Are you looking for the best red dot sight for your rimfire rifle? This is the guide for you. After rigorous research, we came up with a selection of the best rimfire red dot sights and attached an insightful buyer’s guide to help you make an informative decision.
Rimfire rifles are fun to use and a red dot sight is one of the most important rimfire accessories money can buy. A quality red dot sight will enhance your shooting accuracy significantly, aid in rapid target acquisition, especially for close ranges and make your hunting/shooting more fun.
However, choosing the best rimfire red dot sight is easier said than done. With the innumerable models available on the market today, it can be overwhelming to know which one to get for your firearm.
In this post, we will outline the qualities of the best rimfire red dot sight and also share the best models out there. Let’s take a look.
What Makes a Great Rimfire Red Dot Sight?
A great rimfire red dot sight is not made on one but has many features. Firstly, it should have a crisp and bright red dot that stays visible regardless of the light settings.
The reticle should also have numerous brightness intensities so you will be able to use the optic in different lighting environments. Secondly, the red dot sight should offer unlimited eye relief. This aids in fast target acquisition and ensures comfortable glassing.
Construction-wise, the optic should be sturdy enough to withstand shock, recoil, impacts and rough handling. It should also offer reliability in rain, fog and mist weather conditions. Above all, the best rimfire red dot sight is simple to mount, easy to use and portable.
5 Best Rimfire Red Dot Sights
Without wasting any more time, let’s not have a look at the best rimfire red dot sights:
1) Tacticon Armament | Predator V1 Adjustable Red and Green Dot in One Sight
The Tacticon Predator V1 is arguably one of the best rimfire red dot sights out there. It offers absolute co-witness with a wide range of iron sights from Tacticon as well as other brands. You can also adjust the color of the dot to either green or red to suit the situation at hand and your preference.
This red dot sight has 5 brightness adjustments for both red and green colors. With these adjustments, you will have the flexibility to the sight in different lighting environments, even at night.
Additionally, the red dot sight comes with a high-capacity battery that keeps it running for many hours. With a weight of just 9.58oz, the red dot sight is feather-light, easy to mount and simple to operate.
When it comes to construction, it features high-quality aluminum alloy housing that is robust and reliable. Moreover, it is sealed with O-rings to lock out dirt, moisture, and dust, and nitrogen is purged to mitigate fog buildup.
The Predator V1 sight will make a great addition to your rimfire firearm. The tough construction, unbeatable versatility, outstanding performance in different weather conditions and affordability are the main attributes that make the Predator V1 sight stand out among the best rimfire red dot sights.
Features
- Sturdy aluminum alloy housing
- Red and green reticle with 5 brightness settings each
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Absolute co-witness with multiple iron sights
- Cantilever mount
- Elevation and windage adjustment
Pros
- Pinpoint accuracy
- Solid build
- Extra battery included
- Ease of installation
- Remarkably inexpensive
- Excellent craftsmanship
Cons
- Low-quality rail lock system
2) AT3 Tactical RD-50 Micro Reflex Red Dot Sight
The AT3 Tactical RD-50 Micro Reflex Red Dot Sight offers the best value for money. It harbors an array of quality and user-friendly features in a compact size for easy portability. It is super easy to use and an ideal choice for beginners as well as professionals.
Accuracy in this red dot sight is one of a kind. It allows for both-eyes-open shooting for accurate shot placement and increased situational awareness. Enhanced visual performance makes the AT3 RD-50 PRO one of the best rimfire red dot sights.
Besides, the crisp 2 MOA red dot reticle has 11 brightness settings to provide optimal visibility regardless of the lighting condition. To add to that, the lenses are multi-coated to offer enhanced image clarity in dismal environments.
Another outstanding thing about the red dot is its sturdy and durable housing. It has shockproof circuitry which resists damage from high recoil and rough handling. Expect relentless performance from this red dot sight.
On top of that, it has a matte black anodized finish that prevents scratches while providing a stealthy profile. It is also IPX67 waterproof to offer dependable performance under any weather condition. Above all, this reflex red dot sight offers an exceptional battery life of up to 50,000 hours.
