As an avid hunter and night vision enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours testing various optics on my trusty Ruger Charger. This compact pistol version of the legendary 10/22 is a blast to shoot, but to truly unlock its potential, you need to pair it with the right scope. Whether you’re plinking at the range, hunting small game, or looking for a versatile home defense option, the right optic can take your Charger experience to the next level.
After extensive field testing and research, I’ve narrowed down my top 6 picks for the best Ruger Charger scopes in 2024. Let’s dive in and find the perfect match for your shooting needs!
Vortex Optics Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire Scope
When it comes to balancing quality, versatility, and value, it’s hard to beat the Vortex Crossfire II 2-7×32 Rimfire. This scope has become my go-to recommendation for Charger owners looking for their first quality optic.
Key Features:
– 2-7x magnification range
– 32mm objective lens
– V-Plex reticle optimized for rimfire trajectories
– Fully multi-coated lenses
– Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
What I Love: The clarity on this scope is impressive for the price point. The 2-7x magnification range is perfect for the Charger, giving you enough versatility for close-range plinking and reaching out to 100 yards and beyond. The V-Plex reticle is clean and uncluttered, making target acquisition a breeze.
Vortex’s reputation for durability is well-deserved. I’ve accidentally banged this scope against tree branches and truck doors without any loss of zero. The lifetime warranty provides peace of mind, though I doubt you’ll need to use it.
Potential Drawbacks: While the V-Plex reticle is great for general use, some shooters might prefer more advanced bullet drop compensation (BDC) options for long-range rimfire work.
Sig Sauer Romeo5 1x20mm Red Dot Sight
For fast target acquisition and close-range shooting, it’s hard to beat a quality red dot sight on the Ruger Charger. The Sig Sauer Romeo5 is my top pick in this category.
Key Features:
– 2 MOA red dot
– 10 illumination settings
– MOTAC (Motion Activated Illumination)
– IPX-7 waterproof rating
– Includes low and high mounts
- ROMEO5 GUN SIGHT – The ROMEO5 1X20mm Red Dot Sight mounts on any platform, and even though it’s small, it’s tough; The solid, lightweight aluminum design gives peak performance & years of service, so you can be on the top of a hunt or shooting competition
- 2 MOA RED-DOT – For those avid shooters who admire classic red dot reticles on their gun sights, the Romeo5 has 2-MOA Red-Dot, which is also adjustable; It provides 10 illumination settings (8 daylight plus 2 NV) for visibility in all light conditions
What I Love: The Romeo5 is incredibly user-friendly. The 2 MOA dot is crisp and precise, allowing for accurate shots while maintaining a wide field of view. The MOTAC feature, which automatically turns the sight on when it detects motion, is a game-changer for home defense applications.
I’ve found the battery life to be exceptional, easily lasting over a year of regular use. The included low mount works perfectly on the Charger, giving you a comfortable cheek weld.
Potential Drawbacks: While fantastic for close to medium range, a red dot isn’t ideal if you’re looking to stretch the Charger’s legs at longer distances.
Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm FFP Rifle Scope
For shooters wanting maximum versatility, the Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm is an outstanding option that won’t break the bank.
Key Features:
– 1-6x magnification range
– First focal plane ACSS 22LR reticle
– Partial red illumination
– 6063 aluminum construction
– Fog resistant and waterproof
What I Love: The ACSS 22LR reticle is a game-changer for rimfire shooting. It provides bullet drop compensation out to 200 yards specifically calibrated for .22LR ballistics. The 1x setting with the illuminated center dot makes this scope nearly as fast as a red dot for close-range work.
The glass quality is excellent for the price point, providing a clear sight picture even in low light conditions. I’ve found the turrets to track reliably, making zeroing and adjustments a breeze.
Potential Drawbacks: It’s a bit on the heavier side for a Charger optic, which might be a consideration for some shooters.
Bushnell Banner 3-9×40 Dusk & Dawn Riflescope
If you’re primarily using your Charger for hunting, especially in low light conditions, the Bushnell Banner deserves a close look.
