If you own a Taurus TX22 Compact, you already know it’s one of the most versatile and affordable .22 LR pistols on the market, light, accurate, and optics-ready right out of the box with the Best Red Dot for TX22 Compact.
Adding a red dot sight takes it to the next level, improving target acquisition speed, accuracy, and overall shooting fun. Whether you use your TX22 Compact for training, target practice, or concealed carry, the right micro red dot can help you shoot faster and with greater confidence.
In this guide, we review the best red dots for the Taurus TX22 Compact from trusted brands like Holosun, Vortex, Swampfox, and ADE, and explain how to choose the perfect optic for your setup. You’ll find everything from premium options with shake-awake features to budget-friendly models that fit the TX22’s RMSc footprint perfectly.
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| 1) Holosun HS507K-X2 |  |
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| 2) Holosun 407K |  |
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| 3) Vortex Defender |  |
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| 4) Swampfox Sentinel / Sentinel II |  |
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| 5) ADE / NUWA |  |
Comparison Table: TX22 Compact Red Dots at a Glance
| Red Dot Model | Reticle / Dot Size | Battery Type & Life | Weight / Size | Footprint | Key Strength(s) | Trade-off / Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holosun HS507K X2 | 2 MOA dot + 32 MOA circle / dot+circle (MRS) | CR1632, up to 50,000 hrs | 1.0 oz; 1.6″ × 0.98″ × 0.95″ | Modified RMSc / “K” | Multi-reticle (flexibility), long battery life, side-tray loading | Open emitter (less protection), buttons can be small |
| Swampfox Sentinel II | 3 MOA dot | CR2032, up to 50,000 hrs | 0.99 oz; 1.84″ × 1.07″ × 1.07″ | Shield RMSc | Larger 20 mm window, Shake-N-Wake, removable rear guide sight | Battery removal requires optic dismounting, a slightly larger footprint |
| Holosun 407K / 407K X2 | 6 MOA dot | CR1632, long runtime (claimed) | Very compact | “K” flood / RMSc variant | Simpler single dot (less clutter), good battery life | Less flexibility (no circle option), modest window size |
| Vortex Defender (Defender-CCW) | 3 or 6 MOA dot | CR1632 (side / top load) | Very lightweight 0.9 – 1 oz) | RMSc | Strong clarity, Vortex warranty, rugged build | Fewer “extras” like multiple reticles or ultra-long battery claims |
| ADE / NUWA | 2 MOA dot | CR1632, runtime varies by model | Ultra-compact / very light | RMSc / K variant | Top battery loading (no optic removal), compact size | Variable build consistency, fewer brand support options |
Why the Taurus TX22 Compact Is Perfect for a Red Dot Sight
Taurus TX22 Compact is designed to be optics-friendly. A feature of it is the so-called Optic Ready Option (T.O.R.O.) slide, which ships with a cover plate and threaded holes in the size of the Shield RMSc / Holosun K footprint.
It refers to that in most instances you can mount a micro red dot with no milling or adapters being required, which saves on cost, complicates less, and brings better alignment.
In the case of a 22 LR pistol, the slide mass is a crucial consideration of reliability. Due to a lower amount of energy generated by the flicks of rimfire ammo compared to centerfire, excessively heavy or unbalanced slides may lead to extract and cycle failures.
The TX22 Compact copes with this by adding in the slide, particularly in the top and flanks, a series of lightning cuts, which will save weight but not the rigidity.
The cuts assist in compensating for the increased weight of an optic and maintaining stable cycling over a variety of rimfire ammunition.
In addition, Taurus did not forget about usability. It still has such features as serrated rear sights, to reduce glare, a white-dot front sight (as a backup/cowitness), a threaded barrel, and a Picatinny under-rail to add accessories.
All these combined bring the TX22 Compact to be a flexible platform on which the addition of a red dot is not only possible but also improves many of the design points.
What Footprint Fits the TX22 Compact?
