So I plan on using my gun for alot of target shooting with my teenage kids and such, probably around 50 yards. But I also want to use this gun for small game (squirrel, rabbit, mountain lion) in the fall. Which should I get? I think the kids would have a blast with the thing at 25 yards and a red dot but I have never used one so I have no idea on how they work at longer ranges.....any input?

For fast/fun plinking, a red dot will be fine. But for precision shooting, I greatly prefer a scope. The reason -- most red dots subtend 3 to 5 minutes of angle. That's 1.5 to 2.5" at 50 yards, hardly conducive to squirrel-head accuracy.

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Pisgah

I'm eying up this scope...any thoughts
NC Star 4x30 Illuminated Reticle Rubber Armored Tactical Scope

I have a BSA Huntsman RGB Dot Scope on mine and after sighting it in, Shooting at an indoor range at 25 yards have ALL the shots printing to the X-ring on a B-27 target. It will be easier for them to see the target and surrounding area (30mm lens). Also, i like having 3 different colors at 3 different intensity levels.

It also comes with an integrated 3/8" and 5/8" rail mount so it slipped right on my 15-22.

I went out and bought another one for my CX4 carbine.

Academy sports have them in stock for $40.

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II Thessalonians 3:8-12

You can use the red dot for the kids and the scope for the squirrels, assuming they are not the same...

Use the red dot with the kids and the scope for the

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II Thessalonians 3:8-12

For a combination of precision target shooting at paper and popping some squirrels.... a practical choice would be something like a 2-7x rimfire scope. Though, your kids may have something a bit more tacticool in mind. And since it's all about fun and spending time with the kids... well... ya know

I have a red dot on my 15-22 for chasing cans around and shooting garbage at the plinking range. If I want to hit something at a precise point I'll grab a rifle with a magnified optic and crosshairs.

1x red dots are a great option for those with aging eyes having difficulty keeping the sights and the target in focus. With a 1x red dot you can shoot with both eyes open and just focus only the target. It really makes non magnified shooting a pleasure for many who would otherwise struggle with open sights.

What about something like this?
The Ultimate Sighting System
this way you have both.

I did see that....little more than I wanted to spend however. A great suggestion though, Thanks!

I will do another post with my choices and see what you guys think.

Make the kids pay half.

I just posted this on another thread, but it kind of works for what you're asking too:

You can use both ..

Attached Images

Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 #2.jpg (68.5 KB, 53 views)

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JR

I picked up a Simmon's Whitetail 6.5x20 50mm Truplex Reticle from Midway, around Christmas, for $109. EXCELLENT Scope! I have it mounted on a Riser, so I can get enough clearance for the Charging Handle. Fits perfect!

Simmons Whitetail Classic Rifle Scope 6.5-20x 50mm Adjustable Objective Truplex Reticle Matte - MidwayUSA

A couple of months ago, I was buying a Vortex Strikefire Green/Red Dot for my Beretta CX4, and they had them on Sale, so I picked up an extra one for my 15-22. I'm just at the limits of my aged vision at 25 yards with the Vortex, but since it comes with a 2X Doubler, I'm able to get a bit more Eye-On-Target. If I'm shooting anything past 25 yards, I'll switch to my Simmons Whitetail.

Vortex Optics - StrikeFire Red/Green Dot Red/Green Dot Low Mount

Pic of Simmons Whitetail on my 15-22:



Pics of Vortex Strikefire on my CX4:




Best of Luck!

Cheers!

BB

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Blackbeard!

You can get a Primary Arms M3/4 red dot and 3x or 5x magnifier with a flip to side mount so you can shoot with the dot for closer targets and flip the magnifier up to reach out further. It is the best of both worlds.

red dot sights

I like the red dot. Scopes are bulky, and heavy. For a .22 the red dot is fine. Hunting with a larger caliber, I think open sights are still the way to go.