Red dot scopes

[Vincent10]

I am setting up a HW97 and HW98 for ground squirrels. Both are .177 and expected range is about 25 to 70 yards in mostly flat prairies with some sage brush. The optics I have available are an Ultradot Multi-reticle with 2MOA dot and MTC 10x44 with hashmarks. Any experiences on red dot scopes for this type of shooting?

 

[Struckat]

I have a Hawke red dot 2 moa, it’s nice.
Tried it on my HW30 and it was ok @10m. Iron sights are more precise for me.

Is the ultra dot like a scope? Otherwise I can’t see using one for any kind of precision work, like rodent heads @50y

 

[Sqwirl57]

The 10x sounds absolutely reasonable but 70yds is pushing it with a medium powered .177 springer and a red dot. I'd think around 40yds would be a more appropriate expectation.

 

[Vincent10]

I have a Hawke red dot 2 moa, it’s nice.
Tried it on my HW30 and it was ok @10m. Iron sights are more precise for me.

Is the ultra dot like a scope? Otherwise I can’t see using one for any kind of precision work, like rodent heads @50y

The Ultradot has a 30mm tube. It has multiple dot sizes and a couple reticles. I was thinking it might be good for targets out to 70 yards but considered use for pest control within 50 yards.

 

[Vincent10]

The 10x sounds absolutely reasonable but 70yds is pushing it with a medium powered .177 springer and a red dot. I'd think around 40yds would be a more appropriate expectation.

The red dot looks useful for pest control around feed lots and barns. Since I'm expecting some longer distance shots and variable conditions the scope is probably what I'll use. Just curious about how practical it is as a go to optic. Thanks!

 

[Sqwirl57]

The red dot looks useful for pest control around feed lots and barns. Since I'm expecting some longer distance shots and variable conditions the scope is probably what I'll use. Just curious about how practical it is as a go to optic. Thanks!

Closer range and the red dot will work well. I had a Vortex red dot on my 50S for a bit and it made for some pretty quick and accurate shooting. I thought you were planning on 70yds based on the post. The holdover at that range and the dot covering nearly an inch and a half was my hold up there.

 

[Vincent10]

Closer range and the red dot will work well. I had a Vortex red dot on my 50S for a bit and it made for some pretty quick and accurate shooting. I thought you were planning on 70yds based on the post. The holdover at that range and the dot covering nearly an inch and a half was my hold up there.

I mainly shoot target with these rifles. They're set at 12 ft lbs so 70 yards might be my max if conditions are right. I'll probably save the red dot for another rifle.

 

[Sqwirl57]

I mainly shoot target with these rifles. They're set at 12 ft lbs so 70 yards might be my max if conditions are right. I'll probably save the red dot for another rifle.

For target absolutely go for it. You'll more than likely really like having a dot on there.

When the original post said:

"I am setting up a HW97 and HW98 for ground squirrels. Both are .177 and expected range is about 25 to 70 yards"

I took it to mean the main purpose was for pest control. I must have read into that incorrectly.

 

[Deleted member 34580]

I went with a Sig Sauer Romeo-MSR. Then several months later was able to find a Juliet3-Micro Magnifier to go with it. Juliet was difficult to find at MSRP for a while there. It is my first Red Dot but I really enjoy the setup.

 

[smythsg]

I have a Sig Romeo 5 on my Airforce Escape UL. The red dot works better for me wearing glasses than a scope and the Sig is great even in the brightest sunlight.