If you are looking to supplement your Ruger 10/22 with a top-quality red dot sight, you have come to the right place. Today’s post shines a light on the best Ruger 10/22 red dot sights and accompanying our top picks is an insightful buyer’s guide.
The Ruger 10/22 happens to be among the top most popular rifles in the United States with extreme versatility and numerous factory configurations. The rifle is a top choice for competition, hunting, survivalists, and home defense, and is also a popular choice for teachings youngsters how to shoot.
Whatever purpose you use the Ruger 10/22 for, you will want to upgrade the rifle with the best and high-quality scope or red dot. If you are unsure what makes the best Ruger 10/22 red dot sights, this quick read walks you through what exactly to look for as we have combed the market and outlined all you need to know to make a wise purchase.
Without further ado let’s jump right in!
#1) Vortex Venom 1×26.5mm Red Dot Sight
The Vortex Venom 1×26.5mm Red Dot Sight has a shockproof exterior that can withstand heavy recoil from the Ruger 10/22. It is lightweight and has an O-ring seal that protects the inner components from damage by dust, moisture, and other debris.
The other useful feature of this red dot is the position of its battery compartment, which lies at its top, so it can be removed easily while replacing the CR 1632 battery.
The red dot is parallax-free. With the unit sitting motionless on a counter, you can move your head around. It is also small and lightweight, while the top-loading battery compartment prevents the struggle of having to re-zero it.
The size and weight come in handy when it is mounted on your rifle as it will not make it unstable which would be the case if it were heavy.
These features make this red dot rank among the best Ruger 10/22 Red Dot Sights. Get this scope today and enjoy its benefits on your Ruger 10/22 rifle today. Happy shooting!
Features
- Fully Multicoated
- Premium Wide-Field Lens
- Brightness Settings
- Unlimited Eye Relief
- Parallax Free
- ArmorTek
- Single-Piece Chassis
- Hard-Anodized Finish
- CR 1632 Battery
- 1x Magnification
Pros
- Small and lightweight
- No hassle of having to re-zero
- Fully multi-coated lenses make it easier to see the dot and observe images more clearly
- Durable construction suitable for tough environments
- Mountable on any firearm and provides unlimited eye relief
Cons
- No accurate windage and elevation adjustments as the 1 MOA changes
- You can bump into a holster or sling
#2) UTG 3.8in ITA Red/Green Circle Dot Sight
This is undoubtedly the most versatile red dot sight which delivers a crisp and vivid red/green 4 MOA target dot and 5 brightness settings that are suitable for a diverse environmental background.
It also provides you with unlimited eye relief that prevents awkward eye positioning while shooting. Enjoy high image quality with this red dot thanks to its non-reflection high-tech Emerald coatings that make it one of the best Ruger 10/22 red dot sights.
The UTG 3.8in ITA Red/Green Circle Dot Sight is built on a reliable strength platform that makes it resistant to shock, water, and fog. It has a red and green color dual illumination that makes it usable in different weather and lighting conditions.
You will not need to look for mounting rings if you intend to purchase this scope. UTG designed the scope to use a quick-detach Picatinny rail mount which securely attaches to anything with a flat top.
Features
- Non- Reflection High Tech Emerald Coatings
- Optimal Height Design to Co-witness with Iron Sights on AR Models
- Most Versatile Dot Sight for Wide Range of Pistols, Shotguns & Rifles
- Crisp and Vivid Red/Green 4MOA Target Dot and 65MOA Circle with 5 Brightness Settings for Diverse Environmental Background
- 30 mm Objective Lens Diameter
- Fixed Magnification Type
- 38 mm Tube Diameter
Pros
- Provide multiple brightness settings
- Durable
- Affordable
- Quality images
Cons
- None
#3) Swampfox 1×22 Liberty RMR Red Dot
The Liberty RMR sight is the all-new red dot that is intended for everyday carry and law enforcement duty use on various rifles, and precisely the Ruger 10/22. Swampfox designed the Liberty RMR to be as lightweight as possible making it easy to carry and move around with.
Its shake and wake feature helps in optimizing the battery life and the overall optic life span. The red dot sight is also durable and can resist water, fog, and shock meaning you can penetrate any harsh weather condition without worrying that it would get damaged.
It also has a scratch-resistant hard coat finish that contributes to its longevity. As a hunter looking for the best Ruger 10/22 red dot sights, you need to check out the Swampfox brand as it will offer you interesting features that will take your shooting experience to a whole new level.
