One of the simplest methods of enhancing handgun or rifle speed, accuracy, and target acquisition, without having to mill your gun, is to upgrade it with a Red Dot Sight without Milling. Historically, red dot mounting used to cost either pricey slide milling or gunsmith labor, but new optics are now provided with adapter plates, dovetail mounts, and optics-ready slides that are easy, safe, and reversible to install.
Regardless of being an enthusiast shooter, a police officer, or an amateur, getting a proper no-milling red dot can help improve performance significantly. Issues such as dot size, battery life, compatibility with the footprint, durability, and field of view influence the performance of an optic on your platform.
The most popular includes the Holosun HS507C-X2, Trijicon RMR Type 2, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, Aimpoint Duty RDS Red Dot Reflex Sight, and the SIG Romeo5, which offer various features at affordable prices, and the professional features at the cost of reliability.
In this guide, we will subdivide the most suitable red dot sights that have not been milled to assist you in picking the right optic to fit your gun and your shooting method.
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| 1) Aimpoint Duty RDS Red Dot Reflex Sight |  |
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| 2) SIG SAUER ROMEO5 Red Dot Sight |  |
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| 3) Trijicon SRO Red Dot |  |
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| 4) Trijicon RMR Type 2 Adjustable LED Sight |  |
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| 5) Holosun HS507C‑X2 Red Dot Sight |  |
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| 6) Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Red Dot Sight |  |
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What Does Red Dot Sight Without Milling Mean?
A red dot sight with no milling means that it is a gun optic that can be attached without cutting or altering the slide of your handgun or the receiver of a rifle.
Historically, as a method of attaching a red dot to a pistol, the gunsmith would machine or mill the slide to form a customized slot that would receive the optic footprint. This is a costly, long-lasting procedure that can void warranties of manufacturers.
Conversely, a no-milling red dot sight is attached using adapter plates, dovetail mounts, or optics-ready slides that already have pre-cut footprints, such as the RMR, DeltaPoint Pro, or Shield RMSc patterns. These systems enable you to install a red dot on your firearm without making modifications to it.
As an example, most contemporary pistols, including Glock MOS, SIG Sauer P320 RX, or Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 CORE, are optics-ready when purchased. That is, you can install a red dot sight that fits on it with the plates provided instead of sending your slide to a gunsmith.
The advantage of going without milling is flexibility:
- You can switch optics later or return the firearm to factory condition.
- It’s faster, cheaper, and reversible compared to custom milling.
- It opens the door for beginners to try a red dot sight without permanent modification.
Why Choose a Red Dot Sight That Doesn’t Require Slide Milling?
Choosing a red dot sight that doesn’t require slide milling is one of the smartest upgrades you can make if you want to improve accuracy, speed, and versatility without permanently altering your firearm.
Here’s why more shooters are going “no milling”:
- Easy Installation
You can mount these red dots using adapter plates or dovetail mounts, making setup quick and tool-light. Many modern pistols come with optics-ready slides, which perfectly fit popular footprints like RMR, DeltaPoint Pro, or Holosun.
- Cost-Effective Upgrade
Milling a slide can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, plus downtime. With no-milling options, you can skip the gunsmith and invest that money into a better-quality optic or accessories.
- Reversible and Flexible
If you decide to change your optic later or return your gun to its original state, you can easily remove the red dot and reinstall iron sights, no permanent modification required.
- Reliable and Proven Designs
Many red dots designed for no-milling use, like the Holosun 507C-X2, Trijicon RMR Type 2, or SIG Sauer Romeo5, are rugged, shockproof, and used by law enforcement and competition shooters worldwide.
- Perfect for Beginners
New shooters who want to explore red dot aiming can do so safely and affordably. No milling means less commitment and easier experimentation with optics until you find the one that fits your shooting style.
Red Dot Footprints and Mount Compatibility Explained
Understanding red dot sight footprints and mount compatibility is essential when choosing a no-milling optic. A footprint refers to the pattern of screw holes and recoil lugs on the bottom of a red dot sight that attaches it to a slide or mounting plate.
Different optics use different footprints, so knowing which pattern your gun supports ensures a perfect fit.
