The Stinger Red Dot Combat Optic is a reflex-style red dot sight designed for rapid target acquisition on rifles, shotguns, and other Picatinny-rail-equipped firearms. Positioned as an affordable entry point into red dot optics, the Stinger targets recreational shooters, home defense users, and budget-conscious buyers who want both-eyes-open shooting capability without the premium price tag of military-grade optics.
This review covers the Stinger’s specifications, performance characteristics, and how it compares to other red dot sights in its price range. We also break down the differences between red dot and holographic sights and provide a buyer’s checklist for choosing the right optic for your needs.
Stinger Red Dot Combat Optic: Full Specifications
The table below lists the Stinger Red Dot’s technical specifications based on manufacturer data from MCG Tactical and verified through multiple independent sources.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Optic Type | Reflex red dot sight (LED emitter) |
| Reticle | Circle dot (65 MOA circle with 1 MOA center dot), dual red/green illumination |
| MOA (Center Dot Size) | 1 MOA |
| Circle Diameter | 65 MOA |
| Magnification | 1x (non-magnified) |
| Lens Diameter | Approximately 28-30mm |
| Lens Coating | Multi-coated |
| Battery Type | CR123A rechargeable (included) |
| Battery Life | 1,000+ hours at medium brightness; 2-hour auto shutoff on inactivity |
| Brightness Settings | 8 levels (manual adjustment) |
| Illumination Colors | Red and green (switchable) |
| Click Adjustment | 1/2 MOA per click (windage and elevation) |
| Mount Type | Cantilever mount; fits Picatinny, Weaver, and MIL-STD-1913 rails |
| Construction | Aluminum alloy housing |
| Weather Resistance | Fogproof and shockproof; not rated for submersion |
| Shock Rating | Shockproof (designed to withstand standard rifle and shotgun recoil) |
| Weight | 6.9 oz |
| Eye Relief | Unlimited (both-eyes-open, non-magnified sight) |
| Parallax | Parallax-free at typical engagement distances (under 100 yards) |
| Finish Options | Coyote Tan, Tactical Black |
| Guarantee | 60-day money-back guarantee from MCG Tactical |
Note: MCG Tactical does not publish exact dimensions (L x W x H) or an IPX waterproof rating for the Stinger. The optic is marketed as fogproof but should not be submerged in water. Contact Patriot Wholesale Club customer service at 1-888-250-8113 for additional details.
What Makes the Stinger Red Dot Different?
The Stinger Red Dot is marketed as a “combat optic,” which positions it between toy-grade airsoft sights and professional-grade military optics. Here is what that means in practical terms.
Design Philosophy
The Stinger is designed for shooters who want a functional red dot sight for recreational shooting, home defense, and range use without spending $300 to $600 on a premium optic. It delivers the core benefits of a red dot — faster target acquisition, both-eyes-open shooting, and reduced sight alignment complexity — at an accessible price point.
Key Features Explained
- Circle dot reticle with 1 MOA center dot: The Stinger uses a 65 MOA outer circle for fast close-range target acquisition combined with a precise 1 MOA center dot for accuracy at distance. This circle-dot pattern is similar in concept to EOTech-style reticles and provides a faster aiming reference than a simple dot alone. The dual red/green illumination allows you to switch reticle color based on your background and lighting conditions.
- Both-eyes-open shooting: Unlike iron sights, which require you to close one eye and align front and rear posts, a red dot sight allows you to keep both eyes open. The red dot is superimposed on your field of view, and your brain naturally places it on the target. This dramatically reduces acquisition time and improves situational awareness.
- 1x magnification (no zoom): The Stinger is a 1x optic, meaning it does not magnify the target. What you see through the lens is the same size as what you see with your naked eye. This is intentional — magnification narrows your field of view and adds weight. For close to medium range engagement (under 100 yards), 1x is the standard.
- Unlimited eye relief: Because the Stinger is a reflex sight (not a scope), there is no specific distance your eye needs to be from the lens. You can see the dot from any distance behind the optic. This makes it forgiving for different shooting positions and firearm platforms.
