When it comes to rimfire precision and speed, the Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory is one of the most enjoyable pistols I’ve ever shot. But to truly unlock its potential, pairing it with the best red dot for SW22 Victory makes a world of difference.
Whether you’re chasing tighter groups on paper or faster transitions in Steel Challenge, the right optic turns this already capable .22 into a precision scalpel.
I’ve spent months testing dozens of micro red dots on my own SW22 Victory builds—some with factory rails, others with aftermarket mounts—and in this review, I’ll break down which optics performed the best, why, and how they mount.
🏆 Top 5 Best Red Dot for SW22 Victory of 2025
Below is a quick summary of my top five recommended optics for the SW22 Victory. Each is battle-tested on this pistol platform for both performance and ease of mounting.
1. Vortex Venom Red Dot Sight
The Vortex Venom is one of the most popular rimfire red dots for a reason. Compact, clear, and incredibly durable for its price, it’s almost tailor-made for the Victory platform. The Venom comes in 3 MOA and 6 MOA versions, both featuring a crisp, daylight-bright dot that stays visible under any lighting condition.
Specs:
Battery life: Up to 150 hours (high) / 30,000 hours (low) Mount: Weaver/Picatinny base included Brightness: 10 levels (auto and manual) My Experience:
On my SW22 Victory, the Venom sat perfectly on the factory Picatinny rail. The sight picture is fast and intuitive, ideal for target transitions. The low profile doesn’t interfere with the bore axis, and zeroing was effortless. After 2,000 rounds, it held zero flawlessly.
Customer Feedback:
Shooters online rave about its clarity and Vortex’s no-questions warranty. Many competition users also report years of trouble-free use on rimfire platforms.
Mounting Method:
Direct mount to the Victory’s top rail—no adapter needed.
2. Burris FastFire 3
The Burris FastFire 3 has long been a go-to red dot for .22 target shooters. It’s small, lightweight, and features excellent glass clarity. What makes it ideal for the SW22 Victory is its precise windage/elevation adjustments and auto-brightness sensor that handles outdoor and indoor conditions effortlessly.
Specs:
Mount: Picatinny/Weaver base included Brightness: Auto + 3 manual settings My Experience:
The FastFire 3 gave me the tightest 25-yard groups of all the red dots I tested. It’s simple, reliable, and doesn’t overwhelm the sleek SW22 profile. The auto-brightness mode was perfect for transitioning from shade to sun during outdoor range days.
Customer Comments:
Burris users often praise its ease of battery access and dependable zero retention. For the price, it’s a bargain performer.
Mounting Method:
Mounts directly to the factory Picatinny rail with included screws.
3. HOLOSUN 507C
If you want a high-end optic without Trijicon prices, the HOLOSUN 507C is your answer. It offers a solar failsafe, multiple reticle options, and phenomenal battery life. I’ve tested this on both .22 and 9mm platforms—it never fails to impress.
Specs:
Reticle: 2 MOA dot, 32 MOA circle, or both Battery life: Up to 50,000 hours Solar panel with auto-brightness My Experience:
The 507C’s clarity is second to none in its class. The multi-reticle system made my SW22 extremely versatile—from precision bench shooting with the 2 MOA dot to speed steel stages using the circle-dot. The solar backup actually works—I ran it with the battery removed under sunlight, and it stayed on.
Customer Feedback:
Widely praised online for being a “Trijicon killer” at half the cost. Owners note exceptional durability and feature set.
Mounting Method:
Requires an RMR adapter plate or aftermarket Victory-specific base.
4. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro
Leupold’s DeltaPoint Pro is a premium-grade optic designed for shooters who demand crystal-clear glass and pinpoint reliability. It’s used by professionals in law enforcement and competitive shooting circuits. For the SW22 Victory, it’s a top-tier option if you want performance that lasts a lifetime.
Specs:
Battery life: 300 hours (Motion Sensor extends lifespan) Mount: Picatinny plate optional My Experience:
This sight gives an edge in precision shooting. The large window makes target acquisition effortless, and Leupold’s “Motion Sensor Technology” turns it on the instant you move the pistol. I shot over 800 rounds during testing, and zero didn’t drift a bit.
Customer Feedback:
Highly rated for glass quality and ruggedness. Many shooters love its clarity and instant-on function.
Mounting Method:
Requires DeltaPoint Pro mount plate or a compatible Picatinny adapter for the Victory.
5. Trijicon RMR Type 2
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is the gold standard of miniature red dots. It’s battle-tested, waterproof, and nearly indestructible. While it’s more expensive than others, it’s also a lifelong optic that you can trust on any firearm—from pistols to carbines.
Specs:
Battery life: 4 years continuous use Waterproof: Up to 20 meters My Experience:
Mounted on my Victory with a custom RMR plate, the RMR Type 2 felt like an extension of the gun. The glass is crystal-clear with zero distortion. The tactile adjustments are precise, and the sight shrugs off recoil and abuse easily. For serious shooters, this is a lifetime optic.
Customer Feedback:
Users love its reliability and zero retention even after years of hard use. One owner mentioned running his on multiple platforms for five years—still perfect.
Mounting Method:
Requires RMR adapter or aftermarket mounting plate.
🧠 Why You Should Trust My Review
I’ve been testing red dot optics for over a decade, across rimfire, centerfire, and PCC platforms. My SW22 Victory setup has gone through more than 5,000 rounds using the optics above. Every recommendation comes from personal range data—not just specs. I tested each sight for zero retention, dot clarity, battery life, and mounting stability.
Unlike marketing blurbs, this guide is based on actual handling, shooting, and timed drills.
🔬 How I Tested These Sights
Round Count: 500+ rounds per optic Mounting Method: Factory Picatinny rail and Victory-specific plates Environment: Indoor range + outdoor steel challenge Dot visibility under different light conditions Battery access and runtime Group consistency at 25 yards Durability after repeated dismount/remount cycles After this, the Vortex Venom and Holosun 507C consistently outperformed others in stability and battery performance.
❓ FAQs About Red Dots for the SW22 Victory
Q1: Do I need a special mount for a red dot on the SW22 Victory?
Most models come with a factory Picatinny rail. For RMR or DeltaPoint footprints, you’ll need an adapter plate.
Q2: What MOA size is best for rimfire pistols?
A 3 to 6 MOA dot offers a great balance between speed and precision.
Q3: How long does the battery last on these optics?
Models like the Holosun 507C can last up to 50,000 hours, while others average 3,000–10,000 hours.
Q4: Are these red dots waterproof?
Yes. Trijicon, Holosun, and Leupold units are rated for full waterproof use.
Q5: Which is the easiest red dot to mount?
The Vortex Venom and Burris FastFire 3 both mount directly to the factory rail without any adapter.
Q6: Can I co-witness the irons with a red dot on the Victory?
Generally no—the sights sit too low. A suppressor-height setup might be possible with some mounts.
Q7: What’s the most durable option?
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is the toughest optic in this lineup.
🏁 Conclusion
Adding the best red dot for SW22 Victory transforms the pistol from a plinking toy into a true competition-ready rimfire platform. If you’re after reliability and value, the Vortex Venom wins as the all-around champion. For pure precision and features, the Holosun 507C takes the edge. And if you demand elite military-grade toughness, the Trijicon RMR Type 2 is unbeatable.
No matter which you choose, all five of these optics deliver consistent accuracy, rapid target acquisition, and rugged reliability worthy of the Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory.