Top 5 Best Walther PPQ Red Dots – Tested and Reviewed

Our Top Picks

Ever felt lost in the maze of red dot sights for your Walther PPQ? 

It’s a common plight, given the vast options and technical jargon. We know the struggle. That’s why I’ve put together this concise review. I’ve dived into the red dot world, tested, and sifted through the noise. 

The result? 

A list of the top 5 red dot sights that cater to different needs and budgets. 

No more guesswork, no more wasting time. Just clear, helpful advice. Let’s make your shooting experience better.

Best PPQ Red Dot – Comparison Table

PPQ Red Dot Must-Have Features

Features	Trijicon SRO	HOLOSUN HS507C X2	Vortex Venom	Burris Fastfire 3	Leupold DeltaPoint Pro	Category Average
Overall Score	4.52	4.42	3.28	3.97	3.37	3.91
Optics	4.5	4.3	3.5	3.2	3	3.7
Build Quality	4.6	4.5	3	3.3	3.5	3.78
Battery	5	4.5	1.5	4.5	2	3.5
Ergonomics	4.4	4.5	4.7	4.7	4.4	4.54
Value	3.8	3.7	2.8	4.1	2.9	3.46
Illumination	4.8	5	4.2	4	4.4	4.48

Optics

Optics quality determines the clarity, sharpness, and color fidelity of the image through the red dot sight. High-quality optics will provide a clear and crisp sight picture in various lighting conditions. A high-quality lens isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity. The lens should offer excellent light transmission and minimal distortion.

Every shooting environment is different. From sunlit open fields to dark indoor ranges, an adjustable brightness feature allows you to modify the red dot’s intensity. It ensures optimal visibility, no matter the light conditions.

How do we rate it?

We score optics based on lens clarity, the sharpness of the red dot, adjustable brightness, and the presence of any distortion or parallax errors. We give more points to sights that offer exceptional clarity and minimal distortion.

Build Quality

Red dot sights must stand the test of time and harsh conditions. Durability means a sight that is well-built, can withstand heavy recoil, and won’t lose its zero. The more rugged, the better. It guarantees you won’t be left high and dry during a vital moment.

How do we rate it?

We rate build quality according to the materials used, construction robustness, water and shock resistance, and the overall feel of the product. Higher scores are awarded to sights that demonstrate superior durability and craftsmanship.

Battery

Imagine your sight shutting down in the middle of a shooting session. Not a pleasant thought, is it? 

Battery life impacts the operational readiness and maintenance frequency of any red dot sight. A sight with long battery life lets you shoot without constantly worrying about power. Remember, every moment you spend changing batteries is a moment not spent perfecting your aim.

How do we rate it?

We rate battery performance based on the advertised battery life under normal conditions, the availability of power-saving features, and the ease of replacing or recharging the battery. Higher scores go to sights with longer battery life and more convenient power management options.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics involves how well the red dot sight integrates with the firearm and the shooter’s use, including ease of attachment, adjustments, and controls.

How do we rate it?

We score this factor based on the ease of installation, the intuitiveness and accessibility of controls (such as brightness adjustments and power switches), and the sight’s compatibility with the firearm. We give higher scores to sights that are user-friendly and enhance the shooting experience.

Value

Prices of red dot sights can vary dramatically. It’s important to find a sight that offers good value for your money. An expensive sight isn’t always the best, and a budget sight doesn’t always mean compromise. It’s about finding a sight that fits your needs and your wallet.

How do we rate it?

Value is scored by comparing the sight’s price against its overall performance, build quality, features, and included accessories. We award higher scores to sights that offer the best combination of quality and cost-efficiency.

Illumination

Illumination refers to the brightness and visibility of the red dot, especially in varying light conditions, from bright sunlight to low light.

How do we rate it?

We rate this factor based on the brightness levels, visibility of the dot in different lighting conditions, and the consistency of illumination. Sights that provide clear visibility in a wide range of lighting conditions score higher.

