Red Dot vs. Laser: Which is Better? Home / Pistol Anatomy / Sights / Red Dot Sights

Red Dot vs. Laser: Which is Better?

Image of Bryan Hill, Founder of Pistol Wizard Bryan Hill / March 21 2024

Unsure if a red dot or laser is right for you? Here's a comparison.

Pistol Red Dot Strengths

More precise at distance. If you want to shoot at 25 yards or more, pick a red dot.
(Compact and larger pistols) compatible with grip adjustments. Some lasers mount on the pistol's grip, and don't allow for changes to the side panels or backstrap.
(Pocket pistols, some larger pistols) opens up the rail slot for a pistol light.
Helps with racking the slide, if you have trouble racking it.
For expert shooters. If you put in the time and effort for training and practice, a red dot unlocks more performance on targets at 10 yds. or more.

Quick and easy to learn. If you don't have much time for training and practice, a laser is the right choice.
Perfect for pocket pistols. To enhance your aim and still pocket carry, a laser is the best choice.
Budget-friendly. Lasers cost much less to setup properly than a red dot.
It costs at $100-150 just to make a gun compatible with red dots.
Shooting from awkward positions. If you know you can't get a perfect pistol presentation, a laser dominates.

This is a case study demonstration of red dot vs. laser on a rifle, featuring Bill Blowers , a SWAT officer of over 20 years and USPSA Master.

Bill wore a protective mask to prevent getting an ideal cheek weld. His rifle had a red dot and green laser. He fired two drills:

Present rifle, fire 1 shot on target 1, 2 on target 2, 3 on target 3, 4 on target 2, and 5 on target 1.

The laser was 1 second (18%) faster.

Present rifle, fire 2 shots on target 1. Lower rifle, present and fire 2 shots on target 2. Repeat 5 times.

The laser was 7.1 seconds (34%) faster.

On a rifle, when one can get an ideal cheek weld, red dots are fasters than lasers.
However, when wearing a gas mask, shooting around barriers, or other non-ideal situations, lasers are faster.
Why? Without an ideal cheek weld, it takes more time to acquire the red dot after presenting.

How does this apply to pistols?

The sloppier your pistol presentation, the slower your first shot.
This is especially true with red dots.
Mastering a consistent pistol presentation takes many hours of practice.
When shooting in non-ideal situations (around cover, one-handed, etc.), a laser is faster.
If you have both a laser and red dot, time yourself on drills to see which is fastest for you.

	Red Dot	Laser
Cost	$350-750	$200-350
Precise Shooting	10 yds. or more	Red: up to 15 yds. Green: up to 25 yds.
Helps Poor Eyes
Low-light shooting
Threat Focus
Shooting around Cover
Iron Sight Compatible	Needs suppressor-height sights
Weapon Light Compatible	If set to max brightness	Laser Grips only
Grip Adjustment Compatible		Some
Exposed in Darkness	If set to max brightness	In fog/smoke
Ideal Pistols	Compact, Full-size	Any
Learning Curve	3+ hours	Minutes
Skill Level	Intermediate, Advanced	All