The Ruger Charger is a versatile and compact pistol platform that excels in everything from plinking and small game hunting to practical shooting sports. To maximize its potential, pairing it with the right red dot sight is crucial. A quality optic enhances target acquisition, improves accuracy, and makes shooting more intuitive and enjoyable.
With a dizzying array of options on the market, selecting the perfect sight for your Charger can be a challenge. This roundup is designed to cut through the noise and present the top contenders. We have evaluated sights based on durability, features, reticle clarity, and overall value to help you make an informed decision for your specific needs.
Our Top Picks for Ruger Charger Sights
- Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight
- Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sights
- Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight Gen II
- SIG SAUER Romeo5 Red Dot Sight
- Vortex Venom Enclosed Micro Red Dot Sight
- Swampfox Kingslayer Pistol Dot Sight
- Holosun HS403B 2 MOA Red Dot Sight
- Burris Fastfire 3 Red Dot Sight
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight
The Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 is a legendary budget-friendly optic that has earned its place on countless firearms. Its compact size and light weight make it a natural fit for the Ruger Charger, maintaining the pistol’s excellent balance. The 3 MOA dot reticle provides a clear point of aim that is fast to acquire for close-range shots, while the 11 brightness settings ensure visibility in various lighting conditions.
Built to handle the recoil of a pistol-caliber Charger, this sight features a shockproof construction. It is also O-ring sealed for waterproof integrity, capable of staying dry even when fully immersed. With a generous 70+ MOA adjustment range, zeroing your Charger is a straightforward process. For hunters and plinkers seeking proven reliability without a significant investment, the TRS-25 is a standout choice.
Vortex Optics Strikefire II Red Dot Sight
The Vortex Strikefire II is a robust and versatile red dot sight suitable for a wide range of applications on your Ruger Charger. It offers a large 30mm objective lens, providing a wide field of view for fast tracking of moving targets or rapid transitions between multiple targets. This sight includes both red and green 4 MOA dot reticles, giving you an option for better visibility against different backgrounds.
Durability is a key feature, with a single-piece chassis constructed from aircraft-grade aluminum. It is o-ring sealed for waterproof performance and argon purged to prevent internal fogging. The Strikefire II comes with a cantilever mount for absolute co-witness height on AR-platforms, which can be adapted for the Charger with the appropriate rail. Vortex’s unparalleled VIP warranty guarantees this optic for life.
Vortex Optics Crossfire Red Dot Sight Gen II
The Vortex Crossfire Red Dot Gen II is a no-nonsense sight built for reliability and long-term performance. Its compact and lightweight design pairs perfectly with the Ruger Charger, adding minimal bulk. The 2 MOA red dot is a great balance, being fine enough for precise shots at extended ranges while still remaining quick to pick up for faster presentations.
With an impressive battery life of up to 50,000 hours, you can confidently leave the sight on between outings. It features 11 illumination settings, including 9 for daylight and 2 for use with night vision devices. The included lower 1/3 co-witness mount provides a versatile mounting solution. For shooters who value simplicity and Vortex’s lifetime warranty, the Crossfire II is an excellent and dependable option.
SIG SAUER Romeo5 Red Dot Sight
The SIG SAUER Romeo5 is a top-tier micro red dot that brings premium features to a very competitive price point. Its compact and lightweight aluminum housing is incredibly durable and perfectly sized for the Ruger Charger. The crisp 2 MOA dot is adjustable across 10 illumination settings, providing excellent visibility from bright daylight to low-light conditions.
A standout feature is the MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination) technology. This system conserves battery life by automatically shutting down the sight after a period of inactivity and instantly powering it on with the slightest movement. This means your Romeo5 is always ready when you need it. Including both a low and high mount in the box offers immediate flexibility for your preferred sight picture.
Vortex Venom Enclosed Micro Red Dot Sight
The Vortex Venom is an enclosed-emitter micro red dot, offering enhanced protection for the internal lens from dust, moisture, and debris. This design is ideal for a field gun like the Ruger Charger that might be exposed to the elements. Its low-profile footprint keeps the overall package sleek and minimizes the chance of snagging.
Operation is simple and intuitive, with top-mounted buttons for easy adjustment of the 3 MOA dot’s 12 brightness settings. The sight includes motion activation and a 10-minute auto-shutoff to maximize battery life. The side-loading battery compartment is a significant benefit, as it allows you to change the battery without removing the sight from its mount, preserving your zero.
Swampfox Kingslayer Pistol Dot Sight
The Swampfox Kingslayer stands out by offering multiple reticle choices, including a 3 MOA dot, a red circle-dot, and a green circle-dot. This flexibility allows you to select the reticle that best suits your shooting style, whether you prefer a simple dot or a pattern that aids in rapid acquisition. The green dot option can be easier for some eyes to see in bright light.
Built on an RMR footprint, it offers maximum compatibility and comes with a low picatinny mount ready for your Charger. The side-loading battery tray ensures you never lose your zero during a battery change. With an auto-shutoff feature that activates after 4 hours of inactivity, the Kingslayer balances operational readiness with efficient power management.
Holosun HS403B 2 MOA Red Dot Sight
The Holosun HS403B is a rugged and reliable micro red dot that brings exceptional value to the table. It features a durable aluminum housing that is both shockproof and waterproof, ready to handle the demands of regular use on your Charger. The 2 MOA dot is sharp and clear, suitable for both precise shots and fast-paced action.
