If you’ve ended up finding this guide, we assume you are already a fan of MK18. And now, you are looking for the right optic to enhance your shooting experience. Since the rifle is mostly used for its reliable and balanced construction, it can’t be just used with any red dots because it can leave you at risk of deteriorating shooting performance.
Hence, you need to find red dots which are also structurally reliable and balanced. Along with that, the reflex sights should be durable enough to withstand rough environments and heavy recoils.
We have done a bit of a discussion of key factors to check while buying a red dot in this article. So, if you are interested to know more about the factors, go through the buying guide given at the end of the reviews.
Speaking of the reviews, the products that have been listed here are the most compatible optics available in the market. To purchase the right sight as per your shooting style and need, we suggest you read the reviews carefully. So, let’s begin!
Best MK18 Rifle Optics – [Editor’s Choice]
1. Holosun (HS515) Military Grade Micro Red Dot Sight
It is one of the most ruggedized micro red dots available in the market. The housing of the sight has been constructed from CNC machined 7075 Aluminum to ensure it can withstand rough environments and recoils. It has also been gone through the pressure test up to 30 meters for 30 minutes. Besides, the housing is designed to be snag-free to protect the windage and elevation turrets.
The optic comes with a high-quality CR2032 battery to support you in all shooting environments. In addition, the red dot has been featured with the Shake Awake technology that works to activate the reticle when the sight is in motion. It even helps to preserve the battery life by shutting the reticle while the sight remains idle.
To enable you to control the brightness level, the red dot is offered with 10-level manual brightness settings along with 2-night vision modes. However, note that the optic has only one MOA dot option such as a 2 MOA dot with a 65MOA circle reticle, so if you don’t like to use small dots, this product is not for you.
What accessories are offered with the optic?
The optic is offered with three accessories such as flip-up lens covers, kill flash, and QD 2-PC mount. The flip-up lens protects the optic from dust and other outer harmful elements. Additionally, the lower 1/3 co-witness QR mount gives you a better cheek position and clears over any iron sights.
Is it parallax free?
Yes, it is. Whenever you purchase a sight for your rifle make sure it is parallax-free, otherwise, you won’t be able to get a clear image of the targets.
What is the mounting footprint of the sight?
This sight has a T1 mounting footprint. So, if you want you can also install any aftermarket mount which has a similar footprint. However, these aftermarket mounts have a carved-shaped base, hence, the flash won’t fit in the base.
2. EOTECH EXPS3 Holographic Weapon Sight
This sight does come with multiple dot size options but we believe the EXPS3-4 which has a 4 MOA dot with a 68 MOA circle reticle will be perfect for your MK18. Because the 4 MOA dot size works well in both short and long-range shootings. Besides, the Quick Detach mount offered with the optic is made to fit on 1″ Weaver and MIL-STD 1913 rails, hence it makes it perfect to mount on the rifle.
The sight has night vision compatibility so that it can work with all Gen 1-3 night vision devices. Moreover, it has a manual brightness adjustment system to help you increase or decrease the brightness as you want. It also allows you to manually turn on or off the sight with these push buttons.
You will get a CR123 battery with the optic which can serve you up to 1,000 continuous hours at nominal setting 12 at room temperature. The company also provides a 10-year warranty with the product. So, it can be a good deal for you since it has a balanced structure with all the necessary factors.
Does it have water resistance?
A good quality red dot always ensures it has wear or moisture resistance. By keeping it in consideration, the EXPS3-4 is designed to have a good amount of water-resistant ability. It is submersible up to 33ft. or 10m depth.
Can it be used outdoors in a brighter light condition?
The optic can be used from a very low light to the brightest lighting conditions. However, you may notice that when you increase the brightness to the highest level, the reticle may get a bit fuzzy.
What is the eye relief of the optic?
It has unlimited eye relief. Always remember eye relief is an issue of the magnified optics and since it is not a magnified optic, it doesn’t have a problem in eye relief.
3. Aimpoint Micro T-2 Red Dot Reflex Sight
What you will love about the optic is its rugged construction and battery life. The sight housing is made of Aluminum to make it strong enough to endure heavy recoils from shooting. In addition, the red dot has been equipped with an advanced lens system which ensures better light transmission and unmatched optical clarity.
As it is important to have a high-capacity battery with an optic for longer usability of the sight, the dot is offered with a high-capacity CR2032 battery. It enables you to use the optic for up to 50,000 hours (nearly 5 years) even if you use it regularly.
Though it is available in only 2 MOA dots, it works well for precise target acquisition from all distances. Moreover, there is a 12-level brightness setting with one extra brightness option to use in bright sunlight. So, if longevity is what you are looking for, go for it!
Is it available with a night vision setting?
No, it doesn’t have a night vision setting. If you want, you can purchase a night vision sight that is compatible with this rifle. According to the company description, it is usable with all generations of night vision.
Does it come with a lens cover?
Lens covers are very useful to protect the optic lens from any potential damage. Hence, the product is offered with both front and rear lens covers.
Can you use aftermarket mounts with the red dot?
