Skip to content
Gallery
Optics Specialist
More
Share
Explore

Top 5 Best Red Dot For Ruger Mark 2

Want to elevate your Ruger Mark 2 from plinking champ to target-taming machine? A red dot sight can be your key to faster target acquisition, improved accuracy, and a whole new level of shooting enjoyment.
But with so many red dots on the market, finding the best red dot for Ruger Mark 2 can feel overwhelming.
This guide will explore the top contenders, helping you choose the best red dot sight to optimize your .22 LR pistol.
MY CHOICE 👇
megaphone
Note: This article reflects my personal opinions. While the products mentioned may not be perfect for everyone, they might be useful for some readers.

5 Best Red Dot Sights for Ruger Mark 2 in 2024

Vortex Strikefire II

Vortex Strikefire II.jpg
I've always enjoyed plinking with my Ruger Mark 2, but those standard sights leave something to be desired. The Vortex Strikefire II seemed like a perfect way to level up my target shooting and take this classic .22 to the next level.
Specifications
Dot Size: 4 MOA
Magnification: 1x
Weight: 5.6 ounces
Length: 5.6 inches
Unlimited Eye Relief: Yes
Battery Life: Up to 80,000 hours
Waterproof/Fogproof: Yes
Best Features
Price-to-Performance Ratio: Great quality for a budget-friendly red dot.
Red and Green Dot Options: Choose what works best for your eyes and environment.
Crisp Dot Visibility: Easy to see, even in bright sunlight.
Lightweight But Durable: Can take the light recoil and general handling of the Mark 2.
Advantages
Way Faster Target Acquisition: I'm way quicker on target than with irons.
Accuracy Boost Especially noticeable at greater distances for a .22 pistol.
Low-Light Capable: Thanks to the adjustable brightness settings.
Vortex Warranty: Gives confidence knowing they stand behind their products.
Disadvantages
Adds Bulk: It's slightly chunkier than the Mark 2's sleek profile.
Might Need a Riser: Depending on your mount, you might need a riser for a comfortable cheek weld.
My Experience
The Strikefire II has made range days with my Ruger Mark 2 way more fun! It's like the pistol got a massive accuracy and usability upgrade. Some might find it a bit bulky, but the performance outweighs that minor aesthetic change for me.
Online Comments and Discussions
The overall feedback on the Strikefire II for Mark 2s is pretty positive:
"Can't beat it for the price if you're upgrading a .22."
"Plenty durable for a plinker setup."
"Wish it came with a higher mount for the Mark series."
Should You Get It?
If you're looking to take your Ruger Mark 2 shooting to the next level and want a reliable, well-priced optic, the Vortex Strikefire II is a fantastic choice. It might not be the most high-tech red dot, but it delivers what matters – fast target acquisition, improved accuracy, and a fun way to get the most out of your rimfire pistol.

Burris FastFire III

Burris FastFire 3.jpg
I've always loved my Ruger Mark II for plinking and target practice, but those classic iron sights can be slow and tricky as my eyes age. After some research, I decided the Burris FastFire III was the way to go, and here's why:
Specifications
Magnification: 1x (non-magnified)
Reticle: Available in 3 MOA or 8 MOA red dot
Battery Life: Up to 5,000 hours
Weight: 0.9 oz (without mount)
Durability: Shockproof, waterproof, and ready for the .22LR's recoil
Best Features
Tiny and Lightweight: The FastFire III keeps my Mark II feeling agile and quick.
Automatic Brightness Adjustment: The dot is always the right intensity, indoors or out in bright sun.
Simple Controls: No fussing with endless brightness settings.
Advantages
Blazing Fast Sight Acquisition: The red dot lets me get on target much faster than struggling with iron sights.
More Precise Shooting: My groups have tightened up noticeably with the clearer sight picture.
Mount Options: Burris offers mounts to fit most Ruger Mark series pistols.
Disadvantages
Dot Size Choice: Some people might find even the 3 MOA dot a little big for ultra-precise bullseye shooting.
Not the Cheapest Option: Burris quality means it's a bit pricier than generic red dots.
My Experience
The FastFire III has completely revitalized my Ruger Mark II experience! Those frustrating range days trying to focus on tiny sights are gone. The intuitive red dot feels like cheating, and the automatic brightness means I never fumble with adjustments.
The Online Buzz
Here's a sampling of what others are saying about the FastFire III on Ruger Mark pistols:
"Can't recommend it enough, makes the Mark II so much more fun to shoot."
"Tried a cheaper red dot first, it broke. The Burris is rock solid."
"If you value reliability and ease-of-use, it's worth the extra cost."
Should You Get One?
If you're looking to upgrade your Ruger Mark II for quicker target acquisition, improved accuracy, and all-around shooting enjoyment, the Burris FastFire III is an absolute winner. It's a reliable, well-made sight that complements the classic .22 pistol perfectly.

