When it comes to optimizing the performance of the highly-regarded, a red dot sight is an indispensable tool that can make a difference. In this buying guide, we will explore the best red dots for Kimber R7 Mako, cover the unique advantages of each, and help you make an informed decision.
Over the last few years, the R7 Mako has gained popularity among concealed carry enthusiasts. It is known for its blend of innovative features, accuracy, and reliability. Furthermore, its optics-ready slide is a standout feature that allows adding a red dot sight for enhanced speed of target acquisition and precision shooting especially in high-stress situations.
What Makes a Great Red Dot Sight for Kimber R7 Mako?
A great red dot sight for Kimber R7 Mako is made of several attributes that include:
Durable Construction
Firstly, the red dot sight should have a durable construction to endure the recoil and environmental conditions for longevity and consistent performance.
Long Battery Life
Furthermore, the red dot sight should have extended battery life to minimize the need for frequent replacements. Additionally, the battery compartment should be at the top or side for easy battery change without removing the sight, maintaining zero and saving time.
Adjustable Brightness Settings:
The best red dots for Kimber R7 Mako need to have adjustable brightness settings that enhance versatility by enabling visibility across various lighting conditions.
Co-Witnessing Capability
It is also important for the red dot sight to allow co-witnessing with the R7 Mako’s iron sights and provide a backup aiming solution, in case the optic fails.
For a compact firearm like the R7 Mako, a lightweight and low-profile red dot sight maintains the pistol’s balance and ease of carry without coming in your way of shooting.
Best Red Dot Sights for Kimber R7 Mako
1. Bushnell RXU-200 1x21mm Reflex Red Dot Sight – Best Overall
Specifications
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective Diameter: 21mm
- Adjustment Range: 100 MOA
- Reticle: 6 MOA
- Battery Life: 50,000+ hours
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Weight: 5 oz/23g
The Bushnell RXU-200 1x21mm Reflex Red Dot Sight is the best red dot for Kimber R7 Mako. It is a compact reflex sight that is designed to keep small pistols small for every day carry comfort and concealment while increasing effectiveness.
The highlight of this optic is its accuracy. It features a clear and efficient 6 MOA dot with automatic intensity adjustment for precision shooting across vast lighting conditions. Furthermore, the convenient layout design ensures the windage and elevation adjustments are easily accessible with no snug.
Regarding construction, the optic is tough and rugged to withstand abuse and rough handling. It has a heavy wall construction with sleek lines combine for a patent-pending distinctive design. On top of that, it is IPX7 sealing for added protection from water and dust damage.
More importantly, this optic features a forgiving window for easy dot acquisition and two heights to offer the ideal solution in different shooting conditions. Over and above that, the battery life is long lasting with over 50,000 hours of continuous runtime from one CR2032 battery.
Pros
- Tough and rugged construction
- Easy of use
- Long-lasting battery life
- Convenient layout and design
- Affordable
Cons
- Limited field of view
2. Holosun Sub-compact HS407K-X2 1x 6 MOA Dot Red Dot Sight – Best Versatile
Specifications
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective Diameter: 0.58 – 0.77 in
- Brightness Settings: 10
- Adjustment Range: 30 MOA
- Reticle: 6 MOA
- Battery Life: 50,000+ hours
- Adjustment click Value: 1 MOA
- Weight: 1 oz
Carrying the renowned Holosun name, the HS407K X2 is an open reflex optical sight designed for subcompact pistol applications. It compact for ease of concealment but rich in features that enhance shooting performance in all environments.
This high-performance reflex sight for handgun incorporates Lock Mode which locks the buttons preventing inadvertent setting changes when activated. Furthermore, the red super LED with up to 50k hour battery life ensures optimal illumination of the crisp 6MOA dot with 12 reticle intensity settings to choose from.
More importantly, the sight is built to last. It has a durable housing made from 7075 Aluminum to withstand regular use and abuse. Furthermore, the sight uses Holosun’s K footprint and houses the 1632 battery in a side-mounted tray for easy replacement when needed
The shake awake technology extends battery life by deactivating the optic’s LED while not in use and the slightest touch of the optic instantly reactivates the LED so your Holosun reflex sight for pistol is ready when needed. This red dot sight is also manufactured using optical-quality glass lenses with multilayer coatings applied to facilitate maximum light transmission and wear resistance while reducing glare.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Durable aluminum housing
- Bright and clear optics
- Compact and lightweight construction
Cons
- No night vision compatible brightness settings
3. Sightmark Mini Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight – Best for Beginners
Specifications
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective Diameter: 21 mm
- Brightness Settings: 10
- Reticle: 3 MOA
- Battery Life: 1000 hours
- Adjustment click Value: 1 MOA
- Weight: 7.6 oz
- Length: 3.7 in
As one of the best red dots for Kimber R7 Mako, the Sightmark Mini Shot M-Spec is a versatile and perfect optic for competition shooting, hunting and LE applications. It is built with ease of use in mind to accommodate all users, including beginners.
