[Newt]

I am about to order a red dot for my new 597 which I do not have yet. I was going to order today, but I can wait until tomorrow depending on what information is given here. The uses will be about the same as any other: plinking and small critters (squirrels). Some magnification would be good, maybe a 4X if the cost isn't too much. Do you reccomend a 30mm or 42mm? Brand? I've seen the Tasco, BSA, and Simmons, and they're the basic type I'm looking at. Any input?

[B27]

Dot sights typically have no magnification but there are exceptions to this.
But they tend to be expensive.
For only a few dollars more than the brands you mentioned you can get an Ultra Dot from www.larrysguns.com which is a true quality sight.
It will come with everything you need except a Weaver base for your rifle.

[Black Snowman]

Typical red dot sights will have no magnification. If you need magnification you're looking at an illuminated scope which will be a lot more money. For a rifle I recommend a small "target" dot. For a 22 like the 597 a BSA should be a good value but has parallax issues you won't find in the nicer Tascos and things like the Bushnell Holosight.

If you want magnification an unilluminated scope will be your best value.

[Newt]

Thanks for the input guys. I forgot to mention before, I've never owned a red dot, so I'm trying to pick up as much info. on them as I can before I buy one. Anything else I should know about them?

[B27]

Just that they are habit forming and you may end up like me with them mounted on about ten assorted rifles and handguns. :D

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[DMK]

You can get an Aimpoint ML2 Red Dot with 2X magnification. They are really nice but $$$.

[rock jock]

I have owned the following red-dots: Leupold, Bushnell Holosight, and Ultradot. All are quality scopes. My advice is do not go for the really cheap scopes. The dots are often fuzzy and have limited adjustments. The Ultradot is an excellent choice BTW.

[Noban]

If you just want to test the waters, try the cheapo BSA red dot. I paid no more than $40 three years ago for mine and have used it regularly on an AR. At 100 yards the red dot covers the black target area completely, but I'm able to put every shot in the black (from the bench, of course!).

[BillL223]

If I remember correctly the BSA has a 5 moa dot. This translates into covering 5" @ 100 yds. Leupold makes a dot which is 1 moa. this will be better for precision shooting. Millet has an inexpensive model which has a 3 moa dot. My wife has one on a Buckmark and it makes a nice target scope. MOA is shorthand for minute of angle. 1 moa about 1" @ 100 yds