Top 5 Best Red Dots for Your Ruger Mark IV • (New 2023 Guide)

It doesn’t get much more American than the Ruger Mark IV, and what could be better than that? The answer is nothing. Welcome to our guide to choosing the bed red dot for your Ruger Mark IV. Since we’re all about red dots here, it only made sense to make a guide dedicated to one of the most popular pistols on the market. The truth is, if you go with a Picatinny base rail for your Mark IV, just about any sight will fit it. However, if you want to skip that process, we have red dots in this guide for you.

No matter what route you choose, the collection of sights in this guide is sure to satisfy your needs and budget. Additionally, it’s important to consider which model you own. For example, the Picatinny rail is too long for the Standard model’s barrel, but it can be cut to accept the same sights as the Hunter, Competition, and Target models. The key takeaway is to always consider potential obstacles and the solutions to said problems before choosing a red dot.

After all, we gun owners are handy people, so where there’s a problem, there’s a solution.

Beyond those words of wisdom, we considered MOA, durability, size & weight, glass quality, and brand trustworthiness while creating this guide. Also, we always look for those x-factor features that set one sight apart from the next. Since red dots are available just about everywhere you look these days, we prefer brands that bring more to the table than just a dot.

Best Ruger Mark IV Red Dot Reviews

Now, it’s time for the exciting part, the part where we unveil the glass. In each of our reviews, you’ll find all the handy-dandy info you need to decide on the next red dot for your Mark IV. Plus, we even tossed in some useful pros & cons for good measure.

#1) HOLOSUN HS507C X2

Okay, yes, we’re guilty. We’ve been on a bit of a Holosun kick lately, but it’s hard not to be. The value that Holosun offers for the money is just about unbeatable. Additionally, we’re big fans of the circle dot, and the HS507C X2 is perfect for a Mark IV. Unlike the Holosun HS510C – which we chose as our top-rated red dot for 300 blackout pistols – the HS507C X2 sports a different circle dot size. The HS507C X2 has a 2 MOA dot and 32 MOA circle, which we like more for a target rimfire pistol.

Plus, another advantage of the circle dot is folks with eye issues such as astigmatism find that it’s easier to see clearly. Another major difference between the HS507C and HS507C X2 is the weight. Comparatively, the HS507C X2 weighs a few ounces less at 1.5 oz, which puts it in the class of lightest red dots. Next, the 50,000-hour battery life with Holosun’s Shake Awake tech is sure to please even the pickiest operators who don’t like to change their optics batteries.

On top of that, you have the Solar FailSafe to keep your sight operation in the rare event that the battery does die on you. Finally, Holosun’s glass is another area where the company shines, especially considering that its red dots cost about half as much as comparable models by top brands. However, we do find that Holosun sights aren’t the most durable on the market. Though, it’s hard to ask for everything when you look at the price of this optic.

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#2) Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 Red Dot Sight

Coming in at a strong #2 is our top budget red dot for a Mark IV by Bushnell. Overall, we like what this red dot offers for the money, and it’s a popular option among Mark IV owners. Consequently, it’s hard to go wrong here because the combination of our opinion and current owners’ is a force to be reckoned with. Beyond that nonsense, the first feature that landed the TRS-25 on our list is its versatility.

If you own multiple firearms like us, the TRS-25 switches easily between your Mark IV, shotguns, rifles, and any firearm with a Picatinny rail. Next, 3 MOA is an acceptable size for target practice and for home defense purposes. Considering the price of this red dot, the glass is surprisingly clear, and the dot is surprisingly crisp.

Several key specs to consider are the 11 brightness settings, 4 oz weight, IPX7 waterproof rating, 25mm objective lens size, and the fully-transferable 5-year warranty on red dots. Lastly, and most importantly, the TRS-25 shines in the accuracy department and might just help you tighten up your groups. What’s not to like about that?

