The Glock 42 is a popular choice for concealed carry due to its slim profile, lightweight design, and excellent reliability. However, to improve accuracy and target acquisition, adding a red dot sight is a game-changer. Red dots make it faster to get on target, especially in stressful situations, and allow for better precision over traditional iron sights.
Choosing the best red dot for the Glock 42 can be tricky, given the gun’s compact size. You need a red dot that is lightweight, low-profile, and designed to fit the Glock 42’s slim frame without compromising on performance. Below, I’ll walk you through some of the best options in 2024 for Glock 42 red dot sights.
Top 6 Best Red Dot for Glock 42 of 2024
1. Holosun HS407K X2
Short Description: The Holosun HS407K X2 is an excellent micro red dot sight, particularly for compact handguns like the Glock 42. It features a 6 MOA red dot, ideal for fast target acquisition. The red dot is bright, clear, and comes with 12 brightness settings.
Best Features:
- Solar Failsafe: Automatically adjusts brightness based on lighting conditions and serves as a backup power source.
- Shake Awake Technology: Conserves battery by automatically powering on when the sight detects movement and turning off when idle.
- Long Battery Life: Up to 50,000 hours.
Advantages:
- Lightweight and compact.
- Excellent battery life with solar backup.
- Durable, with an anodized finish.
Disadvantages:
- May sit too low for some users who prefer higher co-witnessing.
- Limited window size for those used to larger optics.
Personal Experience: After mounting this on my Glock 42, I was impressed by the speed at which I could acquire targets. The Shake Awake feature is a highlight—it’s something you don’t think about until you experience how seamless it makes operation.
User Comments:
- “The Shake Awake tech is so practical. I never worry about turning it off.”
- “Love how crisp the dot is, even under bright sunlight!”
➡️➡️➡️ Explore User Feedback and Current Pricing
2. Trijicon RMRcc
Short Description: The Trijicon RMRcc (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) is a top-tier choice for Glock 42 users seeking a robust, combat-proven optic. It offers a 3.25 MOA dot, providing a balance between accuracy and speed.
Best Features:
- Durability: Built like a tank, it can withstand extreme conditions and impacts.
- Adjustable Brightness: 8 brightness settings, including night vision compatibility.
- Crisp Dot: Offers a precise dot with minimal distortion.
Advantages:
- Rugged design for heavy-duty use.
- Great for both day and night applications.
- Can be submerged in water up to 66 feet.
Disadvantages:
- Higher price point compared to others.
- Battery compartment requires unmounting the sight to change.
Personal Experience: I found the Trijicon RMRcc to be one of the toughest red dots out there. The clarity and durability it offers is unmatched, but the price tag reflects this. For those who carry daily and might find themselves in extreme conditions, this is worth the investment.
User Comments:
- “I’ve dropped my gun multiple times, and the RMRcc still holds zero!”
- “This optic feels like it will last a lifetime.”
➡️➡️➡️ Explore User Feedback and Current Pricing
3. Shield RMSc
Short Description: The Shield RMSc is a compact, slim-profile optic perfect for subcompact pistols like the Glock 42. It comes with a 4 MOA dot, and its glass is designed to reduce glare and enhance visibility in all lighting conditions.
Best Features:
- Ultra-lightweight: Weighs just 0.61 ounces.
- Clear Glass: Uses a lens coating that helps reduce glare and maintains clarity.
- Easy Mounting: Specifically designed for smaller handguns.
Advantages:
- Lightweight and discreet.
- Large window for easy target acquisition.
- Battery lasts for up to 2-3 years of constant use.
Disadvantages:
- The dot isn’t as crisp as higher-end models.
- Not the most durable under extreme conditions.
Personal Experience: The Shield RMSc shines for everyday carry. It’s lightweight, so you barely notice it’s there. However, I found that in very bright light, the dot loses a bit of its crispness compared to some of the pricier options.
User Comments:
- “Perfect for my Glock 42—it adds virtually no weight.”
- “I’ve had it for 2 years, and it’s still going strong without any issues.”
➡️➡️➡️ Explore User Feedback and Current Pricing
4. Swampfox Sentinel Micro Reflex
Short Description: Swampfox’s Sentinel Micro Reflex is an affordable, rugged red dot designed for smaller pistols. Its 3 MOA dot is clear and offers an auto-brightness mode that adjusts based on lighting conditions.
Best Features:
- Auto and Manual Brightness Modes: Great for adjusting to different environments.
- Durable Design: Shockproof, waterproof, and built to withstand drops.
- Battery Access: Side-loading battery compartment eliminates the need to unmount the sight for battery changes.
Advantages:
- Budget-friendly without sacrificing quality.
- Auto-brightness is convenient in changing light conditions.
- Side battery compartment is very practical.
Disadvantages:
- Auto-brightness can be finicky in some lighting.
