Looking for the best red dot for 10/22 takedown, Carbine, or Steel challenge? You are in the right place. This post highlights the best red dot optics for the Ruger 10/22. The Ruger 10/22 is a popular firearm suitable for short and medium-range shooting.
When a red dot optic is mounted on this rifle, you will have an easy time acquiring targets quickly in any environment. A red dot will also take your shooting accuracy a notch higher and turn your shooting expeditions into a success.
What Makes a Great Red Dot for 10/22
Red dot sights have become the optic of choice for many shooters and hunters due to their unrivaled accuracy. There are important details that will help you distinguish a good reflex sight from ordinary optics in the pool.
Firstly, the red dot size should be ideal for your rifle. Red dot sights with 1-4 MOA sizes will deliver the best shooting results for the Ruger 10/22. The other aspect that matters is the battery. Red dots for 10/22 should have long-lasting batteries and be readily available when you need a replacement.
A tough construction is another attribute of a quality red dot sight. Durable reflex sights can withstand weather elements and hold zero after repeated use. Reputable brands like Vortex, Leupold, and Trijicon don’t compromise on durability standards so you can rest assured their optics will be reliable for life.
An optic for 10/22 should have a fine balance between weight and performance. The material used in the housing should be lightweight and of incomparable durability. Red dot sights made of aircraft-grade aluminum will benefit you more.
Lastly, red dots for 10/22 should have an incredible field of view. Reflex sights with thinner housing have a largely unobstructed view granting you every advantage you need to engage the targets at further distances.
8 Best Red Dots for 10/22
In a market that is flooded with red dot sights, finding the best optic that supplements the firearm and its strength becomes a taxing task. To help you make the right buying decision, we have put up a detailed review of the stellar-reviewed red dot optics for 10/22.
These optics will give you consistent and reliable performance in the hunting grounds or shooting grounds and help you push your Ruger 10/22 to its full potential. Let’s take a look.
1) Vortex SPARC Solar 2 MOA Red Dot Sight
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Opticsplanet
Vortex SPARC Solar 2 MOA Red Dot Sight boasts innovative features that help deliver outstanding performance in all lighting conditions. The ability to harness solar energy and night vision compatibility makes this red dot sight stand out as one of the best red dots for 10/22.
This compact and ultra-lightweight red dot sight utilizes a 2 MOA red dot reticle which offers rapid and accurate target acquisition of targets.
Featuring a 1x fixed magnification, the optic provides an exceptionally huge field of view that guarantees speedy and easy target finding.
Furthermore, it has fully multi-coated optics that provide stunning clarity by enhancing light transmission. It also boasts unlimited eye relief that allows for both eyes to open shooting.
The red dot sight is suitable for use day and night. It has 10 daylight and 2 NVD-compatible brightness settings for use in any lighting condition.
Apart from that, the optic comes with low-profile windage and elevation turrets that minimize snag hazards and a motion detection system that activates the red dot automatically it detects motion.
To top it all off, the optic has sturdy and durable aluminum housing that is waterproof and nitrogen filled to resist the build-up of fog internally in extreme weather conditions.
Features
- 2 MOA red dot reticle
- 1x magnification
- Low-glare matte black anodized finish
- Waterproof and nitrogen filled
- 12 brightness settings
- Low-profile windage and elevation turrets
- Motion detection system
- Fully multi-coated optics
Pros
- Wide field of view
- Bright and clear red dot
- Long battery life
- Night vision compatible
Cons
- The solar panel does not auto adjust
2)TRUGLO TRU-TEC Micro Red Dot Sight Open Reflex Sight
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Opticsplanet
The TRUGLO TRU-TEC Micro Red Dot Sight is one of the best red dots for 10/22 for budget buyers. It has 10 brightness settings that guarantee the visibility of the red dot in virtually all lighting conditions.
This open-reflex sight is built to last. It is CNC-machined from aircraft-grade aluminum which guarantees durability. It is also sealed with high-quality O-rings to prevent water and moisture from getting inside the optics.
Moreover, the optic has a fully multi-coated objective lens which reduces glare and light reflection. This maximizes light transfer in low light settings for vivid views of the target and the 3 MOA red dot.
Other essential features included are 10 brightness settings to optimize visibility in all lighting conditions and locking windage and elevation adjustments to prevent accidental adjustments in the field.
Features
- Digital push-button brightness controls
- Multi-coated objective lens
- Unlimited eye relief
- Auto-off features that preserve battery life
- Locking windage and elevation adjustments
- Waterproof and dustproof
- 3 MOA red dot
- 10 brightness settings
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight
- Budget-friendly
- Good build quality
- Easy to mount and use
Cons
- Doesn’t hold zero
3) Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Opticsplanet
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight is one of the Best Red Dots for 10/22,this optic is made with virtually every feature you require to make your hunting and shooting expeditions a success.
