SHOT Show 2025 did not disappoint with new and exciting products. The desire to bring innovation and creativity to the market was not lost on participating companies, especially in the optics category. I zeroed in on red dots and searched the floor to see what companies had to offer. In an optic sea of mostly familiar products, it didn’t take long to find new releases and even some upgraded red dot offerings. From higher-end to more budget-friendly, this year’s offerings seemed to have something for everyone. 

Best New Red Dots for 2025

Aimpoint COA

Aimpoint, in collaboration with GLOCK, released the new GLOCK x Aimpoint COA Combo, featuring the new patented A-CUT interface that neutralizes movement of the optic while providing a lower mount with iron sight index. This is an exclusive package only available from GLOCK retailers and not sold separately at this time. The COA features a wide field of view, tactile intensity buttons, 5 years of constant-on use, ultra-compact design for concealment, completely sealed from environmental elements, and is submersible to 25 m/ 82ft. (aimpoint.us)

Burris FastFire Emitter Red Dot

Burris Optics introduced their new FastFire E which features a fully enclosed emitter. The FastFire E is purpose-built for versatility with a wide range of firearms including pistols, shotguns, and carbines. Construction from monolithic aluminum ensures this optic is waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof. Features include a 3.5 MOA dot with an “always on” feature, 8 brightness settings including 2 that are night-vision compatible, Aspherical lens design eliminating distortion and reducing glare, and choice between a red or green dot to suit end users’ tactical preference. (burrisoptics.com)

C&H Precision Comp Max

The new COMP MAX is an open-emitter red dot with a larger viewing window. C&H purpose-built the COMP MAX for versatility to be utilized for competition, duty, or concealed carry. It has the same footprint as the RMR and features a multiple reticle with a 2MOA dot, 30 MOA circle – or both. Features include 10 levels of brightness – 2 being night vision compatible, shake awake, smart power management, 50,000 hours of battery life, shock rated for +P and +P+, waterproof, and a large lateral target window. (burrisoptics.com)

C-MORE Systems RTS3

C-MORE Systems introduced the next evolution of the World Champion RTS2 sight, the RTS3. The RTS3 is an all-purpose sight offering reliability for pistols, rifles, and shotguns for duty, hunting, competition, and everyday shooting. This sight features a new high-performance LED producing a crisp bright dot available in 3, 6, and 9 MOA dot sizes. Other features include longer battery life, new shorter footprint for easier mounting, stronger aircraft-grade aluminum housing, 10 daylight brightness levels, sake awake technology, and a 30-year warranty. (cmore.com)

Gideon Valor Mini Red Dot

Gideon introduced the new Valor Mini Closed-Emitter Micro Red Dot. The Valor is one of the smallest closed red dots available and is designed to bring the benefits of closed reflex optics to smaller pistols. It is compatible with all RMSc footprint slides or easily installed using the included 1913 Picatinny rail mount adapter. The Valor is packed with impressive features and details. Multi-reticle projection onto the target with 10 adjustable brightness levels – 8 daytime and 2 night-vision compatible, shake awake technology, reticle sleeps after 225 seconds without movement but returns with motion for instant-on aiming, LED emitter is sealed between two coated lenses to protect from dirt, lint, and moisture, and backed by a lifetime replacement warranty. (gideonoptics.com)

Primary Arms PLx HTX-1

Primary Arms reveled the new PLx HTX-1, an American-made enclosed pistol optic with a modular chassis system. The HTX-1 is part of Primary Arms Optics flagship PLx Tier. This inaugural domestically produced optic is a significant milestome representing the company’s product capabilities and commitment to quality and reliability. The PLx HTX-1 is unique in design featuring a patent-pending modular chassis mounting system. The system ensures compatibility with nearly all optics-ready handguns. This integrated system creates a stronger connection and lower optic centerline, enabling co-witness with standard-height iron sights. It also minimizes height-over bore while improving holster compatibility.