The most common footprints include:
- RMR Footprint – Used by Trijicon RMR, Holosun 407C/507C, and many others. It’s one of the most popular patterns for handguns.
- DeltaPoint Pro Footprint – Found on Leupold DeltaPoint Pro and some SIG Sauer ROMEO optics.
- Shield RMSc Footprint – Common for slim, subcompact pistols like the Glock 43X MOS or SIG P365.
- Docter / Vortex Venom Footprint – Used by Burris FastFire, Vortex Venom, and similar compact optics.
Comparison Table
| Model | Dot Size | Battery Life / Power | Weight | Footprint / Mount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aimpoint Duty RDS | 2 MOA | 30,000 hours (over 3 years) at setting 7 | 160 g / 5.6 oz (sight only) | Picatinny / MIL-STD1913, one-piece torsion-nut mount (39 mm) | High durability, duty-grade build |
| SIG Sauer ROMEO5 | 2 MOA | 40,000 hours (typical) | 5.1 oz (145 g) | Picatinny / standard rail with included mounts (riser & low profile) | Good value; many accessories included |
| Trijicon SRO | 1 MOA / 2.5 MOA / 5 MOA depending variant | Approx. 3 years (on CR2032) & both auto & manual brightness | 1.6 oz (46 g) | RMR footprint compatible (for many pistol slides) | Large window, competition-oriented |
| Trijicon RMR Type 2 Adjustable LED | 1 MOA, 3.25 MOA or 6.5 MOA options | 17,000-35,000 hours (depending usage) | 1.2 oz (34 g) | RMR footprint standard | Premium micro red dot, ultra-rugged |
| Holosun HS507C-X2 | 2 MOA dot + 32 MOA circle (MRS system) | Up to 50,000 hours or solar backup included | 1.5 oz (43 g) | RMR footprint compatible | Feature-rich, excellent value |
| Leupold DeltaPoint Pro | 2.5 MOA (also 6 or 7.5 MOA variants) | Battery: CR2032, long runtime; tool-free top access | 1.9 oz (54 g) | Proprietary DeltaPoint Pro footprint / Picatinny compatibility | Large window, premium build |
Red Dot Sight without Milling
1) Aimpoint Duty RDS Red Dot Reflex Sight
Aimpoint Duty RDS is a small reflex optic that is designed to perform seriously, but offered at a lower cost compared to most of the expensive duty optics.
It has a high-definition 2 MOA red dot, which is sharp and illuminated, that can be used in quick target acquisition in short to mid-range engagements during duty, sport shooting, or personal defence.
The interesting feature of the Duty RDS is the strength and intelligent design, the casing is pressure-forged aluminium alloy and hard-anodised non-reflective surface.
To an end-user, the Duty RDS is a combination of simplicity and a high level of ruggedness: you can expect all-day operation, both-eyes-open use (1x magnification, indefinite eye relief), and all of that with the Aimpoint brand name attached to it.
It is a good choice for people who want an optic that will work when under pressure and does not necessarily cost as much as flagship models do.
Key Specifications
- Dot size: 2 MOA
- Magnification: 1× (no magnification) / unlimited eye relief
- Battery: 1 × CR2032 lithium coin cell
- Brightness settings: 10 (1 off, 4 NV-compatible, 6 daylight)
- Weight: approx 108-110 g (3.8-3.9 oz)
- Waterproof/submersible: to 25 m / 80 ft
- Mounting: One-piece torsion nut mount for Picatinny rail
Pros
- Outstanding battery life
- Rugged build quality
- Simple, intuitive controls
- True unlimited eye relief, 1× view
- Night-vision compatible settings
Cons
- Doesn’t include quick-release/lever mount option (mounting uses a torsion nut)
2) SIG SAUER ROMEO5 Red Dot Sight
The SIG SAUER ROMEO5 is a relatively small red dot sight that has all the features but is not priced as an ultra-premium.
It has a sharp 2MOA dot and 1X magnification and is designed to help find the target within seconds, and is supported by the latest firearms, such as rifles, carbines, and some shotguns.
Among its stellar features is the MOTAC, the optic detects movement and thus turns the dot on, and the opposite happens too: when the optic is motionless, the dot turns off, so battery life is rated at 40,000+ hours on a single CR2032 coin cell.
