In the world of airsoft, choosing the right red dot sight for your pistol can feel overwhelming. With numerous manufacturers offering a variety of red dots, all with different mounting standards, screw patterns, and socket designs, it’s easy to get lost. Some manufacturers have developed unique footprints to accommodate their electronics, while others have adopted existing standards to make life easier for users.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most common red dot footprints, explain key terminology, and help you make an informed decision when selecting the perfect red dot sight for your airsoft pistol. Whether you’re looking for a replica or a real red dot sight, this article is designed with airsofters in mind.

Common Terminology for Red Dot Mounting Systems

Understanding the basic terms is key to selecting the right red dot for your airsoft pistol. Here are some essential definitions:

Footprint:           Often used interchangeably with “mounting standard”. This term describes the screw and socket hole pattern on a red dot sight.

Screw Hole:       The holes through which screws secure the red dot to the pistol or optic plate.

Socket:                 The underside hole(s) of the red dot used for additional security. Sockets help keep the red dot zeroed and locked in place during recoil.

Boss:                     A stud or protrusion on the pistol or red dot plate that fits into the socket of the red dot for extra stability.

Mount:                 The platform or interface where the red dot is installed.

These terms are crucial for understanding how red dots are mounted and how different footprints affect compatibility.

Popular Red Dot Footprint Types for Airsoft Pistols

Comparison Table: Red Dot Footprints at a Glance

FootprintDeveloperKey FeaturesCompatibilityAirsoft Suitability
RMRTrijiconDurable, widely used footprint.Compatible with many real and airsoft red dots, though tolerances may vary. Some airsoft RMR plates lack bosses for wider compatibility.Extremely popular and versatile. Widely replicated in airsoft, though some replicas may vary in fit or quality.
RMSShieldCompact design with forward battery placement.Basis for RMSc, but not interchangeable with RMSc red dots due to size differences.Less common in airsoft. A good option if you prefer a real red dot or compact setups.
RMScShieldCompact version of RMS, with smaller dimensions.RMSc red dots fit RMS mounts, but RMS red dots do not fit RMSc mounts.Perfect for airsoft pistols requiring lightweight, compact red dots.
Deltapoint ProLeupoldModified version of RMS footprint with larger socket holes.Deltapoint Pro fits RMS mounts with slight wiggle, but RMS red dots cannot mount onto Deltapoint Pro mounts.Less common in airsoft due to its premium pricing and availability.
KHolosunModified RMSc footprint with shorter front bosses and rear bosses removed.Compatible with RMSc mounts, though socket dimensions differ slightly.Holosun red dots are affordable and popular in the airsoft community. They are reliable and widely available.
EPSHolosunEnhanced RMSc/ K footprint with additional front sockets for stability.No native pistol support yet; comes with conversion plates for RMR or MRSc mounts.A flexible option for airsofters who want to experiment with different setups using conversion plates.
ACROAimpointSide grooves for clamping, similar to Picatinny rail systems.Not compatible with other footprints due to unique mounting style.Gaining popularity in airsoft; more replicas are becoming available.
Glock MOSGlock (Proprietary)Modular system using conversion plates to mount various red dots.Airsoft MOS plates differ from real Glock MOS plates. Compatibility varies between airsoft manufacturers (proprietary designs).Commonly used with licensed airsoft Glocks. Be cautious about compatibility between brands.
C-MoreC-More SystemDated design for competition shooting. Simple design with front and rear screw holes.Real and replica C-More red dots are compatible with C-More mounting platforms.Popular in competitive airsoft setups. Replicas are highly compatible with real mounting systems.

Detailed Breakdown of Footprints

RMR Footprint

  • Origin: Invented by Trijicon for their “Ruggedized Miniature Reflex” (RMR) sights/
  • Key Characteristics: The RMR footprint is one of the most widely used mounting standards in both real firearms and airsoft due to its durability and versatility.
  • Airsoft Insight: Many airsoft red dots mimic the RMR footprint, but tolerances may vary to save costs. Some airsoft RMR plates lack bosses to accommodate different red dot brands, so always check compatibility.