Other features include 7075 aluminum housing with reinforced contours. A recessed lens pocket guards against drops, impacts and debris. Potted electronics and Grade 12.9 hardware ensure reliability under shock, vibration and heavy recoil. Narrow-band glass doublet lenses treated with anti-reflective coatings promote a clear picture. The HTX-1 comes with two recticle options: ACSS Vulcan Dot or a 4 MOA dot reticle. The sight draws power from a slide-loading CR2032 battery. It features AutoLive illumination technology, conserving battery life when not in use. (primaryarms.com)

Lux Tactical Skyraider Red Dot Sight

The Skyraider Red Dot from Lux Tactical is a great new option. The Skyrader features one of the larges window sizes at 1.2x.0.9-inch/30mmx23mm. It offers fast target acquisition, trimmed to match the human eyes’ natural field of view. Features include multi-reticle options. A 3 MOA Dot + 32 MOA Circle, 32 MOA Circle Only, and 3 MOA Dot Only give options. A one-piece 7075-T6 aluminum body houses the unit. Motion-activated illumination and crisp windage/elevation adjustment round out the package. (lux-tactical.com)

NUTERK Optics XEED

The Nuterk XEED is a 1x21x16 Extra Light-Weight Red Dot Sight featuring one-piece, aviation-grade aluminum housing. The XEED comes with a built-in light sensor. It adapts reticle brightness properly according to environment. The system offers additional reliability with a back-up rear sight. Other features include a Shock G-force rating of 1200 G. Low-energy LED output gives 50,000 hours at a medium setting. The optics fits the Shield RMS footprint. (nutrekoptics.com)

Shield Sights AMS and AMSc

Shield Sights announced the Advanced Mini Sight (AMS) and AMSc (compact) as the latest advancement in mini-sight technology. The AMS and AMSc are fully enclosed pistol sights that share the Shield footprint and maintain a co-witness with standard height iron sights. The all-aluminium frame houses 23mm x 17mm (AMS) and 19mm x 16mm (AMSc) all-glass objective lens, features an integrated rear peep sight, and a mounting interface for fitting aftermarket accessories like a roll cage, lights, lasers, or protective lens covers. The housing is also nitrogen-purged and waterproof to depths of 30 feet for 30 minutes. Weighing only 37g, 1.3 oz (battery included), the AMS and AMSc boast a calculated battery life of 20,000hr with CR2032 battery on manual level 7 setting. Other features include 12 stage manual brightness adjustment, including 3 NVG settings, and 3 stage auto brightness adjustments. (shieldsights.com)

SHIELD Sights RMSsc Micro Red Dot Sight

The RMSsc takes advantage of the smaller CR1632 battery and reduces the width to provide a seamless fit with the smallest pistols on the market. Built out of anodized aerospace grade T6 6082 Aluminium, the RMSsc features excellent corrosion resistance. It also has the highest strength of the 6000 series alloys. The all-new crystal-clear glass lens has no magnification or colored coatings to provide an unobstructed view of the field of fire. The RMSsc shares the SHIELD standard footprint, which allows backward and forward compatibility. The optic has a low height over the bore axis to allow co-witness capability with standard-height iron sights. The SHIELD Sights RMSsc Micro Red Dot Sight perfectly fits micro-compact or slim-frame pistols. (shieldsights.com)

US Optics Rise Red Dot

The RISE (Red dot Integrated Sight Enhancer) is a compact, high-performance red dot sight engineered for precision and speed. The RISE features a 3 MOA red dot with 10 brightness settings (8 daylight, 2 NV) and a convenient manual adjustment system, complete with sleep mode after 2 minutes to preserve battery life. The rugged 6061 T6 aluminum housing and black hard anodized finish ensure durability, while its IP67 waterproof rating makes it reliable in harsh conditions. With a top-loaded CR2032 battery providing up to 75,000 hours of life at the lowest setting, the RISE is equipped with brightness recall mode, sleep mode, and auto-revive for practical operation. The RISE is compatible with mounting solutions designed for the DeltaPoint Pro footprint. (usoptics.com)

Viridian RFX 45

The all-new RFX45 features 6061 aluminum housing, fully multi coated lenses, audible and tactile adjustability, INSTANT-ON activation with memory and auto shut off, and a 50k hour battery life.