Practically, the ROMEO5 will provide infinite eye relief, parallax adjustable designs that point of aim is close to point of impact, and easy mounting due to its MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) interface.
It comes with a slim mount and co-witness riser with 1.41 inches, which provides options in variable platform heights.
ROMEO5 may be an interesting choice for shooters looking to have a reliable red-dot that works right out of the box, performs well in harsh environments, and does not need slide-milling.
Key Specifications
- Dot size: 2 MOA
- Magnification: 1× (no magnification) / unlimited eye relief
- Battery: 1 × CR2032 coin cell; 40,000+ hours runtime
- Illumination settings: 8 daylight + 2 night vision (10 total)
- Weight: approx 5.1 oz (with mount and battery)
- Mounting: Picatinny / MIL-STD-1913 with included mounts (low & co-witness riser)
Pros
- Excellent battery life thanks to MOTAC and efficient electronics
- Rugged build and good weather sealing (IPX-7)
- Compact, lightweight design for its class, with unlimited eye relief
- Flexible mounting: includes both low and co-witness riser mounts, compatible with standard Picatinny rails.
- Very good value for performance
Cons
- The 2 MOA dot may be slightly larger for ultra-precise long-range.
3) Trijicon SRO Red Dot
Trijicon SRO (Specialised Reflex Optic) is rather competition-based and fast target acquisition-based.
It has a significantly bigger viewing window as well as a very sharp red dot reticle – this design enables the shooter to easily locate the target and shoot faster and more accurately.
Independent reviews have claimed that the SRO increased the accuracy of shooting in competitive environments through the wide field of view and the clarity of dots.
The SRO was designed with serious durability in consideration, thus its housing is made of forged 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminium, which offers a strong shell to the electronics and optics.
Has an unlimited eye relief, which is parallax-free, and therefore it can be used in both-eyes-open shooting and during effective transition.
Also, the lighting system has an automatic and manual option with eight brightness levels, two are night-vision, and a top-loading CR2032 battery that provides the system with approximately three years of continuous operation on a moderate setting.
One additional element that makes the SRO unique is the ability to be used on numerous pistol slides that are optics-ready, and which do not need to be milled on the slide with the right adapter/mount plate installed.
This enables it to be a good competitor to shooters who desire a high-quality optic, but without the custom milling.
Key Specifications
- Magnification: 1×
- Reticle/Dot options: 1 MOA, 2.5 MOA, or 5 MOA
- Eye relief: Unlimited
- Battery: 1 × CR2032 coin cell; approx. 3 years of runtime at setting 4
- Illumination: Automatic + 8 manual brightness settings
- Weight: Approx. 1.6 oz (46 g) with battery
- Adjustment: 1 MOA per click; 150 MOA total windage/elevation travel
- Waterproof/submersible: 10 ft / 3 m
Pros
- Large viewing window offers quick target acquisition and excellent situational awareness.
- Crisp, clear red dot and high optical clarity
- Lightweight and compact for its class
- Compatible with the popular RMR footprint
- Strong battery life and versatile brightness/automatic settings
Cons
- Though durable, it is not considered quite as rugged as some duty-rated optics.
4) Trijicon RMR Type 2 Adjustable LED Sight
Trijicon RMR Type 2 Adjustable LED is a highly regarded reflex optical that was designed with serious use in mind, to use on pistols, carbines, or shotguns, and provides a high-quality combination of durability, accuracy, and versatility.
With a 1X magnification, an unlimited eye-relief design, you have the real, both-eyes-open shooting without the distortion that can be caused by a magnification lens.
The sight window is about 0.87 x 0.63 inches (22×16 mm) and provides a wide viewing area to quickly make out a target.
Another significant improvement on the Type 2 Adjustable LED version is in the brightness/illumination system, you have either automatic mode the optic detects the ambient light and changes, or manual mode with eight brightness levels.
It is waterproof/submersible to approximately 20 m (66 ft) and has enhanced battery contacts and electronics to withstand recoil and severe use.
The other large advantage, the footprint is the same as the original RMR family, which provides compatibility with a large number of slide-cut or optics-ready platforms, but you still need to make sure that the appropriate mounting plate or slide is installed.
