red dot

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Gideon Optics Judge

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  Another red dot sight manufacturer has entered the arena. This new sight company is Gideon Optics. Gideon has come on the market strong with an assortment of micro and mini red, and green, dot sights. I’ve known the owner of this new optics company for some years now, so I am excited to get into the “Judge” red dot that they sent out for review. The Judge is Gideon’s micro red dot reflex sight and uses the RMSc mounting footprint.

  When the Judge arrived, I was excited to mount it up. Part of the reason I was excited is because I was looking for a red dot for my G43ish carry gun. The Judge fit that bill nicely as my G43 slide was already cut for a RMSc style sight. The other half of the excitement came from the Judge's auto on/off ability. In today's market, I see no reason why a red dot shouldn’t be auto on/off. Gideon also includes 4 different pairs of mounting screws. So you should have something that fits. More important, in my opinion, is that Gideon also includes a sealing plate with the Judge. This is important since the Judge uses a bottom load battery. The sealing plate does just that, it seals the battery from moisture and dust.

  The Judge has an option for either a red or green dot. I chose the red dot because my eyes just seem to pick it up faster. The Judge uses a 3 MOA dot size, which is a good size for all around use. If you have an astigmatism, like I do, the dot will probably look larger because of the “flare”. Don’t worry, the Judge’s dot is fairly clear in pictures, so I know it’s me and not the sight. To adjust the 10 brightness settings, the Judge has a brightness up button on the left side and a brightness down button on the right side. I actually like this better than the red dots that have both the up/down on the same side. There’s just no doubt which button I am pushing. With the Judge, you get 90 MOA of total adjustment for windage and elevation. More importantly is that the Judge has actual clicks for the 1 MOA adjustments. These clicks are not something you find in competitors' products, but the Gideon Judge has them.

  Construction of the Judge is pretty sound. You get a 7075-T6 aluminum housing, not the less durable 6061. It is also waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes plus. Let’s just say that I have not broken it yet. The Judge also only tips the scales at around 0.6 ounces with the 2032 battery. Probably more important to the user, is that the judge has a window size of 16x21mm. This size is really nice for such a small reflex sight. I was able to get a good sight picture fairly quickly. Essentially, the window is big enough to make it easy to find the red dot. 

  The Gideon Judge just runs. I can’t seem to get the Judge to stop. It has given me zero problems since day one. It’s bright with very little tint to the lens. It has held zero through all my abuse. Granted, I didn’t drop it on concrete, but I also don’t want to actually break it just to break it. I love the click adjustments. In all, I have had a good shooting experience with the Judge.

  If you are in the market for a micro red dot, definitely give the Gideon Judge a look. Maybe even judge it compared to others in this market space. It has some great features at a respectable price. I might even give it style points for its looks. Even if you are looking for a different style of red dot, Gideon Optics might have what you want, so go check them out.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Small Red or Green dot that fits RMSc slide cuts

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a small red or green dot optic

Features & Benefits of this product:

  • Magnification: 1x

  • Lens Dimensions: 16mm tall x 21mm wide

  • 7075-T6 aluminum body

  • Elevation/Windage adjustment range: 45 MOA (Total 90 MOA)

  • Click Value: 1 MOA per click

  • Circle Dot Reticle: 3 MOA Dot

  • Parallax Free: Beyond 33 yards

  • Red Dot Brightness Setting: 10 levels (8 visible, 2 NV compatible)

  • Power Supply: 1x CR2032 3V Lithium battery

  • Run Time: approx 40,000 hrs

  • Auto Wake/Sleep: 225 Seconds after no movement

  • Shockproof & IPX7 Waterproof

  • Dimensions: (LxWxH) 41mm x 25mm x 24mm

  • Weight (with battery installed): 0.6 oz (approx.)

  • 1913 picatinny rail mount and screws

  • T10 tool

  • Adjustment tool

  • Sealing plate

  • Cleaning cloth

  • One pair each of the following mounting screws: M4 x 0.7 x 10mm, M4 x 0.7 x 8.6mm, M3.5 x 0.7 x 10mm, M3 x 0.5 x 12mm

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Green Dot Version

What others are saying?:

Dan @ OpticsPlanet

Very happy

I purchased this for my PSA 5.7 Rock. Could not be happier clear Len and crisp dot.

Link to other reviews:

Caleb Downing on YouTube   

Price point:

MSRP = $229.99

Retail = Same but use code “GGR” for 10% off at Gideon Optics

I need it now! Availability:

Gideon Optics or JSD Supply

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Bright Dot

  • Actual click adjustments

  • Auto on/off

  • Includes Sealing plate

  • Includes various mounting screws

Cons:

  • Slightly fuzzy dot

  • Bottom Load battery

  • Only a 3 yr warranty

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  Patmos Arms Judah slide review

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Viridian RFX45

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  The enclosed emitter, red dot sight market, is getting packed with options. One of those options is the Viridian RFX45. Because it is from Viridian, it uses a green dot, not red, as green is what Viridian is known for. The RFX45 is mainly designed for pistols, but can be used on rifles. I’m mainly going to focus on it as a pistol optic.

  As mentioned, the RFX45 is a closed emitter dot style sight. Some people have nicknamed them “mailbox” sights, since they look like a mailbox sitting on top of your pistol. This is due to the square, boxy shape of the sight. The closed emitter sight has some distinct advantages over the open emitter style. For instance, the RFX45’s emitter won’t get dust or moisture on it. So the image of the dot stays clear. Yes, dust and moisture can get on the outside lenses, but this doesn’t affect the emitter itself and is easily cleaned off. I find enclosed style dot sights are easier for me to find the dot. This is due to it being easier to look down a tube, since my eyes find the center of a tube naturally. I know the RFX45 is technically a rectangle, but it still works better for me. To me there are only two disadvantages, and they really are small ones. Enclosed style sights, like the RFX45, can weigh more than open emitter style. The RFX45 only weighs around ¾ oz more than most open reflex sights. The RFX45 is still light enough that, most likely, you won’t have to change recoil springs, I didn’t. The next disadvantage could be their size. You might be more likely to hit it on something. Or, it might be harder to conceal under a shirt. Other than that, mailbox style sights, like the RFX45, are a great sight option.

  Most of the closed emitter sights you encounter will have the ACRO footprint, the Viridian RFX45 is no different. The ACRO style footprint is a little unique, in that it is kind of like a mini picatinny rail. This means that you will need an adapter if your slide is not specifically cut for an ACRO.  Do not fear, Viridian has different options as to what adapter plate the RFX45 comes with. Either a MOS, RMR, DOCTOR, or a low or high mount. The high mount is to mount it on an AR style rifle. The RFX45 I was sent had the MOS adaptor as the RMR ones were not out yet. I used a Primary Machine plate and it worked just fine. I do like how Viridian uses an “Industry Standard'' mounting platform for the RFX45.

Bottom dot is from the fiber optic front sight.

  The Viridian RFX45 is packed with useful features. First, the RFX45 has Instant-On. So whenever the sight senses motion, it turns the green dot on. If it sits for 2 minutes, the dot goes off until it senses movement again. This feature worked flawlessly in the RFX45. I had zero problems with it. Next up is the 50,000 hr battery life. This long battery life is also attributed to the Instant-On capability and its CR2032 battery. The green dot size is listed as 5 MOA which is slightly larger than some others. Since this is a green dot, the 5 MOA dot appeared to be slightly smaller to me. But either way, the 5 MOA dot size worked fine for everything I did with it. The RFX45 has 10 brightness settings, 2 of which are night vision compatible. At the highest setting, the RFX45 can be seen in direct bright sunlight. During my shooting experiences, some in bright sunlight, I could see the green dot just fine. 

  Window size can play an important role when choosing an enclosed red dot/green dot sight. The Viridian RFX45 has a 24mm wide x 15.5mm tall window size. This window size is wider than most of its competition. Most are 15mmx15mm. As mentioned previously, this window size makes the sight super easy for me to pick up. This includes under recoil, the draw stroke, and transitioning between target to target. The clear green dot probably helps a little with that too. All I can say is that I pick up the RFX45’s dot faster than my open reflex sights.

  Being the RFX45 is one of those mailbox style sights, I better explain some about its style. Yes, it’s square. But more on point is that the battery is housed at the top of the optic. So no removing the sight to change the battery. On the left side is a rubber pad with the up/down brightness buttons. The glass has an ever so slight tint to it. I never even noticed the tint, even on darker days. It’s super clear. Speaking of clear, the dot is extremely clear also. I have an astigmatism, and the dot doesn’t star out as much as some of my other green dots. For those of you with normal eyes, you will get a super clear round dot. I mounted the RFX45 to a Grey Ghost Precision slide that was cut for an RMR. Even with an adapter plate, the RFX45 sits level with the top of my slide. This allows me to still use the tall iron sights that are on the pistol. 

  So, if you are in the market for a “mailbox” style sight, do take a look into the Viridian RFX45. It may cost a little bit more than some others, but you are getting a quality enclosed green dot sight. I used it quite a bit and it never failed me, something I can’t say about the ammo I was using. You get a lot of high end features in the RFX45. You can check it out at Viridianweapontech.com

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Enclosed Green Dot reflex sight

Target Market:

Pistol shooters of all types, Law enforcement, Concealed carry, Competition

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • ACRO footprint

  • Dimensions 1.9" x 1.1" x 1.13"

  • Lens Dimension: 24mm x 15.5mm

  • Unlimited eye relief

  • Fully Multi Coated Glass

  • 90 MOA of adjustment

  • 5 MOA Green dot

  • 1 x CR2032

  • Battery Life: Up to 50k+ hours

  • Settings: 10 | 8 Visible and 2 Night Vision

  • Operation: INSTANT-ON + User Controlled brightness

  • Weight: 1.73oz / 48.19 grams

  • 6061 Aluminum w/ Hard Coat Anodization

  • IPX6 rated

  • Operating Temperature: -4F to 130F

  • Limited Lifetime Warranty

  • MOS, RMR, Doctor, & Picatinny mount versions

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

Couldn’t find anything

Link to other reviews:

GunDeals YouTube    

Price point:

MSRP = $459.00

Retail = $399.99 at GunMagWarehouse   

I need it now! Availability:

Viridian or GunMagWarehouse

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Crisp clean dot

  • Enclosed so dirt and water do not get on emitter

  • Decent size window

  • Actual click adjustments

  • Battery life

  • Instant on motion activation

Cons:

  • Price

  • Needs adapter plate for most applications

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Viridian RFX 35 review

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Gowutar A17 Micro red dot

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  If you are in the market for an inexpensive red dot, Gowutar is something to take a look at. I had never heard of Gowutar before they contacted me. They sell Chinese manufactured red dots on Amazon. Since a lot of the well known red dots are manufactured in China, that part didn’t bother me. So I headed over to take a look at them before I decided to review one. I then decided that the A17 micro dot might fit the bill. The A17 uses an RMSc footprint and is right at home on smaller pistols.

  The Gowutar A17 has all the same features as the top name red dot’s. Most notably is its Motion Activated Illumination. This functions just like one would expect. After 4 minutes of no movement, the A17 turns off. Just slightly move the A17 and the red dot turns on. This helps give the CR2032 battery a 30,000 hour lifespan. It does use a bottom mount battery, so to change it you will need to take the optic off. There is a built-in seal to help keep moisture out of the battery, but no seal plate. The A17 also comes with a low picatinny rail mount and a bunch of screws for mounting it to different firearms. The various screws were a nice touch.

  Gowutar is using a 2 MOA dot size in the A17. I like the smaller dot size. Being 2 MOA it is easy enough for me to see, but still gives pretty good accuracy at a distance. The red dot inside the A17 is really clear. It also has 10 brightness settings, 2 of which are night vision compatible, so you can adjust it to your liking. To adjust the brightness, on the left side is the “up” button, and on the right side is the “down” button. Zeroing the A17 is easy enough, but the adjustments are just friction and not clicks. The window size on the A17 is 17 mm high by 21 mm wide. I’m guessing that’s where the A17 name comes from. The window size is also on par with other red dots in this class. The A17 is also one of the sight types that has a built in rear iron sight. I like this feature and surprisingly it lined up pretty well with my front iron sight. I was able to get decent hits at 10yds using the rear iron sight on the A17. 

  Construction and durability are always a question of mine, at least for these inexpensive red dots. The Gowutar A17 has an outer shell made from 7075 aluminum, so it’s quality stuff. Gowutar states the A17 is shockproof to 1800G’s. But is it? The first A17 I had started having problems after about 3 months and about 400 rounds of 9mm. It started going off after a shot was fired. Then you had to smack it pretty hard to get it to turn back on. I contacted Gowutar and they immediately sent out another one. The new one has been good so far, with close to the same round count. Since I now had an extra A17 that kind of worked, I proceeded to take it outside and drop it on the concrete from about 8 feet. I did this 7 or 8 times and the glass didn’t break. Now it wasn’t on a firearm, but it still says something about the durability. It even turned on after the drops. Because of this, I wouldn’t recommend it for a “Duty” use application, and Gowutar doesn't sell it as that. But for something you use at the range, it should be a good fit. 

  For an inexpensive micro red dot, the Gowutar A17 is better than I expected. Yes, it had problems, but Gowutar’s customer service was great. The A17 has all the features you want in a red dot, like Motion Activated Illumination and a standard mounting footprint. Plus, it can usually be had for just over $100. I was impressed with its value and features for a range ready micro red dot. If you are in the market for something like this, check out what Gowutar has to offer.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Inexpensive Micro red dot

Target Market:

Those wanting a RMSc red dot for the range

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 2 MOA dot

  • RMSc footprint

  • Motion activated illumination

  • Built in rear sight

  • Lens Height: 17 Millimeters

  • 7075 aircraft grade Aluminum

  • Fully Multi-Coated Ruby Red lens

  • Windage/Elevation Movement Range: ±45 MOA

  • 10 Illumination Settings: 8 Daytime/2 NV

  • Shockproof: 1800Gs

  • Waterproof: IPX8

  • Battery Type: CR2032

  • Battery Life: 160h-30000h

  • Net weight: 25g/0.88oz

  • Length: 37mm/1.44in

  • Width: 24mm/0.94in

  • Height: 26mm/1.02in

  • 3 year warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Green dot   

What others are saying?:

3 out of 5 stars on Amazon  

Decent

I will say if you want a red dot and it’s what you can afford it’s pretty good. My problem is the battery mounts on the bottom and you can see the edge of the battery. To me it’s a little bit too exposed so I decided it would be fine on a gun I am only going to use at the range. Also you could use it on a gun that has a plate like a Canik that seats really well and covers the battery to protect it a little better.

Link to other reviews:

Yellow Belly Tactical

Price point:

MSRP = $118.99

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Motion activated illumination

  • Standard footprint (RMSc)

  • Uses standard 2032 battery

  • Battery Life

  • Durability - passed drop test 

Cons:

  • Stopped working after 3 months (sent replacement with no problems)

  • Bottom mount battery

Score: 6.50 Okay

Favorite Link:  Magne-Tech Rigel II

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Hawke Vantage 30 1-8x24 Fiber Dot

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 It seems like everyone is making quality Low Power Variable Optics (LPVO) nowadays. The Hawke Vantage 30 1-8x24 Fiber Dot falls into this category nicely. This particular LPVO uses a new Fiber Dot, second focal plane reticle. The L4A illuminated Fiber Dot reticle is what makes this optic shine above most others in its class.

  As one can guess, the Hawke Vantage Fiber Dot comes with a bunch of features. It uses a 30mm tube to help you get a decent field of view at 8x. Of course it also has all those normal features like multi-coated optics, fast focus eyepiece, capped turrets, and a zero reset on the turrets. The adjustment ring also comes with a removable throw lever, which I actually like because it’s not super tall. The Hawke Fiber Dot also weighs in a little lighter than some of its competition with a weight of 16.5 ounces. To go along with that, it also comes in at an overall length of 10.5 inches, which is right where most of these LPVO’s fall. Lastly the Hawke Vantage Fiber Dot has a respectable eye relief of 3.8 inches. I found the eye relief to be somewhat forgiving at 8x, which surprised me a bit. At 1x I didn’t even notice it.

1x at around 5 yds

200yd steel at 8x

  Now that the standard specs are out of the way, let’s talk about the Fiber Dot reticle of the Hawke Vantage 1-8x24. With the Fiber Dot reticle, Hawke took their standard L4A dot reticle and gave it fiber optics. Yes, it still uses a battery for illumination and has 11 brightness settings. But, by adding in fiber optics, the center red dot of the reticle is now bright enough to be seen on the brightest of sunny days. This gives the shooter the ability to use the Vantage Fiber Dot as you would a standard red dot. Just turn the scope down to 1x and that center fiber dot just glows bright, just like a red dot. It glows bright at 8x too, but I’m using it at 1x for fast, close up, shots. Okay, maybe not exactly like a red dot, since the reticle still has crosshairs in it and it is etched into the glass. Being etched allows it to not “starburst” out, like a normal red dot would do for those of us with an astigmatism. Those crosshairs will also help draw your eye to the center dot and improve shot to shot time. The crosshair is also a 30/30 type reticle, at least when the magnification is adjusted to 4x. This means the thin stadia lines are 30 inches from the center dot out to the thicker outer post. This gives you a way to measure distance. 4x seems to be a weird place to make the reticle measure correctly, as most manufacturers do it at full magnification for a second focal plane optic. It works, and I doubt most people are using a 30/30 LPVO to range with. But it is there if you need it. I will also mention that the optic is super clear to look through, even at 8x. 

  The Hawke Vantage 1-8 Fiber Dot works very well. I didn’t have any problems with the LPVO whatsoever. I really like that Hawke is using this fiber optic technology to make reticles brighter. The center illuminated dot is great. That center dot is not as bright as a true red dot, or some of its competition, but it is very usable in bright sunlight. Being able to crank that thing up to 8x is really useful for hitting farther away targets, or for target identification. Plus, I was really impressed with the clarity at 8x. The center dot is also fine enough that it is easy to make those precise shots when needed. I did like the fact that the Vantage is a little bit lighter than other manufacturers 1-6 and 1-8’s. The magnification ring is also super smooth and doesn’t take a bunch of force to turn, making it much easier and quicker to adjust. I was also very pleased that the turrets had decent clicks to them when making adjustments. They are also capped, so you won’t knock off your zero when trekking through the woods. 

  I’ve been very pleased with the Hawke Vantage 30 1-8x24 with the L4A Fiber Dot reticle. As mentioned, it has super clear glass. But, even better is the ability to have a bright red dot type reticle that can be seen in bright sunlight. The smooth adjustment ring and forgiving eye box make it really nice to use. If you are looking at an LPVO, where the illuminated reticle can actually be seen in sunlight, go take a look through the Hawke Vantage Fiber Dot and see if it’s what you like.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Daylight bright center red dot reticle in a LPVO

Target Market:

Those wanting a daylight bright reticle in a SFP LPVO

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Magnification: 1 - 8x

  • 30mm Scope Tube

  • 11 Levels - Red illumination

  • Field of View: 115ft @ 1x -14.4ft @8x both at 100yds

  • Eye Relief: 3.8in

  • Capped Turrets

  • ½ MOA windage and elevation adjustment clicks

  • 210 MOA adjustment range

  • Fast Focus eyepiece

  • Power Selector: Knurled Posi-Grip with Removable Zoom Lever

  • Fully Multi-Coated - 11 Layers

  • SFP (Second Focal Plane)

  • Length: 10.5″

  • Weight: 16.5oz

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Different Reticles

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found as of publishing

Price point:

MSRP = $559.00

Retail = $499.99 at OpticsPlanet  

I need it now! Availability:

Hawke Optics or OpticsPlanet

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Simple SFP reticle

  • Bright center dot

  • Smooth adjustment ring

  • Lightweight

  • Clear glass

Cons:

  • Reticle accurate at 4x

  • Price compared to others in this market

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Endurance Red Dot review

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Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24 ACSS NOVA

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  Primary Arms has come out with a new Low Power Variable Optic in their SLx line, it’s the 1-6x24mm SFP Gen IV with the Illuminated ACSS Nova Fiber Wire Reticle. The difference between this new 1-6x24 LPVO, and others, is its new fiber wire reticle. The fiber wire produces an actual daylight bright center red dot. The SLx 1-6x24 Nova reticle also has a bunch of other upgraded features when compared to the SLx gen 3's. Let’s go check it out. 

  This new SLx 1-6x24 comes packed with features. Of course it has 1 power magnification so you can use it like a red dot. Or you can crank it up to 6 power to identify and engage targets at longer distances. To change the magnification, Primary Arms has upgraded the throw lever to their new dovetail style. This new throw lever can be taken out and swapped for different heights, including a fold down style. The magnification ring moves about 180 degrees between 1x and 6 x, which is nice. The SLx 1-6 is still a second focal plane optic, but now has different reticle options, including the Nova Fiber Wire reticle. To zero in the reticle, the SLx 1-6 uses capped turrets that adjust in 0.1 MIL increments. The turrets have a good audible clicks to them. There are also 3 tiny set screws to loosen and set those turrets to a known zero position. The scope weighs in at 17.9 ounces and is 10.4 inches long, which is a good balance for this style of optic.

  It’s time to talk about the SLx 1-6’s Nova fiber wire reticle. This Nova reticle is one of the reasons the Gen 4 SLx shines. Using a fiber optic wire allows the Nova reticle to have a center illuminated red dot. I used to complain when companies would say “daylight bright”, not anymore. The red dot inside the SLx 1-6 is BRIGHT. Not only can you see it in direct bright sunlight, but I'm pretty sure it can be seen while aiming it at the sun, but I wouldn’t recommend trying that. The dot is bright enough that it also doesn’t wash out when using a weapon light, a big plus in my book. Because the SLx is an etched reticle, the red dot does not starburst out for those of us that have an astigmatism, something I can’t say for normal red dots. The illuminated dot size measures 0.6 MOA at 1x and 3.6 MOA at 6x. Brightness for the center dot is adjusted on the left side of the scope. It has 11 levels of brightness with only one off position. It is not night vision compatible, the dot is just too bright at level 1 for that. Also included in the reticle are MIL hash marks. The vertical crosshair’s marks are at 1 MIL intervals. There are narrower 0.5 MIL subtension marks between the large 1 MIL ones. These 1 MIL marks decrease in width as you move down the crosshair. This is to estimate a 18” target’s width to help determine what range the target is at. Being a SFP optic, these stadia marks only are accurate at 6x. The horizontal crosshair has marks for wind or travel speed. These are 3,6, and 9 MPH as you move out away from the center dot. The Nova reticle is a great multi-purpose reticle that can range targets or be used as a red dot.

  Since the Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24 is now on the fourth generation of upgrades, this means the user gets upgraded glass. This upgraded glass gives the SLx fantastic clarity. To my eye, it compares to the clarity of my GLx 1-6, which is the next higher level of optics in the Primary Arms optics line. Eye relief on the SLx is stated at 4 inches, but it is very forgiving. The eye box is also pretty good for a scope in this class range. These two specs actually make it very easy to find the optic when shouldering the rifle.  

  I mounted up the SLx 1-6x24 Nova fiber wire on my purple AR15. For this particular rifle, the SLx is great. It is super clear and easy to pick up the reticle. That fiber wire makes the center dot so bright that I can actually use the scope like a red dot at 1x, in bright sunlight. The dot is so bright that I had to turn the brightness way down to get a good picture of the reticle, if that tells you anything. The turret adjustments give me good clicks, so when I turn them, I can tell when they moved. My only complaint about the SLx is the throw lever. It is too stiff for my liking. Even though it’s stiff, the throw lever’s movement is super smooth.

   If you are even remotely looking into getting a LPVO, the Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24 Nova reticle needs a look. The glass clarity is great. The reticle is top notch for a “one optic” rifle. Plus that red center dot has got to be one of the brightest of any LPVO in this price range. I would encourage you to go take a look at the SLx 1-6 Nova from Primary Arms. It might be one of the best LPVO’s in its price range

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Low power variable optic with a super bright red dot

Target Market:

Those wanting a LPVO that is actually daylight bright 

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Integrated Magnification Throw Lever

  • ACSS NOVA Fiber Wire Reticle

  • Battery Life: Up to 500 hours

  • Magnification: 1x – 6x

  • Second Focal Plane (SFP) 

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm

  • Exit Pupil: 10.6mm – 3.8mm

  • Eye Relief: 4 in.

  • Total Windage/Elevation Adjustment: 120 MOA

  • Field Of View @100 Yards: 120 ft. – 20 ft. (Low – High)

  • Illumination: Red, 11 Illumination Settings

  • Click Value: 0.1 MIL

  • Length w/o Lens Covers: 10.4 in.

  • Weight w/ Included Battery w/o Lens Covers: 17.9 oz.

  • Lifetime Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Different Reticles

What others are saying?:

5/5 Stars at PrimaryArms.com

THE NEW STANDARD FOR BUDGET LPVO'S

Absolutely lives up to the hype, punches well above its price point. Yeah, it's going to get compared a lot to the PST Gen 2, and I can honestly say the overall glass quality and image/FOV/Reticle, and illumination are frankly better than the Vortex. Still doesn't quite match the Vortex in build quality or external controls, and the eyebox is a tad less forgiving, but this Nova scope is hands down the best LPVO on the market under $500.

