The Savage 64 is a well-known semi-automatic .22 LR rifle favored by many for its reliability, affordability, and versatility.
While it performs admirably right out of the box, adding a red dot sight can significantly enhance its accuracy and ease of use, particularly for target shooting and small game hunting.
Having tested numerous options, I've compiled a list of the best red dot sights that complement the Savage 64 perfectly. Here’s my top product list, complete with detailed reviews.
Top Product List
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight
Sig Sauer Romeo5 Red Dot Sight
Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight
Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optic
Primary Arms Advanced Micro Dot
Holosun HS403C Solar Power Micro Red Dot Sight
Trijicon MRO Patrol
Top 7 Best Red Dot For Savage 64
1. Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight
Specifications
Objective Lens Diameter: 25mm
Reticle: 3 MOA Red Dot
Adjustment Type: Windage and elevation
Battery Type: CR2032
Waterproof/Fogproof: Yes
Best Features
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is a compact and reliable red dot sight that offers excellent performance for its price. Its amber-bright high contrast lens coating provides a clear view, while the 3 MOA red dot is easy to acquire. This sight is both waterproof and shockproof, making it a durable choice for various weather conditions.
Pros
Affordable price point
Durable and compact design
Clear optics with high contrast
Easy to mount on the Savage 64
Cons
Battery life could be longer
Limited to a 3 MOA dot, which might not be ideal for long-distance shots
User Experience
My experience with the Bushnell TRS-25 has been very positive. Mounting it on the Savage 64 was straightforward, and the sight held zero even after several hundred rounds. The red dot is bright enough for daylight use, and adjustments for windage and elevation are precise and easy to make.
Customer Comments
Many users appreciate its affordability and performance, noting that it’s a great value for the price. Some have mentioned issues with the battery life but found the overall reliability of the sight to be excellent.
The Sig Sauer Romeo5 features MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination) which powers up when it senses motion and powers down when it does not, thereby conserving battery life. It also offers ten illumination settings (eight daylight plus two night vision) for optimum visibility in all lighting conditions.
Pros
MOTAC technology for battery conservation
Multiple illumination settings
Compact and lightweight
Reliable and durable construction
Cons
Slightly higher price point compared to some competitors
May require a riser mount for optimal height on some setups
User Experience
Using the Sig Sauer Romeo5 on my Savage 64 was a game-changer. The MOTAC feature is incredibly convenient, and I never had to worry about turning the sight on or off. The red dot was consistently bright and clear, even in varying light conditions, and the sight held zero perfectly through extended use.
Customer Comments
Users rave about the battery life and the convenience of the MOTAC feature. Many have found it to be one of the best values in red dot sights, combining advanced features with robust durability.
The Vortex Crossfire is known for its unlimited eye relief, allowing quick target acquisition. Its multi-coated lenses provide a clear and bright view, and the 2 MOA dot is precise enough for both close and mid-range shooting. The sight is also parallax free, meaning the dot remains on target regardless of eye position.
Pros
Unlimited eye relief
Parallax-free performance
Durable and weatherproof construction
Clear, bright optics
Cons
Dot can appear slightly fuzzy at higher brightness settings
Slightly bulkier than some competitors
User Experience
The Vortex Crossfire was a pleasure to use on the Savage 64. The unlimited eye relief made it easy to acquire targets quickly, and the sight remained accurate and reliable under various conditions. I did notice the dot could appear a bit fuzzy at maximum brightness, but this was a minor issue given the overall performance.
Customer Comments
Customers highlight the sight’s reliability and clarity, with many praising its value for the price. Some users have noted the dot’s fuzziness at higher brightness levels but generally find it to be a minor drawback.
The Aimpoint PRO offers exceptional battery life, with up to 30,000 hours of continuous operation. It’s designed for professional use, featuring a rugged build and advanced lens coatings for clarity. The sight also includes a QRP2 mount with a spacer, making it easy to adjust for different firearm setups.
Pros
Outstanding battery life
Rugged and durable construction
Clear and precise optics
Easy to mount and adjust
Cons
Higher price point
Slightly heavier than some other red dots
User Experience
The Aimpoint PRO is a top-tier sight that performed excellently on my Savage 64. The clarity of the optics is second to none, and the sight remained rock solid through extensive use. The battery life is a huge plus, as I never had to worry about running out of power even during extended sessions.
Customer Comments
Users consistently praise the Aimpoint PRO for its reliability and durability, noting that it’s worth the investment for serious shooters. Some mention the higher price as a potential drawback but generally agree that the performance justifies the cost.
