Are you in the market for the best red dot sight for 22lr pistol? If your answer is yes, you are in the right place.
A red dot sight is a valuable accessory you should have if you take your pistol shooting seriously. It will help you acquire the sight picture quickly in virtually any situation and boost your odds of placing the shot accurately.
Today, red dot sights for pistols are built to be easy to use and offer admirable performance in different shooting scenarios. But with the plethora of models to pick from, picking the right model can be daunting, especially for the first-time buyer.
Why a Red Dot for 22lr Pistol?
Red Dots are great for self-defense, plinking, and shooting in the range when you need to shoot fast and accurately. Adding one to your favorite .22lr pistol comes with a plethora of benefits that include:
Simplified Shooting
A red dot sight is an important tool for simplifying your shooting process. It provides a crisp point of aim that enables fast target finding and shooting.
Low Light Visibility
When shooting in low-level light settings, a red dot sight enhances your shooting confidence for accurate shoot placement. It can also pair with your night vision gear if it’s compatible with it.
Speedy Target Acquisition
Red dot sights have a wide, unobstructed field of view for speedy target location and acquisition. The large field of view also enables fast follow-up shots.
Increased Situational Awareness
Increased situational awareness is another benefit of the best red dot for 22lr pistol. It is a result of the infinite eye relief that red dot optics provide.
Enhanced Accuracy
Irrespective of whether you are a professional or a beginner in shooting, a red dot sight will sharpen your skills and enhance your overall shooting accuracy. As a result, you can shoot accurately, particularly at a distance or when speedy target acquisition is needed.
7 Best Red Dot Sight for 22lr Pistol – Our Top Picks
Choosing the right red dot sight for your 22lr can be overwhelming given the vast number of models present on the market today. To make your selection process less taxing, below are some of the best models worth your consideration.
Let’s take a look.
#1) Trijicon RM06 RMR Type 2 Adjustable LED 1×16 mm 3.25 MOA – Best Overall
Specifications
- Objective Lens Diameter: 16 mm
- Reticle: 3.25 MOA Red Dot
- Brightness Settings: 8
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA
- Battery Life: 4 Years at setting 4
- Length: 1.8 in
- Height: 1 in
- Weight: 1.2 oz
The Trijicon RM06 RMR Type 2 Adjustable LED 1×16 mm 3.25 MOA is the best red dot sight for 22lr pistol. It is top-tier reflex sight designed for durability, precision, and versatility.
The sight features a large 16 mm objective lens and 0.83 x 0.63-inch window provide a clear, expansive view. The 3.25 MOA red dot reticle ensures pinpoint accuracy for quick target acquisition with 8 brightness settings for easy aiming in different lighting conditions.
Furthermore, the sight features an unlimited eye relief for comfortable use across a range of shooting positions, and a parallax-free design that guarantees precise targeting at all distances. The easy-to-adjust 1 MOA click value makes it fully customizable to meet your shooting needs, while the multi-coated True-Color lenses ensure high light transmission for sharp and vibrant visuals.
Regarding construction, the sight is designed to withstand the harshest conditions. It is shockproof, waterproof up to 66 feet, and resistant to extreme weather, making it an excellent choice for tactical, hunting, or competitive shooting applications. Over and above, this optic users a CR2032 battery that offers an impressive 4-year battery life at setting 4, ensuring long-lasting performance without constant maintenance.
Pros
- Clear and sharp 16mm objective lens with 3.25 MOA red dot reticle
- 8 brightness settings for various lighting conditions
- Unlimited eye relief for rapid target acquisition
- Waterproof to 66 feet, shockproof, and highly durable
- Long battery life of 4 years at setting 4
- Compact and lightweight for easy mounting
Cons
- No automatic brightness adjustment
#2) Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight – Best for Beginners
Specifications
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 20mm
- Adjustment Range: 70+ MOA
- Reticle: 3 MOA Red Dot
- Illumination Color: Red
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Weight: 4 oz
- Battery Type: CR2032
- Battery Life: 5,000 hours
As one of the leading optics brands, Bushnell makes good quality optics and the Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight Riflescope is not any different. Combining cutting-edge design and high-end features, the optic delivers great performance for every outdoor pursuit you use it in.
It features a 3 MOA dot reticle with 11 adjustable brightness settings. The numerous brightness settings give you the flexibility of customizing the dot based on the lighting condition. Besides, choosing the lowest brightness settings helps prolong the unit’s battery life.
In terms of construction, the TRS-25 is designed to offer maximum strength and durability. It has a precision-engineered housing designed to stand up to whatever you subject it to and a shockproof design that adds on durability. It also boasts a waterproof and fog proof construction for use under rain, fog, snow, mist, and any other precipitation.
Pros
- Ideal for virtually all outdoor pursuits
- Fully waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof construction
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to set up
- Value for money
Cons
- Not compatible with night vision
#3) Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight Gen II – 2 MOA Dot – Best Budget
Specifications
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 22mm
- Brightness Settings: 11
- Reticle: 2 MOA Red Dot
- Illumination Color: Red
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA
- Weight: 5.2 oz
- Battery Type: CR2032
The Crossfire Red Dot Sight is a no-nonsense 2 MOA dot ideal for nearly any application. It promotes quick acquisition of targets and provides a precise point of aim even at long ranges.
The versatility of this scope is what makes it stand out among the rest. Firstly, it is night vision compatible at the two lowest brightness settings. Further, it boasts 11 illumination settings for visibility in nearly all situations and you can use it on your 22lr pistol, rifle, shotgun, and other platforms.
More importantly, the sight offers unlimited eye relief for quick target acquisition and a long battery life of up to 50,000 hours. The lenses feature multiple anti-reflective coatings that yield a clear field of view and with the hard-coat anodized finish, the unit stays rust-free and scratch-resistant.
Above all, it is sealed with O-rings to be free of moisture, dust, dirt, and any other debris.
Pros
- Excellent craftmanship
- Solid construction
- Good battery life
- Spacious, unobstructed field of view
- Lightweight and easy to use
Cons
- Brightness knob is slightly hard to turn
#4) TRUGLO TRU-TEC Micro Red Dot Sight – Best Compact
Specifications
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 20mm
- Reticle: 3 MOA Red Dot
- Illumination Color: Red
- Weight: 0.5 Pounds
- Battery Type: CR123A
The TRUGLO TRU-TEC Micro Red Dot Sight is arguably the best red dot sight for a 22lr pistol for the money. It harbors a multitude of features at an affordable price and in a compact size which makes it perfect for small pistols like the 22lr.
Built with a 3 MOA red dot, the optic promotes accurate shooting at extended ranges and rapid target acquisition. It also comes with a multi-coated objective lens which offers a crisp clear field of view and a whole 10 brightness levels for visibility in nearly any lighting condition.
With a mere weight of over 1oz, the red dot is ultralight, easy to install, and user-friendly even for beginners. Additionally, it is designed to offer an unlimited eye relief for optimal user comfort and you can use it under any weather as it is water resistant.
Best of all, it is CNC-machined from aircraft-grade aluminum to enhance its strength and durability.
Pros
- Multiple brightness settings
- Multi-platform compatibility
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Solid construction
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Poor electronics
#5) Vortex Optics Viper Red Dot Sight – Best for the Money
Specifications
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm
- Brightness Settings: 10
- Reticle: 6 MOA Red Dot
- Illumination Color: Red
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA
- Battery Life: 150 – 30000 hours
- Weight: 1.1 oz
- Battery Type: CR2032
Next up is the Vortex Viper Red Dot Sight. This piece of gear will give you the speed advantage that you need when you are shooting with a 22lr pistol. It is simple to set up and user-friendly as well so every user finds it simple to operate without breaking a sweat.
It features a large 6 MOA dot that will get you on target fast. If you suffer from poor eyesight, this dot size is a perfect option. Furthermore, the optic features are fully multi-coated increase the transfer of light to provide a wide and clear field of view under any light and weather condition. It also has numerous illumination settings for visibility in different light settings.
With the ruggedized shockproof construction, this unit is built ready for all conditions. It will offer reliable performance even when you subject it to rough handling. It also comes with a hard anodized finish which keeps it free of rust, corrosion, and scratches.
To top it all, the Viper Red Dot Sight is O-ring sealed to keep the optics moisture, dust, and debris-free.
Pros
- Ultra-clear lens
- Easy to access power and illumination controls
- Good build quality
- Simple set up
Cons
- Battery is slightly clumsy to install
#6) Burris FastFire – Best Versatile
Specifications
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective Lens Diameter: 21mm
- Brightness Settings: Three Brightness Levels with Auto Mode
- Reticle: 3 MOA Red Dot
- Illumination Color: Red
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA
- Mounting: Picatinny / Weaver
- Weight: 0.9 oz / 25.5 g
- Battery Type: CR1632
Lastly, on our list, we have the Burris FastFire III 3 MOA Red Dot Sight. If you are looking the best red dot sight for 22lr pistol to take your accuracy at extended ranges a notch higher, this optic is a perfect option for you. It offers great accuracy no matter the activity you are using it for even at extended ranges.
Featuring an all-metal housing, this optic offers great strength and durability. The lenses are precision-ground and polished to provide crisp clear-sight pictures, and with the automatic brightness settings, it will adjust the brightness of the reticle instantly based on the amount of light available.
Furthermore, this product has a compact and lightweight design so it won’t disrupt the balance or handling of the pistol. It also boasts 1x fixed magnification that allows shooting with both eyes open for increased situation awareness.
Other noteworthy features you will find in this red dot sight are tool-less windage and elevation adjustments, top sight battery access that makes battery change convenient, and a low battery indicator.