The Taurus TX22 Compact comes optic-ready (T.O.R.O.) and is cut to accept the Shield RMSc / Holosun K (modified RMSc) footprints, which means most RMSc-style micro red dots will mount directly or with a very thin adapter plate.
- Shield RMSc footprint is the common cut used by many compact pistol slides; optics built for RMSc (Shield, some Holosun models, Vortex Defender CCW, Swampfox Sentinel II, Sig Romeo Zero, etc.) are broadly compatible with the TX22 Compact.
- Holosun “K” series (modified RMSc) is nearly identical but has slightly different/shallow recoil lug geometry in some places. Many Holosun K-series optics (407K/507K) will fit the TX22 slide, but in a few cases, an adapter plate or minor fitting is required, depending on the exact optic variant.
How to Choose the Best Red Dot for Your TX22 Compact
Selecting the ideal red dot on your TX22 Compact:
- First fit: mounting and footprint.
Buy RMSc / Holosun-K incompatible models, the TX22 Compact can be optic-ready with Shield RMSc / Holosun K style footprints. That includes the majority of mini reflexes, Holosun 407K/507K, Swampfox Sentinel II, Vortex Defender, Shield RMSc, etc.
Check screw length & plate thickness, some optics or plates are thicker, and factory screws can be too short. Have a few slightly longer screws and blue threadlocker; torque the optic-maker
Adapter plates can be ordered when you choose an optic that has a different footprint, but the stack height must be measured to allow the optic to clear the slide and irons.
- Reticle size & purpose
2-3MOA: excellent in precision and small target (25 or more yards). Good when dot-on-target accuracy is desired.
6 MO: quicker target acquisition at short range; more suitable for self-defense or drilling.
- Open emitter and enclosed emitter
Open emitter (no shroud): lighter and a larger field of view, but the emitter is exposed to grit and rain. Carry good when you wash up.
Enclosed emitter: more protection, a little heavier; is preferred by those who desire an additional duration in harsh environments.
- Size, weight & sight picture
Have optic small and light to allow the slide of the TX222 to cycle without failure, and the balance/holsterability not to be destroyed.
Peripheral awareness depends on window size, with larger windows acquired faster, but typically with a slightly increased footprint.
- Durability & warranty
Select real-world carry aluminum (7075/6061) housings and water/dust IP67 or higher.
Brand warranty/support issues: Holosun, Vortex, and Sig tend to have greater support than a number of budget brands do.
Best Red Dot for TX22 Compact
1) Holosun HS507K-X2
The HS507K-X2 is an open-reflex type of micro red dot that fits subcompact pistols and can be used for concealed carry.
It is skeletonized with an open frame that makes it very lightweight and provides a wide field of view. It was constructed by Holosun with durable materials (7075 T6 aluminum) and is designed to be rugged, and it has features that are meant to make the product useful in a practical carry scenario.
Adopts the Holosun K footprint that frequently coincides with the RMSc style cuts; it means that a lot of compact pistols can easily be mounted up (or with the right adapter plate).
Also has power saving and safety options, such as the Shake Awake and Lock Mode, so that you can be sure of not accidentally knocking brightness or reticle settings.
Has several reticle choices (dot only, circle only, circle + dot), which are useful depending on the need for speed of acquisition or accuracy.
Key Specifications
- Housing Material 7075 T-6 Aluminum
- Weight 1.0 ounce
- Dimensions 1.60 × 0.98 × 0.95 in
- Window Size 0.58 × 0.77 in
- Battery Type CR1632
- Battery Life Up to 50,000 hours (on setting ~6)
- Reticle Options 2 MOA dot, 32 MOA circle, or circle
Pros
- Compact & Lightweight
- Long Battery Life
- Multiple Reticle Options
- Good Durability & Build
- User-friendly Features
Cons
- Open Emitter Design
2) Holosun 407K
The Holosun 407K is an open-reflex micro red dot gun sight with a purpose of using small handguns.
It rides upon the footprint of Holosun K-series, like the RMSc-style cuts, and fits with a wide variety of compact pistol slides, although some of those require adapter plates based on the way the slide is cut.
