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Top 6 Best Red Dot For 500 Yards

Aiming for long-range precision with a red dot sight? You're not alone. While red dots excel at close to mid-distance shooting, hitting targets at 500 yards requires a different approach.

Here, we'll unveil the top red dot performers for extended ranges, considering factors like reticle size, clarity, durability, and compatibility with magnifiers for ultimate accuracy at 500 yards and beyond.

MY CHOICE 👇

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Aimpoint PRO⁠

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Trijicon MRO⁠

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EOTECH EXPS3⁠

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HOLOSUN 510C⁠

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Sig Sauer Romeo5⁠

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Primary Arms Micro⁠

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Note: This article reflects my personal opinions. While the products mentioned may not be perfect for everyone, they might be useful for some readers.

Top 6 Best Red Dot Sights For 500 Yards in 2024

Aimpoint PRO

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Let's be clear: the Aimpoint PRO is a fantastic red dot sight. It's rugged, reliable, and boasts amazing battery life. But for reaching out to 500 yards? There are better options.

Here's the breakdown:

Specs: 2 MOA red dot, parallax-free from 100 yards, 1x magnification (no zoom).

Best Features: Unmatched durability, 10 years battery life on a single AA, clear and crisp red dot.

Advantages: Lightning fast target acquisition, perfect for close to medium range shooting, built to take a beating.

Here's the Catch at 500 Yards:

The 2 MOA dot covers a significant portion of the target at distance, making precise shot placement difficult. While some skilled shooters can push it to 500 with proper holdovers (adjusting your aim point to compensate for bullet drop), a magnified optic with a finer reticle is a better choice for long-range accuracy.

But I Still Love My Aimpoint PRO! Why?

Where the Aimpoint PRO shines is close quarters and mid-range. The red dot is blazing fast to pick up, ideal for dynamic shooting situations. It's incredibly lightweight, making my rifle a breeze to maneuver. Plus, the battery life is unreal. I haven't changed it in over two years!

Online Buzz:

Reading online forums [discussions about Aimpoint PRO], you'll see similar sentiments. People rave about the PRO's durability and speed, but some acknowledge limitations at distance. Many users recommend pairing it with a magnifier for added versatility, though that does add weight and complexity.

Final Verdict:

For pure long-range precision, I wouldn't recommend the Aimpoint PRO at 500 yards. However, for close to medium range shooting where speed and reliability are paramount, it's an absolute champ. The combination of ruggedness, battery life, and fast target acquisition makes it a fantastic red dot sight. Just know its strengths and weaknesses before you buy.

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Trijicon MRO

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I've been using the Trijicon MRO for a while now, and it's a fantastic red dot sight. It's built like a tank - Trijicon didn't skimp on materials, using forged aluminum for a rock-solid construction. The 2 MOA dot is crisp and clear, making target acquisition at close and intermediate ranges lightning fast.

Here's a breakdown of the specs:

Weight: 4.6 ounces (lightweight and maneuverable)

Length: 2.36 inches (compact design)

Battery Life: Up to 5 years (impressive!)

Dot Size: 2 MOA (ideal for close-to-medium range)

Best Features:

Rugged construction: Built to withstand abuse

Exceptional battery life: Never worry about being caught dead on the range

Clear and precise dot: Makes hitting targets a breeze

Advantages:

Super fast target acquisition: Perfect for dynamic shooting situations

Lightweight and won't weigh down your rifle

Simple and intuitive design: Easy to use even for beginners

Disadvantages:

Pricey: Trijicon products come at a premium

Limited magnification: Not ideal for long-range shooting (500 yards is a stretch)

2 MOA dot might cover small targets at distance

My Experience:

For close quarters and even out to 200-300 yards, the MRO is phenomenal. The dot is clear, the sight is built tough, and it's easy to use under pressure. However, at 500 yards, the 2 MOA dot can obscure smaller targets, making precise shot placement difficult.

Customer Comments:

Here's what others are saying online:

"Love the MRO! Super lightweight and the dot is perfect for quick shooting."

