Do you know the Ruger 57 was originally made for military purposes? Yes, it was engineered to be used as a replacement for 9x19mm guns. However, with growing time it started to be used as a self-defense and target shooting practice pistol. Even though it is a full-sized gun, you can still use it as a concealed-carry gun.
It is quite famous for its high capacity, low recoiling, and flat-shooting abilities. But you can take your shooting performance to another level just by installing a red dot sight on the gun. This will ensure you get fast and precise target acquisition with each shot. One thing to note is that you will need a mounting plate or adapter to mount the optic on the Ruger 57.
To narrow down your search for the right red dots, we have brought you the best sights available in the market. Besides, we’ve also included a checklist that will help you understand the main factors to check before buying the optics. So, let’s begin!
1. Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sight
While buying the red dot for Ruger 57, the first thing that comes to our mind is whether it will be sturdy enough to withstand rough environments. This is what makes the optic one of our best picks since it has been carefully constructed with high-quality materials such as Aluminum.
The Aluminum housing of the sight makes sure it can withstand all sorts of rough situations and recoils. On the other hand, the multi-coatings on the lenses ensure maximum light transmission through the glasses. They even protect the lenses from wear and strong impacts. Besides, the O-ring seals in the sight prevent moisture and dust from damaging the sight.
The optic comes with a high-capacity CR1632 battery to make the LED constantly visible. The battery is also easy to replace as it is placed on the top of the optic. So when you feel necessary you can change the battery without removing the sight from the gun.
Another good part of the optic is that it has both manual and automatic brightness settings. The 10-level manual brightness adjustment system will help you to increase or decrease the brightness level much more comfortably. Whereas with the help of an ambient light sensor, the automatic brightness setting enables you to control the intensity of the red dot.
So, you can keep the sight in your option if you are looking for an optic that can ensure reliable shooting performance.
How to mount the red dot on Ruger 57?
To install the optic, you will require a Picatinny rail mount or any adapter that is compatible with mounting it. The company includes a Picatinny rail mount along with the optic. But if you want, you can use an adapter of your choice.
Does it come with a light activation feature?
No, the optic doesn’t have any auto-on or light activation features. To turn on the optic, you have to use the manual push button. The only auto feature it offers is adjusting the brightness level according to the light conditions.
Can it withstand the recoil of the Ruger 5.7x28mm?
Even if the Ruger 57 is a full-size gun, it produces low recoils. If the optic can handle the heavy recoils of a 7.62x39mm (.308) gun, it will be able to withstand the recoils of a 5.7x28mm Ruger.
2. Burris Fastfire III (8 MOA Dot) Sight
The best part of the sight is that it is lightweight and can help to achieve fast target acquisition. The materials used in the optic make it sturdy but at the same time also lightweight. It weighs so little that it is also used as an additional sight in different competitive shooting rifles.
Besides, the 8 MOA dot helps you to have fast and accurate aiming at the target. The dot never goes off sight because of the high-quality CR1632 battery used in the optic. In addition, the replacement of the battery is really easy and quick.
Since it is located on the top of the optic, you can change it without detaching the sight from the firearm.
Moreover, it has an automatic brightness sensor and 3 level brightness manual setting which ensure you get perfect visibility of the target in all lighting conditions. However, you will need an adapter to mount the optic on the gun. If you want, you can use the Ruger 57 Optic Base Adapter Plate 90723 to install the sight.
Does the optic have a warranty?
The optic is durable enough to last for a long time, so you don’t need to worry about its serviceability. However, the company still offers a lifetime warranty with the optic.
Which MOA (3 MOA or 8 MOA) type will be better to shoot in a short range with Ruger 57?
To have an accurate shot within a short range, it will be better if you choose 8 MOA dots for the Ruger 57. But it still depends on your preference, if you like to use 3 MOA dots, you can use it.
Will it also fit FN 5.7x28mm?
Whether it’s a Ruger 5.7x28mm or an FN 5.7x28mm, as long as you have a Picatinny rail mount base, you can install the sight. Otherwise, look for adapters that can help you mount this optic on the FN 5.7x28mm.
3. Vortex Optics Viper 6 Moa Red Dot Sight
Like the Vortex Venom, this model also has strong waterproof and shockproof construction which makes it compatible to use in any environment. The hard anodized finish and O-ring seals of the optic help to reduce glare and protect it from all harmful elements.
In addition, the lens of the sight comes with multi-coatings to transfer a sufficient amount of light through the glasses. Along with these multilayer coatings, the lens has Armortek coatings to prevent it from getting damaged by shock, oil, dirt, and scratches.
With the help of the 6 MOA, you can have precise and fast shots from both long and short-range distances. Since the sight has a low height profile, it also helps you to co-witness with the rear sight and thus you get an accurate aim on the target.
Moreover, the sight has a manual brightness setting to control the intensity of the light at your desired level. Hence, you can consider the optic one of the best options as it gives you a balanced combination of the necessary features we look for in a red dot.
What is the difference between Vortex Venom and Viper?
If you start to scrutinize their features, you will see a couple of differences. However, we think the main dissimilarity between them is the MOA type and co-witnessed ability. When Venom has two types of dot sizes such as 3 and 6 MOA, Viper has only one MOA type and that is 6 MOA. On the other hand, the Viper has better co-witnessed ability than the Venom model.
Which mount should you use to install the optic on Ruger 57?
There are a few options available in mounts for Ruger 57. But we think the Outerimpact Red Dot Mount/Adapter will be a right mount to install the optic on the gun.
Is the battery easy to remove?
