The Adjustable Bag Rider tackles two issues at once, both of which are of paramount concern to long-range shooters. First, it creates an ample area of support on the underside of the buttstock so shooters can build a secure rest for their rifle. Second, it lets the shooter make precise adjustments to the elevation of their crosshairs by virtue of a threaded wheel that raises or lowers the base of the bag rider.

The ABR was designed by Dave Pobutkiewicz who has more than 20 years of experience fabricating precision tool and die items. An avid long-range shooter, Pobutkiewicz saw the need for a better way to make vertical adjustments to a rifle’s position. Prior to this, shooters would fall into the categories of “bag squeezer” or machine rest users—sometimes both.

Squeezing a rear bag works, but it can be difficult to hold a correct position for longer periods of time and is inherently less consistent. High tech bench rests, the majority of which support the fore-end of the rifle, can make precise, minute adjustments to point of aim, but they are heavy, expensive, and cumbersome to transport. I don’t know if Pobutkiewicz looked at it this way, exactly, but what the ABR does is take a portion of the machine rest and let the shooter attach it to the rear of the rifle.

ABRs for Various Chassis Systems

ABRs are available for a wide variety of rifles, though Pobutkiewicz got his start by making one for the Ruger Precision Rifle. His goal was to create a unit that would clamp on to the rifle easily with basic tools. The one on my Accuracy International, pictured here, uses two Allen key fasteners that took only a couple minutes to install.

ABRs are available for numerous different rifles/chassis systems. These include MDT, MPA, XLR, Ruger RPR, Accuracy International, Barrett, Tikka T3X and Tac A1, GRS, Christensen MPR, Desert Tech, Magpul PRS3, Cadex, SCAR, Victrix, Oryx, Target Tool and Daystate. There are also other rifles that can use ABRs provided the underside of a stock can accommodate a length of Picatinny rail. With minor modifications to the stock, the ABR can be mounted on Ruger Precision Rimfire Rifles, Luth-AR stocks, Savage Axis II, and the Daniel Defense Delta 5.

When selecting an ABR, you not only need to know the model of your rifle—all the attachments systems are unique to specific brands—but with some guns you need to take into consideration how the length of pull is set up on your gun. If the LOP is short, it might require one type of clamping interface, and if it is longer, another. Though that might sound daunting, Pobutkiewicz is easy to work with. He provides one-on-one feedback to make sure you get the right version.

One final consideration is the shape of the base of the bag rider. The adjustable bag riders can be had with a flat square bottom—which is what I chose—or with a V-shaped profile that is designed to ride in the notch between some bunny-ear style bags. The flat square bottom, which is .85 inches wide, is the more versatile of the two. But if you shoot consistently with a quality rear bag, like those made by Protektor Model, the V-shaped profile is a great option.

Adjustable Bag Rider in The Field

With an ABR attached, the butt of a rifle will ride higher above the ground than before—count on two or three inches. So, you have to make sure your bipod extends far enough to elevate the muzzle adequately for shots on flat terrain and uphill. The Elite Iron Revolution bipod on my ASXR has long legs to begin with (9 inches from where it pivots on the housing to the base of the feet) with an additional 6 inches of length when fully extended. That’s more than enough to compensate for the extra height of the ABR.

I did my shooting with two different rear bags. One is the waxed canvas Armageddon Gear Gamechanger with Git-Lit fill that goes with me everywhere I hunt or shoot. I’m more attached to that bag than Linus is to his blanket. I also used a bag of Pobutkiewicz’s design, a small and sturdy cylinder made of Cordura and felt that is about the size of two cans of tuna fish stacked on each other.

It’s called the LSP Small Bag (the letters stand for Long Shot Precision) and is a handy and portable bag.  Though it has a small footprint it still provides a great deal of stability. The bag has two panels of felt, one on one end of the cylinder and the other covering about a third of the circumference of the bag. The bag is designed to be used with the felt in contact with the surface being shot off. The felt will grip the ground, wood, or concrete and stay put while the rail on the ABR glides smoothly over the Cordura allowing the rifle to track cleanly in and out of recoil.

Superior Recoil Management with the ABR

The ABR worked well with both rear supports. The AI ASXR handles recoils like a champ, even when chambered in the stout .300 Norma Magnum, as mine is. With the ABR on the stock I found the rifle’s already excellent ergonomics noticeably improved. The odd-shaped piece of nylon that comes stock on the ASXR doesn’t have much surface engagement, so swapping to the larger bottom piece on the ABR was a big step up. The rifle tracked great on both bags, and I experienced less reticle jump than before.

The real magic of the ABR is the wheel that raises and lowers the base to fine tune the vertical position of the crosshairs. With the ABR pressed firmly into either bag so that they take a set—that’s the beauty of the lightweight Git-Lite fill, which provides sand-like stability at a fraction of the weight—the crosshairs don’t budge until you manipulate the wheel.

Silky Elevation Adjustments

One concern I had about the ABR was the ergonomics of the wheel position and whether it would function well under real-world conditions. Turns out I need not have worried. With my support (non-shooting) hand resting on the rear bag I was able to access and turn the wheel easily without needing to contort my wrist or otherwise compromise the shooting position.

The wheel itself turns and glides smoothly and precisely adjusts the elevation of the crosshairs. The scope on my rifle, a Nightforce ATACR 7-35×56, has the Mil-C reticle, which is one of the best out there for ELR shooting. The floating center dot allows for pin-point placement on the target and delivers a clean sight picture no matter the distance. The reticle and Adjustable Bag Rider paired together like a fine vintage port and Stilton cheese.

Improved Rifle Balance

Another benefit of the Adjustable Bag Rider is that it puts some extra weight into the rifle in a useful spot—the butt stock. For guns that are only shot prone—belly guns—rifle balance isn’t a concern. But for competitions and shooting scenarios where the rifle might be shot off barricades, vehicles, rocks, downed trees, and other non-prone positions it’s important to have a rifle that balances reasonably well. In general, precision rifles with their thick steel barrels, large bipods, and big suppressors tend to be muzzle heavy. So, getting a few extra ounces at the rear of the rifle is a boon for those who care about such things.

Read Next: How To Get The Most Out Of Your Precision Riflescope

Final Thoughts on the ABR

For shooters looking to squeeze extra accuracy out of their precision rifles, the ABR is a smart option. In terms of cost, they run about $235, so while not cheap they aren’t outrageously priced either. Especially when you consider that a weekend of intense precision rifle shooting will set you back that much in reloading components alone. And given the quality of their construction, the price isn’t out of line. They do add some bulk to the rifle and raise the height of the butt, so that needs to be factored in. But as a marksmanship aid that will benefit a shooter in practical, real-world situations, it is one of the better accessories to hit the scene in recent years.

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Best Overall		EOTECH EXPS3	SEE IT
Best for Competition		Vortex UH-1 Gen II	SEE IT
Best Magnifier		EOTECH G43	SEE IT

Finding a holographic sight that best suits your needs depends on your intent with your rifle or carbine. As a firearms instructor for Fieldcraft Survival, I travel the country and see shooters from all walks of life training with holographic sights. Many of my students just hit the range to shoot and learn new techniques, but the majority of Fieldcraft’s clientele either carry a gun to work or for self-defense. With this goal in mind, users should discern whether their equipment is reliable and durable enough to perform when they need it.

Holographic sights are a dramatic improvement over traditional iron sights, and they allow you to incorporate other capabilities like magnification or night vision. Selecting the correct sight from the get-go will not only save you headaches in training, but it can save you money in the long run. Take the time to think through what you need your carbine to accomplish and select a holographic sight that supports that mission.  Below is a list of the best holographic sights I’ve used during my career in law enforcement and as a shooting instructor, and I wouldn’t hesitate to depend on any of them during patrol or a day at the range.

• Best Overall: EOTECH EXPS3
• Best for Competition: Vortex UH-1 Gen II
• Best Magnifier: EOTECH G43
• Best Budget: Holosun AEMS
• Best for Beginners: EOTECH 552
• Best Used Buy: Leupold LCO

Best Overall: EOTECH EXPS3

EOTECH

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Why It Made the Cut

The extremely durable EOTECH EXPS3 pairs well with both night vision and magnifiers, thanks to its intuitive side-mounted controls. With a large field-of-view, aluminum protective hood, and 7mm raised, quick detach base, the EXPS3 offers a great heads-up display for two-eyes-open shooting.

Key Features

• Night vision compatible
• Water resistant
• 30 brightness settings
• 1,000-hour battery life
• Operates in temps from -40 to 140 degrees
• Parallax free

Pros

• Extremely rugged
• Three reticle options
• Standard and night vision modes
• Quick-detach lever

Cons

• Expensive
• Lacks the battery life of other competitors

Product Description

I’ve been using the EOTECH EXPS3 as my primary duty optic since 2018. Whether bouncing around the front seat of my vehicle on fugitive apprehensions or on SWAT callouts during Colorado blizzards, both EXPS3 sights I’ve used perform almost flawlessly.

Featuring an aluminum hood to protect the sight from impact damage, the EXPS3 attaches to your Picatinny rail via a crossbolt and quick-detach lever. The large window and full field of view reduces tunnel vision and allows two-eyes-open vision while shooting, with no protruding knobs or compartments to clutter your view.

This holographic sight offers three reticle options; the 1-Dot, 2-Dot and 4-Dot reticles. I prefer the 1-Dot and use the center 1 MOA dot for my 50/200 meter zero. One of my favorite features of the 1-Dot is the 68 MOA ring with lower hash mark, which you can use as your point of aim at seven yards. When I enter a structure, I instantly make the mental shift to use the bottom hash, which negates having to consider my height-over-bore offset when time is of the essence. While even the best holographic sights will exhibit some parallax, the EXPS3 comes as close as you can get to parallax free. And within short range distances, it’s non-existent.

Best for Competition: Vortex UH-1 Gen II

Vortex

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Why It Made the Cut

The second gen UH-1 remedies design flaws from the original, primarily replacing the internal battery with a CR123A and tool-less battery cap. Vortex also added night vision modes to the UH-1 Gen II and kept the huge field-of-view and clear glass from its predecessor.

Key Features

• Unlimited eye relief
• 1 MOA Dot
• Multiple anti-reflective coatings
• 15 brightness settings
• Parallax free

Pros

• Large field-of-view
• EBR-CQB reticle
• Dedicated night vision button
• Clear glass

Cons

• Night vision settings are slightly dim compared to competitors

Product Description

I’ve used the UH-1 Gen II on students’ guns at courses, and I have one on my 11.5-inch BCM carbine. While zeroing at 50 yards, I immediately noticed the enormous window and clear glass. Attached via an integrated quick release mount, the UH-1 includes a tool-less battery cap for its CR123A battery which runs the sight for 1,500 hours, slightly outperforming the EXPS3.

The reticle on the UH-1 is extremely bright and reminded me of other premium Vortex offerings like the Razor HD but with the added benefit of having the EBR-CQB holographic reticle. The EBR-CQB features a 1 MOA dot, with a 65 MOA outer circle for fast target acquisition. At the bottom of the outer circle there’s a CQB triangle, which gives you point of aim, point of impact at 10 yards, like the EOTECH EXPS3. With competition in mind, I started working target transitions and shooting while moving, and the UH-1 performed admirably at both.

I spent subsequent range days with the UH-1 under night vision. Passive aiming through the sight was easy thanks to the large field-of-view, but the settings were noticeably dimmer than its competitors. At times, the reticle appeared to wash out with ambient light present, which made accurate shots difficult. I have no reservations running the UH-1 at a two-gun match but prefer other options for a defensive carbine under night vision.

Best Magnifier: EOTECH G43

EOTECH

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Why It Made the Cut

Eotech’s venerable G33 magnifier has been miniaturized into the G43, reducing the overall length buy more than an inch. Without sacrificing magnification (3x), the G43 frees up rail space for backup iron sights or a secondary red dot sighting system.

Key Features

• Fixed 3x magnification
• Weight: 11.3 ounces
• Eye Relief: 2.5 inches
• Fog resistant internal optics
• Ambidextrous (adjustable for left and right-handed shooters)

Pros

• Fast transition from 1 to 3x
• Quick-detach lever
• Tool-less adjustments
• Adjustable diopter

Cons

• Carbon dirties the front lens of the magnifier when ran on the right side

Product Description

I ran the G33 magnifier behind my EXPS3 since I bought both in 2018 but since replaced it with the G43, which offers all the same great features with a reduced footprint. The 3x magnification makes 500-meter shots realistic for ARs, and the instant transition from 3x to 1x makes it the perfect accessory for a defensive carbine. This magnifier attaches via a quick-detach lever and has vertical and horizontal adjustments to center your sight’s reticle inside the magnifier. Once you center the reticle, it’s best to re-zero the holographic sight now that you have a more defined sight picture and point of aim. This prevents a perceived zero-shift when you transition between magnification settings. It also makes zeroing easier than when you shoot with your bare eye.

You can also attach the G43 to shift either right or left based on preference. I run my magnifiers to shift right so they don’t obscure my left eye while shooting but understand that this method places the magnifier behind the ejection port where carbon will coat the lens during high round count training sessions.  

Best Budget: Holosun AEMS

Holosun

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Why It Made the Cut

The solar failsafe and shake awake technology housed inside the 7075 aluminum of this Holosun sight make it a serious contender at an affordable price.

Key Features

• Motion On with last setting recall
• Solar-powered failsafe
• Multi-reticle system
• Shake Awake technology
• Lower 1/3 co-witness mount included

Pros

• Three reticle options
• Parallax free
• Solar and battery power
• IPX8 Submersion Rating
• Lightweight

Cons

• Not a true holographic sight

Product Description

For the past year I’ve used the 510C red dot sight on my truck gun. The 510C has been just as reliable as my other sights, but at a much lower price point. I recently swapped my 510C for an AEMS, which works even better for a bag gun. For under $400 the AEMS provides shooters on a budget a reliable and robust open reflex sight.

