Best Rimfire Red Dot Scope Reviews in 2020

Let’s cut through the clutter and find you the perfect red dot scope.

After you have been acclimated with your rifle, you can’t wait to enhance it with upgrades. Getting the best red dot sight scope is one of the first accessories pros will recommend.  Buying the best rimfire red dot scope can significantly enhance your accuracy, especially for close to moderate ranges.

A red dot scope for your rifle isn’t just a fancy upgrade. Red dot scopes are often preferred for short ranges by many hunters.

With the numerous red dot scopes available on the market, you might get confused about which model to buy for your firearm.

Are you ready to find the one that suits you the best?

Best Rimfire Red Dot Scopes:

#1. AT3 LEOS Red Dot Sight With Integrated Laser & Riser

The AT3 LEOS Red Dot Sight with Integrated Laser & Riser – 2 MOA Red Dot Scope with Flip Up Lens Caps is a scope that really has it all. It is probably the best red dot sight riflescope for the money.

It would probably be faster to mention the things this scope doesn’t have, but what it does have is just too nice to be overlooked. One of the first things that stands out with this MOA red dot scope is the brightness settings.

Not only does this scope provide crystal clear optics through a multi-coated lens, but it gives you the ability to play around with 6 different light settings. Whether it be the day, night, foggy, or wet, you won’t have a problem acquiring your target.

Laser Sight

You combine this with the laser sight and it becomes even quicker and easier to acquire targets. This 2 MOA red dot scope was also designed to withstand maximum recoil. It doesn’t matter what kind of rifle you install this scope on, you never have to worry about it getting knocked out.

Not only do you have all these control options, but they are all available in precise digital control. You can literally switch between a red dot, red dot laser, or laser only with the simple press of a button.

Rise Mounts

The integrated rise mount puts the sight right at optimal eye level so there is no straining or struggling to see through the MOA red dot scope. Looking through this bad boy will feel as natural as staring through a pair of glasses that you’ve been wearing for years.

#2. Bushnell Red Dot Sight

Bushnell is a name that many hunters and shooters are already familiar with. And, when you look at everything that their products offer it is easy to see why more and more professionals opt for this brand.

This Red Dot Sight is certainly no different with its beautiful black matte finish. Do not let the beautiful design fool you because this bad boy was built for the harshest of environments.

Great Anywhere And Anytime

This red dot sight features a waterproof design with a sealed O ring system that will keep the red dot sight completely dry on the inside. Even if you submerge it in water. While this not recommended, it would be safe to do so.

The shockproof construction doesn’t hurt the overall durability either. This red dot sight will not only stand power recoil, but it can handle most bumps and drops.

The scope was also purged with nitrogen from the factory. This ensures that the interior optical surface won’t fog due to humidity or other temperature changes.

The Bushnell is one of the most versatile red dot sights on the market, as it will fit on basically any shotgun, riles, or pistol. Not only this, but it is suitable for a number of activities.

#3. Pinty 2.5-10×40 Red Green Illuminated Mil-Dot Tactical Rifle Scope

The Pinty 2.5 Mil-Dot riflescope is not only a beautiful scope, but it was designed for complete convenience. All of the adjustments are easy and quick to access, but they can all be adjusted without the use of any tools. This makes it easier than ever to make quick and precise adjustments on the fly or in the field. Do not let the beautiful alone fool you because this scope certainly has other features that make it stand out. It features a 2.5 to 10x magnification with a 40 mm field of view, which makes it more than perfect for short to mid-range shooting.

Range

With this scope, you can nail targets at a little over 100 yards out. The multi-coated green objective lens even provides higher light transmission when compared to blue objective lenses. When it comes to the reticle, you will have the option of choosing between a red and green illuminated dot. Along with the 5 brightness levels, you won’t have a problem dialing in your scope in a variety of environments.

Great Design

This Pinty Scope also features an aluminum solid design that is not only lightweight but extremely durable. The solid alloy construction offers quick and secure attachment options to all Picatinny or Weaver rails. The scope is also nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to ensure a waterproof design unlike anything else you will see on the market.

#4. Tacticon Armament Predator V1 Red Dot Sight

The Tacticon Armament Predator V1 is a great scope that is sold by a veteran-owned company. If you want to give back to the soldiers who fought for your freedom, buying this scope is wise. On top of that, the company claims that this is one of the sturdiest scopes on the market and it delivers lightning-fast target acquisition. This scope can hold zero after thousands of shots.

