When choosing the best red dots for rimfire rifle, several key factors come into play to ensure optimal performance.
Whether you’re using your rimfire for target shooting, plinking, or small-game hunting, a high-quality red dot sight can significantly enhance accuracy, speed, and overall shooting experience.
A well-designed optic should provide a crisp reticle, long battery life, and a durable construction capable of withstanding the elements.
Additionally, factors such as MOA dot size, brightness settings, and mounting compatibility should be carefully considered to match your shooting style and environment.
With the right red dot sight, you can maximize precision and efficiency, making every shot count.
Best Red Dots for Rimfire Rifle
1) Burris FastFire III Red Dot Sight
The Burris FastFire III is a highly versatile reflex red dot sight, making it an excellent choice for rimfire rifles. Whether you’re using it as your primary optic or mounting it on top of a scope for close-range targeting, the FastFire III delivers fast target acquisition and pinpoint accuracy.
Available in 3 MOA or 8 MOA dot sizes, it caters to both precision shooters and those who prioritize quick target engagement. Its lightweight yet rugged construction ensures it won’t weigh down your rifle while still standing up to the rigors of the field making it one of the best red dots for Rimfire Rifle.
One of the standout features of the FastFire III is its automatic brightness sensor, which seamlessly adjusts the dot’s intensity based on ambient light conditions. Additionally, it offers three manual brightness settings for those who prefer more control. This makes it ideal for hunting, plinking, and competitive shooting in varying environments.
Battery changes are effortless with the top-access battery compartment, eliminating the need to remove the sight and re-zero. Powered by a CR1632 battery, it boasts a long battery life of up to 5 years, further extended by an 8-hour automatic shutoff feature. The tool-less windage and elevation adjustments make sighting in a breeze, ensuring precision with minimal hassle.
Designed for reliability and durability, the Burris FastFire III is shockproof and waterproof, making it resistant to recoil and harsh weather conditions. Backed by the Burris Forever Warranty, this red dot is built to last, giving shooters peace of mind in their investment.
Pros
- Versatile mounting options – Works with rifles, shotguns, and handguns.
- Automatic brightness sensor – Adapts to lighting conditions for optimal visibility.
- Top-access battery compartment – Easy battery changes without removing the optic.
- Long battery life – Up to 5 years with auto shutoff feature.
- Lightweight yet durable – Doesn’t affect rifle balance while remaining shockproof and waterproof.
- Easy windage and elevation adjustments – No tools required.
- Burris Forever Warranty – Ensures long-term reliability.
Cons
- No motion activation – Unlike some competitors, it doesn’t have a shake-awake feature.
2) HOLOSUN HE503CU-GR Multi-Reticle Sight
The Holosun HE503CU-GR multi reticle sight is the best red dot for Rimfire Rifles, it is available in red and green reticles, has long battery life (50000hrs), parallax-free, unlimited eye relief sight,12 brightness settings,Aluminum construction, and more incredible features.
Whether you’re using it for target shooting, plinking, or small game hunting, this optic provides fast target acquisition and superior accuracy. Equipped with Holosun’s ultra-efficient 540nm Green Super LED, it delivers a crisp reticle with up to 50,000 hours of battery life.
The 6061 aluminum housing ensures durability, and the package includes both a lower 1/3 co-witness mount (1.63”) and a low mount (0.75”), making it adaptable for different rifle setups.
A standout feature of the HE503CU-GR is its Multi-Reticle System (MRS). You can choose between a 2 MOA dot for precision shooting or a 65 MOA circle with the dot, ideal for quick target acquisition at shorter distances.
The Shake Awake Technology further enhances battery life by automatically deactivating the LED when not in use and instantly reactivating it with even the slightest movement. Users can customize the Shake Awake settings, from 10 minutes to 12 hours, or disable it entirely based on their preferences.
One of the biggest advantages of this sight is the Solar Failsafe feature, which provides a backup power source if the battery runs out. While in Auto Mode, the sight automatically adjusts reticle brightness based on ambient lighting conditions, ensuring optimal visibility in any environment.
