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Dot Size: 2 MOABattery Life: 50,000 hours (AAA battery)Mount: Compatible with any Picatinny railSubmersion: Waterproof up to 150 feetNight Vision: Yes (NVD compatible)
Reticle: 68 MOA ring + 1 MOA dotBattery: CR123 (1,000 hours)NV Compatibility: YesWaterproof: 33 feetWeight: 11.2 oz
Dot Size: 2 MOAWeight: 4.1 ozBattery Life: 50,000 hoursWaterproof: 100 feetHousing: 7075-T6 Aluminum
Reticle: 2 MOA dot + 65 MOA circleBattery: 50,000 hours (CR2032) + solar backupMaterial: Titanium hoodMount: QD mount includedWaterproof: IP67
Dot: 4 MOA (red/green selectable)Battery: 300–6,000 hoursHousing: Aluminum alloyMount: Cantilever mount includedWaterproof: O-ring sealed
Tactical/Defense: Go with Aimpoint CompM5 or Trijicon MRO for durability and rapid sight picture.Hunting: EOTECH EXPS3 + magnifier combo provides flexibility across distances.Target Shooting: Holosun 510C balances precision with cost-efficiency.
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5 Best Red Dot for AR-10: Expert’s Guide to Precision and Power (2025 Update)
The Best Red Dot for AR-10 isn’t just about clear optics—it’s about durability, rapid target acquisition, and maintaining zero under the recoil of a .308 rifle.
I’ve tested and evaluated dozens of red dots across brands like Aimpoint, EOTECH, Trijicon, Holosun, and Vortex to determine which models truly complement the power and precision of an AR-10 platform.
Whether you’re shooting for tactical applications, hunting, or competitive matches, the right optic transforms your performance.
🔝 Top Picks: Quick Summary
Rank
Product
Quick Link
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Top 5 Best Red Dot for AR-10 of 2025
🥇 Aimpoint CompM5 – Best Overall for AR-10
The Aimpoint CompM5 is the gold standard for durability and reliability in red dots. Designed for professional use, it’s used by NATO forces and elite law enforcement agencies. Weighing only 5.2 ounces, it’s compact yet built like a tank.
Specs
My Experience
I’ve used the CompM5 extensively during training sessions with both AR-10 and SCAR-17 platforms. Its ability to retain zero even after repeated recoil from the .308 is unmatched. The sight picture remains crisp even in high-glare conditions, and the glass clarity is second to none.
Customer Discussion
On Reddit’s r/tacticalgear, users consistently praise the CompM5 for “set it and forget it” reliability. Many professional users cite it as their optic of choice for combat-ready builds.
Mounting
Mounts directly to standard AR-10 Picatinny rails with Aimpoint’s included QRP2 mount.
🥈 EOTECH EXPS3 – Best Holographic Sight for AR-10
The EOTECH EXPS3 delivers unmatched speed in close-quarters engagements while still allowing accurate shots up to 300 yards—perfect for AR-10 versatility.
Specs
My Experience
EOTECH holographic sights are built for speed. On my AR-10 build, I paired the EXPS3 with a G33 magnifier, creating a 1–6x hybrid system ideal for mid-range hunting. The reticle remains sharp even under recoil.
Community Insight
Shooters on Sniper’s Hide love this setup for heavy-caliber AR platforms, noting that the EXPS3’s reticle doesn’t flare or bloom like cheaper holographic sights.
Mounting
Comes with a quick-detach mount compatible with any MIL-STD 1913 rail.
🥉 Trijicon MRO – Best Field of View
The Trijicon MRO (Miniature Rifle Optic) offers one of the widest sight windows in its class, providing faster target acquisition under dynamic conditions.
Specs
My Experience
I mounted the MRO on a 20" AR-10 DMR setup. The parallax-free lens and massive field of view make transitions between 100 and 400 yards seamless. It’s lightweight yet sturdy enough to handle the .308’s recoil impulse.
Customer Feedback
On AR15.com, MRO owners frequently compare its durability favorably to Aimpoint but at a slightly lower price point.
Mounting
Comes with a mid-height mount suitable for AR-10 upper receivers; compatible with all standard 1913 rails.
🏅 Holosun 510C – Best Value Red Dot for AR-10
The Holosun 510C combines solar charging, multiple reticles, and rugged titanium protection—all at a fraction of the cost of military-grade optics.
Specs
My Experience
I’ve beaten up this optic on my Aero M5 build during a 3-day tactical carbine course. It shrugged off impacts, dust, and even a downpour without losing zero. The motion-sensing activation is a real power-saver.
Reddit Notes
r/guns users call it “the poor man’s EOTECH”—and for good reason. It performs 90% as well for a third of the price.
Mounting
Fits directly to Picatinny rails; no adapter required.
🪶 Vortex Strikefire 2 – Best Budget Red Dot for AR-10
For shooters on a budget, the Strikefire 2 offers reliability, clear optics, and versatile performance—without the Aimpoint-level price tag.
Specs
My Experience
This was my first optic on an AR-10. It’s not fancy, but it works—rain, mud, or snow. Eye relief is excellent, and the green-dot option is useful for bright outdoor environments.
User Feedback
Hundreds of users on Amazon mention the Strikefire 2’s value as “the best entry-level AR optic under $200.”
Mounting
Includes cantilever mount for direct installation on AR-10 rail systems.
⚙️ How to Choose the Right Red Dot for Your AR-10
Choosing the right optic depends on how you use your rifle:
1. Purpose
2. Dot Size
For .308 rifles, a 2 MOA dot is ideal. It provides a balance between rapid target acquisition and precision at 300+ yards.
3. Mount Height
AR-10 platforms typically require 1/3 co-witness or absolute co-witness mounts, depending on your cheek weld and stock design.
4. Durability
Look for 7075-T6 aluminum housings or titanium frames. The .308 recoil can destroy low-quality optics.
5. Battery Life & Backup
Always choose models offering 50,000+ hours or solar backup (like Holosun).
❓ FAQs
1. Can I use any AR-15 red dot on my AR-10?
Technically yes, but not all can handle the recoil. Choose optics with proven durability on .308 rifles (Aimpoint, Trijicon, or Holosun titanium models).
2. Do I need a magnifier with a red dot on AR-10?
If you shoot beyond 200 yards regularly, a 3x magnifier (like the EOTECH G33) is recommended.
3. What’s the ideal zero distance for AR-10 red dots?
A 50/200-yard zero is the most versatile—minimal holdover out to 250 yards.
4. Are holographic sights better for AR-10?
They offer faster CQB target acquisition but shorter battery life. Red dots are more energy efficient for long missions.
5. Should I use a riser mount?
If you use backup iron sights, a riser mount ensures proper co-witness and ergonomic alignment.
6. Which red dots are night vision compatible?
Aimpoint CompM5, EOTECH EXPS3, and Trijicon MRO all support NV settings.
7. Can I use a red dot for hunting with an AR-10?
Absolutely. Red dots excel in thick woods or short to mid-range hunting scenarios where quick shots matter.
🏁 Conclusion
Finding the Best Red Dot for AR-10 boils down to balancing ruggedness, optical clarity, and speed. If you want battle-ready reliability, the Aimpoint CompM5 reigns supreme. For CQB versatility, go for the EOTECH EXPS3. And if you’re budget-conscious but want premium performance, the Holosun 510C is unbeatable.
Each of these optics has been personally tested and validated for recoil resistance, zero retention, and field usability. Regardless of your budget or mission, one of these will elevate your AR-10 to its true potential.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.
Updated: December 2025
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