
Looking for the best red dot for your AR-15? Whether you’re building out a home defense rifle, a range toy, or a duty-ready setup, choosing the right optic is crucial. In this video, we break down the Top 5 Red Dots for your AR-15 in 2025, covering everything from budget-friendly options to top-tier holographic sights.
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Timestamps:
00:00 – Number 5
01:08 – Number 4
03:05 – Number 3
06:33 – Number 2
10:53 – Number 1
Top 5 AR-15 Red Dots Featured in This Video:
#5 Sig Sauer Romeo 5 – Best budget-friendly red dot with great battery life.
#4 Holosun 510C – Open-reflex red dot with solar backup and shake-awake tech.
#3 Sig Sauer Romeo4XT Pro – Tough, duty-ready red dot with multiple reticle options.
#2 Vortex AMG UH-1 – Holographic sight with crystal-clear glass and fast target acquisition.
#1 EOTECH EXPS – Battle-proven holographic optic trusted by professionals.
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1st Shot Tactical videos are filmed on a private shooting range in a controlled setting under the supervision of trained professionals.1st Shot Tactical videos are for entertainment & educational purposes only. Do not attempt to recreate or mimic anything seen in 1st Shot Tactical videos. 1st Shot Tactical will not be held liable for any injury to yourself, others, or property resulting from attempting anything shown in 1st Shot Tactical videos.

Eotech all day! Great list!
Rock Eotechs on MP5s, UH1s on Jew scar & Hebrew hammer. Aimpoint T2 on MK18 & Aimpoint T1 on Marlin Dark 45/70 Any fighting rifle & hunting woods/bush rifle should have an Aimpoint, end of discussion.
Number One=>Aimpoint T2
Any one or more of those cons makes me question why I should choose UH-1 at the price, weight, bulk, and small fraction of battery life compared to red dots, or just get an Eotech.
Eotech EXPS or XPS on the other hand have none of the above issues. They also have the best image and color for the day, magnifier, and NV usage(EXPS).
No aim point t-2 micro
way better than all the ones mentioned
Where did you find the SR 15 stand?
For the money its hard to beat the 403b especially if you find it on
waiting for the Romeo 4S circle plex to go on sale for $199 again on Palmettostatearmory
The Romeo 5 also has shake awake if y’all want that feature with the cheaper optic.
I’m surprised you didn’t mention the Holosun AEMS. It’s a great value and built like a tank.
Something I wish you mentioned is which of these optics have a shake-awake feature. Off the cuff, I think the Romeo 5 and the 510C do, but I'm not sure on the others.
By the way holosun 510c is combat proven in ukraine
For a slightly cheaper option the Cyelee T3 is a tank and is only $60, I've had mine for 3 years and it's been through hell and back. I recommend them all the time. The T10 is also phenomenal.