- Picatinny/Weaver/MIL-STD-1913 mount compatibility: The Stinger’s cantilever mount fits any standard Picatinny, Weaver, or MIL-STD-1913 rail, which covers the vast majority of modern rifles, tactical shotguns, and many handguns with slide-mount adapters. No proprietary mounting hardware needed.
- 8 brightness settings with dual-color illumination: Eight brightness levels let you fine-tune reticle visibility from dim indoor ranges to bright outdoor conditions. The ability to switch between red and green reticle colors adds additional flexibility for different backgrounds and lighting environments.
Who Is the Stinger Designed For?
The Stinger Red Dot is best suited for:
- Home defense: Fast target acquisition in low-light conditions is critical in home defense scenarios. A red dot eliminates the need to align iron sights in the dark.
- Range and recreational shooting: Red dots make range time more enjoyable and productive. You spend less time fighting your sights and more time improving your shooting fundamentals.
- New shooters: Learning to shoot with iron sights involves mastering sight alignment, which is a separate skill from the fundamentals of trigger control and stance. A red dot simplifies aiming and lets beginners focus on the basics first.
- Budget-conscious buyers: The Stinger offers genuine red dot functionality for shooters who are not ready to invest in a $400+ optic but want more than iron sights provide.
Building a complete tactical preparedness setup? Our survival kit buying guide covers everything you need beyond optics — from first aid to shelter to food storage.
Red Dot Sight vs. Holographic Sight: What Is the Difference?
The Stinger Red Dot is frequently described as a “holographic sight” in online discussions, but it is technically a reflex-style red dot that uses an LED emitter. These are two distinct technologies with different characteristics. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right optic for your needs.
How Red Dot Sights Work
A reflex red dot sight uses a light-emitting diode (LED) to project a small dot onto a specially coated lens. The coating reflects the LED light back to your eye while allowing you to see through the lens to the target. The result is a simple dot superimposed on your view of the target.
Red dot sights are simple, reliable, and energy-efficient. The LED draws minimal power, which is why red dots can run for thousands of hours on a single battery. The trade-off is that the dot size can appear slightly inconsistent at different distances due to parallax, though modern red dots minimize this effect at typical engagement ranges.
How Holographic Sights Work
A holographic sight uses a laser to record a holographic reticle pattern onto a glass element inside the sight. When you look through the sight, the laser reconstructs the reticle in your field of view. Because the reticle is a holographic projection rather than a reflected LED, it remains the same size and clarity regardless of viewing angle.
Holographic sights offer superior reticle consistency and work better with magnifiers. However, they consume significantly more battery power (laser vs. LED), are typically larger and heavier, and cost substantially more. True holographic sights are manufactured by only a few companies, notably EOTech.
Red Dot vs. Holographic: Comparison Table
| Feature | Red Dot (Reflex) Sight | Holographic Sight |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | LED projected onto coated lens | Laser-recorded holographic reticle |
| Reticle | Simple dot or circle-dot (1 to 6 MOA) | Complex reticle patterns (ring + dot common) |
| Battery Life | 1,000 to 50,000+ hours | 500 to 1,500 hours |
| Battery Type | CR2032 or CR123A (varies by model) | CR123A or AA (common) |
| Weight | 2 to 8 oz (lighter) | 8 to 14 oz (heavier) |
| Parallax | Minimal at close range, slight at distance | Parallax-free at all distances |
| Magnifier Compatible | Yes, but dot can appear fuzzy | Yes, excellent clarity behind magnifier |
| Price Range | $30 to $600+ | $400 to $700+ |
| Best For | General use, home defense, budget builds | Professional/military use, magnifier setups |
Which Should You Choose?
For the majority of civilian shooters — including home defense, range use, and recreational shooting — a red dot sight is the practical choice. Red dots are lighter, run longer on a single battery, cost less, and deliver the core benefits of optic-assisted aiming at close to medium range.
