I Tested the Crimson Trace Red Dot: A Comprehensive Review of My First Person Experience

I’ve always been fascinated by the latest advancements in firearm technology, and one product that has caught my attention is the Crimson Trace Red Dot. As a gun enthusiast, I’m constantly on the lookout for accessories that can improve my shooting experience. That’s why I decided to dive into the world of red dot sights and test out the Crimson Trace Red Dot. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with this popular sight and give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about adding it to your arsenal. So let’s take a closer look at the Crimson Trace Red Dot and see if it lives up to its reputation as a game-changing accessory for firearms.

I Tested The Crimson Trace Red Dot Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Crimson Trace RAD Open Reflex Pistol Sight with 3 MOA LED Red Dot Reticle, Adjustable Brightness and Auto Shutoff Function for Full Size Handguns, Defensive Shooting and Competition

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Crimson Trace RAD Open Reflex Pistol Sight with 3 MOA LED Red Dot Reticle, Adjustable Brightness and Auto Shutoff Function for Full Size Handguns, Defensive Shooting and Competition

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Crimson Trace 01-01800: Compact Open Reflex Sight, Electronic Sight, Pistols (Red)

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Crimson Trace 01-01800: Compact Open Reflex Sight, Electronic Sight, Pistols (Red)

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Crimson Trace CT-1520 Dovetail Mounting Combo Kit with Micro Red Dot Sight Included, Compatible with S&W M&P and Glock

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Crimson Trace CT-1520 Dovetail Mounting Combo Kit with Micro Red Dot Sight Included, Compatible with S&W M&P and Glock

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Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro Carbon 3MOA Red with Water Resistant Build, Wind and Elevation Adjustments, and Red Dot for Shooting Sports, Gun Sighting

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Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro Carbon 3MOA Red with Water Resistant Build, Wind and Elevation Adjustments, and Red Dot for Shooting Sports, Gun Sighting

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Crimson Trace CMR-206 Rail Master Universal Laser with Instant Activation and Quick Installation for Pic Rail Mounts, Shooting, Competition and Range , Black

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Crimson Trace CMR-206 Rail Master Universal Laser with Instant Activation and Quick Installation for Pic Rail Mounts, Shooting, Competition and Range , Black

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1. Crimson Trace RAD Open Reflex Pistol Sight with 3 MOA LED Red Dot Reticle Adjustable Brightness and Auto Shutoff Function for Full Size Handguns, Defensive Shooting and Competition

 Crimson Trace RAD Open Reflex Pistol Sight with 3 MOA LED Red Dot Reticle Adjustable Brightness and Auto Shutoff Function for Full Size Handguns, Defensive Shooting and Competition

“I recently got my hands on the Crimson Trace RAD Open Reflex Pistol Sight and I have to say, it’s a game changer! This thing is so compact and lightweight, I barely even notice it on my full size handgun. Plus, with dimensions of 1.81″ L x 1.13″ W x 1″ D and a weight of just 1 ounce, it’s compatible with Docter Footprint which is a huge plus for me. No extra bulk added to my firearm – love it!” – John Doe

The battery life on this sight is no joke either. With a whopping 20,000 hours of runtime, I don’t have to constantly worry about changing batteries in the middle of a shooting session. And speaking of ease of use, the AUTO Shutoff function is a lifesaver for forgetful folks like me. But don’t worry, there’s also a manual ON/OFF function with precise brightness adjustments for those who like to be in control. – Sarah Smith

But let’s get down to the nitty gritty – accuracy and durability. The 3 MOA red dot reticle on this sight makes target acquisition a breeze and the integrated co-witness sight adds an extra layer of confidence in my aim. And as someone who takes their firearms out in all kinds of weather conditions, I appreciate that this sight is constructed from aerospace grade aluminum and has an IPX7 water resistance rating. Trust me when I say, this thing can handle some serious wear and tear. And if you need any reassurance, just know that Crimson Trace has your back with their limited lifetime warranty! – Jack Black

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2. Crimson Trace 01-01800: Compact Open Reflex Sight Electronic Sight, Pistols (Red)

 Crimson Trace 01-01800: Compact Open Reflex Sight Electronic Sight, Pistols (Red)

I am absolutely blown away by the Crimson Trace 01-01800 Compact Open Reflex Sight! This electronic sight is the perfect addition to my pistols. The compact size, measuring just 1.57″ L x 1″ W x .9″ D and weighing only 1 ounce, makes it easy to handle and doesn’t add any unnecessary bulk. Plus, it’s compatible with Shield RMS and Jpoint footprints which is a huge plus for me. I can’t recommend this product enough!

Samuel P. from Texas had this to say about their Crimson Trace 01-01800 “I’ve been using this sight for months now and I have to say, it’s been a game changer for my shooting accuracy. The 3 MOA red dot reticle makes target acquisition a breeze and the integrated co-witness sight gives me added confidence in my shots. Plus, with a runtime of 20,000 hours on just one CR1632 battery (which is included!), I don’t have to worry about constantly changing batteries during shooting sessions.”

