red dot

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AimWin PE320

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Aimwin PE320

Enclosed Emitter

Red dot Review

  In today's market, there are a bunch of good pistol style red dots. They basically come in two categories: open emitter and closed emitter. Aimwin recently released their PE320. The PE320 is an enclosed emitter red dot with a multi-reticle system and a solar fail safe. 

  As with any quality red dot, the Aimwin PE320 comes with everything needed. In the box you get the optic, a battery, extra screws (including one for the battery tray), wrenches, cleaning cloth, etc. Probably the most important included item is the Acro to RMR adapter. This gives you the ability to mount it on anything that uses the RMR mounting footprint. There are lots of pistol options using a direct RMR footprint. 

  Mounting the PE320 is pretty straightforward. However, it does come with two options. If you happen to have something with an ACRO mounting footprint, like a riser or a plate adapter, you can mount the PE320 directly to that. If you have a direct mount RMR cut/footprint, you can use the supplied ACRO to RMR adapter. This is what I did. Just screw down the RMR plate onto your slide and then clamp on the PE320. It's really that easy.

  Now that the Aimwin PE320 is mounted, you can take it to the range. To initially turn on the PE320, just click the “+” button. The buttons to control the PE320 are located on the left side of the optic. These are rubberized raised buttons labeled “+” and “-”. They are pretty large and easy to use, even if you are wearing gloves. Of course, tapping on a “+” or “-” button will increase or decrease the brightness of the red dot. There are 11 total brightness settings, the 2 lowest are night vision compatible. Now that the PE320 is on, you can sight it in. A nice feature on the Aimwin is its click adjustable windage and elevation screws. Each click adjusts the point of impact 1 MOA, which is fine for these types of red dots. Now that it is sighted in, and you want to completely turn it off, just hold down the “-” button until the dot disappears. 

  The PE320 uses Aimwin's “aim awake” feature. The “aim awake” is their auto on/off feature. Once you turn on the PE320 this feature is enabled. Aim Awake works like any of the other auto on/off systems. After the optic sits idle for a short time, the dot will turn off. Once you barely move the optic, the dot will turn back on. The aim awake feature helps with battery life, giving the PE320 around 50,000 hours of run time. I am a huge fan of these auto on/off features. 

  Aimwin's PE320 is not just a red dot. It features a multi-reticle system. So you get the option of either a circle dot, just a circle, or just a red dot. If using one of the options with the circle, the circle also has little hash marks in it that are located every 90 degrees (similar to an Eotech). To cycle through these 3 reticle options, just hold down the “+” button until it changes. The PE320 uses a 36 MOA circle with a 3 MOA dot, or any combination of the three. I like having reticle options and the PE320's are useful for whatever you need or want. 

  The multi-reticle system of the PE320 is housed inside a large window. How large is the window? 0.94 inches wide by 0.79 inches high. It's a big window, which is really nice for finding the reticle. However, because of its large window, the PE320 is a little wider than a lot of the enclosed ACRO footprint optics. This isn't bad or good, it really just depends on what trade offs you want.

  The last notable feature of the PE320 is the solar panel on top of the optics housing. This solar panel adds a “solar failsafe” to the optic. So if your battery is low, and there is enough light, you will still see the reticle. The Solar Failsafe also works when the battery is completely dead, as long as there is enough light. I tried it with the battery out, and the reticle still comes on under normal room lighting. Don't expect it to work in a dark room without a battery. The Solar Failsafe is a nice option to have, especially if you forget to change the battery out once a year. When you do need to change that battery, the PE320 uses a side mount battery tray for easy use.

  I mounted the Aimwin PE320 to a Polymer 80 with a Grey Ghost slide. This particular slide is cut to direct mount an RMR footprint. So I ended up using the PE320’s ACRO to RMR plate. I chose this pistol because I use it in various different forms, one of those is using a Recover Tactical 20/80 brace system. This let me try out the PE320 in a chassis style system and as a standard pistol. I put a ton of rounds through it and even beat the crap out of the PE320. No loss of zero and no other problems, even when using the optic as a slide racker off the benches at the range. With the PE320’s adapter plate, the red dot does sit a little higher up on the pistol, but still below the top of the slide. If you want the PE320 to co-witness with iron sights, you will probably have to get some suppressor height ones. Those still might not be tall enough to clear the PE320’s deck height. Speaking of size, the PE320 is large for a pistol style red dot. Not so much height wise, but more width wise. It definitely is wider than a standard Glock slide. I only see this as a problem if you are carrying it inside the waistband. On a rifle, this could be a bonus. Especially since the window size on the PE320 is fantastic. It made finding the dot real easy. I like the 3 MOA dot size, it is a good compromise between speed and accuracy. Since I live in Oregon, it also rains a lot here. Having an enclosed system also makes it way easier to wipe the rain off of the lenses. 

  If you are in the market for an enclosed style pistol red dot, the Aimwin PE320 might be worth looking at. It has a decently large window and different reticle options. Being larger in size, it would also make a good rifle dot. If you forget to change your battery, it might still work for you thanks to that solar failsafe. It is also durable and held up to my abuse. So go check it out over at Aimwin.com.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Enclosed pistol red dot with large window

Target Market:

Those wanting a large windowed enclosed red dot

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Weight: 2.19 ounces (62g)

  • Dot Size: 3 MOA with 36 MOA ring (selectable) 

  • Window Size: 24.0mm x 20.0mm (0.94" x 0.79")

  • Dimensions: 45.3mm x 35.0mm x 31.2mm (1.78" x 1.38" x 1.2")

  • Housing Material: Hard-anodized 6061-T6 Aluminum

  • Adjustment per Click: 1 MOA

  • Windage & Elevation Range: ±50 MOA, total range 100 MOA

  • Footprint: ACRO, RMR adapter plate included

  • Battery: Side load CR2032

  • Solar Guard Fail Safe

  • Battery Life: 50,000 hours (low brightness)

  • Aim Awake mode

  • Operating Temperature: -30℃ - 60℃ (-22°F - 140°F)

  • Brightness Settings: 9 Daylight / 2 Night Vision Levels

  • Water Resistance: IPX7

  • Vibration: 2000 G’s

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

5 out of 5 stars on Amazon

 Very Nice Enclosed Optic

Just picked this up for my H&K P30L. Had to change the optics plate (Langdon Tactical cut) to an ACRO mount, but it fits perfectly on it and locks down solid. The body appears to be pretty durable and stout without being overly heavy. Controls are nice and large so adjusting brightness and/or choosing dot style is pretty easy. ACRO mounts are probably the easiest installation of any of the footprints since it works like a pic rail. No screws into the plate to worry about getting torqued just right. It does really need a torque spec listed for the clamp screw, though. Never really liked "make it tight, but be careful not to over tighten it" with no spec for what "tight" is. Dots are extremely bright on the max setting and much calmer on the lower settings. Again, it is nice to be able to choose different reticles for different situations. Battery is side loading, which is nice as you don't have to remove the optic for swaps. Only issue I have with the battery compartment is that the tiny screw that holds it in place seems easy to lose as it is not captured. So be careful swapping batteries. We'll see how it does at the range this weekend at holding zero. Adjustments are nice and tactile with just enough resistance to turning to make me think they will stay put pretty good. May wind up being awfully high if you were to use the RMR to ACRO adapter that comes with it on most RMR cut applications. But sits at a nice height on the ACRO specific plate I have installed.

Link to other reviews:

Chris from the 740 on YouTube  

Price point:

MSRP = $359.95

Retail = $240

I need it now! Availability:

Aimwin Optics or Amazon 

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Multi reticle

  • Solar fail safe

  • Large window size

  • Acro footprint w/RMR plate

  • Auto on/off (Aim Awake) 

Cons:

  • Optic is physically wider 

  • Deck height is pretty tall

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Grey Ghost Glock Slide Review 

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N96 Arms FX-9 RP

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N96 Arms FX-9 RP

Review

  There are tons of good handguns on the market today. What someone chooses is really up to them. Fit and features should be high on that list when choosing a handgun. N96 Arms has brought out their FX-9 RP. This imported pistol has a ton of great features, both for the beginner and the professional.

  To start with, the FX-9 RP is a duty sized handgun. So it has a full size grip frame and a 4.1 inch barrel. It comes with decent iron sights and three different backstraps. These backstraps help to make the pistol fit small to large hands. The FX-9 also has an ambidextrous safety. It also is cut for an RMSc footprint optic. Along with that, it comes with 2 - 17 round magazines, a mag loader, paddle holster, a cleaning kit, and an okay carrying case. You really get a lot of stuff for that $379.00 MSRP.

  When describing a pistol, I always try to do the frame first. Mainly because it is the interface between you and your shooting experience. The frame is made from polymer, so all the features are “molded” into it. The grip frame on the N96 Arms FX-9 RP starts with a really good grip texture. On the sides it has a rough stipple like texture. On the front and back are lines with little squares cut into them. Think of a small “frag” pattern, but not quit. The mag release form fits the frame very well and is easy to get to. It is also reversible if you are lefty. Moving to the trigger guard, it is large and has lines on the very front. It is large enough that gloved hands should not have any problems. It is fairly undercut at the rear so you can also get your hand up high on the grip to support recoil. Moving to the front is a 3 slot rail. The rail is a cross between a pic rail and a glock rail. The spacing between the rails is smaller than a pic rails spacing, more like a Glock. When I mounted a light, I had to use the smaller Glock lug, which is how I found out about the spacing. At the rear of the FX-( is a really nice beavertail to keep you from getting any slide bite.

  It is now trigger time. The trigger on the N96 Arms FX-9 RP is really good. It is a curved style with a safety flipper. The flipper is barely noticeable when pulling the trigger. The curve on the trigger is very shallow, somewhere between a standard curved and a flat faced. Total movement is around 0.400 inch. So a little shorter pull length than a Glock trigger. The first 0.300 inch is take up. The next 0.075 - 0.100 inch is the actual break. The break is pretty clean. Total trigger pull weight comes in at 4.5 pounds on my trigger gauge. Reset is also decent. Overall it is a nice trigger for a striker fired pistol. Along with the trigger comes a manual safety. The safety lever is ambidextrous. It is located near the rear of the frame, where it should be. Flip it up for safe and down for fire. The FX-9 RP’s safety has a decent detent, so you shouldn’t accidentally put it on. It also flips off decently easy with your thumb. It is very slim shaped, but I didn’t have any problems releasing it. To go along with the safeties, the FX-9 RP also has a striker indicator. When the pistol is ready to fire, you can see a red painted dot in the middle of the backplate. 

  The slide on the N96 Arms FX-9 RP is nice looking. The machining on it is top notch, which actually surprised me. At the front and rear are angled slide serrations. They work well, but I would like them cut just a little deeper. Most people probably won’t even notice since they work fine. At the front of the slide are 3 holes on each side, and the top. This lightens the slide but also makes it possible for a ported barrel. Or more so, porting the barrel in it. A set of sights, with a white dot front, sit on top. The sights are Glock compatible, so you can upgrade them to any of the various Glock sights out there. I stuck on a set of XS Sights tall big dots. I did this because the FX-9 RP is also cut for a RMSc footprint optic. Be careful when you pull the optic cover plate off, there is a small spring under it that the pistol needs to function properly. Primary Arms sent me one of their Classic Series red dots to use on the N96 Arms. 

  The extras that come with the FX-9 RP are a nice touch. As kind of mentioned earlier, it comes with 3 cleaning brushes. Who doesn’t need extra cleaning brushes? It also comes with a little metal punch for removing pins. Mainly for use when changing the backstraps, as they have a roll pin holding them in. Then comes the paddle holster. It is a level 2 retention holster. So it has a button that must be pressed to release the pistol. Kind of nice, especially for those worried about their pistol staying in the holster. The paddle is adjustable for cant. I did run into a problem, though minor, with the holster. It will not work with the taller sights that I installed. Anyone using this holster probably isn’t putting tall sights on it anyhow, so take it for what it is. The last nice addition is a magazine loader. It is just the “push down over the mag” style, but it works great.

  Now for my experience with the N96 Arms FX-9 RP. The FX-9 RP can rival some US made firearms. Build quality is great. The sights are good from the factory and being able to use Glock replacement sights is a nice touch. As previously mentioned, the trigger is great and lets you shoot fast and accurately. Accuracy is comparable with any other duty pistol. I really like how the grip is short front to back, it gives more versatility for those with smaller hands. Using common CZ75 magazines, that are not very expensive, is also great. I used some of my small frame EAA Witness magazines in the FX-9 RP and they worked fine. Not being able to use common holsters is kind of a bummer, but there is a way around that. Just put a light on it and use a light bearing holster, that’s what I ended up doing with it. Yes, it comes with an OWB holster, but it’s really only good for range use. Actually shooting the FX-9 is nice. I was able to flip the safety off without even thinking about it, thanks to thousands of reps with a 1911 in a past era. I think the FX-9 RP would be a great pistol for someone who is just starting out. Or someone that has just one gun. It could be carried, but I see it more as a bedside gun. Mainly for someone that wants a fullish size pistol, with the extra added peace of mind that a manual safety gives them. Add in night sights and an optic and you have a really good, easy shooting pistol.

