GLOCK stands as one of the most iconic brands in the firearm industry. Known for producing a wide range of top-tier handguns, GLOCK pistols are renowned for their reliability, ergonomics, and versatility across a wide range of applications.
While great on their own, the capabilities of these pistols can be improved with the addition of a pistol optic. Mini-reflex and pistol red dot sights have forever changed the firearm landscape, providing enthusiasts with a myriad of benefits like faster target acquisition speed, and a more intuitive point of aim. As such, pistol optics are often one of the first upgrades enthusiasts make to their pistols.
Although choosing and mounting an optic to your pistol seems like a fairly easy task, once you get more into the nitty gritty details like mounting footprints, optic size, and the near-countless number of options to choose from, it can be overwhelming. Below, we’re covering everything you’ll need to know before setting off to find the right optic for your GLOCK.
Why you Should Run a Red Dot on your GLOCK
Reflex Sight Benefits
Reflex sights add a degree of utility that you just don’t get with iron sights, with one of their most prominent advantages being the way they can enhance target acquisition speed. Iron sights require you to line up the front and rear sight posts to aim properly, which is effective, but isn’t necessarily quick. Even further, they require you to put your focus on the front sight rather than the target. Reflex sights only require you to put the reticle on target when zeroed. Plus, reflex sights make it much easier to aim with both eyes open, allowing you to put your full focus on the target.
Doing so also enhances your situational awareness too. Shooting with both eyes open maximizes your peripheral vision, allowing you to not only see your target, but also what’s around it. In dynamic applications, like defensive training, competition, and duty, this is a game-changer.
GLOCK Compatibility with Optics and Other Accessories
To make mounting different optics easier, most GLOCK pistol models are available in an MOS (Modular Optic System) configuration. Unlike other handgun models that have slides cut for one specific mounting footprint, MOS cut slides are designed to receive various adapter plates designed around specific optics, allowing you to run just about any optic you want, so long as you use an adapter that matches the optic’s mounting footprint.
If you have a stock GLOCK that doesn’t have an MOS cut slide, you won’t be able to run an optic, but all hope isn’t lost. You can either send your slide off to be milled by a gunsmith, or you can opt for an aftermarket slide. Both are solid options, but purchasing an aftermarket slide is the quickest and easiest way to make your pistol optic ready. For instance, GLOCK 19-compatible slide options like those from ZEV Technologies, Evolve Weapon Systems, and Maple Leaf Firearms all come standard with optic cuts, and are in-stock fairly often.
On another note, it’s much easier to find optic compatible holsters nowadays as well. Before running optics on pistols was the norm, finding an optic-compatible holster was quite a challenge. Today though, many of the holsters you’ll find are optic-compatible, allowing you to easily find a holster that’s good for either concealed or open carry. Still, it’s always a good idea to doublecheck each option’s respective compatibility before making any final decisions.
Cons of Running Red Dots on GLOCKs
There aren’t many true cons to running a red dot on your GLOCK, but there are some things to consider before adding one to your pistol such as the optic’s weight, the way it alters a pistol’s profile, and regular maintenance.
Pistol optics, for the most part, can be incredibly lightweight, with them usually weighing anywhere from 1 to 2 ounces. However, when you factor in the weight of a full magazine and other accessories like a weapon light, the added weight of everything combined can affect your pistol’s balance. Still, the weight of a pistol optic isn’t too much to worry about in most instances, but if you’re worried about balance, there’s plenty of lightweight optics available that we’ll highlight later.
Something that can be more cause for concern is how an optic can alter your pistol’s profile. This is primarily an issue when concealed carrying, as one of the most common problems enthusiasts run into is printing—when the outline of the pistol shows through your clothing. Most often, the part of your handgun that prints is the grip since it sticks out to the side when holstered. Though not as prominent, an optic can have the same effect, especially if it’s a larger mini-reflex or pistol red dot sight. Granted, with the right holster, clothing, and belt, this can easily be remedied.
Last is maintenance, which is more of a reminder rather than a con. Just like the pistol itself, your optic needs to be regularly maintained to keep it working optimally. Even though pistol optics can have battery runtimes that span several years, it’s important to check your battery every so often. Likewise, dust, dirt, or other debris can easily scratch your lens and damage their coatings, so we recommend cleaning your optic regularly.
Best Reflex Sight Options for GLOCK Pistols
Primary Arms Optics
Primary Arms Optics mini-reflex sights are some of the most popular optics offered in their lineup. Models like the SLx® RS-10, GLx® RS-15, and the new PLx® HTX-1™ are among their most popular options, offering incredible reliability and utility.
The SLx RS-10 is a lightweight optic that blends affordability and durability. Its housing is constructed from durable 7075-aluminum and weighs in at just 1.07 ounces. Additionally, it comes equipped with a 3-MOA dot reticle, AutoLive® motion activation, a timed automatic shut-off feature, and its battery life lasts upwards of 40,000 hours. Plus, it comes standard with a GLOCK MOS adapter plate too, making it ready to mount out of the box.
GLx RS-15 optics are a more premium sight option. Like the SLx RS-10, the GLx RS-15 also uses a 7075-aluminum construction and is an exceptionally light optic weighing only 1.11 ounces. The two optics share many of the same features, such as AutoLive® motion activation, an automatic shutoff feature, and an MOS compatible mounting plate. Being a more premium optic, the RS-15 offers better glass clarity and more rugged durability as it’s waterproof and shockproof. It can also come with either a 3-MOA dot reticle or the venerable ACSS® Vulcan® reticle system. The ACSS Vulcan reticle system is unique in that it features a 3-MOA center dot that’s surrounded by a 250-MOA outer circle that sits outside the optic’s lens. As such, it’s only visible when your aim is off center, allowing you to easily get back on target when under stress.