"Great optic, but the price tag is a bit steep."

"Wish it had more magnification for longer distances."

Overall:

The Trijicon MRO is an excellent red dot sight, but for 500 yards, you might want to consider a magnified optic. If close to medium range shooting is your priority, the MRO is a top contender. Just be prepared to shell out some cash for the Trijicon name.

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Eotech EXPS3

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I've been using the EOTech EXPS3 for a while now, and it's a great red dot sight for close-quarters and mid-range shooting. Let's break it down:

Specs:

1x magnification (no zoom)

65 MOA circle with 1 MOA center dot

Built-in night vision compatibility

Available with different reticle options (EXPS3-0 is basic red dot, EXPS3-4 has BDC for bullet drop compensation)

Best Features:

Super fast target acquisition with both eyes open.

Heads-up shooting keeps you aware of surroundings.

Rugged construction - can take a beating.

Night vision compatible (great for low-light situations, with the appropriate model).

Advantages:

Lightweight and won't weigh down your rifle.

Excellent for quick engagements at close range.

The BDC reticle (on certain models) helps with holdovers at distance (although, more on that later).

Disadvantages:

No magnification - forget about long-range precision shooting.

Reticle can be a bit thick at distance, covering up smaller targets.

Battery life isn't amazing - pack extras for extended use.

My Experience:

The EXPS3 is a champ at close quarters. Bring on moving targets or breaching doorways - the red dot makes acquisition lightning fast. However, at 500 yards, it pushes its limits. While the BDC reticle (on the EXPS3-4) helps with holdovers, it's calibrated for a specific ammo type and barrel length. For true long-range accuracy, you'll need a magnified optic.

What People Are Saying:

Here's what I've heard online:

Love the speed and durability, but some folks wish there was a magnifier option you could easily add on.

The BDC reticle gets mixed reviews. Some swear by it, while others prefer a simple red dot for close-up work.

Battery life is a common concern. Be prepared to change them more often than with a traditional scope.

The Verdict:

The EOTech EXPS3 is a great red dot sight, but for 500 yards, it's best used with the understanding of its limitations. If close-quarters and mid-range are your game, it shines. For long-range precision, you might want to consider a magnified optic alongside it.

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Holosun HS510C

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The Holosun HS510C is a fantastic red dot sight, don't get me wrong. It's rugged, reliable, and has a ton of great features for the price. But for reaching out to 500 yards? I'd look elsewhere. Here's my breakdown:

Specs & Features:

65 MOA field of view - Great for quick target acquisition

2 MOA red dot - A good balance between precision and field of view

Shake Awake™ - Saves battery and activates instantly with movement

Solar backup - Never get caught dead with a dead battery (almost)

IPX8 waterproof - Takes a beating

Best Features:

The Shake Awake™ is a game-changer. No more fumbling for buttons in a tense situation.

The solar backup is a nice touch for extended use. You'll barely need to change the battery.

Advantages:

Durable - This thing can take a licking and keep ticking.

Fast target acquisition - The wide field of view and clear dot make picking up targets a breeze.

Battery life - Excellent battery life with the shake awake and solar backup.

Disadvantages:

Reticle size - The 2 MOA dot, while good for close to mid-range, can obscure smaller targets at distance.

Magnification - No magnification here. You'll need a magnifier or a different optic for precise long-range shooting.

My Experience:

I love the HS510C for close quarters and hitting steel at the range. It's fast, accurate, and built like a tank. But for dialing in shots at 500 yards, I found myself wanting more magnification. The dot can cover up smaller targets, and judging bullet drop becomes trickier.

Online Buzz:

Here's what others are saying:

"For the price, the HS510C is unbeatable. It's perfect for AR builds and getting on target quickly." (Multiple forums)

"Love the shake awake! Makes a huge difference when seconds count." (Online reviews)

"Great red dot, but wish it had some magnification options." (Several YouTube reviews)

The Verdict:

The Holosun HS510C is a fantastic red dot sight, but for 500 yards, you might want something with more magnification. However, if you're looking for a fast, reliable red dot for close to mid-range shooting, the HS510C is a great choice.