The AEMS comes out of the box with a lower 1/3 co-witness mount, clear flip-down lens covers, and has an amazing 50,000-hour battery life with a single CR2032. The Solar Failsafe function keeps the battery running from solar power in adequate light conditions. The AEMS’s Multi-Reticle System allows you to cycle through three reticle options (2 MOA dot, 65 MOA circle, Circle-Dot). Despite not being a true holographic sight, the AEMS is one of the best red dot sights for those on a budget, and the battery life alone makes this a reliable and affordable option.

Best for Beginners: EOTECH 552

EOTECH

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Why It Made the Cut

With its user-friendly design and ubiquitous AA battery, the 552 is one of the best holographic sights for beginners, and it provides users with a durable and night vision compatible optic at a cheaper price point than the EXPS3.

Key Features

• Night vision compatible
• EOTECH One Dot Reticle
• Runs on two AA Batteries
• 1-inch Weaver or MIL-STD 1913 rail mount
• 20 daylight settings/ 10 night vision settings

Pros

• Batteries widely available
• Snag-proof design
• Robust aluminum hood
• Large windage/elevation adjustments

Cons

• Rear controls difficult to use with magnifier

Product Description

The 552 has been a mainstay of EOTECH’s holographic sight line-up for years. I specifically bought this sight for my father due to its simplicity. I also own a 552, due to the global availability of the AA battery, which is a popular feature for those working overseas or doomsday preppers alike.

The 552’s ample brightness settings and night vision compatibility are on par with EOTECH’s most recent models, and the battery compartment is even easier to access than the CR123A compartments on the EXPS series. The 552 also features the same robust aluminum hood and internal adjustment knobs to keep your view less cluttered, along with the popular EOTECH reticle and universal attachment rail.

While earlier models of the 552 exhibited parallax or significant thermal drift in extreme hot or cold temperatures before 2016, EOTECH has long since remedied these issues, and you can expect this optic to perform without skipping a beat.

Best Used Buy: Leupold LCO

Leupold

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Why It Made the Cut

With a lifetime guarantee, aircraft-grade aluminum housing, and an open field of view, this sight offers greater light transmission and clarity than most of its competitors.

Key Features

• Second focal plane
• Motion sensor technology
• Night vision compatible
• Waterproof

Pros

• 1 MOA dot
• Wide field of view
• Motion sensor technology preserves battery
• Clear glass

Cons

• Discontinued
• Not a true holographic sight

Product Description

Like their best rifle scopes, Leupold’s other optics possess solid glass quality. I’ve had the LCO on my Fieldcraft training carbine for the last year, and it has endured the abuse of travel, inclement weather, and heavy use during demonstrations. You turn on the LCO by pressing the power button on the center of the illumination dial and adjust it by turning the dial in either direction. But when the sight doesn’t detect motion for more than 15 minutes, the LCO switches to sleep mode and immediately fires up when any motion is detected.

The first thing I noticed about the LCO is the glass clarity and precise dot size. To top it off, Leupold uses a DiamondCoat scratch resistant lens and blackened lens edges, which helps ensure that the LCO maintains that clarity in harsh conditions. This is another option that isn’t a true holographic sight, but its glass clarity and dot brightness put it in conversation with the Vortex UH-1 and EOTECH EXPS3 (if you can find one).

Things to Consider Before Buying a Holographic Sight

While budget plays a big role in choosing a holographic sight for your firearm, reticle design, battery life, and durability should also be at the forefront of your criteria. Whether you’re plinking, competing, or depending on your firearm for self-defense, buying cheap accessories leads to cheap results. High quality holographic sights are expensive, but it’s the interface between the firearm and shooter that you’re paying for, and it plays a major role in your accuracy and round accountability.   

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Remember, equipment is only part of the equation, and even the best rifles with the best holographic sights won’t mask poor performance. Proper training is paramount. No matter how hard you try, you cant buy proficiency, so find a reputable trainer and make sure you’re getting the most out of your optics.   

Methodology

For this review, I included options that I’ve either used on my personal firearms or had experience with during training. I evaluated these holographic sights based on durability, reticle design, battery life, night vision capabilities, and their compatibility with magnification.

The post The Best Holographic Sights of 2023 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best for Appendix Carry		C&G Holsters Mod 1/Lima	SEE IT
Best Budget		Stealth Operator	SEE IT
Best OWB		Safariland 578 Pro Fit GLS	SEE IT

When it comes to gun holsters, buyers have never had more options, and Kydex or a similar material will be among the top choices. It’s durable, lightweight, and generally cheaper than leather. I’ve been carrying a gun daily for years, and I keep coming back to Kydex. I first discovered Kydex in a shooting competition when I found it to be superior to leather, because it didn’t require a break in period.

That same construction also provides extreme durability that keeps it working long after leather would deform under the stress of competition. When I began competing in IPSC/USPSA and Steel Challenge, I would dry fire over an hour every day, and every dry fire exercise began with a draw from the holster. This is far more use and abuse than an average carry holster will see. Even still, I’ve never seen the best Kydex holsters fail in years of competition or practice.

• Best for Appendix Carry: C&G Holsters Mod1 Lima
• Best Budget: Stealth Operator
• Best OWB: Safariland 578 Pro Fit GLS
• Best IWB: Alien Gear Roswell
• Best Premium: C&G Covert

Best for Appendix Carry: C&G Holsters Mod1 Lima

C&G Holsters

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Why It Made the Cut

The C&G Mod 1 has an amazing level of detail, engineering, and more adjustability than most Kydex holsters, and it provides an easy way to carry extra ammo.

Key Features

• Darkwing stabilizer evenly distributes weight
• Detachable magazine carrier
• Works with red dots and/or suppressor sights

Pros

• Accommodates most gun mods
• Designed for the human body as much as the gun
• Several carry options
• Carries larger guns comfortably
• Excellent for those who work in vehicles

Cons

• Some options are pricey 

Product Description

I was amazed at the level of detail that goes into the design of C&G holsters. Holster makers use samples of firearms to make holsters, but C&G also anticipates that your gun is probably modified. If you put a red dot on your Glock, it will still fit. If you place an extended slide stop or larger magazine release on your carry gun, it will still fit your C&G holster just fine. Flashlights and compensators can also fit with the right holster choice.

The shape of the holster, as it conceals the barrel, tapers so the attached darkwing keeps the gun in a comfortable position and prevent uncomfortable hot spots. These two features work together so that the grip of your gun is always in the right place for concealment and deployment.

Because C&G is local to Ohio, I was able to have a brief conversation with company founder and president Chris Burns. I was mainly interested in what separates C&G from the many Kydex holsters on the market. I swore to secrecy on some of the technical details, but I’m convinced that no other holster company puts this much thought and detail into carrying a gun. He is a former LEO and started making holsters for himself to solve the issues he had with other holsters. For instance, if you want to carry a spare magazine, there are several ways to do that with C&G holsters. If you prefer appendix carry, you won’t find a more comfortable option for virtually any carry gun.

Best Budget: Stealth Operator

Stealth Operator

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Why It Made the Cut

This versatile holster makes an adequate one-size-fits-all solution for a gun owner who needs a budget priced holster. 

Key features

• IWB/OWB options
• Engineered to work with over 150 guns
• Good fit for a generic holster

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Fits a wide variety of guns
• Comfortable

Cons

• Fit will never be perfect
• Not as adjustable as other options

Product Description

I was very suspicious of a one-size-fits-all holster because holsters that claim to be so typically don’t fit any gun well. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I examined the Stealth Operator holsters with several different carry guns. Most guns of a similar size are the same basic shape, and the Stealth Operator line proves that you can find a holster that works well with your gun without spending a lot of money. These holsters are reasonably priced and do a good job of concealing your carry gun on a tight budget.

The Stealth Operator line offers several styles and sizes for both IWB (inside the waistband) and OWB (outside the waistband) and are available in black or coyote tan. The holsters are extremely durable but come with a lifetime guarantee in the event that something happens to them.

On the Stealth Operator website, an online chart lists over 150 guns and simply shows how well each gun works with each holster. I would have no trouble recommending the Stealth Operator line after a little research and test fitting to anyone who needs a more budget conscious holster. And because gun stores cannot carry every holster for every gun, the Stealth Operator might be one of few options available for a gun you just bought. These also make an acceptable choice for someone who wants one holster that fits multiple guns.

Best OWB: Safariland 578 Pro Fit GLS

Safariland

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Why It Made the Cut

If you prioritize a secure fit, the Safariland GLS retention system is the best compromise between a quick presentation and a more secure gun. It also accommodates multiple guns with a slight adjustment.

Key Features

• GLS retention system
• Fits multiple firearms
• Comes with paddle and belt mounting systems

Pros

• GLS (Grip Lock System) keeps the gun secure
• Safari Seven material helps reduce holster wear
• Affordable

Cons

• May not fit perfect for every gun
• Grip Lock System requires adjusting

Product Description

Though it’s one of the best Kydex holsters for OWB carry, the Safariland 578 GLS Pro Fit excels as a versatile carry holster. Choose the model that works for your specific gun but know that it will accommodate others too. A small screw on the bottom of the holster snugs the fit and makes sure the Grip Lock System both secures and releases the gun when you need. The GLS will not prevent someone grabbing your gun away from you because it’s not designed to do that. But it will keep the gun in the holster until the GLS lever is activated with a normal grip on the gun. 

It also includes both a paddle and belt mounting system for the best gun belts. The paddle simply slides inside the waistband to secure the holster to your body without having to go through a belt. Or you can swap to the belt mounting system with just a few screws.

The holster itself is made of a proprietary nylon blend called Safari Seven which is light, durable, and specifically designed to protect the finish of the gun. But the best part of the Safariland GLS is the GLS system itself. Your gun won’t go anywhere until the lever is released, which is intuitive and adds very little time to your draw. Simply press the lever in with your middle finger as you grip the gun and present the gun normally. Because the holster rides outside the waistband on the hip, you’ll need a slightly larger garment than IWB carry, but any coat or jacket will work just fine. The added benefit of this arrangement is that it works well with larger guns that may offer more ammo capacity.

Best IWB: Alien Gear Roswell

Aliean Gear

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Why It Made the Cut

The Alien Gear Roswell is a slim, minimalist holster designed for IWB carry with a great price that doesn’t sacrifice performance.

Key Features

• Designed for IWB strong side or appendix carry
• Available in multiple belt sizes
• Can be configured to accommodate red dots

Pros

• Below average cost
• Available for most popular carry guns
• Adjustable cant and ride height
• Optional red dot sight hood
• Made in U.S. with lifetime warranty

Cons

• Doesn’t work with third party claw/wing attachments
• Not available for as many guns as other holsters

Product Description

There’s a sweet spot in the Kydex holster market where price meets performance, and the Alien Gear Roswell IWB occupies that spot. More holsters are starting to feature stabilizer wings, and while they have different names, they function the same. They help evenly distribute the size and weight of the gun by rotating the gun and holster toward the user’s body to improve concealment and comfort. This creates a feeling of weightlessness for your carry system. You can also adjust this holster for the angle of the gun and ride height to fit comfortably.

The Alien Gear Roswell is available in left or right-hand configurations and for belts that are 1.5 or 1.75 inches wide. The belt size is an important and often overlooked option for those whose belts are more tactical than practical. And the optional red dot hood keeps the dot clean and safe during daily carry. At around $40, this holster runs below average compared to most. So, if you’re looking for an IWB holster (and to save a few bucks), the Roswell should catch your attention.

Best Premium: C&G Covert

C&G Holsters

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Why It Made the Cut

If you’re willing to spend a little more for the ultimate Kydex EDC holster, the C&G Covert becomes the obvious choice. This holster is available for over 150 guns, and each model is custom fit to its specific gun. You can even add a magazine carrier if you like.

Key Features

• Designed for most gun mods
• Custom C&G belt clips for increased strength
• Made in U.S.

Pros

• Most comfort available at a premium price point
• Accommodates most guns
• Works with red dots and/or suppressor sights

Cons

• Pricey

Product Description

If you get the best holster the first time, you only need to pay for one holster. This makes the C&G Covert a no-brainer. Because each holster is custom fit for each gun, finding the right model C&G Covert is quick and easy, and it’s available for over 150 of the best handguns. And because users in this price range are more likely to modify their guns with things like extended mag releases and slide stops, these mods will already work in your C&G Covert holster.

The best red dots and suppressor sights are also not a problem in the entire C&G line, and the Covert is no exception. The Darkwing stabilizer rotates the gun toward the body and the beveled edge of the holster body provides even more comfort, effectively eliminating hot spots. These features also make the Covert a great choice for those who spend a lot of time seated in vehicles or LEO.

I tried the Covert with a Bul Armory Axe and was extremely impressed with its ability to carry and conceal a gun of this size and weight. The Bul Armory Axe runs on the larger side of guns (Glock 17 size), and the Covert made the size and weight nearly disappear under my untucked shirt. I have issues with other holster claws not gripping the belt securely but had no issues with the claw on the Covert.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Kydex holster

You’ll need to decide where on the body you’re going to carry the holster, how you’re going to conceal it, and how much you’re willing to spend. In some cases, you’ll also need to decide if you want a perfect fit for one gun or a more generic holster that will work for a few different carry guns. Modifications like flashlights, red dot sights, and/or suppressor sights, will also determine which holster best fits your needs.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

The best Kydex holsters for you are the ones that fit your gun, your wardrobe, and your lifestyle. You may wind up with several carry guns and holsters, or you may only need one gun and holster. While there are many places to buy holsters online, trying on a holster can ensure that you get the fit right the first time.

Methodology

For this review, I visited Vance Outdoors in Obetz, Ohio to evaluate options that the average gun owner will see in a normal retail environment. I also relied on my experience with products I’ve used in the past as a USPSA grand master and shooting instructor.

The post The Best Kydex Holsters of 2023 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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This is the first in a two-part installment on the Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge.

The Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge is arguably the most difficult long-range match in the world. It is held each year on a large ranch near Glenrock, Wyoming. Competitors come from all over the globe for the opportunity to pit their skills against each other and the demanding course of fire, which consists of steel targets arrayed from 800 yards out beyond 2,000.

It’s safe to say that the skill set of the assembled collection of shooters is unrivaled—at least as far as long-range shooting at steel under practical field conditions goes. And yet, the majority of the 300 shooters who participated head home after the two-day ordeal feeling beat to a pulp by the experience.

Simply put, the competition is brutally unforgiving. If there’s any weakness in your gear, load development, marksmanship skills, trajectory calculations, wind calling, or mental focus, this match will expose and exploit it to your detriment. It’s a meat grinder, but that’s part of its appeal.

Proper Preparation Prevents Piss-Poor Performing PRCs

While you won’t win this match through preparation alone, it is certain that you will lose—and badly—if you don’t put your time in before the range goes hot that first morning.

Every high-level shooting competition requires a degree of prep, but with matches as demanding as the Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge it takes on an extra level of urgency.

The following is a rundown of what I did in the weeks and months prior to making the 450-mile drive from my home to Glenrock.

Team Effort

Even though I’d be shooting the match as an individual, during the preparation process I worked closely with a group of friends who I planned to squad with. This included Scott Seigmund, the vice president of Accuracy International of North America, some of Scott’s AI team shooters I’ve come to know over the years, and two of my buddies from Montana—Chris Gittings and Owen Koeppen who were competing in the team division. Shawn Burkholder, the owner of Hawk Hill Custom Barrels, also joined our crew.

.300 PRC Bandwagon

Scott and his boys shot .300 PRCs the year prior and had good success with that round so Chris, Owen, and I decided to shoot it as well. In previous Nightforce ELR matches Chris shot 6.5s (both the 6.5 SAUM and 6.5 PRC) and had several podium finishes.

But the consensus was that the .30-cal magnums—the .300 Norma Mag., .300 PRC and some .300 Win. Mags.—had an edge over the 6.5s at the location where the match is currently held.

The two main reasons for this are the high winds at the ranch—it is smack dab in the middle of a wind farm—and the thick sagebrush cover that dominates the landscape. The big .30-cal bullets handle the wind better than the 6.5s, while the sagebrush makes it more difficult to spot misses. The smaller 6.5s get eaten up by the foliage more readily than the harder-hitting .30s.

Cartridge Components

Not only were we all shooting the .300 PRC, but we planned to all use the same components for our handloads, which we acquired in bulk. Our bullet of choice was Hornady’s 230-grain A-Tip, which is one of the best .308-caliber match bullets on the market. It is blessed with a high BC (.823 G1, .414 G7) and like other A-Tips it is manufactured to exacting tolerances to minimize variations from one projectile to the next.

ADG Brass

For brass, we turned to Atlas Development Group, which makes excellent high-quality cases. I’ve used ADG brass many times over the years, including in my ultimate open-country rifle build, and have had nothing but excellent results.

AI AXSR Chassis Rifle and Hawk Hill Customs Barrel

Most everyone on the squad was shooting Accuracy International AXSRs, which are among the best sniper rifles currently fielded by military and law enforcement and are one of the most accurate rifles period. Scott got us lined up with barrels from Hawk Hill Customs. With a 1:9 twist, those 30-inch barrels had no problems propelling the 230s at 3000 fps.

But as you’ve no doubt heard, just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. Running cartridges full tilt is a risky proposition in a high-volume long-range match. Performance tends to get more inconsistent at the ragged edge of maximum velocities and the chances of getting a case stuck, blowing a primer, or experiencing some other calamities go way up.

Instead, we all set a target velocity of 2940 fps, which is more than respectable and would keep our bullets supersonic well past 2,000 yards in the thin Wyoming air, but which was also mild enough to diminish the chance of some mid-stage mishap.

Hodgdon H1000 Powder

I helped secure 64 pounds of the same lot of H1000 for our group. I’ll tell you what, I was feeling a little cocky about that coup. That powder, one of the mainstays for long-range magnums, has been unobtainium since the global pandemic.

All of us running the same cartridge using the same batch of bullets, the same type of brass, and the same lot of powder—at the same speed no less—was going to make our collective load development a snap and give us an edge over much of the field. As I’ll get to in a bit, it turns out my celebratory cork-popping was premature.

Gun Prep

Whether you’re getting ready for deer season or prepping for a big match, it makes sense to go over your gear with a fine-toothed comb—particularly your rifle and scope.

I had been shooting my AXSR a fair bit in the months prior to the match, leveraging its multi-caliber capabilities to test 6.5 PRC and 7 PRC ammunition. Even so, I stripped it down, gave all the fasteners and components a thorough cleaning and inspection and reassembled it.

To make sure my scope—a Nightforce ATACR 7-35×56 with the Mil-XT reticle—was dead nuts level in its Spuhr mount, I used a Short Action Customs’ Final Scope Level and Accessory Kit.

That SAC scope level has been a game changer for me. When shooting at extreme long range, even the slightest cant in the reticle will throw your trajectory off. In conjunction with the plumb line in the accessory kit, the leveling base lets you set the orientation of the reticle so that it is perfectly vertical.

Barrel Break-In

Before I got down to the serious business of load development, I needed to break in my new barrel. There are numerous schools of thought about how to break in a barrel, or whether it even makes a difference.

For most applications, particularly with hunting rifles and rifles that will be shot mostly within 1,000 yards, I’m skeptical about the benefits of an ornate break-in procedure. But there’s no doubt that a barrel will speed up after a certain number of rounds and making sure it has stabilized its velocities is critical for generating precise ballistic calculations.

In light of that, I decided to follow Scott Seigmund’s recommendation, which was to break in the barrel over the course of the first 100 rounds. Here’s his method:

1. Shoot five rounds and clean (repeat four times for 20 rounds total; cleaning procedure below)
2. Shoot 10 rounds and clean (repeat four times, bringing the round count to 60)
3. Shoot 20 rounds and clean (repeat twice, for a total of 100 rounds)

Velocity Gain

I shot factory Hornady 212-grain ELD-X ammunition during the break in. The first 30 shots were consistent, averaging 2920 fps. Then the barrel sped up. I chronographed the next three groups of 10 shots at 2935, 2938 and 2939 fps, for an average of 2937 fps. I got another bump with the next 40 shots, where the barrel sped up to 2952 fps.

I was 100 shots into the process, but didn’t feel my barrel had totally settled in. So, I shot two more 10-shot groups and recorded an average velocity of 2965 fps. At this point, the barrel had gained 45 fps.

I needed to start developing my load for the match since my time was limited, but every time I cleaned the barrel during that process I’d shoot more of the factory ammo, which was all from the same case, to see if the barrel picked up more speed.

When all was said and done, that factory ammo shot 3004 fps on average, for a total velocity gain of 84 fps.

Cleaning Procedure

When it was time to clean, I removed my Thunder Beast 338 Ultra SR suppressor and unscrewed the barrel from the chassis. That’s accomplished by loosening a 4mm set screw on the side of the chassis and then using a 1-inch wrench that fits in the flats machined in the barrel a couple inches below the muzzle.

Being able to pull the barrel so easily made cleaning a snap. I’d spray some Hoppe’s Elite down the bore and then push a couple wet patches with my .30-caliber jag and cleaning rod. After letting that soak for a few minutes, I’d switch to a rod with a copper brush and give it 10 strokes back and forth. (When using a brush, always wet the bristles with solvent first.)

After that I’d run three wet patches through the barrel. The first one would be filthier than a USMC Sergeant’s mouth while inspecting his platoon. The second is always moderately dirty. And the third should be more or less clean.

At this point you have a decision to make. The fouling from the powder has all been removed, as has most of the copper. But if you want to really get as much copper out of the bore as possible (I did), let the barrel sit for a while so the solvent can really work. Wait at least five minutes (10 to 15 minutes is even better) and run another wet patch down the bore. If the patch comes out bright blue, it means you’re still removing copper. Repeat this process until the patch only has a hint of blue. (FYI, since many jags are brass, which contains copper, you’ll get some blue on your patch no matter how little copper remains in the bore.)

Accuracy Gain

During break in, I also measured every group the factory ammo produced. I started by shooting and measuring five-shot groups (since that was the cleaning interval), but then switched to 10-shot groups, which is a better representation of the rifle’s performance. It’s also in keeping with the round counts during the match, where you might shoot up to eight rounds a stage.

I wasn’t expecting magic at this point since those groups were all shot from a cold, thoroughly cleaned barrel—but I was curious to see how those factory 212 ELD-Xs performed.

The first group through the virgin barrel was an encouraging .773 inches. But the next three groups opened up to 1.210 inches on average.

At this point, I shifted to 10-shot groups. The barrel definitely tightened up. The next 70 shots of 10-shot groups averaged 1.18 inches. Under normal circumstances, going from a 5- to 10-shot group will see a bump in group size of about 25 percent. So the fact that groups with twice as many shots had an average dispersion just as tight, is a good thing.

Then my last three 10-shot groups tightened up even more, averaging .928 inches. Between groups I’d let the barrel cool as long as it needed so that the area around the chamber was barely warm to the touch. At this point I was feeling pretty good.

Consistent Factory Ammo

One thing I noted about that factory Hornady ammo is that it shot consistently in terms of its velocities as well. The standard deviation of those first 120 shots (measured in shot strings that varied in sizes of 5, 10, and 20 rounds) was 14.8. That’s about as good as it gets with factory ammo.

Load Development

My fervent hope whenever developing a load is that it progresses smoothly and quickly toward eye-popping accuracy. I thought the cards were tipped in our collective favor with our .300 PRCs for several reasons. One, Scott and his team shot a similar load the year before with good results. Two, we were all pulling on the same oars by virtue of having identical components. Three, our aggregate experience with long-range shooting and precision handload spans many decades.

With stars in my eyes and hope in my heart I got to work at my reloading bench.

Brass Prep

All brass, no matter how expertly crafted, has a certain amount of variation from one piece to the next. You can see that in neck wall thickness, headspace (most commonly measured from the case head to the mid point on the shoulder on bottle neck centerfire cartridges), overall length, neck diameter, and so on. Necks in particular are susceptible to dings that throw them out of round, so before loading it makes sense to run them through a mandrel to make them uniform and concentric.

After taking my initial measurements on 10 pieces of brass, I ran them through a neck mandrel on my Forster Co-Ax. I then trimmed the brass to a uniform length on a Giraud Power Trimmer, which also chamfers the interior and exterior of the neck.

I was pretty happy with the results, but as my load testing went on I felt there was room for improvement. I added a step of running the new unfired brass (I had 400 pieces total) through a SAC Sizing Die with a .333-inch neck/shoulder bushing.

This uniformed my brass beautifully in terms of neck diameter and shoulder length. A neck diameter of exactly .3335 inches on every case ensured my bullets would be gripped with the same amount of tension, which is critical for peak precision. Uniform shoulder setback is beneficial for consistency too.

Here’s some extra information for those who might care. The degree of constriction on my bullets—meaning the difference between the bullet diameter (.308 inches) and the interior diameter of the neck (.3055 inches)—was .0025 inches. Generally speaking, neck constriction between .002 and .004 inches is a smart bet—so .0025 inches is right on the money. To calculate the interior diameter of the neck you take the exterior diameter—in this case .3335 inches—and subtract twice the neck wall thickness, which on the ADG brass averages .014 inches. So: .3335 inches – .028 inches = .3055 inches. 

Ladder Testing

There’s a lot of hokum around how to conduct a ladder test and what the significance of it is. The common wisdom is that you shoot small samples of different charge weights and measure their velocities to find flat spots, or “nodes,” in the results. The theory is that a flat spot indicates forgiveness in the charge weight—meaning you can be off in your powder charge by a tenth or two of a grain, and still have similar muzzle velocities.

I have some good news and some bad news here. The bad news is that this theory is a pile of hot garbage. These nodes don’t exist. When reloaders think they’ve come across a node all it really indicates is that their sample size is too small.

Most reloaders will load only a small number of rounds at a given charge weight. Sometimes, that number is as small as one, but rarely does anyone load more than five rounds at each weight. This is done to save time, money, and barrel life. 

But for gathering statistically valid data, these sample sizes are insufficient. I’ve done a lot of searching for these nodes with three- and five-shot samples. I noticed that when I repeated the tests multiple times and overlaid the data that the velocities versus charge weight behaved in a linear fashion, the nodes disappeared. 

This has been borne out by my friends at Hornady—specifically Jayden Quinlan and Miles Neville—who are two of the company’s chief ballistic nerds. They’ve conducted controlled experiments with massive data sets that show these velocity nodes are a myth.

The good news about nodes is that you don’t need to bother looking for them. Instead, use your ladder test to simply arrive at a target velocity and then start testing for accuracy.

H1000: Old vs. New

My share of the 64 pounds of H1000 we got for the match was an eight-pound container. Because I like to gather data, I wanted to compare this new lot of H1000 against some of my older, pre-pandemic H1000.

I quickly saw there was a bit of a difference in my velocities. The older H1000 was about 25 fps faster per given charge weight than the new stuff. While 76.5 grains of the older lot got me around 2940 fps, it took 77.0 grains of the new H1000 to hit the same speed.

That didn’t concern me much, but the differences in accuracy did. My first efforts with the new H1000 didn’t impress me. I shot three five-shot groups that averaged 1.516 inches, which for this rifle and application is terrible. With the older powder I shot one five-shot group that measured a tidy .590 inches with an SD of 10.3, which was much more encouraging.

Testing Other Powders

The fact that the new H1000 powder didn’t seem to agree with my rifle and loads threw a monkey wrench into my vision of having our whole team running identical loads. Turns out my squad mates were having similar struggles finding a load that would be competitive in the match.

Some had better results when they switched from Federal 210M primers to CCI 250s. Their velocities got more consistent, and accuracy improved.

