Top 5 Glock 43X MOS Red Dot Options for 2026: Expert Picks for Concealed Carry

The Glock 43X MOS has become a popular choice for concealed carry due to its slim profile and factory-milled slide ready for optics. Adding a red dot sight can improve accuracy and speed up target acquisition. However, choosing the right optic requires understanding compatibility, durability, and how different models perform in real-world conditions.

The best red dot sights for the Glock 43X MOS must fit the RMSc footprint, offer reliable performance, and maintain the pistol's low profile for comfortable concealed carry. This guide examines five top-performing options and covers the key features shooters should prioritize. It also includes practical advice on installation and proper zeroing techniques to help users get the most from their optic choice.

1) Shield Sights RMS-C

The Shield Sights RMS-C is designed specifically for compact pistols like the Glock 43X MOS. It features an ultra-low profile that sits close to the slide. This keeps the sight line similar to factory iron sights.

The optic weighs very little, which matters for concealed carry guns. It won't add noticeable bulk to the pistol. The RMS-C uses a 4 MOA red dot that works well for quick target acquisition at typical defensive distances.

The Glock 43X MOS uses the RMSc footprint, which means this optic mounts directly to the slide without adapter plates. This creates a more secure connection and eliminates potential points of failure.

The sight includes automatic brightness adjustment that adapts to changing light conditions. The battery compartment sits on top, so users can change batteries without removing the optic from the gun. The housing is made from polymer with a metal shell, providing durability while keeping weight down.

Shield Sights builds this optic with a focus on reliability for everyday carry and defensive use.

2) Trijicon RMR Type 2

The Trijicon RMR Type 2 stands as a top choice for shooters looking to mount a red dot on their Glock 43X MOS. Its 7075-T6 aluminum body provides durability that holds up in demanding conditions.

The 3.25 MOA red dot offers a practical balance. It allows for quick target acquisition while maintaining the precision needed for accurate shots at various distances.

This optic is waterproof up to 20 meters. Shooters can rely on it in wet environments without worrying about performance issues.

The adjustable LED reticle delivers bright, crisp aiming points across different lighting conditions. Battery life remains solid, reducing the frequency of replacements during regular use.

The RMR Type 2 mounts directly to the Glock 43X MOS slide without requiring additional plates. This simplifies installation and maintains a lower profile on the pistol.

While the standard RMR Type 2 works well, shooters should note that Trijicon also offers the RMRcc model. The RMRcc features a slimmer design specifically built for compact pistols, though both versions perform reliably on the 43X MOS platform.

3) Leupold DeltaPoint Pro

The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro stands out as a premium red dot sight designed for precision and durability. This optic offers a wide field of view that helps shooters acquire targets quickly.

The sight features a 2.5 MOA red dot that balances speed and accuracy. This dot size works well for both close-range defensive situations and precise shooting at distance.

The DeltaPoint Pro includes compatibility with various mounting options, including direct mounting to the Glock 43X MOS. The construction uses rugged materials that withstand hard use and recoil.

Shooters benefit from the crystal-clear optics that maintain sight picture in different lighting conditions. The motion sensor technology activates the sight when movement is detected and powers down during inactivity to save battery life.

The housing protects the lens from impacts while keeping the overall profile low. This design choice makes the sight practical for concealed carry without adding excessive bulk to the pistol.

4) Holosun 507K-X2

The Holosun 507K-X2 is designed specifically for subcompact handguns like the Glock 43X MOS. It offers three reticle options through its Multi-Reticle System: a 2 MOA dot for precision, a 32 MOA circle for fast target acquisition, or both combined.

The optic features a 50,000-hour battery life, which means shooters can rely on it for years without frequent battery changes. Its Shake Awake technology activates the sight with movement and powers down when stationary to conserve battery.

The 507K-X2 uses durable aluminum construction and includes adjustable brightness settings with 12 levels. It fits slimline pistols well due to its compact footprint.

Shooters should note that mounting this optic requires removing the rear index post on the factory Glock 43X MOS slide. An adapter plate with recoil lugs is recommended for proper installation.