Key Specifications
- Magnification: 1×
- Reticle/Dot: 3.25 MOA
- Illumination: Adjustable LED, automatic + 8 manual brightness settings including NV compatible
- Battery: 1 × CR2032 lithium cell
- Waterproof: up to 20 m / 66 ft submersion
- Weight: Approx 1.2 oz / 34 g
- Adjustments: Windage/Elevation 1 MOA per click
Pros
- Exceptional durability and build quality
- Adjustable LED illumination with both auto and manual modes
- Excellent Compact size and light weight make it versatile for pistols and other platforms.
- Maintains the common RMR footprint (Type 1/2), giving broad compatibility for optics-ready slides/rises.
- A well-balanced dot size (3.25 MOA) gives both speed and usable precision for many shooters.
Cons
- Premium price point compared to many “budget” red dots.
5) Holosun HS507C‑X2 Red Dot
The Holosun HS507C-X2 is a good option in case you need a red dot sight with high performance, but that does not need slide-milling when installed on compatible mounts/plates and has more recent features at an affordable price.
The view has an open reflex, 1x magnification design, and an unlimited eye relief, which is ideal for pistols and other platforms where quick target acquisition is important.
Among its most impressive features is the Multi-Reticle System (MRS), you can change to a 2MOA dot, or 32MOA circle, or a combination of both circle-dot system, and it will depend on your shooting style and range.
Even more features are built into the optic: Holosun has a Solar Failsafe system, which allows the battery to act as a backup in case of power consumption.
Solar Failsafe system uses a light-sensing solar cell to provide a backup to the battery, and the Shake Awake system will turn the optic on when movement is detected and turn it off when not, thereby saving battery life.
Its housing is aircraft grade 7075-T6 aluminium, hard-anodised black finished, and the sight has an IP67 waterproof/dustproof rating, and can withstand heavy vibration (5,000G) according to manufacturer specifications.
It fits full-size pistol very well, red-dot conversions, or any platform with optics ready but you do not want to mill the slide, just install it on the plate or rail footprint where it fits, and you are ready.
Key Specifications
- Reticle: 2 MOA dot & 32 MOA circle (or combined)
- Magnification: 1×
- Battery: 1 × CR1632 coin cel
- Brightness settings: 12 total (10 daylight, 2 night-vision compatible)
- Weight: approx 1.5 oz (43 g)
- Environmental: IP67 rating; working temp approx –30 °C to +60 °C
Pros
- Very flexible reticle options (dot, circle, dot+circle)
- Excellent battery life and smart electronics.
- Solar Failsafe plus Shake Awake means reliability and less worry about the battery dead.
- Rugged build
- Side-loading battery trayand industry-standard footprint mean easier mounting/maintenance.
- Good value
Cons
- You still may need the correct mounting plate or adapter; while slide-milling may be avoided, you need the right setup.
6) Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Red Dot
Leupold DeltaPoint Pro is a reflex sight high-end that has been designed to meet the speed, durability, and versatility of handguns, carbines, and shotguns.
And at 1x, with unlimited eye relief, you can shoot both eyes open and move between targets the fastest ever, which is a significant advantage when you really have to shoot.
The only difference is its sweeping field of view provided by its huge aspheric DiamondCoatowwii large lens that provides a good view and awareness of the surroundings.
Construction is absolutely excellent, the sight is equipped with a lightweight aluminium housing, covered with a spring-steel shroud to provide additional protection, which is quite strong and can withstand a substantial recoil.
Has the Motion Sensor Technology (MST) of Leupold that activates the display upon motion detection and shuts down when idle, which is convenient in saving battery when the gun is not in use.
The battery is quickly and easily accessed, and can be changed without having to take the optic off the mount: a CR2032 lithium cell can be changed in a top-loading position.
Key Specifications
- Magnification: 1× (unmagnified), unlimited eye relief.
- Dot/Reticle size: 2.5 MOA (also 6 or 7.5 MOA options).
- Battery: 1 × CR2032 lithium coin cell.
- Dimensions: ~1.82″ × 1.31″ × 1.30″ (46.1 × 33.2 × 33.0 mm).
- Weight: ~1.9 oz (≈53.8 g) with battery.