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#3) Vortex 3 MOA Venom Red Dot

Currently, there are 3 MOA and 6 MOA versions of the Venom red dot available, with the 3 MOA being the better choice for most Ruger Mark IV owners. However, if you’re using your Mark IV for home defense, you might find that the larger 6 MOA dot is advantageous for acquiring targets at close range. Next, the Venom is an overall top reflex sight for any pistol, and it’s especially well-suited to the Mark IV – a match made in Heaven so to speak.

First, the Venom is incredibly lightweight at just 1.05 oz and low-profile with a large viewing window. So, if you prefer a reflex sight that allows you to engage your target with both eyes open, the open Venom is a solid choice. Second, the Venom offers a competitive battery life of up to 30,000 hours on lower settings. Third, the auto-brightness setting that adjusts according to ambient light conditions and 10 total brightness settings make the Venom an any-time-of-day performer.

Several final highlights are that it stays zeroed, easy installation with a Picatinny rail, clear optics quality, blur-free performance on sunny days, and Vortex’s ironclad lifetime warranty that’s really ironclad, no kidding. All in all, the Venom red dot is our top mid-range pick that lands you neatly between Holosun and Bushnell.

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#4) Burris FastFire 3 Red Dot Reflex Sight

Ranking #4 on our list is another fan-favorite red dot among Mark IV owners. At first glance, you’ve probably already noticed that this sight is very similar to the Vortex Venom. Well, that’s because it is. However, Burris offers its FastFire III in 3 MOA and an even larger 8 MOA version that’s bigger than Vortex’s 6 MOA Venom.

Firstly, the FastFire III manages to come in even lighter than the Venom red dot at a mere .9 oz. However, it’s important to note that the viewing area on the FastFire III is smaller with an objective lens diameter of 21mm compared to the 26.5mm lens on the Venom. Comparatively, depending on the age of your eyes, you’ll most likely find that the Venom is easier for use with both eyes and quicker target acquisition.

A handful of final highlights of the FastFire III are Burris’ Hi-Lume multi-coating for good low-light performance, an automatic brightness sensor, a top-loading battery, and up to 5 years of battery life with the help of the automatic time-out feature after 8 hours idle. Finally, Burris offers a competitive Forever Warranty, though we wouldn’t expect it to match the esteemed Vortex customer service.

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#5) Sig Sauer Romeo4S Red Dot

Our last pick adds a bit of variety to the mix and some unique features that are worth checking out before making your final decision. First, the Romeo4S pairs well with the Mark IV Hunter edition. Second, similar to the Holosun sight, the Romeo4S offers multiple reticles. Choose from dot, circle dot, dot with holds, and circle-dot with holds. Clearly, the advantage of versatility shines through as the range of reticles is great for hunting, target shooting, and home defense.

Next, once again similar to the Holosun sight, the Romeo4S incorporates solar power to extend battery life beyond a whopping 100,000 hours. That’s just flat-out impressive. Third, it comes standard with transparent lens covers for rapid operation during emergency situations. Plus, the fact that a lot of high-dollar red dots don’t include lens covers makes that feature another plus.

Several additional highlights are the low weight of 3.4oz, IPX7 waterproof rating, motion-activated illumination, and Sig’s Spectracoat is a solid coating for clear optics. All things considered, the Romeo4S will add more bulk to your Mark IV than most reflex sights, but it brings some interesting features to the party that may win you over.

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Wrap-Up

While not all Mark IV owners are fans of red dots, they do have their place in the realm of best optics for a Mark IV. Choosing the best red dot for your Ruger Mark IV is heavily dependent on your preferences and planned uses. There are optics in this guide that help you hit targets accurately out to 100 yards and, of course, red dots are an excellent choice for close range.

If you own a Mark IV for home defense, you’ll find that a red dot gives you the ability to acquire your target much faster than iron sights, especially if you’re a novice. Plus, models like the Romeo4 and Bushnell TRS-25 are likely to boost your accuracy and tighten up your groups. In conclusion, all of these are great red dots for a Mark IV, just match your needs, budget, and planned uses to the correct optic.