Features
- Multi-Coated Optical Coating
- 3 MOA Dot Reticle
- 7075 Aluminum Material Cover
- 4000 Hours Battery Life
- Shockproof
- 1 m Water Resistant Mark
- Fog-proof
- Shake Wake Technology
Pros
- Lightweight
- Optimizes battery life with the shake and wake tech
- Durable
Cons
- Battery lasts only about 16 weeks
#4) Holosun HE509T Reflex Optical Red Dot Sight
Another sight that ranks high among the best Ruger 10/22 red dot sights is the Holosun HE509T Reflex Optical Red Dot Sight. This red dot provides a large field of view paired with amazing features that greatly reduce target acquisition time. With its tough, lightweight, titanium housing with an enclosed design, its internal elements are protected from any damage.
The Holosun’s amazing technologies such as the Shake Awake and Solar FailSafe that help in conserving the scope’s power by automatically adjusting reticle brightness make it rank among the best Ruger 10/22 red do sights. With this scope, you have improved target acquisition speed and shot accuracy in close to mid-range shooting.
Features
- Up to 500 Hours of Battery Life
- 12 Brightness Setting
- Enclosed Design and Titanium Housing
- Convenient Tray Battery Setting
- Parallax-free
- Shake Awake Technology
- Solar Failsafe
- Multi-Reticle System
- Super LED
- Titanium cover
Pros
- Is user-friendly
- Durability
- Has the shake wake feature
- Auto adjustments possible
Cons
- None
#5) Sightmark Mini Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight
The Sightmark Mini Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight is another perfect choice for using on your Ruger 10/22. It is 100% waterproof and has a durable aluminum housing with a steel protective shield and will therefore offer you sighting service for a long.
The red dot sight also has a long battery life and low power consumption as its CR1632 battery provides 300-30, 000 hours of life, while its 12-hour auto-shutoff prevents unnecessary battery consumption.
The 10 brightness levels will also give you the perfect reticle options from low-light environments to the brightest ones. Get this red dot today and take the capabilities of your Ruger 10/22 to a whole new level as you boost your shooting accuracy.
Features
- 100% Waterproof and Dustproof
- Extremely Low Power Consumption
- 3 MOA Reticle
- 10 Reticle Brightness Levels
- Steel Protective Shield
- 12-Hour Auto Shut Off
- Rugged, Lightweight, Aluminum Alloy Housing
- Sightmark Limited Lifetime Warranty
- Scratch Resistant Lens Coating
Pros
- Extremely low power consumption
- Affordable
- Strong and durable, can be used in any weather condition
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Only one sight option
#6) Vortex Optics Viper 6 MOA Dot Red Dot Sight
The Vortex Optics Viper 6 MOA Dot Red Dot Sight is what you need if you are looking for simplicity and speed advantage in a red dot sight with nothing as a tradeoff. With the 6 MOA dot diameter, you will surely enjoy faster target acquisition.
You don’t need to worry about image quality on this sight. The fully multi-coated, ultra-clear lens will offer you a wide and unobstructed field of view. Its durability and longevity are also undoubted. The sight is waterproof and shockproof and is made of a very strong cover material.
With this red dot, you will not be worried about the battery running out while you are out shooting and hunting in the field. The CR 2032 battery type provides it with a long time of operation. Get this scope today and improve your image quality and targeting speed.
Features
- Fully Multi-Coated
- Unlimited Eye Relief
- Parallax Free
- Waterproof
- Shockproof
- Fog-proof
- Hard-Anodized Finish
- ArmorTek
- CR2032 Battery Type
- 6 MOA Dot Reticle
Pros
- Brightness adjustments are easy on the fly
- Affordable
- Ultra-low profile, lightweight and compact
- Well-defined and crisp
- Vortex warranty available
Cons
- Buttons are a little hard to use
- Locking windage and elevation knobs may be more of a hassle
- The battery cover is on the bottom of the sight, so you have to unmount it whenever replacing the battery.
#7) Bushnell AR Optics 1x25mm TRS-25 HiRise Red Dot Sight
If you are looking for speed and precision, then the Bushnell AR Optics 1x25mm TRS-25 HiRise red dot is the best choice for you. The scope comes with an adaptable brightness setting that supports its illuminated 3 MOA dot reticle.
The Amber-bright high contrast makes this scope rank among the best Ruger 10/22 red dot sights as it solves the problem of finding it hard to tell brown from an actual brown for hunters with eyesight problems. With this sight, the color you see will be precise and you will not be wondering if your eye is cheating or not.
The Bushnell AR Optics 1x25mm TRS-25 HiRise is also durable. It won’t die even if you drop it on the floor, submerge it in water, leave it outside, or even hit it with a rod. With nitrogen purging and O-ring sealing, the internal features of the sight aren’t easily compromised.