Link to other reviews:

Lynx Defense

Price point:

MSRP = $339.99

Retail = Same, but Primary Arms runs sales often

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating: 

Pros:

  • Super brightly lit dot in center of reticle

  • Removable and changeable throw lever

  •  Lightweight 

  • Mil style reticle

Cons:

  • Second focal plane

  • Stiff throw lever

Score: 8.50 Great

Favorite Link:  Timber Creek Enforcer Review

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Primary Arms SLx MD-25 gen 2 red dot

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  Primary Arms has updated their SLx MD-25 red dot optic to a Gen 2. The Gen 2 gives you all the great stuff as the first generation, but it now includes Primary Arms’ AutoLIve. With the added AutoLive function, this makes a great red dot for either a rifle or carbine. There are two versions available, one with just a red dot, or one with an ACSS reticle. I received the ACSS version, so everything here will be on the MD-25 Gen 2 with the ACSS CQB reticle. Most of the specifications, except the reticle, apply to the dot only version of the MD-25 Gen 2 also.

  Let’s start this out with an AutoLive explanation. The AutoLive function, of the MD-25 Gen 2, automatically turns the red dot “On” when you pick up or move the optic. It also turns the optic into a sleep, or “Off” mode, after a few minutes of no movement. A big advantage to an auto-on reticle/dot is that it is ready when you need it to be. The AutoLive also extends the battery life, since your optic isn’t “on” all the time. Whatever setting the brightness dial is set to, is the brightness that it turns on at. No readjusting necessary. I absolutely love the AutoLive function. Speaking of brightness, the MD-25 Gen 2 has 11 adjustments on a dial. From night vision compatible all the way up to super bright. The 2032 battery is also housed in the brightness dial. Primary Arms specs the battery life at 12000 hours on the medium setting, so 5 or 6 on the dial. Battery life might seem a little low to some people, but there is more information in the ACSS reticle. For comparison, the MD-25 Gen 2 dot only version has a 50000 hour battery life.

  This particular MD-25 Gen 2 has the ACSS CQB reticle. If you don’t know anything about the Primary Arms ACSS reticles, they are usually a horseshoe line around some sort of chevron (think triangle). The horseshoe on the Gen 2 measures 65 MOA. The chevron triangle sits inside the horseshoe and is used as your main aiming spot. For close up work, just cover the target with the chevron. For more precise work, use the top point of the chevron. The ACSS CQB then has three dots below the chevron. These dot’s are for ranging, as is the bottom of the chevron. The reticle can work with a few different common caliber options as seen in the photo. I like the ACSS CQB reticle, but it is pretty small, so it can be difficult to make out the aiming points for different ranges. The MD-25 Gen 2 is still a red dot style optic. So this means that the image is projected onto the viewing surface. It is not an etched reticle like a scope. This really only affects you if you have an astigmatism, which I do. So for me, the chevron “starbursts” out and looks more like a dot. This is just something to take into consideration. If you have decent vision, the reticle will be very clear. For my use, the MD-25 Gen 2 is not a long range optic, so this doesn’t bother me at all. When shooting real close targets, an advantage to the ACSS CQB reticle is that you can figure out how far above a target you need to aim, to compensate for mechanical offset. Those dots below the chevron, as well as the 65 MOA horseshoe, also help for aiming at those close targets. You don’t have this option with a standard dot only reticle, which is why I feel the ACSS CQB is a better reticle option for an AR rifle.

  The Gen 2 MD-25 is not one of those super tiny red dot optics. I’d say it is medium size. Not so small that it’s hard to see through, and not so large that it’s a tank sitting on your picatinny rail. It only measures 3” long, so almost half the length of those expensive “red dots”. The MD-25 uses 25 mm lenses, but the field of view is really good. Primary Arms says it rivals 30 mm red dots, and I believe it after looking through the MD-25. Even though the MD-25 isn’t a small red dot, it still only tips the scales at 6.5 ounces. It also comes with different mounting height options. So no matter what you put it on, you can get the sight right up to your eye level. If for some reason you don’t like the supplied mount, the MD-25 can be mounted on standard T1 And T2 micro mounts. 

  I’ve been really impressed with the MD-25 Gen 2. It is built super strong. I’m not sure I could break it if I tried. Even if I was to, it’s covered by Primary Arms’ lifetime warranty. The little capped turrets even have raised nubs to keep them protected. These protection nubs will also keep stuff from snagging on the turrets, or at least help. The little turret caps also are aggressively textured with an adjustment built into them for making sight adjustments. The mount is also super strong. Once clamped down, the MD-25 isn’t going anywhere. I wouldn’t hesitate to put this on a rifle that gets beat around some.

  If you are looking for a rugged red dot, that’s not a dot, look into the Primary Arms MD-25 Gen 2 ACSS. This thing is a great size for almost any rifle. It has a ranging type ACSS reticle that even works with a .22 lr. The AutoLive gives you plenty of battery life, over a years worth, and it makes the optic “always ready”. Go check out the SLx MD-25 Gen 2 over at Primary Arms, It’s a good red dot style sight with a unique reticle. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Larger window red dot 

Target Market:

Those wanting an auto on/off red dot with a ranging reticle

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • AutoLive functionality

  • Wide field of view

  • ACSS CQB reticle

  • Up to 12,000 hour battery life at medium setting

  • Uses one CR2032 battery (included)

  • Next generation ruggedized mounting system

  • Includes risers and spacers for mounting to 0.96”, 1.41”, 1.54”, or 1.64” central height

  • Compatible with standard micro mounts

  • Fully multi-coated anti-reflective lenses

  • 12 Illumination settings, night vision compatible

  • 3" long

  • Weight - 6.5 Oz.

  • Fog resistant

  • 0.5 MOA adjustments

  • Lifetime Warranty 

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Dot Only version

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars on Primaryarms.com

This is my 5th or 6th scope purchase from PA. I've never been disappointed yet, so when this one was announced I quickly put it on pre-order to replace a Vortex SPARC that I've never been happy with. I bought this to go on a home defense bullpup shotgun. It is fantastic for this purpose. The big outer circle, with the small aiming dot in the middle, is perfect for fast sight acquisition, and the shake-awake feature gives you one less thing to think about in a crisis situation. The included height adjustment plates let you tailor the height of the sight to your own weapon and preferences. Just another area where PA beats the competition in quality, value, and price. With eleven brightness settings on this reticle, you see it outside in the brightest sun, all the way down to night vision compatibility. I usually prefer green illumination over red, but this sight is extremely clear and my old eyes have no problems with it. - Highly recommended.

Link to other reviews:

Lynx Defense   

Price point:

MSRP = $199.99

Retail = Same, but Primary Arms runs sales quite often

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Clear

  • Bright, well lit, reticle

  • Autolive

  • Mounting options

  • Field of view due to larger physical size

  • 65 MOA circle of ACSS reticle

Cons:

  • Hard to see bullet drop compensation marks

  • Battery life compared to Red Dot version

Score:  8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Walker Defense

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Viridian RFX 35

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  Viridian Weapon Tech recently came out with a few pistol mounted green dots. Keeping in Viridian fashion, they only do green, hence the green dot and not a red. All of their green dots have the same features, they just are different sizes with different mounting footprints. They sent out the RFX 35 for me to try out, It uses the RMR footprint and has a huge viewing window.

  In the current pistol mounted dot sight market, there are a bunch of important features the sights should have. The RFX 35 has most of these. First, it has an industry standard footprint, a RMR in the 35’s case. Next, I feel it should have some auto on feature. Viridian’s RFX 35 checks this box as it has their “instant-on” technology. What this does for you is turn the green dot on, when any slight movement is detected. The RFX 35 turns off and into this mode after approximately 2 minutes of being stationary. The last option I think these small dot sights should have, is night vision compatibility. I don’t use this feature, but I feel it is worth having. The RFX’s lowest 2 settings are NV compatible. 

  One of my favorite things about the RFX 35 green dot is its window size. The viewing window is quite large, measuring in at 22x26 mm. This is essentially a 1 mm shorter, and 1 mm wider than its commonly known competitor, the SRO. The window is also very rounded in shape, with a flat spot near the bottom. This means that no matter what you are doing, the green dot in the RFX is super easy to pick up. It also makes transitioning from target to target faster since the target comes into the viewing window sooner. I found it extremely fast to use on my Sig P320.  

  As previously mentioned, the RFX 35 uses a green dot. Viridian uses a 3 MOA dot size for the RFX. I thought the dot size was very useful. Not too large to cover up close targets, but small enough to be used, when accuracy is needed, on those 50 yard targets. Most people tend to see the green dot better than a red one. For me, I get less of that “bloom” effect with green, that is due to my astigmatism. The RFX 35 uses a “+” and “-” to adjust brightness. The “+” is on the left side, and the “-” is on the right side. I like this layout as you don’t accidentally push the wrong button. There are 10 total brightness adjustments, 8 are daylight and the other 2 are NV. The green dot is easily visible in bright sunlight on the highest setting. To adjust the green dot for windage and elevation, there is a supplied allen wrench. It adjusts in 1 MOA “clicks”, except it doesn’t have clicks, just the turn screws. This doesn’t hurt the functionality, I just prefer clicks to make adjustments easier for me. 

  Another advantage to the RFX 35 is its extremely low profile. This little green dot sits lower than any of the other RMR footprints sights I own. Part of the reason it sits so low in the slide, is that it has a bottom mount battery. No side or top load battery here. I prefer to not have a bottom load battery, as I don’t like to remove things to change batteries. Is this a deal breaker? No, it’s just a slight inconvenience every couple of years when it needs to be changed. With a 30,000 hr battery life, it’s not like you have to change it all the time. 

  In the end, I am really liking the Viridian RFX 35. The green dot is crystal clear and is easily picked up with my eye. The window's viewing size is fantastic. Plus, it has that industry standard mounting footprint. The RFX 35 has been a really good sight for me. If you are looking at a large window reflex sight to mount on a handgun slide, or possibly a rifle, the Viridian RFX 35 may just be the ticket. Check it out, along with the other RFX series sights, at Veridian’s website.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Large window green dot sight for RMR footprint pistols

Target Market:

Carry, Competition, Training, and anything else

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 3 MOA Green Dot

  • 22x26 mm viewing window

  • RMR Mounting Footprint

  • Picatinny mount included

  • Auto shut off and INSTANT- ON technology

  • 30,000 + hours battery life at brightness level 5

  • 6061-T6 aluminum body

  • Designed from the ground up to ensure clarity, solid function, and rapid target acquisition

  • Designed to fit full size handguns, shotguns, and rifles

  • 8 Visible & 2 Night Vision Brightness Settings

  • WEIGHT: 1.0 oz

  • WARRANTY: 7 years

  • AUTO OFF: 2 minutes

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Other RFX series

What others are saying?:

4/5 stars on Amazon

Pretty nice if you get it on sale

500 rounds through my pistol with this dot and it went from being a safe toy to my EDC. I got the 35 and it turned my pistol into an entire new machine. Easier to sight in than my holosun, and over $100 less. Will be getting the 15 for my smaller pistol and ditching the holosun 507k I have on it. The green dot is super easy to see. Honestly surprised how much better I like it over my holosun.

Was honestly surprised by the dot. I expected it to be crap after seeing the glass fell out of both the reviews I watched. Ended up being a great purchase. My only gripes are the fact it has to be removed to replace the battery and that it's kind of difficult to remove the wrench used to adjust. Would be so much better if they used the same style screws as pretty much every other big-name dot to adjust. I never have an allen wrench on me, but I always have some kind of small device that can be used as a flat head.

Link to other reviews:

Terribly Tactical Youtube 

Shooting Sports USA  

Price point:

MSRP = $289.00

Retail = $202.95 on Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Viridian or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Large window size

  • RMR pattern footprint

  • Clear dot

  • 3 MOA dot size

Cons:

  • Bottom load battery

  • No click adjustments

Score: 8.50 Great

Favorite Link:  Midwest Firearm Solutions

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Primary Arms Classic Mini & Micro red dots

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  Primary Arms has come out with a couple of new reflex sights. Both of these are from their value priced “Classic” line of optics. The two new red dots are the Classic Mini and Classic Micro. Both have 3 MOA dot sizes and are on common mounting footprints, making it easy to mount on various pistol slides.

  I’m putting the Micro and Mini together since they both function the same way. These reflex sights are your common “open” style. The main difference is size, weight, and mounting footprint. But as far as function, they are very similar. To turn them on, just push the brightness up button, marked with a plus sign. For off, just hold down the brightness down button for a few seconds, the one marked with a minus sign. If you forget to turn the sights off, they will automatically turn off after 12 hours of use. If you push a button anytime in that window of time, the sight resets the 12 hours. These two red dots both have 10 brightness settings. From sunny daylight bright down to midnight dark. You really can see and use all 10 of the brightness settings, if that’s what you want. The Mini’s up/down buttons are located on the left side of the reflex sight. The Micro has the up button on the left side and the down button on the right side. This is because the Micro is quite a bit smaller than the Mini.

