There is a lot of debate on where the best place to put a red dot sight on an AR-15 is. Some people say that the red dot should be placed on the receiver, while others say that it should be placed on the handguard. Ultimately, it is up to the individual shooter to decide where they want to place their red dot.

The Different AR15 Red Dot Sight Options
There are a few different AR15 red dot sight options available on the market. The most popular option is the Aimpoint red dot sight. This sight is very rugged and can take a lot of abuse. It is also very accurate. Another popular option is the EOTech red dot sight. This sight is also very rugged and can take a lot of abuse. It is also very accurate. The last option is the Bushnell red dot sight. This sight is not as rugged as the other two, but it is still a very good sight.
How to Choose the Right Red Dot Sight for Your AR15
There are a few things to consider when choosing the right red dot sight for your AR15.
- The first is the size and weight of the sight. You want to make sure the sight is not too heavy or bulky for your rifle.
- The second is the dot size. You want to choose a dot size that is appropriate for the range you will be shooting at.
- The third is the reticle. You want to choose a reticle that is easy for you to see and use.
- The fourth is the battery life. You want to choose a sight with a long battery life so you don’t have to constantly replace the batteries.
The Pros and Cons of Red Dot Sights
Red dot sights have many benefits that make them a great choice for shooters. They are fast and easy to acquire, have unlimited eye relief, and are very rugged. However, there are also some drawbacks to red dot sights. They can be difficult to see in bright light, and they can be easily damaged if not properly protected.
How to Mount a Red Dot Sight on Your AR15
Assuming you have a red dot sight (RDS) with the appropriate 1913 rail interface, the following should help you to mount the sight on your AR15.
First, remove the bolt carrier group (BCG) and charging handle from the AR15. Then, using a 3mm or 4mm hex key, remove the two screws that hold the handguard in place. Next, slide the handguard off of the upper receiver.
Now it’s time to mount the RDS. First, attach the 1913 rail adapter to the sight. Then, using the hex key, loosen the two screws on the side of the sight. Next, line up the sight with the 1913 rail on the AR15’s upper receiver and tighten the screws.
Finally, reassemble the AR15 and enjoy your new RDS!
The Best Red Dot Sights for AR15s
There are a lot of red dot sights on the market, but not all of them are created equal. Here are our picks for the best red dot sights for AR15s:
- Trijicon MRO: The Trijicon MRO is a top choice for many shooters, and for good reason. It is rugged, reliable, and has a clear field of view. It is also adjustable for windage and elevation.
- Aimpoint T2 Micro: The Aimpoint T2 Micro is a great choice for shooters who want a red dot sight that is small and lightweight. It is also very rugged and reliable.
- Vortex Spitfire: The Vortex Spitfire is a great choice for shooters who want a red dot sight that is affordable. It is also very rugged and has a clear field of view.
- Bushnell TRS-25: The Bushnell TRS-25 is a great choice for shooters who want a red dot sight that is affordable and has a wide field of view.
- Leupold DeltaPoint Pro: The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro is a top choice for many shooters. It is very rugged, has a clear field of view, and is adjustable for windage and elevation.
These are just a few of the best red dot sights for AR15s. There are many other great options on the market. Be sure to do your research and choose the sight that best meets your needs.
How to Use a Red Dot Sight on Your AR15
Assuming you are referring to a red dot sight for an AR-15 style rifle, they can be used in the same manner as iron sights. The main difference is that you are looking through a small red dot instead of aligning two front and rear sights.
- To use a red dot sight, first ensure that it is properly mounted on the rifle. Once it is mounted, you can look through the sight and use the red dot to help you aim. The red dot should be placed on the target that you want to hit.
- You can adjust the red dot sight to help you better see the dot. Some red dot sights have an illuminated dot, which can be helpful in low light conditions.
- Once you have the red dot sighted on the target, you can fire the rifle as you would with any other sight.
Frequently asked questions[FAQs]
Where is the best place to mount a red dot sight on an AR-15?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual shooter’s preferences and intended use for the weapon. However, many shooters find that mounting the red dot sight directly on top of the receiver works well for them. This position allows for quick and easy target acquisition.
How do I zero my red dot sight?
There are a few different methods that can be used to zero a red dot sight. The most common method is to use a bore sight. This involves looking through the red dot sight and aligning it with the bore of the rifle. Once the sight is aligned, the rifle is fired at a target and the point of impact is noted. The red dot sight is then adjusted until the point of aim and point of impact match.
What is the difference between a red dot sight and a scope?
A red dot sight is a type of optical sight that projects a red dot onto the target, making it easier to aim. A scope is an optical sight that magnifies the target, making it easier to see. Both sights have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the right sight for the intended purpose.
What are the benefits of using a red dot sight?
There are several benefits to using a red dot sight. Red dot sights are very quick and easy to acquire a target with, which is why they are often used in close-quarters situations. They are also very lightweight and compact, making them ideal for use on an AR-15.
What are the disadvantages of using a red dot sight?
One disadvantage of using a red dot sight is that they can be difficult to use in low-light conditions. This is because the red dot is difficult to see against a dark background. Another disadvantage is that red dot sights can be easily damaged if they are dropped or bumped.
How do I know if a red dot sight is right for me?
The best way to determine if a red dot sight is right for you is to try one out. Many gun stores will have demo models that you can try before you buy. Alternatively, you can ask a friend or family member who uses a red dot sight to let you try theirs.
What are some other red dot sight options?
There are a few other red dot sight options available on the market. Some of the more popular options include the Trijicon RMR and the Aimpoint PRO. These sights are more expensive than a standard red dot sight, but they offer better durability and performance.
What should I do if my red dot sight breaks?
If your red dot sight breaks, you should contact the manufacturer to see if it is covered under warranty. Many manufacturers will offer a free replacement or repair if the sight is defective.
Conclusion
The placement of the red dot on an AR15 rifle is typically just forward of the charging handle, on the top rail. This allows for quick target acquisition and easy shooting with both eyes open.

A. Wilcox Head is a lifelong shooter, hunter, and firearms enthusiast. Head grew up in a family where firearms were a way of life, and from an early age, he was taught the importance of firearm safety, accuracy, and proper hunting techniques.