As a proud owner of an S&W 686, I've spent countless hours researching and testing various red dot sights to determine which ones offer the best performance, reliability, and value.

In this article, I'll share my top recommendations for red dot sights, complete with detailed reviews, specifications, pros and cons, and personal experiences.

Whether you're a seasoned shooter or new to the world of optics, this guide will help you find the perfect red dot sight for your S&W 686.

Top Product List

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Trijicon RMR Type 2⁠

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Leupold Deltapoint Pro⁠

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Vortex Venom⁠

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Burris FastFire 3⁠

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HOLOSUN 507C⁠

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Aimpoint ACRO P-2⁠

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Top 6 Best Red Dot For Smith & Wesson 686 in 2024

1. Trijicon RMR Type 2

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Specifications:

Magnification: 1x

Reticle: 3.25 MOA Red Dot

Battery Life: Up to 4 years on a single CR2032 battery

Housing Material: Forged Aluminum

Waterproof: Yes, up to 20 meters

Best Features:

Adjustable LED brightness settings

Rugged and durable construction

Long battery life

Parallax-free design

Pros:

Extremely durable and reliable

Easy to adjust for different lighting conditions

Long battery life reduces the need for frequent changes

Clear and precise reticle

Cons:

Relatively expensive

Slightly heavier compared to some competitors

Experience When Using the Product: The Trijicon RMR Type 2 RM06 is renowned for its rugged durability and reliability, making it a top choice for my S&W 686. The 3.25 MOA red dot is crisp and clear, providing excellent target acquisition without being too obtrusive. Adjusting the brightness settings is straightforward, and the sight holds zero exceptionally well, even after extensive use.

Customer Comments: Many users praise the Trijicon RMR Type 2 RM06 for its robust build quality and dependability. Some highlight its ability to maintain zero under heavy recoil, while others appreciate the long battery life and ease of use.

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2. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro

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Specifications:

Magnification: 1x

Reticle: 2.5 MOA Red Dot

Battery Life: Up to 1,600 hours on a single CR2032 battery

Housing Material: Aluminum

Waterproof: Yes, IPX7 rated

Best Features:

Motion Sensor Technology (MST)

Easy-access battery compartment

Clear and bright glass

Wide field of view

Pros:

Excellent clarity and wide field of view

Convenient battery replacement without removing the sight

Motion activation conserves battery life

Durable construction

Cons:

Shorter battery life compared to some competitors

Slightly higher price point

Experience When Using the Product: The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro stands out with its superior clarity and expansive field of view, making target acquisition swift and accurate. The Motion Sensor Technology is particularly useful, as the sight powers on instantly when it detects motion, conserving battery life. The easy-access battery compartment is a thoughtful addition, eliminating the need to remove the sight for battery changes.

Customer Comments: Users often commend the DeltaPoint Pro for its clear optics and user-friendly design. The motion activation feature receives positive feedback, with many appreciating how it extends battery life. However, some users note that the battery life could be longer.

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3. Vortex Venom Red Dot

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Specifications:

Magnification: 1x

Reticle: 3 MOA or 6 MOA Red Dot

Battery Life: Up to 30,000 hours on lower settings

Housing Material: Aluminum

Waterproof: Yes

Best Features:

Affordable yet high-quality

Easy to mount and adjust

Multiple brightness settings

Long battery life

Pros:

Excellent value for the price

Simple installation and adjustments

Long battery life

Multiple reticle options

Cons:

Slightly less durable than higher-end models

Smaller field of view

Experience When Using the Product: The Vortex Venom Red Dot offers impressive performance at a budget-friendly price. The sight is easy to mount and adjust, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced shooters. The multiple brightness settings are handy for adapting to different lighting conditions, and the long battery life ensures you won't be caught off guard.

Customer Comments: Many users are thrilled with the Vortex Venom's performance given its affordable price. They appreciate the ease of installation and adjustments, though some note that it may not be as rugged as more expensive models.

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4. Burris FastFire III

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Specifications:

Magnification: 1x

Reticle: 3 MOA or 8 MOA Red Dot

Battery Life: Up to 5 years on a single CR1632 battery

Housing Material: Aluminum

Waterproof: Yes

Best Features:

Automatic brightness sensor

Compact and lightweight design

Affordable and reliable

Easy-to-use elevation and windage adjustments

Pros:

Compact and lightweight

Long battery life with auto-brightness adjustment

Affordable price

Durable construction

Cons:

Limited brightness settings

Smaller field of view

Experience When Using the Product: The Burris FastFire III is an excellent option for those looking for a compact and lightweight red dot sight. The automatic brightness sensor adjusts to ambient light conditions, providing a clear reticle without manual adjustments. The sight is also very durable and holds zero well, even under heavy use.

Customer Comments: Users frequently mention the FastFire III's compact size and reliability. The automatic brightness adjustment is a standout feature, though some users wish for more manual brightness settings. Overall, it's praised for its value and performance.