Classic series MICRO

Classic series MINI

  When it comes to small red dot sights, people seem to want to know about battery life. I would tend to say that this is because everyone hates changing batteries. On the Primary Arms Classic Mini and Micro, the CR2032 battery is located on the bottom of the mounting surface. So battery life is more important because the sight must be taken off to change it. I’m not keen on the bottom mount battery, but since the battery lasts approximately 40,000 hours on brightness setting 5, I’m okay with it. 

Mini 3 MOA dot

Micro 3 MOA dot

  The 3 MOA dot size is a good option for the Micro and Mini. I like the precision that a 3 MOA dot allows. Yet it isn't too small to see on a handgun. I pick up the dot pretty quick with these reflex sights. Surprisingly, the dot on the squarer window of the Micro is easier for me to pick up, even though it is smaller. Don’t get me wrong, the red dot on the Mini’s more rounded window is still easy for me to pick up, but the window size is also noticeably larger. These reflex sights use fully multi-coated lenses to help make that red dot as bright and clear as can be. You do notice a very, very slight tint to them, but it doesn’t distract from seeing your target or the dot. To sight in the dot, they both have 1 MOA adjustment screws at the back and right side of the sights. They use a small allen wrench to adjust them, but they are not click adjustable. 

  The Classic series Mini is mainly for standard size pistols. It uses a RMR footprint to mount the red dot to a slide, or possibly a picatinny riser. The width is about 1.2 inches, when measured to the outside of the buttons, so it fits nicely on most compact and full size pistols. I really like how Primary Arms designed this for the RMR footprint, as it is one of the industry standards. So finding a slide or pistol to mount the Mini on is super easy. The Mini also has a decent sized window, at 24x17mm. This window is also slightly curved at the top to give you a better view of the red dot. This larger window also makes it easier to find the dot, so to speak. Being the larger of the two red dots, the Mini still comes in with a weight of 0.97 ounces.

Mini size compared to a penny, Micro is smaller yet

  Now onto the Classic series Micro. This is the smaller version mainly for use on sub-compact and micro pistols. It measures 1 inch at the buttons, but is actually a little slimmer in real life. Primary Arms uses the RMSc industry standard footprint for the Micro. Using the RMSc footprint is by far the best choice for this red dot. The window size comes in at 21x15mm. Even though the window isn’t very large, the squarer viewing window is easier for me to pick up. I mounted it on a glockish 43 and it looks right at home. The Micro is pretty much half the weight of its larger brother, coming in at 0.56 ounces. The height profile of the Micro also allowed me to use standard height backup sights. It does cut the sight’s viewing angle off some, but they still can be seen fine. So you may not have to purchase new iron sights with the Micro, a definite plus in my book.

  Both the Primary Arms Classic Mini and Micro red dots work great. They both handled recoil fine and I didn’t break them. I would recommend these to anyone looking for a cost effective red dot for range, competition, or just “fun” use. With no way to leave them on continuously, carry use is out for me. Look into the Primary Arms RS-10 if you need something for carry or home defense, as it will always be on. For what they are, the Mini and Micro are both great budget friendly options for a reflex style red dot.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Value packed reflex red dot sight

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a feature packed, low cost reflex style red dot

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

Both:

  • 3 MOA Red dot

  • Includes CR2032 battery

  • Up to 40k hour battery life on medium setting

  • 10 Brightness settings

  • Compact and lightweight design

  • Fully multicoated lens

  • 1 MOA adjustments

  • 6061-T6 aluminum housing

  • Bottom mounted battery

Mini:

  • Fits RMR footprint

  • Large 24x17mm Lens

  • Weight - 0.97 ounces

Micro:

  • Fits RMSc footprint

  • Compact 21x15mm lens

  • Optimized for micro-compact pistols

  • Weight - 0.56 ounces

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

???

Link to other reviews:

Lynx Defense - PA Micro and PA Mini

Price point:

MSRP = $149.99

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms or Amazon

Micro

Mini

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Bright dot

  • Price

  • Lifetime Warranty

  • Fits common mounting footprints

Cons:

  • Turns off after 12 hours

  • Bottom load battery

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  Kaiser US

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Primary Arms SLx RS-10 red dot

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  When I first learned about the new Primary Arms SLx RS-10 mini reflex sight, I was very interested. Then I received one, and was even more excited. This little, open reflex, pistol mounted red dot is everything they said it would be. Including a great price of $199.99.

Autolive in action

  The SLx RS-10 is packed with features. It runs a 3 MOA red dot that is easily picked up. It has 11 brightness settings. Of which include night vision compatibility and daylight bright. I couldn’t try out the night vision setting, but the daylight bright setting is really bright, even in direct sunlight. You should have zero problems seeing the dot in any light. The RS-10 also has easy to use controls on the left side. These buttons are only raised slightly above the RS-10’s surface. Of course they control brightness as well as actual on/off. I say “actual” because the RS-10 features Primary Arms’ “Autolive”. The Autolive is an automatic on/off function that works fantastic. Just barely move the sight and the dot turns on. After about 3 minutes of zero sight movement, the sight turns off. Any teeny movement will keep the RS-10 on. Back to the “actual” on/off. To turn the sight off, as if you are going to store it for a long time, just hold the up and down buttons simultaneously for a few seconds and the sight will permanently turn off. Then to turn it back on, and into the Autolive feature, just hold either the up or down button a few seconds until the dot turns on. Primary Arms specs the battery life at 40,000 hours with a CR2032 battery. So if you change the battery out once a year, you should be good to go and never have the dreaded dead dot. If you couldn’t tell, I really like the Autolive feature.

  Primary Arms also stuck some other features into the RS-10. For strength, they manufacture the housing out of 7075 aluminum. This is the same grade aluminum that quality AR receivers are made from, so it should be good to go. I really like the shape they chose for the housing and window. The rounded, almost square shape seems to draw my eye to the dot. I seem to find the dot much faster than other pistol mounted red dots. Primary Arms says the window size is 23mm and even if it is a smaller window than some brands, see the above comments. I mentioned battery life earlier, but the RS-10 does have a side loading battery tray. That means you can change the battery without having to remove the sight from your desired mounting platform, keeping your zero intact. Coming in at just over an ounce, the RS-10 shouldn’t weigh you down either.

  Anymore, the mounting method for a reflex sight is very important. Mainly because one needs to know if it will fit on their handgun. The SLx RS-10 uses the fairly common Docter/Noblex footprint to directly mount to stuff. Primary Arms also includes a picatinny rail mount and a Glock MOS plate. That way if you aren’t mounting it directly to a pistol, you have some options. For instance, it would make a great 45 degree offset red dot for a rifle. I ended up mounting it on a Strike Industries Liteslide for a G19, as it has a multi optic mounting platform. The SLX RS-10 mounted in perfectly. Primary Arms decided to go with the Docter mounting footprint so they could use that CR2032 battery and have it side mounted. Since the battery is physically larger than other options, you end up getting more battery life out of it. For the small size of the RS-10, a different mounting footprint just wouldn’t work. 

  The SLx RS-10 is a great little red dot. This doesn’t come without a few tiny gripes. If you hold the RS-10 on target, and start shaking it a tiny bit, in a circle, the dot will galaxy out. So it literally looks kind of like a little galaxy inside the window. Does it bother anything? Nope, when shooting the pistol I didn’t even notice it. Even on moving and circling targets. Most people probably wouldn’t even notice it. I also would have liked to see it on a RMR footprint, but Primary Arms didn’t do this because of those “battery” reasons. I can understand this. Now, on a good note. Even for me, with my astigmatism, the dot is fairly clear. So those with normal eyes will see a nice crisp dot. 

  I am going to say this, the Primary Arms SLx RS-10 is currently my go to red dot pistol sight. This red dot impressed me more than I expected. I can find the dot easily. I haven’t destroyed it yet. Even if I did, it has a lifetime warranty. The size doesn’t get in the way. I’d say it is somewhere between one of the super small mini reflex versions and a Holosun 507. The RS-10 is always ready to go because of the “Autolive” feature. The click adjustments for windage and elevation make it easy to make adjustments, unlike other mini reflex sights that have no clicks. I ran this thing fairly hard and have had zero problems. 

  If you are looking for a mini reflex red dot, the SLx RS-10 from Primary Arms might be it. It is priced under $200. At that price, it’s a great deal for this feature packed red dot. With the Autolive function, you won’t have to worry about if the dot is on or off, because it will always be on. I don’t think you can go wrong selecting the Primary Arms SLx RS-10 mini reflex sight. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Quality Mini Reflex red dot sight for a great value

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a decent priced pistol mounted red dot

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 7075 aluminum body

  • Side-loading CR2032 battery compartment

  • Convenient push-button controls

  • 11 Brightness settings

  • Daylight bright and night vision compatible brightness levels

  • 3 MOA dot

  • Picatinny Rail Mount and Low Profile Adaptor Plate for Glock® MOS Slides Included

  • Autolive motion activation

  • 40,000 hour battery life

  • Weighs just 1.07 Oz

  • 23mm window

  • Lifetime warranty

  • Docter/Noblex footprint

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

5 out of 5 stars on Amazon 

Another great option from PA

Mounted on my Canik Rival with no issues. Great product for the price. Will highly consider getting another in the future.

Link to other reviews:

Lynx Defense  

Price point:

MSRP = $199.99

Retail = $199.99 but Primary Arms is constantly running sales

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Autolive motion activation

  • Price

  • Dot is easily picked up

  • Side loading battery

  • Actual “click” windage and elevation adjustments 

Cons:

  • Doctor / Noblex footprint

  • Galaxies when circling a target fast

Score:  8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Walker Defense Research

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Athlon Midas TSP1 Prism

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  I’m starting to convert some rifles over to 1x prism sights from red dots. This is because they offer a reticle without the need for a battery. Thus, the Athlon Midas TSP1 prism sight was right up my alley. Prism sights usually have an illuminated reticle option. As does the Athlon TSP1. The Athlon Optics Midas TSP1 prism sight has been out for some time now, I just finally have one I’ve been using, for about 3 months, with good results.

  Let’s start by why I am converting over to prisms. The main reason for this is that, if for some reason the battery happens to die, prism sights have an etched in reticle. Similar to your typical scope. Some prism sights, as with the TSP1, have a non-magnified option, or 1x. This makes them an ideal replacement for your everyday red dot optic. Prism sights are also usually pretty compact.

  The Midas TSP1 comes feature packed. Like any good scope these days, it has all the fancy lens coatings, is nitrogen purged, fog proof, shock proof, and waterproof. The TSP1 has a 21mm objective lens that gives good light transmission. It even comes with both hi and low mounts. Zeroing adjustments are made in 1 MOA click increments by using the top side of the turret caps. Just unscrew the cap, flip it over, and the flathead built into the cap fits perfectly into the adjustment screw slot. Lastly, it uses a single AAA battery for the reticle illumination.

  Most prism sights aren’t as small as a comparable red dot. However, the Midas TSP1 is not much larger than your current, tube style, red dots. For one, the TSP1 is only 2.7” long. Height is always determined by what mounting base you have on it. But with the high base, it measures 2.5” to the top of the battery compartment, from the mounting rail. I measured the width to be about 1.9”, this is from the battery compartment to the outside of the adjustment buttons. As you can see, it’s not very big at all. It also isn’t very heavy, weighing in at 6.25 oz’s. 

  Now for the most important part, the reticle. The Midas TSP1’s reticle is top notch. It is mainly calibrated for 223/5.56, but should work reasonably well with other calibers. For reference, I mounted it on a 5.56 AR15. The reticle design works really well. It is a horseshoe style with a few usable differences. The outer ring is 66 MOA, or the equivalent of an average size human at 100 yds. In the middle of the ring is a 3 MOA dot. Sight the 3 MOA dot in at 50/200 yds for the rest of the holdovers to work properly. Below the 3 MOA dot, is a 2 MOA dot. This is your 300 yd aiming point. Having a smaller dot below the main dot may seem odd, but it isn’t. The smaller dot actually makes it easier to see your 300 yd target because it doesn't obscure it as much. Below that dot, is a vertical line with a couple of hash mark lines. The top of the line is your 500 yd aiming point. It is also your human height range estimation for 300 yds. The wings on the edges of the reticle really just let you know how level the gun is, or where the center point is for range estimation. The actual MOA numbers for all the dots and lines are in the Midas TSP1 manual, or online, if you are curious. The TSP1 also has a fast focus eyepiece to get that reticle crystal clear.