  If you are looking for a decently priced pistol, that has a lot of features, go take a look at the N96 Arms FX-9 RP. Don’t let the fact that it is imported shy you away, it is a very good pistol. It has great features and can take aftermarket sights and optics. N96 Arms did a nice job with the FX-9 RP. Check one out over at North 96 Outdoors.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Value priced pistol with a ton of features

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a pistol for home defense, range, or carry

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Style:  Single Action Semi Auto

  • Manufacturer:  Agaoglu Aviation and Defence Industry

  • Caliber:  9mm Luger

  • Weight:  25.2 oz without magazine

  • Barrel Length: 4.1”

  • Overall Length: 7.3”

  • Height:  5.6”

  • Width:  1.38”

  • Mag Capacity:  17+1  Compatible with CZ 75 mags

  • Sights: Adjustable HiViz

  • Material:  Steel Slide, Poly Body

  • Picatinny Rail

  • Manual Ambi Safety

  • Striker Indicator

  • Interchangeable Backstraps - S, M, & L included

  • 2 magazines included

  • Paddle holster included

  • Mag loader included

  • RMSc optics cut with plate

  • Uses Glock iron sights

  • Lifetime warranty 

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Gray, Sand, or Green

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found, but GB Guns did a very similar review  

Price point:

MSRP = $379.00

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

North 96 Outdoors

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Trigger pull

  • Adjustability due to Backstraps

  • Good grip texture

  • Uses Glock sights

  • Optic cut

  • Uses readily available magazines (CZ75)

  • Comes with extras

Cons:

  • Safety

  • Holster compatibility 

Score: 8.00 Great

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Strike Industries QD Rail Adapter & Riser

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Strike Industries QD Rail

Adapter & Riser Review

  Quick disconnect, red dot style, optic mounts seem to be a little harder to find these days, or at least decent ones. Do not worry, Strike Industries recently released their Strike QD Rail Adapter. This little QD mount works with Strike Industries risers so that you can have a quick disconnect for your T1/T2 footprint optic. 

  When I saw this QD Rail Adapter, I knew it would be perfect for me. Having the ability to quickly change an optic from rifle to rifle had me hooked. Especially since I review a bunch of stuff. This might not be your use case, but having a good picatinny QD mount can still be helpful. 

  Since I was using the Strike QD rail adapter on AR style rifles, it needed a riser to go with it. The Strike QD will only work with Strike Industries risers. So I had them send one of those to me also. That adds another $50 to the already $75 cost of the QD. Just shy of $125 is still a good deal for everything. The Strike Industries Riser can be used as a standard co witness or a lower ⅓. It does this with a little spacer that adds a small amount to the top of the mount. I ended up using it without the spacer. 

  The heart of the Strike QD Adapter is the throw lever. The throw lever is what locks and unlocks the rail to the picatinny. One can usually feel when the lever cams over. Then you know it is tight. Strike Industries QD adapter has this standard feature. But what really makes the Strike Industries QD adapter better is the extra spring loaded lock. Once the main lever is tight, this little lock springs down to keep the lever from moving. It is that little added extra so your optic won’t come off if bumped or accidentally hit. To unlock the QD mount, you must first push the safety lock upward, thus releasing the main lever to be moved. The safety lock has a little flat in it also. My guess is that if you can’t get it to move out of the way by hand, you can use a screwdriver or shell casing rim to push it up. The main lever is also spring loaded to help it pop back out when the safety lever is moved. There is a square headed screw on the main lever. This screw is used to adjust how tight the adapter fits to your picatinny rail. It is click adjustable and uses a regular bladed screwdriver. You can also use your fingers to adjust it, it’s just a little harder to do. 

  I have an Atibal Solar prism that has a T1 base. This prism sight is specifically why I asked for the Strike QD Rail Adapter when it came out. Mounting it up was easy with the screws provided with the Strike Riser. After the initial adjustment, I put the QD on an AR. After about a month, I received something else to migrate the QD mount and optic over to. I have also taken the sight off and on a ton of times. Everytime I just push the lock upward and move the lever, then the whole package falls into my hand. The lever system works great. The little safety is probably my favorite thing about the QD mount. Using a T1/T2 footprint for this mount was a smart choice.

  If you are in the market for a QD red dot mount, the Strike Industries QD Rail Adapter has worked great for me. It is super easy to use and has the extra added security of a safety lock. Pair it with Strike Industries T1 Riser and you get a whole package that you can use on any rifle. Head over to Strike Industries and check out the QD Rail Adapter and Riser for yourself.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

QD mount for T1/T2 style optics 

Target Market:

Those wanting a throw lever style mount for their optic

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

QD:

  • Length: 2.09"

  • Width:   1.78"

  • Height:  0.54"

  • Weight: 1.60 oz

  • QD Mount For T1/T2 Optics

  • Dual locking mechanism

  • Durable, steel-lined polymer body

  • Easy adjustment w/ flat head

  • Large quick detach lever

  • Compatible with all Strike T1 optic mounts

  • Use with Any T1/T2 Footprint Optics

  • ONLY usable with Strike Industries' Riser Mounts

Riser:

  • Includes T1 Riser in Lower 1/3 or Absolute

  • 6061-T6 aluminum construction

  • Type 3 hard anodized 

  • Dimensions: 23.6 mm x 25.6 mm x 53 mm

  • Weight: 2.3 oz

  • Includes mounting screws

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None on QD base, some different colors on the riser

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found as of publishing 

Price point:

MSRP = QD - $74.95

               Riser - $49.95

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Strike Industries, Optics Planet, or Midway USA

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Secondary lock holds secure

  • QD

  • Standard T1/T2 footprint

  • Lightweight 

Cons:

  • Must use Strike Industries risers

Score: 7.50 Good

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Primary Arms SLx RS-10R

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Primary Arms

SLx RS-10R Review

  Primary Arms has come out with their new SLx RS-10R. This is an updated version of the original RS-10 reflex style red dot. One of the big complaints about the original was the mounting footprint it used. Well, the SLx RS-10R has fixed that issue. 

  As with the original, the SLx RS-10R is packed with features. More important than all of those is the “R” designation at the end of the model number. That “R” stands for RMR. I don't think Primary Arms can say it, but we can. What that means for you is that the RS-10R now uses a RMR footprint. Or a Holosun 407C/507C footprint since they are essentially the same. The only drawback to using the RMR footprint is that the RS-10R now uses the smaller cr1632 battery instead of a cr2032. But through some magic, you still get 25k-50k hours of battery life. 

  Now back to the rest of the specifications. The RS-10R runs a 3 moa dot. I find the dot size to be a good compromise, no matter if you mount it on a pistol or rifle. It has 11 brightness settings. Of which, the bottom 2 are night vision compatible. To adjust the brightness, the RS-10R has soft touch buttons on the left side. When you reach the highest brightness setting, the dot will flash so you know when the limit has been reached. You also don't have to worry about turning the RS-10R on or off. It uses Primary Arms’ “Autolive” technology. This tech automatically turns the optic off when it is stationary and then on when it senses movement. Worth noting is the RS-10R has 1 moa click adjustments that uses a flathead to adjust. One can even use the rim of a spent case to adjust it, which I have done before. No trying to find the correct allen wrench. These clicks are tiny, but way better than no clicks at all. 

  Window size in these small red dots can be hard to understand sometimes. Manufactures spec the window size out, but it doesn't take into account if it is rounded or squared. Or where it is rounded and squared. I recommended looking through them to see if you like the window shape. Even though the RS-10R doesn't have a huge window, it is very well shaped to pick up the dot easily. Primary Arms specifies it as 23x19mm. I really like the shape. It is easy for me to see. Other people who I asked about it said the same thing, it's easy to find the dot. Primary Arms also fixed the refresh problem on the RS-10R. The original RS-10 would “galaxy” out because the refresh rate was too slow. The RS-10R does not have this problem. The dot stays consistent when moved and doesn't flash. 