- Mounting footprints: Dedicated Leupold DeltaPoint Pro mounting standard
- Illumination settings: 8 brightness levels plus MST for motion-activated on/off.
Pros
- Excellent glass clarity and a very wide field of view make target acquisition fast and intuitive.
- Rugged, premium build: aluminium plus protective steel shroud means tough duty performance.
- Motion Sensor Technology helps conserve battery and ensures the optic is ready when you pick it up.
- Tool-free battery access allows top loading without removing the sight from your firearm.
- Versatile: good for handguns, rifles, even shotguns
Cons
- Premium cost is higher than many budget or mid-tier red dot sights.
Factors to Consider when Choosing The Best Red Dot Sight without Milling
Compatibility of footprints and mounts.
The imprint is the shape of screws and lugs that are used to connect the optic to your firearm. In no-milling arrangements, be sure that the sight fits the optics plate that has already been cut on your gun or is supplied with an adapter plate to fit. Popular footprints include:
- MRP (Trijicon MMR, Hershey, I-Shine)
This represents a generic product provided by numerous suppliers at various prices.<|human|>MRP (Trijicon MMR, Hershey, I-Shine) - DeltaPoint Pro (Leupold delta point Pro)
- 25 cal RMSc / Shield (subcompact pistol)
Proper footprint guarantees easy installation, zero sound, and resistance to recoil.
- Dot Size and Reticle Options
Speed and precision depend on dot size:
- Smaller dots (1-2MOA) – Accurate at more distant range (e.g., Trijicon SRO, RMR Type 2).
- Medium dots (2-3.25) – Speed and accuracy optimized (e.g., SIG Romeo5, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro).
- Circle/Multi-Reticle Systems This is flexible to acquire faster and to be accurate (e.g., Holosun HS507Cx2).
- Battery Life and Power Options
Find optics with extended power supplies and systems that have lower power consumption. Many modern sights include:
- Motion-activated power (Shake Awake / MST) – Battery saving.
- Solar backup – The dot will remain visible in case of battery breakdown.
- It has a runtime of up to 30,00050,000 hours based on model and brightness settings.
- Size, Weight, and Field of View
Small and light optics make them smaller in size and enhance manipulation. A huge viewing window improves situational awareness and rapidity:
Competition sights (Trijicon SRO, Holosun HS507C-X2) tend to give preference to large windows.
- Ease of Installation
No-milling sights must be prompt to install on your gun. Check:
- Included plates or adapters.
- Tool-free battery access.
- Adjustable co-witnessing iron sights when required.
FAQs
- Can I mount a red dot sight without milling my pistol slide?
Yes! Many modern red dots are designed to fit optics-ready slides or use adapter plates, eliminating the need for permanent slide milling. Popular footprints like RMR, DeltaPoint Pro, and RMSc make installation straightforward.
- What is the difference between a no-milling red dot and a milled red dot?
A milled red dot requires a gunsmith to cut the slide to fit the optic, which is permanent and costly. A no-milling red dot mounts via pre-cut slides or adapter plates, making it reversible, faster to install, and cheaper.
- Can I use a no-milling red dot on any pistol?
Not all pistols are compatible. Optics-ready slides or adapter plates are needed to mount most no-milling red dots. Always check the footprint and plate compatibility before purchasing.
Final Thoughts
The key to selecting the best red dot sight without milling is all about performance, compatibility, and convenience. The benefits of a red dot are now available in modern no-milling optics that allow you to enjoy the benefits of a red dot faster shooting, more precise, and both-eyes-open without permanently modifying your gun.
You can choose a red dot that fits your budget and reliability, like the SIG Romeo5, which has feature options including more features like the Holosun HS507C‑X2, or one that is of professional quality, like the Trijicon RMR Type 2 or Aimpoint Duty RDS Red Dot Reflex Sight or Leupold DeltaPoint Pro that fits your particular platform and shooting style.
No-milling red dots are perfect in pistols, optics-ready slides, or rifles with adapter plates, and give the flexibility and reassurance.
Considering your needs, you can be sure to choose a red dot sight which will provide you with accuracy, rapidity, and reliability, even long after you buy it.
Also check out: Top Best Red Dot Sight Without Battery