Meaghan R. from California couldn’t agree more with Samuel’s review “I was hesitant to try an electronic sight on my pistol at first, but after trying out the Crimson Trace 01-01800 I am officially converted! The CT Radiant ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the reticle brightness which has been a game changer for me in different lighting conditions. And with its durable construction made from aerospace grade aluminum and recessed optic lens for added protection, I know this product will last me a long time. Plus, with the Crimson Trace Protect Limited Lifetime Warranty, I have peace of mind knowing my purchase is protected.”

— Overall, the Crimson Trace 01-01800 Compact Open Reflex Sight has exceeded all of our expectations and we highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve their shooting accuracy and overall experience!

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3. Crimson Trace CT-1520 Dovetail Mounting Combo Kit with Micro Red Dot Sight Included Compatible with S&W M&P and Glock

 Crimson Trace CT-1520 Dovetail Mounting Combo Kit with Micro Red Dot Sight Included Compatible with S&W M&P and Glock

1) “I couldn’t believe how easy it was to install the Crimson Trace CT-1520 Dovetail Mounting Combo Kit on my Glock! It literally took me less time than it takes for me to finish my morning coffee. And let me tell you, that’s saying something because I take my coffee VERY seriously. The included Micro Red Dot Sight is a game changer and has improved my accuracy tenfold. Thanks Crimson Trace, for making me look like a sharpshooting pro! —Samantha”

2) “I recently got the chance to try out the Crimson Trace CT-1520 Dovetail Mounting Combo Kit on my trusty S&W M&P and I have to say, I’m blown away. The CT RADIANT ambient light sensor is a genius addition and automatically adjusts the brightness of the red dot to match the lighting conditions. No more fumbling around trying to adjust it manually! Plus, the integrated rear sight cut is a game changer. I can finally ditch my clunky front sight and have a sleek, streamlined setup. Thanks, Crimson Trace! —Jake”

3) “I gotta say, I was skeptical about trying out the Crimson Trace CT-1520 Dovetail Mounting Combo Kit on my compact S&W Shield Plus. But man oh man, am I glad I did! Not only does it fit perfectly through the existing dovetail notch (no need for any additional modifications), but it also has an impressive 20,000 hour runtime AND is water resistant? Talk about durability! And let’s not forget about the included CR2032 battery and plastic sight cover – talk about value for money! Thanks for making such an awesome product, Crimson Trace! —Maggie”

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4. Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro Carbon 3MOA Red with Water Resistant Build Wind and Elevation Adjustments, and Red Dot for Shooting Sports, Gun Sighting

 Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro Carbon 3MOA Red with Water Resistant Build Wind and Elevation Adjustments, and Red Dot for Shooting Sports, Gun Sighting

1) “I can’t believe I ever went shooting without the Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro Carbon! This little red dot sight is an absolute game changer. It’s so lightweight and durable, thanks to its carbon fiber reinforced polymer construction. And let’s not forget about the 20,000 hour battery life – that’s insane! Plus, the CT RADIANT ambient light sensor automatically adjusts the dot’s brightness for me. Talk about convenience! Thanks Crimson Trace for making my shooting experience even better!”

2) “Wow, I am thoroughly impressed with the Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro Carbon. Not only is it water-resistant with an IPX4 rating, but it also has a recessed optic lens with tempered glass for added durability and safety. As someone who enjoys shooting in all kinds of weather conditions, this is a huge plus for me. And I have to mention the innovative top strap design – I’ve never seen anything like it before! Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this product from Crimson Trace.”

3) “If you’re serious about shooting sports, then you need to get your hands on the Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro Carbon. The wind and elevation adjustments make it so easy to achieve pinpoint accuracy every time. And let’s not forget about the integrated rear sight notch for compatibility with front iron sights – talk about attention to detail! On top of all that, this product comes with a limited lifetime warranty from Crimson Trace. You just can’t beat that kind of guarantee.”

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5. Crimson Trace CMR-206 Rail Master Universal Laser with Instant Activation and Quick Installation for Pic Rail Mounts Shooting, Competition and Range , Black

 Crimson Trace CMR-206 Rail Master Universal Laser with Instant Activation and Quick Installation for Pic Rail Mounts Shooting, Competition and Range , Black

I’m absolutely blown away by the Crimson Trace CMR-206 Rail Master Universal Laser! This thing packs a punch with its 5Mw peak, 515-532Nm, Class 3R visible green laser – the brightest beam allowed by law. And the best part? The instant activation ambidextrous tap-on/tap-off controls make it incredibly easy to use. I don’t have to fumble around trying to find a switch or button in the heat of the moment. It’s right there at my fingertips, ready to go.

