At a Glance: The Best Ruger 10/22 Sights
- OUR TOP PICK: West One Ruger 10/22 M1 Carbine Style Sighting System
- Ruger 10/22 Rear Flip-up Sight
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Tech Sights Ruger 10/22 TSR100 GI-Style
Comparison of The Best Ruger 10/22 Sights
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
 Our Top Pick | West One Ruger 10/22 M1 Carbine Style Sighting System |
| View Latest Price |
 Our Top Pick | Ruger 10/22 Rear Flip-up Sight |
| View Latest Price |
 Our Top Pick | Tech Sights Ruger 10/22 TSR100 GI-Style |
| View Latest Price |
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When it comes to consistently making accurate shots with your Ruger 10/22, it comes down to a combination of skill level and quality components. The three main components that influence your rifle’s accuracy are the trigger, barrel, and optics. That is why you must choose the best sights for your Ruger 10/22.
Our Guide to The 8 Best Sights For Your Ruger 10/22
The rifle market is flooded with a wide variety of rifle optics. While these more advanced optics can be a great addition to your Ruger 10/22, you must have high-quality iron sights and a good mastery of the basics of marksmanship. That’s why we are breaking down our top 8 Ruger 10/22 sights available today.
West One Ruger 10/22 M1 Carbine Style Sighting System
Our first entry is a throwback peephole style sight modeled after the M1 Carbine sight system. The West One M1 Carbine Style Sights are identical to the sights used on the famous WWII rifle. West One developed these sights to be used with their Ruger 10/22 M1 stock, which allows you to convert your Ruger into a working replica of the M1. However, these sights are compatible with your standard Ruger 10/22 barrel if you want to install these sights but don’t opt for the complete rebuild.
The West One sights are a durable all-steel construction and feature a dark, Parkerized finish to provide an authentic look. The peephole rear sight is a complete circle with a pinhole viewing window. The front sight is open with a vertical metal post designed to be centered on your target. If you love the old school sights as I do, these are a great addition to your 10/22 rifle.
Whether you use your factory stock or opt for the M1 stock, the West One sights are easy to install. The rear sight uses the factory holes and the front sight is attached with a barrel band. The sights are very easy to adjust for windage and elevation, making zeroing in your new upgrade a breeze.
The only downside to these sights is that they are not compatible with all barrel types. If you have already upgraded your barrel or intend to do so, it is important to make sure these sights will fit properly.
Pros
- Easy install
- Old school look
- Easy to adjust and zero
- Parkerized finish
- Steel construction
Cons
- Not compatible with some aftermarket barrels
Ruger 10/22 Rear Flip-up Sight
Our next entry is the Ruger 10/22 Rear Flip-up Sight. This sight is manufactured by Ruger, ensuring that it is compatible with their entire Ruger 10/22 line. It is made from an all-metal construction, ensuring that it is durable and will provide you with years of reliable use.
Personally, I prefer flip-up style sights for most of my rifles. This is because it is much easier to use them in conjunction with an optic. If you use sights that rest lower on your rifle and need to transition from an optic such as a red dot due to a battery failure or other malfunction, you will likely have to remove the optic.
Some optics will provide platforms of varying height to accommodate different sights, but I find it much easier to simply install a flip-up style sight. This sight provides you with added versatility by lying down flat when not in use and flipping into place when needed. By lying the sight down when using an optic, you have an unobscured view.
If you enjoy using both iron sights and optics, this sight is definitely worth a look. However, it only includes the rear sight, and you will likely need to purchase a new front sight separately if your current sight is not compatible with this one. There are plenty of sights available that will work great with the flip-up sight if you decide that you need the ability to transition between your optics and traditional sights.
Pros
- Lays flat when not in use
- Easy installation
- Can be used without removing the optic
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- Front sight not included
- Would benefit from spring-assisted release
Tech Sights Ruger 10/22 TSR100 GI-Style
Our third entry is a military-style sight set made by Tech Sights LLC. These sights are very well built and are of all-metal construction. This kit includes both the front and rear sights. The rear sight is a flip-up peephole style aperture.
Installing this sight is very simple and takes only a few minutes. The rear sight attaches to your rifle using the factory drilled holes intended to receive a scope base. The installation screws are included with your purchase. The front sight attaches in the same manner as the factory front sight, making for an easy swap.
This sight set is easy to adjust for both windage and elevation. The rear sight includes two different sized peephole apertures for close- and long-range use. You can swap between the two by flipping the aperture down, allowing for easy transitions. The sights hold their zero well when swapping between apertures and do not need to be readjusted.
The larger aperture is a bit smaller than I would like, which can limit your field of view when shooting close-range targets. However, the sight functions excellent otherwise and securely fits your rifle.
This sight will prevent you from using a scope or other optic with your rifle due to the way it mounts. Since the rear sight uses the holes intended to mount a rifle scope and the new platform does not include a rail or other mounting mechanism, you would have to remove these sights first.