Since the battery is placed underneath the sight, you need to detach the sight from the gun first and then you can replace it. You will also need to reset the zero after replacing the battery.
Read More Sight Blogs:- Ruger Mark III | Ruger Mark IV | Ruger PC Carbine | Ruger Charger
4. Truglo Tru-Tec Micro Red Dot Sight
What makes the sight compatible with the Ruger 57 is its solid construction and fast shots on the target. The body of the optic is made of Aircraft-grade Aluminum which makes it durable and also extremely lightweight.
Like any other high-quality optic lens, this optic lens has multi-coatings to transfer light and protect it from scratch and moisture.
Besides, the 3 MOA dot comes in handy when you are aiming for long-range shots. The optic has a 10-level manual brightness adjustment system that can be controlled with the digital push buttons. It also includes an auto-off feature so that the battery life can be preserved.
Since the optic includes a Picatinny rail/ Weaver rail mount base, you can easily install the sight on the gun. You don’t have to look for the adapter separately if you buy this optic.
Does the sight have parallax adjustment?
No, it doesn’t. You need parallax adjustment for the scopes that are used in long-range shooting rifles. As it is a red dot sight and it is normally used for short-range shootings, you don’t need a parallax adjustment system with it.
Is there any auto-on feature?
The optic comes with an auto-off feature to save the battery energy but it doesn’t have an auto-on system. If you want to turn on the optic, you have to do it manually.
Do you need to use a cover to protect the sight?
You should always take protective measures for your gun accessories. This way you will be able to use them for a long time. So, it is better if you use an optic cover for the sight. But you don’t need to buy the cover separately because the company provides a rubber lens cover with the optic.
5. Crimson Trace CTS-1550 Ultra Compact Reflex Sight
When it comes to fast and easy target acquisition, this optic doesn’t fail to impress you. It has 3.5 MOA red dot and a co-witnessed sight to make sure you can have as quick and precise aim as possible. So if you are looking for a reliable shooting performance, you can choose the sight.
You will also find the built-in ambient light sensor easy to use. It automatically turns on the red dot when it senses movement. Besides, the sensor can control the brightness level according to the light conditions. To save battery life, it can shut itself when it is kept in a dark place.
Additionally, the CR2032 battery can support you for at least 2 years. The battery is located underneath the sight which may seem a bit of a hassle for some of you when you want to change it.
To make the optic lightweight, the company has used a polymer frame for it. Now in the case of Ruger 57 using lightweight optics is not a problem as long as it is made of high-quality materials. However, since the polymer is not a high-quality element, some of the users who practice shooting in rough terrains may not want to invest in this optic.
But if you are someone who uses the gun in a regular practice field, this will be a great deal for you.
Does it come with a mounting plate?
No, it does not come with a mounting plate. However, it is offered with screws to use with the mounts to install the sight on the gun.
Is it parallax free?
If you are aiming within 25 yards, you won’t find it parallax-free. Hence, the lens may get blurry at times. However, when you aim for more than 25 yards, you will have the lens parallax-free.
Does the optic have a locking ability to fixate the adjustments?
The optic doesn’t have any locking feature for the adjustments. But once you have set the adjustment with an Allen wrench, it won’t change unless you reset them.
Buying Guide Of Red Dot Sights For Ruger 57
Here, we have discussed the most important factors that need to be checked while buying the optic. So, remember these are not the only or ultimate factors to consider before making the purchase.
Construction
It is crucial to select a red dot with rugged construction. Since Ruger 57 is a high-capacity gun, the optic you are considering needs to be strong and durable. This will help you to use a sight for a longer period.
Hence, before buying the optic, check what materials are used to ensure the quality of the sight. Make sure the body is constructed with high-quality materials and the lenses are protected with multilayer coatings.
Battery
The high-capacity battery is what you should look for in a red dot sight. Otherwise, because of the poor-quality battery, you won’t be able to have a constant visual for your red dot in the optic.
MOA
The preferences in the dot size mainly vary from user to user. Some like to have red dots with small dot sizes such as 2.5 MOA, and 3 MOA, and others prefer larger dot sizes such as 6 MOA, 8 MOA, and so on. Therefore, choose the sight with the MOA type you like most.
Now that you have made it this far, read through the features of each review and also get an idea of the important factors of a red dot; let’s take a quick view of the product comparison chart to see which one includes most of the factors of a good quality red dot.
Mounts
You can’t mount the sights directly on the gun. You will require a separate mounting plate to install it. Now the problem is there is no universal plate that can be used to mount the red dots of different brands. So whichever brand you are buying from, find a mount that will be compatible to install the optic on the gun.
| Product Name | Rugged Construction | Manual Brightness | Automatic Brightness | Batteries Easy To Change | Recoil Withstand | MOA Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vortex Venom | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 3 |
| Burris Fastfire III | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 8 |
| Vortex Viper | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 6 | |
| Truglo Tru-Tec | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 3.5 | ||
| Crimson Trace CTS-1550 | ✔ | ✔ | 3 |
Summary
To conclude, you can ensure your optimal shooting performance with Ruger 57, if you use a red dot optic along with the gun. To save you from the hard work of the search, we have brought you the reviews of the 5 best red dots that are compatible with your gun.
Besides, we have discussed the important factors that need to be checked before purchasing the optic. So, you are suggested to use the given checklist while buying the red dot.
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Hi, I’m Brent Hansford. A writer turned hunter & now sharing my love for the sport through writing. As I practically breathe weapons, I firmly believe I’m capable of providing you with new knowledge about firearms and hunting. My mission is to help more people get better at hunting & master the weapons. Let me help with unleashing the beast within you!