I didn’t have that option, as my primer selection was limited to the 210Ms. So I started messing around with other powders. I shot N565, Retumbo, N170, and Reloder 26, as well as more of my old lot of H1000.

I got the best results with N565 (.680-inch average), RL 26 (.710-inch average), and my old H1000 (.648-inch average). That data is based on multiple five-shot groups.

Final Match Load: 77.5 Grains of H1000

Because I had the most data with the old H1000 and had the best results, that’s where I focused my efforts. I was running out of time and needed to finalize the load in order to dial in my ballistic calculations.

I had shot a lot of groups with the older H1000 with charge weights from 72.9 grains to 78.0 grains. Across that broad range of velocities—which varied from 2775 fps to 2960 fps—my groups averaged the .648 inches, as mentioned above, and my SDs were right at 10.9.

Within that range I seemed to have better results between 76.0 grains and 78.0. At 78.0 grains the load was running a little hotter (2960 fps) than I cared for. But when I knocked .5 grains off that charge, I landed right at 2940 fps and everything tightened up. I shot six five-shot groups to confirm. The averages of my groups (.540 inches) and SDs (9.3) would be competitive.

It’s worth noting that during my struggles to find a good powder and powder charge, I burned through a lot of ammunition and spent a lot of time making the hour round-trip drive to my gun range. All told, the barrel break-in and the load development required 373 rounds to complete. That’s a good chunk of my 30-inch Hawk Hill’s barrel life, which based on how I run it should deliver peak performance for 1,600 rounds. I liked where I ended up, but I’ve never worked quite so hard to develop a load.

Reloading Equipment Used

To get peak accuracy from any handload you need to have consistent and concentric ammunition. In addition to the brass prep mentioned above, I used the following gear to craft my ammunition.

I primed my brass on a Primal Rights Competition Primer Seater. For speed and accuracy, no other priming system can match it. I can prime 100 cases in eight minutes on it, with all the primers seated to a precise depth, which the user can adjust. In the case of these .300 PRC rounds, I seated the 210Ms .003 inch below flush.

I threw my charges with my bank of three RCBS Matchmaster Powder Dispensers. They are capable of dispensing charges that are accurate to plus or minus a single kernel of powder and, once calibrated, are in perfect sync with each other. With three running at once it makes loading a couple hundred precision rifle rounds much quicker.

I seated the bullets in an Area 419 Zero Turret Press with a Redding Competition Seating Die. I replaced the seating stem that comes with the die with Redding’s VLD stem, which worked perfectly with the shape of the 230-grain A-Tips.

I don’t think I’ve ever loaded such concentric rounds. Measuring bullet runout on the ogive with a Sinclair Concentricity Gauge and Mitutoyo Digital Dial Indicator I had measurements as low as a fraction of a thousandth, with some maxing out at .002 inch, which is terrific.  

Cleaning the Bullets

Before seating the 230-grain A-Tips, I cleaned them using a technique Scott Seigmund told me about. This is necessary because A-Tips come from the factory with a coating of lube on them, which should be removed before loading.

Hornady ships the A-Tips with a felt Crown Royal-type bag you can use to wipe them down, but that gets old quick when you have dozens of rounds to load. Instead, spread out a lint-free shop rag and dump your bullets on it. Sprinkle acetone on the bullets and rag. Roll the rag like a burrito and grab both ends. Rock the bullets back and forth in the rag for a minute and that will remove the lubricant without damaging the projectiles.

Truing

Truing a load means different things to different shooters. I’m using it in the common, less-technical sense, meaning it is the process by which you get a ballistic calculator’s predicted results to line up with what you see the bullet do in the real world.

Since I burned through so much of my unfired ADG brass and supply of bullets during load development, I didn’t have much cushion to work with.

The course of fire for the Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge has a maximum round count of 160 rounds and I had exactly 182 pieces of unfired brass left over. While I didn’t plan on shooting 160 rounds at the match, I didn’t want to tempt fate by rolling into Wyoming with a bare minimum of ammunition.

Shooting Groups at 100 and 600 Yards

I started by checking zero with three rounds at 100 yards, which hit dead center and measured .165 inches. I was shooting with Chris and Owen, who did the same thing. Happy with our results, we moved to the long-distance range.

We painted steel targets at 600 yards and got solutions from our Kestrels. At 2940 fps my elevation adjustment was 2.7 mils. I held for the 9 mph crosswind and shot a good group which indicated my calculated elevation correction was correct. So far, so good.

Chris’ and Owen’s loads were quite a bit slower than mine. Chris was pushing his 230s at 2830 fps while Owen was at 2885—an indication that we all had to go our own way to find what worked best in our rifles even though we were shooting the same components through barrels that were produced consecutively from the same batch of steel. They dialed their corrections and shot well at 600, too.

Stretching It to 1,000 Yards and Beyond

We had a handful of targets from 1,000 to 1,400 yards to shoot, and at 1,000 yards my data still looked good. I was running Applied Ballistics on a Kestrel 5700 Elite and Hornady’s 4DOF on my phone. In addition, I had a Sig Sauer Kilo10K-ABS rangefinding binocular with AB on board. I had to manually adjust the environmentals on the Sig 10K to accurately reflect the temperature, but once I did that all three units were basically in sync.

That said, I started to have difficulties on the 1,400-yard target. Chris and Owen were both spot on, but my shots weren’t grouping as tightly as they had been. My impacts were landing close to the target but not connecting. The only thing that took a hit was my confidence.

Had I gone through all this work only to end up with a rifle and load that dipped into mediocrity at longer distances—where the majority of the targets would be?

Desperation Time

Those thoughts were racing through my head as we packed our stuff to head home. I grabbed my rifle by the suppressor and felt it give a little, and my stomach lurched. I didn’t mention it to Chris and Owen, but told them I was going to do just a little more shooting and sent them on their way.

I don’t know when my suppressor had come loose, but it is one of the cardinal rules of long-range shooting to obsessively check your gear. In fact, Chris and I, who often partner during team shooting events, have a term for it. We call it doing a Macarena, as our hands go through a head-to-toe motion to make sure everything is in order on ourselves and our rifles before starting a stage.

After screwing the suppressor down tight, I reengaged the targets at 1,000 yards, 1,100 yards, and 1,400 yards. My shooting was tighter than a gnat’s nether regions. I was ready for Wyoming.

Running on Fumes

Expending those extra rounds was necessary but cost me some of my valuable remaining handloads. All told, I shot 53 rounds that day, and had fewer than 130 left for the match. 

As a backup, I reloaded some of my once-fired brass, but as you might know, there’s usually a difference in velocities between virgin brass and cases that have been previously fired. I think this is because virgin brass expands more than fire-formed brass in the chamber—even if it has been fully resized, which mine was. So, some of the powder charge goes to that effort, resulting in reduced muzzle velocities with virgin brass.

To compensate, I dropped the powder charge in those resized rounds by two-tenths of a grain and hoped they’d shoot as close to 2940 fps as possible. 

Final Thoughts

Despite spending a lot of time and resources preparing for the match, I was rolling into Glenrock with fewer rounds than was ideal. But there’s no shortcut when shooting something as difficult and competitive as ELR. If you leave anything to chance or otherwise half-ass it, you’re courting trouble.

It took me 373 rounds to get my rifle squared away, but in the end it was shooting groups averaging in the .5s (with a spread between .259 inches and .840 inches) and with SDs hovering right in the single digits or just above. For a .30-caliber magnum, that’s excellent performance—and good enough to win even the Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge.

As it turned out, my fellow shooters on the Accuracy International squad and I did shoot well. We also encountered some major difficulties along the way—which I will detail in the second installment of this story.

The post Prepping for the Nightforce ELR Steel Challenge, One of the World’s Toughest Long-Range Matches appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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Read Next: Benjamin Marauder Review

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The post Prime Day 2023: Benjamin Marauder is 22% Off appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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Best Hard Rifle Case		Pelican Vault	SEE IT
Best Case with Lock		Plano Rustrictor	SEE IT
Best Overall Soft Rifle Case		Ulfhednar Gun Case w/Backpack Straps	SEE IT

As with most shooting products, the best rifle case to get depends on the user’s specific needs. The size and number of rifles to be transported has an outsized influence on the decision, as does the basic issue of whether to go with a soft or hard rifle case. The degree of protection desired is another major factor. And, of course, the individual’s budget cannot be ignored.

After assessing those variables, the best rifle case for you will start to come into focus. The final selection will boil down to other features: overall weight, portability, the need for a low-profile rifle case or one that can accommodate numerous accessories, and so forth. Chances are one or more of the cases in this guide will fit the bill. Also remember that most of the cases I’ve highlighted here come in varying configurations. So, if the specific model listed isn’t quite right, check out the other options in the manufacturer’s lineup.

• Best Hard Rifle Case: Pelican Vault
• Best Single Rifle Case: Boyt 48SG Single Long Gun Case
• Best Case with Lock: Plano Rustrictor
• Best Overall Soft Rifle Case: Ulfhednar Gun Case w/Backpack Straps
• Best Soft Case for Carbines: 5.11 42-inch Single Rifle Case
• Best Hard Case for Long Rifles: Pelican Air 1755
• Best Traditional Soft Case: Boyt Harness Signature Series Scoped Rifle Case
• Best Case for ELR Rifles: Ulfhednar Guncover/Shooting Mat Combo
• Soft Case with Maximum Storage: Drago 46-inch Single Gun Case

How We Chose the Best Rifle Cases

I’ve tested all the rifle cases here in the field under varying environmental conditions. And most I’ve used for years. With respect to the hard cases, I assessed their protection against the elements by hosing them down with water and driving along dirt roads to see whether dust or moisture penetrated the interiors.

I paid close attention to the quality of the stitching and fasteners to identify weak points in the design. During the test I manipulated the fasteners numerous times to make sure they worked smoothly. Bonus points were awarded to those that operated one-handed without difficulty. Extra features, such as the ability to configure the interior of a case to the profile of a specific firearm, were weighed as well. When assessing a case, here are some key considerations:

• Environmental protection (Specifically versus dust and moisture)
• Impact protection (The ability to handle typical knocks and falls)
• Durability (Useful lifespan with regular use)
• Ergonomics (Layout and accessibility of compartments, zippers, buckles, etc.)
• Extras (Any value-added features it might have)
• Value (Bang for the buck)

Best Rifle Cases: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Hard Rifle Case: Pelican Vault

Pelican

SEE IT

Key Features

• Holds two full-sized rifles
• Injection molded polymer and resin shell
• Excellent protection against damage from impacts and environmental conditions

Pros

• Padlock holes reinforced with metal
• Gasket seals the inside against moisture and dust
• Roomy interior with ample foam to cushion against impacts
• Latches operate smoothly and are recessed for protection

Cons

• Double-gun configuration is bulky
• Rear hinge pins not secured

In the world of the best rifle cases, Pelican’s hard cases have earned a reputation for utter reliability. The one knock is that you pay for that performance. With the introduction of the Vault series, Pelican addressed that concern without compromising on protection. 

As with their flagship cases, the Pelican Vault double-rifle case seals the interior against moisture, dust, and impacts. It comes with a pressure-release valve to cope with changes in altitude, and the smooth-operating latches are among the best out there. 

Whether traveling with guns via airline or just protecting guns on the way to the range, the double-rifle Vault gets the job done at a price that won’t break the bank.

Though this gun case is bulky, I appreciate that it weighs less than the standard Pelican offerings. I’ve used Pelican cases to protect my most valuable firearms for many years, and while I was reluctant to try this offering that’s a step below their top tier I must say I’ve been impressed with how good a job it has done.

One useful way to run it is to remove the foam and use it with rifle bags that have some degree of padding.

Best Single Rifle Case: Boyt 48SG Single Long Gun Case

Boyt

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Key Features

• Excellent environmental protection
• Reasonable weight in light of rugged construction
• Offers top-notch security

Pros

• Secure and durable latches
• Good o-ring seal
• Comfortable carry handle

Cons

• Foam not customizable
• No wheels

Gear editor Scott Einsmann has put this Boyt case through the paces and has been very satisfied with the results. He says it is the best rifle case he’s hunted with. He used it to transport his Tikka T3X Lite rifle on a hunt to British Columbia that involved 7,000 miles of air travel, and hours of bouncing around in the back of a truck on the way to camp.

The fact that his rifle arrived in perfect condition with no need to adjust his zero speaks volumes about the quality of this case.

This particular model, with an advertised 48 inches of interior space, was just able to accommodate the Tikka, which has a 24-inch barrel and a 44.5-inch overall length.

So if your rifle is any longer than that, consider going with Boyt 52SG.

Einsmann was particularly impressed by the quality of the Boyt’s latch and hinge design.

“One of my favorite features of the case is the latches, which is often the weak point of gun cases,” he said. “Turning the latches 180 degrees pulls the case closed, and then they fold down flat. There’s very little chance for them to catch on anything or come undone while being thrown in the cargo hold of a 737. The hinge pins are also steel, and the hinges double as a flat surface that helps the case stand upright when you set it down.”

Best Gun Case with Lock: Plano Rustrictor

Plano

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Key Features

• Durable resin shell with integral rust inhibitor
• Customizable foam interior
• Two latches with integral locks

Pros

• Blocks corrosion on metalwork
• Lockable latches for extra security
• Pluck-and-fit foam for a custom fit
• Wheels are oversized for smooth rolling

Cons

• Somewhat bulky
• Padlock hasps not reinforced with metal

This particular gun case is the largest in Plano’s line of rifle cases. For that reason, it is equipped with wheels, which makes transporting the case and its contents much easier, especially when traversing smooth ground like at the airport. Two of the four latches on the case have integral locks, so there’s no need to add padlocks to discourage unauthorized access. 

The foam that’s attached to the top and bottom of the case is ventilated so that the rust inhibitor can permeate the interior and protect the metalwork on the firearms.  