Last is the PLx HTX-1, an American made, fully enclosed pistol red dot sight designed to provide nothing short of top-tier performance. HTX-1 optics are equipped with many of PAO’s iconic features like AutoLive® motion activation and an automatic shut-off for better battery life. It also has enhanced narrow-band glass lenses, complete with an anti-reflective coating for glare reduction, and it’s available with either a 4-MOA dot reticle, or the ACSS Vulcan reticle.
What makes the HTX-1 so unique is its mounting system. Other pistol optics are typically only compatible with one mounting footprint. But the HTX-1 is compatible with nearly every currently existing mounting footprint thanks to its unique modular chassis system. As such, it’s compatible with the GLOCK MOS system, and since its chassis gives it such a low mounting height, you can still effectively cowitness with standard-height iron sights.
Trijicon
Trijicon reflex sights have long been regarded as the gold standard of pistol optics by many, with models like the Trijicon RMR and RCR being some of the most popular pistol optics available.
The Trijicon RMR is one of the most prolific mini-reflex sight models on the market used for everything from home defense and recreation to competition and duty use. Right now, the RMR is available in its second generation known as the RMR Type II. RMR type II mini-reflex sights are packed with several features that make them a solid sight option for your GLOCK pistol. Depending on the model you look at, it can come with either a 1-, 3.25-, or 6.5-MOA dot reticle, its battery life can last upwards of 4 years, and its durable forged aluminum housing makes it capable in all conditions.
If you want the latest and greatest version, the RMR HD is the move. The RMR HD is essentially an enhanced version of the standard RMR that retains all its core features like its mounting footprint, battery, and aluminum construction. However, the RMR HD has numerous enhancements like a wider objective lens and improved durability—it’s waterproof up to 66 feet. Also, instead of a dot reticle, RMR HD optics come with a circle dot reticle.
The RCR is the first enclosed pistol red dot sight offered by Trijicon. You can look at the RCR as enclosed version of the RMR, as it uses the RMR’s mounting footprint, battery, and has many of the same features. Still, it’s one of the more rugged optics available, as the RCR was designed specifically to exceed the standards of military and law enforcement use. It’s currently available with a 3.25-MOA dot reticle, but like the RMR HD, it’s also waterproof up to 66-feet and is compatible with a standard RMR MOS plate thanks to its use of Trijicon’s Super Strong Capstan mounting screws.
Holosun
Holosun has garnered a substantial reputation for producing high-quality optic systems. Their lineup consists of several unique pistol optics, but models like the SCS and HE509T stand out for their compatibility with GLOCK pistols.
The SCS is a unique optic. Instead of utilizing one of the many common mounting footprints used on pistol optics, it’s designed to mount directly to MOS cut slides. As such, there’s no need for an additional GLOCK mounting plate. Because of this, the SCS has an incredibly low deck height, allowing it to easily cowitness with standard height iron sights. Even further, the SCS is equipped with Holosun’s ShakeAwake™ motion activation, a Solar Failsafe unit, and Holosun’s multi-reticle system that can cycle through a 2-MOA dot, a 32-MOA open circle, or a complete circle dot reticle.
The HE509T is one of the most popular Holosun pistol red dot models. It builds upon the foundation of the popular HE509 series but is constructed from titanium instead of aluminum. Much like the SCS, the HE509T also comes standard with ShakeAwake motion activation, Holosun’s solar failsafe unit, and the same reticle options. However, the HE509T uses its own mounting footprint, requiring you to use a compatible MOS plate. Still, it’s a very durable optic, and its multi-reticle system provides an extra degree of versatility across multiple applications.
EOTech
EOTech is most well-known for their EXPS, XPS, and HWS series holographic sights, as well as their Vudu variable power optics. However, fairly recently, they’ve begun to produce pistol optics in the form of the EFLX.
The EOTech EFLX mini-reflex sight makes for an excellent addition to any full-size or compact GLOCK pistols. Being an open-emitter optic, the EFLX already has a wide field of view, but its large rectangular objective lens maintains the same aspect ratio as EOTech’s holographic sights, allowing for incredibly quick target acquisition. Additionally, much like many of the other optics in this list, it’s built around an incredibly durable aluminum housing, and it can come with either a 3- or 6-MOA dot reticle. Also, these optics use a common mounting footprint, so they can be mounted to a GLOCK MOS pistol with ease.
Conclusion
Mini-reflex and pistol red dot sights are without a doubt some of the most advantageous upgrades you can make to your GLOCK pistol. With some training, they can greatly enhance your target acquisition capabilities, situational awareness, and your overall accuracy.
While there are some considerations to make when selecting an optic, such as their weight, size, and mounting compatibilities, the benefits they provide easily outweigh these slight drawbacks. And with GLOCK’s Modular Optic System, you can easily pair your handgun with each of the optics listed above.
Just remember, that list of optics barely scratches the surface of all that is available. So, while you can’t go wrong with adding an optic to your GLOCK, we highly recommend researching each of your options to find the best optic for your respective needs. Finally, if you’re new to owning a GLOCK, you’ll need to know how to field strip it to properly clean it. Fortunately, our guide “How to Disassemble a GLOCK”, goes over the entire disassembly process step-by-step—check it out!