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5. Holosun HS507C-X2

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Specifications:

Magnification: 1x

Reticle: 2 MOA dot & 32 MOA circle

Battery Life: Up to 50,000 hours on a single CR1632 battery

Housing Material: 7075 Aluminum

Waterproof: Yes, up to 1 meter

Best Features:

Multi-reticle system

Solar Failsafe and Shake Awake technology

Extremely long battery life

Durable construction

Pros:

Versatile reticle options

Very long battery life

Solar and Shake Awake features enhance reliability

Rugged build quality

Cons:

Slightly more expensive

Somewhat complex settings for new users

Experience When Using the Product: The Holosun HS507C-X2 offers a unique multi-reticle system, allowing you to switch between a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or a combination of both. The Solar Failsafe and Shake Awake technology ensure the sight is always ready when you need it. This sight is incredibly durable and provides a long battery life, making it a reliable companion for the S&W 686.

Customer Comments: Customers appreciate the Holosun HS507C-X2's innovative features and long battery life. The multi-reticle system is particularly praised for its versatility, though some users find the settings a bit complex initially.

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6. Aimpoint Acro P-1

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Specifications:

Magnification: 1x

Reticle: 3.5 MOA Red Dot

Battery Life: Up to 1 year on a single CR1225 battery

Housing Material: Aluminum

Waterproof: Yes, up to 25 meters

Best Features:

Fully enclosed design

Robust and durable construction

Excellent low-light performance

Parallax-free design

Pros:

Extremely rugged and durable

Enclosed design protects against elements

Excellent performance in low light

Holds zero under heavy recoil

Cons:

Higher price point

Shorter battery life compared to some competitors

Experience When Using the Product: The Aimpoint Acro P-1 is built like a tank, offering exceptional durability and reliability. The fully enclosed design protects the optics from dust, debris, and moisture, making it ideal for harsh environments. The sight performs excellently in low light conditions and maintains zero even under heavy recoil, making it a perfect match for the S&W 686.

Customer Comments: Users often highlight the Aimpoint Acro P-1's durability and performance in adverse conditions. The enclosed design is praised for protecting the optics, though some users mention the shorter battery life as a minor drawback.

How to Choose the Best Red Dot Sight for S&W 686

Choosing the best red dot sight for your S&W 686 involves considering several factors to ensure you get the right match for your shooting needs. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind:

Durability and Build Quality: Given the recoil of the S&W 686, it's essential to choose a red dot sight that can withstand heavy use. Look for sights with robust construction, preferably made from high-quality materials like aluminum or steel.

Reticle Size and Type: The reticle size and type can significantly impact your shooting experience. Smaller MOA dots (e.g., 2-3 MOA) are ideal for precision shooting, while larger dots (e.g., 6-8 MOA) can be better for quick target acquisition in close quarters.

Battery Life: A longer battery life means less frequent battery changes, which is crucial during extended shooting sessions. Some sights offer features like motion activation or solar power to extend battery life.

Ease of Use: Look for sights with easy-to-access controls and adjustments. Features like top-loading battery compartments and tool-less windage and elevation adjustments can enhance the user experience.

Brightness Settings: Adjustable brightness settings allow you to adapt the reticle visibility to different lighting conditions. Some sights offer automatic brightness adjustments, which can be very convenient.

Field of View: A wider field of view can help you maintain situational awareness and track moving targets more easily. Consider the sight's window size and design when making your choice.

Price: While it's tempting to go for the most affordable option, investing in a higher-quality sight can provide better performance and longevity. Balance your budget with the features and durability you need.

FAQs

Q1: Can I mount any red dot sight on my S&W 686?

A: Not all red dot sights are compatible with every firearm. Ensure the sight you choose comes with or has available mounting plates or adapters compatible with the S&W 686.

Q2: What is the ideal reticle size for a red dot sight on an S&W 686?

A: The ideal reticle size depends on your shooting preference. A 3 MOA reticle is a good all-around choice, offering a balance between precision and quick target acquisition.

Q3: How do I maintain and clean my red dot sight?

A: Regularly inspect the sight for dust and debris. Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove particles. Clean the lens with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner. Ensure the battery contacts are clean and free from corrosion.

Q4: Do red dot sights hold zero well on the S&W 686?

A: High-quality red dot sights are designed to hold zero even under the heavy recoil of the S&W 686. Ensure the sight is securely mounted and check for any loosening after extensive use.

Q5: Are red dot sights suitable for both range shooting and home defense?

A: Yes, red dot sights enhance accuracy and speed, making them suitable for both range shooting and home defense. Their ease of use and quick target acquisition can be beneficial in various scenarios.

Conclusion

Selecting the best red dot sight for your S&W 686 can significantly enhance your shooting accuracy and overall experience.

Each of the sights reviewed in this article offers unique features and benefits, catering to different needs and preferences.

Whether you prioritize durability, battery life, reticle versatility, or ease of use, there's a red dot sight on this list that will meet your requirements.

By considering the key factors outlined in the buying guide, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and find the perfect red dot sight for your S&W 686.