Looking for a crisp red dot to improve your rimfire pistol accuracy? You have come to the right place. This guide shines a light on the best red dots for rimfire pistol and attaches a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you find the best optic for your pistol.
A red dot sight is arguably one of the most versatile optics out there. It will help you acquire your targets more accurately no matter the kind of firearm you are using.
A red dot sight is simpler to aim than a magnifying scope or any other optic and it provides quick target acquisition for targets at close quarters out to 100 yards.
Essential Features of a Red Dot for Rimfire Pistol
Shooting with a rimfire pistol requires a red dot sight that offers unlimited eye relief for rapid target acquisition. It also requires an optic that harbors multiple brightness settings for easy aiming in different lighting conditions.
You will also want the red dot sight to have some amount of magnification for engaging targets at a distance.
Additionally, the reticle should stay visible under any light situation and it should be simple to use. It should also be light in weight so it won’t add any extra weight to your pistol.
Since red dot sights are powered by batteries, you want your model to have long battery life. Lastly, the sight should be durably built with high-end materials to withstand the wear and tear it will be subjected to when paired with your rimfire pistol.
8 Best Red Dots for Rimfire Pistol
Today, red dot sights have massively grown in popularity among shooters who use rimfire pistol. Modern models have advanced in optics so they offer reliable performance when you need them most.
Finding the best red dots for rimfire pistol is not an easy task considering the number of models available in the market currently.
In this article, we are going to give you some insights into the best qualities of red dot sights for rimfire pistols and explore some models that you can choose from. Let’s get started.
1) Trijicon RMR Type 2 6.5 MOA Adjustable Red Dot Sight
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 red dot sight is one of the best red dots for rimfire pistol out there. It harbors an array of high-quality and nice features and it is ideal for both home defense and range shooting.
It boasts incredibly clear glass which provides vividly bright and high-quality image views. The optics feature true-color multi-coatings which provide color-rich image views with no color distortions. Better yet, you can choose between automatic or manual brightness settings, based on your preference.
With a weight of just 1.17 ounces, this red dot sight is light as a feather but tough as a nail. When you set it on manual mode, it lasts for more than 16 hours when the battery is fully charged.
Furthermore, the large 6.5 MOA red dot size works perfectly for close-quarter engagements and is also ideal for shooters with vision problems.
Construction-wise, it is built with high-strength aluminum which greatly increases its durability. It is also designed to be waterproof to 20m to handle the worst weather conditions.
What we Like
- Multi-coated lens
- Easily adjustable windage and elevation
- Dual illumination
- Military-grade aluminum housing
- Large 6.5 MOA red dot size
- Battery conservation mode
- Waterproof construction
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Adjustable brightness settings
- Night vision compatible
- Multi-platform friendly
- Easy and fun to use
- Fast and simple sight acquisition
Cons
- Not cheap
2) Vortex Venom 1×26.5mm Red Dot Sight
Vortex Optics has a longstanding reputation for making excellent quality optics and this is clear in the Venom 1×26.5mm Red Dot Sight. It is remarkably inexpensive yet quality. The red dot harbors a wide array of incredible features to make your pistol better by providing an exact point of aim.
It features 1x fixed magnification that increases situational awareness and unlimited eye relief for quick target acquisition. Built with a premium wide-field lens the scope provides exceptional resolution and edge-to-edge sharpness.
On top of that, the optics are fully multi-coated to increase the transmission of light for bright and clear image views. In addition to everything else, the Venom 1×26.5mm Red Dot Sight boasts 10 brightness settings suitable for a wide range of lighting environments.
This red dot sight is ruggedly built to last long. It features a mono-piece aluminum alloy chassis with a hard anodized finish for added durability. Built to withstand any rough handling, the red dot sight will work relentlessly for many years.
Furthermore, the exterior lenses have an Armortek coating that shields them from scratches and dirt. It is also waterproof and fog-proof for all-weather use and shockproof to take in rough handling. Undoubtedly one of the best red dots for rimfire pistol for the money.