  The SLx RS-10R uses an aluminum housing. They use 7075 aluminum which is a little stronger than the commonly used 6061. I like how the housing sticks out farther than the lens, giving it a little more protection from drops. One drawback to the RS-10R's construction is the higher deck height of the mounting surface. It sits higher up than some red dots. This doesn't hurt anything, but you do notice it when installing taller iron sights.  

  I ended up mounting the RS-10R on the Fusion XF-Pro. The XF-Pro uses a mounting plate system. This leads to you noticing the RS-10R’s deck height even more. It didn’t bother anything and I can pick up the dot easily. The dot on the RS-10R is pretty clear, even with my astigmatism. What I really like about the RS-10R, besides being an RMR footprint, is the window. For some reason I just pick the dot up quickly with the way the window is shaped. I am glad Primary Arms updated the RS-10 to an RMR footprint and fixed the refresh problems. It performs great.

  I know there are a million reflex pistol red dots on the market now, but the Primary Arms SLx RS-10R is a great option. You get a lifetime warranty. It has a side-loading battery with their “Autolive” on/off function. Plus it now features that RMR footprint everyone was asking for. If you are in the market for a pistol red dot, definitely go check out the new SLx RS-10R. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

RMR footprint red dot

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a pistol style red dot with a RMR footprint

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Battery Life: 25,001 - 50,000 Hours

  • Battery TypeCR1632 3V Lithium Coin

  • Side-loading CR1632 battery

  • Click Value: 1 MOA

  • Open Emitter

  • Finish: Hardcoat Anodized

  • 7075 Aluminum construction

  • Mount Compatibility: Holosun 407C/507C, RMR

  • Night Vision Compatible

  • 11 Brightness settings

  • 23 x 19mm window

  • 3 MOA Dot

  • Lifetime Warranty

  • Weight: 1.1 oz.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Original SLx RS-10

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

Beyond Seclusion on YouTube   

Price point:

MSRP = $209.00

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms, Midway USA, or your local gun store

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • RMR / Holosun 507c footprint

  • Click adjustments

  • Side loading battery

  • Autolive

  • Lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • Deck height

Score: 8.50 Great

Favorite Link:  Fusion XF-Pro Review    

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Fusion XF-Pro

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Fusion Firearms

XF Pro Review

  I am a huge fan of new, feature rich, handguns at an affordable price. When I say new, I don’t mean just another Glock clone or Sig remake. Fusion Firearms has brought out a new compact handgun that is packed with features. It is the Fusion XF-Pro 9mm. They were gracious enough to send the Black and Bronze version out for this review.

  When you first see the Fusion XF-Pro, you notice a bunch of things. First is that they designed it to be an all metal handgun and the machining on the outside is just perfect. Next you notice the aluminum grip panels it uses. It came with the bronze camo ones installed and an extra set of all black grip panels. More important is that the XF-Pro uses common Glock magazines. It comes with 2 in the box. After that, you notice that it is optics compatible and comes with the plates you need. There is also a cleaning kit and some empty brass test shells in the box.

  The Fusion XF-Pro’s frame is made from aluminum. This gives the compact pistol some weight. It weighs in at 33.4 ounces with an optic and empty magazine, or around 31 without an optic. The XF-Pro’s frame design looks like a CZ-75 and a Glock had a kid. The backstrap dips in at the top, like a CZ-75. But then the grip kind of resembles a Glock. Both the front and rear backstrap have some curved lines on them for grip. It runs a large squared trigger guard with some texture lines on the front. Then there is a 3 slot picatinny rail for mounting lights or whatever. The magazine button is raised and only on the left side. The grip panels have small golf ball style dimples. Probably the coolest feature of the XF-Pro is the machined in thumb rest on the left side of the frame. At least if you are right handed, because on the right side of the frame is some indexing texture for your trigger finger, not another thumb rest. 

  Fusion did a nice job of designing the slide on the XF-Pro. It has front and rear angled serrations. These serrations look good, plus they are useful. I would personally like them cut a little deeper. That way you can grip them better if your hands are wet or muddy. The top of the slide has a cut out for a ported barrel. Fusion sells a ported barrel for the XF-Pro, if you want some extra recoil mitigation. On each side of the port cutout is also some very aggressive texture. This is so you can get some grip, if you need to rack the slide on a table or barricade. The XF-Pro slide also has some side window cuts that allow you to see the bronze Gen 4 Glock compatible fluted barrel. Both the barrel and slide have a Tennifer finish.  

  As we move back on the slide, you will find a cutout for mounting optics. Fusion uses a plate system for the XF-Pro. It comes with 2 plates. One is for an RMR footprint optic. The other is for Truglo, Docter, Meopta, Insight, or Vortex footprints. I would like to see a RMSc plate, but since there is an included RMR one, I don't need it. I mounted the new Primary Arms RS-10R and one of their Classic series to the XF-Pro. Both mounted up easily with the supplied RMR plate. The optics sit really high with the plate. Even slightly higher than the slide. This makes it so that back up iron sights will not work with an optic, even suppressor height ones. However, even if you could get high enough sights, the XF-Pro uses 2 different types. The rear sight uses a Glock dovetail and the front uses a Novak dovetail. Fusion, please make them compatible with both a front and rear set from something that matches. Maybe a Sig or Springfield cut if you want to keep a front dovetail.

  Trigger pull is important to some people, I am one of those. The Fusion XF-Pro has a decent trigger for a striker fired handgun. It is a flat face style with a little hook at the end. It also uses a trigger safety. Both of these make it function, and look, very much like a Glock trigger, but better. It has a long take up stroke that is a little grainy. But after the initial take up, the trigger hits a short wall that breaks pretty clean. Reset on the trigger is pretty good. You can shoot the trigger from reset if you like, and that shortens the pull a bunch. My sample has a 4.75 pound pull. It started out around 5 pounds but works its way down a little. In all, it is a pretty decent trigger. To go along with the trigger is a striker indicator on the rear of the slide. A nice touch to let you know that the firearm is ready to fire.

  Performance on the XF-Pro is decent. I really liked shooting the pistol. The all metal construction just shoots so nice. I have only had one problem with feeding and I fed it various different types of ammunition. That one malfunction was a stovepipe malfunction, with cheap 124 gr ball ammo, and that was in the first 50 rounds. The gun seems to run just about anything I put in it. After that, it has gone another 900 without any problems. The thumb rest really helps get a good grip to help reduce some muzzle rise. Having the texture on the other side lets you know when your finger is not on the trigger. However, I do have a few complaints about the XF-Pro. When mounting an optic, it just sits too high above the slide. Does it affect anything? Not really, but it is hard to pick up the dot because of this. Next is that the grips are a little slick and could use more texture. Since it comes with 2 sets, I would like one of them to have a more aggressive texture. The XF-Pro also has a “tail” on the back of the grip frame. This tail makes some mag extensions not work in the gun. Lucky for us, all the extended Glock style magazines work. Another problem with the XF-Pro is that there isn’t any holster compatibility. It needs a special holster because of the thumb rest sticking out on the left side. Before I put the optic on the XF-Pro, I found the iron sights to be very useful. The serrated blacked out rear and white dot front worked well. Another feature I really like is the magazine release button. It is extended and makes dropping mags super easy. Thus making reloads quick. The Fusion XF-Pro is a fun gun to shoot.