  The Athlon TSP1’s reticle is also illuminated. But not just your normal red illumination, the TSP1 also has green illumination. Most other prism sights only give you the option of one color. One can switch between the two colors by pressing both the up and down brightness buttons at the same time. I really like the options of green or red. I usually leave the TSP1 on green, as the reticle is clearer for me in that color. Not to be misunderstood, the red illumination is also clear, but I prefer the green in this case. To initially turn the illumination on, just push the brightness up button. To turn it off, hold the brightness up button for 3 seconds. Once it’s on, just use the +/- buttons to increase or decrease the reticle brightness. There are 10 brightness settings to choose from. Both colors are daylight bright and neither washed out for me in direct, bright, sunlight. The Athlon TSP1 also has a 6 hour auto off function. So if you haven’t pressed any buttons in that time frame, it will turn off. The TSP1 does not have an auto on function. Remember, it has an etched reticle, so you will still have an aiming point. Of course, once you turn the TSP1 back on, the brightness is where it was last left. The soft touch brightness buttons are large enough that I don’t have trouble using them, something I can’t say about some of the other optics I have used. 

  I am really enjoying the Athlon Midas TSP1. It is super clear. The etched, illuminated reticle also doesn’t affect my astigmatism like red dots do, so no “starburst”. Which is another reason I am switching over to prism optics. The somewhat limited eye relief didn’t seem to be a problem. When I say somewhat, the reticle is still visible at 12” of eye relief, it is just harder to locate because the window size gets smaller. The TSP1 also performed very well for me when I used it in a big local shooting match. Athlon doesn’t state battery life, but the initial AAA battery is still going strong. After all, the AAA batteries are super easy to find, even at a tiny store in the middle of nowhere.

  Athlon Optics did a pretty good job with the Midas TSP1. The MSRP may seem a little high, but street price is right on par for a 1x prism sight. Plus you get multi-colored reticles and it uses that AAA battery. If you are like me and want a good 1x prism sight, check out the Athlon Midas TSP1. It’s a good all around prism to replace that fully battery powered red dot.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

1 power prism scope with green or red illuminated reticle

Target Market:

Those wanting a non magnified optic with the benefits of having an etched reticle

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Obj. Lens - 21mm

  • FoV ft @100Y - 66ft

  • Red or Green illuminated etched reticle

  • 1-10 illumination settings

  • Center Height - 0.88” Low mount / 1.50” High mount

  • 1 MOA windage/Elevation adjustment

  • AAA battery

  • Weight - 6.25 ounces - 7.8 ounces with high mount

  • Length - 2.7”

  • 6hr auto off

  • Multi-coated lenses

  • Has Aimpoint T1 mounting footprint

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

3 and 4 power 

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars at Athlon Optics  

Really nice optic. It needs more information,

A representative told me the mount is proprietary. It however does in fact work on Industry standard T1 Micro Style mounts. Fits good in an ADM Mount, RS Regulate for AKs, or even a low mount for Shotguns or PCCs like the Scorpion/Stribog.

Athlon if you were open about this tidbit, you'd sell a lot more! It's a prism scope with a similar size to other micro red dots and it takes T1 mounts. Almost perfect for what it is.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing worthwhile found

Price point:

MSRP = $337.49

Retail = $269.99 at Brownells

I need it now! Availability:

Athlon Optics or Brownells 

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Etched ranging reticle

  • AAA battery

  • Green or Red Illumination

  • T1 compatible mount

Cons:

  • Eye Relief

  • No auto on

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  JSD Supply

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Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24 ACSS 22lr

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  Primary Arms may have come out with the perfect 22lr scope. It’s their SLx 1-6x24 with a second focal plane ACSS 22lr reticle. Since there are so many 10/22’s and AR22’s around, the 1-6 seemed like a great all around optic for these platforms. 

  The SLx 1-6 has a lot of features packed into a $290 scope. First up is the 1-6x power. The 1x lets you use the scope like it was a red dot or pism, more like a circle dot style because of the ACSS reticle. Is it a true 1x like a red dot? Not really, It’s pretty darn close. Anything closer than 10 yards is ever so slightly magnified. Not enough to cause any weird problems, just a little noticeable at close ranges. The 1x didn’t cause any problems for me shooting with both eyes open. The 6x will let you see targets farther away. The 6x is fine for certain targets and gives a good magnification, especially if you aren’t looking for precision shooting. In typical 1-6x fashion, the SLx uses a 30mm tube and a 24mm objective lens. It also uses ½ MOA click adjustments for windage and elevation. The clicks are nice and audible with decent detents stopping them.

  Where the SLx 1-6 really shines, is the ACSS 22lr reticle. This reticle is a horse shoe style with a center aiming dot. At 6x, the reticle has a 1 MOA dot and the outer part of the horseshoe is 8.6 MOA. The reticle also has ranging and a Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC). The BDC is calculated to work at 6x, since the SLx is a Second Focal Plane (SFP) reticle. The reticle therefore stays the same size throughout the magnification range. Just zero your 22lr at 25 or 50 yards using the center dot. Then the BDC has marks at 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200yds. It also has 5 MPH wind, or moving target, holds at the respective ranges. These holds are just an estimation and really depend on the ammunition used. I found they were a little off, even with some pretty fast 22lr ammunition. Just try them out first, so you know about where they shoot with your ammo. One can also “true” the scope to the ammo you use, which I haven’t done yet, but will be. Primary Arms can help you with this if you can’t figure it out, they have great tech support. The reticle and BDC can also be illuminated red. There is a brightness knob on the left side of the scope. This knob also houses the CR2032 battery. There are eleven brightness settings, including ones that can be seen in bright sunny daylight. The clicks on the brightness knob are pretty good, you can definitely feel each brightness setting as you turn to them. Off to the right of the reticle, is a ranging bar, which is also calibrated to the 6x magnification setting. It, however, does not illuminate, but It does let you range objects like cans, bottles, clay pigeons, and even small varmints. 

  I’ve found a few things I really like about the SLx 1-6, and a couple I don’t care for. The optic is really clear and bright, especially for the price. But, it also has very unforgiving eye relief. Yes the eye relief at 1x isn’t bad, but at 6x, it really gets limiting. At 6x, it can get fuzzy around the edge if you are not in the perfect eye relief spot. I like the size of the power adjustment knob. It even has a little bump to help aid in turning. But, the knob is pretty stiff, which makes it hard to use. I would like to see a larger bump, or maybe a removable lever that goes on the adjustment knob, to make turning it easier and quicker. The SLx 1-6 also weighs in at a little over a pound, which isn’t bad, but since it’s a dedicated 22lr scope, I’d like it a little lighter. One of the coolest features, in this Primary Arms optic line, is the extra battery storage in the windage adjustment cap. It even comes with an extra 2032 already in the cap!

  For a plinking or fast hunting scope, the Primary Arms SLx 1-6x 22lr is great. Yes, it has a few slight downfalls, but nothing that can’t be overlooked for the price. I really liked the clarity and the ACSS 22lr reticle. The center dot and horse shoe make using the SLx 1-6 extremely fast. Also, the BDC reticle can be useful for quick target changes. The Primary Arms SLX 1-6 is a decent scope that fits my criteria for a fast 22lr optic. Go check out the SLx line of optics at Primary Arms, they are good little optic for the price.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

1-6 optic with .22lr ACSS reticle

Target Market:

Those wanting a low power variable optic, with BDC drops, for a 22lr

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Second focal plane ACSS reticle designed for .22LR

  • Red illumination with 11 brightness settings

  • BDC accurate at 6x magnification

  • 1-6x total magnification

  • Uses one CR2032 battery

  • Single piece 6063 aluminum construction

  • Hardcoat anodized matte black finish

  • Fully multi coated lenses

  • 1/2 MOA adjustments

  • Extra battery holder in windage cap

  • Eye Relief: Low: 3.50 in / High: 3.30

  • Field View - Low: 110.00 ft / High: 19.30 ft

  • Objective Diameter: 24mm

  • Tube Diameter: 30mm

  • Weight: 16.9 Oz

  • Comes with Flip-up lens covers

  • Lifetime warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

5 out of 5 stars @PrimaryArms 

MY NEW FAVORITE 22LR SCOPE

This is by far the best 22LR Scope I've put on my S&W M&P 15-22 and I've played around with some very nice Optics on my rifle including night vision. Primary Arms makes the only scope that I know of with this much Ballistic Data for a 22LR Rifle and once you have it sighted in all the hold over dots are right on the money. It really makes shooting different size targets out to 200 yards so easy. The glass in this scope is so crystal clear and it's something you normally only find in optics at a much higher price point. The # 10 - 11 power settings are very bright and it's easy to see that red reticle in the heaviest of sunlight but you really don't even need it as everything is etched in the glass when the power is off and it's just as easy to see. To put it simply, if you're like me and bought a .22lr Rifle just to have fun with and you don't have the Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24mm SFP Rifle Scope Gen III - Illuminated ACSS-22LR then you're really missing out.

Link to other reviews:

As of writing, nothing was found on the Gen III

Price point:

MSRP = $289.99

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating: 

Pros:

  • Full illuminated reticle

  • Daylight bright

  • Clear, especially for $290

  • Hold over marks

  • Extra battery holder in elevation cap

Cons:

  • Battery Life, yes I left it on and it doesn’t have “AutoLive”

  • Second Focal Plane

  • Eye relief is a little limiting

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  Walker Defense

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Primary Arms SLx 1x Prism

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  I was looking around for a prism sight to replace one of my red dots on an AR rifle. I was tired of the flared out dot due to my astigmatism. So when the chance came along to get behind the Primary Arms SLx 1x prism, I was literally a kid in a candy store. The Primary arms SLx worked great as the red dot replacement.

  The SLx 1x prism had all the features I wanted in a true 1 power optic. For one, it was a prism sight. Therefore it has an etched reticle, like most magnified optics. I really like this as a feature, it takes away the burst that red dots have for me, and it gives an actual reticle, even when not illuminated by the battery. I’ll get to the actual reticle later. The SLx’s reticle illumination is red, but green is also an option. Another feature that I wanted was good eye relief. Since it’s not a red dot style optic, eye relief is important. The SLx has a stated 2-6” of eye relief. But it really feels like more. I can get right up on the optic or back off even more than the 6”s and still get a good sight picture, so much so that it feels very much like looking through a red dot optic.

  Primary Arms gave the SLx 1x prism their ACSS Cyclops gen II reticle. The ACSS (Advanced Combined Sighting System) Cyclops is a horseshoe style etched reticle with a chevron, think triangle, in the middle. The round horseshoe part gives extremely fast target acquisition, especially for close up targets. It is also about the size of a 00 buck pattern at 25 yds. The chevron then takes over for precise aiming. You can also use the chevron like you would a red dot, if up close. The top point of the chevron is where you would zero your rifle. This point is also where you get pretty precise aiming by just putting the point on the target. The zero depends on what barrel length and caliber you are using (see picture). With a 16” 5.56 barrel, it would be 100 yds. The inner point of the chevron is now a bullet drop compensator. So with the same 16” barrel, this would be for 300 yds. Then the bottom part of the chevron would be 400 yds. The BDC is just a close estimation, since it also depends on ammunition type and the height at which the SLx is mounted. There is also range estimation built into the SLx. It uses a 5’10” tall or 18” wide object for range estimation. When sighting in, the SLx has 1 MOA clicks for both the windage and elevation adjustments. The clicks are very positive. The adjusting dial is recessed into the SLx’s housing so that the adjustments won’t be hit and knocked out of zero. It also makes for a smoother look. Even though the 1 MOA adjustments worked fine, since the SLx has the precise chevron aiming point, I would have liked to see more accurate adjustments, maybe more like ¼ MOA, or even ½ MOA.  

  Illumination comes from a CR2032 battery that rides inside the brightness knob. The SLx has 13 brightness settings. The highest are “daylight bright”, and the lowest 3 are for night vision. Yes, the “daylight bright” does illuminate the reticle in bright sunlight. It’s not quite as bright as a quality red dot, but you can still see that it is a brighter red. My biggest complaint about the SLx is it’s mushy and hard to turn brightness knob. The click between levels just suck, plus it’s hard to get the dial to turn to them. If it had better “clicks” I wouldn’t complain as much about the stiffness. But, on the other side of that is the awesome “Autolive” function. This is a motion activated auto on function. After a certain time of no motion, the illumination will turn off. Then, when it gets moved, even just a little, the reticle turns back on to the last brightness setting it was on. The Autolive works fantastic, see this as to how well it works: YouTube Video. Because of the Autolive function, battery life is greatly extended. In fact, Primary Arms states the battery life to be 29,000 hours on the medium setting! Remember, if the battery dies, you still get the advantage of having an etched reticle, it’s just no longer illuminated. 

  The SLx gives a very clear window in which to look through. I found this prism sight to be way clearer than I expected from a $250 optic. It has a pretty good Field of View at 76.5 ft @ 100yds. It has a very forgiving eyebox and even has a diopter to focus in the reticle for your eyes. Even when looking through the SLx at odd angles, I was still able to get a good sight picture. 