Features
- Crisp 2 MOA red dot
- IPX67 waterproof rating
- Robust aluminum housing with shockproof internals
- Multi-coated lenses
- 11 brightness settings
- Matte black anodized finish
Pros
- Exceptionally long battery life
- Both-eyes-open shooting
- Compact and lightweight design
- Easy to mount
- Affordable
Cons
- Not compatible with night vision
3) Tasco .22 Rimfire 1x30mm 5 MOA Red Dot Riflescope
The Tasco .22 Rimfire Red Dot Riflescope. It has a fixed 1x magnification, unlimited eye relief for comfortable observation and an extra-bright wide field of view that allows for quick target acquisition.
The versatility of this red dot riflescope is one to be admired. You can use it for shotguns that use up to 3” shells, a .22 rimfire rifle and handguns up to .357 magnum.
Besides that, it features Rubicon multi-layered, fully coated optics that enhance the transmission of light in low-light settings for bright and vivid views of the target.
Construction-wise, it is made with 100% quality materials that are used and tested extensively. It has a matte finish which makes the optic scratch resistant and its overall weight is just 6oz/170.1g.
Furthermore, this red dot riflescope comes with an integrated dovetail rail that fits standard centerfire Weaver-style bases.
Features
- High-end optics
- Robust and reliable housing
- Extra-bright wide field of view
- Matte finish
- Unlimited eye relief
- Rubicon multi-layered, fully coated optics
- Integrated dovetail rail
Pros
- HD clarity
- Excellent craftsmanship
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Multi-purpose application
- Very cheap but quality
Cons
- Brightness knobs are difficult to adjust
4) Vortex Optics Crossfire Gen II – 2 MOA Dot Red Dot Sight
Vortex manufactures quality optical devices and this is clear in the Crossfire Gen II 2 MOA Dot Red Dot Sight. This is a no-nonsense red dot sight ideal for hunting and tactical shooting.
As one of the best rimfire red dot sights, Vortex Crossfire red dot sight is best described as accurate, versatile and dependable. It has a crisp 2 MOA dot that is quick to acquire at close quarters while remaining fine to enhance pinpoint accuracy at longer ranges.
This red dot sight is made for use under virtually any lighting environment. It boasts 11 brightness settings for greater visibility no matter the lighting situation. Better yet, it has multiple anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces to increase light transmission in low-light environments.
Furthermore, this Crossfire II red dot sight has unlimited eye relief for fast target acquisition and two of its lowest brightness settings are night vision compatible. Battery-wise, it can last for up to 50,000 hours and keep working under the harshest conditions.
Weighing just 5.2 ounces, this red dot sight is extremely lightweight for easy portability. In terms of construction, it has a robust aluminum body covered in a highly durable hard anodized coat that makes it scratch-resistant.
Above all, this optic is O-ring sealed to prevent dust, debris and moisture from getting inside for dependable waterproof performance.
Features
- Bright and crisp 2 MOA dot
- Rugged and reliable aluminum body
- Anti-reflective lens coatings
- Low and skeletonized lower 1/3 co-witness mounts
- Scratch-resistant hard-anodized coat
- Unlimited eye relief
- Waterproof construction
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Long battery life
- Ideal for nearly any application
- 11 illumination settings
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Night vision settings have too aggressive of a curve
5) Pinty Pro 1x22mm 3 MOA Red Dot Reflex Sight
Another best rimfire red dot sight on our list is the Pinty Pro3 MOA Red Dot Reflex Sight. It features a bright 3 MOA red dot with 5 brightness levels suitable for both day and night use.
This red dot reflex sight is ruggedly built to withstand anything you subject it to. It has a shockproof 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum housing which is sturdy enough to provide long-term durability. It is also fully waterproof and fogproof to offer reliable performance in all weather conditions.
Furthermore, the red dot sight has a lightweight design that makes it easy to carry around. It works well with 20mm Picatinny rails and it is very easy to mount.
Moreover, it is easy zero with adjustable windage and elevation. It also features a 22mm fully multi-coated lens which optimizes the transmission of light for clear views.
