Red dots have come a long way, and more folks are running optics on their pistols than ever before. Whether it’s for faster target acquisition, better visibility in low light, or just quicker follow-up shots, a good red dot can give you an edge. The good news? You don’t need to send your slide off or buy a bunch of aftermarket parts anymore.
These handguns come optics-ready from the factory. They’re built to run dots without a fuss and still hold up to real-world use, whether you’re carrying, competing, or just hitting the range.
Glock 45 MOS
The Glock 45 MOS combines a full-size grip with a compact slide, and it comes optics-ready right out of the box. The MOS system isn’t perfect—it still needs a plate—but it’s solid and holds zero well once you get it set up.
It’s easy to control, handles recoil smoothly, and runs like you’d expect a Glock to. Whether you’re carrying or just looking for a reliable range gun, this one’s tough to beat if you’re planning to run a red dot.
SIG Sauer P320 XCarry Pro
The P320 XCarry Pro comes optics-ready and includes a slide cut that fits popular red dots like the Romeo1 Pro and others with adapter plates. SIG’s modular design makes it easy to tailor this one to your preferences.
The grip module feels great in the hand, and the flat-faced trigger has a clean break. Add a red dot, and it really opens up—fast target acquisition, easy follow-ups, and a natural feel that doesn’t get in the way.
Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact Optics Ready
Smith & Wesson updated their M&P 2.0 line with optics-ready models, and they did it right. This Compact version fits a wide range of dots with included mounting plates and still keeps a low-profile slide.
The grip texture is aggressive but comfortable, and the trigger is much improved over the first-gen M&Ps. It’s well-balanced, accurate, and carries well with or without a red dot. If you want flexibility and performance, it’s a strong option.
Walther PDP Compact
The Walther PDP Compact is one of the most user-friendly optics-ready pistols on the market. It comes cut for a red dot, and Walther will even send you the right plate for your optic at no extra cost.
The grip angle and ergonomics make it feel natural, especially when you’re running a red dot. It’s got one of the best factory triggers out there, and the slide serrations make it easy to manipulate—even with an optic mounted.
Springfield Hellcat Pro OSP
The Hellcat Pro OSP is a compact 9mm that packs a lot into a small frame. It’s optics-ready, with a slide cut for micro red dots like the Shield RMSc and Holosun 507K. You get 15+1 capacity in a slim, carry-friendly package.
The recoil is manageable, and the sight picture with a dot feels quick and intuitive. It’s built with concealed carry in mind but shoots like a larger pistol. If you’re looking for an everyday carry setup with a red dot, this one’s worth a look.
FN 509 Tactical
The FN 509 Tactical is ready to go right out of the case. It comes with a factory-milled slide, mounting hardware for multiple optic footprints, and even suppressor-height sights. It’s designed for serious use.
This one’s a bit heavier, but it’s built tough. The grip texture locks in well, and the trigger is consistent. With a dot on top and a solid grip underneath, the 509 Tactical gives you confidence in every shot—range, duty, or defense.
CZ P-10 C OR
The CZ P-10 C OR brings CZ’s excellent ergonomics to a striker-fired, optics-ready platform. It’s milled for a red dot and includes mounting plates for different optics, depending on the model.
The grip is contoured well, and the trigger has a crisp break that’s better than most striker-fired options in its class. It shoots flat and stays on target, which makes it easy to take advantage of the benefits of a red dot.
Canik TP9 SFX
The Canik TP9 SFX is built for performance and comes ready for optics right out of the box. It includes mounting plates for several popular red dots and even throws in extras like a holster and mag loader.
It’s a full-size pistol with a long slide and a smooth trigger, which makes it ideal for range work or competition. Even with an optic, the gun stays balanced and easy to shoot. For the price, it’s hard to beat what you get here.
H&K VP9 Optics Ready
The VP9 OR model keeps everything that makes the standard VP9 great—interchangeable backstraps, excellent ergonomics, and a clean trigger—and adds a factory optic cut with mounting plates available.
It’s comfortable to shoot, points naturally, and stays flat with quick follow-ups. It might cost a bit more than some others on this list, but the build quality and feel in the hand make it a top-tier optics-ready option.
Shadow Systems MR920
The Shadow Systems MR920 is designed with concealed carry and red dots in mind. It’s compatible with a wide range of optics thanks to its multi-footprint cut, and it doesn’t require adapter plates.
It’s Glock-compatible but upgraded across the board—better grip texture, slide cuts, and a flat-faced trigger. With a red dot installed, it handles like a purpose-built carry gun that’s fast, reliable, and easy to stay on target with.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