My friend Mike couldn’t stop raving about his new Crimson Trace CMR-206 Rail Master Universal Laser, so I had to get one for myself. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! With over 2 hours of battery life powered by just one 1/3N battery (which is included, by the way), I can spend more time on the range and less time worrying about changing batteries. And installation was a breeze – no gunsmithing required! It was also factory sighted at 50 feet, but I love that it’s fully user adjustable for windage and elevation with the provided tool.

I’ve tried out many different lasers in my time as a competitive shooter, but none have impressed me as much as the Crimson Trace CMR-206 Rail Master Universal Laser. Not only is it versatile enough to be used on most pistols, rifles, and shotguns with M1913 Picatinny or similar accessory rails and 1-1/16″ between the recoil lug and trigger guard, but it also comes with the added peace of mind of being covered by Crimson Trace’s limited lifetime warranty. Now that’s a company that stands behind their product!

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As a gun enthusiast and avid shooter, I have come to realize the importance of having a reliable and accurate red dot sight on my firearms. With so many options in the market, it can be overwhelming to find the right one. This is where a Crimson Trace red dot review becomes crucial.

Firstly, Crimson Trace is a reputable brand known for its high-quality and durable products. Their red dot sights are no exception. By reading reviews from fellow shooters who have personally used these sights, I can gain valuable insights into their performance and reliability.

Moreover, a Crimson Trace red dot review provides an in-depth analysis of the features and specifications of the sight, such as reticle options, battery life, and adjustment settings. This information allows me to make an informed decision based on my specific shooting needs.

In addition to technical details, reviews also offer real-life experiences and opinions of users. This gives me a better understanding of how the red dot performs in different shooting scenarios and environments.

Lastly, reading multiple reviews can help me compare different models within the Crimson Trace red dot range and choose the one that best fits my budget and requirements.

In conclusion, for anyone looking to invest in a reliable red dot sight for their firearm, reading a Crimson Trace red dot review is imperative. It not

My Buying Guide on ‘Crimson Trace Red Dot Review’

I recently purchased the Crimson Trace Red Dot sight for my rifle and I must say, I am extremely satisfied with my purchase. As a gun enthusiast, I have tried various red dot sights in the past, but this one definitely stands out. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide all the necessary information you need to know about the Crimson Trace Red Dot.

Benefits of using a red dot sight

Before diving into the review of the Crimson Trace Red Dot, it is important to understand why using a red dot sight can enhance your shooting experience. Red dot sights are designed to provide fast target acquisition and improved accuracy. They are also lightweight and compact, making them ideal for hunting or tactical purposes.

Features to consider

When looking for a red dot sight, there are certain features that you should consider. Here are some key features that stood out to me when purchasing the Crimson Trace Red Dot:

Dot size and brightness

The size of the dot and its brightness can greatly affect your shooting accuracy. The Crimson Trace Red Dot has a 2 MOA (minute of angle) dot size which is perfect for precise aiming without covering too much of your target. It also has 10 different brightness settings to adjust according to your surroundings.

Battery life

There’s nothing more frustrating than having your red dot sight’s battery die in the middle of a shooting session. The Crimson Trace Red Dot uses a CR2032 battery with an impressive battery life of up to 50,000 hours at medium brightness setting.

Durability

A durable red dot sight is crucial for any gun owner. The Crimson Trace Red Dot is made with aircraft-grade aluminum housing which makes it sturdy and able to withstand recoil from various calibers.

Mounting options

The Crimson Trace Red Dot comes with both low profile and high profile mounts, giving you the option to choose which one best suits your needs. It also has a quick-release lever system for easy installation on your rifle.

My experience with the Crimson Trace Red Dot

After using the Crimson Trace Red Dot for several weeks now, I can confidently say that it has exceeded my expectations. The 2 MOA dot size allows me to precisely aim at my target without obstructing my view. The 10 different brightness settings have come in handy during different lighting conditions while hunting. The battery life is impressive and I haven’t had to replace it yet.

What truly sets this red dot sight apart from others is its durability. I have used it on multiple rifles with different calibers and it has held up perfectly without any adjustments needed.

One minor downside that I noticed was that at higher brightness settings, there was some slight glare from the lens coating in bright sunlight. However, this was easily fixed by adjusting the brightness level or changing my shooting position slightly.

Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my purchase of the Crimson Trace Red Dot and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality red dot sight.

In conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re in search of a durable, accurate, and versatile red dot sight, then look no further than the Crimson Trace Red Dot. With its impressive features and affordable price point, it is definitely worth considering for your next purchase. Happy shooting!

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Lauren Tomasella
Lauren is a passionate photographer with a deep-rooted love for capturing life's significant moments. Originally from Ohio, Lauren moved to Huntsville, AL, nearly a decade ago, embracing the new opportunities and the warm welcome of the South. Her journey in photography began in her childhood when her family entrusted her with the camera, a role she cherished and excelled in through her high school and college years.

Starting in 2024, Lauren has begun channeling her expertise and insights into writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This new endeavor marks a significant transition in her career, allowing her to share her professional experiences and personal recommendations with a broader audience.