As Erick said, you need a red dot sight that can take the punishment of a 12 gauge.
What's the ideal CQC optical sight? I would combine the durability of an Aimpoint Comp M-XD with the reticle of a Bushnell/EO Tech HOLOsight with that battery-less operation of a Trijicon ACOG. I don't ask for much, eh?
The Aimpoint sight is the Army's new M68 CCO sight. It's one tough mother. Aimpoint's (or GG&G's) quick detach mounts are solidly made and provide easy on/off capability.
The HOLOsight's stock reticle is, IMHO, one of the best designs I've ever seen. Small (3-4 MOA) dot inside a large (20 MOA?) circle. For up close and personal, you just center the big circle on the COM and let them fly. For precise shots, put the small dot on the target and press. Nice and bright reticle too, very visible in full daylight.
The ACOG uses tritium elements and thus does not rely on batteries. Nothing to forget to turn on either.
If I had to choose one, I'd go for the ACOG. The ACOG is about as tough as the Aimpoint and the new triangle reticle can take care of close and distant shots (put the triangle on the target up close, use the tip for distant shots). And no batteries. And all for $800 or so.
Justin
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Justin T. Huang, Esq.
late of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania