Red Dot Footprints

In the context of firearms and optics, a “red dot footprint” refers to the specific design and pattern of mounting holes on the slide of a handgun or the top of a rifle that accommodates a particular red dot sight. Different manufacturers produce red dot sights with varying mounting patterns, and each pattern is referred to as a “footprint.”

The purpose of having standard red dot footprints is to provide compatibility between different red dot sights and various firearms. By adhering to these established footprints, shooters can easily swap or mount different red dot sights on their weapons without the need for major modifications or extra adapter plates.

Some popular red dot footprints used by various manufacturers include:

1. Docter/Noblex/Burris: Commonly referred to as “Docter” footprint, this pattern is used by red dot sights from Docter, Noblex, and some Burris models.
2. Trijicon RMR: Used by Trijicon RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) sights and several other brands that make sights compatible with this footprint.
3. Shield RMS: Used by Shield RMS (Reflex Mini Sight) and similar models.
4. Vortex Venom/Viper: Shared by Vortex Venom and Viper red dot sights.
5. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro: Specifically designed for Leupold DeltaPoint Pro red dot sights.
6. SIG Romeo1: Designed for SIG Sauer Romeo1 red dot sights.
7. Holosun 407C/507C: Shared by Holosun HS407C and HS507C red dot sights.
8. Aimpoint ACRO: Used by the Aimpoint ACRO P-1 red dot sight.

RMR Footprint

several red dot sights are designed to fit the RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) footprint. The Trijicon RMR is a popular red dot sight with this particular footprint, and many other manufacturers have adopted it to ensure compatibility with a wide range of firearms. If a red dot sight is specified to have an “RMR footprint,” it means it can directly mount onto the same cutout on a slide or mounting plate that accommodates a Trijicon RMR.

Here are some popular red dot sights that have an RMR footprint:

1. Trijicon RMR: The original and widely recognized RMR series by Trijicon.
2. Holosun 407C and 507C: Holosun’s compact red dot sights designed to fit the RMR footprint.
3. Swampfox Liberty and Justice: Red dot sights from Swampfox Optics built to RMR standards.
4. SIG Sauer Romeo1: SIG’s Romeo1 series includes red dot sights with an RMR footprint.
5. Trijicon SRO (Specialized Reflex Optic): Though similar to the RMR, the SRO features a larger window and is still compatible with the RMR footprint.
6. Aimpoint ACRO: The Aimpoint ACRO P-1 is a closed-emitter red dot sight designed with an RMR footprint.
7. Holosun 508T: A compact enclosed emitter red dot sight with an RMR footprint.
8. Shield RMS: The Shield RMS series is designed to fit the RMR footprint as well.

Shield RMS Footprint

the Shield RMS (Reflex Mini Sight) is a compact red dot sight with a unique footprint designed by Shield Sights. While the RMS footprint is specific to Shield Sights, some other manufacturers have produced red dot sights that are compatible with the Shield RMS footprint. These red dots can fit the same cutout or mounting system as the Shield RMS.

Here are some red dot sights known to have a Shield RMS footprint:

1. Shield RMS: The original Shield RMS sight itself is designed with a specific footprint that bears its name.
2. Shield RMSc: Similar to the RMS, the RMSc is also made by Shield Sights and features a compact design suitable for smaller pistols.
3. Swampfox Sentinel: The Sentinel series by Swampfox Optics is built to fit the Shield RMS footprint.

Sig Romeo1 Footprint

the SIG Sauer Romeo1 is a popular red dot sight known for its performance and durability. The Romeo1 features a specific mounting pattern or footprint, designed by SIG Sauer, and is not standardized like some other red dot sights.

While the Romeo1 has its own footprint, there are other red dot sights from various manufacturers that are compatible with this pattern. These red dots can fit the same cutout or mounting system as the SIG Sauer Romeo1.

Here are some red dot sights known to have a SIG Sauer Romeo1 footprint:

1. SIG Sauer Romeo1 Pro: The Romeo1 Pro is an upgraded version of the original Romeo1, designed with the same footprint for compatibility.
2. SIG Sauer Romeo1: The original Romeo1 sight itself is designed with a specific footprint that bears its name.
3. Holosun 407K and 507K: Holosun offers compact red dot sights designed to fit the SIG Sauer Romeo1 footprint, specifically for smaller, subcompact pistols.

Docter/Noblex Footprint

the “Docter footprint” refers to a specific mounting pattern used by Docter Optics for their red dot sights. While Docter Optics is a renowned manufacturer of high-quality reflex sights, some other companies have produced red dot sights that are compatible with the Docter footprint. These red dots can fit the same cutout or mounting system as the Docter sights.

Here are some red dot sights known to have a Docter footprint:

1. Docter Optics Sight III: The original Docter Optics Sight III series features the Docter footprint.
2. Noblex Sight III: Noblex is the successor brand to Docter Optics, and their Sight III series also has the Docter footprint.
3. Burris FastFire III: Burris has produced red dot sights that are compatible with the Docter footprint, including the popular FastFire III model.
4. Holosun 407K and 507K: Holosun offers compact red dot sights designed to fit the Docter footprint, specifically for smaller, subcompact pistols.
5. Shield Mini Sight (SMS): The Shield SMS series includes red dot sights with a footprint that matches the Docter pattern.

Vortex Venom Footprint

the Vortex Venom is a popular red dot sight that features a unique mounting pattern or footprint. This footprint is specific to Vortex Optics and is not standardized like some other red dot sights.

While the Vortex Venom has a unique footprint, there are other red dot sights from various manufacturers that are compatible with this pattern. These red dots can fit the same cutout or mounting system as the Vortex Venom.

Here are some red dot sights known to have a Vortex Venom footprint:

1. Vortex Venom: The original Vortex Venom sight itself is designed with a specific footprint that bears its name.
2. Vortex Viper: The Vortex Viper red dot sight shares a similar mounting pattern to the Vortex Venom and can often be used interchangeably.
3. Holosun 507K: Holosun offers compact red dot sights designed to fit the Vortex Venom footprint, making them suitable for smaller, subcompact pistols.

Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Footprint

the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro is a popular red dot sight known for its rugged construction and precise performance. The DeltaPoint Pro features a unique mounting pattern or footprint, specific to Leupold, and is not standardized like some other red dot sights.

While the DeltaPoint Pro has its own footprint, there are other red dot sights from various manufacturers that are compatible with this pattern. These red dots can fit the same cutout or mounting system as the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro.

Here are some red dot sights known to have a Leupold DeltaPoint Pro footprint:

1. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro: The original Leupold DeltaPoint Pro sight itself is designed with a specific footprint that bears its name.
2. Trijicon RMRcc: Trijicon’s RMRcc (Concealed Carry) red dot sight is designed with the same footprint as the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro. It is a compact version of the popular RMR series, specifically designed for concealed carry handguns.
3. SIG Sauer Romeo1 Pro: SIG’s Romeo1 Pro red dot sight is designed with a footprint that matches the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, making it compatible with the same mounting systems.
4. Swampfox Kingslayer: The Swampfox Kingslayer is another red dot sight that shares the same footprint as the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and there are other red dot footprints available on the market. When considering a red dot sight for your firearm, ensure it matches the correct footprint for your slide or rail system. Additionally, manufacturers may release new models or updates, so it’s always best to check the specific product’s compatibility information provided by the manufacturer or consult with a knowledgeable gunsmith.