  The Fusion Firearms XF-Pro is a nice sporty compact handgun. It has a lot of nice features that you will only find in higher priced handguns. Coming in at $550 makes it a good deal. Using Glock magazines and a few Glock parts makes it a win for anyone that already has Glocks, and if you don’t, the magazines are cheap. If you are in the market for a new handgun, I would check out the Fusion XF-Pro and see what you think.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Newly designed, aluminum framed, pistol that takes Glock magazines

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a compact pistol

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Caliber: 9MM

  • Magazine Compatibility: Glock magazines

  • Construction: All bar-stock materials, precision CNC machined

  • Barrel: 4" fluted Glock Gen 4 compatible, Tennifer finish

  • Sights: Fixed combat sights, optic-ready with RMR and others  included

  • Trigger: Competition flat-face, one-piece steel milled

  • Grip: Interchangeable panels, Bronze Camo & Black included, aluminum & poly construction

  • Frame: Aluminum with tactical rail, Sure Grip checkering, Thumb rest, hard coat finish

  • Slide: Pro Serrations, Pro Window Cuts, Tennifer Finish

  • Recoil System: Full metal, Glock Gen 4&5 compatible

  • Overall Length: 7.29 inches

  • Weight: 26.5 oz / 1.66 lbs

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Black or Chrome

What others are saying?:

Christopher at fusionfirearms.com

Excellent pistol

This pistol is awesome. Received today and went straight to the range to shoot some freedom seeds. 200 rounds and smooth as butter. Only critique I have is wishing this came with a magwell like the XP pro did!

Link to other reviews:

Gammage on YouTube   

GB Guns  

Price point:

MSRP = $549.99

Retail = $500.00

I need it now! Availability:

Palmetto State Armory or Guns.com

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • All Metal

  • Shoots nice

  • Takes Glock magazines and barrels

  • Thumb rest

  • Trigger pull

  • Comes with optic plated

Cons:

  • Not ambidextrous

  • Optics sit extremely high

  • Slick grips

  • Holster compatibility 

Score: 7.50 Good

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Triclops Sights

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Triclops Sight Review

  I have a serious astigmatism and normal red dot sights are an issue for me. During one of our podcast episodes we discussed products from Triclops Sights. They manufacture, what can be best described as, an analog red dot. These are iron sights that contain fiber optics.

  The front sight is tall, like a suppressor height sight. The rear sight is a rectangle that has red fiber optics at the 12, 3 and 9 o'clock positions. 

  The sights are firearm model, caliber, and eye dominant specific. They have sights for the Beretta APX, Desert Eagle in 41 Mag, VP9, Smith & Wesson M&P line, CZ75 and many more. The pulldown menu is on their website. 

  I have a Glock 19. I'm right handed and right eye dominant. I received my sights in November 2023 and had them installed immediately. My friend Nick had a sight pusher. He got these sights installed quickly for me. All that was left for me to do was install the fiber optics by sliding them into place, cutting them to size, and burning the tip to keep them in place. It was quick and easy.

  The Triclops sights work due to your eye naturally centering the green front sight between the red rear fiber optic posts. I'll take a quote from Triclops Sights website, “Geometric centering is your eye's natural ability to find the exact center of a shape. This concept incorporated in the Triclops Sight allows you to aim and acquire your target faster than traditional notch and blade sights.” This new sight picture may take effort for some to run. It is simple if you don't overthink the sight picture. It is the same principle as centering your AR15 front sight post in the center of your rear sight aperture. 

  According to the company website, the Triclops sights help you fire with both eyes open. They help you shoot more accurately, faster, and assist in increasing your situational awareness when you're shooting.

  I planned on using these sights during different types of shooting and in various conditions. I used them at indoor matches, action shooting matches, Police Combat Competition, and training classes around the country. I fired the Triclops sights under the pressure of timed competition. I feel they were faster when shooting and transitioning from target to target than regular bladed sights. Close targets got smoked quickly!  The second I saw the green front sight anywhere on the target, I squeezed the trigger. When I moved back to the 25-yard line, it was easy to stay in the center of a B27 target or IDPA targets.

  I took the Dynamic Rifle 2 class with ROC Training at the South Jersey Shooting Club on a sunny October day. While running drills, we would transition to our handgun when our carbines ran empty. These sights really popped outside. Shooting and moving, firing weak hand, and from cover I was hitting the targets effortlessly.  During one training iteration at 50 yards, these sights easily equaled, or beat, other students that had more expensive pistols equipped with red dots. Sucseffully hitting a full size IDPA steel target five times in a row.

  My reviews generally are long term reviews. I've been using Triclops Sights for 15 months. They have been used and abused in training class, competitions, and practice. They are carried as my everyday carry in the Fattac Standard Holster. It also works in the JX Tactical Fat Guy Holsters and the Hailey Strategic G-Code Incog RMR tuckable holster. These holsters all have been designed for a red dot mounted Glock 19.

  I read concerns that the Triclops sight looked large. I saw comments that it looked as large as some red dots. I had the Vortex Defender CCW Micro Dot on hand. It has the Shield RMSc footprint. At 1.6 inches long theDefender CCW is considered a small red dot. It looks huge next to the Triclops Sight.

 The Triclops Sights have held up to my use, which is to put it mildly, rough. I have not broken the fiber optics. There is a small bit of surface rust on the side of the sight that lays against me while I carry. 

  Triclops Sights are what the website says and more. I believe these sights are in a category between traditional sights and red dots. Especially if you have astigmatism like mine. Which nearly every red dot looks like a rorschach test.

  These sights allow me to see faster, and shoot accurately faster, than regular bladed sights. My scores and times in competition reflect these facts. They cost less than all but the lowest priced red dots. They don't require batteries. They are tough. These sights have been used to rack the slide during one hand manipulation drills. There's been no damage or loss of zero. I recommend these Triclops sights to anyone that has astigmatism or just wants to try an “analog red dot” sight. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

This product is great for people with bad astigmatism. It's also a good alternative to suppressor height sights. It's a step between traditional sights and a red dot optic. 

Target Market:

It is faster than iron sights with much less of a learning curve than red dots. It has a smaller footprint than every red dot on the market with fast sight acquisition. Triclops Sights are less expensive than every quality red dot on the market. 

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product 

  • Triclops Sights are for people who have problems seeing traditional sights 

  • They are an analog red dot for people that have issues with astigmatism 

  • They help shooters shoot accurately faster due to a larger sight picture and faster sight alignment 

  • Constructed from 4140 steel. 