With 12 brightness settings (10 for daylight and 2 for night vision), the HE503CU-GR is versatile enough for bright, low-light, and even night vision applications.
With parallax-free performance, unlimited eye relief, and precise 0.5 MOA windage/elevation adjustments, this Holosun sight is designed for accuracy and ease of use.
Whether you need a dependable optic for rimfire competition, hunting, or general shooting, the HE503CU-GR delivers cutting-edge technology and reliable performance in a compact, lightweight package.
Pros
- Multi-Reticle System (MRS) – Choose between a 2 MOA dot or 65 MOA circle with dot for different shooting applications.
- Solar Failsafe – Keeps the sight operational even if the battery dies.
- Shake Awake Technology – Extends battery life and ensures instant readiness.
- Extremely long battery life – Up to 50,000 hours on a CR2032 battery.
- Durable 6061 aluminum housing – Lightweight yet tough for rugged use.
- Parallax-free with unlimited eye relief – Improves target acquisition and shooting speed.
- 12 brightness settings – Includes 10 daylight and 2 night vision modes for any environment.
- Comes with two mounting options – Lower 1/3 co-witness and low mount included.
Cons
- Auto-brightness mode can be inconsistent – May require manual adjustments in certain lighting conditions.
3) Vortex Optics Crossfire Gen II Red Dot Sight
The Vortex Optics Crossfire Gen II 1x22mm 2 MOA Red Dot Sight is an outstanding choice for rimfire rifles, offering a balance of durability, clarity, and affordability.
Whether you’re plinking at the range, hunting small game, or engaging in competition shooting, this optic provides a crisp and reliable aiming point without unnecessary frills. Its 2 MOA red dot ensures rapid target acquisition while maintaining the precision needed for accurate shots at extended distances.
Vortex has equipped the Crossfire Gen II with fully multi-coated lenses, which enhance light transmission and minimize glare for a clear sight picture in various lighting conditions.
This makes it particularly useful for dawn, dusk, or cloudy-day shooting. With 11 brightness settings—including two night-vision-compatible levels,the Crossfire adapts well to any environment, ensuring visibility of the reticle against bright or dark backgrounds.
Additionally, the parallax-free design ensures that minor head movements won’t affect your aim, keeping your shots consistent.
Designed for durability, the Crossfire Gen II features a hard-coat anodized aluminum housing, making it both lightweight and exceptionally tough. It’s shockproof, and capable of withstanding the recoil of rimfire and centerfire rifles alike.
The optic is also nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, ensuring it remains waterproof and fogproof, even in the harshest weather conditions. Whether you’re shooting in rain, snow, or humid environments, this red dot sight is built to perform reliably.
The multi-height mount system makes the Crossfire Gen II adaptable to different rifle setups. It includes both a low mount for traditional hunting rifles and a lower 1/3 co-witness mount, ideal for AR-style platforms. This flexibility allows rimfire shooters to set up their optic for optimal eye alignment and comfort.
One of the most appealing features of this red dot sight is its impressive 50,000-hour battery life on a single CR2032 battery. This means you can count on it for thousands of rounds before needing a battery replacement.
Additionally, the 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments provide fine-tuned accuracy, with audible clicks that make zeroing easy and precise.
Pros
- Crisp 2 MOA Red Dot – Fast target acquisition with pinpoint accuracy
- Fully Multi-Coated Lenses – Enhanced light transmission for clear sight picture
- 11 Brightness Settings – Includes two night-vision-compatible levels
- Shockproof, Waterproof, and Fogproof – Durable construction for all-weather use
- Long Battery Life – Up to 50,000 hours on a single CR2032 battery
- Parallax-Free Design – Ensures accuracy with minimal eye strain
- Multiple Mounting Options – Comes with both a low mount and a lower 1/3 co-witness mount
- Vortex VIP Warranty – Lifetime coverage for repairs or replacements
Cons
- No Auto-On Feature – Requires manual activation unlike some competitors
4) Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight is one of the best red dots for Rimfire Rifle , it is a compact, lightweight, and reliable optic.Featuring a crisp 3 MOA red dot reticle and 11 brightness settings, the TRS-25 ensures visibility in a variety of lighting conditions, from bright daylight to dim environments.