The rust inhibitor that’s incorporated into this case really separates it from the rest of the field, making it the best rifle case for humid climates. When I lived in the Northeast I had to give each of my guns a thorough cleaning and wipe down after each use in order to prevent blooms of rust from appearing. Even on rifles that were touted as “weatherproof” rust will form on scope cap screws, action screws, the trigger face, and other metal that is covered by the stock. Having something like this Plano offers true peace of mind.

Best Overall Soft Rifle Case: Ulfhednar Gun Case w/Backpack Straps

Ulfhednar

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Key Features

• The UH030 is roomy enough to accommodate long precision rifles with large riflescopes
• Backpack straps and hip belt make hauling heavy rifles easier
• Excellent workmanship will give years of service

Pros

• Best-in-class protection
• Smart layout
• Extreme durability

Cons

• Expensive
• Somewhat ulky

Whenever I haul one of my competition rifles to the range or to a match it rides in an Ulfhednar gun case. I test and use any number of gun cases and gun bags, but for my most valuable rifles, I turn to this one again and again.

There’s a lot to like about this case, starting with the quality of its construction and design. The layout is simple. There’s a single compartment for the rifle that is well padded and protected on both sides—one side being the back of the case where the ergonomic and padded backpack straps and hip belt are located, and the other being the front of the case that has a series of pockets for accessories.

The pockets can accommodate all kinds of useful accessories. The two central pockets are where I usually stash my magazines, rifle suppressor, and bipod. The other two pockets hold tools, ammo, and other administrative items I might need. When I know I’m going to be gathering a lot of data while shooting suppressed, I’ll often put a lightweight battery operated fan in one of the pockets to blow the mirage out of my scope.  

I’ve been rocking my main Ulfhednar case for many years, and other than the typical wear and patina that comes from hard use, it is still good as new. The fabric is all still intact, the zippers still run perfectly, and the plastic fasteners are unscathed. I’ve never used a soft rifle case as durable.

Essentially it functions and protects like a hard case but is more convenient. The only downside is that it is bulky compared to some other soft cases—so if you like to store a rifle in a soft case that can then go inside a hard case, it isn’t ideal for that.

But other than that scenario, I can’t recommend this bag highly enough. It’s a bit expensive but pays for itself in the long run both for the protection it affords and with respect to its lifespan. Hands down, it is the best rifle case of this type.

It also comes in a shorter model (47 inches versus 55 inches) if you don’t need the extra length.

Best Soft Case for Carbines: 5.11 42-inch Single Rifle Case

5.11

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Key Features

• Padded interior sleeves and straps to secure the rifle
• Simple one-compartment design

Pros

• Lightweight
• Easily fits inside a hard case
• Good value

Cons

• Moderate environmental protection

I’ve carried a lot of different rifles in this case from 5.11, which is one of the newer additions to that company’s lineup. Its biggest selling point is its simplicity. The case has a double zipper that opens the main compartment.

Inside that compartment are padded sleeves at either end to hold the muzzle and stock of your rifle as well as two Velcro straps in the center of the case to secure a long gun.

The padding on the case is sufficient to handle all but the worst abuse. And if you anticipate exposing your rifle to a severe beating you can put this case right into a hard rifle case, like the Pelican Vault mentioned here.

The 42-inch model I have is quite versatile. It is one of the best rifle cases for carbines, but also works well with larger rifles that have folding stocks. If you just want a case for smaller carbines, however, 5.11 makes a 36-inch model that costs a bit less.

Like most products wearing the 5.11 brand this case has some thoughtful design features. For instance, when unzipped the bag opens flat, which makes securing and removing the rifle very convenient.

The case comes with a single carry strap to sling over your shoulder and has Molle webbing and Velcro patches on the exterior to add extra bags or accessories.

Best Hard Case for Long Rifles: Pelican Air 1755

Pelican

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Key Features

• Designed for long, bulky rifles and other equipment
• Modular interior can be configured multiple ways
• Has well-designed wheels

Pros

• 55-inch interior for long rifles
• Light weight for its size
• Excellent environment protection
• Modular

Cons

• Pricey

Precision rifles are the NBA players of bolt guns. They are often too long to fit into standard sized cases, which is why this newer case from Pelican is such a blessing. The Pelican Air 1755 is the best hard rifle case for transporting my precious competition guns.

As part of Pelican’s Air series, it is made from a special polymer that is significantly lighter than the materials Pelican traditionally uses yet is still tough and durable. It also comes with wheels so it is easy to haul through airports when traveling.

The interior comes with foam that can be cut by hand to create a custom fit for a rifle and accessories. Mine accommodates my GA Precision 6 GT along with spare magazines, a bipod, sling, laser range finding binoculars, Kestrel, and other items.  

Part of the appeal of the Air 1755 is that the lid has attachment points for Pelican’s 1500MP EZ-Click Molle Panels that allow the user to add a host of pouches and bags for a truly custom configuration. Another smart accessory that can be used with this and any other rifle case is the 1500CI Corrosion Intercept Kit. It employs copper to “neutralize” airborne particles that can cause corrosion and is safe to use in proximity to all optics and electronics.

Best Traditional Soft Rifle Case: Boyt Harness Signature Series Scoped Rifle Case

Boyt

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Key Features

• Classic design
• Durable brass zipper
• Leather accents

Pros

• Ideal for traditional scoped hunting rifles
• Lightweight
• Durable

Cons

• Heavy rain will eventually soak through the case

The Boyt Harness Signature Series soft case is as traditional as a flannel shirt in deer camp. I’ve got a bunch of these cases in my collection, and they are the best rifle cases for transporting standard scoped hunting rifles to and from the range or on when road tripping during hunting season.

The padded khaki fabric, leather accents, and brass zipper are aesthetically pleasing and practical. The level of protection this case offers is commensurate with its low profile and light weight. It will handle standard dings and scuffs easily but won’t tolerate hard abuse or torrential rains. The good news is these cases slip easily into larger hard cases if you need greater protection.

The only downsides I’ve experienced with these cases is that the leather tabs that thread through the zipper pulls can sometimes work loose, as can the leather thong loop used to hang the case on a hook. But if you keep an eye on them to make sure they’re snug you won’t have any issues.

The exterior pocket is handy for storing a box of ammo or holding your rifle’s bolt.

Best Case for ELR Rifles: Ulfhednar Guncover/Shooting Mat Combo

Ulfhednar

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Key Features

• Case converts into a large shooting mat
• Made from water resistant Cordura
• Has interior storage for cleaning rod, cartridges, DOPE card, and electronics
• Comes with padded backpack straps

Pros

• Ideal for transporting large ELR rifles
• Converts into a well-designed shooting mat
• Extremely rugged

Cons

• Expensive
• Bulky

This is an excellent product for a specific niche of rifle. If you have a true ELR gun, you know that finding cases to accommodate those behemoths is no simple task. Well, Ulfhednar has stepped up to the plate with the best rifle case for extra-long competition rigs that are meant to be shot prone. This model is 63 inches long, so it can contain a long-barreled rifle with a suppressor attached. There’s also a slightly shorter one that is 55 inches long.

The case has a tri-fold design that surrounds the rifle with ample padding when zipped shut. The rifle is held in place via a sleeve for the muzzle and Velcro straps that secure the stock. The stout zipper that encloses the case is reinforced by four straps with nylon buckles.

When deployed, the case converts into a large shooting mat that is laid out so the shooter has easy access to ammunition, DOPE cards, and other essentials. It includes a bipod mat that has pockets to hold the legs of the bipod when deployed to create a more stable shooting position. It also has a sleeve for a full-length cleaning rod.

Ulfhendar did an outstanding job designing the mat for comfort. The padding doubles as insulation to limit cold from seeping into the shooter’s body from the ground. It is also resistant to mud, snow, and water to protect the shooter and rifle from the elements. On top of that, the straps and buckles on the mat don’t dig into the shooter’s body—you don’t really feel them at all when lying on top of it.

This product isn’t cheap, nor is it minimalistic. But if you’re looking for something with this functionality, you won’t find a better product on the market.

Soft Case with Maximum Storage: Drago 46-inch Single Gun Case

Drago

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Key Features

• Numerous pockets, pouches, and storage areas
• Comes with padded backpack straps
• Available in 46- and 42-inch lengths

Pros

• Lots of storage
• Durable construction
• Good padding

Cons

• A bit bulky

This is the best rifle case for rifles that have a lot of accessories that go with them. It is also excellent for multi gun competition. The front face of the exterior has three zippered pockets, three storage pouches, and two substantial sections of Molle webbing that can haul a lot of extras. In addition, the interior of the largest pocket houses two more zippered storage areas and two padded sleeves for handguns.

I’ve used this case a lot in conjunction with one of my long-range .22 LR competition rifles. The rifle with its large precision scope fits easily and securely in the main compartment, which is well protected with padding and has sleeves on either end for the muzzle and stock to slip into.

Because the rifle runs with unique magazines and specific lots of .22 ammo, I like to keep them with the rifle, which is where those exterior pockets come in handy. Those pockets also accommodate a bipod, tools to service the rifle and scope, and other administrative items.

When you start adding all that stuff the case can get heavy in a flash. To make hauling it less of a burden, the back side of the case has padded backpack straps that clip onto D-rings.

The quality of the case’s construction is excellent. The materials and stitching have held up to years of use and show no meaningful wear and tear. If the 46-inch version is more than you need, take a look at the 42-inch model.

Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Rifle Case

The purpose of a gun case is to protect the investment you’ve made in your firearms. The type of damage you’re trying to mitigate with a case mostly revolves around transportation of the firearm from the house to either a range or to the place you’ll be hunting. An unsecured firearm is subject to scratches, dings, and exposure to the environment that can cause cosmetic damage, or worse: a malfunction or more severe damage. This is especially so with rifles with optics mounted on them.

In some instances, gun cases can also be used for long term storage in the home.

The manner in which your firearm is to be transported will dictate the type of gun case to purchase. When traveling via airline, a hard sided and lockable gun case is required. These cases are built to the toughest standards, are heavy and bulky, and tend to be the most expensive as well.

Hard cases are also the right call when transporting firearms in the back of a vehicle where they might be exposed to the elements and impacts from traveling down uneven roads. For firearms that are transported in the interior of a vehicle, gun cases don’t need to offer the same level of protection. Padded soft cases are often the best bet. There’s another type of protection that cases can offer, however, and that is protection against detection. These cases are designed to look like everyday bags and not give away their contents.

FAQs

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Advertising does not influence our gear reviews and it never will. While we always focus our coverage on standout products—because we want our readers to be aware of the latest and greatest gear—we also cover the flaws and quirks of any given product.

Final Thoughts on the Best Rifle Cases

It seems for every niche and application of rifle there’s a case to match. If you only own one rifle, finding the right case isn’t difficult. But if you collect guns—as many of us are prone to—you’re going to want cases that can be used with a variety of rifles. This goes for both soft rifle cases and hard sided ones.

Fortunately, most good rifle cases are versatile. Though if you have a specialty gun—like an extra-long and bulky precision rifle—you’re going to need a case with adequate dimensions.

No matter what you’re looking for, spending money on a quality case is the right move. Cheap cases are just that. I’ve used “bargain” soft cases, for instance, where the interior started to shred after just one use, while the cheaper hard cases won’t survive the first contact with an irate baggage handler at the airport. Neither are worth fooling with. So do yourself, and your rifle, a favor and save up for a case—like the ones listed here—with a proven track record.

• Best Hard Rifle Case: Pelican Vault
• Best Single Rifle Case: Boyt 48SG Single Long Gun Case
• Best Case with Lock: Plano Rustrictor
• Best Overall Soft Rifle Case: Ulfhednar Gun Case w/Backpack Straps
• Best Soft Case for Carbines: 5.11 42-inch Single Rifle Case
• Best Hard Case for Long Rifles: Pelican Air 1755
• Best Traditional Soft Case: Boyt Harness Signature Series Scoped Rifle Case
• Best Case for ELR Rifles: Ulfhednar Guncover/Shooting Mat Combo
• Soft Case with Maximum Storage: Drago 46-inch Single Gun Case

The post The Best Rifle Cases of 2023 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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Best Overall		Trijicon RMR Type 2	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary Distinct features that set it apart from the rest of the field.
Most Versatile		Burris Fastfire 4	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary The Swiss Army Knife of red dot sights.
Best Enclosed Emitter		Aimpoint ACRO P-2	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary A rugged and reliable red dot.

Narrowing down a list of red dot sights is like determining the best flavor of ice cream. There are a ton of options out there. Most perform really well. Some are excellent. And, rarely, you’ll find a dud among the bunch.

I spent the last few months shooting and evaluating a host of red dots for this review. To help simplify things, I focused on red dots for handguns rather than open the field to those that are purpose-built for other firearms. Even with that fence around the project, it was an enormous undertaking. I’ll cover the Trijicon MRO, Bushnell Trophy TRS-25, Sig Sauer Romeo 5, and other red dot sights for carbines down the line.

One thing that’s clear is that the best red dot sights for you comes down to three main factors. First, what is your intended use? For recreational plinking at the range, it’s difficult to go wrong with any of the sights out there. But when your needs are more specific and demanding, the field narrows. For deep concealment, micro sights are the way to go, but they are more difficult to use than sights with wider windows. If you need your sight to endure extremely harsh environments, then you might need to choose an enclosed emitter unit, which tends to be a bit bulkier and more expensive than open emitters. If competing at a high level in shooting competitions is your thing, you won’t want to cut corners on objective lens size, dot sharpness, and other features.

This dovetails into the second factor, which is your budget. You can pick up a reasonable sight for about $100 or so, including one to mount on a defensive pistol that you’re counting on to potentially save your life. But as you spend more, you’ll get better feature sets, improved quality, and more sophisticated engineering. While you can spend more than $400 on a red dot—and some of the best run in that $400 to $600 range—there are a lot of great sights to be had between $300 and $400.