Holographic sights make sense for professional operators, competition shooters who use magnifiers, and anyone who needs guaranteed parallax-free performance at extended distances. For most buyers in the budget to mid-range market, a quality red dot delivers 90% of the performance at 30% of the cost.
How to Choose a Red Dot Sight: Buyer’s Checklist
Whether you are considering the Stinger Red Dot or shopping across brands, use this checklist to evaluate any red dot sight before purchasing.
1. MOA Size (Dot Size)
MOA stands for Minute of Angle. It determines how large the red dot appears on the target. At 100 yards, 1 MOA equals approximately 1 inch.
- 1 to 2 MOA: Fine dot, best for precision shooting and longer distances. The Stinger’s 1 MOA center dot falls in this category, offering a sharp aiming point at distance while the 65 MOA outer circle provides a fast reference for close-range work.
- 3 to 4 MOA: The most versatile range for simple-dot optics. Balances speed and precision for general use.
- 5 to 6 MOA: Large dot, fastest for close-range target acquisition. Ideal for shotguns and home defense where speed matters more than pinpoint accuracy.
For most shooters, a 3 to 4 MOA dot is the best all-around choice for a simple dot reticle. Circle-dot reticles like the Stinger’s combine the precision of a small center dot with the speed of a large outer ring.
2. Lens Quality and Coatings
The lens is where cheap red dots fail most visibly. Low-quality lenses produce a blue or green tint, reduce light transmission, and make the dot appear fuzzy or starburst-shaped (especially for shooters with astigmatism).
Look for multi-coated lenses that maximize light transmission and minimize glare. Higher-end optics use fully multi-coated lenses, meaning every air-to-glass surface has multiple anti-reflective coatings.
3. Battery Life
Battery life varies enormously across red dot sights:
- Budget tier ($30 to $100): 1,000 to 10,000 hours typical. The Stinger uses a CR123A rechargeable battery with 1,000+ hours of runtime and a 2-hour auto shutoff to conserve power during inactivity.
- Mid-range ($100 to $300): 10,000 to 50,000 hours
- Premium ($300 to $600+): 50,000+ hours (some are rated for 5+ years of continuous use)
For a home defense optic, battery life matters because many shooters leave their red dot on continuously so it is ready when needed. A sight rated at 50,000 hours can run at medium brightness for over 5 years without a battery change. Note that the Stinger’s 2-hour auto shutoff means it will turn itself off if left unattended, which conserves battery but requires reactivation.
4. Mounting Compatibility
Confirm your firearm has the correct rail type before purchasing. Most red dots use one of two standards:
- Picatinny (MIL-STD-1913): The most common military and civilian standard. Slots are spaced 0.206 inches apart. The Stinger is compatible with this standard.
- Weaver: Similar to Picatinny but with wider slot spacing. Most Picatinny-compatible optics will fit Weaver rails, but not always vice versa. The Stinger fits both Weaver and Picatinny rails.
Some red dots also come with adapters for proprietary mounting systems (Trijicon RMR footprint, Holosun K footprint, etc.) for handgun slide mounting.
5. Durability and Waterproofing
If you plan to use your red dot in field conditions, not just at an indoor range, check for:
- IPX rating: IPX4 means splash-proof. IPX7 means submersible to 1 meter for 30 minutes. IPX8 means extended submersion. The Stinger is fogproof but does not carry an official IPX submersion rating.
- Shock rating: Measured in G-forces. A .223 Remington produces roughly 800 to 1,000 G of recoil. A .308 Winchester produces 1,200 to 1,500 G. Make sure the optic is rated for your caliber.
- Nitrogen purging: Prevents internal fogging when moving between temperature extremes.
6. Price vs. Performance Tiers
Red dot sights fall into three general tiers:
- Budget ($30 to $100): Functional for range use and light duty. The Stinger Red Dot falls in this category at $79. It offers a circle-dot reticle with dual red/green illumination, 8 brightness settings, and 6.9 oz aluminum construction. Expect adequate performance for recreational shooting and home defense, with some compromises in lens clarity and extreme-condition durability compared to mid-range options.
