Open Red Dot Sight vs Enclosed Red Dot Sight vs Half-Enclosed Red Dot Sight, How to Choose?

Choosing between an enclosed red dot and an open (or exposed) red dot sight depends on your shooting environment and what you value most—durability, reliability, lightweight or speed.

If your top priority is durability and all-weather reliability, we highly recommend going with an enclosed red dot sight. The enclosed design fully protects the emitter (the light source that creates the dot), shielding it from dust, rain, mud, or debris. These sights typically feature a higher waterproof rating, making them ideal for use in tough outdoor conditions, tactical scenarios, or extreme weather.

With the same window size, usually open red dots are more compact and lightweight, offering a wider field of view and faster target acquisition. They're a great option for competition shooting, home defense in clean environments where exposure to the elements isn't a major concern.

Open Red Dot Sight

●Both the light emitter and the adjustment knobs are fully exposed.

●While this design is lightweight and offers a wide field of view, it is more vulnerable to environmental elements such as dirt, rain, and physical impact.

●Best suited for controlled environments like indoor ranges or competition shooting, where exposure risk is minimal.

Enclosed red dot sight

●The light emitter and adjustment knobs are fully enclosed and protected inside a sealed housing.

●This design offers the highest level of durability, often with superior waterproof and dustproof ratings.

●Ideal for harsh environments, duty use, and situations where reliability and ruggedness are a top priority.

Half-Enclosed Red Dot Sight

●The light source is enclosed inside a protective housing, shielding it from dust, moisture, and impact.

●However, the windage and elevation adjustment knobs remain exposed, making them more vulnerable to damage, like shochproof or accidental shifts.

●This type of design offers a balance between durability and weight, suitable for shooters who want some level of protection without the bulk of a fully enclosed optic.

3MOA vs 6MOA – Which One Should You Choose?

When choosing a red dot size, it’s important to consider your shooting style, distance, and target size. Here's a quick breakdown:

3 MOA Red Dot

A smaller dot offers better precision and is ideal for longer-distance shooting or for shooters who prioritize accurate shot placement. It allows you to aim more precisely at smaller targets without the dot obscuring your point of impact. This makes it a great option for rifles, PCC (Pistol Caliber Carbine), or even general-purpose handguns used in more controlled shooting environments.

6 MOA Red Dot:

A larger dot is designed with speed in mind. It’s easier to pick up quickly, especially in fast-paced shooting competitions like IPSC or USPSA Pistol Division. For close-range engagements, the larger dot gives a more intuitive aiming experience and helps reduce the time it takes to get on target.

However, a potential downside to larger dots—particularly for users with astigmatism—is that the dot may appear blurred or starburst-like, making it seem even bigger than it is. This can slightly affect your precision, especially under certain lighting conditions.

Recommendation:

Use 3 MOA for precision and versatility.

Use 6 MOA for speed-focused competition or close-quarter shooting.

Read our previous blog post to learn more, 3MOA vs 6MOA

Large window vs small window, What to consider?

Small Window Red Dot:

• Ideal for compact setups where weight and size matter, such as concealed carry or minimalist rifles.

• Perfect for EDC (Everyday Carry) or lightweight platforms where keeping things streamlined is a priority.

• Downsides: Smaller field of view makes dot tracking slightly more difficult under rapid movement or during awkward shooting angles.

Large Window Red Dot:

• Offers a wider field of view, helping you stay on the dot more consistently, especially in dynamic shooting like IPSC, USPSA, or 3-Gun competitions.

• Makes target acquisition faster and easier, especially when shooting on the move or from unconventional positions.

• Downsides: Heavier than smaller models, which could affect balance on compact firearms. Also may be bulkier to carry.

We are going to introduce and compare our trending red dot sights this year.

SCRD-68, Frenzy-S 1x17x20, Half-Enclosed  Red Dot Sight

Weighing only 26 grams, the SCRD-68 combines an ultra-compact footprint with the durability of an enclosed design, making it a perfect everyday carry (EDC) optic for all-weather conditions. It features a 17x20mm window with a crisp 3 MOA red dot, offering a clean and precise aiming point.

Thanks to its aspheric lens, the SCRD-68 also reduces image distortion, providing a clearer and more accurate sight picture, especially during rapid target transitions. It can be armed on your pistol for self-defense. 

If you're looking for a rugged, compact red dot without the bulk, the SCRD-68 is a top-tier choice.

SCRD-75, Frenzy FA 1x18x22 Enclosed Red Dot Sight

The enclosed red dot sight features more durability than the open sight. Our trending red dot sight, SCRD-75, is designed with a narrower frame to deliver a more intuitive and unobstructed shooting experience. 

Another standout feature is its ease of maintenance. Whether you're out on a long hunt or carrying it daily, cleaning the SCRD-75 is effortless—you can simply rinse it under running water thanks to its improved sealing and waterproof design.

SCRD-76, Frenzy FLEX 1x24x29 GenII Red Dot 

SCRD-79, Frenzy 1x26x32 6MOA Red Dot

Introducing two of our most popular red dot sights designed for dynamic shooting competitions such as IPSC Pistol Division.

SCRD-76 – Fast, Compact, and Competition-Ready

The SCRD-76 is an open red dot sight purpose-built for speed and accuracy in close-range scenarios. Featuring a 6MOA red dot and a generous 24×29mm window, it offers a wide field of view that helps shooters stay on target during rapid-fire stages. Its MOJ footprint allows seamless mounting on pistols, shotguns, or rifles, making it a versatile choice for competitive and tactical setups alike.

SCRD-79 – Next-Gen Performance in a Larger Format

The newly released SCRD-79 also sports a 6MOA red dot, with an even larger 26×32mm window for enhanced visibility and faster target acquisition. Designed with the same competition spirit, this model uses the GIN footprint, making it equally compatible with a wide range of platforms—from handguns to long guns.

Both models are tailored for shooters who prioritize speed, clarity, and flexibility on the range.