Lastly, there’s the X-factor of what looks cool to you. As the saying goes, what separates humans from the rest of the animal kingdom is our ability to accessorize. And when we add something new to any of our guns, most of us want it to look good. By that yardstick, some of the best red dot sights have a greater visual impact than others—and it doesn’t always correspond to the price.

• Best Enclosed Emitter: Aimpoint ACRO P-2
• Best for Competitive Shooting: Trijicon SRO
• Lightest Weight: Sig Sauer Romeo Zero Elite
• Great Field of View: Sig Sauer Romeo1 Pro
• Best High-End Concealed Carry Sight: Trijicon RMRcc
• Best Overall: Trijicon RMR Type 2
• Most Versatile: Burris Fastfire 4
• Best Budget: Crimson Trace CTS-1500
• Best Micro: Swampfox Sentinel M
• Best Shotgun/Pistol Crossover: Holosun HE509T-RD
• Best Low Profile: Leupold DeltaPoint Micro
• Best for Fast, Close Shooting: Leupold DeltaPoint Pro 6 MOA
• Excellent All-Around Sight: Vortex Venom
• Ultra-Rugged: Steiner MPS
• Best for an AR-15 Pistol: USO DRS 2.0
• Best RMSc Enclosed Emitter: Holosun EPS Carry

Things to Consider When Buying a Red Dot Sight

Red-Dot Skills

If you haven’t shot with a red dot, you will need to sharpen your skills. Shooting with a red dot sight seems intuitive, but there’s definitely a learning curve. Plan on doing a lot of dry-fire practice if you want to become proficient.

Mounting Red Dot Sights

Then there’s the matter of the different mounting standards, called “footprints.” There are numerous footprints out there and you can usually get a plate that will connect your specific firearm to a given red dot reflex sight, but be sure to do your research before buying one.

For the best handguns, some of the most common patterns include the Docter/Noblex, Trijicon RMR, and Shield.

Battery Life

Most red dots run on either CR 2032 or CR 1632 3-volt batteries. The run times you see published will range from a few hundred hours to several years. What to make of this? The fact is that battery life will vary depending on the reticle size and brightness setting you use, along with other factors. As a rule of thumb, you should swap out the batteries on your red dots once every year, just to keep them fresh and make sure they don’t conk out on you at an inopportune moment.

Best Red Dot Sights: Reviews and Recommendations

Best Enclosed Emitter Red Dot: Aimpoint ACRO P-2

John Snow

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Key Features

• Weight: 2.1 ounces
• Objective Lens Size: 15x15mm
• Reticle: 3.5 MOA dot
• Adjustments: 10 settings, four for NV
• Battery Life: 50,000 hours        
• Battery: CR 2032

Why It Made the Cut

The Aimpoint ACRO P-2’s enclosed frame and waterproofing capabilities make this a rugged and reliable red dot.

Pros 

• Extremely rugged
• Great optical clarity
• Excellent ergonomics

Cons

• Pricey

Product Description

When I was putting together a new handgun for bear protection, I topped it with this sight. The Aimpoint ACRO P-2 checks all the boxes I needed and excels in terms of reliability and survivability.

The main virtue of an enclosed emitter is that it is protected from the environment. I spend a lot of time in grizzly country, both in the mountains and in low-lying river bottoms. Between the snow that’s typical at elevation and the mud and debris that’s part of any river system, there are a lot of ways for a red dot to get clogged with gunk. The ACRO P-2 has flat windows on either side of the unit that can easily be wiped with a shirt sleeve to clear the glass.

The ACRO also has best-in-class waterproofing: it is submersible to 35 meters (115 feet) so you can dunk it without harming it in any way. The P-2 also has much improved battery life over the original ACRO and can deliver up to five years of service on a single CR 2032.

The 3.5 MOA dot has round, crisp edges, though when the intensity level is jacked up to the max (there are 10 settings, four of which are for night vision), the dot has a fair bit of blooming. On the plus side, there isn’t any lighting situation where the ACRO’s dot will wash out. The buttons that control the dot intensity give very positive feedback, which allows them to be manipulated while wearing gloves.

The optical clarity of the unit is among the best in the field. There is very little color distortion and no optical distortion while looking through the sight. Picking up the dot and recovering it while shooting is a snap. It is very forgiving.

All this performance, however, comes at a cost. The ACRO P-2 is among the most expensive red dots out there, but it is a serious professional-grade tool that is well worth it.

Best for Competitive Shooting: Trijicon SRO

John Snow

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Key Features

• Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Objective Lens Size: 26mm
• Reticle: 1, 2.5 or 5 MOA dot
• Adjustment: 8 brightness levels, two for night vision
• Battery Life: 3 years
• Battery: CR 2032

Why It Made the Cut

The Trijicon SRO’s 26mm objective lens makes it easy to reacquire the dot during rapid shooting competitions. 

Pros 

• Generous sized objective lens
• Great ergonomics
• Tough

Cons

• Spendy

Product Description

Looking through the Trijicon SRO is like staring out of a large picture window with mountain views. It’s a thing of beauty. The generously sized objective lens measures 26 mm in diameter making it easy to find and reacquire the dot during rapid shooting. That quality is a big part of the reason why the SRO is my top choice for competition.

In addition to that is the bomb-proof construction and top-notch engineering of all Trijicon’s red dot offerings.

The SRO is offered with three sized dots depending on your needs: 1 MOA, 2.5 MOA, or 5 MOA. I opted for the 2.5 MOA model, which strikes a great balance between size and precision and handles any shooting chore well.

For a larger sight, the SRO manages to sit relatively low on the slide. That makes sighting through the window that much faster and helps the sight co-witness with irons more easily.

The SRO has a tiny bit of optical distortion, but not enough to detract from the sight’s performance. In fact, with its large objective lens, the SRO handled tracking and target transitions better than any other red-dot in the test.

The ergonomics on the unit are fabulous as well. The windage and elevation adjusters have medium-sized slots that can accommodate a regular screwdriver bit or thin coin and offer positive feedback with each click. The sight has 150 MOA of w/e travel with each click moving the sight 1 MOA. The battery tray is easy to access and doesn’t have to be removed from the pistol when putting in a new one.

It has eight brightness levels, two of which are for night vision. The sight can be set to automatically adjust brightness levels as well if you choose.

And, for those of you who want to take your guns underwater, the SRO is rated waterproof to three meters (10 feet) and has drain holes in the side of the housing.

Lightest Weight: Sig Sauer Romeo Zero Elite

John Snow

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Key Features

• Weight: .5 ounces
• Objective Lens Size: 20mm
• Reticle: 3 MOA dot
• Adjustment: Eight settings
• Battery Life: 20,000 hours
• Battery: CR 1632

Why It Made the Cut

The Romeo Zero Elite is a wisp of a red dot, tipping the scales at a dainty .5 ounce. Its compact profile makes it a good choice for smaller concealed carry handguns.

Pros

• Light weight
• Good value

Cons

• Inconvenient control button

Product Description

I’ve been running a Romero Zero Elite on a Glock 19 for a while now and it has stood up to some rough use and a lot of rounds.

It’s a basic unit with a 3 MOA dot with eight brightness levels. It’s also offered with a 2 MOA dot within a 32 MOA circle for those who want a larger reticle. A small button just behind the objective lens controls the unit. While unobtrusive, the button is a little hard to reach, especially if you have sausage fingers, and a bit of a pain to manipulate. If my fingers were dirty—from doing a lot of shooting, say—I had difficulty adjusting the brightness without getting a greasy smear on the inside of the objective lens. Not a deal killer by any means, but it is pesky.

Other than that, I had no complaints with the Romeo Zero Elite. The optical quality of the sight is pretty good. It has a metal shield you can install to give the polymer-framed unit more protection if you like. The zero is easy to adjust via the recessed windage and elevation controls that use a tiny hex key wrench.

Another thing in its favor is its affordability. It’s one of the best red dots for the money. With a CR 1632 on board, it delivers up to 20,000 hours of run time.

Great Field of View: Sig Sauer Romeo1 Pro

John Snow

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Key Features

• Weight: 1 ounce
• Objective Lens Size: 28x17mm
• Reticle: 3 or 6 MOA dot
• Adjustment: 12 settings, 2 for NV
• Battery Life: 20,000 hours
• Battery: CR 1632

Why It Made the Cut

The Sig Romeo1 Pro is a great all-around red-dot sight that can function well for either personal protection or competition/recreational shooting duties. Its generous window dimensions—28mm wide and 17mm tall—make it one of the faster red dots to shoot. It’s easy to pick up the dot on the initial gun presentation and reacquire it under recoil.

Pros 

• Very shootable 
• Good ergonomics

Cons 

• Not rated for 10mm Auto

Product Description

I’ve been using a Romeo1 Pro on my Sig P320 for a couple years, and it has served me well. The housing is made of machined aluminum and has withstood daily use and abuse with only a couple scratches to show for it. The aluminum forms a bit of a lip in front of the sight’s window, so you can bang the housing against hard surfaces without touching or damaging the glass. The molded aspheric glass lens is multi-coated to reduce distortion. The optical clarity of it is very good, though the image does have a slight blue tinge, which is common with many reflex sights.

On the unit’s left hand side are two buttons to pick among the Romeo1 Pro’s 12 brightness settings, two of which are for night vision. The sealed electronics on it are rated to IPX7 waterproofness, which means it can be submerged to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

The battery compartment is located right behind the object lens and can be opened with a slot-head bit or coin. This allows the shooter to change batteries without messing with the pistol’s zero. It uses a CR 1632 and has a published run time of 20,000 hours. To conserve battery life, the unit will power down after a period of time and turn back on when moved.

The sight has a whopping 100 MOA of windage and elevation travel. If you find yourself needing all that, you might want to double check and see that your pistol’s barrel isn’t bent. The sight uses two small slot-head adjusters that move the dot 1 MOA with each click.

The Romeo1 Pro is also available with a 6 MOA dot. It’s worth noting that this particular unit isn’t rated for 10mm Auto use. For that you’ll want to upgrade to Sig’s Romeo2 1x30mm enclosed emitter.

Best High-End Concealed Carry Sight: Trijicon RMRcc

John Snow

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Key Features

• Weight: 1 ounce
• Objective Lens Size: 13mm
• Reticle: 3.25 or 6 MOA dot
• Adjustment: 8 brightness levels, 2 for NV
• Battery Life: 4 years
• Battery: CR 2032

Why It Made the Cut

The Trijicon RMRcc is a beautifully engineered micro red dot with best-in-class ruggedness, and a smart suite of electronic functionality. It’s an expensive, professional-grade sight designed to take you to hell and back, should the need arise.

Pros 

• Extremely rugged
• Smart electronic features

Cons

• Small window
• Expensive

Product Description

The Trijicon RMRcc comes with dots that subtend either 3.25 or 6.5 MOA. For a dedicated defensive pistol, the 6.5 MOA dot would be hard to beat, though a 3.25 MOA dot makes the sight a bit more versatile for precision work.

It has eight brightness modes that can be cycled through with the generously sized buttons on either side of the aluminum housing. The top level of brightness has a retina-burning intensity that allows the sight to function well in the brightest possible conditions. The bottom two are meant for night vision gear.

The electronics allow the user to either lock in a particular brightness level, which is useful for competition and certain hunting scenarios, or it can operate in an automatic mode where the reticle brightness rises and dims in relation to the available ambient light.

The unit is sealed against the environment and is submersible to 20 meters (66 feet), which is one of the reasons that many armed professionals gravitate toward it and its bigger brother, the RMR Type 2. It comes with drain holes on the side of the housing so that water drains away.

The window is a little cramped, which makes the sight a little harder to acquire (and reacquire) while shooting. That means it might not be the best pick for someone with beginner-level skills who isn’t as committed to mastering the platform.

Changing the battery requires the user to remove the sight from the pistol, so checking and possibly readjusting the sight’s zero will be necessary.

The adjustments on the Trijicon RMRcc are more coarse than many other units, with each tick mark moving the point of impact 3 MOA. At 25 feet, that amounts to about ¼ inch shift per click. The slots in the windage and elevation adjusters can accommodate standard size slot-head bits easily or even the back edge of a knife, so no special tools are needed.

This sight uses the Trijicon RMRcc mounting standard.

Best Overall: Trijicon RMR Type 2

Trijicon

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Key Features

• Weight: 1.2 ounces
• Objective Lens Size: .83 x .63 inches
• Reticle: 1, 3.25, or 6 MOA dot
• Adjustment: Eight settings, two for NV
• Battery Life: 4 years
• Battery: CR 2032

Why It Made the Cut

The Trijicon RMR Type 2’s distinctive features set it apart from the rest of the field and justify its lofty price tag.

Pros

• Built for hard use
• Good ergonomics
• Great engineering

Cons

• Expensive

Product Description

After spending months testing this whole field of red-dots, I had to pick one as the winner. It’s a Sophie’s Choice scenario for sure—but rules are rules, and the Trijicon RMR Type 2 got the nod as the overall best red dot sight.

For starters it’s difficult to find anything to criticize about this sight, other than perhaps its price. But you get what you pay for, and when you slap your money down for one of these, you’re getting a hell of a unit.

The RMR sights have a couple of distinctive features compared to the rest of the field. One is the drain holes on either side of the housing that keep water and other debris from collecting around the emitter. The other is the curious shape of the housing, with its concave top. Both these elements hint toward the end users that Trijicon had in mind when developing the sights: serious professionals who rely on them for their lives.

The utility of the drain ports is obvious. Whether Marines are on patrol in a swamp or a Special Operations unit is using scuba gear, they want their sights to be clear and good to go at all times. The shape of the housing mitigates hard impacts and protects the glass from damage. The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is rated waterproof to 20 meters (66 feet).

There are a couple dozen different variants of the Type 2 to pick from with various mounting systems and dot sizes. It can be had with 1, 3.25, or 6.5 MOA dots. Mine, a 3.25 MOA dot, is bright and crisp. The unit has minimal optical distortion (though the glass does have a noticeable blue tinge), eight brightness settings to pick from (including two for night vision), and a four-year run time from a CR 2032 battery. If desired, the sight can be set to an automatic mode that adjusts reticle brightness based on ambient light.