- Mid-range ($100 to $300): Brands like Holosun, Sig Sauer Romeo, and Vortex Crossfire. Significantly improved lens quality, longer battery life, better durability ratings, and more consistent QC.
- Premium ($300 to $600+): Aimpoint, Trijicon MRO, EOTech. Military-proven durability, exceptional battery life, night vision compatibility, and industry-leading warranties.
The right tier depends on your intended use. If you are building a complete go bag or survival setup, you may also want to explore lightweight sleeping bag alternatives for your pack. A range-only red dot does not need to survive military abuse. A home defense optic you are betting your life on deserves more investment.
Stinger Red Dot vs. Comparable Optics
To put the Stinger in context, here is how it compares to other popular red dot sights across different price ranges.
| Feature | Stinger Red Dot | Bushnell TRS-25 | Sig Sauer Romeo5 | Holosun HS403B |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | Budget ($79) | Budget ($50 to $80) | Mid-range ($120 to $160) | Mid-range ($140 to $180) |
| Reticle | Circle dot (1 MOA dot / 65 MOA circle) | 3 MOA dot | 2 MOA dot | 2 MOA dot |
| Illumination | Dual red/green, 8 settings | Red only, 11 settings | Red only, 10 settings | Red only, 12 settings |
| Battery Type | CR123A rechargeable | CR2032 | CR2032 | CR2032 |
| Battery Life | 1,000+ hrs (2-hr auto shutoff) | 3,000 hrs | 50,000 hrs (MOTAC) | 50,000 hrs (Shake Awake) |
| Weight | 6.9 oz | 3.7 oz | 5.1 oz | 3.3 oz |
| Waterproof | Fogproof (no IPX rating) | IPX4 (fog/rain) | IPX7 (1m submersion) | IPX7 (1m submersion) |
| Night Vision | Not confirmed | No | Yes (2 NV settings) | No |
| Auto On/Off | Auto shutoff after 2 hrs | No | Yes (MOTAC) | Yes (Shake Awake) |
| Guarantee | 60-day money-back | Limited lifetime | Limited lifetime (SIG Electro-Optics) | Limited lifetime |
| Best For | Budget builds, range use, circle-dot fans | First red dot, .22 rifles | Best value for AR-15 | Best budget/mid-range hybrid |
Key takeaways from this comparison:
- The Stinger Red Dot is the only optic in this group that offers a circle-dot reticle with dual red/green illumination at its price point. If you prefer a circle-dot aiming pattern over a simple dot, the Stinger provides that without paying EOTech prices.
- The Stinger’s CR123A battery and 2-hour auto shutoff mean it behaves differently from CR2032-powered optics. Battery life is shorter than mid-range competitors, but the included rechargeable battery offsets ongoing battery costs.
- The Bushnell TRS-25 is the most established budget red dot and a proven performer at its price point, but it lacks auto-on features and has a shorter battery life.
- The Sig Sauer Romeo5 and Holosun HS403B represent the “sweet spot” of the mid-range market, offering features like motion-activated on/off, 50,000-hour battery life, and IPX7 waterproofing that are typically found in much more expensive optics.
- If you are on a strict budget and want to experience red dot shooting with a circle-dot reticle, the Stinger is a functional starting point. If you are building a primary home defense or tactical rifle, investing in a mid-range optic provides meaningful improvements in reliability, battery life, and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What MOA is the Stinger Red Dot?
The Stinger Red Dot features a 1 MOA center dot inside a 65 MOA circle. The 1 MOA dot covers approximately 1 inch at 100 yards, providing a precise aiming point for distance shots. The 65 MOA outer circle provides a fast reference frame for close-range target acquisition. This circle-dot reticle pattern is similar in concept to EOTech-style holographic sights, though the Stinger uses LED technology rather than true holographic projection.
