Imagine you’re out in the field, and suddenly, a target appears. You need to be fast, but your trusty red dot sight seems a little too far away. What if there was a way to get that close-up view without switching your entire setup? That’s where piggyback red dot sights come in!
Choosing the right piggyback red dot can feel like a puzzle. You want something that’s easy to use and helps you see your target better. But with so many different kinds, it’s tough to know which one is best for you. You might worry about it being too heavy, hard to install, or not working when you need it most. These are common worries, and we’re here to help you solve them.
This post will guide you through the world of piggyback red dot sights. We’ll explain what they are, why they’re so useful, and what to look for when you’re ready to buy. By the end, you’ll feel confident about picking the perfect piggyback red dot to boost your shooting game. Let’s dive in and find the best option for your needs!
Our Top 5 Piggyback Red Dot Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Piggyback Red Dot Detailed Reviews
1. Monstrum Low Profile Piggyback Red Dot Ring Mount for Rifle Scopes
Rating: 8.5/10
The Monstrum Low Profile Piggyback Red Dot Ring Mount is a smart addition to your rifle setup. It lets you easily attach a red dot sight right onto your rifle scope’s tube. This piggyback design creates a secondary sighting system. It’s great for quick shots at close distances. You can switch between your main scope and the red dot in a flash.
What We Like:
- Lets you add a red dot sight to your scope for fast, close-range shooting.
- Works with RMR footprint red dots, like popular Holosun models.
- Fits 30mm scope tubes securely with two set screws.
- Comes with a hex key for easy installation.
- Monstrum offers a lifetime guarantee on all their mounts and accessories.
What Could Be Improved:
- Only works with RMR footprint red dots; other types won’t fit.
- You need to check the compatibility chart carefully before buying.
This mount makes your rifle more versatile. It’s a solid choice for shooters who want quick target acquisition at various ranges.
2. Monstrum Low Profile Piggyback Red Dot Ring Mount for Rifle Scopes
Rating: 9.0/10
The Monstrum Low Profile Piggyback Red Dot Ring Mount is a smart accessory for any shooter. It lets you add a red dot sight right onto your main rifle scope. This is super handy for quick shots at close distances. You can easily switch from your scope’s magnification to the 1x red dot. It’s designed to fit securely on 30mm scope tubes.
What We Like:
- Lets you quickly switch between your rifle scope and a red dot sight.
- Makes close-range shooting much faster and easier.
- Comes in two styles to fit different red dot sights (RMR or Picatinny).
- Works with 30mm and 34mm scope tubes.
- Installs easily with included tools.
- Monstrum offers a lifetime guarantee on their mounts.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “low profile” design might still add a bit of bulk.
- It requires a specific scope tube diameter, so check your scope first.
This mount is a solid addition for improving your rifle’s versatility. It offers a practical way to get a secondary aiming option without extra hassle.
3. Monstrum Low Profile Piggyback Red Dot Ring Mount for Rifle Scopes
Rating: 9.2/10
The Monstrum Low Profile Piggyback Red Dot Ring Mount is a smart addition for any shooter who wants a quick way to switch from their main rifle scope to a red dot sight. It attaches right onto your scope tube, making it super easy to grab targets up close. This mount is designed to work with specific red dot sights, so you can get that fast aiming when you need it most.
What We Like:
- It lets you easily mount a red dot sight on top of your rifle scope.
- You can switch between your scope and the red dot really fast.
- It’s perfect for 1x power red dots when you need to shoot at closer distances.
- It fits 30 mm scope tubes, which is a common size.
- Installation is simple with the included hex key and set screws.
- It comes with a lifetime guarantee from Monstrum.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only works with red dots that have the Aimpoint T1/T2 footprint.
- It won’t work with red dots that have different mounting styles.
This mount offers a great solution for quick target acquisition at closer ranges. It’s a solid choice for enhancing your rifle’s versatility.
4. Monstrum B.O.P. Pistol Red Dot
Rating: 9.2/10
The Monstrum B.O.P. Pistol Red Dot is a compact sight designed for handguns. It features a new optical system that makes the dot bright and saves battery life. This red dot works with pistols that have an RMR footprint, which is a common size for red dot sights. It also comes with an adapter to mount it on Picatinny rails, like those found on rifles or some pistol slides. Shake Awake technology means the dot turns on when you move the gun and turns off after a while to save power.
What We Like:
- It’s small and fits well on pistols.
- The new lens makes the dot really clear and bright.
- Shake Awake is handy because the dot turns on by itself when you need it.
- It comes with lots of different screws, so it should fit many guns.
- You can choose between a simple dot or a fancier reticle with different shapes.
- The brightness goes up high enough for sunny days.
- It includes a Picatinny adapter for more mounting options.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to check a chart to make sure it fits your specific pistol.
- The automatic shut-off after an hour might be too short for some situations.
This Monstrum red dot offers a lot of features for its size and price. It’s a solid option for improving your pistol’s aiming capabilities.