Compatible Optics

RMS Footprint

  • Origin: Designed by Shield.
  • Key Characteristics: Compact design with a forward battery placement. Though not as popular as the RMR, the RMS footprint serves as the foundation for other mounting systems.
  • Airsoft Insight: The RMS is less commonly replicated in airsoft, but its influence is seen in other designs like the RMSc

Compatible Optics

RMSc Footprint

  • Origin: Designed by Shield.
  • Key Characteristics: A compact version of the RMS footprint with minor differences in dimensions. RMSc red dots are smaller and ideal for compact setups. RMSc red dots fit RMS mounts, but not the other way around due to size differences.
  • Airsoft Insight: Perfect for compact airsoft pistols or setups where weight and size are critical.

Compatible Optics

Deltapoint Pro Footprint

  • Origin: Developed by Leupold.
  • Key Characteristics: Larger socket holes (4.2mm) compared to RMS (3.8mm), making it incompatible with RMS mounts
  • Airsoft Insight: Deltapoint Pro sights aren’t as widely used in airsoft, but some big real steel brands such as Vortex and Leupold use them, therefore, their replicas will likely have the same footprint as well. Separate mounts are typically required.

Compatible Optics

K Footprint

  • Origin: Holosun for their K-series red dots.
  • Key Characteristics: A modified RMSc footprint with shorter front bosses and no rear bosses.
  • Airsoft Insight: Holosun optics are affordable and popular among airsofters and firearms owners alike. Due to their cost-effectiveness, replicas are rare, making it a reliable choice for those seeking durability.

Compatible Optics

EPS Footprint

  • Origin: Designed by Holosun for their Enhanced Pistol Sight (EPS) series.
  • Key Characteristics: Based on the RMSc/ K footprint but includes additional front sockets. Holosun provides conversion plates to adapt EPS sights to other mounting standards such as RMR and RMSc.
  • Airsoft Insight: While no pistols currently natively support the EPS footprint, the included conversion plates make it versatile for airsofters who want to experiment with different setups.

Compatible Optics

ACRO Footprint

  • Origin: Aimpoint for their ACRO series red dots.
  • Key Characteristics: Unlike others, ACRO uses side grooves and a center screw for mounting, similar to a Picatinny rail system.
  • Airsoft Insight: The ACRO footprint is gaining popularity, and more airsoft replicas are becoming available. It’s a great option for airsofters looking for a unique and durable mounting system.

Compatible Optics

Glock MOS (Modular Optic System)

  • Origin: Glock’s proprietary system for their MOS line of Glocks.
  • Key Characteristics: Utilizing proprietary conversion plates to mount a variety of red dots.
  • Airsoft Insight: Licensed airsoft Glocks with MOS plates exist, but these plates differ from real Glock MOS plates. Additionally, different airsoft brands have their own MOS plate designs, which may not be interchangeable.

Compatible Optics

C-More Footprint

  • Origin: Competition shooting by C-More Systems.
  • Key Characteristics: Simple mounting with two screw holes (front and rear). Popular among IPSC and competition shooters in the 90’s.
  • Airsoft Insight: Replica C-More red dots are compatible with real C-More mounts, making them a great option for competitive airsoft setups.

Compatible Optics

Conclusion

Choosing the right red dot footprint for your airsoft pistol doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding the different mounting standards, their compatibility, and the specific needs of your airsoft loadout, you can make an informed choice that enhances your gameplay. Whether you’re leaning towards the widely popular RMR footprint or exploring niche options like the ACRO or EPS, there’s a red dot sight out there that is perfect for your setup.

So, if you are considering installing a red dot for your airsoft pistols, look no further, we at RedWolf Airsoft got you covered.