The optic is built to be operable in any weather condition. It is nitrogen purged to prevent the build-up of fog due to changes in humidity and temperatures. Besides, the optics are O-ring sealed and will stay dry when you submerge them in water.
Furthermore, the TRS-25 is crafted to be virtually indestructible. It has a strong, precision-engineered housing that is shockproof and rigid enough to weather the rough-and-tumble environment of the field.
Above all, this 3 MOA red dot optic mounts easily on most Picatinny rails and is compatible with a wide range of firearms including rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, and pistols.
Features
- Shockproof construction
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Amber bright high-contrast lens coatings
- 11 adjustable brightness settings
- 3 MOA red dot
Pros
- Multi-platform friendly
- Low cost
- Easy to install and use
- Holds zero well
Cons
- None
4) Vortex SPARC AR II 1x22mm 2 MOA Red Dot Sight
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Opticsplanet
To take your shooting precision a notch higher, you need a quality red dot sight like the SPARC AR II 2 MOA optic. The 2 MOA red dot reticle guarantees pinpoint at various ranges, in any lighting or weather condition.
The optic incorporates windage and elevation adjustments with audible clicks. It has anti-reflective coatings on all air-to-glass surfaces to enhance light transmission. Better yet, it is equipped with 12 illumination settings to enhance your shooting precision in various lighting conditions.
Regarding construction, the optic has a rugged single-piece chassis that keeps it compact and lightweight, while still being sturdy enough to stand up to rough handling. It also has a highly durable hard-coat anodization that shields it from corrosion and scratches.
The SPARC AR II 2 MOA red dot sight is also sealed with O-rings to prevent moisture, dust, and debris from getting inside the optics.
Features
- Anti-reflective lens coatings
- Waterproof construction
- Single-piece chassis construction
- Windage and elevation adjustments with audible clicks
- 2 MOA red dot reticle
- 12 illumination settings
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to sight in
- Solid construction
- Good battery life
- The brightness settings are easy to control
Cons
- None
5) Trijicon SRO Red Dot Sight
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Opticsplanet
Next on our list of the best red dots for 10/22 is the Trijicon SRO Red Dot Sight. This compact and versatile optic is built with a 5 MOA red dot reticle that is easy to spot and simple to use as well.
The red dot is powered by one CR2032 button-cell battery which provides constant illumination. It also comes with a top-battery compartment to ensure easy battery change when the need arises.
With a weight of 1.6oz only, this compact optic won’t add extra weight to your rifle or interfere with its balance. Besides, it offers a parallax-free performance and unlimited eye relief that allows for both-eyes open shooting.
For added convenience, the Trijicon SRO Red Dot Sight is built to be operable in any lighting condition. It has 8 brightness settings, including two-night vision and one super bright mode.
The optic is also designed with anti-reflection, multi-coated optics which maximize edge-to-edge clarity and provide high-contrast views in any lighting condition.
Features
- Waterproof to 10 feet
- Variable LED illumination
- Anti-reflection, multi-coated optics
- Scratch-resistant anodized finish
- Top-loading battery compartment
- Tempered glass window
- 5 MOA red dot reticle
- 1 MOA impact point correction
Pros
- Large, bright, unobstructed field of view
- Long battery life
- Crisp clear red dot
- Night vision compatible
- Compatible with suppressor height iron sights
Cons
- Waterproof up to 10ft (3m) only
6) Vortex Strikefire II 1x30mm 4 MOA Red Dot Sight
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Opticsplanet
When situations call for speed and precision, use the Strikefire II 4 MOA Red Dot Sight. It provides a wide field of view that is essential for quick target finding, and unlimited eye relief for rapid target acquisition.
This versatile red dot optic offers 11 illumination settings with two of the lowest settings being night vision compatible. This makes it ideal for use during the day as well as at night. Apart from that, it features fully multi-coated lenses which provide a bright, clean, unobstructed field of view.
The Strikefire II red dot sight also features a single-piece shockproof chassis that is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed to give you a lifetime of fog-proof and waterproof performance.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Waterproof and nitrogen purged
- Unlimited eye relief
- 30mm aluminum alloy chassis
- 4 MOA red dot reticle
- 11 illumination settings
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Night vision compatible
- Holds zero well
- Great battery life
Cons
- None
7) Sightmark Wolverine 1x28mm FSR 2 MOA Red Dot Sight
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Opticsplanet
The Sightmark Wolverine FSR 2 MOA Red Dot Sight is a great budget option that doesn’t compromise on quality or durability. As one of the best red dots for 10/22, it is designed with a 2 MOA red dot reticle that offers stunning accuracy at short and medium-range targets.
