Red dot sight on springer or gas piston

[Buck13]

Will firearm red-dot sights work OK on springer or gas piston air rifles, or are they like scopes and need to be specifically designed for the "reverse" recoil of a springer? I have a .177 springer, thinking of getting a .25 gas piston.

I'm assuming red-dots can handle shocks in both directions since people mount them on the slides of semi-autos that bang back and forth, but just checking.

I currently have a Holosun on my Ruger MkII. I might try to get something cheaper for an air rifle...

 

[hanno]

Hawke makes red dot sights for both Weaver mounting and 9-11mm rails. Take a look at the Hawke Vantage series. I doubt they would make their red dots with 9-11mm mounts if they were inappropriate for airguns.

PyramidAir carries a number of red dots including the Hawke.

Today I mounted a Vortex Crossfire on my Daisy Model 753W (springer). Seems to be working fine so far.

 

[HankC]

I moved a cheap red dot from my AR to my springer and it only last 20 shots.

 

[cslinger]

I put a UTG ITA CQB 1x39 red dot (actually dot crosshair) on a Crosman MTR77np actually the DPMS marked one but same same. just to experiment with this very question. So far no problems at all beyond it plays a little hell with my astigmatism. I notice it less with firearms and Aimpoints because of how I shoot those types of guns. With the air rifle I focus more on precision so that dot can go wonky on me (my eyes not the tool) and make precision a bit difficult / tiring but I have had no mechanical problems at all and I quite like the sight.

 

[PCFlorida]

I put a UTG ITA CQB 1x39 red dot (actually dot crosshair) on a Crosman MTR77np actually the DPMS marked one but same same. just to experiment with this very question. So far no problems at all beyond it plays a little hell with my astigmatism. I notice it less with firearms and Aimpoints because of how I shoot those types of guns. With the air rifle I focus more on precision so that dot can go wonky on me (my eyes not the tool) and make precision a bit difficult / tiring but I have had no mechanical problems at all and I quite like the sight.

I put a Sig Romeo 5 on my Gamo Raptor and it works great.

 

[chicharrones]

I've used cheap BSA and Simmons red dots on my springer and gas piston air rifles for a while now. So far, so good.

 

[hanno]

FWIW, I contacted Vortex and the response was that all their optics are rated for air rifles. I have been very satisfied with my Vortex red dots.

 

[22250Rem]

I've used cheap BSA and Simmons red dots on my springer and gas piston air rifles for a while now. So far, so good.

........... Thanks for that info, as I was considering using a cheap Tasco red dot on my Benjamin Trail ( Crosman) .22 with the Nitro Piston 2 gas piston system. Never had a red dot on an air rifle. ( yet). Maybe this year, as the red dot isn't currently being used .

 

[airfoil]

I bought a UTG Microdot for a Beeman P17 recently...about 500 rounds in and no problems. 100$ for the sight, 10$ for a 11mm. to Picatinny rail adapter, 40$ for the pistol...about the cost of a few boxes of 9mm. ammo at todays prices. I'm shootin' pellets in 'these times'.

 

[hanno]

I decided to try the Hawkes so bought a Hawke Vantage Red Dot. It mounts directly on the air rifle (no weaver to 11mm rail adapter needed). Had a $20 off Pyramid Air coupon for doing a survey, so got it for $60. Sighted it in yesterday and recommend it. I'm a big fan of Vortex, but the Hawke is also good value for the money.

 

[airfoil]

I decided to try the Hawkes so bought a Hawke Vantage Red Dot. It mounts directly on the air rifle (no weaver to 11mm rail adapter needed). Had a $20 off Pyramid Air coupon for doing a survey, so got it for $60. Sighted it in yesterday and recommend it. I'm a big fan of Vortex, but the Hawke is also good value for the money.

Betcha you'll like that...I've got a half dozen of those 'tube' red dots on centerfire, and a couple are even cheaper than that...no problems.
In fact, I've not had one break yet (knock on wood). Seems the lack of 'mechanical' things in 'em make for durability.

 

[hanno]

Betcha you'll like that...I've got a half dozen of those 'tube' red dots on centerfire, and a couple are even cheaper than that...no problems.
In fact, I've not had one break yet (knock on wood). Seems the lack of 'mechanical' things in 'em make for durability.

Yeah, I had a Vortex Crossfire on my air rifle. I bought the Hawke so I could put the Crossfire back on a .22. The Hawke seems to work fine, especially for the price. Anyway, the Hawke has a 2 year warranty and is less than 1/2 the price of another Crossfire, so not much of a gamble.