hey sterman,
This is my second post as well. First let me say I am a big fan of the 6.5 x55, great all around cartridge. To answer your question, yes, red dots can be used on rifles. They are often used on turkey guns that dish out recoil with the biggest boys out there. Your better quailty red dots will handle it better ex. aimpoint, ATN. However, i think you would be better off with a low power rifle scope, such as a 1.5-6 x20 such as that by leupold, burris, or whoever you choose. Small objective size yes, but plenty of light transmission cause of the lower power. For your thick cover these are great. Just thought maybe i could help.