What to look for
For airgunners, the main factor to consider is whether a red scope will be suitable for the type of shooting they plan to do.
The lack of magnification means they are unlikely to be suitable for precise target or range shooting at anything other than short range for example. In addition, given the low power of air rifles, hunters will typically use a telescopic sight to ensure more precise shot placement on their quarry.
Although some airgunners like the additional challenge of target shooting with a red dot scope, most tend to use them for informal target shooting and back garden plinking, especially as they encourage shooting at speed. The fact that the red dot will stay aligned on the target regardless of eye position also means the scopes are popular with air pistol shooters.
Intensity
Some models offer the ability to adjust the intensity or brightness of the dot. Whilst this is useful, it is not vital given that most airgunners will be shooting over short distances.Red dot size
Some models offer the ability to adjust the size of the red dot which helps those with eyesight problems. Increasing the size of the red dot will, of course, make it easier to see but will also obscure more the target. Whilst that is less likely to be an issue for informal target shooting and back garden plinking, it makes precise shot placement more difficult.Main red dot scope brands
Most shooting optics companies offer red dot sights. Hawke, Sightmark and Walther all offer excellent affordable products. More expensive are sights from Aimpoint and Eotech with Sig Sauer and Vortex filling the middle ground.Aimpoint
Swedish company, Aimpoint lays claim to having invented the red dot sight. It has been making them since 1975 and is recognised as one of the category’s premier brands. Its hunting and sport shooting range – there are separate products for military and law enforcement – comprises four main products – the 9000L, 9000SC and the 9000SC-NV, which is compatible with night vision. All of which are based on a 30mm tube. The fourth product, the Acro C-1 is intended mainly for use on pistols due to its low profile and compact size.Eotech
US company Eotech offers a wide range of red dot, or holographic, sights for law enforcement, military and sporting use. With its origin in the early 1970s, the company marketed its first sight in 1996 and today offers a broad range of dedicated red dot holographic products as well as hybrid sights that make use of a separate snap in/snap out magnifier to aid precision shooting. Magnifier units are also sold separately.Hawke
UK company, Hawke Sport Optics produces a wide range of products aimed primarily at sporting shooters. Its telescopic sights are highly popular with airgunners. As far as red dots sights are concerned, the company has three product lines. The six products in the Vantage range offer 20, 25 and 30mm objective lens options. At less than £100, they represent excellent value for money and build quality. The two Endurance models are slightly more expensive. In addition, Hawke offers five ‘Reflex’ holographic style sights.Sightmark
Sightmark offers one of the largest ranges of red dot and holographic sights with 25 models currently available in a range of objective lens sizes, dot colours and body colours. Its brands comprise Wolverine, Element, Core Shot, Mini Shot and Ultra Shot. Many of them are compatible with a range of Sightmark magnifier units.Walther
Best known for its rifle barrels and branded air rifles, Walther also produces a range of affordable red dot and holographic sights, one of which, the EPS3 model comes with a snap in/snap out magnifier.Richard Saunders Best Picks
Best red dot scopes for hunting
Red dot sights are designed to allow for quick target acquisition. As such, they are not generally thought to be suitable for airgun hunting which requires exact, precise shot placement on stationary targets. Red dot and holographic sights are used by some hunters for rat pest control at short distance, especially in low light conditions too dark for a traditional scope as an alternative to night vision equipment. The Walther EPS3 PS22 red dot sight is excellent for short range airgun use and comes with a 3x flip in/flip out magnifier to help more precise shot placement. The Hawke Reflex and Hawke Endurance ranges also have a lot to offer airgunners. Higher up the fiscal ladder, products from Aimpoint like the 9000L are hard to beat.
Best cheap budget mini red dot scopes
Given that most airgunners will use a red dot sight for plinking and informal target shooting, many are likely to find inexpensive red dot sights more than adequate for their needs. At less than £20, the Pellpax mkII Reflex Red Dot Sight and Crosman Wide Angle Red Dot Sight represent excellent value for money and are more than adequate for airgunners looking for a little variety and more precision for their plinking and target sessions.
Best red dot scopes under £100
Hawke is a name many airgunners will be familiar with. Its Vantage Red Dot range of scopes are excellent quality and represent value for money at less than £100. The line up comprises six products, three each designed to fit picatinny and 9-11mm dovetail rails with objective lens options ranging between 20 and 30mm and variable reticle brightness levels.