The Primary Arms Advanced Micro Dot is a compact and lightweight sight that offers impressive performance for its size. It features a 50,000-hour battery life, multi-coated lenses for enhanced clarity, and a durable construction that is both waterproof and shockproof.
Pros
Long battery life
Compact and lightweight design
Clear optics with multi-coated lenses
Affordable price
Cons
Limited field of view compared to larger sights
Brightness adjustment knob can be a bit stiff
User Experience
I found the Primary Arms Advanced Micro Dot to be an excellent addition to my Savage 64. Its compact size and lightweight design made it a perfect match, and the sight held zero even after rigorous use. The long battery life is a significant advantage, though the brightness adjustment knob was a bit stiff to turn.
Customer Comments
Users appreciate the sight’s compactness and battery life, often recommending it for its value and performance. Some have mentioned the stiffness of the adjustment knob but generally find it to be a minor issue.
The Holosun HS403C stands out with its solar power feature, which extends battery life significantly. It also offers a 2 MOA red dot, shake awake technology, and multiple brightness settings, making it a versatile and reliable sight.
Pros
Solar power extends battery life
Shake awake technology
Multiple brightness settings
Durable and waterproof
Cons
Solar panel can be less effective in low light conditions
Slightly more expensive than non-solar options
User Experience
Mounting the Holosun HS403C on my Savage 64 was a breeze, and the solar power feature was a welcome addition. The shake awake technology ensured the sight was always ready when I was, and the multiple brightness settings allowed for optimal visibility in various lighting conditions.
Customer Comments
Customers frequently mention the benefit of the solar power feature, noting the extended battery life. Some have pointed out that the solar panel is less effective in low light, but the overall reliability and performance of the sight are highly praised.
The Trijicon MRO Patrol offers superior durability and performance with its fully sealed construction and multi-coated lenses. It features a large objective lens for a wider field of view and easy target acquisition, along with an adjustable brightness setting.
Pros
Wide field of view
Durable and fully sealed construction
Multi-coated lenses for clarity
Adjustable brightness settings
Cons
Higher price point
Slightly heavier than other options
User Experience
Using the Trijicon MRO Patrol on my Savage 64 was an impressive experience. The wide field of view made target acquisition quick and easy, and the sight maintained its clarity and accuracy throughout extensive use. The durability of the sight is unmatched, though it does come at a higher price.
Customer Comments
Customers frequently laud the Trijicon MRO Patrol for its robustness and performance. While some mention the higher cost, they generally agree that the sight’s quality justifies the investment.
How to Choose the Best Red Dot Sight for Savage 64?
Choosing the best red dot sight for your Savage 64 involves considering several factors to ensure you get a sight that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Key Considerations
Dot Size and Reticle
The size of the red dot (measured in MOA) affects precision. Smaller dots (2-3 MOA) are better for precision shooting, while larger dots (4-6 MOA) are easier to see quickly.
Battery Life
Look for sights with long battery life to avoid frequent replacements. Features like MOTAC or solar power can help extend battery life.
Durability
Ensure the sight is durable and can withstand the recoil of your rifle. Waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof features are essential for reliable performance in various conditions.
Mounting Options
Verify that the sight can be easily mounted on your Savage 64. Some sights may require additional risers or adapters.
Price
Consider your budget. While higher-end sights offer advanced features, there are many affordable options that provide excellent performance.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a riser mount for my red dot sight on the Savage 64? A: It depends on the specific sight and your personal preference. Some sights might sit too low on the rail, requiring a riser for a more comfortable shooting position.
Q: How do I know if a red dot sight is compatible with my Savage 64? A: Check the sight’s mounting system. Most red dot sights use a standard Picatinny or Weaver rail, which is compatible with the Savage 64.
Q: Can I use a red dot sight for long-range shooting? A: Red dot sights are best suited for short to medium-range shooting. For long-range, you might want to consider a scope with magnification.
Q: How do I adjust the brightness on my red dot sight? A: Most red dot sights have a brightness adjustment knob or buttons. Refer to the user manual for specific instructions.
Q: Is a 2 MOA dot better than a 3 MOA dot? A: A 2 MOA dot offers more precision, making it better for target shooting. A 3 MOA dot is easier to see quickly, which can be beneficial for fast target acquisition.
Conclusion
Selecting the best red dot sight for your Savage 64 can enhance your shooting experience significantly. Whether you prioritize battery life, durability, or advanced features like solar power and MOTAC, there is a sight on this list that will meet your needs.
Each of these top picks offers reliable performance and ease of use, making them excellent choices for any Savage 64 owner. With careful consideration of your preferences and requirements, you can find the perfect red dot sight to elevate your shooting game.