This rugged optic features a durable aluminum housing with a steel protective shield. This makes it ideal for use in all shooting environments. Furthermore, it is 100% waterproof for operability in all weather conditions.
To complement the solid construction, this red dot sight features easy windage and elevation click adjustments that make zeroing the 3 MOA red dot reticle a breeze, even without any special tools. Moreover, the 10 brightness levels give shooters perfect reticle options from low light situations to the brightest days. The sight also features an ambidextrous digital switch that allows the M-Spec to be easily turned on and off by both left and right handed shooters.
Furthermore, the sight features scratch resistant lens coating that enhance light transmission and reduce glare for bright and crisp image views. It also has an extremely low power consumption that extends battery life.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Durable aluminum housing
- Ease of use
- Compatible with night vision gear
- Ambidextrous digital switch
Cons
- Short battery life
4. Burris FastFire III Reflex Red Dot Sight – Best Budget
Specifications
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective Diameter: 21 mm
- Brightness Settings: 3
- Reticle: 3 MOA
- Adjustment click Value: 1 MOA
- Weight: 1.5 oz
- Length: 1.9 in
The FastFire 3 is a versatile and easy to use red dot sight available with a 3 MOA reticle. This reticle is crisp and optimally illuminated for quick target acquisition and pin-point accuracy in short-range scenarios.
One of the stand-out features of the sight is its lightweight and tough design. It is built with rugged materials to ensure that it won’t compromise gun balance or handling. Besides, the compact build makes it versatile for mounting on guns using Burris mounting systems
With the automatic brightness sensor, this optic adapts to different environmental conditions, providing a bright red dot for fast target acquisition. Additionally, it offers three manual brightness settings, giving control in various lighting situations
Another impressive feature is its long battery life. It ensures continuous runtime during lengthy shooting periods. This red dot sight also comes with a battery access conveniently located on the top of the sight. This makes changing batteries is a breeze. The automatic time-out feature also ensures an extended battery life of up to 5 years.
Pros
- Automatic brightness sensor
- Top-access battery compartment
- Long battery life
- Lightweight and tough construction
Cons
- Limited brightness settings
5. Steiner MPS Micro Pistol Sight – Best Rugged
Specifications
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective Lens Size: 0.63 x 0.83 in
- Reticle: 3 .3 MOA
- Battery Life: 13,000 Hours
- Adjustment click Value: 1 MOA
- Weight: 2.05 oz
- Length: 2.17 in
Next in our list of the best red dots for Kimber R9 Mako is the Steiner MPS Micro Pistol Sight. This incredibly compact optic weighs only 2.05 ounces while offering Steiner quality glass and a robust feature set.
The selling-point of this optic is its pin-point accuracy. It features a crisp 3.3 MOA reticle with 8 brightness levels for confident aiming in various lighting conditions. The battery life is also impressive at 13,000 hours and the auto-off after 13 hours aids in prolonging its life.
Moreover, this red dot sight has enhanced side wall that produce the best-in-class shock rating for battle-proven durability. This makes the sight ideal for use in all environments. Besides, the sight’s completely enclosed LED is water tight, making it reliable in the harshest weather and environmental conditions
Other essential features included are 1X magnification and a wide field of view for both eyes open operation and complete situational awareness.
Pros
- Battle-proven durability
- Lightweight design
- Wide field of view
- Easy to install and use
Cons
- Big budget
6. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro 1x 6 MOA Red Dot Sight – Best for Seniors
Specifications
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 0.71 – 1.05 in
- Reticle: 6 MOA
- Brightness Settings: 8
- Adjustment click Value: 1 MOA
- Weight: 2 oz
Leupold optics are known for their performance, reliability, and rugged construction and the DeltaPoint Pro 1x 6 MOA Red Dot Sight is not any different. It is packed with cutting-edge features to hone your shooting skills and boost your speed of target acquisition.
As one of the best red dots for Kimber R9 Mako for seniors, this optic features a large 6 MOA dot that provides an easy-to-see aiming point. The reticle is particularly well-suited for fast target acquisition in close to mid-range shooting scenarios and the clear glass helps it serve its function by providing bright and clear image views.
Furthermore, the sight has a compact size so it won’t affect the handguns ease of concealment. Though compact, it is ruggedly made with an aluminum housing and steel sheath to withstand rigorous conditions, including heavy recoil. Additionally, the brightness adjustment offers versatility in different lighting conditions, allowing for quick adaptation in low-light environments or bright sunlight.
