Adding an optic to your carry pistol speeds up target acquisition and improves accuracy under stress — but a carry gun puts unique demands on a red dot. Here's how to choose the best optic for concealed carry in 2026, with UK-stocked picks.
What makes a good carry optic?
For everyday carry, prioritise a compact size that suits a slim slide, durability to survive holster wear and daily knocks, reliability in all weather, and long battery life with auto-on tech so it's always ready.
Footprint comes first
Most modern carry pistols (SIG P365, Glock 43X/48 MOS, S&W Shield Plus, Springfield Hellcat) use the slim RMSc footprint. Confirm yours before buying — our RMR vs RMSc guide explains how. Larger carry guns may use the RMR footprint.
Open or enclosed for carry?
This is the big carry decision. An enclosed optic seals the emitter so lint, sweat and rain can't block the dot — a genuine advantage for a gun carried against the body all day. Open optics are lighter and cheaper but need the emitter cleaning occasionally. For dedicated carry, many shooters now prefer enclosed. See our enclosed vs open guide.
Top carry optic picks
- Best enclosed carry: Holosun EPS Carry — sealed emitter, RMSc footprint, compact.
- Best compact open: Holosun 507K / 407K — proven, affordable and slim.
- Best premium: Trijicon RCR (enclosed) or SIG ROMEO-X.
Browse all pistol dot sights and the slim RMSc options, or shop the Holosun pistol range.
Don't forget co-witness sights
Many carry shooters run suppressor-height iron sights that co-witness through the optic window — giving a backup aiming option if the dot ever fails. It's a popular setup for good reason.
Reticle size for carry
A slightly larger dot (e.g. 6 MOA) is faster to pick up at typical defensive distances, while a smaller dot (2 MOA) is more precise at range. Many carry shooters favour a larger dot or a circle-dot reticle for speed.
For deeper model comparisons, see our best pistol red dot sights guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best red dot for concealed carry?
For most carry pistols, a compact RMSc-footprint optic — the enclosed Holosun EPS Carry or the open 507K — offers the best blend of size, reliability and value.
Do I need an enclosed optic for carry?
It's not essential, but enclosed optics resist the lint and sweat that can obscure an open emitter on a daily-carried gun, so they're increasingly preferred.
What dot size is best for carry?
A 6 MOA dot is fast to acquire up close; 2 MOA is more precise further out. Many carry shooters prefer a larger dot or circle-dot for speed.