Unlock the hidden potential of your rimfire rifle with the Best Red Dot for Rimfire Rifle! These innovative optics offer lightning-fast target acquisition, pinpoint precision, and a wider field of view in making every shot count.
A red dot sight might be the game changer this has for plinking enthusiasts, competitive target shooters, and small game hunters. Check out this full review for help in selecting the best red dot sight to put on your rimfire rifle and take your shooting enjoyment to the next level!
| 1) Vortex Strikefire II Red Dot Sight |  |
|
| 2) Sig Sauer Romeo5 Red Dot Sight |  |
|
| 3) Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight |  |
|
| 4) Holosun HS510C Red Dot Sight |  |
|
| 5) Burris FastFire III Red Dot Sight |  |
|
| 6) Eotech XPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight |  |
How Far Should You Sight in a Red Dot on a Rifle?
Here’s a general breakdown of common sight-in distances for red dot sights on rifles:
- 50 yards: This is a popular zero distance for many rifles, offering a good balance for mid-range shooting and accounting for bullet rise at close distances. It’s a versatile option for general use.
- 25 yards: Often used for AR-style rifles with a “combat zero” or “battle zero” in mind. This zero allows for quick target acquisition at close quarters, with the bullet hitting slightly high at this distance but staying on target within a reasonable range.
- 100 yards: This is a common zero distance for long-range target shooting. However, with a red dot sight, bullet drop at extended distances becomes more significant. You may need to hold above your target at further distances to compensate.
Best Red Dot for Rimfire Rifle
1) Vortex Strikefire II Red Dot Sight
The Vortex Strikefire II Red Dot can certainly stand on its own with merits as an all-around excellent and affordable optic intended for rimfire-rifle users who need a good balance between affordability, ease of use, and rugged reliability.
It has a special 4 MOA red or green dot reticle that falls kind of in between big enough that it allows for quick target acquisition on small targets at short range, and yet it still allows a reasonably precise aiming point for more deliberate shots
Is a single CR2 battery-powered red dot with very long service, going up to 80,000 hours on setting 6. The controls are conveniently placed at the rear of the sight.
Since it is designed with unlimited eye relief, one can easily and comfortably keep a proper view behind the sight without very strict head placement. This way, one manages to attain a more natural shooting posture.
On the positive, the Strikefire II has a better objective lens size and a much better tube diameter compared to some competing products. This means it enjoys a larger field of view that allows seeing clearly what is viewed as one aims.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 30 mm
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Dot Size: 4 MOA
- Adjustment Graduation: 1/2 MOA
- Max Elevation Adjustment: 100 MOA
- Max Windage Adjustment: 100 MOA
- Parallax Setting: Parallax free
- Length: 5.6 inches
- Weight: 7.2 ounces
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Parallax-Free
- Has VIP Warranty
Cons
- At 7.2 ounces, it is slightly heavier than some other red dot sights in its class.
2) Sig Sauer Romeo5 Red Dot Sight
The Sig Sauer Romeo5 Red Dot Sight is a supreme option if one is looking for a dependable red dot sight to attach to their rimfire rifle, all without breaking one’s bank.
Known for its durability, its extremely compact structure, and its aluminum metal housing. It will take bumps, shocks, and the elements out of the way, allowing the user to trust it in multiple shooting scenarios.
You’ll notice a sharp 2 MOA red dot reticle by peering through the sight. It’s just the right size for precision aiming at short to mid-range and is great for hunting small game or plinking at targets alike.
Built into the Romeo5 is Motion Activated Illumination; this nifty feature allows the sight to automatically power on when it senses motion, and to shut off when not in use to get the most out of battery life with durations that can last for up to 40,000+ hours.
It didn’t skimp on the weatherproofing, either. The Romeo5 is rated at IPX7, which allows the sight to be submerged in up to 1m of water for 30 minutes. Fog and rain, no sweat, so you can keep your eyes on the prize, regardless of the conditions.
Also features two mount options: a low mount and a 1.41-inch riser mount. This allows you to choose the setup that best suits your shooting style and the most comfortable height of cheek weld when using iron sights along with the optic.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 20 mm
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Dot Size: 2 MOA
- Adjustment Graduation: 0.5 MOA
- Max Elevation Adjustment: 40 MOA
- Max Windage Adjustment: 40 MOA
- Parallax Setting: Parallax free
- Length: 2.47 inches
- Weight: 5.1 ounces
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
- Has Motion Activated Illumination (MOTAC)
Cons
- The 2 MOA dot, while precise, might be considered small for rapid target acquisition in close-quarters situations by some users who prefer a larger dot.
3) Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight is an inexpensive way to mount a red dot on the shooter’s rimfire rifle.
The outside of what it won’t give, which are options that belong to high-end optics, this TRS-25 1×25 pure red-dot scope brings functionality and durability to the table at a pocket-friendly price.
One main positive is that the TRS-25 has been engineered with unlimited eye relief. What this doesn’t mean is that you don’t have to allude your eye to any exact position behind the sight to get a clear view of the red dot.
It is built to also weather the elements. With nitrogen purging, the interior optics of the TRS-25 are clearer and never fog up because of humidity or rapid temperature changes, thus giving a clear sight in all kinds of weather. Moreover, O-ring seals make the sight waterproof by not letting moisture pass through it.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 25 mm
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- Dot Size: 3 MOA
- Adjustment Graduation: 1 MOA
- Max Elevation Adjustment: 70 MOA
- Max Windage Adjustment: 70 MOA
- Parallax Setting: Parallax free at 50 yards
- Length: 2.4 inches
- Weight: 3.7 ounces
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- Has 11 brightness settings
- Durable
Cons
- No Night Vision Compatibility
4) Holosun HS510C Red Dot Sight
The Holosun HS510C Red Dot Sight is for serious rimfire enthusiasts who want a feature-rich optic. It moves up from budget with multiple options to take your shooting to the next level.
Unlike some red dot sights with a single reticle, the HS510C has 3 options: 2 MOA dots, 65 MOA circles, or both. You can choose your reticle to fit the situation. 2 MOA dots are good for precise aiming at short to medium range, 65 MOA circles are good for quick target acquisition on smaller targets, and both are the best of both worlds.
Durability is what the HS510C is all about. It has a machined aluminum housing that can withstand the field. The site is IPX8 waterproof, meaning it can be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Rain, snow, or accidental dunks won’t be a problem.
Battery life is another strong point of the HS510C. 50,000 hours on medium brightness. That’s years of use before you need to replace the battery. The site even has a solar failsafe. In well-lit environments, the solar panel can power the reticle, extend battery life, or be a backup power source if the battery dies.
Specifications
- Reticle: 2 MOA dot & 65 MOA circle
- Magnification: 1x
- Multi-Reticle System:
- Reticle Color: Red
- Dimension: 3.3 x 1.8 x 1.8 inches
- Weight: 8.3 oz
Pros
- Has a Large Window
- Ease of Use
- Durable
- Multi-Reticle System
- Awesome Battery Life
Cons
- At 8.3 oz, it is heavier compared to some other red dot sights.
5) Burris FastFire III Red Dot Sight
Rimfire rifle enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to the Burris FastFire III Red Dot Sight for several reasons. It strikes a sweet spot by being compact, tough, and adaptable.
It is a compact and lightweight design. The site boasts a sleek and low-profile design. It’s made with durable yet lightweight aluminum housing, which is crucial for rimfire rifles as excess weight can throw off their balance.
Thanks to its compact size, the FastFire III can be “co-witnessed” with backup iron sights on certain rifles. This means you can see both the red dot and the iron sights at the same time, providing a reliable aiming method if the red dot ever fails.
Offers two choices of red dot reticles for the FastFire III. The 3 MOA dot strikes a good balance between quick target acquisition and precise aiming, making it suitable for various shooting scenarios with rimfire rifles. On the other hand, the larger 8 MOA dot is ideal for lightning-fast close-range targeting where speed is crucial.
Specifications
- Reticle: 3 MOA or 8 MOA dot (available in two models
- Magnification: 1x
- Reticle Color: Red
- Dimension: 1.8 x 1 x 0.9 inches
- Weight: 1.5 oz
- Housing Material: Aluminum
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact Size
- Automatic Brightness Adjustment
- Multiple Reticle Sizes
- Durable
Cons
- Pricy
6) Eotech XPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight
The Eotech XPS2 Holographic Weapon Sight is a bit different from most red dot sights. Its holographic technology is used to project a reticle image onto a piece of glass.