What battery does the Stinger Red Dot use?
The Stinger Red Dot uses a CR123A rechargeable battery, which is included with the optic. CR123A batteries are commonly available at hardware stores, outdoor retailers, and online for $3 to $8 each. The included rechargeable battery can be recharged via USB. The optic also features a 2-hour auto shutoff that activates when the sight detects no input, which helps conserve battery life. Keep a spare CR123A battery in your range bag as a backup.
Is the Stinger Red Dot waterproof?
The Stinger Red Dot is marketed as fogproof and shockproof, but MCG Tactical does not publish a specific IPX waterproof rating. The optic is suitable for use in rain and humidity but should not be submerged in water. If you need a submersion-rated optic for extreme field conditions, look for sights with an IPX7 or IPX8 rating, which are typically found in the mid-range ($120+) price tier and above.
Can I use the Stinger Red Dot on a shotgun?
Yes, the Stinger Red Dot mounts to any standard Picatinny, Weaver, or MIL-STD-1913 rail via its cantilever mount. If your shotgun has a rail (factory-installed or aftermarket), the Stinger can be mounted on it. At 6.9 oz, it adds minimal weight to your setup. Red dot sights are increasingly popular on tactical shotguns because they allow for both-eyes-open shooting and fast target acquisition. The Stinger’s circle-dot reticle is particularly well-suited for shotgun use, as the large outer circle helps with fast snap shots at close range.
What is the warranty on the Stinger Combat Optic?
MCG Tactical offers a 60-day money-back guarantee on the Stinger Combat Optic. If you are not satisfied with the optic within 60 days of purchase, you can return it for a full refund. Contact Patriot Wholesale Club customer service at 1-888-250-8113 or [email protected] for return details. All purchases from Patriot Wholesale Club are also covered by our 30-day return policy.
How do you zero a red dot sight?
Zeroing means adjusting the red dot so that where you aim is where the bullet hits at a specific distance. To zero the Stinger or any red dot sight: (1) Securely mount the optic to your firearm’s rail. (2) Set up a paper target at 25 yards, which is the standard zeroing distance for most red dots. (3) Fire a 3-round group from a stable rest (sandbags or a shooting rest work well). (4) Use the windage (left/right) and elevation (up/down) adjustment turrets to move the point of aim toward the center of your shot group. The Stinger adjusts in 1/2 MOA clicks, so each click moves the point of impact approximately 1/8 inch at 25 yards. (5) Fire another 3-round group and repeat adjustments until the group is centered on your aim point. (6) Confirm your zero at 50 and 100 yards if you plan to shoot at those distances.
Is a red dot sight worth it for home defense?
For most shooters, yes. A red dot sight provides two critical advantages in a home defense scenario. First, it allows both-eyes-open shooting, which preserves your peripheral vision and situational awareness in a dark house. Second, it simplifies aiming under stress — you place the dot on the threat and press the trigger, rather than trying to align front and rear iron sights in low light with adrenaline shaking your hands. The main consideration is battery reliability: if you use a red dot for home defense, either leave it on continuously (with a high-battery-life model) or choose a model with a motion-activated auto-on feature. Note that the Stinger’s 2-hour auto shutoff means it will turn itself off if left unattended, so it may not be ideal for always-on home defense duty unless you activate it as part of your response routine.
What is the difference between the Stinger Red Dot and a holographic sight?
Despite being referred to as both a “red dot” and a “holographic sight” in various online listings, the Stinger is a reflex-style red dot sight, not a true holographic sight. True holographic sights (like those made by EOTech) use laser technology to project a holographic reticle and cost $400 or more. The Stinger uses an LED emitter to project its circle-dot reticle onto a coated lens, which is the standard reflex red dot design. The circle-dot reticle pattern looks similar to an EOTech reticle, which likely contributes to the confusion, but the underlying technology is different. See the Red Dot vs. Holographic comparison above for a detailed breakdown.
Add comment