Pros
- Fast install
- Two apertures
- Secure fit that does not loosen with large shooting volume
Cons
- Close range aperture too small
- Occupies mounting holes for scope
- No rail to allow for scope mounting
Brownells 10/22 Rear Sight & Rail
Our next pick is a more modern sight that comes with a Picatinny rail, which gives you more freedom when configuring your Ruger 10/22. The Brownells BRN-22 is a billet aluminum rear sight with a peephole style aperture. It is easily installed onto your rifle using the factory scope mounting holes and includes the screws needed for installation.
Adjusting the windage on this sight is simple and it will only take you a few minutes to zero in. The elevation is adjusted via the front sight. My only gripe is that this kit does not include a front sight, but it works well with your factory front sight, so replacing it is not necessary when ordering the BRN-22 sight.
One of the most appealing parts of this sight is the Picatinny rail, which allows for the mounting of an optic. When selecting an optic, you can either choose one with a raised platform or one that mounts flush with your traditional sights. If you select the raised option, installing an optic with a quick-release feature will allow you to revert to your standard sights in the event of a failure.
There is lots to love about this sight from Brownells. From the easy installation to its durability, it is a great choice if you are considering a peephole style sight and want the ability to mount an optic. It holds its zero well and does not loosen or rattle, even with lots of use.
Pros
- Includes mounting hardware
- Picatinny Rail
- Large aperture
- Anodized finish
- Fits all stock Ruger 10/22’s, including the Charger pistol
Cons
- Front sight not included
Nodak Spud Adjustable Front Sight for Ruger 10/22
The Nodak Spud front sight for your Ruger 10/22 is a high-quality replacement option for your stock front sight. It is an all-aluminum construction and installs with a barrel band, allowing you to quickly swap out your old front sight for this one. It is taller than the factory sight, meaning you will likely need to swap out the rear sight at the same time.
Nodak also offers a rear sight with a Picatinny rail, which works great with this front sight. The added height of this sight will allow it to function well with a stock Ruger 10/22 sight, but it is especially beneficial if you are running an aftermarket stock on your rifle. The front post is easy to adjust and has many elevation settings. It will hold its zero well once you get it dialed in.
The taller elevation settings on the front post of this sight can be useful if you are going to attach an optic and don’t want to shop around for an optic that includes a shorter mounting bracket. The Nodak sights are compatible with standard height mounting brackets for your scope or optic.
Requirements:
One important consideration when purchasing this product is that it requires a special SKS/AK sight adjustment tool to change the elevation of the post. This tool is not included with your purchase and must be added separately.
Thankfully, the quality of these sights makes up for the inconvenience of needing a special tool to adjust them.
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Barrel band installation
- Works well with aftermarket stocks
- Increased height makes using optics easier
- Holds zero well
Cons
- Requires special adjustment tool
Hiviz Litewave Sight Set for Ruger 10/22
Our sixth entry is the Hiviz Litwave Sight Set. This is a well-made steel sight set with a fiber-optic “Litepipe” in the front sight. They are easy to install and have a similar design to the factory Ruger 10/22 sights, making for an easy transition. Hiviz sights are intended to improve your ability to acquire a sight picture and sight alignment in low light conditions.
The rear sight is a flip-up style sight, allowing you to lay it down when not in use. This feature makes storing your rifle easier and protects the sight from damage when not in use. It is a half-circle sight with neon dots on either side of the viewing window. This sight set is compatible with any standard barrel Ruger 10/22, but may not fit aftermarket barrels with a larger contour.
The Hiviz sight set includes both a red and green fiber optic “Litepipe” and a removal tool so that you can install whichever fiber optic you prefer. Both aid in low light use and aid in getting your front sight on target. However, it offers limited adjustments for elevation and windage, meaning you may have slightly larger target groupings.
This sight set does not require the use of the scope mounting holes to install, which will leave room for the installation of an optic. These sights perform better than the stock Ruger 10/22 sights and are very easy to use. If you are looking for a simple installation process and improved low light target acquisition, these sights are a great addition to your Ruger 10/22.
Pros
- Two color options
- Rear sight flips down when not in use
- All hardware included
- Good for low light usage
Cons
- No Picatinny Rail
- Less precise zeroing adjustments
Williams Ace in The Hole Sight Set for Ruger 10/22
Next up is the Williams “Ace in The Hole” Sight Set. This is a machined aluminum front and rear sight replacement that even includes a Picatinny rail. It is designed to be a backup sight in the event that your optic fails. It uses the factory mounting holes to install the rear sight and does not require any modifications to your rifle.
The rear sight on this Williams sight set is a ghost ring. A ghost ring sight is a specific type of peephole rear aperture. It has a larger diameter than a traditional peephole sight, allowing for quicker target acquisition while still providing good accuracy out to about 100 yards. The Ace in The Hole set pairs the ghost ring with a fiber optic front sight, making it easier to acquire targets in low light conditions.
Zeroing in this sight set is very easy. Both the windage and elevation adjustments are made on the rear sight. The front fiber optic sight is fixed and attaches using the factory front sight attachment hardware.
These sights are well made and hold their zero during heavy usage. Because both the front and rear sights are fixed, you would need to incorporate an optic with a quick disconnect feature to use these sights as a backup option. An optic with a standard height mounting bracket would ensure that your optic’s viewpoint is above these sights and allows you to have an unobstructed view.