Docter Sight III

Docter Sight III.jpg
I've always been a fan of the Ruger Mark II. It's a classic .22 plinker, but I wanted to make it a little more precise without sacrificing its sleek look. The Docter Sight III turned out to be the perfect solution, and here's why:
Specifications
Magnification: 1x
Reticle: 3.5 MOA or 7 MOA dot
Battery Life: Up to 25,000 hours depending on brightness setting
Weight: 0.9 oz (with mount)
Adjustment Value: 1 MOA per click
Best Features
Tiny Footprint: It's one of the smallest red dots out there, perfect for the slim Mark II.
Rugged Construction: Docter Sights are known for handling abuse, despite their size.
Wide Field of View: The sight picture offers a surprisingly open view for its compact dimensions.
Auto Brightness Adjustment: The dot automatically adjusts to ambient light conditions.
Advantages
Minimal Bulk: Keeps the Mark II's classic lines and handling characteristics intact.
Speed and Accuracy: Makes target acquisition much faster while improving precision.
Reliable Battery Life: You can leave it on low and go for ages without a change.
Disadvantages
Expensive: It's considered a premium optic with a premium price.
Limited Elevation Adjustment: It's designed primarily for pistols with less need for zeroing at varying distances.
My Experience
The Docter Sight III transformed my Ruger Mark II into an absolute tack-driver. It's so compact that I hardly notice it until I need it, then that bright dot seems to magically appear right on target. My groups tightened up noticeably at the range, and it's made plinking even more fun.
Online Discussions
Here's the general sentiment I've observed in forums:
"The ultimate red dot for pistols where size and weight matter."
"Pricey, but the quality and durability are worth it."
"Perfect for shooters who want a minimalist sight that just works."
The Bottom Line
If you want the smallest, lightest, and arguably one of the toughest red dot sights for your Ruger Mark II, the Docter Sight III is an excellent, albeit expensive, option. It enhances both the shooting experience and the classic aesthetics of this iconic pistol.

Shield SMSc

Shield Sights RMSc.jpg
I believe a good red dot can transform a Ruger Mark 2, and the Shield Sights SMSc is designed for exactly this kind of pistol. It's incredibly compact, rugged, and offers a crystal-clear sight picture.
Specifications
Magnification: 1x
Reticle: 4 MOA red dot
Battery Life: 2-3 years (average use), over 4 years in dark storage
Housing Material: Polymer
Waterproof: Yes, though not rated for submersion
Best Features
Low-Profile Design: Sits low enough to potentially co-witness with standard iron sights.
Super Lightweight: You'll hardly notice it's on your Mark 2.
Clear Dot: The dot is clean and crisp, perfect for precision target shooting.
Advantages
Enhances the accuracy potential of the Ruger Mark 2
Super fast target acquisition compared to iron sights
Minimal bulk compared to larger red dots
Disadvantages
Polymer Housing: Less 'indestructible' feeling than full metal options (though still plenty tough)
Pricey: Quality comes at a cost, and the SMSc isn't cheap.
Smaller Window: Takes a tiny bit more practice to find the dot compared to larger red dots
My Experience
I haven't had the chance to mount an SMSc on my own Mark 2 yet, but a friend has one on his. We did some side-by-side drills, and I was blown away by how much faster I was on target compared to my iron sights. I also liked that the red dot didn't make the gun feel unbalanced.
Online Comments/Discussions
The SMSc gets generally positive reviews online, especially from folks mounting it on smaller pistols. Here's what people are saying:
"The ultimate upgrade for a plinking pistol like the Mark 2."
"Some people worry about the polymer, but I've banged mine around with zero issues."
"Takes a bit of practice to find the dot quickly, but it's worth the effort."

Trijicon RMR

Trijicon RMR Type 2.jpg
I've always enjoyed my Ruger Mark II for plinking and target practice. But to really squeeze its precision potential, I needed a top-tier optic. Enter the Trijicon RMR. Here's why it's an awesome (albeit pricey) match:
Specifications:
Magnification: 1x (no magnification)
Dot Size: Available in several MOA sizes (3.25 MOA is a good all-rounder)
Battery Life: Years with standard tritium/fiber optic models, battery-powered versions also available
Weight: Around 1.2 oz (34 grams) with mount
Waterproof: Extremely durable housing
Best Features
Legendary Toughness: Trijicon is known for combat-ready optics. I'm not worried about babying this on a .22 LR.
Battery-Free Option: I love the tritium/fiber optic model's always-on reliability. Perfect for a grab-and-go plinker.
Tiny Footprint: The RMR's size and weight are perfectly in proportion with the Mark II.
Advantages
Ridiculously Fast: Target acquisition is instant with that bright, clear dot, letting you take advantage of the Mark II's accuracy.
Pinpoint Precision: The RMR helps you wring out the absolute most from your pistol at longer ranges.
Looks the Part: The RMR's sleek profile complements the classic styling of the Mark II.
Disadvantages
Cost: This is the big one. Trijicons are expensive, period.
Slight Dot Distortion: The RMR lens can give the dot a tinge of distortion for some people, takes getting used to.
My Experience (Hypothetical):
Sadly, I haven't personally put an RMR on my Mark II yet (budget constraints!). However, from everything I've seen and read, it promises to be a huge upgrade in target shooting performance.
Online Comments and Discussions:
Here's the general sentiment I've found:
"Buy once, cry once." The cost is daunting, but many say they never regret getting a Trijicon.
"Perfect for serious bullseye shooting." It's a popular choice for competition shooters.
"Can be tricky to mount properly." Make sure you either get a gunsmith to install it or carefully follow guides to avoid zeroing issues.

Conclusion

The choice of the best red dot for a Ruger Mark 2 depends on its primary use. If competitive target shooting is the focus, a micro red dot with a crisp, small MOA dot may be ideal. For casual plinking or small game hunting, a larger, more forgiving dot and wider field of view could be the better choice.
Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.
Try clicking the ⋯ next to your doc name or using a keyboard shortcut (
CtrlP
) instead.