If you’re looking for a pistol or small arms sight that can do it all—personal protection, concealed carry, target shooting, hunting—the RMR Type 2 is it.

Most Versatile: Burris Fastfire 4

Burris Optics

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Key Features

• Weight: 1.7 ounces
• Objective Lens Size: 27x18mm
• Reticle: Four user-selectable options
• Adjustment: 3 brightness levels
• Battery Life: 26,000 hours
• Battery: CR 1632

Why It Made the Cut

The Burris Fasfire 4 is the Swiss Army knife of red-dot sights. 

Pros 

• Multiple reticles
• Versatile design

Cons

• Some optical distortion

Product Description

With the push of a button on the right side of the unit’s housing, you can cycle through four reticles. The reticles include a 3 MOA dot, an 11 MOA dot, an 11 MOA dot surrounded by a 50 MOA circle, and a 3 MOA dot surrounded by a 50 MOA circle with the addition of two “wings” that effectively form a horizontal crosshair.

Each of these reticles has useful applications. The 3 MOA dot is good for precise shot placement and general handgun use. The 11 MOA dot is good for bright lighting conditions and would work well for turkey hunters and slug-gun hunters. The 11 MOA with a circle is good for personal defense and CQB scenarios, and the 3 MOA circle with wings can handle close and mid-range shooting. It can also be a good option for wingshooting as well. The intensity of these reticles is controlled by a button on the left side of the unit, which has three levels of brightness.

As the late-night TV pitchmen say, but wait, there’s more! The Fastfire 4 is also the only sight in this roundup that converts from an open to closed emitter design. It comes with an environmental shield that screws on to the back of the unit and encloses the emitter. While this won’t make the Fastfire waterproof against submersion, it will prevent rain, snow and dirt from clogging the LED.

The Fastfire 4 comes with a cross-slot base so you can easily screw it on to a Weaver or Picatinny pattern mounting surface. With the weather shield installed the weight of the unit is right at 2 ounces. With the base removed the Fastfire has a Docter/Noblex footprint, so with an adapter you can mount it to a handgun and it won’t be too bulky.

The wide objective lens makes reticle acquisition easy, but the glass does have noticeable optical distortion.

Best Budget: Crimson Trace CTS-1500  

Crimson Trace

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Key Features

• Weight: .65 ounces
• Objective Lens Size: 21x15mm
• Reticle: 3 MOA dot
• Adjustment: Automatic
• Battery Life: 20,000 hours
• Battery: CR 2032

Why It Made the Cut

Not only is the Crimson Trace CTS-1500 budget friendly, but it could also win an award as the most idiot-proof ultra-compact red dot sight on the market.

Pros

• Simple design
• Affordable 
• Light weight

Cons

• No frills

Product Description

The 3 MOA dot on the CTS-1500 is a perfect size for general defensive pistol use, and thanks to the unit’s polymer frame it tips the scales at a scant .65 ounces even with the CR 2032 battery on board.

The CTS-1550 doesn’t come with much in the way of bells and whistles, but it does serve its primary function well. The dot auto adjusts to lighting conditions for hassle free use and the battery has a published run time of 20,000 hours. I’ve had one mounted on my Kimber Mako R7 for nearly a year and it’s still going strong.

One nice element of the CTS-1550 is the notch cut into the rear of the housing, which allows the shooter to more easily co-witness with their iron sights. This can help with dry-fire training while getting used to working with a handgun-mounted red dot and also serves as a useful backup should the sight fail for some reason.

It has a J-Point / RMSC footprint, allowing it to attach to any compatible pistol. Since this is a micro compact, the dot can be a bit trickier to pick up in the objective lens, but that’s the tradeoff for its high degree of concealability.

The lack of a gasket between the unit and mounting surface means you need to be careful when using it in wet conditions as moisture can seep into the battery compartment. It’s an easy thing to check, however, by removing the two fasteners that secure the sight to the pistol. You’ll just need to check zero after remounting the sight. Fortunately, adjusting the point of impact is a simple and painless process.

Best Micro: Swampfox Sentinel M

Swampfox Optics

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Key Features

• Weight: .82 ounces
• Size 16x16mm window
• Reticle 3 MOA dot, manual adjustment 10 levels
• Adjustment: Manual
• Battery Life: 12,000 hours. active, 50,000 hours stand-by
• Battery: CR 2032

Why It Made the Cut

Competition among micro-sized red dots is stiff as there are a lot of good options to choose from. In this crowded field, the Swampfox Sentinel M strikes an attractive balance between features, optical quality, and price.

Pros

• Sleek, minimalistic profile

Cons

• Some optical distortion

Product Description

Like other micros, the Sentinel M has a minimalistic profile that will fit well on smaller pistols with narrow slides. Among those are the Glock 43X and Glock 48 MOS, Sig P365XL, Springfield Hellcat OSP, Canik Elite SC, S&W Shield 2.0 Optics Ready, Walther PPS M2 Optics Ready—basically any pistol with an RMSc footprint can accommodate one.

Shooters will argue about the merits of exposed controls on red dots for concealed guns, but I like the easy-to-use buttons on either side of the Sentinel’s aluminum housing, which cycle through 10 different brightness settings. It also has well-marked windage and elevation dials that adjust with the tool that ships with the unit or a small slot-head driver.

It runs on a CR 2032 battery and has a published run time of 12,000 to 50,000 hours. The Sentinel M comes with smart electronics. It will go into battery saving mode after four minutes of inactivity but reilluminates when the unit detects movement. If you turn the unit off, which you do by holding down the “-” for three seconds, the Sentinel returns to your previous brightness setting when powered back on.

Like other micros, the Sentinel M has an exposed battery compartment on the underside of the housing. To help seal it from the elements, it ships with a thin rubber gasket that you place between the base of the sight and the slide. That provides it with an IPX7 waterproof rating (one meter for 30 minutes).

It’s thoughtful touches like these that make the Sentinel M an appealing choice and one of the best red dot sights of its type.

The unit’s optical quality is good—not great—but certainly up to the standards of other micros. And the quality of the dot is clean and sharp enough for the defensive pistol work that it is designed for.

Not that aesthetics are the most important consideration for a micro red dot, but they are a consideration. The finish on the metal, the sharp lettering on the logos, and the attractive shape of the housing are nice elements too.

Best Shotgun/Pistol Crossover: Holosun HE509T-RD

Holosun

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Key Features

• Weight: 2.25 ounces
• Objective Lens Size: 16x23mm
• Reticle: 2 MOA dot or 2 MOA dot in 32 MOA circle
• Adjustment: Automatic or manual with 12 levels to choose from.
• Battery Life: 12,000 or 50,000 hours
• Battery: CR 1632

Why It Made the Cut

The dual reticle options on the HE509T-RD make it a viable option for both pistols and shotguns and even rifles, for that matter.

Pros

• Dual reticle options 
• Enclosed emitter
• Solar backup power

Cons 

• Some image distortion 
• Heavy

Product Description

Holosun has a devoted following among many top-level competitors who run red dots on their guns. The company makes no-nonsense task-driven sights that are rugged and incorporate useful technology at reasonable prices. Many other brands of red dots are manufactured by Holosun, in fact, which is a testament to their quality.

The Holosun HE509-T is an enclosed emitter in a titanium housing. The titanium has a few benefits, including reduced weight, improved strength when compared to aluminum, and resistance to saltwater corrosion.

It has two user-selectable reticle options, a 2 MOA dot or a 2 MOA dot surrounded by a 32 MOA circle with four “positioning points” located at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-o’clock. Depressing the “-” button for three seconds toggles between the two. When running the circle/dot reticle, the HE509-T will last for 12,000 hours, while running the dot alone bumps that to 50,000 hours.

These reticles make the HE509T useful for both pistol and shotgun applications, and rifles too, for that matter. It’s a fine red dot for shotguns, especially with the reticle on the circle/dot setting.

The sight can be operated in two modes: automatic and manual. On automatic, the sight adjusts the intensity of the reticle based on ambient lighting conditions, while in manual the shooter sets the reticle brightness. In manual mode, the sight has 12 levels to choose from, two of which are for night vision.

About the only issue with the sight is its optical quality, which has a bit of distortion at the edges.

The sight uses a CR 1632 battery that is in a tray that slides into the right side of the unit and is secured by a single slot-head fastener. This allows the battery to be changed without removing it from the firearm. When the battery runs low the reticle slowly blinks to let you know, which is a nice feature.

Despite its titanium housing, the emitter weighs 2.25 ounces, making it one of the heavier in the roundup. The HE509T comes in two versions, with either a red or green reticle. The green bumps the price by about $35. It has its own mounting dimensions but comes with a RMR pattern plate and an adapter for the Glock MOS system.

Read Next: Best Red Dots for Turkey Hunting

Best Low Profile: Leupold DeltaPoint Micro

Leupold

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Key Features

• Weight: 1 ounce
• Objective Lens Size: 9mm
• Reticle: 3 MOA dot
• Adjustment: Eight settings
• Battery Life: 30,000 hours
• Battery: CR 1632

Why It Made the Cut

The DeltaPoint’s low profile makes it an excellent option when deep concealment is desired.

Pros 

• Low profile
• Enclosed emitter

Cons 

• Limited to Glocks and Smith & Wesson M&P pistols

Product Description

When the DeltaPoint Micro appeared, it challenged the conventional wisdom concerning micro red dot sights. It mounts on the rear sight dovetail the pistol and most of the electronics hang off the back of the slide. The sight itself is a small tube—only 9mm in diameter—that acts like a ghost ring with respect to the pistol’s front sight.

It’s an ingenious design, but one that shooters were a bit leery of because of the small sight aperture. Would it be difficult to pick up the dot on presenting the pistol and after recoil?

Those are valid questions. The answer is that the system works very well. Because the DeltaPoint Micro employs the geometry of the pistol’s iron sights, it is very easy for the shooter’s eye to align with the optic. As a bonus, should the sight go down, the tube can be used as a ghost ring with the front sight.

Among current red dots there isn’t another out there that has such a low profile, making the DeltaPoint Micro ideal for carry where deep concealment is desired and one of the best red dot sights for this purpose.

The system isn’t without its limitations however. The biggest is that it’s currently only available for two types of pistols: the Smith & Wesson M&P and the Glock. Of course, those two account for a huge chunk of the worldwide handgun market, so there’s no lack of potential customers. But if you rock a different model, the Micro isn’t an option for you at the moment.

The other issue is that installation is a bit more involved than with many other red dots, as you have to remove the rear sight to gain access to the dovetail. That’s not a huge deal, but it isn’t as simple as just screwing it onto a mounting plate.

One thing I like about the Micro is that it is an enclosed emitter, so you don’t have to worry about dust and lint getting into the works and gumming it up.

The sight has a 3 MOA dot. I don’t know if it is a function of the sight’s design, but this dot isn’t as sharp and round as other DeltaPoint offerings, but it isn’t so much of an issue that it affects how the sight performs.

The elevation adjustments on it are generous. The DeltaPoint Micro has 100 MOA of elevation and 180 MOA of windage on tap. The point of impact adjusts via two small Allen key fasteners that are recessed into the housing. It has eight brightness settings that the user toggles through with the large button on the battery housing.

Best for Fast, Close Shooting: Leupold DeltaPoint Pro 6 MOA

Leupold

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Key Features

• Weight: 2 ounces
• Objective Lens Size: 20mm
• Reticle: 6 MOA dot
• Adjustment: 8 settings
• Battery Life: 1,600 hours
• Battery: CR 2032

Why It Made the Cut

When it comes to getting lead on steel and paper quickly, no sight performed better in the test than the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro 6 MOA. Its large, bright dot and exceptional optical clarity make it a no-brainer for this kind of shooting.

Pros

• Excellent optical quality
• Large, bright aiming point
• Convenient battery compartment

Cons

• Expensive
• Sits high on the pistol

Product Description

Like all Leupold DeltaPoint’s, this model is wonderfully engineered. The toolless battery compartment/adjustment button is convenient and clever. Pushing on the button allows the shooter to cycle through eight different brightness settings.

The coin-slot windage and elevation adjustments have 60 MOA of travel. They adjust in 1 MOA clicks and give excellent tactile feedback when turned.

The battery life figures that Leupold gives are much lower (and more realistic, to be honest) than you’ll see with other sights, but it’s worth keeping the dot brightness to a lower setting or making a point to turn off the sight when not in use to get more from the battery.

To harden the sight, Leupold encloses it in a metal shield that wraps over the optic. This bumps the weight to 2 ounces, making it one of the heavier open-emitter sights in the test.

Excellent All-Around Sight: Vortex Venom

Vortex Optics

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Key Features

• Weight: 1.1 ounces
• Objective Lens Size: 20 mm
• Reticle: 3 or 6 MOA dot
• Adjustment: 10 settings
• Battery Life: 30,000 hours
• Battery: CR 1632

Why It Made the Cut

The Vortex Venom is one of the most popular red dot reflex sights currently offered—and for good reason. It’s a solid, all-around red dot that works well on handguns, shotguns, AR-15s, and other rifles.

Pros

• Jack of all trades

Cons

• Humdrum styling

Product Description

The Vortex Venom doesn’t bring any fancy technology to the party, but what it does have is a generous window, a crisp 3 or 6 MOA dot that can be adjusted to any of 10 brightness levels, controls that are easy to manipulate and a solid housing made of aluminum that can take a beating.

You can also switch the sight to “auto” mode where it adjusts the reticle brightness according to the ambient light.

The slot-head windage and elevation adjusters are easy to dial in. The sight has 130 MOA of elevation travel on tap and 100 MOA of windage elevation, with each click of the adjusters moving the POI by 1 MOA.