Introduces minor improvements on the previous models with 407K (better buttons/lock mode, etc.). It is designed most simply: you receive one dot reticle (6 MOA), no circle or combo reticles, which makes it easier to use, and the housing is not too big or heavy.
Since the TX22 Compact is a.. 22LR, the recoil is light, and more importantly, its ability to withstand environmental factors, battery replacement, ability to see in different lighting, and the ability to acquire a dot on target quickly are of greater significance.
Performs well in all those regards. The battery tray (CR1632) is mounted at the side to save battery, there is a Shake Awake/motion activation, and a solid aluminum IP67 to withstand dust and water.
According to users, the glass is clear, the dot is extremely crisp, and the zero does not vanish even after thousands of rounds.
Key Specifications
- Reticle 6 MOA red dot only
- Battery Type CR1632
- Battery Life Up to 50,000 hours
- Housing Material 7075 T6 Aluminum
- Weight 1.0 ounce
- Window Size ~0.58 × 0.77 in
Pros
- Excellent battery life + Shake Awake
- Side-loading battery tray
- Durable build
- Good visibility and simplicity
- Lock Mode and Brightness control brightness or settings during carry.
Cons
- Dot size may be too large for precision work
3) Vortex Defender
The Vortex Defender (also mostly the Defender-CCW in the case of micro/compact pistols) is Vortex’s attempt at entering the modern concealed-carry red-dot market: a purpose-specific, no-frills micro reflex that is slim, light, and reliable on small slides, such as the TX22 Compact.
It is styled in a low profile so that it will not add bulk or snag on the draws, but it provides a large, easy-to-see dot and a wide sight window to obtain a quick target acquisition.
Vortex constructs the Defender out of a 7075-T6 aluminum chassis with polymer shock-absorbing inserts and secures the internals to an IP-rated standard. Meaning it should survive everyday carry hits, as well as the weather every now and then, with zero in place.
The control design is consciously minimalistic with soft-touch brightness controls, motion-activated battery saver, and a side/top-accessible battery option based on model; therefore, changing batteries or switching options is not a complicated menu-based control.
Key specifications
- Dot sizes: 3 MOA or 6 MOA (Defender-CCW).
- Battery: CR1632 (side/top access varies).
- Brightness: 10 settings (8 daylight, 2 NV).
- Weight: 0.9–0.95 oz (with battery).
- Length: 1.59 in (CCW).
- Material: 7075-T6 aluminum; waterproof/dust resistant.
Pros
- Extremely compact and lightweight
- Clear, bright dot with multiple brightness levels and NV compatibility.
- Motion-activation/auto-sleep helps conserve battery life.
- Designed to fit RMS/RMSc footprints
- Backed by Vortex VIP lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Micro window
4) Swampfox Sentinel / Sentinel II
Swampfox Sentinel / Sentinel II is a purpose-built micro reflex which clears into the sweet spot of small pistols such as the Taurus TX22 Compact: slick, light, and tuned to everyday carry.
The Sentinel II specifically adds to the original a broader 20 mm window, a sharp 3 MOA dot (red or green), and Swampfox Shake-N-Wake motion-activated on-off to conserve battery life.
RMSc footprint and thin profile make it typically cut through the cut of the TX22 Compact (or can be fitted with the common RMSc adapter), with the low weight (about 0.99 oz) of the pistol allowing it to be held in balance and allowing it to be drawn and holstered.
Also available on the Sentinel II is the removable rear sight guide by Swampfox that helps in aligning the eye and also offers a backup reference should the rear dovetail on the slides be lost, which is useful with optics-ready compacts.
Has1 MOA click adjustments, 50,000-hour battery life with Shake-N-Wake, and strong 7075-T6 aluminum construction provide it with a profile of carry-ready durability.
On the whole, the Sentinel II is a combination of practicality, pricing, and real-world functionality, which is why it makes a good pick in the context of a TX22 Compact, where the speedy and consistent shots and low profile are the priorities.