  The Primary Arms SLx 1x prism comes with a variety of mounting options, all of which are included in the package. The SLx comes with 4 spacers and a picatinny rail mounting base. 3 of these spacers are cantilevered, the other 1 is straight. This lets the SLx mount right above the rail, with no spacers, or up super high off the rail with the straight spacer plus the high cantilever one, and anything in between (see picture). Of course all mounting screws and wrenches are included to swap the heights around. Oddly enough, the SLx can also be mounted to a carry handle of an AR. All these height options let you tune the height, so if you are using a magnifier or back up iron sights, you can get it just how you like it. Yes, the SLx prism will work with those too.

This is not on full brightness, more like around setting 7 of 13, in full sun

  Primary Arms did a fantastic job with the SLx 1x prism. It does almost everything I wanted it to do, okay, it does everything I need it to do. The clarity is great, it’s bright, has auto on/off, good battery life, and even works without the illumination. The 1x appears to be a true 1 power to me. Everything close up and far away is clear and size appropriate. Shooting with both eyes open is just like shooting with a non magnified red dot, plus no starburst. Having the ability to mount the SLx at various heights is also nice. I like this optic so much that I might even mount it on my “go to” rifle. Go check out the SLx 1x prism at Primary Arms.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Etched reticle micro prism sight

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a solid 1x optic 

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • ACSS Cyclops Gen II reticle

  • 13 Illumination settings including Daylight Bright

  • 3 Night Vision Settings:  Low, Med & Flood 

  • AutoLive motion-sensing on/off battery saving technology 

  • 29,000 Hour battery life at medium setting

  • Includes 8 Mounting Height Options (incl. Absolute Co-witness & Lower 1/3 heights)

  • Length: 2.48”  

  • Weight: 7.6 oz with height riser (only 5.5 oz without riser)

  • Etched Reticle

  • Diopter for precision reticle clarity

  • Eye Relief Range:  2” to 6” with 3.6” for optimum Field of View

  • Field of View: 76.5 ft @ 100 yds

  • 120 MOA total Adjustments

  • 1 click = 1 MOA

  • Fully Multi-Coated optics

  • IP67 Waterproof, nitrogen purged for fog resistance, and dust proof

  • Uses (1) CR2032 Battery (Included)

  • Lens Covers included

  • Backed by Primary Arms Lifetime Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Green reticle or FDE housing

What others are saying?:

4 out 5 stars @PrimaryArms 

MAY BE MY NEW FAVORITE OPTIC!

Put this on an AR15 in 5.56 and the performance was fantastic. The included mounting system is excellent, the reticle is outstanding and the field of view for such a small optic is surprising. I like the etched reticle and the brightness settings are perfect for all lighting conditions. Up until now my favorite optic was the Trijicon MRO but at half the price red dot is hard to beat. Seems just as if not more so rugged that much more expensive options. The only drawback and it's a small one is the 1 MOA adjustment increments which could make it difficult to really dial it in at range but out to 50 yards on my rifle it was dead on.

Link to other reviews:

The Firearm Blog

Price point:

MSRP = $249.99

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • AutoLive

  • Super Clear

  • Etched ACSS Cyclops reticle

  • Daylight bright

  • A lot of mounting height options

  • Forgiving eye relief

Cons:

  • 1 MOA click adjustments

  • Mushy brightness clicks

  • Tight brightness knob

Score: 8.50 Great

Favorite Link:  Walker Defense

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Swampfox Liberty green dot

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  Swampfox has been making a name for themselves over the last few years. Over these years, they have been greatly improving their optics lineup. One of these is the Liberty green dot, an open reflex mini-sized dot sight. The Liberty is a welcomed improvement over their previous mini red dot. It is essentially a new streamlined, updated, and improved version.

  The Liberty covers all the normal bases when you think of a mini red dot, or green in this case. It’s small (size below under FNBs). It uses a RMR mounting footprint. The RMR footprint is what I think should be a standard. Because of this footprint, many aftermarket companies make pre-cut slides for most of the popular pistols out there. Making it an easy process to get the sight mounted up and in use. It also gives various mounting options for if you were to use it on a rifle. The Liberty is made from 7075-T6 aluminum, and then anodized. Pretty typical in today's market. Of course it has no magnification, or 1x, and is parallax free. The window size is 16x22mm, which works well for something like a carry pistol. 

  Besides all the “normal” mini dot stuff, the Liberty has some useful upgrades. First off, it is a green dot. Yes, you can also get red if you like, but this one is green. The dot is 3 moa, a really good size for a pistol. It has 10 brightness settings, all accessed by 2 recessed buttons, on the left side of the sight. Swampfox also put a CR1632 battery in a top mount, so no pulling the sight off to change the battery. 

  Auto on/off is one of the best improvements Swampfox made to the Liberty. They call this “Shake ‘N Wake”. What the Shake ‘n Wake does is automatically turn the sight on and off. After around 4 minutes of non use, the sight goes into a power save mode. To power up the green dot again, just move the sight. The movement it takes is very minimal. Just tapping on it with your finger will wake the sight up. It also wakes up on the last brightness setting that you had it set on. So if the Liberty is on the highest setting, it wakes up there, and so on. If you really want to turn the Liberty completely off, you can hold the brightness down button for 3 seconds to turn it off. Then you must touch the brightness up button, to turn it back on and into the Shake ‘N Wake mode. I personally really like this function. The sight is ready to go when I need it. It has always displayed the green dot when I pick up the pistol it is mounted on. Battery life is stated at 4000 hrs on the medium setting. Since it has the Shake ‘N Wake function, the battery actually lasts longer than you would think. Swampfox says to change the battery about once a year. I don’t know if I’d go that long. Maybe every 6 months. The batteries are super cheap anyhow. I have had the original battery in it for 3 months without any problems. I also leave it on the second to the highest brightness setting.

  Sometimes sights, like the Liberty, can be prone to accidental droppings. This doesn’t always seem to do anything to the sight, but sometimes it can. So Swampfox came up with their “Ironsides” protection shield. The shield is made from 304 stainless steel. 304 stainless is pretty darn strong from my experience. The Ironsides literally wraps itself around the Liberty. It leaves a tiny space around the optic to help keep the Liberty from the abuse of drops and other impacts. It does this without really adding much size to the total package. Thankfully I haven’t dropped it yet, but I do feel protected if I do. 

  Since Swampfox knew that I might mount the LIberty on a number of different pistols, they included their “ultimate red dot screw pack”. The screw pack contains a plethora of red dot mounting screws. Both different thread pitches, and lengths. They also include a few extra long screws for “custom mounting”. Of course I had to cut a couple of the extra long screws down to get the Liberty and Ironsides to mount up on the Strike Industries slide. But that’s what the longer screws were for. The screw pack is a nice thing to have around, especially if you mount up a lot of these size sights.

Dot reflection can be seen right on top of front sight. Dot in center is actual dot and very clear.

  Now, you probably are wondering what my thoughts are on the green dotted Liberty. It works well. The green seems a little nicer to the eye, not as harsh as red. I can still pick up the dot easily. There is a small reflection of the dot in the bottom of the viewing window. This is a little annoying. The reflection is not near as bright, so it's not like you can mistake it for the dot. I really like the Shake ‘N Wake feature. The green dot is bright enough to be seen in direct sunlight, a good thing. The window is super clear, without any real noticeable tint. The Ironsides shield is great, I’d definitely say it’s worth the extra money. The Liberty also uses a RMR mounting footprint, so there are plenty of mounting options available for it. I’d say the Liberty is a good little mini green dot sight.

  Swampfox has done some good stuff with the Liberty. The Liberty is leaps and bounds better than Swampfox’s first mini red dot. Between the Ironsides protection and green dot availability, you have plenty of options to choose from. Go check out the complete line of Swampfox optics over at their website.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Mini green dot sight with protective shield (Ironsides)

Target Market:

Those looking for a mini green dot that has an RMR mounting platform

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

Liberty

  • 3 MOA Dot

  • 1x magnification

  • Shake 'N Wake auto on

  • Auto off after 4 minutes

  • 22 mm window

  • 10 illumination settings - up/down buttons

  • CR 1632 battery

  • IPX 7 water resistance

  • 1.78”(length) x 1.09” (width) x 1.0”(height)

  • Weight - 1 ounce

  • 7075 T6 aluminum construction 

  • Parallax free

  • Multi-coated lens

  • 90 MOA adjustment range

IronSides

  • SUS 304 blackened stainless steel construction

  • Includes 6-32 x .393"/ T10 screws

  • Other mounting screws are available in the Ultimate Screw Pack

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Red dot

What others are saying?:

4 out of 5 stars @Swampfoxoptics.com

So far, so good. Basically a budget DPP on the RMR footprint. Very solid idea. Lots of great features here. Bang for your buck this is hard to beat. Durability has been great so far, I have one riding 45° on a rifle and one on a Glock 21 (.45) that I had the slide cut for. They have been holding up fine. My faith in them grows the more I use them. My only complaint is that the windage and elevation adjustments do not have clicks. This may or may not bug you, but it bugs me. Also a shield for the justice would be cool, it would really hammer home the budget Delta Point pro angle.

Link to other reviews:

Guns & Tactics YouTube

Price point:

MSRP :    Liberty = $249.00

Ironsides = $45.00

Ultimate Screw Pack = $19.99

Retail = $225.00 at Brownells

I need it now! Availability:

SwampFox or Brownells

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Top load battery

  • RMR footprint

  • Shake n Wake

  • Clear

  • IronSides shield

Cons:

  • Dot reflection

  • No clicks on windage & elevation adjustment screws

  • Battery life

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link: Gun Guys Garage

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Primary Arms GLX 2x prism w/ACSS Gemini 9mm reticle

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  When Primary Arms offered to send their new GLx 2x prism sight out for review, I jumped at the chance. I had been looking for something to put on my 16” pistol caliber carbine, and this sounded perfect, especially since it was specifically designed for a 9mm PCC. This prism scope uses Primary Arms’ popular ACSS reticle with daylight bright illumination. The GLx prism is something different, that works quite well.

 The GLx 2x prism has numerous features. All of which make it a great optic. The first is the ACSS Gemini reticle. This reticle was designed for the 9mm Luger cartridge in a pistol caliber carbine. The simple explanation of the ACSS reticle is that it’s an upside down horseshoe shaped circle with a center triangle aiming point. It also has ballistic drop compensation (BDC) built into the reticle. Below the reticle is a target ranging ladder. The horseshoe also acts as an 8.6 mph lead when shooting moving targets. I do wish the reticle had some sort of hash marks, on the horseshoe, to keep it lined up with the aiming point, when leading a target. The bullet drops and ranging are best described by Primary Arms’ diagrams. Sighting adjustments are done with capped turrets. Once unscrewed, the caps can be turned over to adjust the windage and elevation in 0.25” MOA increments.

  Primary Arms uses multi coated low dispersion glass in the GLx. This glass gives the optic great clarity. I found that the view through the GLx is super bright and clear. The etched reticle is also very clear and defined. This is probably due to an adjustable diopter for getting the reticle perfectly clear and adjusted to your eyes. Because the GLx is a prism sight, there is eye relief. Primary Arms states the optimal eye relief is 3.7” from the optic. I found that the GLx is very forgiving in the eye relief department. I get a good sight picture with my eye only an inch away and all the way out at around 6 inches of eye relief. The reticle is still very clear and usable at both extremes.

  The GLx’s illuminated reticle has 11 brightness settings. The first 3 can be used with night vision devices. The highest 2 are what is called “daylight bright”, and are bright enough to be used in bright sunlight. Yes, the reticle shines a bright red, even in direct sunlight. However only the horseshoe and aiming triangle are illuminated. The BDC and ranging portions are not. Because of the nature of prism sights, if you have an astigmatism, the illumination will not “starburst” out like a normal red dot will. My only complaint about the illumination is the adjustment dial, the detent clicks are mushy feeling and not crisp at all.

  Battery life can be a concern for some people. Primary Arms gave the GLx what they call “AUTOLIVE” motion sensing technology. This greatly improves battery life from the single CR2032 battery. How you might ask? Well, it automatically shuts off the illumination after 3 minutes of inactivity and turns it back on when motion is detected. They say this gives a battery life of approximately 20,000 hours on the medium settings. The Autolive works extremely well. Everytime I pick up the rifle, the reticle is on. I tested the off function also, and it does turn the reticle off after around 3 minutes of sitting idle on a bench. I have left the reticle turned on for most of its life here, without any problems. Plus, if the battery does go dead, the GLx still has an etched reticle for you to use.

  Some people might wonder why the GLx prism comes in a fixed 2 power. The fixed 2x gives a little better target identification. But it also still gives the shooter an option to shoot with both eyes open. It barely took me any time to get used to it. I found the GLx to be just as quick, transitioning from target to target, as my previously mounted red dot. Having twice the magnification, plus the ACSS reticle, made the longer shots easier also. I was consistently hitting a 12” steel plate at 200 yards using the BDC portion of the reticle. For close targets, I just put the triangle on the target and pressed the trigger. If you want more precision, on close targets, one can use the top point of the triangle. 

