A red dot should enhance your shooting experience, not complicate it. Look for optics with intuitive controls for brightness adjustments and simple windage/elevation turrets that offer tactile and audible clicks. On top of that, the best red dots for Glock 19 have user-friendly designs that allow you to make quick changes on the fly, whether during range sessions or defensive situations.
Price and Value for Money
Finally, cost plays a big role when selecting the best red dot for your Glock 19. While premium optics often offer superior durability and advanced features, there are also budget-friendly options that deliver reliable performance. The key is to balance price with features, ensuring you don’t overpay for unnecessary extras while avoiding cheaply made sights that could fail under stress.
FAQs
- Are red dot sights compatible with all Glock 19 models?
Most modern red dots work with Glock 19s, but you’ll need either an MOS (Modular Optic System) model or a properly milled slide for direct mounting.
- Do I need to modify my Glock 19 to mount a red dot?
If you have a Glock 19 MOS, it comes optic-ready. For standard models, you will need a slide cut or an adapter plate.
- What size red dot works best for a Glock 19?
Compact and micro red dots are the most suitable since they maintain balance and concealability without adding bulk.
Final Words
In conclusion, the Glock 19 pairs exceptionally well with an array of quality red dot sights, enhancing both speed and accuracy while offering a clear sight picture in any lighting condition. All the red dots mentioned above strike a balance between durability, compact design, and reliable performance, making them ideal for concealed carry, home defense, or range use. Look at the features each model offers and select the model that works best with your needs.