Whether you’re plinking at the range, hunting small game, or honing your marksmanship skills, this red dot sight provides fast target acquisition and excellent clarity.
One of the standout features of the Bushnell TRS-25 is its Amber-Bright high-contrast lens coating, which enhances color differentiation, making it easier to distinguish targets from their background.
The multi-coated optics further improve light transmission, providing a sharp and clear sight picture. Built for rugged outdoor use, the TRS-25 is 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof, making it a durable and dependable option for any shooting environment.
The TRS-25 also boasts target turrets for precise windage and elevation adjustments, allowing shooters to fine-tune their point of impact with confidence. Its unlimited eye relief ensures quick sight alignment, making it well-suited for both rifles and handguns. With a Picatinny rail mount, the sight can be easily attached to most firearms, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of platforms.
Powered by a CR2032 battery, the Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 offers long-lasting performance. Its compact 2.4-inch length and lightweight 3.7-ounce build make it an excellent option for shooters looking to add minimal bulk to their rimfire rifle.
Pros
- Fast Target Acquisition – Crisp 3 MOA red dot and unlimited eye relief allow for quick and accurate shooting.
- Amber-Bright Lens Coating – Enhances color contrast for better target identification.
- Multi-Coated Optics – Improves light transmission for a clear sight picture.
- Durable Construction – 100% waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof design ensures reliability in harsh conditions.
- 11 Brightness Settings – Adjustable illumination for optimal visibility in various lighting conditions.
- Compact and Lightweight – Adds minimal weight to your firearm.
- Easy Mounting – Picatinny rail compatibility makes installation simple.
- Long Battery Life – Powered by a CR2032 battery for extended use.
Cons
- No Night Vision Compatibility – Lacks night vision settings for low-light tactical use.
5) Trijicon RMR Type 2 Red Dot Sight
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 Red Dot Sight is built with Trijicon’s patented housing shape, this sight is engineered to absorb impacts and redirect stress away from the lens, significantly enhancing its durability.
Whether used for hunting, target shooting, or tactical applications, the RMR Type 2 delivers exceptional performance across various conditions.
One of the standout features of the RMR Type 2 is its adjustable LED illumination, allowing users to fine-tune brightness settings for optimal visibility in different lighting environments.
The optic includes a 3.25 MOA red dot, which strikes the perfect balance between rapid target acquisition and precision for longer-range shooting. The true-color, multi-coated lens ensures minimal distortion and a clear sight picture, making it easier to track and engage targets accurately.
Designed for rugged use, the Trijicon RMR Type 2 is waterproof up to 20 meters (66 feet) and built to withstand extreme environments. Its battery conservation mode automatically adjusts the dot’s brightness based on ambient lighting after 16.5 hours, ensuring extended battery life.
Tool-free windage and elevation adjustments (1 MOA per click) allow for quick and precise zeroing without extra tools.
The RMR Type 2’s multi-platform compatibility makes it an excellent option for rimfire rifles, handguns, shotguns, and carbines. Whether mounted as a primary optic or as a backup to a magnified scope, the RMR Type 2 excels in performance, providing unmatched reliability for any shooting scenario.
Pros
- Rugged Construction – Patented housing design enhances durability and impact resistance.
- 3.25 MOA Red Dot – Ideal balance between precision and fast target acquisition.
- Adjustable LED Brightness – Allows manual or automatic brightness control.
- Waterproof & Shockproof – Built to handle extreme conditions (rated for up to 20 meters).
- Battery Conservation Mode – Extends battery life by adjusting brightness automatically.
- True-Color Multi-Coated Lens – Provides a clear, distortion-free sight picture.
- Easy Windage & Elevation Adjustments – 1 MOA per click, no special tools required.