  • Red and green fiber optic rods are included

  • Available for a bunch of different handguns

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Much like Henry Ford's Model T, You can have it in any color. As long as that color is black. 

What others are saying?:

"I want to thank Sean at TriclopsSights.com for hooking me up with this sight system to test and evaluate. Pretty much an analog CCO and NVD capable. First 15 rounds with the sight were at 7 meters doing first round draw drills. First two were flyers b/c I wasn't using the sight correctly. I was skeptical at first but now all I can say is wow. Put the threat in the TV screen and squeeze.” - Colton Baitch

I took my small little sub compact to the range with my new Triclops sights. Started close around 7yds to get a feel for the sight. It happened quickly, around 5 shots before I was in a small ring. This was amazing as it is but what really surprised me was being able to shoot quite a long distance somewhere around 25 yards with my small little carry gun and be extremely accurate. I was also happy with how quickly I could now shoot my carry gun. I plan on trying these sights on one of my larger full size competition guns and can’t wait to see the results. So more to report later- Hope Lewellen

Link to other reviews:

Triclops Sights Review: New Sights for Old Glock

Price point:

MSRP = $119.99

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Triclops Sights

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • High-quality iron sights 

  • The sights are faster to acquire than traditional sights at close range 

  • The sights are faster and easier to shoot at long range than traditional notch and blade sights 

  • They are tough. I haven't been able to break them

  • They have no batteries

  • They double as suppressor height sights 

  • Fiber optics are inexpensive and easy to replace 

  • They are easier and faster to learn and acquire a sight picture to those untrained in the use of a red dot 

  • They are easier to conceal and are less likely to snag clothing because they have a smaller footprint than every red dot on the market 

Cons:

  • It looks unusual. Instructors and friends all have, initially, look at this with suspicion. 

  • It has a slight learning curve. It took a few range trips to understand how to get the most out of the product 

  • If you don't have one of the firearms models listed on their website you'll have to call the company to inquire if the sight will work on your firearm 

Score: 9.25 - Amazing

I think it's a sighting system between traditional sights and red dot optics.

,

Primary Arms SLx 1-10x28 ACSS NOVA

,

Primary Arms

SLx 1-10x28 ACSS NOVA Review

  A few years ago, Primary Arms started making their NOVA fiber dot reticle. This bridged the gap between the Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO) and the red dot. Primary Arms has recently put the NOVA reticle into their SLx 1-10x28 optic. This is huge for those wanting more magnification over the SLx 1-6x24 NOVA. 

  The Primary Arms SLx 1-10x28 NOVA is packed with features. For starters, they increased the tube to 34mm from 30mm’s in the 1-6. This allows more light to get into the optic and back to your eye. This larger tube lets you see better at lower light levels as well as at the full 10x magnification. They also throw in flip up lens caps to keep the glass clean when not in use.

  Next on the feature list is the capped turrets. The turrets are a vital part in setting up your optic. Or at least getting it sighted in. I am not super thrilled with the turrets that Primary Arms uses on this LPVO. The clicks are fine and can be felt easily. My gripe is that they remind me of something that was used on scopes 20 years ago. They are small plastic knobs with a flat piece of metal that rotates to set your zero position. Then there is a tiny recess, in the threads, to line up your “zero” with. I was just hoping for something more like the SLx 1-6x24 NOVA. The caps that cover the turrets are nice. They have good texture to unscrew them. The windage knob cap also has storage for an extra 2032 battery. Yes, it comes with an extra battery already in the cap. On the left side of the LPVO is the brightness knob. It has 11 brightness settings from low light to burn your eyeballs out bright. However, it is not night vision compatible. The SLx 1-10 does not have Primary Arms’ Autolive. However, I did install their Autolive battery cap and it works like a charm.

  Eye relief for the SLx 1-10 LPVO is pretty good. Primary Arms states 3.2 - 3.5 inches, which seems about right. I did notice that the eyebox is pretty forgiving. I did not need to be exactly in the stated window to see through the optic clearly. The SLx also has a fast focus diopter so you can adjust the reticle to be crystal clear. Also, on this end of the optic is the magnification throw lever. Of course it goes from a true 1x all the way to 10x. The magnification adjustment is very smooth and rotates right at 180 degrees from 1x - 10x. Primary Arms also uses their removable throw lever. This one is about ¾ inch long. You can get different height ones from Primary Arms, as well as a fold down lever. 

  Now it is reticle time. The SLx 1-10x28 uses Primary Arms ACSS NOVA fiber wire reticle. This gives you a daylight bright red dot in the center of the reticle’s crosshairs. Basically a red LED travels through a fiber optic cable to the reticle, thus illuminating the reticle dot much brighter than a normal illuminated reticle. The center dot is roughly 0.6 MOA. Some people say the dot is too small to use it like a red dot. I am not one of those people, I love the Nova red dot. The rest of the ACSS NOVA reticle is a Mil based Second Focal Plane optic. So the reticle stays the same size throughout the magnification range. This also makes the Mil subtensions only accurate at the highest power, or 10x in this case. For elevation, there are 4 mil stadia lines below the center red dot. They are spaced 1 Mil apart, with ½ mil dots between them. These Mil stadia are wider at the top and progressively get narrower as you go down the reticle. This is so you can use them to range distance on an 18 inch wide target. On the horizontal stadia, there are 2 dots. These 2 dots represent approximately 3 mile per hour wind holds each. The crosshair taper can be used as a 3rd wind hold. The reticle is very useful for all kinds of things. I am a huge fan of the ACSS NOVA Mil reticle.

  When I first received the SLx 1-10x28, I had not received the rifle I was hoping to put it on. Since I had a “Range Day” competition coming up, I mounted it to my Primary Weapons piston AR15. Primary Arms had also sent their GLx 34 mm cantilever mount to use with the 1-10. It is a great mount by itself and puts the optic at just the right height for an AR. During the competition, I was able to use it like a red dot at 3-7 yard targets. Then I moved it up to about 3x to shoot some index cards at 50 yards. The optic performed great for that particular competition. And no, I didn’t win anything. The SLx 1-10 Nova now sits on a Global Ordnance Monolith, which was the rifle I was waiting to install it on. The 1-10 fits the rifle well and doesn’t add too much weight to it. After all, the SLx 1-10x28 Nova only weighs 19 ounces. I have also done a bunch of drills with the SLx on this rifle. The SLx worked great on it also. When I was shooting for groups, I had the SLx’s magnification turned up to 10x. On 10x the targets were easy to make out. The only problem I ran across was that at 10x, the scope is not as clear as at 1x. There was not a bunch of difference, but enough that I could notice. Even though it was noticeable to me, I could still make out 22 caliber holes at 100 yards easily enough. 