A holographic reticle on the XPS2 is large, usually a 68 MOA ring with a 1 MOA center dot. It’s a very big advantage over a traditional red dot.
The bigger ring can hold a much faster target acquisition and is very useful when shooting at very close quarters or while engaging moving targets. The center dot serves well in giving exact aiming points during more deliberate shots.
As a result of the holographic technology, it provides some shooters with an experience of “heads-up display experience”. The reticle will seem overlaid within your field of view so that you can experience situational awareness of your target without having to move your eye off of your target.
It is, after all, built to take the rigors of real-world use. Its body is made from a lightweight, exceedingly tough aluminum alloy, which means the housing is strong yet manageable when mounted on a rimfire rifle.
Specifications
- Reticle: 1 MOA dot with a 68 MOA circle
- Magnification: 1x
- Reticle Color: Red
- Dimension: 3.8 x 2.1 x 2.5 inches
- Weight: 9 oz
- Housing Material: Aluminum
Pros
- Durable
- Ease of Use
- Has a large window size field view
- Offer 20 daylight settings
Cons
- Battery Life, relatively short battery life of about 600 hours
Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Red Dot for Rimfire Rifle
Here are some of the factors to watch out for, which might help you decide on the best red dot sight for your rimfire rifle.
- Reticle Size and Type:
Dot Size, it affects speed and precision. Smaller dots (2-3 MOA): a very precise aiming point for deliberate shots but can take longer to acquire the target at close range.
Bigger dots (6-8 MOA) excel in quick target acquisition, but at distance they can obscure some of the target. Best to choose a good balance toward your shooting requirements.
For the Reticle Type, there are models that are just fitted with a great red dot, whereas others, such as the Eotech XPS2, come with a holographic reticle adorned with a circle around a central dot.
This circle helps in making quicker targeting within short range, and the dot helps in the precise thinking for the shot.
- Durability and Weatherproofing:
Seek a sight housed in rugged yet lightweight material, like modern aluminum. While rimfire rifles do not recoil a lot, a ruggedized sight can stand up to any bumps or shocks.
Look for a sight that is usable in even rainy, snowy, or any other type of very demanding condition. A waterproof and fogproof sight, such as the Burris FastFire III or Vortex Strikefire II, would be a great choice for such use.
- Battery Life and Usability:
Battery Life Some optics, like the Holosun HS510C, have very good battery life with features but limited battery life, mostly controlled with solar backup.
Think about it: in what time frame, typically, does one shoot between battery changes and choose a sight with suitable battery life?.
Look for a sight that has easy to adjust brightness controls as well as an easy to use mechanism for selecting the reticle (if any). Easily replaceable batteries are another huge plus.
For instance, the top mounted battery compartment of the Burris FastFire III. Unlimited eye relief is another thing many red dot sights offer, meaning a shooter can comfortably assume a more natural shooting stance.
- Mounting Options:
Choose the proper sight height to fit your tastes and co-witnessing preference with the iron sights. Some of these sights also have facilities for being mounted differently. For example, there is the Vortex Strikefire II, which has a cantilever mount, thus allowing a backup iron sight to be placed underneath it.
- Price and Features:
Red dots come at all sorts of price points, from budget options such as the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 to those packed with features such as the Holosun HS510C. Find your budget to start there, putting your money into features you most value.
Extra Features, while some sights have extras like automatic brightness adjustment (Burris FastFire III) or shake-awake technology (Holosun HS510C), definitely select from among those based on your needs and most desired features.
FAQs
Q: How much does a red dot sight for a rimfire rifle cost?
A. Prices range from budget-friendly options around $100 to high-end models exceeding $500. Determine your budget and prioritize the features most important to you.
Q: Where can I buy a red dot sight for my rimfire rifle?
A. You can purchase red dot sights from sporting goods stores, online retailers, or gun shops. Remember to follow all safety regulations when purchasing and using a red dot sight.
Conclusion
Ready to transform your rimfire rifle into a speedy, precise shooting machine? Don’t wait any longer! With a red dot sight perfectly tailored to your needs, you’ll experience faster target acquisition, improved accuracy, and a whole new level of shooting enjoyment.
So, browse the options we’ve laid out, find your perfect match, and get ready to experience the thrill of red dot sights on your rimfire rifle!
Also Check Out: 7 Top Best Red Dot Scope for a 22 Rifle