- Multi-Platform Compatibility – Suitable for rimfire rifles, handguns, carbines, and shotguns.
Cons
- Battery Replacement Requires Removal – This can be inconvenient for extended use.
6) Aimpoint PRO Red Dot Reflex Sight
The Aimpoint PRO (Patrol Rifle Optic) Red Dot Reflex Sight as one of the best red dots for Rimfire Rifle is built with hard-anodized aluminum alloy housing to withstand harsh real-world conditions while delivering unmatched durability.
One of the standout features of the Aimpoint PRO is its always-on functionality. Once activated, the sight remains powered for up to 30,000 hours (over three years) on a single DL1/3N battery, meaning there’s no need to fumble with switches before use. Additionally, the sight includes the in-service date and battery change reminders, making inventory tracking and maintenance effortless.
Designed for enhanced speed on target and increased first-shot hit probability, the Aimpoint PRO significantly outperforms iron sights and even magnified scopes in close to mid-range engagements.
Its multi-coated lens provides 60% light transmission, ensuring a clear sight picture in various lighting conditions. With 10 brightness settings, including compatibility with all generations of night vision devices, this sight is adaptable to any shooting scenario. It also works seamlessly with the Aimpoint 3X Magnifier and Concealed Engagement Unit, offering even greater versatility.
Built for extreme conditions, the Aimpoint PRO is waterproof up to 150 feet and features a recessed lens opening to prevent impact damage, fingerprints, and scratches.
The sight’s threaded front lens opening allows the use of a screw-in anti-reflection device (ARD) for enhanced stealth. Flip-up front and rear covers keep the lenses clean, while the transparent rear cover allows for emergency sight usage with both eyes open, even when closed.
Pros
- Always Ready – Stays on continuously for up to 3 years on a single battery.
- 2 MOA Red Dot – Offers precise target acquisition at all distances.
- Durable & Rugged – Hard-anodized aluminum housing withstands extreme conditions.
- Night Vision Compatible – Works with all generations of night vision devices.
- 10 Brightness Settings – Provides optimal visibility in various lighting conditions.
- Waterproof to 150 Feet – Reliable in the harshest environments.
- Anti-Reflection Device (ARD) Compatibility – Reduces glare for stealthier operation.
- Flip-Up Lens Covers – Keeps lenses protected, with a transparent rear cover for emergency use.
- QRP2 Rail Grabber Mount – Secure attachment without rail deformation.
- Versatile Mounting Options – Compatible with ARs, shotguns, AK-47s, and more.
Cons
- Slightly Heavy – More robust construction adds some weight compared to smaller red dots.
Next Read: 8 Best Rimfire Scopes
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Red Dots for Rimfire Rifle
Here are the most important considerations:
Reticle Size and Type
The reticle size, often measured in MOA (Minutes of Angle), is a critical factor when selecting a red dot sight for a rimfire rifle. A smaller dot, such as 2-3 MOA, allows for precise shooting at longer distances, making it ideal for target shooting and varmint hunting.
Larger dots, around 6 MOA or more, are better suited for close-range applications where quick target acquisition is needed. Some red dots also feature multiple reticle options, allowing users to switch between different styles depending on their shooting needs.
Optical Clarity and Lens Coatings
High-quality optics ensure a clear and crisp sight picture, which is essential for accurate shooting. Look for multi-coated lenses that enhance light transmission and reduce glare, providing better visibility in various lighting conditions.
Some coatings also help distinguish targets from their surroundings by enhancing color contrast, which can be beneficial when hunting in wooded or brushy areas.
Battery Life and Power Efficiency
Battery life is a crucial consideration, as a dead sight in the field can leave you at a disadvantage. Modern red dots often feature extended battery life, lasting thousands of hours on a single battery.
Some models also include motion-activated technology or automatic shut-off features to conserve power when not in use. Choosing a red dot with a common battery type, such as CR2032, ensures easy replacement when needed.