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Sig Sauer Romeo5

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I've been using the Sig Sauer Romeo5 for a while now, and it's a solid red dot sight. Let's be clear though, at 500 yards you'll probably want to consider a magnified optic. The Romeo5 shines at closer distances. Here's a breakdown of my experience:

Specs and Features:

Magnification: 1x (red dot only, no zoom)

Reticle: 2 MOA red dot (small and precise)

Durability: Aircraft grade aluminum, IPX7 waterproof, fogproof

Battery Life: Up to 50,000 hours on a single CR2032 battery (awesome!)

Mounts: Includes both low and high mount options

Best Features:

Super clear red dot: Easy to see in most lighting conditions, with 10 brightness settings.

Lightweight and compact: Doesn't weigh down your firearm.

Tough as nails: Built to take a beating and keeps ticking.

Battery life is unreal: Haven't had to change it yet, even after a ton of range time.

Where it Falls Short:

Limited range: The 1x magnification makes precise aiming difficult at 500 yards.

Dot size: While great for close quarters, the 2 MOA dot can obscure targets at distance.

My Experience:

Love this sight for plinking and target shooting at closer ranges. The red dot is crisp, and the sight itself is built like a tank. The battery life is insane. However, if you're looking to stretch out to longer distances, you'll need something with more magnification.

What Others Are Saying:

Online reviews are generally positive. People love the durability, clarity of the dot, and the amazing battery life. Some folks, like me, recommend it for closer range shooting and recommend a magnified optic for longer distances.

Overall, the Sig Sauer Romeo5 is a great red dot sight, but keep in mind its limitations for long-range shooting. If you're primarily looking for a close-quarters optic, this is a fantastic choice.

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Primary Arms SLx MD-25

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I snagged a Primary Arms SLx MD-25 a while back, looking for a red dot sight for my AR pistol. While it's a great red dot, let's be clear: 500 yards is a stretch. This sight is designed for close-quarters combat (CQB) and excels there. Here's the breakdown:

Specs and Features:

Red Dot Size: 2 MOA - A little big for long-range precision, but perfect for quick target acquisition at short distances.

Battery Life: 50,000 hours (medium setting) with a standard CR2032 - Lasts ages, which is a plus.

Mount Height: Multiple spacers included for fine-tuning eye relief.

Reticle: Available in 2 MOA dot or ACSS CQB reticle with holdovers for close-range engagements.

Night Vision Compatible: Two brightness settings for night vision use.

Best Features:

Durability: Built tough from aluminum, it can handle bumps and scrapes.

Clear Glass: Wide field of view with a crisp red dot.

Rotary Knob Controls: Easy to adjust brightness even with gloves on.

Multiple Mount Heights: A big selling point for getting a proper cheek weld.

Advantages for CQB:

Lightweight and compact - Perfect for maneuverability in tight spaces.

Fast target acquisition - The big dot gets you on target quickly.

Both eyes open aiming - Improves situational awareness.

Disadvantages to Consider:

2 MOA Dot: Not ideal for pinpoint accuracy at distance.

Auto Shutoff Feature (Optional Model): Can be annoying if it times out mid-use (though some models have constant on).

My Experience:

For close quarters, the SLx MD-25 is fantastic. The red dot is bright and easy to see, and the multiple mount heights let me get a comfortable sight picture. It's held zero well at the range, but I wouldn't trust it for long-distance shots.

What Others Are Saying:

Online reviews seem to agree. People love the durability, clear glass, and ease of use. A few reviewers mention the 2 MOA dot being a bit large for precision shooting, which aligns with my experience.

Overall, the Primary Arms SLx MD-25 is a great red dot sight for those who prioritize close-quarters combat. If long-range precision is your main concern, you might want to look elsewhere. But for quick target acquisition and solid CQB performance, the SLx MD-25 is a dependable option.

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Conclusion

Top 6 Best Red Dot Sights For 500 Yards in 2024

Primary Arms SLx MD-25

Conclusion

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