5. Monstrum Piggyback Red Dot Ring Mount for Rifle Scopes
Rating: 9.2/10
The Monstrum Piggyback Red Dot Ring Mount is a handy tool for any shooter. It lets you add a red dot sight to your rifle scope. This gives you a quick way to switch targets. You can use your main scope for far shots. Then, you can easily use the red dot for targets up close. This makes you faster and more accurate in different situations.
What We Like:
- It lets you add a red dot sight piggyback style.
- It helps you switch quickly between your scope and a 1x red dot.
- It works with many popular red dot sights like Vortex Venom/Viper and Burris Fastfire.
- It attaches securely to your scope tube with two set screws.
- It comes with a hex key for easy installation.
- Monstrum backs it with a lifetime guarantee.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s important to check the compatibility chart to make sure your red dot will fit.
This mount is a solid choice for enhancing your shooting setup. It offers a practical way to improve your target acquisition speed.
Choosing the Right Piggyback Red Dot Sight: Your Ultimate Buying Guide
So, you’re looking at piggyback red dot sights. That’s smart! These little helpers attach to your main scope, giving you a quick way to switch from long-range to close-range shooting. Think of it like having two tools in one. This guide will help you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important things in mind:
- Dot Size: Red dots come in different sizes. A 3 MOA (Minute of Angle) dot is good for general use. A 6 MOA dot is bigger and easier to see quickly, especially when you’re moving. Smaller dots are better for precise shots at longer distances.
- Brightness Settings: You need to see your dot clearly in bright sun and dim light. Look for sights with multiple brightness levels. Some even have automatic brightness that adjusts for you.
- Mounting System: How does it attach to your main scope? Most use a Picatinny rail. Make sure it’s secure and easy to put on and take off. Some come with their own mount, while others might need you to buy one separately.
- Waterproof and Fogproof: You’ll probably use your sight outdoors. It should be built to handle rain and fog without fogging up inside or getting damaged by water.
- Battery Life: Red dots run on batteries. Check how long the battery lasts. A longer battery life means you won’t have to change it as often. Some use common batteries like CR2032, which are easy to find.
Important Materials
What your piggyback red dot is made of matters for how tough and reliable it is.
- Housing Material: Most good sights have housings made from strong, lightweight aluminum. Aircraft-grade aluminum is a top choice because it’s very durable. This protects the delicate parts inside.
- Lens Coatings: The lenses are coated to improve how much light gets through and to reduce glare. Look for fully multi-coated lenses. This means better clarity and a brighter picture.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a piggyback red dot great, while others can make it less useful.
- Build Quality: A well-built sight feels solid. There are no loose parts. The buttons click nicely. A cheaply made sight might feel flimsy and break easily.
- Optical Clarity: When you look through the lenses, the image should be clear and sharp. If it looks blurry or distorted, that’s a sign of lower quality.
- Parallax: Parallax is when the dot seems to move if you move your eye behind the sight. Good piggyback red dots have very little or no parallax. This keeps your shots accurate.
- Durability: Can it handle bumps and recoils from shooting? A quality sight is built to last through tough conditions. A less durable one might stop working after a few shots.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you’ll use your piggyback red dot is important.
- Ease of Use: Is it simple to turn on, adjust brightness, and mount? You don’t want to struggle with it when you need to shoot fast.
- Speed and Versatility: The main reason to get one is for quick target acquisition. It’s perfect for hunting, tactical shooting, or even just recreational shooting. You can quickly switch from looking through your magnified scope to using the red dot for close targets.
- Weight: You don’t want to add too much weight to your rifle. Lightweight designs are usually preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Piggyback Red Dots
Q: What is a piggyback red dot sight?
A: A piggyback red dot sight is a small red dot optic that attaches to your main rifle scope. It gives you a fast way to aim at close targets.
Q: Why would I need a piggyback red dot?
A: It helps you switch from aiming at far away targets with your scope to aiming at close targets very quickly. This is useful for hunting and shooting sports.
Q: What is the best dot size for a piggyback red dot?
A: A 3 MOA dot is good for general use. A 6 MOA dot is easier to see quickly for fast shooting.
Q: How do I know if a piggyback red dot is waterproof?
A: Look for descriptions that say “waterproof” or have an IPX rating (like IPX7). This means it can handle being submerged in water for a short time.
Q: How long do batteries usually last in a piggyback red dot?
A: Battery life can vary a lot. Some last for thousands of hours, while others might last a few hundred. Always check the product details.
Q: Can I use a piggyback red dot with any scope?
A: Usually, yes, as long as your main scope has a mounting surface for it, like a Picatinny rail. Check compatibility before buying.
Q: What does “MOA” mean?
A: MOA stands for Minute of Angle. It’s a way to measure how big the red dot is. Smaller MOA means a smaller dot.
Q: Is a piggyback red dot sight durable enough for recoil?
A: Good quality piggyback red dots are built to withstand the recoil of most firearms. Cheaper ones might not hold up.
Q: What is parallax in a red dot sight?
A: Parallax is when the dot moves if you move your eye behind the sight. You want a sight with little to no parallax for accuracy.
Q: How do I mount a piggyback red dot?
A: Most piggyback red dots attach to a Picatinny rail on your main scope. You usually just need a screwdriver or a small wrench.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.