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Reticle: 3.25 MOA red dotBattery Life: Up to 4 years (CR2032)Housing Material: Forged aluminumBrightness Settings: 8 levels + auto-adjustWaterproof: Up to 20 meters
Reticle: 2 MOA dot / 32 MOA circleBattery Life: Up to 50,000 hoursPower Source: Solar + CR1632Housing Material: 7075-T6 aluminumFootprint: RMR compatible
Reticle: 2.5 MOABattery Life: ~300 hours (auto-off motion sensor)Lens: DiamondCoat for scratch resistanceConstruction: Aircraft-grade aluminumMounting: Leupold footprint
Reticle: 3 MOA red dotBattery Life: 10,000 hoursHousing: 7075 aluminumLens: Multi-coated, anti-glareBrightness: 10 settings + Shake Awake
Reticle: 3 MOA dotBattery Life: 9,500 hoursWeight: 1.5 ozMaterial: Hard-anodized aluminumLens: Aspherical lens with crisp edge clarity
3 MOA or smaller: Best for precision and longer ranges (15–50 yards).6 MOA or larger: Faster for close-quarters engagements and self-defense.
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5 Best Red Dot for Glock 45 – 2025 Expert Picks for Duty, Defense & Competition
When I set out to find the best red dot for Glock 45, I wanted something that offered the same reliability and performance that makes the G45 a favorite among law enforcement and experienced shooters.
After testing dozens of optics over the years—from rugged duty-grade sights to lightweight competition dots—I’ve narrowed the field to a handful of top performers that balance speed, durability, and precision.
In this review, I’ll share my top picks, real-world impressions, what I’ve learned from countless hours at the range, and what users on Reddit and gun forums have to say about each optic.
🏆 Top 5 Picks at a Glance
Rank
Product
Image
Link
1️⃣
Reticle: 3.25 MOA red dot
Battery Life: Up to 4 years (CR2032)
Housing Material: Forged aluminum
Brightness Settings: 8 levels + auto-adjust
Waterproof: Up to 20 meters
2️⃣
Reticle: 2 MOA dot / 32 MOA circle
Battery Life: Up to 50,000 hours
Power Source: Solar + CR1632
Housing Material: 7075-T6 aluminum
Footprint: RMR compatible
3️⃣
Reticle: 2.5 MOA
Battery Life: ~300 hours (auto-off motion sensor)
Lens: DiamondCoat for scratch resistance
Construction: Aircraft-grade aluminum
Mounting: Leupold footprint
4️⃣
Reticle: 3 MOA red dot
Battery Life: 10,000 hours
Housing: 7075 aluminum
Lens: Multi-coated, anti-glare
Brightness: 10 settings + Shake Awake
5️⃣
Reticle: 3 MOA dot
Battery Life: 9,500 hours
Weight: 1.5 oz
Material: Hard-anodized aluminum
Lens: Aspherical lens with crisp edge clarity
There are no rows in this table
Top 5 Best Red Dot for Glock 45 of 2025
1. Trijicon RMR Type 2 – The Gold Standard for Glock 45
If reliability is your top priority, the Trijicon RMR Type 2 is the optic you want riding your Glock 45 slide. It’s built from forged aluminum and features Trijicon’s legendary durability, surviving drops, recoil, and harsh environmental exposure that would destroy most sights.
🔍 Product Specs
🧠 My Experience
I’ve used the RMR Type 2 in rain, dust, and recoil-heavy sessions with +P ammo, and it never lost zero. The sight picture is crisp and the controls are simple—press and hold either button to adjust brightness. The small window takes a bit of getting used to, but once you adapt, your presentation becomes lightning fast.
💬 Community Feedback
Reddit’s r/Glocks and r/gundeals communities consistently rank the RMR Type 2 as the “duty-proof” standard. One law enforcement user said:
“My RMR survived two years of daily carry and qualification without a hiccup.”
🔧 Mounting Info
The RMR uses the Trijicon RMR footprint, so you’ll need an optic-ready Glock 45 MOS or an adapter plate for standard slides.
2. Holosun 507C X2 – Feature-Rich Value
Holosun’s 507C X2 is one of the most feature-packed red dots for the money, offering a multi-reticle system (2 MOA dot, 32 MOA circle, or both), solar fail-safe backup, and Shake Awake technology.
🔍 Product Specs
🧠 My Experience
I ran the 507C on my Glock 45 for over 3,000 rounds. The reticle versatility stood out—the large circle helps with quick target acquisition during drills, while the 2 MOA dot allows for precision shots. The brightness is easy to adjust even in bright daylight, and the solar panel truly extends battery life.
💬 Reddit/User Notes
On r/CCW, many users claim the 507C is “the working man’s RMR.” One comment that stuck with me:
“Half the price, 95% of the durability.”