Adjustments

One thing to note is that this scope features an adjustable brightness setting. The red or green dot is going to make a big major difference. It ensures that you’ll be able to hit your target any time of the day or night. Adjusting the brightness is very easy so you won’t have any problems there.

Water And Fog

You’ll want to go hunting and shooting during the rain and snow. You can’t let Mother Nature hold you back. With this scope, you’ll be able to enjoy shooting at any time. It is water and fog proof. You won’t have to worry about moisture or dust getting into the tube and causing problems. On top of that, this scope features a lifetime warranty.

#5. AT3 Tactical RD-50 Micro Reflex Red Dot Sight

The AT3 Tactical RD-50 Micro Reflex Sight is expensive but most people are going to love it. This scope is going to give you complete control over the red-dot so you can adjust the brightness easily. It is very dependable as well so you can use it in any situation. On top of that, you shouldn’t experience any durability issues. If you do, the company will remedy those problems without arguing about it. More information about this will be provided below.

Warranty

This scope is protected by a lifetime warranty. This makes it worth the investment and ensures that you’re going to be happy in the end. If something goes wrong, you should contact the company and they’ll fix the problem. On top of that, you should know that this scope can handle everything. It features shockproof circuity so it can continue working well despite drops and recoil. The battery life may reach as high as 50,000 hours.

View

This scope has a red dot and 11 brightness settings. This is very beneficial since you may need a brighter dot at night. Or, you might need a lighter one depending on the situation. You can adjust the brightness easily by using the turn knob. The lens is multi-coated and scratch-resistant. This means that you’re going to receive enhance clarity in any conditions.

#6. Tasco .22 Rimfire 1x30mm Red Dot Riflescope

The Tasco .22 Rimfire 1x30mm Red Dot Scope is easily one of the best investments for marksmen and hunters. It is very reliable, durable, and it offers crystal-clear clarity. On top of that, you’re going to find out that this scope is a bargain. It is suitable for many shotguns and handguns making it one of the most flexible scopes on the market. This scope is going to satisfy anyone who wants a scope with a red dot.  It is one of the best budget rimfire red dot scopes option.

Versatility

Ultimately, this scope can be used with many guns. For instance, it works with .22 rimfire ammo, handguns up to .357 magnum, and shotguns up to 3-inch shells. Whether you love rifles or handguns, there is a good chance that this scope is going to work exceptionally well for you. Whether you work in security or you like hunting on the weekend, you may find that this scope is a good investment for you.

Excellent View

The high-quality optics ensure that you’re going to receive HD clarity at all times. There are 11 brightness settings on this scope. The size of the dot is decent, good enough for short to medium distances. I was pretty impressed at how quickly it zeroes in on a target. The glass is also clear; something you don’t really expect from a budget scope. If you want to save on battery life, you can turn off the red dot. Plus, the scope features an extra-bright view so you’ll be able to aim and fire in any situation. The fully-coated optics help eliminate problems such as reflections and glare. Just remember that this scope requires a CR2032 battery.

How to choose the best rimfire red dot sight

Brightness Settings

Since you’re looking for red dot sights, you need to make sure that you’re going to be able to adjust the brightness setting easily. And, you’ll want to have access to numerous settings. This will make a big difference when you transition from bright settings to low-light environments. You’ll be able to adjust the red dot brightness to match your current conditions and get the best accuracy.

Warranty

Another thing to note is that red dot sights take a lot of abuse. They can be dropped frequently and that may destroy them. If you want to avoid this issue and get your money’s worth, you’ll want to buy a durable scope that is protected by a great warranty. A warranty for a few years is good but it is best to find a scope with a lifetime warranty. Also, make sure that you’re dealing with a reputable company so they’ll fix the problems that occur.

Lens Coating

The lens coating can make a big difference. If the coating is poor, you’ll likely have to put up with glare and reflection issues. Simultaneously, there is a risk that the lens is going to scratch easily. You need to make sure that the lens is going to last a lifetime. This is why they should be coated numerous times.

Field Of View 

You’ll also want to pay attention to the field of view. You should choose a FOV that is going to work well for your application. In some situations, you will be better off with a narrow FOV but other times a wider FOV is better. Therefore, you need to find out how you’re going to be using the scope and go from there. This will help guarantee that you get the best scope for the activity that you’re going to be partaking in. Red dot sights offer accuracy and quick target acquisition.

