Red Dot or Scope for general-purpose .22?

[JMcDonald]

Just as the question asks, which would be more useful overall? This is my GF's .22, and it is an all around gun. It is (and will be) used for:
-Short-distance shooting (10-20 yards). This is both for plinking and for excersizes practicing quick target acquisition.
-Probably for longer distances (maybe 75+ yards) for plinking or perhaps for hunting small game.
-However, it will also be used for any kind of bad scenario (from her hiding in the corner of the bedroom during a break-in, to us running through the streets during TEOTWAWKI).

The greater accuracy of a scope is obvious, but the better field of view and faster target acquisition of a Red-Dot is what makes me want to keep it on there.

I have a Red Dot on my 9mm carbine (HP 995) which is perfect for me since while I was never that great of a bullseyet shooter, I can quickly acquire COM and hold it steady there during multiple rapid shots. It basically complements my ability to aim quickly at COM and hold it steady after multiple rounds. She, on the other hand, is a much better aimer than I am which is why I am considering a scope to complement her talents there. I figured that if she had a scope, that anything within 10 yards could be hit relatively easily without the scope or without relying fully on it (which she would practice), and at further distances the scope would be more useful?

Or, am I just underestimating the accuracy potential with a red-dot?

Also, price is a concern. For instance, her current reddot cost $8 and was purchased just to see how she like it, but would be upgraded to a $25-$30 one if she decides she likes it and wants to keep it. Thus, a similar price-range applies for a scope.

[AKHunter]

The close up scenarios is great for a red-dot but, i don't like them for small game hunting. Tried it on my .22 Hornet and quickly realized it was not going to work for me. No magnification on the model I have and head shot accuracy is not there for me. I found a 4x scope far better for small game hunting. Have only had 4x scopes on my .22 rim fire though if not open sights.

My 2 cents.

[JMcDonald]

I think next time I place an order from CheaperThanDirt, Ill just add this $5 4x scope. That way we'll just try them both out and see how it goes.

68354 - 4x15mm Rimfire .22 Target Riflescope & Rings, 30/30 Reticle, 1/4 MOA, Black Gloss, Warranty - Manufactured by: Optronics

[GlockMeister]

SCOPE! Either one would work, but I vote scope. They say with a red dot you get faster target acquisition though.

[SgtKnuckles]

Good power range for the YRD's your talking about...
Lighted Reticle for night use to... same advantage as a RedDot has...
Good Range finder Reticles...
8 days shipping time...

2-6x32 Red/Green Illuminated Rifle Hunting Scope "Range Estimated Crosshair Reticle" w/ 25mm Tube Mount + Scope Extender Shield

2-6x32 mm AOE Red+Green Rangefinder Hunting Rifle Scope - eBay (item 230245423394 end time Apr-28-08 13:16:20 PDT)

[pruneemac]

I love the red dot. I have one on my MZL as well as contender. On a 22 I think it would be great for the reasons you stated. Especially if younger shooters were using it.

[GlockMeister]

Illuminated reticles are worthless at night. They do nothing but light up the inside of the scope tube at night. I mean if you're aiming at something standing under a street light it works, but if aiming at pitch black, fuhget about it... Of course my honest opinion that is.

[meatloaf]

Originally Posted by GlockMeister

Illuminated reticles are worthless at night. They do nothing but light up the inside of the scope tube at night. I mean if you're aiming at something standing under a street light it works, but if aiming at pitch black, fuhget about it... Of course my honest opinion that is.

+1 Illuminated scope is pointless unless its a red dot or holograph sight. It may be ok at twilight but thats the only use I havew found for mine.

[billy]

ive got an illuminated reticle 8x25x44mm scope that i have never turned on when firing the weapon.
and ive got a reddot on my AK that is good for that weapon.
i would go with a scope for the .22