- Slightly bulkier than some other micro red dots.
Personal Experience: For the price, I was pleasantly surprised by the Swampfox Sentinel. The dot held zero well, and I appreciated the side battery access. However, the auto-brightness was sometimes inconsistent, dimming too much in mixed lighting.
User Comments:
- “Fantastic value for money! Performs like optics twice the price.”
- “Swampfox hit a home run with the side battery compartment. No more re-sighting in after changing the battery.”
➡️➡️➡️ Explore User Feedback and Current Pricing
5. SIG Sauer RomeoZero
Short Description: SIG Sauer’s RomeoZero is a polymer-constructed red dot sight tailored for micro-compact handguns. With a 3 MOA dot, it’s ideal for everyday carry. It’s affordable, lightweight, and features eight brightness settings.
Best Features:
- Polymer Construction: Makes it incredibly lightweight.
- 8 Brightness Settings: Allows for flexibility in various lighting environments.
- Affordable Price Point: Great entry-level option for first-time red dot users.
Advantages:
- Lightweight and affordable.
- Multiple brightness settings.
- Easy-to-install and adjust.
Disadvantages:
- Polymer body isn’t as durable as metal.
- Not as rugged as more expensive options.
Personal Experience: The RomeoZero is a great introductory red dot. I liked its simplicity and ease of use, but it doesn’t feel as durable as metal-body optics. For those looking to keep the Glock 42 as light as possible, this is a good choice.
User Comments:
- “The RomeoZero is lightweight and does exactly what I need for concealed carry.”
- “For the price, it’s hard to beat. I’m really happy with its performance so far.”
➡️➡️➡️ Explore User Feedback and Current Pricing
6. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro
Short Description: The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro offers one of the widest fields of view in a red dot sight, making it a favorite among shooters who need quick target acquisition. The 2.5 MOA dot is extremely crisp, and the sight itself is built to be rugged and durable.
Best Features:
- Wide Field of View: Best in its class for fast target transitions.
- Motion Sensor Technology: Turns the sight on when it detects movement.
- High-Quality Glass: Extremely clear optics, even in low light.
Advantages:
- Excellent for fast shooting and tactical use.
- Motion sensor conserves battery life.
- Durable and rugged design.
Disadvantages:
- Bulky for a compact firearm like the Glock 42.
- Higher price point.
Personal Experience: The DeltaPoint Pro is phenomenal for shooters who prioritize a large field of view and durability. However, for the Glock 42, it does feel a bit too large. I’d recommend it for those who don’t mind the extra bulk for added performance.
User Comments:
- “The wide field of view is a game-changer. I can track targets much faster.”
- “Leupold’s clarity is unbeatable. You get what you pay for.”
How to Choose the Best Red Dot for Glock 42
When choosing the best red dot for your Glock 42, consider the following factors:
1. Size and Weight
Given the compact size of the Glock 42, it’s crucial to choose a red dot that is lightweight and doesn’t add too much bulk to the gun. You want to maintain the gun’s balance for concealed carry.
2. Dot Size
Dot sizes typically range from 2 MOA to 6 MOA. Smaller dots (2-3 MOA) are more precise for longer shots, while larger dots (5-6 MOA) are better for fast target acquisition at shorter ranges. For a carry gun like the Glock 42, a 3-4 MOA dot is a good balance.
3. Durability
Look for red dots that are rugged and designed to withstand recoil, drops, and harsh environmental conditions. Brands like Trijicon and Holosun are known for their tough optics.
4. Battery Life
Red dots with long battery life are essential for daily carry, as you don’t want to worry about the sight dying when you need it. Features like auto-off or solar backup can extend battery life significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I mount a red dot sight directly on my Glock 42?
A: Most Glock 42 models do not come with an optics-ready slide, so you’ll need to have your slide milled or purchase an aftermarket slide that is cut for red dots.
Q: What is the best dot size for a Glock 42?
A: For a compact firearm like the Glock 42, a 3-4 MOA dot is ideal. It offers a balance between precision and fast target acquisition.
Q: Will a red dot fit inside my current Glock 42 holster?
A: Likely not. Adding a red dot will require you to get a holster that accommodates optics, often called “optic-ready” holsters.
Q: How durable are polymer red dot sights compared to aluminum ones?
A: Polymer red dots, like the SIG Sauer RomeoZero, are more lightweight but less durable than aluminum-bodied sights. For concealed carry, polymer sights can be sufficient, but aluminum models offer more durability under harsh conditions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right red dot for your Glock 42 can make all the difference in your shooting experience. While options like the Holosun HS407K X2 and Trijicon RMRcc offer top-tier features and durability, more budget-friendly choices like the SIG RomeoZero and Swampfox Sentinel also deliver excellent performance for everyday carry. Prioritize size, weight, and durability when making your decision, and you’ll find the perfect match for your Glock 42.