Key Features:
– 3-9x magnification
– 40mm objective lens
– Dusk & Dawn Brightness (DDB) multi-coated lenses
– Multi-X reticle
– Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
What I Love: The light gathering capability of this scope is impressive. The DDB coatings noticeably extend your shooting time during those critical dawn and dusk hours when game is most active. I’ve successfully taken squirrels and rabbits in lighting conditions where I would have struggled with other scopes.
The 3-9x magnification range hits a sweet spot for small game hunting with the Charger. The Multi-X reticle is simple and effective, allowing for quick target acquisition.
Potential Drawbacks: While great for hunting, the Banner lacks some of the more advanced features found on tactical-oriented scopes.
Leupold VX-Freedom 2-7×33 Rimfire Riflescope
Leupold’s reputation for quality is legendary, and the VX-Freedom Rimfire lives up to the hype while remaining surprisingly affordable.
Key Features:
– 2-7x magnification
– 33mm objective lens
– Rimfire-specific MOA reticle
– Twilight Light Management System
– Scratch-resistant lenses
- Model #174179 – VX-Freedom Rimfire 2-7x33mm Riflescope with a Rimfire-MOA reticle and Matte finish
- 100% Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
- Parallax adjusted for 60 yards, ideal for rimfire cartridges
What I Love: The optical clarity on this scope is outstanding. Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System noticeably enhances contrast and resolution in low light conditions. The rimfire-specific MOA reticle provides useful holdover points without cluttering the sight picture.
I’ve found the eye relief to be generous, making it comfortable to shoot even with the Charger’s relatively snappy recoil. The durability is top-notch – I’ve used this scope in heavy rain without any fogging issues.
Potential Drawbacks: Some shooters might prefer a slightly higher top-end magnification for longer range work.
Holosun HS510C Reflex Sight
For those wanting a premium red dot experience, the Holosun HS510C offers some unique features that make it stand out from the crowd.
Key Features:
– 2 MOA dot with 65 MOA circle reticle
– Solar failsafe and shake awake technology
– Multi-reticle system
– Titanium-alloy hood
– Large field of view
What I Love: The versatility of the reticle options is fantastic. You can choose between just the 2 MOA dot, the 65 MOA circle, or both combined. I find the circle reticle particularly useful for rapid target acquisition with the Charger.
The solar failsafe feature provides peace of mind for home defense applications. Even if your battery dies, the sight will still function in daylight conditions. The shake awake technology conserves battery life while ensuring the sight is always ready when you need it.
Potential Drawbacks: It’s one of the pricier options on this list, though I believe the features justify the cost for many shooters.
Choosing the Right Scope for Your Ruger Charger
When selecting a scope for your Ruger Charger, consider the following factors:
Intended Use: Are you primarily plinking, hunting, or using it for home defense? This will influence your ideal magnification range and reticle type.
Magnification: For close-range work, a red dot or 1-4x scope is often sufficient. For reaching out to 100 yards and beyond, consider a 2-7x or 3-9x option.
Reticle: Simple duplex reticles work well for general use, while BDC reticles can be advantageous for longer range shooting.
Durability: Look for scopes with quality construction that can withstand the elements and potential rough handling.
Budget: While it’s often worth investing in quality optics, there are excellent options available at various price points.
Mounting Your Scope
Proper mounting is crucial for getting the best performance out of your chosen scope. For the Ruger Charger, I recommend using a Picatinny rail mount for maximum versatility. This allows you to easily swap between different optics and provides a stable platform for your scope.
When mounting, be sure to use high-quality rings or a mount appropriate for your chosen optic. Always follow the manufacturer’s torque specifications to ensure a secure fit without damaging your scope.
Conclusion
The Ruger Charger is an incredibly fun and versatile firearm, and pairing it with the right optic can elevate your shooting experience to new heights. Whether you opt for the all-around performance of the Vortex Crossfire II, the rapid target acquisition of the Sig Romeo5, or the hunting-oriented features of the Bushnell Banner, there’s a perfect scope out there for every Charger owner.
Remember, the best scope for you is the one that meets your specific needs and shooting style. Don’t be afraid to visit your local gun shop to get hands-on with different options before making your decision. Happy shooting, and may your groups be tight and your range time plentiful!