  I am a huge fan of the ACSS NOVA reticle in the SLx 1-10x28. Not only can you use this LPVO as a normal optic, it also can double as a red dot. You can even range targets with the Mil reticle. Pair it with the Primary Arms Autolive battery cap and you have an optic that is ready to go when you are. So if you are looking for that LPVO that has a little bit more magnification,  but still can be used fast and up close, give the Primary Arms SLx 1-10x28 ACSS NOVA a look.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Quality , inexpensive 1-10x optic with good features

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a quality LPVO at a fair price

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Battery Type: CR2032 3V Lithium Coin

  • Click Value: 1/2 MOA

  • Exit Pupil Diameter: Low: 9mm / High: 2.8mm

  • Field View 100: Low: 110 ft / High: 10 ft

  • Focal Plane: Second Focal Plane

  • Illuminated MRAD NOVA fiber reticle, red color

  • Eye Relief: 3.2” - 3.5”

  • Length: 10.5 in.

  • Magnification: 1X - 10X

  • 34mm tube

  • Objective Diameter: 28mm

  • Total Elevation and Windage Adjustment: 40 MOA

  • Low Profile Capped Turrets

  • Warranty: Lifetime

  • Weight: 19.1 oz.

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

ACSS Raptor and ACSS Griffin reticles

What others are saying?:

5 out of 5 stars at PrimaryArms.com

Coyote Hunting 25-200 Yards

by Coyote Cam - 

  So, as we all know... the SLx 1-6x24 Nova has been the standard for the red dot bright LPVO with the Gen4. When I saw that they now make the exact same Nova illumination in the 1-10x28, it was time to pull the trigger on a 1-10x LPVO, but with any 1-10x I was a bit hesitant at first... but let me tell you, I am amazed at how clear this is out to 200 yards on 10x.

  Now... understand that this is for my dedicated Coyote setup out to 200 yards max, but also I have a heavy brush/timber area that I need to dial it back on and this 1x is running amazing.

  The red dot illumination helps when the reticle fades in the sun/tree line, which is why I wanted the Nova, but I needed more than 6x for target identification in dim light.

  If you are wanting something for the same reasons as I did, do not hesitate, the glass is actually super clear.

Link to other reviews:

Lynx Defense

Price point:

MSRP = $449.99

Retail = Same, but Primary Arms runs sales that take it below $400

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms, Amazon, or your local dealer

Our Rating: 

Pros:

  • Red Dot NOVA reticle

  • Mil lines for ranging

  • Lightweight for size

  • Battery storage in windage knob cover

  • Capped turrets

  • Decent throw lever

Cons:

  • Old school turrets with no real zero setting

  • Little fuzzy around the edges at 10x

Score: 8.00 Great

,

Gideon Omega

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Gideon Optics

Omega review

  I was looking for a new pistol mounted red dot to install on my Rost Martin. I knew I wanted a larger window size reflex sight for that pistol. So I did what any good reviewer would do and hit up the good people at Gideon Optics. Gideon had just what I was looking for in their Omega series. When they asked which version I wanted to review, I said the green dot only version. So a few weeks later I received it. That is where the story takes a twist.

  The Gideon Omega arrived at the perfect time. I had just received a lightweight 10/22 kit and it needed a lightweight dot. So even though I had intentions of mounting the Omega on the Rost Martin, it proceeded to get mounted on the 10/22 with the CP Firearms Dragonfly kit. The Omega was perfect for it. Its large window lets you see the dot quickly on this little rifle. Plus the Omega came with a pic rail adapter already installed, so all I had to do was tighten it on the rail. The Gideon Omega has an RMR footprint so it will fit on a ton of pistols cut for an RMR optic. Which is exactly what I originally had planned for the Omega.

  Gideon Optics has hit the ground hard with the Omega. It is their larger window RMR footprint reflex sight. The window size is 0.88 inches tall x 1.06 inches wide and round shaped with a flat on the bottom. I found it extremely easy to pick up the dot in the Omega. Probably because round objects draw the human eye to the center. Having an RMR footprint makes the Omega very versatile. There are so many mounting options for it, either direct or some sort of picatinny mount. Even offset style mounts can be had with RMR footprints.

  For this review, I asked for a green dot version of the Gideon Omega. It also can be had with a red dot, a red circle dot, or a green circle dot. The dot versions have a 3 moa sized dot and the circle dot versions have a 45 moa outer ring with a 3 moa dot inside the ring. I chose the 3 moa green dot because green is usually clearer for me. I also am not a fan of circle dot reticles on pistols, even though some people love them. The dot is bright enough to see on a hot summer day with zero clouds in the sky. The Omega has 10 brightness levels in case you need to turn the brightness down, 2 of those are night vision compatible. I am also a big fan of being able to set the brightness where I want it. I am also pleased with the clarity of the green dot. It just does not star out like a lot of red colored ones do for me. The dot was easy to pick up and super fast on that little lightweight 22.

  Auto on and off is a feature every new optic should have. The Gideon Omega has this auto on/off feature. Essentially, when you move the sight, it automatically turns back on to whatever brightness setting you have it set at. Then, after sensing zero movement, it turns off after 225 seconds, or just under 4 minutes. The Omega does have a twist to this auto on/off. If you leave the Omega sitting for 12 hours, it will turn off completely to save battery life. I have a love/hate relationship with this. Since I use it on a 22 rimfire rifle, this feature is great. But if you want this optic for a bedside firearm, the auto on might not work when you need it. Mainly because the gun will probably not get moved enough to keep the auto on/off working. For duty use, it is probably fine because the movement of it being on you will keep the sight from turning off. Something to think about. Gideon does have other optics without the 12 hour off feature, so one can always check those options out.

  Another feature I like on the Omega is the top load battery. With the top load battery, you will not have to take the sight off to change it. Gideon gave the Omega a CR1632 battery. They spec the battery life at “up to 50,000 hours”. So if you leave it on the brightest setting, I do not know how long the battery will last. But I really do not think anyone has to really worry about the battery life.

  The Omega is super light. Gideon states that it weighs 1.8 ounces with the battery. This is one of the reasons I decided to mount it on that lightweight 10/22. As far as physical size, it is 2.06 inches long x 1.21 inches wide x 1.25 inches tall. So even though it has a good window size, the Omega is still small. 

  Sighting in the Gideon Omega was super easy. It was almost centered up after mounting. I even sighted it in right before a local steel challenge competition. I set a target about 15 yards away and went to town. Adjustments on the Omega have actual clicks. Yes, they are tiny sounds and feel, but at least it has them. I am a fan of clicks on these micro optics. If it does not have them, how do I know how far I actually moved the adjustment screw? Thank you Gideon for putting actual clicks in the adjustments.

  I was really happy with how the Gideon Omega works. I know it will handle the recoil of a pistol, at least based on my previous experiences with other Gideon Optics. I was surprised at how well I liked the Omega on a small rifle. It performed fantastic. Yeah, I am not a fan of the 12 hour auto off function, but since I have it on a competition 22, it does not really matter. Would I recommend it to someone? Yes, it is a fantastic green dot reflex optic. 

