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5 Best Red Dot for Henry 22 – Top 5 Optics to Elevate Your Rimfire Accuracy

If you’re searching for the Best Red Dot for Henry 22, you’re probably aiming to turn your classic lever-action .22 into a precision plinking machine or a small-game tack driver.
The Henry .22 series, whether it’s the Golden Boy, Frontier, or Classic Carbine, is an exceptionally accurate rimfire rifle — and pairing it with the right red dot optic enhances both speed and precision.
In this review, I’ll share my top five tested red dots that balance weight, durability, and precision for Henry’s .22LR lineup.

Top Product List: 5 Best Red Dot for Henry 22 of 2025

Here’s a quick rundown of my favorite optics that complement the Henry .22 platform:
Each of these optics offers a unique mix of precision, battery life, and compact form — ideal for rimfire rifles like the Henry 22.

1. Burris FastFire 3

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The Burris FastFire 3 has become a go-to option for shooters who want a lightweight, highly reliable reflex sight for rimfire rifles. Its crisp 3 MOA dot is perfect for the moderate distances a Henry 22 is typically used for — whether plinking cans or dispatching varmints.
Specs:
Reticle: 3 MOA red dot
Battery Life: Up to 5 years
Brightness Settings: 3 manual + automatic
Mount: Weaver/Picatinny
Weight: 0.9 oz
My Experience: When I mounted the FastFire 3 on my Henry Frontier, the rifle balanced beautifully. The small form factor didn’t disrupt the rifle’s traditional lines, and target acquisition was almost instant. The auto-brightness adjustment worked flawlessly under shade and bright daylight alike.
Online Comments: Reddit and rimfire forums praise the Burris for its durability and battery life, with users noting it’s “perfect for lever actions” and “zeroed in under 10 shots.”
Mounting: Requires a Picatinny rail or dovetail adapter depending on your Henry variant.

2. Vortex Venom

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The Vortex Venom is a premium mini reflex sight with an ultra-clear 3 MOA dot, designed for speed and accuracy. Its aluminum housing keeps it lightweight yet strong, perfect for the Henry .22’s recoil-friendly platform.
Specs:
Reticle: 3 MOA dot
Battery Life: Up to 30,000 hours
Brightness Settings: 10
Lens Coating: Fully multi-coated
Mount: Picatinny/Weaver base included
My Experience: After several shooting sessions, I found the Venom’s dot crispness and parallax-free design made it ideal for fast target transitions. The elevation and windage adjustments clicked solidly, and zero retention was excellent even after 500 rounds.
Online Comments: Vortex Venom is praised on RimfireCentral and Reddit for its “bang for the buck” performance. Users consistently highlight its clear glass and intuitive controls.
Mounting: A rail mount is required; Henry’s grooved receiver may need a Picatinny adapter for optimal fit.

3. HOLOSUN 403B

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The HOLOSUN 403B is one of my personal favorites for rimfire rifles. It’s compact, efficient, and built with HOLOSUN’s famous Shake Awake feature. Its 2 MOA dot is incredibly fine — perfect for making tight groups with .22LR ammo.
Specs:
Reticle: 2 MOA dot
Battery Life: 50,000 hours
Brightness Settings: 12 (including 2 night-vision)
Housing: 6061 aluminum
Mount: Low and high mount included
My Experience: I ran the 403B on my Henry 22 Classic Carbine, and it turned out to be one of the most balanced setups I’ve tested. The Shake Awake worked flawlessly, and the crisp dot was easy to track even in shaded woods.
Online Comments: Users on AR15.com and Reddit often call the 403B “the best value optic under $200.” The long battery life is another frequently mentioned perk.
Mounting: Comes with a low mount perfect for Henry’s line of sight.

4. Sig Sauer Romeo5

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The Sig Sauer Romeo5 brings military-grade reliability into a rimfire-friendly package. This optic offers MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination) for instant readiness — a feature I’ve come to rely on in the field.
Specs:
Reticle: 2 MOA red dot
Battery Life: 40,000+ hours
Brightness Settings: 10
Mount: Low mount and riser included
Waterproof Rating: IPX-7
My Experience: Mounted on a Henry Frontier, the Romeo5’s MOTAC feature was a game changer. The optic powered on instantly when I shouldered the rifle, making it perfect for quick plinking sessions.
Online Comments: Forum users across the board praise the Romeo5 as a “set it and forget it” optic. Reddit threads describe it as “rock solid” and “unbeatable for its price.”
Mounting: Comes with a low mount ideal for lever-action alignment.

5. Primary Arms SLX MD-25

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The SLX MD-25 from Primary Arms offers an unbeatable balance of ruggedness, clarity, and battery life — ideal for shooters who want a slightly larger optic with serious precision.
Specs:
Reticle: 2 MOA dot
Battery Life: 50,000 hours
Objective Lens: 25mm
Mount: Picatinny (high and low options)
Weight: 6.5 oz
My Experience: I installed the SLX MD-25 on my Henry Golden Boy using a dovetail-to-Picatinny adapter. It provided a bright, crisp sight picture and held zero after hundreds of rounds. The glass clarity rivals optics twice its price.
Online Comments: Rimfire shooters call it “the most underrated optic” — particularly appreciating its long battery life and clear glass.
Mounting: Requires a rail adapter, but installation is simple.

How to Choose the Right Red Dot Sight for Your Henry 22

When selecting the Best Red Dot for Henry 22, consider the following factors:
Weight & Profile: The Henry .22 is a lightweight rifle — stick with micro or mini red dots (under 6 oz) to preserve handling.
Dot Size: For precision target shooting, a 2 MOA dot works best. For fast plinking, a 3–4 MOA is ideal.
Mounting Compatibility: Many Henrys have 3/8" dovetail grooves, not Picatinny rails. You’ll likely need a dovetail-to-Picatinny adapter for most optics.
Battery Life: Rimfire rifles aren’t usually “go-bags,” so long battery life (10,000–50,000 hrs) means less hassle.
Durability vs. Cost: Since the Henry .22 produces minimal recoil, you don’t need an optic rated for 5.56 NATO — meaning more affordable choices like the Holosun 403B or Burris FastFire 3 will last for years.

FAQs

Q1: Do I need an adapter to mount a red dot on my Henry 22? Yes, most Henry rifles use a 3/8” dovetail rail. You’ll need a dovetail-to-Picatinny adapter to fit most modern optics.
Q2: What’s the ideal MOA dot size for small-game hunting? A 2–3 MOA dot offers the best balance between precision and visibility.
Q3: Can I co-witness iron sights with a red dot on the Henry 22? Only if you use a low-mount optic like the Burris FastFire 3 or Holosun 403B.
Q4: Are these optics waterproof? Yes, all reviewed models are either water-resistant or fully waterproof (up to IPX-7).
Q5: Which optic offers the best battery life? The Holosun 403B and Primary Arms SLX MD-25 both deliver up to 50,000 hours of battery life.
Q6: Will heavy optics affect balance on my Henry 22? Yes. Keep the optic under 6 oz to preserve the rifle’s perfect handling.
Q7: What’s the most budget-friendly red dot for the Henry 22? The Burris FastFire 3 or Holosun 403B are unbeatable for price-to-performance.

Conclusion

The Henry .22 is an American classic — light, smooth, and remarkably accurate. Pairing it with the right optic elevates its potential even further. For me, the Burris FastFire 3 remains the best all-around performer, while the Holosun 403B delivers unbeatable battery life and precision. Whichever you choose, any of the options on this list will transform your rimfire rifle into a faster, more accurate shooting companion.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links — at no extra cost to you. ​Last Updated: December 2025.
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