Walther PPQ Red Dot – Our Top List

Best for Advanced Shooters: Trijicon SRO

Factor	Trijicon SRO	Category Average
Optics	4.5	3.7
Build Quality	4.6	3.78
Battery	5	3.5
Ergonomics	4.4	4.54
Value	3.8	3.46
Illumination	4.8	4.48

Overall Score: 4.52/5

Quick Specs:

• Reticle: 2.5 MOA
• Weight: 1.6 oz
• Length: 2.2 inches
• Battery life: 26,280 hours

The Trijicon Specialized Reflex Optic (SRO) stands out with its large and clear lens that offers a wide field of view, enhancing target acquisition speed and precision. This quality distinctly boosts the speed and precision of target acquisition. I found the lens to be of high quality, keeping distortion to a minimum and presenting a crisp, bright red dot.

I noticed the SRO came with user-friendly brightness settings, adjustable to fit personal preferences. It flaunts a notable battery life that won’t let you down during those lengthy shooting sessions we all love. The robustness of its design assures both durability and reliability, something I believe every advanced shooter would appreciate.

Sure, the price point veers towards the higher end, but in my opinion, the top-tier features it brings to the table offer good value to those shooters who are well-versed in their craft.

What Customers Say

“Larger view than most red dots I have tried. easy to Zero, simple to operate.”

– Jake Kopp

Best for Home Defense: HOLOSUN HS507C X2

Factor	HOLOSUN HS507C X2	Category Average
Optics	4.3	3.7
Build Quality	4.5	3.78
Battery	4.5	3.5
Ergonomics	4.5	4.54
Value	3.7	3.46
Illumination	5	4.48

Overall Score: 4.42/5

Quick Specs:

• Reticle: 2 MOA dot, 32 MOA circle
• Weight: 1.5 oz
• Length: 1.78 inches
• Battery life: 50,000 hours

When it comes to home defense, I found the HOLOSUN HS507C X2 to be a force to reckon with. What caught my attention was its unique multi-reticle system. This feature allows for flexibility, letting you switch between a dot, circle, or even a combination of the two.

The sight also impressed me with its innovative Shake Awake feature. This smart function prolongs battery life by deactivating the reticle when not in use and reawakening it as soon as it senses movement. I admired its robust build, topped with an IP67 waterproof rating, which essentially means it’s designed to last.

True, beginners might need a bit of time to familiarize themselves with its varied features. However, in my view, the versatility it brings to the table certainly justifies the initial effort.

What Customers Say

“The sight arrived well packaged, no damage. Installed easy, reticle came on very bright. In fact, it stayed on the highest intensity, and I couldn’t diminish it. It was so bright that it washed out the target and I had a difficult time zeroing the sight. The next day I decided to remove it and send it back, but before I did, I decided to try one more time to see if the intensity could be reduced. Much to my surprise, everything worked. I went back out to my range and easily sighted in. I like the dot in the circle reticle as it gives me a fast, but precise aiming dot.”

– Norm@Jackson

Best for Beginners: Vortex Venom

Factor	Vortex Venom	Category Average
Optics	3.5	3.7
Build Quality	3	3.78
Battery	1.5	3.5
Ergonomics	4.7	4.54
Value	2.8	3.46
Illumination	4.2	4.48

Scores: 3.28/ 5

Quick Specs:

• Reticle: 3 MOA
• Weight: 1.05 oz
• Length: 1.9 inches
• Battery life: 1,000 hours

If you’re a newbie to the world of red dot sights, I’d suggest you start with the Vortex Venom. Its straightforward design appealed to me, as it ensures a no-fuss, smooth-sailing experience for beginners.

One feature I found particularly convenient was the top-load battery compartment. This design allows for swift and effortless battery changes, no need for any downtime. The sight is also designed with multiple brightness settings, accommodating varying light conditions quite well.