Pros
- Ghost Ring allows for fast target acquisition
- Picatinny rail
- Includes front and rear sights
- Fiber optic front sight aids in low light shooting
- Easy to zero
Cons
- Sights do not fold down
Williams 3-dot Fire Sights for Ruger 10/22
Our eighth and final pick is the 3-dot Fire Sights made by Williams. This sight set features a red fiber optic front sight and a U-notch rear sight. The rear sight has bright green dots on either side of the notch and is fully adjustable for both windage and elevation.
The installation of this sight was extremely easy and should take only a few minutes to complete. Zeroing the sight in is equally as easy. The front and rear sights are installed with a dovetail style base.
The bright front sight and neon dots on either side of the viewing window on the rear sight allow for rapid target acquisition and are great inside of 100 yards. However, shots from the 100-yard mark definitely push the limits of this sight design. These Williams’ sights would be ideal for the casual target shooter and are less suitable for other applications.
The primary issue with these sights is the attachment mechanism. The dovetail base and set screws that dictate windage and elevation frequently loosen from your rifle. Most users report this at around 50 to 100 rounds, which can make longer range trips very tedious. This problem can be corrected with Lock Tite, but this will prevent you from easily adjusting the windage or elevation.
Pros
- Rapid target acquisition
- Bright front sight
- Easy installation
Cons
- Poor durability
- Set screws loosen, causing loss of zero
- Dovetail base loosens during use
Sights Vs. Scopes
The overwhelming amount of aiming devices available for your Ruger 10/22 can make deciding what is best for you a difficult task. Before you decide, it is first important to distinguish between scopes and sights.
Scopes
A scope is an aiming device that attaches to your rifle and uses lenses to magnify your target. A scope will always include crosshairs or a reticle within to assist you in aiming. Some scopes incorporate both crosshairs and a reticle. Scopes that have a reticle will be battery-powered, which is why it is important to have a quality set of sights as a fallback.
Sights
On the other hand, sights are an aiming device that does not magnify your field of view or incorporate lenses of any kind. There are multiple types of sights, but they all utilize the same basic principles of marksmanship. These sights will assist you in obtaining good sight picture and sight alignment through the use of a front post or bead and some type of rear viewing area.
Types of Ruger 10/22 Iron Sights
There are two primary types of iron sights; open sights and peephole sights. However, there are several different variations on each of these sight types, allowing you to choose the type of sight and variation best suited for your application. Regardless of the type of whether the sights are an open or a peephole design, they will have both have a front and rear sight.
Open sights
Open sight sets, such as the ones included on your stock Ruger 10/22, will have a front sight that is most commonly a bead or fiber optic pipe. The front sight may also be a vertical post. The front sight will never be adjustable for windage but may have an elevation adjustment that will allow you to raise or lower the sight.
The rear sight can be a variety of shapes but is generally a half-circle or U shape. An open rear sight will have dots or alignment markings on either side of the viewing window that is meant to help you align the post in the center of the viewing window. Unless your sights are totally fixed, the rear sight will be adjustable for windage. If your front sight is fixed, your rear sight may also have an elevation adjustment.
Peephole sights
Peephole sights are generally considered the more accurate variety of iron sights. I have found this to be true in my own shooting experience and much prefer peephole style iron sights. Peephole sights will have a front post and will have a completely enclosed circular rear aperture.
The front post will generally be adjustable for elevation and the rear aperture is adjustable for windage. I find this sight to be more accurate because you are centering the post within the circle and placing the post on your desired target. While this task can be accomplished with open iron sights, it is easier to over or underestimate your elevation, causing rounds to strike higher or lower than intended over greater distances.
How To Install Sights On Your Ruger 10/22
Installing your new sights will vary slightly depending on which style you choose. After you have ejected your magazine and ensured your rifle is free from any ammunition, you should secure your barrel in a vice if you have access to one. You then simply use a punch and hammer to move the old front sight out from left to right (towards the ejection port).
The rear sight should be removed in the same manner, tapping from left to right. If you do not have a vice, lay your rifle on its right side with the top edge hanging over a table and tap out each sight. Once these sights are removed, you can tap the new sights into place from left to right. If your rifle is older or has a lot of range time, a little WD-40 will go a long way in making the removal of your old sights much easier.
If you purchase replacement rear sights that utilize the scope mounting holes, then you will simply need to secure it using the provided hardware. A few of our picks require that you remove the factory barrel band to replace the front sight. If choosing this type of sight, you will have to cut the barrel band with a Dremel tool to remove it. I have found that most gunsmiths will complete this swap for you for pretty cheap if you do not feel comfortable doing it yourself.
Precision is King
The most versatile and accurate sight for your Ruger 10/22 is Brownell’s BRN-22 rear sight with a Picatinny rail. It provides a significant upgrade over the stock sights. The aperture allows for precise windage adjustments and the aluminum construction makes the added weight barely noticeable at all.
This peephole style sight is easy to install and holds its zero well, even during heavy usage. Its reliability and included Picatinny rail provide you with the flexibility to add an optic to your rifle while providing you with a backup point of aim that you can trust.
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