Squirrel hunting demands precision and speed. A red dot sight can be a significant advantage in the dense woods. This guide will reveal the best red dot options for squirrel hunting, discussing reticle choices, magnification (or lack thereof), and factors to consider when making your selection.
Note: This article reflects my personal opinions. While the products mentioned may not be perfect for everyone, they might be useful for some readers.
Top 4 Best Red Dot Sights For Squirrel Hunting
Sig Sauer ROMEO5
As a seasoned squirrel hunter, I'm always on the lookout for gear that gives me an edge without going overboard. The Sig Sauer ROMEO5 red dot sight seemed like an interesting option, so I decided to put it to the test. Here's the breakdown after spending some time with it in the field.
Best Features:
Speed Demon: Squirrel hunting is all about quick target acquisition, and the ROMEO5 delivers. The 2 MOA red dot is sharp and easy to pick up, letting me get on target faster than iron sights, especially in low light.
Built to Last: This sight is tough as nails. The aluminum construction feels solid, and it's held up great against bumps and scrapes that come with navigating the woods. Sig Sauer even advertises it as fog and waterproof, which is a big plus.
Battery Champ: One of the things that sold me was the insane battery life. Sig boasts 50,000+ hours, and the motion-activated illumination means it only uses power when I need it. No more scrambling to change batteries in the field.
Downsides to Consider:
Magnification Miss: There's no magnification with the ROMEO5, which some hunters might prefer for longer range squirrel shots. While it works well within typical squirrel hunting distances (think 50-75 yards), it's not ideal for those pushing the limits.
Price Point: This red dot sight isn't the cheapest option on the market. It's definitely a worthwhile investment for serious hunters, but casual squirrel hunters might find it a bit pricey.
In the Woods:
Using the ROMEO5 has been a game-changer. The red dot makes lining up on squirrels a breeze, especially when they're darting around trees. I've noticed a significant improvement in my accuracy, which means less wasted ammo and cleaner kills. The sight itself is lightweight and doesn't throw off the balance of my rifle.
Online Buzz:
Customer reviews on the ROMEO5 are overwhelmingly positive. People rave about the clarity of the red dot, the durability, and the long battery life. There are a few mentions of the price being a drawback, but most hunters seem to agree it's worth the investment. One reviewer even mentioned using it successfully for fox hunting, so it seems to be versatile for small game in general.
Overall:
The Sig Sauer ROMEO5 isn't perfect for every squirrel hunter, but for those who want a fast, reliable red dot sight that can take a beating, it's a fantastic choice. The combination of speed, durability, and battery life makes it a winner in my book. If you're looking to up your squirrel hunting game and don't mind spending a bit extra, the ROMEO5 is definitely worth considering.
As a squirrel hunter, I'm always on the lookout for gear that gives me an edge without breaking the bank. The Bushnell TRS-25 red dot sight definitely fits the bill. Here's what I found after putting it through its paces:
Best Features:
Fast Target Acquisition: The red dot makes picking up squirrels in the brush a breeze. No more fiddling with magnified scopes in the heat of the moment.
Lightweight & Low Profile: This sight doesn't weigh down my rifle, and it keeps a clear sight picture for quick maneuvering.
Rugged Construction: I've accidentally bumped this thing around a few times, and it keeps on ticking. Perfect for the sometimes-clumsy world of hunting.
Adjustable Brightness: From dark woods to bright mornings, the red dot adjusts to give you a perfect sight picture without washing out.
Advantages:
More Hits: Plain and simple, the red dot helps me place my shots more accurately, especially on those quick opportunities.
Versatility: While I love it for squirrels, the sight works great for rabbits and other small game too.
Easy to Use: No complex reticles or adjustments to worry about. Just sight it in and get hunting.
Disadvantages:
Limited Magnification: This isn't a magnified scope, so forget about taking down faraway targets. It's best for close to medium range.
Battery Life: While decent, the battery life isn't amazing. I recommend keeping spares on hand.
Not the clearest Dot: Some hunters find the 3 MOA dot a little large for precise small game hunting.
My Experience:
Overall, I'm really impressed with the TRS-25. It's made me a more confident and effective squirrel hunter. It's not fancy, but it gets the job done at a very reasonable price.
What Others Are Saying:
Here's what I've heard from other hunters online:
"Great value for the price. Makes a world of difference for quick shots on squirrels."
"Wish the dot size was adjustable, but overall a solid red dot for the money."
"Battery life could be better, but I haven't had it die on me in the field yet."
If you're a squirrel hunter looking for an affordable red dot sight to up your game, the Bushnell TRS-25 is definitely worth considering. It's a solid piece of kit that won't break the bank.