What we Like
- Fully multi-coated optics
- 1x fixed magnification
- Premium wide-field lens
- Hard anodized finish
- 3 MOA red dot
- Armortek coating
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- 1-piece aluminum alloy chassis
- Unlimited eye relief
- Parallax free
- Compact and lightweight
- Great value for money
- Night vision compatible
Cons
- Easier to bump on holster and strings cause of the side-mounted controls
- Insignificant battery life
- Hard to find the optic plate
3) Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Red Dot Sight
If you are looking to enhance your shooting ability with your rimfire pistol, this DeltaPoint Pro Red Dot Sight is your ideal optic. It is designed with all shooters in mind, no matter their expertise or experience.
One thing that makes this red dot sight stand out is the rugged construction. It is crafted with aluminum and shrouded by spring steel to stand up to shock, impact and high recoil. Furthermore, it has waterproof and fog-resistant for use under any weather condition and has an operating temperature from -20°F to 120°F.
Weighing just 1.95oz, this compact red dot sight is easy to mount and easy to use. For added convenience, it features a tool-less spring actuated battery compartment and locking adjustment system that prevents accidental adjustments. It also has motion sensor technology that helps extend the battery life.
To top it all, the DeltaPoint Pro Red Dot Sight has 8 brightness settings and it is ideal for hunting and tactical applications. Without a doubt, DeltaPoint Pro is a force to be reckoned with among the best red dots for rimfire pistol.
What we Like
- 1x magnification
- Matte finish
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Diamond Coating on the optics
- Locking adjustment system
- Shrouded in rugged spring steel
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Crisp clear optics
- Unlimited eye relief
- Long battery life
- Wide glass window for pistol and handgun use
Cons
- Costly
4) TRUGLO TRU-TEC Micro Red Dot Sight
TRUGLO TRU-TEC Micro Red Dot Sight is one of the best red dots for rimfire pistol for anyone on a budget. This is an open reflex optic with a 3 MOA red dot. It is compatible with a wide range of weapons including optic-ready pistols, shotguns and rifles.
This micro red dot sight is built with convenience in mind. It is compact and feather-light for easy portability. It also has a versatile and intuitive profile that includes digital push button brightness control and an auto-off feature that saves battery life.
The 3 MOA red dot reticle aids in rapid target acquisition no matter the environment and with the unlimited eye relief, you are guaranteed comfortable shooting with or without eyeglasses. Moreover, this red dot sight has a multi-coated objective lens that optimizes light transmission for bright and crisp views.
This micro-red dot sight is built to last. It is CNC-machined from aircraft-quality aluminum to provide unrivaled durability. It is also sealed with O-rings to prevent the entry of moisture, dirt and dust.
What we Like
- Locking windage and elevation adjustments
- Picatinny/Weaver rail mount included
- Auto-off feature for preserving battery life
- Digital push-button brightness control
- Waterproof construction
- Multi-coated objective lens
- Aircraft-quality aluminum housing
- Unlimited eye relief
- Compatible with multiple firearms
- Compact and lightweight design
- Excellent glass quality
- Cheaper cost
Cons
- Hard plastic cover
- Quality issue
5) Holosun HS507C-X2 Reflex Red Dot Sight
As one of the best red dots for rimfire pistols, this Holosun Reflex Red Dot Sight will improve your accuracy at close to medium quarters and aid in rapid target acquisition. It has a user-friendly interface and it is very simple to mount and detach.
This red dot sight offers unlimited eye relief for comfortable observation and a massive field of view for quicker and simpler target identification. Even in low light situations, it provides brilliantly clear views thanks to the multi-coated lenses that maximize light transmission.
With this red dot sight, you get to choose from 12 brightness settings and different reticle options. Besides, 2 of the brightness settings are night vision compatible for added versatility. You also get 50,000 hours of battery life depending on the brightness setting to keep you going for a long.
Above all, this red dot sight comes with a Lock mode that helps prevent accidental operation and rugged aluminum construction that offers long-term durability. This is the perfect optic to improve your rimfire pistol accuracy and overall performance.
What we Like
- 10 MOA center chevron
- Multi-coated glass
- Red LED illumination
- 10 daylight and 2 NV brightness settings
- Robust aluminum construction
- Solar Failsafe technology
- Black anodized hard coat
- 2 reticle modes
- Shake awake technology
- Long battery life
- Unlimited eye relief
- Crisp clear glass
- Lightweight and easy to use
Cons
- The control button is difficult to reach for left-hand shooters
6) Burris FastFire III Reflex Red Dot Sight
If you are looking for the best red dot for the money, this is it. It is available in 3 MOA or 8 MOA red dot reticles, both of which remain visible no matter the light settings.
Not only will the red dot increase your accuracy but also the reaction time when acquiring targets. Burris Fast Fire III is a top contender among the best red dots for rimfire pistol.
This optic offers unmatched versatility. If you have a collection of firearms, you can easily mount in on your optic-ready pistol, shotgun and rifle. Plus, you can either use it as your primary optic or mount it at the top of a longer-range optic and use it as a short-range and/or backup optic.
Furthermore, this device comes with automatic brightness sensors that adjust the brightness of the reticle instantly depending on the lighting condition. Better yet, the battery compartment has a top-access hatch that allows you to change the battery without removing the optic.
Construction-wise, it has a shockproof design that is sturdy enough to stand up to years of heavy recoil. It is also waterproof for all-weather reliability and added durability. above all, this optic boasts Hi-Lume multi-coated optics for optimum light transmission and top-tier optical glass which provides HD clarity.
What we Like
- 3 MOA or 8 MOA red dot reticle,
- 1x magnification
- Parallax free
- Automatic brightness sensors
- Windage and elevation adjustment
- Waterproof and shockproof construction
- Indexed-matched Hi-Lume multi-coated optics
- Multi-platform friendly
- Easy to use
- HD optical clarity
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
- Cost-effective
- Small and light
Cons
- Hard to push the switch button
- Replacement of batteries is a tedious process because the hood
7) Sightmark Mini Shot M-Spec FMS Reflex Sight
The Mini Shot M-Spec FMS Reflex Sight from Sightmark is another red dot sight suitable for budget-conscious buyers. It is ideal for a wide range of applications among them hunting, home defense and tactical operations.
This reflex sight is built like a tank. It has an ultra-durable aluminum housing that is fully waterproof and dustproof for total weather protection. It also has a protective steel shield and scratch-resistant lens coatings for added protection.
Besides that, it features 10 brightness settings that make it ideal for use under different lighting conditions. It also provides unlimited eye relief for rapid target acquisition and has a modern, parallax-free lens design for greater accuracy.
What we Like
- 1x magnification
- Steel protective shield
- Waterproof and dustproof construction
- 10 brightness settings
- Rugged aluminum alloy housing
- Advanced parallax-free lens design
- Scratch-resistant lens coatings
- Affordability
- Unlimited eye relief
- Lightweight
- Easy to mount
Cons
- Exterior coating is less durable
8) Sig Sauer Romoe1Pro 1x30mm Red Dot Sight
Lastly, we have the Sig Sauer Romoe1Pro 1x30mm Red Dot Sight. It is one of the most ideal sighting solutions for rimfire pistols. It is simple to use and very easy to mount and detach.
This red dot sight is available in 3 or 6 MOA red dots. In every model, you get numerous brightness settings for quick target acquisition under different lighting environments. Two of these brightness settings are night vision compatible for extra versatility.
Moreover, the red dot sight is built to endure anything that comes it’s way. It has an aircraft aluminum housing that is ruggedized by a protective steel shroud. It is also IPX-7 waterproof and fog-proof to offer reliable performance in any weather condition.
Other noteworthy features included are an easy-access battery compartment and motion-activated illumination system.
What we Like
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Easy battery access at the top
- Aircraft aluminum housing
- 1x fixed magnification
- TrueHold lockless zeroing system
- High-performance lens coatings
- 10 daytime and 2-night vision brightness settings
- Easy to use
- Premium quality
- Compatible with multiple firearms
- Ideal for beginners and skilled users as well
Cons
- The battery cap comes off easily
- Less reliable
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Best Red Dots for Rimfire Pistol Buyer’s Guide
Durability
Durability is one of the important features to look out for when shopping for the best red dots for a rimfire rifle.
A red dot sight that is built sturdily will stand up to rough field conditions and offer you many years of use.