One feature that has attracted a lot of shooters to Vortex’s products is their generous no-questions-asked warranty program. Basically, if you manage to break it, Vortex will replace it. Critics say that’s borne of necessity because the company doesn’t make optics as durable as others. Be that as it may, however, the fact that Vortex does stand behind their offerings and they’ve earned a lot of loyal customers because of it.

Ultra-Rugged: Steiner MPS

Steiner-Optics

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Key Features

• Weight: 2 ounces
• Objective Lens Size: 20x16mm
• Reticle: 3.3 MOA dot
• Adjustment: 8 levels (2 NV)
• Battery Life: 13,000 hours
• Battery: CR 1632

Why It Made the Cut

The Steiner MPS is a rugged enclosed emitter that also has exceptional aesthetics.

Pros 

• Rugged 
• User friendly

Cons 

• Can be tricky to mount on different platforms.

Product Description

The Steiner MPS is arguably the sexiest pistol reflex sight out there. It has head-turning futuristic lines that visually set it apart from this crowded field of the best red dot sights. For that reason, any gun owner who values the aesthetic impact of their gun will want to consider the MPS.

But this sight is more than a pretty face. It’s a rugged and capable enclosed emitter with user-friendly ergonomics and a distortion-free sight picture. And, while not cheap, it runs about $100 less than the Acro P-2, so it has that going for it as well.

The 3.3 MOA dot is round and crisp—one of the sharpest in the test. The MPS has eight brightness settings on tap (two for night vision), that are actuated by the “+” and “-” buttons on the unit’s left side.

The MPS’s battery compartment sits on top of the metal housing and takes a CR 1632 battery that provides enough juice for 13,000 hours of run time. To conserve battery life, the MPS automatically shuts down after 13 hours.

To enhance the MPS’s survivability, Steiner added two beefed-up panels on either side of the sight and recessed the objective lens in the housing. With this added degree of protection, the sight only weighs 2 ounces.

The slot-head POI adjusters give excellent feedback with each click. The unit has 90 MOA of travel in both windage and elevation with each click moving the dot 1 MOA.

The MPS fits an ACRO footprint and comes with a Docter adapter plate. Plates for other mounting patterns are available as well.

Best for an AR-15 Pistol: USO DRS 2.0

USO Optics

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 Key Features

• Weight: 1.9 ounces
• Objective Lens Size: 24x16mm
• Reticle: 6 MOA dot
• Adjustment: 10 brightness settings
• Battery Life: 2 to 3 years
• Battery: CR 2032

Why It Made the Cut

The USO DRS 2.0 is the easy-button for equipping your AR pistol—or any firearm with a Picatinny rail—with a red dot. It comes with a nicely constructed base that has a cross pin that will secure the sight into a Pic rail’s slots.

Pros 

• Simple to use
• Good optical clarity

Cons 

• Need to re-zero after changing the battery.

Product Description

Once mounted, adjusting zero on the DRS 2.0 is simple. It has two well-marked adjustment dials for windage and elevation that offer 1 MOA of reticle movement per click. Click is a relative term, though, because the recessed slot-head dials operate with friction and not with any type of audible or tactile feedback.

The 6 MOA dot is easy to pick up and see in the sight’s objective lens and can be adjusted to any of 10 brightness settings. The dot intensity is controlled with two easy to manipulate buttons on the unit’s left-hand side. The DRS 2.0’s optical clarity really impressed me. It exhibits minimal distortion.

The housing is made of aluminum and to trim a bit of weight it is skeletonize on the sides. Even with the Pic rail mount adapter, the sight only weighs 1.9 ounces. You can ditch the Pic rail mount if you want and get adapters that will let it mount on Glocks, S&W M&Ps, HK VP9, and others. Its base footprint is the Vortex Viper pattern.

The DRS 2.0 runs on a CR 2032 and has a 2-3-year run time depending on how it is used and the dot intensity setting. To conserve battery life, the unit shuts off after 12 hours of inactivity.

Best RMSc Enclosed Emitter: Holosun EPS Carry

Scott Einsmann

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Key Features

• Weight: 1 ounce
• RMS Shield Footprint
• Battery: CR1620
• Max Battery Life: 5,000 hours
• Length: 1.62 inches
• Width: .95 inches
• Height: 1.07 inches
• Window Size: .58 x .77 inches
• Eight brightness settings and four night vision settings
• Dot Size: 2 moa, 6 moa, 2 moa dot with 32 moa ring 
• Red or green reticles available 

Pros

• Bright, crisp dot
• Easy to change battery
• Good option for concealed carry or turkey gun

Cons

• Can bloom if setting is too bright

The Holosun EPS Carry mounts on guns with RMSc, Holosun K, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, and Sig Sauer RomeoZero optic cuts or mounting plates. It comes with screws of various lengths (use the longest that will work) each with Blue Loctite already on them. Holosun recommends torquing the screws to 15 inch-pounds. 

The battery door is located on the right side of the optic and is accessible without removing the red dot. Holosun says the battery life is 5,000 hours, which is about 200 days. It’s not the five-year battery life of the Holosun 507 K, but changing a battery once every six months is still pretty damn good. 

The 6 moa dot on my EPS Carry is crisp and round. This is exactly how a dot should look, but many red dot sights come up short in this feature. The EPS Carry’s glass has a slight blue hue, which is common on red dots. 

I slammed the front of the EPS Carry into my tailgate ten times to rack the slide on my empty XMacro. Then I dropped the unloaded gun from chest height so that it landed, red dot down, onto a gravel road. I picked up the handgun, loaded it, and confirmed my zero at 25 yards. The only evidence of this round of battery was some slight character marks on the housing. It held zero and functioned great throughout the rest of my range session. After a few hundred rounds, I repeated the test, and once again it was unfazed. 

This isn’t a torture test meant to see if I could break the EPS Carry or to see if it’s worthy of use in the apocalypse. It’s a test that gives me confidence that if the optic takes a hard hit, it will keep its zero and continue working. -Scott Einsmann

Read the full Holosun EPS Carry review to learn more about the optic and see how it held up against the Trijicon RMR in a down pour.

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Red Dot Sights

The best red dot sights bring a lot of benefits. They increase accuracy at all ranges but they’re especially effective beyond 10 yards. Red dots make shooting on the move easier and they’re also helpful for shooters with aging eyes who have trouble keeping the front sight in focus. But to be effective with any red dot sight, you need to practice with it.

The post The Best Red Dot Sights in 2023 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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Concealed carry for self defense is one of the most personal shooting topics out there. This is simply because we’re all different and have different needs. Each person’s EDC setup and method of carry will differ based on their chosen firearm, daily routine, self defense needs, and individual taste. Some folks, even ones not living in a Mickey Spillane novel, might find ankle carry optimal. Although they aren’t as quickly accessible as a waistband holster, and we all think of them as something that a washed-up detective uses to stash a stinger for backup, some folks will find the best ankle holsters to be good options for carrying their self defense handgun.

• Best Overall: Sticky Holsters Ankle Biter Wrap
• Galco Ankle Lite Holster
• BugBite Ankle Holster
• CrossBreed Ankle Holster
• Uncle Mike’s Off-Duty Nylon Ankle Holster

How We Chose the Best Ankle Holsters

Like other holsters, there are a variety of styles and designs, and the best ankle holsters will differ from person to person. Some people might prefer a holster that fits only around the ankle and some might be more comfortable with an over-the-calf design. I selected holsters that are effective and dependable, but included enough variety to help you make an informed decision. It’s a very niche type of holster, and ultimately, you’ll have to try one out to decide if you’ll like it or not.

Best Ankle Holsters: Reviews & Recommendations

Here are our pics for some of the best ankle holsters in different styles that you can get. If one of these doesn’t work for you, it’s a solid bet that you’ll like something similar to one of them.

Best Overall: Sticky Holsters Ankle Biter Wrap

Sticky Holsters

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Key Features

• Grippy fabric construction
• Multi-position holster
• Friction retention
• Price: $38 for ankle wrap, $28 for holster

Pros

• Affordable
• Versatile
• Comfortable

Cons

• Less secure retention than Kydex
• Requires more careful holstering and use

The Sticky Holsters Ankle Wrap isn’t a holster itself, but is designed to be used in conjunction with any of their fabric holsters. Sold separately, the holster itself is made of fabric with a tacky outer layer that grips clothing to prevent movement. They come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different handguns, and can be used in the pocket, waistband, or worn on the ankle with the ankle wrap. They’re light, secure, versatile, and affordable. 

To wear on the ankle, the user holsters their handgun, and uses the wrap to secure it on the ankle in whatever configuration is desirable. It allows you to position the pistol or revolver precisely so that it’s comfortable and doesn’t print an outline on the pants leg. The holster doesn’t have any retention straps, but when installed properly, it provides a secure fit and doesn’t slide or shift in the ankle strap. It’s one of the most simple and versatile holster options for ankle carry that you can get.

Galco Ankle Lite Holster

Galco

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Key Features

• Neoprene ankle band with sheepskin padding
• Hook and loop fastener
• Thumb-break retention strap
• Price: $67

Pros

• Simple design
• Thumb-break strap for secure retention
• Neoprene is soft and close-fitting

Cons

• Neoprene can be clammy to wear

Galco makes some of the best concealed carry holsters, and they offer a variety of ankle holsters too. Their Ankle Lite holster is a light, simple, and effective option that features a stretchy neoprene strap which provides a tight fit. The back of the holster is padded with sheepskin to prevent abrasion, and the strap is secured with a generously-sized hook-and-loop lap. The Ankle Lite has a reinforced thumb-break retention strap that will hold the pistol securely while allowing quick access. Like other ankle holsters, you’ll need to order one to fit your specific firearm, but It’s one of the best tight-fitting easy-on, easy-off ankle holsters.

BugBite Ankle holster

Bugbite Holsters

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Key Features

• Slip-on, over-calf design
• Stretchy pouches for pistol and extra magazine
• Breathable material
• Tightening strap on top
• Price: $40

Pros

• Holster pouch holds pistol tight to calf
• More stable than some holsters that sit below calf
• Extra magazine pouch
• Breathable material

Cons

• Must order according to calf size
• Must slip-over foot to install

Some concealed carriers will prefer holsters that are secured on the calf. This can provide a more stable platform for holding your pistol against your leg if you’re active and moving. The BugBite ankle holster is a slip-over design that fits your calf snugly, and is further secured by a strap at the top. It’s made of flexible, breathable material and features a holster pouch and pouch for an additional magazine. There’s no retention strap, but the holster pouch is designed so that the rear of the slide is secured and it can’t fall out. When ordering, you have to measure your calf and pick the appropriate size. This holster is a great option for carrying pocket pistols or revolvers like the Ruger LCP MAX. 

CrossBreed Ankle Holster

Crossbreed Holsters

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Key Features

• Nylon holster pouch with over-the-top retention strap
• Additional neoprene above-calf strap
• Adjustable carry height
• Hook-and-loop straps
• Price: $38

Pros

• Adjustable height
• Above- and below-calf straps
• Secure Retention strap

Cons

• Retention strap is over-the-top, not thumb-break

The Crossbreed ankle holster is a somewhat adjustable and secure-fitting ankle holster that’s held up by both above-calf and below-calf straps. The vertical strap that connects the holster to the above-calf neoprene strap is adjustable for height, so that you can fine tune your carry position. An above-calf strap will help prevent your holster from sliding down too low, and keep it hidden in the slack of your pant leg. The holster itself is nylon, and the pistol is secured with a single retention strap that folds over the top of the gun and attaches via hook and loop to the holster. To remove the gun, you’ll have to pull up on the strap before drawing. This isn’t as streamlined as a thumb-break strap, but if you’re already having to bend down and hike up your pant leg, it’s not a big deal. 

Uncle Mike’s Off-Duty Nylon Ankle Holster

Uncle Mike’s

SEE IT

Key Features

• Above- and below-calf straps
• Nylon holster
• Over-the-top retention strap
• Hook-and-loop connections
• Price: $35

Pros

• Calf strap is removable
• Secure two-point holster connection
• Pistol retention strap

Cons

• Retention strap could benefit from a pull tab

Everyone likes to make fun of Uncle Mikes, but if you’re looking to try ankle carry out, this is one of the best ankle holsters to start with. It features an over-the-calf elastic strap to help support the holster and keep it from sliding down your ankle, but the holster itself has a wide-band hook-and-loop strap. The over-the-calf strap is removable in case you don’t want to use it. This ankle holster is available for a variety of guns and has a somewhat generic nylon holster pattern. It features an over-the-top hook-and-loop retention strap that holds your pistol or revolver tightly in place. The holster body is essentially covered with “loop” fabric on the outside surface which allows you to position the retention strap as you see fit, but the strap could really use a pull tab or something for quicker access.

Picking the Best Ankle Holsters for You

Ankle holsters are a niche item when it comes to concealed carry. For those people who need a backup pistol or can’t otherwise carry concealed, an ankle holster can be a great option. For others, an ankle holster won’t be the first, second, or third choice for concealed carry. If you want to pick the best ankle holster for you, you need to answer several questions:

• Is my gun practical to carry on the ankle?
• Will my clothing accommodate and hide an ankle holster?
• What is my activity level and how securely does my holster need to be held?
• How well does a holster fit my leg shape and size?

Considering these things will really help you narrow the field and figure out what will and won’t work for you. Ultimately, you’ll have to try a holster out to see if it’s a good fit. It’s helpful if you can try out more than one.

FAQs

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Final Thoughts

Ankle holsters aren’t the most popular method of carry, and most people will find that there are more efficient ways to wear a gun. However, the ankle holster is not purely detective dime-novel fodder. If ankle carry suits your everyday lifestyle, it can be a great option for keeping a gun handy for self defense, and it’s likely that one of these ankle holsters will work well for you.

• Best Overall: Sticky Holsters Ankle Biter Wrap
• Galco Ankle Lite Holster
• BugBite Ankle holster
• CrossBreed Ankle Holster
• Uncle Mike’s Off-Duty Nylon Ankle Holster

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