Durability and Build Quality
A rugged construction ensures the red dot can withstand harsh conditions, recoil, and accidental drops. Look for sights with high-grade aluminum or reinforced polymer housings, as they provide a balance between durability and lightweight design.
Waterproof, fog-proof, and shock-resistant features add to the sight’s reliability, making it suitable for various weather conditions and extended use in the field.
Mounting Compatibility and Height
The mount type determines how well a red dot sight fits on a rimfire rifle. Most red dots are designed to attach to Picatinny or Weaver rails, but some require additional adapters for proper mounting.
Consider the height of the mount as well—low-profile mounts work well for rimfire rifles with standard stocks, while risers may be needed for co-witnessing with iron sights or using the optic on rifles with high cheek welds.
Brightness Settings and Night Vision Compatibility
Adjustable brightness settings allow shooters to fine-tune the dot’s visibility based on ambient lighting conditions. A sight with multiple brightness levels ensures optimal performance in bright daylight, low light, and even night conditions.
If using night vision, ensure the sight is compatible with night vision devices to prevent excessive dot brightness that could obscure the target.
Eye Relief and Field of View
Unlimited eye relief is a standard feature of red dots, allowing for rapid target acquisition and comfortable shooting positions. A wide field of view ensures that shooters can maintain situational awareness, especially in dynamic shooting environments. A well-designed sight should provide a clear sight picture without tunnel vision or obstructions around the lens.
Windage and Elevation Adjustments
Easy and precise adjustments for windage and elevation allow shooters to fine-tune their point of impact. Look for red dots with tactile, audible clicks for adjustments, usually in 0.5 or 1 MOA increments. Some models offer tool-free adjustments, making them more convenient for quick zeroing in the field. A locking mechanism can prevent accidental changes to zero settings.
Weight and Size
A lightweight and compact red dot sight is ideal for rimfire rifles, as it prevents unnecessary bulk while maintaining balance. Heavy optics can affect the rifle’s handling, especially for small-caliber firearms used for plinking, hunting, or target shooting. A compact design ensures the sight doesn’t interfere with other accessories, such as magnifiers or backup iron sights.
Price and Warranty
Budget considerations play a significant role in selecting a red dot sight. While higher-end models offer advanced features and extreme durability, there are budget-friendly options that still provide reliable performance.
Additionally, a strong manufacturer warranty indicates confidence in the product’s longevity and ensures protection against defects. Investing in a sight with a solid warranty can provide peace of mind and long-term value.
Best Red Dots for Rimfire Rifle FAQs
What MOA Dot Size is Best for a Rimfire Rifle?
The ideal MOA dot size depends on your intended use. A 2-3 MOA dot is great for precision shooting, as it allows for more accurate shot placement at longer distances. If you’re using the red dot for plinking or fast target acquisition, a larger 6 MOA dot can be beneficial since it is easier to see and track quickly. For general-purpose rimfire shooting, a 3-4 MOA dot offers a good balance between precision and visibility.
Do I Need a Magnifier with My Rimfire Red Dot?
A magnifier is not necessary but can be useful if you plan to engage targets at longer distances. Most rimfire rifles are used at short to medium ranges (25-100 yards), where a standard 1x red dot is sufficient. However, if you’re shooting beyond 100 yards or want more versatility, adding a 3x magnifier can improve target clarity without switching to a dedicated scope.
Are Budget Red Dots Reliable for Rimfire Rifles?
Yes, many budget-friendly red dots perform well on rimfire rifles since they generate little to no recoil, reducing stress on the optic. However, durability, battery life, and lens clarity can vary between brands. It’s important to choose a red dot with good build quality, clear optics, and reliable zero retention. Waterproofing and long battery life are also beneficial features to look for, even in budget models.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best red dots for rimfire rifle ultimately depends on your needs and preferences.
Whether you prioritize a lightweight design for quick target acquisition, durable housing for rugged use, or advanced brightness controls for varying light conditions, there is a red dot that fits your requirements.
Investing in a high-quality optic will not only improve your accuracy but also elevate your overall shooting experience.