This scope is also very versatile and runs on a CR2032 battery whole life cycle is very long thanks to an auto-off feature that switches it off to prevent wastage when it is not in use. Get this sight today and enjoy the service it offers for a long period without thinking about making updates.
Features
- 11 Brightness Settings
- 3 MOA Red Dot
- Multi-coated Optics
- Amber-Bright High Contrast Lens Coating
- CR 2032 Battery
- Waterproof
- Shockproof
- Fog-proof
- 25 mm Objective Lens Diameter
- Fog-proof
Pros
- Fingertip adjustable elevation and windage settings
- Improves the capacity of your riflescope
- Provides more precision and extra accuracy for every shot
- Clear reticle when settings are adjusted properly
- Multi-coating on lenses for better clarity
- Long battery life
- Easy to mount and detach
Cons
- Dot brightness gets limited due to ambient lighting conditions
- It appears to be too small compared to a regular scope to be used with rifles.
- Dot intensity tends to be blurry when settings are high
Further Reading
- Best Red Dot Sights for 9mm Carbine
- Red Dot Sights for MP5
- Best Red Dot Sights for 45-70
- Red Dot Sights for CQB
- Red Dot Sights for 30-06
Considerations When Choosing the Best Ruger 10/22 Red Dot Sights
With the market offering a plethora of red dot sights, picking the best fit for your individual needs can be a taxing affair, especially for first-time buyers. Here are the key considerations to keep in mind when scanning through the large pool of optics.
Size and Weight
You need to know how perfectly balanced your Ruger 10/22 will be determined by the size and weight of the scope you put on it. Besides, if you will be spending much of your time shooting and running around with the rifle, opting for a large and heavy red dot will not be a smart move. Therefore, consider the size and weight of the sight before you purchase it.
Brightness Modes
Check on the brightness modes before you decide which sight is perfect for your rifle. Quality constructions often have multiple brightness modes, which will allow you to adjust the optical light depending on the lighting condition of your shooting environment. Settling for a red dot that doesn’t customize your setup to the specific conditions is no different from settling for less.
Read: Best Red Dot Magnifiers for AR-15
Window Glasses and Lenses
Look for a red dot sight with a high-quality glass lens. You need to know that the glasses and the lenses are the core of the scopes and red dots.
If you get it wrong with the lenses, you will have gotten it wrong with the whole sight. The more layers there are in your lenses, the better they are.
BDC Reticle
Get a red dot that has BDC, which is the bullet drop compensation. It is a feature that will help you take advantage of the trajectory of the bullet to determine the exact aiming point at a particular distance.
Durability and Longevity
You most definitely don’t plan to go back to the market to look for another red dot after just a short while of buying one. Therefore, the matter of durability is also key to consider.
Ensure that the scope is resistant to fog, water, and shock. Besides, ensure that it is made of strong cover material which will ensure it lasts longer.
Read: Best Red Dot for Ruger AR-556
What Makes a Good Scope for the Ruger 10/22?
As part of choosing the best Ruger 10/22 red dot sights, you need to understand the limitations of the rifle. First, the Ruger 10/22’s long rifle chambering has limitations even though it has configurations and aftermarket components that improve its long-range accuracy.
You need to understand that the rifle is most accurate up to a maximum of 200 yards and so it does not need a scope with extreme magnification.
When shooting using the Ruger 10/22 beyond 100 yards, a rapid bullet drop significantly reduces shooting accuracy. If you will be using the scope for shooting at ranges above 100 yards, you need a scope with a graduated reticle that will help estimate bullet drop and improve your shooting accuracy.
Since the Ruger 10/22 is a lightweight and small rifle, adding a large and heavy scope onto it may be disadvantageous. You need a small and lightweight scope as heavy and large ones could make the rifle unbalanced and awkward.
A scope with a larger objective lens also comes in handy under low lighting conditions and gives you a wide field of view and also contributes to what makes a good scope for the Ruger 10/22.
Great scope for Ruger 10/22 also needs to be durable and built of strong material that can withstand extreme weather conditions. It needs to be able to resist water, fog, and dust that it may experience while under usage.
Read: Best Ruger 10/22 Scope
Conclusion
The Ruger 10/22 is without a doubt one of the most versatile rifles on the market. However, although it has an excellent performance straight out of the box, the best Ruger 10/22 red dot sights will make a valuable upgrade.
We believe that this buying guide has given you all the options that will suit your needs and additional information to narrow your search. Happy shooting.