Features
- Durable and reliable aluminum housing
- 3 MOA dot
- Waterproof and fogproof
- Fully multi-coated lens
- Windage and elevation adjustment
- Works with 20mm Picatinny rails
- 5 brightness levels
Pros
- Easy to mount and operate
- Compact, lightweight and portable
- Solid build
- Shock resistant
- Versatile red dot
Cons
- Only designed for Picatinny rails
Further Reading
- Best Red Dot Sights for CQB
- Red Dot Sights for 9mm Carbine
- Best Red Dot Sights for 30-06
- Red Dot for Ruger AR-556
- Best Red Dot Magnifiers
How to Choose the Best Rimfire Red Dot Sights
Choosing the best rimfire red dot sight isn’t something to do on a whip. Here are some of the important factors you should consider.
Battery Life
Red dot sights are powered by a battery. Some models offer longer battery life than others. Focus on how long the battery lasts as it determines the number of replacements you will have to make within a specific period.
For instance, a red dot sight with 50,000 hours of battery life won’t require frequent replacement. You will get to use it for many hours even when the brightness setting is on the highest level.
Brightness Settings
To get the most out of your red dot sight, it should be able to offer visibility regardless of the light setting. Make sure that you get a model that has adjustable brightness settings and numerous settings as well.
With such an optic, you will be able to transition from super-bright settings to low-light environments with a simple push of a button. You will also be able to match the brightness of the red dot to match the situation at hand.
Read: Best AR-15 Red Dots
Lens Coatings
Lens coatings are key when it comes to using the red dot optic in low-light settings. If the quality of the lens coating is subpar, you will end up putting up with reflection issues and glare problems. At the same time, the lens risks getting scratched easily.
To avoid this, ensure that the red dot sight boasts several layers of quality lens coatings. It will optimize light transmission in low light settings and keep the lens scratch-free.
Field of View
Another important factor you should pay attention to is the field of view. You should select a field of view that works well for your applications.
For hunting, the larger the field of view the better. It will let you spot the game with ease and keep track of them as they move.
Read: Best Red Dots for AR Pistols
Durability
Red dot sights take a lot of abuse whenever you are using them in the field. They can accidentally fall on a hard rock or get hit by a branch of a tree or anything else. This calls for a model that boasts durable and sturdy housing.
You will want your red dot sight to last long so you get value for your money. So, make sure that you invest in a model from a reputable company and one that is made using hard-wearing and shock-resistant materials like aluminum.
Weatherproofing
The unfortunate thing about hunting is it doesn’t bright fair weather all the time. But for an avid hunter, the weather can’t stop you from seeking your prey.
To continue hunting even under extreme weather conditions, ensure that you choose an optic that performs under rain, mist and fog.
It should be filled with nitrogen or argon to keep the lens fog-free. It should also be O-ring sealed to prevent moisture and dust from penetrating inside the optics.
Read: Best Reflex Sights for Hunting
Best Rimfire Red Dot Sights FAQs
Q: Does Reticle Size Matter when Choosing a Red Dot Sight?
Yes. The size of the red dot reticle matters a lot. If you are a beginner or a senior who suffers from poor vision, look for a large red dot size. They are simpler to use and more visible even if you have poor eyesight.
On the other hand, it is best to get a small reticle size if precision is what you are after in a rimfire red dot sight.
Q: What is a Rimfire Red Dot Sight?
A rimfire red dot sight is pretty much an optic that works with a rimfire rifle. Most rimfire red dot sights are multi-platform friendly so you can use them on other firearms like pistols and shotguns, not just the rimfire rifle.
Q: What is a Rimfire Rifle?
Rimfire rifles are in most cases small-caliber rifles. The advantage of owning a rimfire rifle is that they have a cheap initial cost and in the long run, they are economical to run and maintain.
Conclusion
The best rimfire red dot sights will depend on your skills, preference and the activity you intend to be engaging yourself in.
Hopefully, you have found the information you need to make an informed buying decision. Be activity-specific then focus on finding a red dot sight that suits the task at hand.