What To Look For When Buying A Red Dot Scope 

The key to making the right decision the first go-round is knowing what to look for. Scopes are dime-a-dozen, so if you do not know what to look for, you may end up with a model that cannot cut it. Whatever the case may be, it is crucial to consider all the factors, including battery life, warranty, tube design, moisture-resistance capability, and brand.

Battery Life 

Red dot sights operate on battery power, which means you will always need replacement batteries on hand. Some outdoors-men and -women find the battery thing a hassle, so they try to stay away from the rimfire red dot. With that said, most manufacturers design their rimfire red dot scopes as energy-efficient as possible. So, the battery life can last anywhere from 20 to 50 thousand hours or longer.

Focus on the battery life because it will determine how many replacements it will take within a specific period of time. For example, a 50-thousand hour battery life will not require frequent replacement. You may be able to get by with a bi-monthly or monthly battery replacement, depending on how many times you utilize the scope.

No Magnification 

The main reason why rimfire red dot sights are more suitable for short ranges is that they lack magnification. To make up for the magnification when utilizing a red dot scope, you can fit it with a magnifier. That combination will create a low-powered red dot scope with minimum to moderate magnification.

Weatherproof Design 

Unfortunately, hunting in the outdoors does not always bring fair weather. But, the weather is not going to stop an avid hunter from seeks his/her prey. To eliminate many of the potential issues, such as moisture and fog buildup, you will need to bring along a nitrogen-filled red dot.

When a red dot scope is filled with nitrogen, it can deter the buildup of moisture and fog inside the tube. This design will ensure clear visibility in all weather conditions.

FAQs

Does Reticle Type Matter When Choosing A Scope?

When searching through scopes, you will find that they not only vary in illumination settings, but they also vary in eye relief as well as reticles. Some scopes might offer unlimited eye relief and moa dot, while others offer Christmas tree reticles and the likes. That being said, the reticle will make a difference when choosing a scope. If you’re hunting during low light conditions, look for a reticle that’s illuminated. For small game, you’ll be better off with finer crosshairs, but larger game hunters won’t need such a fine intersection. In fact, they will probably benefit more from a larger aiming point.

What Exactly Is Eye Relief?

Eye relief is another term that you are going to hear thrown around when you are out there shopping. That being said, the term is a bit of a misnomer. It has nothing to do with giving your eye a break from looking through an optic of any type. The best way to describe eye relief would be by saying that it is the exact measurement of the distance between the limit of the eyepiece and where the user can still see the complete picture of what is being magnified in the scope or binoculars.

What Is Steel Challenge Shooting?

Strikefire ii and similar vortex optics are extremely popular when it comes to steel challenge shooting. If you aren’t familiar with this type of shooting then you probably don’t have a clue what it means. You’ll hear this term thrown around a lot when out there shopping, so you’ll want to know what it means. This type of shooting is pretty much speed shooting competition governed by the Steel Challenge Shooting Association (SCSA). These tournaments usually consist of metal targets that vary in size. They can vary anywhere from small circular to large circular and even square targets.

What Are The Best Optics For Steel Challenge?

If this type of shooting is something that you are interested in then you will no doubt want to make sure you are utilizing the right optics, but which are the right optics? If you haven’t already drilled or mounted an optic to your rifle then your best bet will probably be going with something low, close to the original iron sight. This will allow you to find the dot much easier, and you’ll find that you don’t get nowhere as near as frustrated.

What Is A Rimfire Scope?

A rimfire scope is pretty much a scope that will work with a rimfire rifle. It is one that will include a variety of intensity levels just like other scopes out there on the market. With the right eye relief and lens diameter, a scope of this caliber will allow you to see the full field of vision.

Is the AT3 LEOS Sight the best red dot sight for the money?

Yes, the AT3 LEOS is one of the best red dot sight for your rimfire.

Which is the best red dot for 22 rifle?

The best red dot for 22 rifle is the AT3 LEOS.

What Is A Rimfire Rifle?

Rimfire rifles are typically ones of a smaller caliber. There are many advantages to owning a rifle like this. The first being that they are much cheaper. Not only is the rifle itself cheaper, but the ammunition and vortex optics to go along with them will be cheaper.