Red Dot Range Toy Recommendations For 10/22 and Mav 88

[twofewscrews]

I'm looking to get a red dot to use on both my 10/22 and my Maverick 88. My budget is 100$ and the cheaper the better. This is going to be a range toy/plinkin device as opposed to something my life might one day depend on. I don't want to break the bank but I also don't want to have to buy a new one every three months. I take the 10/22 out twice a month (four times when weather/work permits) and run 200 (+/- 50) rounds or so each time. The Mav 88 goes out once a month at most and sees between 30 and 50 slugs. I shoot the 10/22 at 15 yards and 50 yards. Mav 88 see 15 yards and 50 yards.

What do you guys recommend?
Would I be better off buying a dedicated red dot for each firearm?

I am considering
CVLIFE 1X22X33 Red Green Dot Gun Sight Scope Reflex Sight with 20mm Rail (29.99)
DD DAGGER DEFENSE DDHB Red Dot Reflex Sight (49.99)
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 (64.99)
Sig Romeo MSR Red Dot Sight (87.49)
Sig Sauer Romeo5 (90-120.00)

 

[gotboostvr]

I ran a TRS25 on my mossberg 500 and a Ruger 10/22 among many other rifles, carbines and pistols.

They're not fancy, but they're dependable.

 

[OrangeCat]

Try the turrets on the sig msr before you commit to it I have on and consider it borderline unusable due to how tight and hard to turn it is.

I also have a Bushnell sitting on a Rossi break action .22 and it looks as dumb as it sounds but it works

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Pretty tough to beat the TRS25 for the money.

 

[12Bravo20]

I have a Bushnell TRS-25, Sig Romeo MSR, Primary Arms Classic, and Swampfox Optics Liberator red dots. The PA and Bushnell red dots were purchased under $100 and do fine for the money. The Sig Romeo MSR is a little bit more money but I can't say it is any better than the PA or Bushnell. And the Swampfox Liberator I is $129 unless you qualify for their MIL/LEO discount (30% off). Again clarity and quality are all really close between the four brands. I prefer the Swampfox Liberator since it has use buttons to turn ON/OFF and adjust brightness versus a dial on all the rest.

Joe Bob Outfitters has the Sig MRS on sale right now for $99 https://www.joeboboutfitters.com/Sig-Sauer-ROMEO-MSR-Compact-Red-Dot-Sight-2-MOA-p/sig-sor72001.htm

Swampfox has the Liberator 1 for $129 ($90.30 with MIL/LEO discount) https://www.swampfoxoptics.com/liberator

One main thing to take into account is each company's guarantee/warranty and customer service. All will be good to go with Sig, Swampfox, and Primary Arms. I have never contacted Bushnell so can't comment. Those cheap optics from eBay and Amazon won't have the warranty or customer service to back them up.

 

[HJ857]

It's worth taking a look at the Truglo red dots. I've been using the 30mm red/green version for well over two years without any issues, but I'm also using them on a .22lr pistol and a .22lr rifle, so they're not getting rocked by recoil. Acquisition speed is fantastic and the dot is very bright. It's not a precision optic by any means - it's a speed optic.

I also have a Truglo TruBrite, multi reticle, red/green dot optic, it's good on a rifle but I don't like it on a pistol.

They both have the "Tru-Care limited lifetime warranty". I've never looked into it because so far I haven't needed to use it.

These replaced TRS-25s. I'm unsure if there has been updates lately, but my TRS red dots were so dim that they were not usable in full sun.

edit - forgot that I also have a SIG Romeo 5 which I think is a very decent sight. The shake awake function is the best.

https://smile.amazon.com/TRUGLO-Red-Dot-Color-Sight-Black/dp/B001EYFK1U/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2VHJ7AFH65QEO&keywords=truglo+red+dot+sight&qid=1644296624&sprefix=truglo,aps,94&sr=8-2&th=1

 

[chicharrones]

As much as I really want to try a different low end red dot, I have three of the Bushnell TRS-25 red dots. First generation, Second generation, and a new one that I'll call Third generation.

The first gen has blue tinted glass to make up for a dim dot. The second gen and third gen have clear glass and brighter dots. I'd say the second gen has the brightest dot of them all, but the third gen has a more perfectly round dot.

The new one also has a new slimmer and less obtrusive LED mount within the sight than the older versions. Which means you have a less obstructed view through the sight.

 

[buba68]

Got three of the Bushnell TRS 25's. Had them for a couple years and once I got them zeroed in they have stayed zeroed and never had any problems with them. Two on Ruger MK pistols and one on a 10-22. They are a little big physically for a handgun but work well on a rifle.

 

[jak67429]

Just picked up a trs25 from midway on sale for $ 69 free shipping. I have one on my 10/22 for steel challenge never had an issue. also one on my ruger 9pcc.