Now, I’ll be honest, the battery life and sight window may not outshine its rivals. But I believe where it really earns its stripes is in its affordability and user-friendly nature. In my opinion, these traits make it a solid choice for those just getting their feet wet in this field.

What Customers Say

“I go to the shooting range on a regular bases (monthly). I use the Vortex Venom Red Dot on my S&W metal M&P 9mm. Installing this red dot was effortless. Just place the sight on the provided mounting plate for your particular pistol and screw down. That’s it.

It’s easy on the eye and to sight in. One of the best features is battery access which is located on of red dot. Some other red dots you have to uninstall the red dot from the pistol because the battery compartment is located underneath of the sight. It’s accurate and durable. I usually shoot a minimum of 15 yards (45 feet) down range and hit the “X” out of the target with little effort. I highly recommend Vortex Red Dots sights.”

– Mark A. Pannell

Best Value for Money: Burris FastFire 3

Factor	Burris FastFire 3	Category Average
Optics	3.2	3.7
Build Quality	3.3	3.78
Battery	4.5	3.5
Ergonomics	4.7	4.54
Value	4.1	3.46
Illumination	4	4.48

Score: 3.97/5

Quick Specs:

• Reticle: 3 MOA, 8 MOA
• Weight: 0.9 oz
• Length: 1.9 inches
• Battery life: 50,000 hours

When I came across the Burris FastFire 3, I felt it struck an ideal equilibrium between quality and price. The automatic brightness sensor is a notable feature, automatically adapting to your surroundings to deliver optimal dot visibility.

I appreciated the design’s emphasis on resilience. This sight is built to withstand recoil and endure harsh conditions, which is always a plus. However, the battery compartment is positioned at the bottom, which makes battery changes a tad more troublesome. That being said, I believe it’s a small trade-off, especially when you weigh it against the comprehensive value that this sight brings to the table.

What Customers Say

“Attached to my Kimber Gold Match II Red Dot sights do take a getting used to period if never used before. I do recommend extra training ammo to help you learn the RD capability. Support your 2A.”

– Mr Jeff

Best Low-Cost Alternative: Leupold DeltaPoint Pro

Factor	Leupold DeltaPoint Pro	Category Average
Optics	3	3.7
Build Quality	3.5	3.78
Battery	2	3.5
Ergonomics	4.4	4.54
Value	2.9	3.46
Illumination	4.4	4.48

Score: 3.37/5

Quick Specs:

• Reticle: 2.5 MOA dot
• Weight: 1.9 oz
• Length: 1.8 inches
• Battery life: 1,000 hours

For those on a budget, I found the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro to be an excellent alternative. And it doesn’t hold back on performance. One feature that stood out to me was the motion sensor technology. It automatically triggers the red dot when movement is detected, a smart way to conserve battery life.

Even with its lower cost, I observed that it didn’t cut corners on quality. The sight proved to be durable, with a lens that held up against water and fog. Now, the brightness controls might need some getting used to, but from my experience, once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s a dependable sight that delivers reliably.

What Customers Say

“I bought the “AR ready” option, with the picatinny rail adapter, as it was on sale. For anyone who is wondering the optic is the exact same as other models, but it comes with an extra piece of hardware in order to mount to a picatinny rail you might find on an AR.

I put it on my target pistol and so far it has lived up to the reputation and the price point. Now I’ll have the adapter if I ever mount one on a pic rail too. Definitely a great option if you don’t mind spending the money!”

– Mike

Our Key Takeaways: PPQ Red Dot

In our review, we found that there’s no one-size-fits-all. The right red dot depends on your needs and budget. 

Advanced shooters might prefer the feature-rich Trijicon SRO. Beginners may find the Vortex Venom more suitable. For the budget-conscious, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro offers great value. 

Remember, the goal is to improve your shooting experience, accuracy, and safety. 

Last update on 2024-04-04 / Images from Amazon Product API