The sight window provides a clear view that helps with quick target acquisition. At its price point, the 507K-X2 delivers reliable performance for concealed carry applications.

5) Vortex Venom

The Vortex Venom stands out as a compact red dot sight that fits well on the Glock 43X MOS. Its small design works with the pistol's slim profile without adding excessive bulk or weight.

The sight offers a clear aiming point that helps shooters acquire targets quickly. It comes with multiple mounting options to ensure proper fit on the optics-ready slide. The battery compartment allows for easy replacement without removing the optic from the gun.

The Venom provides a wide field of view that helps maintain situational awareness. Its durable construction handles regular use and recoil from the 9mm pistol. The brightness settings adjust to different lighting conditions, from dim indoor ranges to bright outdoor environments.

Users looking for a best red dot for the Glock 43X MOS often consider the Vortex Venom because of its balance between size and functionality. The optic works for concealed carry, range practice, and competition shooting. Its price point makes it accessible for shooters who want quality performance without premium costs.

Key Features to Consider for Glock 43X MOS Red Dots

When shopping for a red dot sight for the Glock 43X MOS, three main factors separate good options from great ones. Battery performance keeps the sight running when needed most, reticle design affects how quickly shooters can aim, and build quality determines if the optic will survive daily carry.

Battery Life and Power Management

Battery life matters more for concealed carry guns than range toys. Most quality red dots for the Glock 43X MOS run between 20,000 and 50,000 hours on a single battery.

The Holosun models lead the pack with their Shake Awake technology. This feature puts the sight to sleep when not moving and wakes it up instantly when picked up. It saves battery power without forcing shooters to manually turn the sight on and off.

Top-loading battery trays make a big difference for daily carry. They let users swap batteries without removing the optic from the slide. Side-loading designs force shooters to re-zero their sight after each battery change.

Auto-brightness adjustment helps preserve battery life while keeping the dot visible. Manual brightness controls give shooters more control but require more attention. Some red dot sights designed for the 43X MOS offer both options.

Reticle Options and Clarity

Dot size affects how shooters aim at different distances. A 3 MOA dot works well for most situations. It stays small enough for precise shots at 15-25 yards but remains easy to see up close.

Larger 6 MOA dots help with fast close-range shooting. They catch the eye faster but can cover too much of small targets. Smaller 2 MOA dots offer more precision but require more time to acquire.

Some sights offer multiple reticle patterns. Circles with center dots give shooters a fast outer ring for quick shots and a precise center point for accuracy. Green dots show up better in bright daylight for some shooters, while red works well in most conditions.

Window size and lens clarity matter just as much as dot size. Bigger windows make it easier to find the dot when drawing from concealment. Clear glass with good coatings reduces glare and maintains visibility in various lighting.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Compact red dots for concealed carry take more abuse than full-size optics. They sit closer to the slide and experience more force during recoil. The sight needs to handle thousands of rounds without losing zero.

IPX7 or IPX8 waterproof ratings protect the electronics from sweat, rain, and accidental drops in water. These ratings mean the sight can survive underwater for 30 minutes at depths of 1-3 meters.

Housing material affects both weight and strength. Aluminum bodies offer good protection at reasonable weights. Titanium costs more but provides better durability. The mounting screws should be steel, not aluminum, to prevent stripping.

Lens protection keeps the glass scratch-free during daily carry. Some manufacturers include raised edges around the lens. Others offer optional protective shrouds. Impact-resistant glass survives drops and bumps better than standard optic glass.

Installation and Zeroing Best Practices

The Glock 43X MOS comes with a slide cut designed for micro-optics, but proper mounting and zeroing are essential for accuracy. Understanding adapter plate requirements and adjustment techniques ensures the red dot performs as intended.

Mounting Compatibility with Glock 43X MOS

The Glock 43X MOS features a slide cut to accommodate micro-optics, making it compatible with various red dot sights. However, not all optics mount directly to the slide. Some red dots require adapter plates to fit properly on the MOS system.