Built with 6061-T6 aluminum, the optic is sturdy enough to withstand anything you subject it to. It also comes with rubber armoring for added protection and a matte finish that gives it a tactical look and minimizes reflections for more stealth.
Furthermore, the sight has dual day and night functionality. It has 8 daytime and 2-night vision brightness settings. It also possesses premium anti-reflective coatings which provide stunning image brightness and clarity. These coatings also protect the glass from scratches and dirt.
Features
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Unlimited eye relief
- Scratch-resistant, anti-reflective lens coatings
- Rubber-armored, aluminum housing
- Locking, quick detach mount
- Ergonomic digital switch brightness controls
- 2 MOA red dot reticle
- 10 brightness settings
Pros
- Night vision compatible
- Solid mount
- Easy adjustments
- Good battery life
Cons
- None
8) Aimpoint 9000SC Red Dot Reflex Sight
Check Price on Amazon
Check Price on Opticsplanet
Lastly, we have the Aimpoint 9000SC Red Dot Reflex Sight. This is a versatile and feature-rich red dot sight that is ideal for magnum handguns and rifles with shorter actions, semi-automatic actions.
It employs a crisp clear 2 MOA red dot that guarantees unmatched accuracy. To complement the crips dot, the sight also brings to the table multi-layer, anti-reflex lens coating which provides a clear and bright field of view.
Furthermore, the optic is powered by a high-capacity lithium battery which provides over 5 years of continuous use. In terms of construction, it has a high-strength aluminum housing that guarantees durability and reliability. The optic is also shockproof and submersible to a depth of 5m.
Features
- Anti-reflex optical coating
- Fully waterproof
- Robust aluminum housing
- Shockproof
- 2 MOA red dot
- 10 illumination settings
Pros
- Multi-platform friendly
- Crisp clear red dot
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- Not night vision compatible
Related Posts
- Best Scopes for Ruger 10/22
- Best Rifle Case for Ruger 10/22
- Best Red Dots for Heavy Recoil
- Best Weapon Lights for Shotgun
Best Red Dot for 10/22 Buying Guide
The list below shows the key factors you should always take into account when choosing a red dot for your Ruger 10/22.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of the red dot sight should blend perfectly with your firearm. If the optic is bulky and big, it will affect the balance of the firearm and get in your way. So, look for a compact and lightweight product that is easy to use and straightforward to install.
Dot Size
The next feature you should take into account is the size of the red dot. Typically, the larger the dot is, the easier it will be to spot.
When making your selection, what you plan to use the sight for will determine what dot size you get. You should also consider how far you plan on shooting with the Ruger on 10/22 and decide accordingly.
See Also: Best Scopes for 22lr Rifle
Adjustable Brightness
You will want to invest in a red dot optic that offers as many brightness levels as possible. This way, you will have the ability to tailor the optic based on your individual needs and lighting conditions.
The other thing you should consider in terms of brightness is the type of adjustment. Some of the best red dots for 10/22 have a manual brightness knob and others have an automatic setting or both. All adjustments are easy to use and will work for speed target acquisition.
Mounting
Last but not least, consider the mounting system of the red dot sight. Some models have a mount already integrated so you mount it directly on the firearm. Another mount option is the classic Picatinny rail which is more popular and multi-platform friendly.
Read: Best .22 Hunting Air Rifles
Best Red Dot for 10/22 FAQs
Q: Is A Red Dot Good On a 10/22?
Yes. A red dot is a valuable accessory to have for your 10/22. It will enhance your target acquisition speed and boost your accuracy when you are hunting, plinking, or shooting at close ranges.
Q: How Many Yards is a Red Dot Good For?
100 yards. Typically, red dot optics are used for close-range applications of about 100 yards or less. They are admirably easy to use and will help you find and acquire targets at this range in a more simplified manner.
Q: What Size Red Dot is Best?
Red dots mounted on rifles should have smaller dot sizes of 1 to 4 MOA. However, the 3 MOA red dot size wins the case.
The size of the dot shows where your bullet would land on the target when you take a shot. With a 3 MOA dot size, you aim small and miss small and therefore you shoot more precisely.
Red dot sights are purposely designed for use at close to moderate distances. Pairing your Ruger 10/22 with a dedicated red dot sight significantly improves your accuracy and the speed at which you acquire your targets.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this post has given you insight into the best red dots for 10/22. Remember that what you plan to use the red for plays a big role in determining which model you get.
Whether you are buying your first 10/22 red dot or looking for an upgrade, any of these optics will serve you well. So, use our buying guide to find one that best matches your needs.