As gun enthusiasts, we all want to shoot like a marksman — sharp and accurate. One of the new trends in the gun world would be the pistol caliber carbine or PCC Optics — a long gun chambered in a pistol caliber cartridge mounted on the shoulder.
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Once a new kid on the block and all the rage now, PCC can be used with red dots or optic. The red dot refines and strengthens the shooter’s aim. With this, the user can focus on the target quickly and precisely.
It can be a little overwhelming to find your first optic or what is next to be added to your collection. So we rounded up some of the best PCC optics that you can consider.
Best PCC Optics Comparison in 2024
| Model | Magnification | Objective Lens Diameter | Magnification Type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holosun Circle Dot Open | 1x |
27.7 mm | Fixed | Check Price |
| Trijicon MRO 1x25mm | 1x | 25 mm | Fixed | Check Price |
| Burris FastFire III | 1x | 25 mm | Fixed | Check Price |
| Sig Sauer ROMEO5 1x20mm | 1x | 20 mm | Fixed | Check Price |
Top PCC Optic Reviews – 2024
Optics are incredible accessories that can aid you in your shooting. It enhances the chance to get a better game when hunting or better aim when you are in the range with your friends. Hopefully, these best PCC Optics reviews can help you decided on which optic to get.
1. Holosun HS510C 2 MOA Dot
There has been a lot of optics out, and you can only notice a very few differences. Sometimes, finding one that stands out is exciting. A different design, look, and features that set it apart from the rest.
The extremely durable Holosun HS510C has the Multiple Reticle System, which means that both the clarity and reticle of this red dot is amazing. For starters, the reflex sight is clear as day. In addition, red-colored reticles do not haze and give a spotless sight image.
With its massive viewing area, you can see a lot more with it, and you can see your target and its background. Also, because of the eye relief, you can acquire a sight from any position.
Another good thing is the longer than usual battery life. On one CR2032 battery, it can run for about 50,000 hours. Moreover, there is the Shake Awake feature, which means it automatically turns off when not in use and turns back on when motion is sensed.
Interestingly, it is also solar-powered – even when the battery is drained, as long as you have sunlight, you can still run the sight.
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2. Trijicon Miniature Rifle Optic
If you want your shots fast and precise, consider an out of the box combat-ready optic. An optic that is a favorite among hunters and is trusted by Special Forces might just be the one for you.
The Trijicon MRO, with its reflex style and sealed sight, is designed for use on rifles, shotguns, and carbines to provide fast target acquisition. It is also intended to be used with two eyes open for more awareness.
To produce a crisp dot, you need advanced lenses and coatings and electronics. In such a small optic, the big aperture and pointed light path can maximize the sight area.
Remarkably, the MRO’s brightness control is precisely planned for ambidextrous usage. This allows fast and ergonomic adjustments using a mid-adjustment “off” and eight settings for distinct brightness.
Moreover, Trijicon MRO has fully protected adjusters. That can be adjusted without special tools even with rough handling.
Fully sealed, with hard anodized and forged 7075-T6 housing, and being waterproof, it is also extremely sturdy. It performs excellently in all weather conditions.
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3. Holosun HS503GU
There may be several red dot optics to choose from, but you surely would want to go for something reliable and will not break the bank. We’ve got one for you.
Utilizing LED technology is how Holosun HS503GU produces the red dot. A CR2032 battery powers its light source.
The 20mm objective lens is designed in a way where the red dot looks like tilted or slightly off-axis. Because of this, the angle of lenses lets the light from the source to be reflected back to the sight. That, now, is used as the aiming reference.
Battery life is also exceptional and can be used between 20,000 – 50,000 hours using the single-dot mid-brightness setting. Moreover, it automatically turns off after 10 minutes of inactivity and turns back on with movement. This motion-detecting feature saves battery and the time to reset the optic.
With a multi-coated optic, it is also referred to as the antireflective coating. Especially useful in night vision and to minimize the reflection on lenses, it is designed to have multiple layers of coating. Lenses are also scratch and water-resistant, which means they can be used under extreme conditions.
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4. Burris Fastfire III
Every shooting enthusiast has to start somewhere. If you are a beginner and are looking for something uncomplicated and straightforward to use, this may be the right choice for you.
The FastFire is lightweight at 0.9 oz or 25 grams. It has proven itself tough and reliable and is now the go-to red dot to many gun aficionados around the globe for both long and short-range shootings.
Users find it easy to mount, and gun experts can attach the piece in 5 to 20 minutes. Also, FastFire’s brightness can be adjusted in different settings: Auto Bright, Low Bright, Medium Bright, and High Bright. This brightness setting is handy for all shooting conditions, either outdoor or indoor.
Moreover, the battery design is quite admirable, too. Located at the top of the sight, it is an accessible battery compartment. Which makes it easier to change, even when it is mounted.