I strapped a Burris Fastfire 4 red dot sight on my trusty .22LR a while back, and let me tell you, it's been a game changer for squirrel hunting – but with a bit of "but" thrown in.
The Good:
Speed & Acquisition: The biggest win? Blazing fast target acquisition. Forget fiddling with lining up iron sights in the heat of the moment. With the Fastfire 4, a bright red dot sits front and center, letting you lock onto squirrels quicker than they can say "acorn." This translates to more successful shots, especially on those jittery treetop targets.
Lightweight & Unobtrusive: This sight is a featherweight. It doesn't throw off the balance of my rifle like a bulky scope, making it perfect for stalking through the woods. Plus, its low profile keeps it out of the way when you're shoulder-mounting in a hurry.
Multiple Reticles: Here's where things get interesting. The Fastfire 4 offers a variety of reticle options, from a simple 3 MOA dot to a more complex horseshoe. I found the circle dot particularly useful for quick, close-range shots on squirrels.
The Not-So-Good:
Limited Magnification: Now for the "but." This red dot sight doesn't offer any magnification. While it's fantastic for close to mid-range squirrel hunting (think 30-50 yards), forget about taking down those distant bushy-tailed bandits. For those long-range shots, you'll still need a trusty scope.
Battery Dependence: Red dots rely on batteries, and that can be a concern. A dead battery in the field means a frustrating end to your hunt. I always carry a spare, but it's something to keep in mind.
Overall:
Despite the lack of magnification, the Burris Fastfire 4 has become my go-to sight for squirrel hunting. The speed and ease of target acquisition, coupled with its lightweight design, make it a perfect companion for those quick, action-packed hunts. Just remember, keep those shots within reasonable range, and pack a spare battery!
What Others Are Saying:
Browsing online forums, I see other hunters echoing my experience. Many praise the Fastfire 4's speed and clarity, particularly for handgun hunting. A few reviewers mentioned some difficulty with the brightness settings in low light, but overall, the sentiment is positive.
So, is the Burris Fastfire 4 the ultimate squirrel slayer sight? Not quite. But for close-range hunting where speed and ease of use are paramount, it's a fantastic option. Just factor in the lack of magnification and remember that spare battery!
Let's be honest, squirrels can be lightning bolts with fur. Hitting those little targets with iron sights can be a challenge, which is why I decided to try the Trijicon RMR Type 2 red dot sight. Here's the rundown from my experience:
Best Features:
Quick Acquisition: The red dot makes lining up on squirrels a breeze, especially in those fast-paced moments. No more fumbling with aligning the front sight post and rear sight notch.
Both Eyes Open: Unlike scopes, the RMR lets you keep both eyes open for maximum situational awareness. This is crucial in squirrel hunting where you need to watch out for other critters and potential hazards.
Durability: Trijicon is known for bombproof optics, and the RMR Type 2 feels built like a tank. I wouldn't worry about it getting banged around in the field.
Advantages in the Woods:
Low-Light Capability: The adjustable red dot cuts through dim morning and dusk light, extending your hunting window.
Lightweight: Compared to a scope, the RMR adds minimal weight to your rifle, keeping it nimble for maneuvering through trees.
Close Quarters: For those tight forest situations, the red dot is perfect for quick target acquisition on squirrels darting between branches.
Disadvantages to Consider:
Cost: Let's face it, the RMR Type 2 isn't cheap. It's a premium optic for serious hunters.
Battery Dependence: Unlike some Trijicon sights with tritium illumination, the RMR Type 2 relies on a battery. Pack extras!
Dot Size: The 3.25 MOA dot might be a bit much for some folks who prefer a finer dot for pin-point accuracy on tiny targets.
Real World Results:
Overall, the RMR Type 2 has been a game-changer for my squirrel hunting. Those once-frustrating misses are a lot less common now. The red dot acquisition is fast and intuitive, and the sight itself is built tough. However, the cost is a big factor, and the battery dependence is something to keep in mind.
What Others Are Saying:
While I love the RMR, some online hunters mentioned preferring a lower MOA dot for even more precise squirrel headshots. Others found the price tag a bit steep and opted for a more budget-friendly red dot option. However, the vast majority of reviews praised the RMR's durability, clarity, and lightning-fast target acquisition.
So, is the Trijicon RMR Type 2 the perfect squirrel slayer sight? For me, with its speed, low-light performance, and rock-solid build, it comes pretty darn close. But the price tag might send some hunters looking for a different red dot option.
For those engaged in squirrel hunting, the quest for the best red dot involves prioritizing attributes such as lightweight design, long battery life, and rapid target acquisition. With a suitable red dot sight, hunters can improve their accuracy and efficiency in pursuit of elusive quarry.