For the red dot optic to be durable, first it is built using high-end materials like aircraft-quality aluminum.
It should also have a protective shield made from impact-resistant materials like steel. Lastly, it should be waterproof, fogproof and dustproof.
Brightness Levels
Red dot sights come with numerous brightness levels for use under different lighting environments.
The more the brightness levels the better. The more advanced red dot sights even have night vision brightness settings that allow you to use them at night.
Reticle
The other important feature you should consider is the size of the reticle. Bigger red dot reticle sizes such as 5 MOA and 6 MOA are easy to see no matter the light settings.
They are also ideal for people with poor vision, particularly seniors. But they lack the precision for long range.
If what you are after in a red dot sight is precision and rapid target acquisition, get a model that has a smaller reticle size. For greater versatility, try to look for a model that incorporates multiple reticle designs.
Ease of Use
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned hunter/shooter, go for a red dot sight that is built with simplicity in mind. It should be compact for convenient portability and lightweight as well.
The buttons should be easily accessible whether you are left or right-handed. The red dot sight should also be easy to sight in and should offer unlimited eye relief for rapid target acquisition.
Read: Best AR-15 Red Dots
Why use a Pistol Red Dot Sight?
Red dot sights have increasingly become the go-to shooting solution for shooters. They are specially designed for rapid and responsive target acquisition. The other notable attribute that has made red dot sights valuable to pistol users is their incomparable accuracy.
Pistol red dot sights fall into three categories: reflex sights, holographic sights and prismatic sights. Reflex sights are a gem among pistol shooters as the red dot appears on the target correctly no matter the position of the shooter’s eye.
Reflex sights are ideal for quick speedy sighting at both short and medium distances. The red dot in a reflex sight is generated by an LED that projects the light onto a concave semi-transparent lens. This lens allows the shooter to both the red dot and target.
Red dot sights allow shooting with both eyes open depending on the distance. This flexibility is very resourceful as it enhances situational awareness. Coupled with the wide field of view, a pistol with a red dot mounted on it is very lethal.
The other upside of mounting a red dot on your pistol is having a better sighting system. For starters, red dot sights allow faster target acquisition and greatly improve your shooting accuracy. With a red dot sight, you get aligned on the target quickly and with a properly zeroed reticle, you will score accurate shots.
Read: Best Reflex Sights for Hunting
Cons of Red Dot Sights
Nothing is perfect, the same applies to red dot sights. Like other sighting devices, red dot sights have their share of downsides. Firstly, red dots have fixed power denying you the flexibility of sighting targets at different distances.
Moreover, the accuracy of the optics is determined by the size of the reticle. Larger reticles are less precise as the distance with the target increases.
Another drawback of using a red dot sight is that they easily get broken. Unlike scopes that a metal housing, red dot sights have the lenses exposed and will easily break when dropped. Replacement of the lenses is expensive so care is of utmost importance to extend the red dot’s life.
Red dot sights use batteries. Although the life of the battery is outlined in the product description, it’s not always exact. If a red dot sight is set at the highest brightness setting, it drains the battery quicker and reduces the battery life. As a result, you find yourself replacing the batteries regularly adding to the maintenance cost.
Read: Best Red Dots for Turkey Hunting
Best Red Dots for Rimfire Pistol FAQs
Q: Do Soldiers Use Red Dot Sights?
Yes, they do. Soldiers, military and law enforcement officers used red dot sights for rapid target acquisition when they are out on a mission.
Q: Is A Red Dot Sight Worth it on a Rimfire Pistol?
Absolutely. Mounting a red dot sight on your rimfire pistol will help you shoot better. It will give you rapid target acquisition and enhance your shooting accuracy at close up to medium ranges. A red dot sight is also very helpful if you have poor eyesight.
Q: Do Red Dots Make Pistols More Accurate?
Yes. A red dot sight will give shooters who use pistols as their main shooting firearm enhanced accuracy depending on how far they are shooting.
Conclusion
Knowing what features you need in a red dot sight should help make your buying and selection process easier and less time-consuming.
Hopefully, you have found this guide enlightening and you are now in a position to make the right buying decision. Whatever your needs are, there is an optic here to fit your needs.