Key specifications
- Reticle: 3 MOA dot
- Footprint: RMSc
- Window: 20 mm
- Battery: CR2032
- Material / Rating: 7075-T6 aluminum, rugged build.
Pros
- Large 20 mm window + crisp 3 MOA dot
- RMSc footprint and low profile
- Shake-N-Wake and long battery life
- Removable rear sight guide aids alignment on slides lacking rear dovetail.
- Strong value: solid performance at a competitive price point.
Cons
- Open/emitter micro design exposes the dot to debris more than fully shrouded optics.
5) ADE / NUWA
The ADE NUWA is a small, metal-bodied micro red dot designed to fit the Shield RMSc / RMS footprint and has one unique feature: top battery loading, such that you do not have to take the sight off the slide to change the battery.
Such a design choice is targeted at carrying pistols (such as the TX22 Compact) where maintaining zero and no additional re-sighting is a factor.
NUWA is extremely light and compact in size (considerable lengths are 1.5 inches and masses are 0.55-0.6 oz) and has a sharp 2 MOA dot on an open-emitter window
Its manufacturing specifies aircraft-grade metal, multi-coated glass, and manual controls, with some PRO models having a motion-awake/ auto-sleep feature to save battery.
In general, the NUWA is aimed at customers eager to have an ultra-compact, low-profile sight that can be compared to RMS/RMSc slides and field convenience at a relatively friendly price level.
Key specifications
- Reticle: 2 MOA red dot (typical NUWA RD3-021 model).
- Battery: CR1632
- Battery life: varies by model/setting
- Body: 6061 / 7075 aircraft aluminum (anodized).
- Size / Weight: 1.5″ length · 0.55 oz.
- Footprint: RMSc / Shield RMS fits RMSc-cut slides (or adapter plate).
Pros
- Top battery loading
- Very small & light
- RMSc footprint
- All-metal construction & coated glass
- Affordable price compared with premium brands
Cons
- Quality control variability
FAQs
- What red dot footprint fits the Taurus TX22 Compact?
The Taurus TX22 Compact uses the Shield RMSc footprint, which is also compatible with Holosun K-series optics (like the 407K and 507K) with minimal or no modification.
Most RMSc-style red dots, such as the Swampfox Sentinel II, Vortex Defender-CCW, Shield RMSc, ADE/NUWA, and Sig Romeo Zero, mount directly to the TX22 Compact’s optics-ready slide. Just double-check screw length and plate thickness before installation.
- Can I mount a Holosun 507K or 407K directly on the TX22 Compact?
Yes. Both the Holosun 507K and 407K fit the TX22 Compact’s factory slide cut because they share the modified RMSc (K-series) footprint. Some users add a thin adapter plate for a perfect fit or slightly longer screws, but no milling is required. Once mounted, the dot aligns well and maintains slide balance for reliable cycling.
- What size red dot is best for the TX22 Compact 3 MOA or 6 MOA?
It depends on how you use your pistol. A 3 MOA dot is smaller and better for precision shooting or target work, while a 6 MOA dot is faster to pick up for self-defense or close-range drills. Many rimfire shooters prefer 3 MOA for accuracy at longer distances, while everyday carriers often choose 6 MOA for quick target acquisition.
Final Verdict
The Taurus TX22 Compact is an exceptional rimfire pistol that truly shines when paired with a quality red dot sight.
After comparing performance, reliability, and value, the Holosun HS507K X2 stands out as the best overall red dot for the TX22 Compact thanks to its crisp reticle options, long battery life, and rugged aluminum build.
For those wanting premium clarity and lifetime warranty coverage, the Vortex Defender-CCW is an equally strong choice.
If you’re on a budget, the ADE NUWA offers surprising quality at a lower cost, while the Swampfox Sentinel II delivers the widest field of view for fast target transitions.
Whatever your budget or shooting style, adding one of these optics will unlock the TX22 Compact’s full potential, turning an already capable pistol into a fast, accurate, and confidence-inspiring companion on the range or in everyday carry.
Also check out: 6 Best Red Dot for P320 Compact