🔧 Mounting Info
Fits RMR cut directly. Works perfectly with Glock 45 MOS or aftermarket RMR-cut slides.
3. Leupold Deltapoint Pro – Best for Precision & Clarity
The Leupold Deltapoint Pro is a favorite among shooters who prioritize clarity and a wide field of view. Its large window and crisp 2.5 MOA dot make it ideal for both competition and defensive carry.
🔍 Product Specs
🧠 My Experience
I found the Deltapoint Pro’s window noticeably larger than the RMR or Holosun, allowing for faster dot tracking during recoil recovery. The motion sensor instantly powers the sight on when drawn, which is perfect for concealed carry readiness.
💬 What Others Say
Competitive shooters on forums like Brian Enos praise its precision and durability:
“The DPP feels like cheating in IDPA—huge window, clean glass.”
🔧 Mounting Info
You’ll need a Glock MOS plate or aftermarket adapter for Leupold footprint compatibility.
4. Swampfox Liberty II – Best Budget Performer
Swampfox is known for delivering excellent optics at accessible prices, and the Liberty II is no exception. It’s rugged, crisp, and made with everyday carry and range reliability in mind.
🔍 Product Specs
🧠 My Experience
I mounted the Liberty II on a Glock 45 MOS using an RMR plate and was impressed by the sharp glass and crisp dot. It held zero after 500 rounds of 9mm without any adjustment. The side battery tray makes swaps painless—no re-zeroing needed.
💬 Community Talk
Shooters on r/OpticsPlanetReviews often describe it as “the sweet spot between Holosun and budget-tier dots.”
🔧 Mounting Info
Uses RMR footprint, direct mount on MOS models.
5. Vortex Defender CCW – Compact, Rugged & Practical
The Vortex Defender CCW was designed with concealed carriers in mind. It’s compact, ultra-lightweight, and comes with Vortex’s unbeatable lifetime warranty.
🔍 Product Specs
🧠 My Experience
I’ve always trusted Vortex for value and support. The Defender CCW’s dot tracks easily, and the “Fast Rack” front face lets you rack the slide one-handed off any surface—a huge plus for duty carry.
💬 What Users Say
Reddit’s r/VortexOptics community highlights it as a “perfect EDC match for Glock 45.”
🔧 Mounting Info
Uses Shield RMSc footprint — requires plate adapter for MOS models.
🔧 How to Choose the Right Red Dot Sight for the Glock 45
The Glock 45 is a crossover design—full-size frame with a compact slide—ideal for tactical and defensive use. To select the right optic, consider:
1. Mounting Footprint
The Glock 45 MOS accepts RMR, Deltapoint Pro, and RMSc footprints with adapter plates. Choose an optic that matches your mounting style to avoid stacking adapters.
2. Dot Size
3. Durability
For defensive or duty use, prioritize rugged designs like the RMR Type 2 or 507C. Aluminum housings with waterproof ratings of IP67+ are ideal.
4. Battery & Power
A long battery life (10,000+ hours) and motion activation features mean less worry about your sight dying when you need it.
5. Field of View
Wider windows like on the Leupold DPP give faster target transitions, while compact optics like the Defender CCW are better for concealed carry.
❓ FAQs
1. Does the Glock 45 MOS come ready for optics?
Yes, the Glock 45 MOS includes modular optic system plates compatible with Trijicon RMR, Leupold DPP, and similar footprints.
2. Can I mount a Holosun directly to my Glock 45?
The Holosun 507C fits RMR plates, so it mounts directly to the MOS system using the included adapter.
3. What’s the best red dot for Glock 45 for duty carry?
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 remains the gold standard for law enforcement reliability.
4. What red dot is best for competition?
Shooters favor the Leupold Deltapoint Pro for its large window and precise 2.5 MOA dot.
5. What’s a good budget red dot for Glock 45?
The Swampfox Liberty II or Vortex Defender CCW offer dependable performance for under half the price of premium optics.
6. Should I co-witness iron sights with my red dot?
Absolutely—especially for defensive setups. Use suppressor-height sights for lower 1/3 co-witness with most optics.
7. How long do red dot batteries last?
Modern optics like Holosun 507C or RMR can last 3–5 years on a single CR2032 battery with intermittent use.
🧩 Conclusion
Choosing the best red dot for Glock 45 depends on how you use your pistol.
If you’re a duty carrier or professional, the Trijicon RMR Type 2 or Holosun 507C X2 will give you proven performance and durability.
For competitive or range shooters, the Leupold Deltapoint Pro’s wide lens offers unmatched visibility.
And if you’re looking for budget-friendly reliability, the Swampfox Liberty II or Vortex Defender CCW are unbeatable at their price.
No matter which you choose, pairing a quality red dot with your Glock 45 transforms it into a faster, more precise, and more confidence-inspiring sidearm.
Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no cost to you if you purchase through them — helping keep this content free and accurate.
Last Updated: December 2025
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