Viridian invented green laser pistol sights almost two decades ago ushering in a new era of visibility and inspiring change across the industry. In 2021, Viridian continued to lead the market by launching the RFX line of reflex sights, exclusively with highly visible green LED’s. The RFX 45 Closed Emitter Green Dot Sight is the latest addition to the RFX line of electro optics. (viridianweapontech.com)

Holosun DPS-TH

Holosun’s new DPS-TH (Digital Pistol Sight) is a red dot and thermal fusion sight that combines Holosun’s red dot sight technology with thermal imaging capability. The DPS-TH features an LED MRS (Multi Reticle System) with an option to use a digital reticle. The thermal overlay is projected onto a 640×480 resolution display at 50 fps. This optic’s sensor is powered by an 18350 battery that is removeable and rechargeable and also includes a magnetic USB charging cable Red Dot Sight with Fusion Thermal Overlay. Other features include white hot, highlight, and outline modes, 12 brightness modes – 8 daylight and 4 night vision, 1.1 x 0.87 in window size, and an IP Rating: IP67. (holosun.com)

Apex ION

The new Apex ION 1×25 sight features an RMSC footprint for seamless compatibility with compact and subcompact handguns. Apex states that the ION’s 6MOA strikes the perfect balance for precision shooting and rapid target acquisition under pressure, making it ideal for concealed carry, law enforcement, and military applications. The ION is lightweight yet durably constructed and precision-engineered for quality and reliability. (apexoptics.co)

Meprolight MCO Pro

The new Meprolight MCO Pro offers an advanced closed emitter design that shields against environmental elements. It features a user-selectable 3-segmentreticle with 10 day and 2 NV brightness settings that allow the end user to customizable visibility. Setting 5 offers a 25,000 plus hours of battery life with an automatic and manual brightness control. Other features include shake awake technology, recoil block for proper alignment and hold, and an IP67 water and dust proof rating. The end user can also enhance their setup with a 1.93” riser (sold separately) for initiative night vision use. (meprolight.com)

Olight Osight S

Olight’s Osight S Super Compact Carry Red Dot Sight is the first optic in the industry with a magnetic charge cover utilizing a built-in 46mAh Li-Poly battery pack. Runtimes up to an impressive 80,000 plus hours. The Olight S features a multi-reticle system for enhanced versatility and precise targeting in multiple environments. Other features include an aspherical lens that prevents distortion for a clear and accurate view, and an RMSc footprint for smooth operation and immediate use. (olightstore.com)

Zerotech Thrive HD

Zerotech”s Thrive HD Multi Reticle Red Micro Reflex Sight is a lightweight and slim line optic designed for fast target acquisition. The Thrive HD is equipped with advanced shake-awake technology and offers flexibility allowing the end user to adjust the sight to the specific needs of each scenario. Other features include multi reticle functionality, extended battery life – up to 50,000 hours, compatibility – fitting all Shield RMSc footprint mounts and bases, and is waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof. (zerotechoptics.com)

Zerotech Trace

The Zerotech Trace is a Heavy-duty Aspherical Lens Optic, (H.A.L.O.). This reflex sight excels in extreme conditions with its waterproof, shockproof, and fog-proof design. It features a 3 MOA Red Dot reticle with 10 brightness settings, including options for night vision. Features include a top-loading battery design to retain alignment and zero during battery changes, auto sleep and shake awake technology, and a 1.5 MOA per click adjustment allowing for more precise tuning and accuracy. (zerotechoptics.com)