Optics like the Shield RMSc and Holosun 407K/507K fit the MOS footprint with adapters. The Holosun 507K X2 requires an adapter plate to mount on the Glock 43X MOS despite being one of the most popular choices. Shooters should verify their chosen optic's mounting requirements before purchase.

Screws should be tightened to manufacturer specifications using a torque wrench when possible. Over-tightening can damage the optic or slide, while under-tightening causes the sight to shift during recoil. Thread locker designed for firearms helps prevent screws from loosening over time.

Adjustment Procedures for Optimal Accuracy

Zeroing begins at a close distance, typically 10 yards, to establish a baseline. Shooters should fire a three-shot group from a stable position to identify where rounds impact relative to the dot. Most red dots adjust in half-MOA or 1-MOA increments per click.

Windage adjustments move the dot left or right, while elevation adjustments move it up or down. The rule "move the dot toward the impact" applies when zeroing. If shots land low and left of the aiming point, the shooter adjusts the dot down and left.

After making adjustments at 10 yards, shooters should verify zero at their intended carry distance, usually 15 to 25 yards. A properly zeroed red dot allows the shooter to place the dot on target and achieve point-of-aim accuracy. Some shooters prefer a slight high zero at close range to account for bullet drop at longer distances.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Glock 43X MOS uses the RMSc footprint, which determines what red dot sights can mount directly to the slide. Battery life, durability, and price vary significantly among compatible optics.

What are the top-rated red dot sights for the Glock 43X MOS in 2026?

The Shield Sights RMS-C stands out as a top-tier optic explicitly designed for compact pistols like the Glock 43X MOS. The Holosun 507K-X2 offers excellent value with multiple reticle options and solar backup power. The Trijicon RMR Type 2 delivers proven durability and reliability in a compact package.

Other highly rated options include the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro and Vortex Venom. Each sight offers different features at various price points to match different shooting needs.

Which Holosun models are compatible with the Glock 43X MOS?

The Holosun 507K-X2 fits the Glock 43X MOS directly without adapters. This model uses the RMSc footprint that matches the factory slide cut. The 507K-X2 includes both a 2 MOA dot and 32 MOA circle reticle.

The standard Holosun 507C requires an adapter plate because it uses a different mounting pattern. Shooters should verify the specific model number ends in "K" for direct compatibility with the 43X MOS.

What is the best cost-effective red dot sight for a Glock 43X MOS?

The Holosun 507K-X2 provides the best balance of features and price for budget-conscious shooters. It includes solar backup power, multiple reticle options, and a durable aluminum housing. Battery life extends up to 50,000 hours on medium settings.

The Vortex Venom offers another affordable option with a simple 3 MOA dot. It costs less than premium options while maintaining good reliability for everyday carry use.

How does the Trijicon RMRcc compare to other red dot sights for the Glock 43X MOS?

The Trijicon RMRcc features a forged aluminum housing that withstands heavy recoil and impact. The lens uses a surface coating that resists scratches better than many competing sights. Battery life reaches approximately four years of constant use.

The RMRcc costs more than most other options but delivers proven durability. The sight window is slightly smaller than the Shield RMS-C but offers better protection for the lens. Trijicon backs the optic with their reputation for military and law enforcement contracts.

Are there any new advancements in red dot technology for the Glock 43X MOS?

Solar backup power now appears in several red dot models for the RMSc footprint. This technology keeps the reticle active even when the battery dies. The Holosun 507K-X2 includes this feature as standard equipment.

Some manufacturers now offer brighter LED emitters that work better in direct sunlight. Lens coatings have improved to reduce glare and increase light transmission. Battery compartments on newer models allow changes without removing the sight from the slide.

What mounting solutions exist for red dot sights on a Glock 43X MOS?

The Glock 43X MOS comes from the factory with an optics-ready slide featuring an RMSc footprint. Red dots designed for this footprint mount directly to the slide with included screws. The Shield RMS-C, Holosun 507K-X2, and Trijicon RMRcc all use this direct mount system.

Adapter plates allow shooters to mount red dots with different footprints. These plates add height to the optic and may require taller sights for co-witnessing. Direct mount options provide the lowest profile and most secure attachment for concealed carry use.