  The GLx sight comes with all the mounting hardware needed. For one, it comes with three spacers to get the correct optic height for your carbine. It also uses standard mini ACOG bases, so if you don’t like the supplied mounting options, you can choose someone else's mount. Primary Arms also supplies various screws for the mounting of the spacers and for other styles of mounts. A little tube of Vibra-Tite (thread locker), wrenches, and a cleaning cloth are also included.

  I wouldn’t consider the GLx 2x prism to be on the large size for this type of optic. It leans toward the smaller side, but still larger than most of the red dots of today. The GLx is not a red dot, but I am using them as a comparison for size. Total length comes in at 5.3 inches. The total width is 2.3” inches because of the battery and brightness adjustment. Otherwise the tube is about 1.5 inches in diameter. Total height without any spacers is roughly 2 inches. It does weigh 11 ounces, so about twice what their 1x micro prism weighs, but the same as some other 1x prism sights. I thought the size and weight were about right for all the features the GLx has to offer.

  The Primary Arms GLx 2x prism works very well for its intended purpose on a 9mm PCC. I really like the AUTOLIVE feature. The 2x is a good all around magnification for a 9mm rifle. The ACSS reticle is clear, easy to use, and packed with features. I would definitely check out Primary Arms’ optic line. They did a very good job on the GLx with the Gemini reticle.


Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

2x prism optic with horseshoe style ACSS Gemini reticle

Target Market:

PCC shooters that want something more than a red dot

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • ACSS etched reticle

  • 2x fixed power

  • 11 brightness settings

  • Night Vision setting

  • Daylight bright red illumination 

  • AutoLive motion activation

  • 20,000 hr battery life

  • Uses 1 CR 2032 battery

  • 5.3” long

  • Weight - 11.0 ounces

  • 3.7” optimal eye relief

  • 0.25 MOA adjustments

  • FOV - 42ft @ 100yds

  • Low, Med., & High spacers included

  • Mini ACOG mounting interface

  • IP67 waterproof - 1 meter for 30 minutes

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

5.56/.308/5.45 BDC, 7.62x39/300 BO BDC, 

What others are saying?:

5/5 stars @ primaryarms.com

SHOCKINGLY AMAZING OPTIC

For a CZ Scorpion, this optic is perfect. As a member of the old eyes club, if its not a Prism sight, I can't see as clear as I need to, so red dots are off the table. I have tried many red dots, and they have a snowflake image when I look through them and they are 1X, so a 2X is much better for my needs. This optic is extremely clear. This is not quite a Trijicon, but at 1/3rd the price and with the ACSS Gemini 9mm Reticle, this is a fantastic optic, especially for PCC's. When they come out with a 3X GLX, I will buy it too.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found on the 9mm version

Price point:

MSRP = $369.99

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • AutoLive activation

  • Battery life

  • Clear optics

  • Etched reticle

  • ACSS reticle

Cons:

  • Brightness knob detents are mushy

  • Has Eye Relief, unlike a red dot

  • Weight

Score: 8.00 Great

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Primary Arms is a sponsor of the Gun and Gear review podcast. This has no bearing on the review. It was rated on its merits and not the sponsorship.

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Hawke Optics Endurance red dot

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 If you didn’t know, I am a big fan of red dots on carbines. So every chance I get, I like to try out new ones. This leads us to the new Endurance line of red dots from Hawke Optics. Particularly the 1x25 version. 

  Hawke Optics recently introduced the Endurance line of red dots. They are aimed more at the AR/MSR/Sporting Carbine market. I say this because they have many options one would want for these applications, at least in my opinion. I’ll be talking about the 1x25, which is the smaller version of the Endurance, as they also offer a 1x30. Both versions have a 3 MOA dot size.

  The Endurance red dot has a nice compact size. You can read the dimensions below in the FNB’s. However, it is very light at 6.5 ounces, so it adds very little to the weight of the rifle. Because it is small, it is very unobtrusive. This makes it very nice for moving around obstacles, may they be walls, trees, or anything else you might bump up against. 

  This little red dot has 8 brightness settings. Utilized by using the “+” or “-” buttons on the top of the optic. The brightest setting is plenty bright outside in the sun, or when using the red dot with an artificial light source (flashlight). You can also hold down either of the buttons to turn it off. Or hit either one to turn it back on. However, I don’t use the on/off function. This is because the Endurance has an auto off, auto on function that works fantastic. After sitting still for 5 minutes, the optic turns the dot off. Yes, I sat there for 5 minutes and watched it turn off. Then when you move the optic, it turns back on. It even turned back on after sitting in my safe for 2 weeks with no use! The auto on/off function is my favorite feature of the Endurance red dot. 

  Some might say that having a 25mm objective lens is too small. I actually appreciate the smaller window on this optic. I am still able to pick the dot up extremely fast without “searching” for it. The 3 MOA dot might help with the fast acquisition. I would like to see a smaller dot size for more accurate work, but the Endurance doesn’t fall into the “Duty” category for me. It is, however, great for range and hunting use. 

Adjustment of the red dot is pretty straight forward. It has covered windage and elevation knobs. Unscrew them, and underneath is a nice little click adjustment dial. No having to use a coin or a screwdriver here. They are 1 MOA adjustments per click. The clicks are pretty good. You can hear them and feel them. Just like you would want. I liked the fact that they were finger adjustable.

  Another reason I put the Endurance red dot in the range/hunting use, is the battery life. Even though it turns itself off after use, it only has a 22 hour run time when on the max brightness setting. Of course, this increases to 190 hours on the medium setting. Which is a good actual use setting for this red dot. The low setting gives 2200 hours, but unless it’s pretty dark, there is not much use for this setting. Standby time, when using the auto on feature, is 10,000+ hours, so no need to worry about that. 

  The Endurance comes with 2 mounts. A low mount, and a quick release high mount. The high mount is for AR style carbines, and puts the red dot at the proper height for these rifles. As mentioned, it is a quick release high mount. When I first received the red dot, the quick release would not clamp on to the mounting rail, ugh. I had to take it apart and cut the screw shorter, then it clamped on just fine. The mount did loosen up after essentially throwing the rifle on the ground, but that could happen with other mounts also.

  I drop tested the Endurance red dot. Watch the quick video. It survived nicely. No loss of zero and only a few minor dings from the rocks. The quick mount did loosen up after the second drop. This didn’t surprise me, I just turned the adjustment screw, on the quick mount, in a ½ turn and I was off to the races again. 

  The actual dot is very clear for me. I do have an astigmatism, so most dots appear “starry”. The Endurance’s dot is actually clearer than some of my other red dots. I don’t know if it is because of the coatings that Hawke uses, or if it’s just me. Looking through the Endurance is also very clear. The glass doesn’t seem to distort the color spectrum like some red dots do. I didn’t even notice any weird reflections or halo’s. 

  The Hawke Endurance red dot works well. I really like how durable it is. It’s super clear. My only wishes would be a smaller dot and more battery life. Everything else, on this little red dot, is top notch. It would be perfect for a .22lr or Pistol caliber carbine. If you're in the market for a reasonably priced, almost indestructible, red dot, go give the Hawke Optics Endurance line a look. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Small Red dot optic with auto on/off

Target Market:

Those wanting a red dot sighting option

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 3 MOA Red Dot Reticle

  • 8 Digital Brightness Settings

  • Uses  1 - CR2032 battery

  • 5 minute auto off if no movement

  • Auto on when movement is detected

  • 25mm Objective lens

  • Rubber lens cover included

  • 25-Layer Anti-Reflection Multi Coated lenses

  • 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments

  • Anodized Aluminum Housing

  • Nitrogen-Filled, Water and Fogproof

  • Quick Release Weaver / Picatinny “high” Rail Mount

  • Low and High Mounts included

  • Weighs 6.5-ounces

  • 2.8” long

  • 2.2” tall with low mount

  • 2.8” tall with high mount

  • 1.7” wide

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Larger 1x30

What others are saying?:

Nothing found

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found

Price point:

MSRP = $189.00

Retail = $169.99 at Optics Planet or B&H Photo

I need it now! Availability:

Hawke Optics or Optics Planet

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Auto on

  • Durable

  • Physical Size

  • Weight

Cons:

  • Battery Life

  • Mounting base

Score: 7.00 Good - for the Red Dot

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            5.50 Mediocre - for the included quick detach mount

Favorite Link:  Firearms Insider affiliates   


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Axeon MDSR-1

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  I was looking for a red dot to put on top of a new build and was wandering around the Axeon Optics website. I didn’t need anything special, just something that I thought would hold up. Axeon really did have what I was looking for. It was the Axeon MDSR-1 red dot. The MDSR-1 appears to be built for modern sporting type rifles, so here we are.

  The MDSR-1 is not a red dot you would put on a fighting rifle. But, it wasn’t designed for that. It is however a great little red dot for trips to the range or varmint hunting. I say this, not because it isn’t well built, but because it has a 3 hour auto off function, not something I like in a fighting red dot. As mentioned, I mounted this little 1x20 red dot on an AR rifle and it works great! The MDSR-1 would also be right at home on a 22 rifle, something like a 10/22 for instance. Since it comes with both a standard low mount, and the co-witness hi mount, you can pretty much put it on whatever you wish.

  The specs on this little red dot are pretty nice too. The battery life is 30,000 hours on a single cr2032 battery, so I’ll be retired by the time it wears out. It has 11 brightness adjustments operated by up/down buttons on the top of the optic. The “up” button also turns the sight on. It weighs in at a measly 4 ounces. Axeon also provides see-through flip up lens caps, and they are pre-installed.

  Probably my favorite aspect of the MDSR-1 is the 2 moa dot size. The dot is crisp, even for me. But with the 2 moa dot, I can pick it up faster than a 1 moa dot. A 2 moa dot is still small enough for me to have some precision. The Axeon has ½ moa adjustments to get you on target. The little caps, covering the adjustment knobs, are made to be flipped over and used as the adjustment tool. This isn’t just an Axeon thing, but I do appreciate this little bonus. 

  I ended up using the MDSR-1 more than expected. At first glance, I thought the little 20mm optic might be a bit small. It is not. My eyes looked right through it every time I shouldered the rifle. There is a little bit of halo effect when the dot is turned up high. I see this halo where the edge of the glass meets the housing. It is noticeable, but actually kind of gives it a circle dot feel. On my first range session with the little red dot, I had the dot start blinking under recoil. I pulled the battery and bent the terminals some. This fixed the problem and it hasn’t come back, so I chalk it up to being made somewhere outside of the US. I don’t know how many rounds are through this red dot, but it’s probably over 500 when I write this. It has held zero. I even had to hit this particular rifle with a rubber mallet, because my .22lr kit didn’t want to be removed. The sight’s zero and battery terminals, held up to the “literal” beating, so I figure it’s good enough for its intended purpose.

  For a reasonably priced red dot, the MDSR-1 has been really good. At around $100, I got way more than I expected. Crisp dot, lightweight, long battery life, what more could you really ask for in a sporting red dot. Go check out the MDSR-1 if you're in the market for a decent red dot in this price range.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Modern sporting rifle red dot

Target Market:

Those wanting a small red dot for range and hunting use

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 1x20mm

  • 2 MOA dot

  • 11 brightness settings

  • 3 hour auto off

  • Weight - 4 ounces

  • See through flip caps

  • 30,000 hours battery life

  • Includes standard and riser mounts

  • ½ MOA adjustments - adjustment caps double as adjustment tool

  • Uses 1 - CR2032 battery

  • IP6 waterproof

  • 800g shock rating

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

Nothing found

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found with Google search

Price point:

MSRP = $129.99

Retail = $106.17 on Amazon

I need it now! Availability:

Axeon or Amazon

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Size & weight

  • Crisp dot

  • Includes riser mount

  • Battery life

  • Flip caps

Cons:

  • Auto shut-off

  • Had to tighten (bend) battery terminals

Score: 7.50 Good

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Favorite Link:  Gun & Gear Cult   


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Swampfox Wolverine slide and Justice red dot combo

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Written by: Rusty Odom

This review is on the new Swampfox optic Justice 27mm red dot pistol sight and the Steel City Wolverine combo. Let me start by saying I am an average Joe shooter with a huge interest in firearms. I am always looking for the latest greatest item or something to improve on an older firearm to make me a better shooter. For this review I chose a Glock Gen 3 model 22 in .40 S&W to convert to 9mm. The firearm was purchased some years ago for around $295 and it was a local police trade in. I tossed it in the gun safe, knowing one day I’d do something like this to it. 

The Swampfox Justice red dot and Steel City Wolverine slide combo. The slide is in a distressed green pattern and is available for the Glock 19 and 17 Gen 1-3 only. The slide comes with the channel liner already installed and with suppressor height fiber optic sights. They are in the combat configuration (rear sight in front of the optic), the slide is smooth with no machine marks on the outside, except in the area of the optic cutout. The threads on the mounting service were nicely tapped and debured. When mounting the optic it is a nice snug fit. It also comes with 3 sets of screws and Allen keys to mount the optic. The slide has great machining in the front for a good grasp to reload with wet or sweaty hands. It’s texture is just the right combination of aggressiveness, not to be uncomfortable when sharply grasping the gun. It has a lightning cut above the barrel, I assume to reduce weight. I have a concern of dirt or debris getting into it and causing issues in a real world situation. 

The optic is clear and crisp, it has an 27mm window and is made out of 7075 aluminum. There is a Liberty version that has a smaller window of 22mm. These are duty rated and have a new and improved hood over their last model. It has a top load battery that takes the CR1632 battery. Not Chad’s favorite. It weighs 1oz without the battery, its height is 1.04”, length 1.78” and width 1.24”. It has the normal parallax free, fog proof and ruby coated lens. 

It claims to have a greater battery life and new and improved shake a wake motion sensing illumination. The slide and optic are both for the RMR mounting option. Assembly of the slide is straightforward, just like your normal Glock slide would go together. A Brownells Glock completion kit was used for final assembly. 

The initial sight in was done by co-witnessing the dot and the front sight post. Once the impacts were on target I did a ⅓ co-witness, raising the dot above the front sight post to declutter the sight picture. The slide had a few failures to feed, but after some lubrication and some dry fire, it ran flawlessly. The optic is easy to pick up, with some practice, for someone that is new to the red dot game. So far I have fired 350 rounds of 115 grain 9mm with no problems after the initial FTE. I was able to keep all the rounds in the 10 ring at 10 yards. Even with astigmatism the dot was clear with some adjustment of the intensity level. 

In my honest opinion I do believe that this will make a great setup for someone that wants to put an optic on their Glock and doesn’t want to have their slide cut, or wants the benefits of having one frame with two different calibers. After my initial testing and what I know of some of the other optic I own from Swampfox, this appears to be a quality red dot. The slide is nice and clean, the battle worn or distressed coloring gives it some character. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

A quality optic red dot with a standard RMR footprint, with a cost half the price of others. An improved hood to protect the glass, as well as shake awake technology. It claims to be rated for law enforcement and duty use. 

The slide is well textured, nice smooth and rounded corners. Assembly was simple, machining was good. 

Target Market:

People who want to get into the red dot game and not have to have their original slide machines. Also those who have a .40 or .357 Sig that want to convert it to 9mm for cost reasons. 

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Ease of assembly 

  • Clear optic

  • Battery life one year. 

  • Great light intensity of dot 

  • One year warranty 

  • 1500G’s rated

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

There is a smaller Liberty optic available. 

The slide as of now comes only in distressed green 

What others are saying?:

So far the only reviews are on the Seampfox instagram page. All the once noted were high reviews including my own.  

Link to other reviews:

None found

Price point:

MSRP -

Wolverine slide $349

Optic $249 to $259

Combo $599

I need it now! Availability:

Swampfox Optics

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Optic has a good design

  • Improved hood

  • Ruby clear glass

  • Good light intensity 

  • Ease of adjustments of dot

  • Shake a wake feature

  • Slide has great texture 

  • Channel liner already installed 

  • Good machining with limited tool marks

  • Nice tall  fiber optic sights preinstalled 

  • Great customer service 

Cons:

  • Does not have the time on market as other manufacturers so durability is a concern 

  • Lightening cut in the top of slide

Score: 8.50 Great

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Lucid Optics "Litl Mo"

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  Lucid Optics has released their Micro Red Dot. It is designated the “Litl Mo”. Having used some of Lucid Optics' other products, I was excited to get one for review. Once received, I mounted it up on my slide with an adapter plate. This little red dot is getting to be a favorite for range use and competition.

  Lucid’s Litl Mo has a lot of features packed in it’s small package. It has a 3 MOA dot. A good compromise for either pistol or rifle use. The Litl Mo uses a Venom/Viper/Doctor footprint. This gives it the capability to be used on a lot of different mounts. It is NOT an RMR footprint, which I personally would have liked, and is, in my opinion, the other industry standard. It also includes a picatinny rail mount for even more mounting options. One fantastic feature of the Lucid, is its side battery tray. It uses a CR1632 battery, which just rests in the little tray, and slides in. There are no screws to hold it in, just some friction magic. I could not get the tray to open on its own, and trust me, I tried. This side battery tray allows the user to change the battery without removing the optic, thus leaving your zero alone. The physical size is 45mm Long x 25mm Wide x 30mm high. Of course, the Litl Mo is also shockproof and waterproof.

  There are a few more features of the Litl Mo too. Using it’s 19mm x 28 mm window allows for a great sight picture. This larger sized window really makes the Litl Mo shine. It is so easy to find the red dot. This, of course, allows for fast first shots on target and faster follow up shots. There is a 2 hour auto off on this optic. This would be fine if it had an auto on feature, but it doesn’t. Not to worry, the next generation will not have the auto off. Instead, it will be on, when you turn it on, and off, when you turn it off. Along those lines, the Litl Mo has 8 brightness settings. To turn it on, off, or adjust brightness, just hit either the “+” or “-” button on the left side of the optic. To turn it off, just hold one of the buttons down for around 3 seconds. Because of the auto off function, this optic lends itself to range use only. Which disappoints me, since I would like to use it on a carry gun. The Litl Mo uses a slotted type screw adjustment for windage and elevation, but has no “clicks”. I had no problem zeroing the red dot. Plus, it never lost zero for me.

  Micro red dots are becoming the new normal for handgun sights. I mounted the Litl Mo on a Glockish Polymer 80 build. So the Litl Mo got banged around pretty good. I was just about ready to write my review, and the red dot started having problems. The dot would disappear when the slide went forward. I will say it was after around 1200 rounds. I contacted Lucid, they sent a call tag and a new Litl Mo. Of course, I was the first to have a problem. After they looked at it, it was a battery terminal problem. I was informed that they “tweaked” the design a little to prevent it in the future. Customer service was awesome, so no complaints there. Since this is not a “life on the line” optic, it didn’t bother me too much. I have not had any problems with the replacement Litl Mo. 

  The Lucid Optics Litl Mo is a good micro red dot. I was expecting a little more from a $350 micro red dot. It is built well, has good useability, and good functionality. The lack of staying on, or “waking” up, doesn’t lend itself to the price range it is in. On the plus side, the Litl Mo is a quality built product. 


Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Micro Red dot

Target Market:

Those wanting a quality micro red dot

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • 3 MOA dot

  • Side battery tray

  • Uses a CR1632 battery

  • Vortex Venom/Viper, Docter optic mounting footprint

  • Picatinny rail mount included

  • Shockproof up to .458 SOCOM

  • ½ MOA adjustments, no clicks

  • IPX7 waterproof

  • 2 hour auto off - next version will not have this

  • 19mm x 28mm window

  • 8 brightness settings

  • 45mm Length x 25mm Width x 30mm height

  • Weight - 1 ounce

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

Too New - nothing found

Link to other reviews:

Gear-Report

Price point:

MSRP = $349.99

Retail = $289.95 at Primary Arms

I need it now! Availability:

Lucid Optics or Primary Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Good Window size

  • Side battery tray

  • Dot size

  • Lifetime warranty 

Cons:

  • No shake awake or stay awake mode

  • 2 hr Auto off

  • Not an RMR footprint

  • Price

Score: 6.00 Okay

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Favorite Link:   Gun & Gear Cult

, , ,

Atibal SLR-1

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  I first learned about the Atibal SLR-1 red dot at Triggrcon. To say the least, I was impressed with the prototype I handled. After some time, the production versions were released and they sent one for review. The SLR-1 is 1x20 red dot sight.

  There are a lot of red dots on the market, but only a few are even similar to the Atibal. The Atibal SLR-1 is solar and/or battery powered. The solar works so well that I even ran the red dot without a battery, in overcast weather. Because the SLR-1 is so efficient, it has a combined battery life of over 100,000 hours, that’s over 11 years! Another innovative feature is the removable solar panel, should you break it or something, just order a new one. Much better than ordering a whole new sight. When in the “solar” mode, brightness adjustment is done automatically depending on ambient light. One can switch over to “manual” mode if they want to set the brightness level.

  As with most red dots, the Atibal SLR-1 has a bunch of expected features. The SLR-1 has a 2 moa dot or a 35 moa circle dot reticle. 8 brightness settings, 1 of them is night vision compatible. It’s shockproof, water proof, parallax free, nitrogen filled, and has multi-coated lenses. The battery is easily accessed on the side of the sight, as are the multi-use buttons. Length on the SLR-1 is 3”. Weight is 5.6 ounces. It comes supplied with a very nice AR co-witness mount, but has mount compatibility with Aimpoint T-1 and H-1 mounts

  Now that all the technical stuff is out of the way, let’s dig into some of the good stuff. My SLR-1 came in a nice plastic padded case with everything needed to mount it, zero it, clean it, and cover it, they even threw in an extra battery. I can’t say enough good things about the supplied mount. Most supplied mounts are usable, but not great. The Atibal mount is sturdy, good looking, and mounts very securely. A wrench is even supplied to tighten down the mount.

  Actual use of the SLR-1 is where it shines. The dot and circle dot are very clear. Looking through the 20mm tube, I see little to no color differences. Because the solar panel is mounted on top, it picks up light well. When using the “solar” mode, the brightness of the dot is automatically adjusted. One drawback to the “solar” mode is that you can only use the 2 moa dot reticle, not the 35 moa circle dot. The auto brightness function adjusted brightness extremely well, never did I feel like the dot was too bright or too dim. It is also very responsive to changes in ambient light. To switch over to the “battery” mode, just tap the “+” button and you are now using the battery. Here you have manual brightness adjustments. As you can guess, “+” increases the brightness, and “-” reduces the brightness. The dot does flare when turned up, but that’s pretty normal for any red dot. Since we are on “battery” mode, if you hold down the “-” button for about 3 seconds, the reticle will change over to the 35 moa circle dot. After using the circle dot, I think I prefer a 65 moa dot over the 35 moa dot. Mainly because the bottom of a 65 moa circle is the height over bore zero of an AR at 7 yds. Now if you want to switch back to “solar” mode, just hold down the “+” button for about 3 seconds.

  I’ve been using the SLR-1 for around 4 months. I really like the 2 moa dot and hardly ever use the circle dot. Like mentioned before, it is super clear and easy to find the dot. It has held zero, even with me bouncing it off a wooden bench. It’s light, so it fits in well with the carbine it is on. One design aspect I like is the protected turrets. Yes, it makes it harder to get the caps on and off for adjustment, but protects them from being broken off. Speaking of caps, the turret caps also can be turned over and used to adjust the windage and elevation, both of which are 1 moa adjustments. The actual clicks on the adjustments are pretty good also. There is no problem hearing or feeling them. 

  Atibal did a stand up job designing the SLR-1. It’s clear, tough, and has some of the best battery life in the game. The use of industry standard mounts is smart, as is the multiple reticle option. Plus it has a lifetime warranty. Atibal has been upping their game in the optics industry, definitely give them a look.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Solar Red dot sight

Target Market:

Those wanting a red dot with solar capability

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

  • Solar and battery powered with run times in excess of 100,000 hours

  • Removable solar panel

  • Parallax Free

  • Easy accessible battery (no tools needed)

  • Shockproof

  • Multiple Dot System (MDS)

  • 1 Hour Auto Shut Off when in battery mode

  • Multi-coated lens

  • 2 MOA dot, 35 MOA circle dot

  • 1 MOA click adjustments

  • Brightness - 8 Settings (1 night vision, 7 daylight)

  • Detachable Co-witness mount

  • Lifetime Warranty

  • Nitrogen Filled

  • Water Proof

  • Battery - CR2032

  • Length 3"

  • Weight 5.6 oz

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

Rich F. on Atibal 5/5 stars

Sweet dot!

Competitive 3-gunner, USPSA shooter, steel challenge ringer, and firearms enthusiast. I’ve owned the SLR-1 for almost a half year now. I have almost a thousand rounds with it on my competition shotgun. It's had up to 1,400pfs shells through it throwing 1 3/8 ounce of shot and don’t forget about slugs and buck shot. I can’t wait to run this thing next season in competition. Awesome dot, slim, good looking, love the solar feature and dual reticle. The circle dot setup maybe perfect on the shotgun! I'm proud to own four Atibal optics, and I’d recommend them to anyone. The price and no BS warranty seals the deal on these guys! Great job Atibal, I'm excited to see what other optics you guys come out with. I’d recommend this brand and product to anyone.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found

Price point:

MSRP = $379.99

Retail = $323.00 at Rainier Arms

I need it now! Availability:

Atibal or Rainier Arms

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Clear, Crisp Dot

  • Solar

  • Replaceable solar panel

  • Circle dot

  • Industry standard footprint

  • Protected turrets

Cons:

  • 35 MOA circle dot

  • Dot only when using solar

Score: 8.50 Great

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