 

[borrowedtime69]

I LOVE my Truglo 2X red dot that I've had for many years. First on a .22lr hunting pistol, & now on my 10/22 that I've used successfully on targets & small game for may years.

That thing has never wandered off target in that whole time. Mine is red only but new ones have red & green I think. Actually not sure if they're still made.

Truglo Red Dot 2x42mm Dual-multi Reticle. I can't figure out how to share the listing but you can look it up.

 

[Pew-Pew]

Just slapped a TRS-25 on a couple shotguns.

 

[twofewscrews]

I've been bouncing around between a TRS-25 and a Romeo5. I've been hearing/reading a bunch of negative reviews of the TRS-25 regarding QC. Most of the complaints are from 5+ years ago however a few are from the last 2 years and range from the front lens is canted so much it extends past the housing to customer service sucks. Some reviews claim the TRS-25 with the gold lettering (1st and 2ed gen) are superior to the ones with the white lettering (3rd gen). I started reading amazon reviews before I remembered that amazon reviews are either done by shills or smooth brains.

That being said given how many of you guys suggest or currently use a TRS-25, I'm going bite the bullet and order a TRS-25.

 

[chicharrones]

I've been bouncing around between a TRS-25 and a Romeo5. I've been hearing/reading a bunch of negative reviews of the TRS-25 regarding QC. Most of the complaints are from 5+ years ago however a few are from the last 2 years and range from the front lens is canted so much it extends past the housing to customer service sucks. Some reviews claim the TRS-25 with the gold lettering (1st and 2ed gen) are superior to the ones with the white lettering (3rd gen). I started reading amazon reviews before I remembered that amazon reviews are either done by shills or smooth brains.

That being said given how many of you guys suggest or currently use a TRS-25, I'm going bite the bullet and order a TRS-25.

Yep, the white lettered 3rd gen does have some apparent cost cutting measures in how the alloy body is machined compared to the old ones. As long as it holds up as well as the others, the lower price will be worth it. Not to mention the less obstructed view due to the much slimmer LED emitter mount.

 

[kje54]

I'm looking to get a red dot to use on both my 10/22 and my Maverick 88. My budget is 100$ and the cheaper the better. This is going to be a range toy/plinkin device as opposed to something my life might one day depend on. I don't want to break the bank but I also don't want to have to buy a new one every three months. I take the 10/22 out twice a month (four times when weather/work permits) and run 200 (+/- 50) rounds or so each time. The Mav 88 goes out once a month at most and sees between 30 and 50 slugs. I shoot the 10/22 at 15 yards and 50 yards. Mav 88 see 15 yards and 50 yards.

What do you guys recommend?
Would I be better off buying a dedicated red dot for each firearm?

I am considering
CVLIFE 1X22X33 Red Green Dot Gun Sight Scope Reflex Sight with 20mm Rail (29.99)
DD DAGGER DEFENSE DDHB Red Dot Reflex Sight (49.99)
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 (64.99)
Sig Romeo MSR Red Dot Sight (87.49)
Sig Sauer Romeo5 (90-120.00)

I have that CVLIFE on one of my shotguns and a TRS-25 on my AR47 pistol. So far the only difference I've found is the Bushnell costs more and has a better warranty.

 

[starling]

I have that CVLIFE on one of my shotguns and a TRS-25 on my AR47 pistol. So far the only difference I've found is the Bushnell costs more and has a better warranty.

I stick to tube red/green dots. These clones are impressive for the money as long as you remember to turn them off. I think mine is Pinty brand (TRS25 style clone). Seems like they are all made in the same factory. I put them on 22s and they have all held up great. Shotguns I usually just throw one of my old ProPoints on them.

 

[kje54]

I stick to tube red/green dots. These clones are impressive for the money as long as you remember to turn them off. I think mine is Pinty brand (TRS25 style clone). Seems like they are all made in the same factory. I put them on 22s and they have all held up great. Shotguns I usually just throw one of my old ProPoints on them.

I have Pinty on a couple, I found the CVLIFE has a better eye relief, at least the ones I have do. The CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e is one of the top rated budget scopes, I have two on different rifles.

 

[BigBlue 94]

Aside from a cheap one on an air rifle many years ago, i recently bought my first red dot; a Sig Romeo7. My budget was around $200. I got it for $160. Comes with semi-permanent and QD bases, lense caps, anti-flash insert, and an energizer AA lithium battery. I chose the Romeo7 primarily for two reasons: the AA battery and the large 30mm tube. I really like it, but havent had a chance to shoot with it yet.

 

[twofewscrews]

I have that CVLIFE on one of my shotguns and a TRS-25 on my AR47 pistol. So far the only difference I've found is the Bushnell costs more and has a better warranty.

How many rounds have you put through your shotgun with the CVLIFE? Birdshot, buckshot, slugs? What distance and does it still hold zero?

