Red dot sights are now standard equipment in everything from tactical rifles to competitive shooting platforms and even hunting gear. But when did red dot sight first appear? Understanding the origins of red dot sights offers valuable insight into how far modern optics have come—and why these devices have become so dominant in the shooting world.

The Origins: Aiming Without Magnification

Before red dot sights, shooters primarily relied on iron sights or magnified optics. While magnified scopes offered precise long-distance targeting, they were bulky and slow to acquire targets up close. What was needed was a fast, parallax-free aiming solution—something that could allow the shooter to keep both eyes open while maintaining precision. This need paved the way for red dot optics.

The First Red Dot Sight: 1975

The first true red dot sight was introduced in 1975 by a Swedish company named Aimpoint AB. Their initial product, the Aimpoint Electronic, was a non-magnifying reflector (or reflex) sight that projected an illuminated red dot onto a lens as an aiming point.

This design was groundbreaking for several reasons:

• Battery-powered LED: It used a light-emitting diode (LED), which provided a long-lasting and reliable reticle.

• No magnification: This made it ideal for fast target acquisition at close to medium range.

• Both eyes open shooting: It allowed shooters to maintain full peripheral awareness.

Though rudimentary by today’s standards, the Aimpoint Electronic was the foundation for the red dot technology we see today.

Evolution Through the 1980s and 1990s

In the years following Aimpoint’s invention, red dot sights began to gain traction, particularly in military and law enforcement applications. During the 1980s and 1990s, red dot optics were increasingly seen on tactical carbines and shotguns, as technology improvements made them more compact, durable, and battery-efficient.

Key developments during this time included:

• Refined LED technology

• Adjustable brightness settings

• Improved lens coatings

• Mounting systems compatible with modern firearms

Companies like Trijicon, EOTech, and Bushnell entered the market with innovations in holographic and reflex optics, expanding red dot use beyond military applications into civilian shooting sports and hunting.

Red Dot Sights Today

Modern red dot sights come in a wide variety of configurations—from micro red dots designed for pistols to large windowed sights for shotguns and rifles. They are commonly used for:

• Tactical shooting

• 3-Gun competitions

• Home defense

• Hunting moving targets

• Law enforcement and military operations

Their popularity stems from their speed, simplicity, and versatility, qualities that originated with that first Aimpoint sight in the mid-70s.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation Since 1975

So, when were red dot sights invented? The answer is 1975, thanks to Aimpoint’s pioneering effort to build a faster, more intuitive aiming system. Since then, red dots have become indispensable tools in the shooter’s arsenal—evolving in design but staying true to their core purpose: faster, more accurate aiming without distraction.

Whether you’re a seasoned marksman or just getting started in shooting sports, understanding the history of red dot sights helps you appreciate the innovation behind this modern optical marvel.