u/Only_Option_305

***update***
After user feedback (thanks, gang) I'm going with the Holosun 507 Comp in the green - and have discovered that there's a 507 Comp Pro Max (that's even bigger and has solar) that's around the corner. There seems to be a bit of reliability problems on the Defender XL, but it has a crisper dot and the lifetime warranty would sort out any issues. I like the 2moa + 8moa ring, and also the 20 and 32moa ring, so the winner is Holosun. Thanks for all your help!

Hey everyone,

I’m looking to put a red dot on a Volquartsen .22 (it’ll be mounted directly to the top Picatinny rail). The problem is, the deeper I dive into the research, the more choice paralysis I’m hitting. There are tons of options across wildly different price brackets, and the consensus on each seems to conflict. For reference, this is my first pistol red dot, my skill set is basic - but I'm enjoying the journey and having fun along the way.

Here is a quick breakdown of where my head is at with the main contenders after reading a million threads:

• Trijicon (SRO / RMR HD): Obviously the most popular choice, but they are incredibly pricey. Also, it feels like Trijicon's technology is lagging a bit behind the actual innovators in the field right now. Is the premium still worth it for a rimfire range/competition gun?
• Leupold DeltaPoint Pro: Still seems popular, but a lot of recent user feedback says they are pretty outdated compared to newer glass. (full disclosure: I’m not a huge fan of Leupold's rifle scopes anyway, so I’m already biased against this one).
• Holosun (507Comp/509): Seems like the undisputed value/entry point. People don't really seem to beef with them mechanically, only that they aren't considered "top-tier" by the brand purists. The large window on the 507Comp looks appealing for a rimfire setup.
• Sig Romeo-X Pro & Vortex Defender XL: Both seem reasonably priced (roughly half the price of a Trijicon). The Defender XL has that massive window and the legendary Vortex lifetime warranty, and also has a picatinny rail mount in the box! I’ve read a few mixed reviews on the reliability of the early batches, but: lifetime warranty.

 

Because this is going on a flat, non-reciprocating Picatinny rail on a zero-recoil .22lr, heavy duty "duty proof" ruggedness isn't my absolute number one priority. I care much more about window size, dot clarity, and overall tracking. I’d prefer a green dot if I’m honest and had the choice - I’m colourblind (strong deutan), so can track green easier.  

For those of you running high-end rimfire pistols or steel challenge setups, what actually makes the most sense here? Cost isn’t the main issue (I mean, it is - but this hobby isn't cheap) so do I cry once and buy the Trijicon, go with the massive window of the 507Comp/Defender XL, or am I overlooking something else entirely like an Aimpoint?

Appreciate any insight from people who have actually run these side-by-side.