Another stand-out feature of the DeltaPoint Pro is its battery compartment, which is top-loading. This feature allows you to replace the battery without removing the sight from your firearm, maintaining your zero and saving time at the range. Besides, the battery life is impressive, so the sight is economical to run and maintain.
Pros
- Reliable and consistent performance over time
- Ease of use
- Rugged aluminum construction
- Excellent optical clarity
Cons
- Lack auto-on feature
7. VOTATU PMD504 Red Dot Sight – Honorary Mention
Specifications
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 0.71 – 1.05 in
- Reticle: 6 MOA
- Brightness Settings: 8
- Adjustment click Value: 1 MOA
- Weight: 2 oz
When it comes to performance and versatility, it is hard to go wrong with the VOTATU PMD504 red dot sight. This optic features a multi-reticle system of a classic 2 MOA dot, the 62 MOA circle and a circle-dot combination for fast target acquisition.
The brightness of the reticle is adjustable into 10 illumination settings for confident aiming even in low-light. Furthermore, the sight features fully multi-coated that increase light transmission and clarity in any environment.
For added convenience, this red dot sight has a Shake Awake that keeps it ready for action. After about 225 seconds without sensing any motion, it enter into sleep mode and wakes up to the previous brightness setting even the slightest movement.
Moreover, the sight is built with high-quality materials to offer long-lasting durability. It also features a convenient tray battery compartment for quick battery replacement without having to remove the sight from the firearm.
Pros
- Bright and fully multi-coated optics
- Multi-reticle system
- Convenient battery access
- Durable and reliable construction
Cons
- No night vision
Criteria for Choosing the Best Red Dots for Kimber R7 Mako
Selecting the best red dot sight for the Kimber R7 Mako is essential to maximize its potential and improve your shooting experience. Consider the following factors before settling for any particular red dot sight.
Footprint Compatibility
The R7 Mako is designed for the Shield RMSc footprint, accommodating optics like the Crimson Trace CTS-1500. If the red dot sight sight doesn’t have the Shield RMSc footprint, you should get an adapter plate for proper fitment.
Durability and Build Quality
The next important thing to consider is the build quality of the red dot sight. The best red dots for Kimber R7 Mako are constructed from robust materials like aluminum to withstand recoil and environmental factors. It is also important to get an optic that is fully waterproof and fog-proof for all weather use.
Battery Life
Most red dot sights are powered by batteries. Long battery life reduces the need for frequent replacements which makes the optic economical to maintain in the long run. Opt for a model with a long battery life of 20,000 hours and above.
Reticle Options
Choose a reticle that suits your shooting style. Some sights offer multiple reticle options for added versatility. If what you are after is pin-point accuracy, opt for a small reticle of 2 MOA or 3 MOA and 4 MOA and above for rapid target acquisition.
Size and Weight
It is also important to pay attention to the size and weight of the red dot sight. A compact sight maintains the pistol’s balance and ease of handling. The best red dots for Kimber R7 Mako should also be lightweight for ease of installation and use
Co-Witnessing Capability
The more versatile a red dot sight is the greater value for money it yields. So, ensure the red dot allows for co-witnessing with the R7 Mako’s iron sights for backup aiming.
Brightness Settings
Multiple brightness levels ensure visibility in various lighting conditions. To push the performance of your Kimber R7 Mako, opt for a red dot sight with at least 8 brightness settings and night vision compatible settings if you plan to use it with night vision gear.
Ease of Installation
Select a sight that is straightforward to install, preferably without the need for extensive modifications or special tools. Some sights may require specific mounting screws or adapter plates.
Price
Last but not least, consider the price and balance your budget with the features offered. While higher-end sights provide advanced features, there are also budget-friendly options that offer reliable performance in all shooting environments.
Read Also
- 7 Best Red Dot Sight for Glock 21
- 5 Best Red Dot Sight for Ruger Security 9
- 5 Best Red Dot Sight for Beretta M9A4
FAQs
- Do I need to modify my Kimber R7 Mako to install a red dot sight?
No. The R7 Mako is an optic-ready handgun. It comes with a slide cut compatible with Shield RMSc footprint optics, allowing for direct installation without modifications. Ensure the red dot sight you choose matches this footprint.
- How does a red dot sight impact concealed carry with the R7 Mako?
Adding a red dot sight may slightly increase the pistol’s profile, but the benefits in target acquisition and accuracy outweigh this minor change.
- What reticle size is the best for an R7 Mako red dot sight?
It depends on your shooting needs. Smaller MOA dots like 2 MOA and 3 MOA offer precision for longer distances, while larger dots like 6-8 MOA are quicker to acquire at close ranges.
Final Words
By selecting a quality and reliable red dot sight and following proper installation procedures, you can enhance the performance and versatility of your Kimber R7 Mako and make every shooting expedition a success. Hopefully, this buying guide has steered you in the right direction.