What red dot should I put on my competition gun? The simple answer today is one of three choices:
Holosun 507 Comp, Trijicon SRO, Vortex Defender XL
Let's dive into the pros and cons of each of these choices:
Holosun 507 Comp:
Based on 100k rounds of personal use on three platforms.
These hold up; I have multiple firearms with them on, and they hold zero and just work. I have never had an issue with any of them.
Sun performance is more than adequate, and the dot is easy to pick up despite being a lower-rated MOA.
The 2 MOA is more like a 3.5 when compared to the Trijicon scale of MOA
The single-dot option is the best choice for the pistol, despite the many options presented to you, with too many multiple-reticle choices.
This optic is the lowest deck height of the top 3 and is .030" lower than even the SRO.
This is the highest grade made in Chinese optics.
The weak point is the screw securing the battery tray. Make sure it is snug and mark the screw slot with a witness so you can see if it is backing out.
The mounting screw head diameter is smaller than the Trijicon's, making replacement screws harder to source.
Made in China, support is a Google web form. After 3 weeks, they send you a new one. There is no human support on the phone.
Trijicon SRO:
Based on 120K rounds of personal use on three platforms.
These hold up well, and I appreciate the durable coating and round shape for both general use and competition.
Sun performance can be an issue in low-angle sun. The 5 MOA dot is less problematic and my preferred size in the optic.
The intensity of the optic is acceptable but does not stand out against the Holosun or Defender XL, which is why I prefer the 5 MOA over the 2.5 in the SRO.
Adjustments to brightness can feel limiting at times indoors. Either too bright or not quite as bright as I would like.
The shape of the optic does not block anything substantial when shooting occluded, and this is my favorite optic for occluded live fire training.
I currently use the SRO on my exclusive dryfire gun with the TFT and Index Trainer, and the shape of this optic is optimal for this type of training.
This optic is expensive. Like, WTF, expensive when compared to other optics made in China.
Made in the USA, you receive phone support with a real person, and the repair time can feel lengthy, even though everything is well-communicated throughout the process.
Vortex Defender XL:
Based on 3k rounds of personal use.
Do these hold up? I'm not sure yet, personally, but I've received a lot of positive feedback from other shooters.
The sun's performance is generally excellent. There is plenty of brightness, but I have picked up a flare around the dot in low-angled light.
I prefer the 2 MOA dot to the 5, which feels bigger than the SRO but smaller than the Deltapoint Pro's 6 MOA.
Indoors, I pick up the low-angled flare around the dot in dry fire, and it isn't enjoyable, but it is primarily a non-issue, as it is target-focused.
It is a Deltapoint footprint with an overhang. This is great if you have a gun that is cut for the Deltapoint footprint, as this is the best optic available for this pattern.
Tall deck height compared to the SRO and 507 Comp. It is a lower deck than the Deltapoint.
Made in China, but with the best-in-class support from an excellent company.
The support is impressive, and the customer service is first-class. You can get quick replacement or repair, no questions asked, even if you break the thing.
This is great, but I have had to use the support on a newly installed optic. The support was terrific. Hopefully, these hold up long-term.
My big gripe on the optic is for the Glock, when I lay the gun on the left side, the brightness turns up, and unfortunately, the lockout option for the optic is holding down the left button:(
For other guns with a safety, this issue would be mitigated.
The overall feel of the optic is significantly better than that of the low-tier China optics from many other manufacturers, which we would never recommend. However, it still feels like one step behind the 507 Comp right now.
All the Other Options:
Sig Optics and CMore were manufactured in Japan, based on the old Doctor footprint, with their oversized twist. This looks amazing, and the dots and glass are great, but they are fragile, and they have always either lost zero or flat-out broken on me. I wouldn't cut a gun for this old footprint and the recoil lugs in the circuit panel, and the need for lockout screws on the older designs should tell you something. I could never even dream of reaching 50k with one of these, and I've broken more of the Sig Romeo 3's than any other dot. The CMORE's battery life and design make it a no-go for me in CO, and the things are just too delicate for my use.
All the others, Swampfox, Gideon, CHPWS, and whatever China dots with some marketing name on it with a US-branded feel are, in my opinion, not suitable for the demands of USPSA shooting, and I would not put any low-tier Chinese-made dot on my gun. These are not made in the same factory as Holosun and are not just as good:)