There is also a battery indicator that warns you when the battery is low. An automatic-time out feature shuts the unit down after 8 hours, which saves battery life for longer usage.
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5. Sig Sauer SOR52001
Firearm savants know that an additional guide for accuracy and precision is always better. They have to be in the lookout for the best optic for a PCC.
Known as Romeo 5, this Sig Sauer SOR52001 is described as a “robust 1x aiming solution for any situation”. Included on the package are optics with battery, cloth for cleaning lens, and both high-riser and low-riser mounts.
With its Motion Activated Illumination (MOTAC), battery life is prolonged as it only turns on when motion is detected and turns off when not needed. Lasting more or less 40,000 hours is quite impressive for its battery life.
At only 5.1 oz, this Sig Sauer is as light as your shampoo bottle. Because the elevated mount is already there, you save time in clipping it to your rifle. Designed for severe conditions – it is both water and fog-proof.
As for the illumination, it has ten settings that the user can adjust depending on preference and light conditions. To allow night time and low-light excursions, it also has the anti-reflection optics.
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Things to Consider Before Buying
With these reviews for the best red dot for PCC, you would still want what criteria to look out for in purchasing one.
Housing
Red dot sights can either be open or tube style. Tube styles are closer to traditional appearance. Allowing the user to apply covers and filters to the lens is beneficial for bright conditions.
Open sights, on the other hand, consist of only the base and objective window. Filters cannot be used for this style.
Projection Type
Optics include both reflective and holographic sights. Holographic means the view is illuminated from the front of the lens, and a laser light is projected to the sight window to create a red dot for aiming. Reflex sight projections are usually used in recreation. LED light is positioned behind the lens to your line of vision.
Reticle Style
This is the red dot used to aim at the target. They are designed for easier shooting in low light conditions. The dots and marks relate to the target. Size can be adjusted – a bigger dot is used for faster targets.
Sight’s Battery Life
Battery life is essential. Longer battery life makes sure that the reticle is ready at any time, and your view will not go out as you are aiming at a target. Without this, aiming can be more complicated, and accuracy is compromised.
Durability and Flexibility
Go for a red dot that can withstand harsh conditions. The device should withstand heat or cold and still deliver precision. Moreover, look for a red dot that can be used for more than one firearm. Enthusiasts would mostly have more than one and might want to interchange guns and optics.
Easy to Access Features
Manufacturers have mostly considered that users are engaged in practice or encounters and might need to replace the battery while in motion. As a result of this, most models do not need to be unmounted for the battery to be replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a red dot scope?
It is one of the widely used sights or non-magnifying reflexes for firearms. Red dot optics are used in the mid-range shooting and are best sighted at 100 yards.
What does MOA mean?
MOA stands for Minute of Angle – an angular measurement for circles. Smaller dots – 1 to 2.5 MOA is used for longer ranges. With a bright MOA reticle, targets will look like to be 1 inch in diameter when it is 100 yards away from you.
Are red dot sights accurate?
When sighted correctly and used right, they are unbelievably accurate.
Where to mount a reflex sight on AR-15
The best place is above the ejection port. Make it a little closer to you in the middle of the rifle’s receiver.
What is the difference between a reflex sight vs. red dot?
A red dot sight is not a reflex sight; however, a reflex sight is a red dot. Red dot aids in point and shoot situations as it focuses on the red dot. On the other hand, a reflex lens displays the irradiated dot only to you, and it is not visible on the other side of the lens.
Final Words
PCC Optics are not just easy to use, but they are also fun. It can take you back to a hunting trip or your summer camp. Take it up a notch and use optics with it.
When you are an enthusiast, it makes you feel like a professional as you hit targets quickly and precisely. If you use this for work, you can depend on optics for accuracy. Whether it be to add to your collection or for starters, we hope the reviews for some of the best PCC Optics will be useful to you.
- Tubeless design with 40mm reflex lens...
- 4 Selectable reticles and 5 brightness...
- Integrated mount for standard 20mm Picatinny...
- The updated Crossfire is a no-nonsense sight...
- With up to a 50, 000 hour battery life and...
- The 2 MOA dot is quick to acquire in...
- 【More Accurate】 From 3-4MOA to 2MOA. This...
- 【Enhanced Red Dot】make the dot centered...
- 【Multi-Intensity Levels of Brightness】 11...
- Matte black featuring a 3 MOA Dot reticle...
- Waterproof construction: O ring sealed optics...
- Shockproof construction: Built to withstand...
- 3-MOA Red-Dot reticle for fast acquisition,...
- Compatible with optic-ready pistols, Common...
- Ultra-lightweight (just over 1 oz.),...
- TOOLS INCLUDED: Adjustable windage and...
- PICATINNY RAIL MOUNT: Equipped with a...
- 8 SIGHTING OPTIONS: Four interchanging...
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