Pros
- Versatility
- Lightweight design
- Low battery indicator
- Tool-less re-zeroing
Cons
- Tight adjustment knobs
7) Steiner MPS Micro Pistol Sight – Honorary Mention
Specifications
- Magnification: 1 x
- Objective Window Size: 0.63 x 0.83 in
- Reticle: 3.3 MOA
- Adjustment Type: MOA
- Emitter Type: Open
- Battery Life: 13000 hours
- Operating Temperature: -40 – 140 Fahrenheit
- Length: 2.17 in
- Weight: 2.05 oz
The Steiner MPS Micro Pistol Sight is a rugged red dot sight for handguns that has a 3.3 MOA red dot and 1x magnification for rapid target acquisition.
With a 1x magnification and a compact objective window measuring 0.63 x 0.83 inches, this sight provides a wide field of view that enhances quick target acquisition. The crisp-clear 3.3 MOA red reticle is easy to use and ideal for precision aiming where it ensures fast yet accurate shots even in dynamic shooting situations.
The red illumination is highly visible in various lighting conditions, and with an open emitter type, the sight allows for smooth, unobstructed views of the reticle. Furthermore, the parallax adjustments from 10 to 150 yards ensures users can engage targets at a wide range of distances, while the MOA-based adjustment type allows for precise customization of the reticle.
In terms of durability, the Steiner MPS Micro Sight excels with its robust construction. Additionally, it has waterproof and fog-proof capabilities that make it excellent choice for all weather conditions. Its rugged design can also withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -40°F to 140°F, ensuring reliable performance in both hot and cold environments.
Pros
- Wide field of view
- Bright and clear 3.3 MOA reticle
- Long battery life
- Outstanding construction
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- No adjustable parallax, limited to a fixed range of 10-150 yards
Read Also
- Best Red Dot Sight for Shotgun
- Best Scope for 50 BMG
- Best Scope for 300 Win Mag
- Best Low Light Rifle Scope
Best Red Dot Sight for 22lr Pistol Buyer’s Guide
Red dot sights are built for speed and here are some of the important factors you should consider when picking one for your 22lr pistol.
Size and Weight
A red dot for use with a 22lr pistol should be compact in size and lightweight. With the compact size, the optic will occupy a minimal amount of space on your pistol. Additionally, a lightweight red dot sight will be easy to mount, simpler to use and it won’t affect the balance and handling of your pistol.
Battery Life
The battery life of red dot sights varies significantly from one unit to the other. It is therefore important that you pick a unit that offers a long battery regardless of the application you propose to use it for.
Look for a model that offers a battery life of 30,000 hours or more. You should also look for a red dot that comes with multiple battery preservation features such as MOTAC or an auto-off feature.
Brightness of the Dot
The brightness of the dot determines how crisp and clear it will look on the optic’s screen. This is important particularly when you are using the red dot sight in low-light conditions.
Modern red dot sights offer crisp red dot reticles with multiple brightness settings. You can find a unit with 8, 10, or more brightness settings. A tip is to get a model that has as many brightness settings as possible.
It will give you the flexibility to adjust the dot to the most appropriate brightness settings so it is clear and visible. On top of that, look for a model whose lowest brightness settings are night vision compatible. It will give the flexibility to use it day and night.
Dot Size
The next thing to consider is the size of the dot. Red dot sights with smaller 1-2 MOA reticles may be small and hard to pick up quickly, but they offer the ultimate accuracy at long ranges.
3-4 MOA units are a bit larger and ideal for short and medium-range shooting. In most cases, red dot sights with 3 or 4 MOA reticles are considered to be suitable for all-round use.
6 MOA and more dots are ideal for fast target acquisition at close ranges. However, they are less ideal for use with pistols unless you suffer from poor eyesight.
Durability
Get a red dot sight that is built to offer many years of use. For optimal durability and reliability, look for a product that has an all-metal housing. The most sought-after red dot sights are made from aluminum which is lightweight but durable.
The best red dot sight for 22lr pistol should also be fully waterproof, dustproof, and fog proof to ensure that you can use it confidently in both good and unfavorable weather conditions.
Budget
The price of red dot optics varies from one product to the other. The brand, nature of construction, and quality of features incorporated play a vital role in determining the overall price. Pay attention to the features that make the red dot a good purchase and settle for one that is within your budget.
FAQs
- Which is better, green or red dot?
It depends largely on individual preference. Generally, green is easier to see in broad daylight while red is more visible in low light. Also, green offers a better battery life than red since it doesn’t have to be too bright to see.
- Does a red dot sight work at night?
It depends. Some of the red dot sights have their lowest brightness settings to be night vision compatible. This means that they will work very well in dark and low-light conditions.
- How far can you shoot with a red dot sight?
This will depend on the red dot sight you are using and whether or not it has magnification. In most cases, a red dot sight without any magnification can shoot effectively out to 100 yards. The range then increases if it has some form of magnification.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you have gained some insight into the best red dot for 22lr from this post. No matter what you use your 22lr pistol for, adding a quality red dot sight will bring you immense benefits.
Before you settle on any product, consider the purpose of the red dot, your preference and needs then pick the model that suits you best.