 

[twofewscrews]

I have Pinty on a couple, I found the CVLIFE has a better eye relief, at least the ones I have do. The CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e is one of the top rated budget scopes, I have two on different rifles.

I generally prefer scopes without all the bells and whistles that the CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e comes with. My first scope was a Barska 3-9x32 I picked up for 30.00$ for my Savage B-22. While it held me over till I purchased the 10/22 all weather model that came with a Viridian EON 3-9x40 scope, which I promptly put on my B-22, it wasn't the best scope. I still have it as a backup but the reticle loses clarity at the higher magnifications and when shifting between distances (going from a shot at 40 yards to a shot at 50 yards and vice versa). My next scope was Bushnell Banner 4-12x40 with an adjustable objective that I paid around 100.00$ that I put on my B-22 and use for shooting anywhere between 50 and 100 yards with.

The clarity between the Barska and the Viridian/Bushnell is apparent. I don't want to break the bank on a scope that realistically won't be used for shooting over 100 yards, however the lesson I learned was that in regards to scopes a higher price does usually reflect a higher quality or functionality. The TRS 25 is primarily going to be a range toy so as long as it holds zero things like battery life, size of dot (2, 3, 4, or even 5 MOA), and ability to take a beating don't matter, whereas my scopes absolutely need to function on and off the range.

 

[kje54]

How many rounds have you put through your shotgun with the CVLIFE? Birdshot, buckshot, slugs? What distance and does it still hold zero?

Maybe 50 rounds of buckshot and maybe 100 rounds of birdshot. Still holding zero.

 

[kje54]

I generally prefer scopes without all the bells and whistles that the CVLIFE 2.5-10x40e comes with. My first scope was a Barska 3-9x32 I picked up for 30.00$ for my Savage B-22. While it held me over till I purchased the 10/22 all weather model that came with a Viridian EON 3-9x40 scope, which I promptly put on my B-22, it wasn't the best scope. I still have it as a backup but the reticle loses clarity at the higher magnifications and when shifting between distances (going from a shot at 40 yards to a shot at 50 yards and vice versa). My next scope was Bushnell Banner 4-12x40 with an adjustable objective that I paid around 100.00$ that I put on my B-22 and use for shooting 50 and 100 yards with.

The clarity between the Barska and the Viridian/Bushnell is apparent. I don't want to break the bank on a scope that realistically won't be used for shooting over 100 yards, however the lesson I learned was that in regards to scopes a higher price does usually reflect a higher quality or functionality.

Look at Monstrum scopes or stick with Pinty for budget scopes.

 

[twofewscrews]

Aside from a cheap one on an air rifle many years ago, i recently bought my first red dot; a Sig Romeo7. My budget was around $200. I got it for $160. Comes with semi-permanent and QD bases, lense caps, anti-flash insert, and an energizer AA lithium battery. I chose the Romeo7 primarily for two reasons: the AA battery and the large 30mm tube. I really like it, but havent had a chance to shoot with it yet.

If this red dot was going to be anything more then a range toy I probably would have gone with the Romeo 5 or a more expensive, dependable, feature packed red dot, but this is going to be a range toy. I just can't justify spending more then 100 bucks on what amounts to a man toy. The TRS-25, is by all accounts, a simple cheap reliable red dot that will hold zero and withstand a bit a fair bit of punishment and that's all I really need/want/expect from it.

 

[twofewscrews]

Maybe 50 rounds of buckshot and maybe 100 rounds of birdshot. Still holding zero.

I'd be interested to know if or when that changes. From what I've head in regards to cheap/budget scopes and especially red dots/reflex sights, sometimes you get a unicorn and the thing lasts forever but most of the time it craps out within a couple hundred rounds or one good bump.

 

[BigBL87]

If you absolutely have to stay under $100, I would suggest the TRS-25 or Primary Arms Classic Series Microdot.

For the small jump in price though, I would recommend spending a smidge more and getting a Sig Romeo 5 or Primary Arms Advanced Microdot. You'll likely make back the difference in price in battery life.

I'm also intrigued by the Swampfox Liberator/Liberator II, especially since I qualify for their LE discount.

If it were just for a 22, I'd suggest just getting some cheapy since it'll mainly be a range toy. However, the idea of putting it on a shotgun makes me lean heavily towards a better known entity.

 

[12Bravo20]

I'm also intrigued by the Swampfox Liberator/Liberator II, especially since I qualify for their LE discount.

I have been running the Swampfox Liberator I on my Mossberg Shockwave and 4.5" AR22 pistol for a while now. The Liberator has been doing good on both.

I put a Sig Romeo MSR on my Kel-Tec CMR30 and it is going well too. My Bushnell TRS25's and PA Classic microdot's are on AR's along with 1TRS25 on my S&W 22A pistol.