This model is known for its incredible battery life, often rated at up to 50,000 hours on a single CR2032 battery. The tool-less dial for windage and elevation adjustments makes zeroing a quick and simple task. As a part of the Holosun lineup, the HS403B delivers performance and features typically found on more expensive optics, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious shooters who refuse to compromise on quality.
Burris Fastfire 3 Red Dot Sight
The Burris Fastfire 3 is a compact and lightweight reflex sight that has been a favorite among pistol shooters for years. Its incredibly small form factor makes it an almost unnoticeable addition to your Ruger Charger in terms of weight and profile. The 3 MOA dot is automatically adjusted for brightness by an ambient light sensor, though manual override is available.
This sight is built to be tough, with a waterproof and fog-proof design. The included Picatinny mount gets you up and running immediately. A key feature is the automatic sleep mode that activates after several hours, which helps to preserve battery life. The Fastfire 3’s combination of minimal size, automatic brightness, and proven reliability makes it a superb choice for a streamlined Charger setup.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Sight for Your Ruger Charger
So, you’ve got a Ruger Charger and you’re ready to make it even better. The factory sights are okay for plinking, but if you’re serious about hitting your mark, you need an optic. I’ve tested a bunch, and the right sight can completely change how you use this pistol. Let’s talk about what really matters when you’re picking one out for your 8 Best Sight for Ruger Charger – 2025 Review | Hunting Mark.
First, think about your main use. Are you mostly target shooting at a fixed distance, or are you taking it out for small game? For fast, close-range action, a red dot sight is my go-to. They’re simple, have no magnification, and let you get on target incredibly quickly. If you’re shooting at smaller targets or need more precision past 50 yards, a low-power variable optic (LPVO) or a prism scope is a fantastic choice. They offer a bit of magnification, usually 1-4x or 1-6x, which makes a huge difference in seeing your target clearly.
Next up is the mounting system. The Ruger Charger comes with a Picatinny rail, so you need a mount that fits that. Most red dots come with a base that attaches directly, but for scopes, you’ll need separate rings. Pay close attention to the ring height. You want the optic to sit low enough for a comfortable cheek weld, but high enough so it clears the rail and any rear sights you might have left on. I prefer a lower mount for better stability.
Durability and glass quality are non-negotiable for me. A .22 LR doesn’t have much recoil, but you still want an optic that’s built to last. Look for ones made from aluminum and that are nitrogen-purged to be waterproof and fog-proof. The clarity of the glass is also key. A sharper, brighter image means less eye strain and a better view of your target, especially in low light.
Finally, consider the reticle and battery life. For red dots, a simple 2 or 3 MOA dot is perfect for this platform. For LPVOs, I like a simple duplex or a BDC reticle calibrated for .22 trajectories. And battery life? It’s a big deal. The last thing you want is a dead dot when a squirrel presents itself. Look for models that offer tens of thousands of hours of runtime. Getting these factors right will help you find the perfect partner for your Charger.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of sight for hunting with a Ruger Charger?
For hunting, my personal preference leans towards a low-power variable optic (LPVO) in a 1-4x or 1-6x configuration. This gives you the flexibility of a 1x setting for quick, close-range shots, similar to a red dot, and the ability to zoom in for more precise shots at 50-75 yards. A prism scope with a fixed 3x or 5x magnification is also a solid, often more affordable, choice if you know your typical shooting distances.
Can I use a magnified scope on a pistol like the Ruger Charger?
Absolutely. While it might look a little different, using a magnified scope on a Charger is very common and highly effective. The Charger is more of a compact rifle than a traditional handgun, and its design supports scopes well. Just make sure you get the right height rings to mount it comfortably. The added magnification really helps you take full advantage of the pistol’s inherent accuracy.
Do I need a specific mount for a red dot sight?
Most modern red dot sights come ready to mount on a Picatinny rail, which is what your Ruger Charger has. They typically include a base in the box. You just need to attach it, tighten the screws (using a torque wrench is a good idea), and you’re pretty much set. The main thing to check is the footprint, like a Picatinny or a specific micro-dot pattern, to ensure compatibility.
How important is weight when choosing an optic for the Charger?
It’s more important than you might think. The Ruger Charger is a light and handy firearm, and slapping a huge, heavy scope on it can ruin its balance and make it awkward to hold steady off-hand. I try to find a good balance between performance and weight. A compact, lightweight red dot or a short LPVO keeps the pistol agile and fun to shoot.
Is an expensive sight worth it for a .22 LR pistol?
You don’t need to spend a fortune, but you also get what you pay for. A very cheap sight might not hold zero reliably, have poor glass clarity, or fail in wet conditions. Investing in a quality optic from a reputable brand ensures reliability, better light transmission, and a clearer sight picture. It makes the shooting experience more enjoyable and can improve your accuracy for your 8 Best Sight for Ruger Charger – 2025 Review | Hunting Mark.
What does “parallax” mean and why does it matter?
Parallax is an optical effect where the reticle appears to move over the target if your eye isn’t perfectly centered behind the optic. On high-power riflescopes, it’s a big deal. For the typical red dot or low-power scope on a Charger used at rimfire ranges, it’s less of a critical issue. However, if you’re using higher magnification for precision shooting, a scope with an adjustable parallax can help improve your accuracy.