Looking to upgrade your Ruger SR22 with a red dot sight for faster target acquisition and improved accuracy?
You're not alone. Red dots are a popular choice for rimfire pistols, and with so many options on the market, finding the "top best" one for your SR22 can feel overwhelming. But worry not!
This guide will break down the key considerations for choosing a red dot sight specifically for your Ruger SR22, explore top contenders across different budgets and features, and help you pick the perfect red dot to elevate your plinking or target shooting experience.
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 Ruger SR22 in 2024
Primary Arms SLx Micro
The Ruger SR22 is a blast to shoot, but I always felt like I could get more out of it. Those stock sights aren't the greatest for precision work. I decided to try the Primary Arms SLx Micro Red Dot, and I've been really happy I did. Here's why:
Specifications
Magnification: 1x
Reticle: 3 MOA Red Dot
Battery: CR2032
Battery Life: Up to 14,000 hours
Brightness Settings: 12 settings (includes night vision compatible)
Features: Removable Picatinny riser, Rotary knob adjustments, Waterproof, Fog resistant
Best Features
Price vs Quality: Great value for the features and build quality.
Lightweight & Compact: It's perfect for keeping the SR22 nimble and easy to handle.
Easy to Use: The rotary brightness dial is intuitive and the dot is crisp.
Rugged Enough: I don't baby my .22s, and this optic feels like it can handle some bumps.
Advantages
Faster & More Precise: A red dot transformed my plinking – I'm so much faster and groups improved immediately.
Great for Beginners: Helps new shooters develop good fundamentals without stressing about sight alignment.
Holds Zero: Even after taking it on and off the rail, it stays rock-solid.
Disadvantages
Not Top-Tier Durability: It's plenty tough for a .22, but won't compete with super expensive optics
Limited Features: If you need multiple reticles or crazy long battery life, look elsewhere.
My Experience
The SLx Micro Red Dot made my SR22 even more fun. It unlocks the pistol's accuracy potential and turns it into a tiny tack-driver. Perfect for teaching new shooters or just having a blast at the range.
Online Comments
Seems like plenty of others agree:
"Can't believe the quality for the price. Put it on my .22 pistol and love it."
"Primary Arms is killing it with these budget-friendly optics."
"If you're looking for your first red dot, this is a great place to start."
Overall, the Primary Arms SLx Micro Red Dot is a fantastic match for the Ruger SR22. It improves shooting performance, it's well-built, and won't break the bank.
I've always enjoyed plinking with my Ruger SR22. It's fun, reliable, and perfect for introducing new shooters. However, I wanted to take its accuracy to the next level. Enter the Sig Sauer RomeoZero - a red dot that seems tailor-made for a .22 LR pistol like this.
Mount: Proprietary – requires correct footprint for your pistol
Best Features
Super Lightweight: The RomeoZero practically disappears on the SR22, maintaining its perfect balance.
MOTAC Technology: The dot automatically turns on with movement and off when idle, saving battery life.
WeaponLight Activation: Compatible Sig WeaponLights can automatically activate the dot.
Durable: Surprisingly tough for its size. Should handle .22 LR recoil with ease.
Advantages
Makes target acquisition super fast and easy for both new and experienced shooters.
Incredibly compact and lightweight – perfect for maintaining the SR22's handling.
MOTAC feature is great for both range use and if you're considering it for home defense.
Affordable way to add a premium red dot to your rimfire pistol.
Disadvantages
Proprietary mounting footprint can limit compatibility.
Some users report shorter-than-expected battery life.
My Experience
The RomeoZero has transformed my SR22 experience. I'm landing tighter groups, shooting faster, and it's made the whole experience even more fun. If you're looking for a quality, compact red dot for your SR22, this is hard to beat.
I've always enjoyed plinking with my SR22. It's a fun little gun, but I wanted an easier way to get on target accurately. That's why I picked up the TruGlo Tru-Point Micro RDS – it seemed like a perfect, budget-friendly solution.
Specifications
Magnification: 1x
Reticle: 5 MOA red dot
Brightness: Multiple adjustable settings
Battery Life: Decent on medium settings
Mount: Comes with Picatinny rail adapter that fits the SR22
Best Features
Price: One of the most affordable micro red dots out there.
Compact & Lightweight: Maintains the SR22's easy handling.
Easy to Use: Simple controls and a clear sight picture.
Mount Included: No need to hunt for an adapter plate.
Advantages
Great for Beginners: If you've never used a red dot, this is a non-intimidating way to try one out.
Improved Accuracy: I'm way better at hitting small targets compared to the basic SR22 sights.
Fun Factor: Makes plinking and target practice even more enjoyable.
Disadvantages
Durability: Doesn't feel quite as rugged as pricier options. Handle it with reasonable care.
Dot Size: 5 MOA makes longer-range precision a bit trickier compared to smaller dots.
My Experience
For the price, the TruGlo Tru-Point Micro RDS has been a fantastic addition to my SR22. It's helped me become a more consistent shooter, and it just flat-out makes the gun more fun to use. If you're not looking to spend a fortune, it's definitely worth considering.
First, the RMR is an incredible piece of gear, but let's be honest, it's overkill for a .22LR pistol. Here's the breakdown:
Specifications
Magnification: 1x
Reticle: Available in various MOA dot sizes (3.25, 6.5 commonly seen)
Objective Lens: Varies by model
Brightness Settings: Manual or Automatic options depending on the model
Battery: CR2032 (Years of life depending on settings)
Weight: ~1.2 oz (34g) depending on model
Mount: Requires specific adapter plates
Best Features
Tiny and Tough: The RMR is famous for its compact size and extreme durability. It can handle anything, even if the SR22 probably never will.
Sharp Dot: Trijicon delivers a crisp red dot with multiple reticle size options for precision.
"Always On" Reliability: With the right model and settings, your sight will always be ready to go.
Advantages
Super Lightweight: Keeps your SR22 feeling agile and easy to point.
Target Focus: The small RMR keeps your focus on the target, not the optic itself.
Disadvantages
Pricey Overkill: An RMR could cost more than your Ruger SR22! The extreme durability isn't necessary on a .22 LR target pistol.
Mounting: You'll need a specific adapter plate to mount the RMR to the SR22's dovetail, adding another layer of complexity and cost.
Dot Size: Depending on your eyesight and model, the small RMR dot might be tougher to pick up, especially for newer shooters.
My Experience
I've tried friends' pistols with RMRs, and they're amazing optics... on the right guns. For the SR22, I'd prioritize a more budget-friendly, simple red dot. You get 90% of the performance for a fraction of the cost.
Online Comments/Discussions
It's a mixed bag when it comes to RMRs on the SR22:
"Love my RMR, but honestly, it's too much for my .22."
"Tried it, sold it, and got a Holosun - way better value."
"If you have the money and want the best, RMR all the way."
The Takeaway: The Trijicon RMR is a legend, but for the SR22, there are more practical, budget-conscious red dots that will deliver a very similar shooting experience.
The best red dot for Ruger SR22 boils down to your main focus. If precision target shooting is the name of the game, a red dot with a small MOA and crisp dot is ideal. However, for plinking or training purposes, wider field of view and larger MOA dots can enhance the shooting experience.