There are plenty of options for mounts that are designed by different aftermarket product manufacturers. We will recommend you use “Scalarworks Aimpoint LEAP/Micro T-2 Mount” as it is highly compatible to use with Aimpoint Micro T-2 Red Dot sight.
4. Elcan Specterdr 1-4×5.56 Scope W/Integral A.R.M.S.
This is another hyped red dot, so much so it is even used by the U.S. special forces. This is mainly because it has a rugged construction, magnification range, and BDC reticle. This combination of features makes it a great choice for those who use their MK18 as serious CQB shooters and home defenders.
With the help of Raytheon technology, the optic is built into a sturdy accessory to be used with your rifle. Hence, It can withstand any impacts from drops, kicks, and bumps. Besides, the 5.56 BDC reticle enables you to aim up to 1000 yards and also ensures you can change the aiming range as quickly as possible.
Additionally, its 1-4x magnification range comes in handy for shooters with astigmatism. The optic even has 2.75” eye relief so that your eyes remain protected from injuries. All in all, it can be a desirable option for you, if military-grade quality is your thing!
Can you use the optic for .223 rounds?
The rifles that are compatible with .223 rounds can use the optic on their rails. Since the MK18 is compatible with this caliber, you can mount the optic on the rifle.
What type of battery is included with this product?
As we said before, the red dot sights must be offered with a high-capacity battery to support the sight for a long time. As the optic comes with a high-quality CR2032 battery, you can rest assured about its longevity to work with the sight.
Do you need to buy flip-caps separately for the optic?
No, it is not necessary to buy the flip-caps separately for the optic. The company includes the flip-caps along with the product.
5. Vortex Razor HD 1-10x24mm Gen III FFP Riflescope
Looking for an optic for your MK18 that can aim at long range? If so, this is just for you! It has a magnification range from 1x to 10x and also 11 intensity levels to enable you to make quick and precise target acquisition. In addition to that, the L-TEC tool of the optic ensures accurate adjustments of the turrets to aid you in fast targeting. With this scope, you can aim more than 1,000 yards.
The tube of the Razor HD Gen III is made of Aircraft-grade Aluminum to make sure it becomes resistant to shock and wear. To get a clear image of the targets, your optic must come with a high-quality lens. Keeping it in mind, the optic is crafted with an HD optical system which delivers an exceptional resolution, color fidelity, and light transmission.
Another good part of the lens is, it has anti-reflective coatings to minimize the visible signature. The unconditional lifetime warranty, given by the company, is also something to be appreciated. Due to this, you can use the optic without worrying about any servicing cost.
What is the reticle type of the Razor HD Gen III?
The reviewed product has EBR-9 MOA reticles. But it is also available in different MRAD reticles and MOA reticles.
Does it come with night vision mode?
The optic is not designed to have night vision mode. But it has an 11-level dot intensifying system to make the dot brighter or dimmer.
Is there any accessory provided with the product?
The company provides a good amount of accessories which may come in very handy for you. Following is the list of the items that are provided with the product:
- 2″ long sunshade
- Lens protectors
- Magnification dial lever
- Scope mount torque value warning card
- Lens cloth
- Hex wrench
- 2 CR2032 Batteries
Buying Guide Of Optics For Mk18 Rifles
Honestly, you can add points after points one can check in a red dot before buying it. But to avoid making the process overwhelming, here we have discussed the factors that mainly work to ensure the reliability and compatibility we expect from an optic.
Material
The materials used to construct the sight housing and lens need to be strong and durable. Otherwise, it won’t be able to endure the heavy impacts or recoils the rifle can produce. The lens of the optic also should come with multi-coatings to transfer the maximum amount of light through the glasses.
Battery
Without a high-capacity battery, buying a red dot is a waste of money. Because the high-quality batteries make sure you can use the sight for a longer period and in any given environment. Therefore, if you purchase a dot sight with a poor quality battery, it won’t give you the support you will need while aiming at the target.
Mount
Normally a red dot manufactured for MK18 comes with a mounting plate. However, if it doesn’t come with one, you need to find a compatible mount to install the optic. We suggest you mount the sight a bit forward from the middle portion of the rail. This way you will have enough eye relief to protect your eyes from injuries.
MOA
The larger MOA dots work better for short-range shooting whereas the small dots are better for long-range shooting. But it is not a fixed requirement, you can choose sights with a MOA dot you like.
Summary
The red dots are lightweight and can make as accurate and fast target acquisition as possible. So it has been popularly used and recommended to install on MK18 rifles for perfect aiming. As there are plenty of options in the dots, it can get tiresome to find the right one for your shooting purposes.
Hence, to reduce your work, you have brought the best optics for MK18 that are available in the market. We have also included a checklist of key factors you should look at before buying the sight.
Scopes & Sights:- 11.5 SBR | 300 Blackout | Colt LE6920 | M4 | Ruger Charger | S&W M&P 15&22 | S&W M&P 15 Sport 2
Hi, I’m Brent Hansford. A writer turned hunter & now sharing my love for the sport through writing. As I practically breathe weapons, I firmly believe I’m capable of providing you with new knowledge about firearms and hunting. My mission is to help more people get better at hunting & master the weapons. Let me help with unleashing the beast within you!