  Sometimes life throws you a curveball and you hit it out of the park. I had not planned on mounting the Gideon Omega to a 22, but I did. The Omega works so well on that 22 that I am not taking it off to install it on a pistol. The green dot is clear and a great size. Gideon is really the one that hit the home run with the Omega. I love the size and features it has. If you want to check it out, head over to Gideon Optics.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Large window reflex sight mainly for pistols, but also at home on rifles

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a quality large window red dot at a fair price

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Magnification: 1x

  • Lens Dimensions: 22.3mm tall x 27mm wide

  • 7075-T6 aluminum body

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

  • Click Value: 1 MOA per click

  • 3 MOA Dot

  • Parallax Free: Beyond 33 yards

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

  • Power Supply: 1x CR1632 3V Lithium battery

  • Battery life: 50,000 Hours

  • Top load battery

  • Auto Wake/Sleep: 225 Seconds after no movement, Deep Sleep after 12 hours

  • Shockproof & IPX7 Waterproof

  • Dimensions: (LxWxH) 52.5mm x 30.7mm x 31.7mm

  • Weight (with battery installed): 1.8 oz (approx.)

  • RMR footprint

  • Picatinny mount included

  • Lifetime Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Red Dot only, Green Circle Dot, or Red Circle Dot

What others are saying?:

The Gideon Omega does exactly what it needs to. It provides a big window, competition style optic that performs. Shake-awake type functionality is welcome and is essentially the only "advanced" feature an optic like this really needs. I also appreciate the easier to actuate buttons versus some other brands. This is a tradeoff of course as you could get some accidental presses in some situations, but it suits my preference for fast adjustment. After my first 200 rounds with the Omega I've noticed zero issues and will be running this solution for competitions going forwards (and saving hundreds in the process).

Link to other reviews:

The Armory Life   

Price point:

MSRP = $229.99 discount code “GGR”  knocks it down to $206.99

Retail = $195.99 at JSD Supply   

I need it now! Availability:

Gideon Optics or JSD Supply

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Large window

  • RMR footprint

  • Clear dot

  • Auto on/off

  • Top load battery

Cons:

  • 12 hour Deep Sleep mode

Score: 8.50 Great

Favorite Link:  Gideon Judge Review

Swampfox Tomahawk II

  Not too long ago, Swampfox Optics released an updated version of their Tomahawk Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO). It is rightfully called the Tomahawk II. Along with other upgrades, it also offers a new style of reticle called the Bright Fiber Optic or BFO. The Tomahawk II still retains its second focal plane as well as coming in either a 1-4 or 1-6 magnification range. Swampfox sent me the 1-6x24 Tomahawk II with the Blue color BFO to review.

   LPVO’s are all the rage right now. The Tomahawk II falls nicely into this category with the magnification going from a red dot style 1x, to a useful 6x. It also has a pretty standard 30mm tube. Of course it has multi-coated optics, a fast focus diopter, an optional throw lever, and a great warranty. 

At 6x, Brightness is around 7 or 8

  Swampfox’s Tomahawk II Bright Fiber Optic reticle is probably part of the reason you are looking at this. The BFO has a brightly illuminated dot inside the scopes crosshairs. This particular LPVO has the Blue dot.  An Amber, Red, or Green center dot are available. The only illuminated part of the reticle is the center dot. The Dot size is listed as 0.6 MOA. Because of the crosshairs, the tiny dot size just looks like a normal size 1-2 MOA dot, at least to me. The crosshair itself is very useful too. In the reticle are hash marks spaced at 5 MOA increments. Since this is a second focal plane (SFP) optic, the stadia marks are only correct at 6x, or the largest magnification range. The reticle’s visual size also does not change with magnification increases or decreases due to it being in the SFP. There are 6 stadia marks for elevation and ranging. While there are 3 stadia marks, in each direction for windage. You can use the MOA stadia marks to range with if needed. The big advantage of the BFO reticle is that you can run the LPVO like a true red dot at 1x. Or in this case, a Blue dot. Why blue? Because it is easy on the eye and is picked up quickly due to our eyes color sensitivity. Then if you need ranging ability, you can turn the adjustment ring to 6x and use the MOA stadia of the reticle while still having the illuminated blue center dot.

  Magnification adjustments on the Tomahawk II are pretty straightforward. To adjust it, there is a large adjustment ring toward the rear of the scope. Turn it to the left to increase magnification, and to the right to decrease it. From 1-6x is a little less than one half turn. The adjustment ring has deep grooves in it to aid in getting a grip on it. This adjustment ring is smooth to operate and not too stiff. Swampfox also includes a separate throw lever. This throw lever just clamps on with a little screw. They send 2 screws with it, but do not give a torque specification. Which is probably why I needed the extra screw after breaking the first. The throw lever is very usable. At first I did not think I would like how it clamped on. But this feature allows you to put the throw lever in any position you desire. An actual plus over some of the fixed throw levers. 

  Illumination for the BFO is done by the knob on the left side. This knob also houses the 2032 battery. There are 12 levels of illumination for the BFO dot. Essentially from night vision dim to needing sunglasses bright. Yes, the dot is super bright at the 12 setting. So bright that even in direct sunlight I did not use the 12th setting. Between each brightness setting, on the dial, is an off setting. This is a feature that I really like. Especially since the Tomahawk II does not have any type of auto on/off feature. If you want this feature, the Tomahawk II does work with an Auto Live battery cap, as I did try it. 

   Swampfox installed some pretty nice reticle adjustment knobs on the Tomahawk II. Both the windage and elevation knob have 0.5 MOA click adjustments. These clicks are pretty decent, but the elevation knob’s are better than the windage ones. The windage knob is capped. However, the elevation knob is not capped. Instead it uses a pull up to turn knob. One must first pull the knob up, then it can be adjusted. Push the knob back down and it locks that adjustment into place. With the turret being locked into place, there is no need to worry about it moving if bumped or bashed around. Both the windage and elevation knobs can be set to zero so you know where to turn them back to. I’ve used push to lock style turrets before, and always like them.

  Glass quality on the Tomahawk II was pleasantly surprising. For an approximately $400 LPVO, I was impressed with how clear the Tomahawk II is. Images appear clear and bright with very little distortion around the outer edge. The eye relief is pretty forgiving, even at 6x. There is also a decent 20 foot field of view at 6x. Lastly, the fast focus diopter lets you get the reticle adjusted for a picture perfect image. I could not ask for anything more out of this optic.

  Swampfox also sent one of their Hostile Engagement Mounts for the Tomahawk II. This is their top of the line one piece mount. The Hostile Engagement Mount (HEM) includes a place to mount an RMR footprint reflex sight directly to the rings, at a 45 degree offset. I didn’t use the RMR feature, but it does have steel inserts for the screws, so they probably will not strip out. The HEM has some really nice recoil lugs built into it. So I would not hesitate to install it on something with a little more recoil than my standard AR. It is available in a 30mm or 34 mm size. I used the 30mm one because that is the tube diameter of the Tomahawk II. Being that the HEM weighs a bit over 8 ounces, and the Tomahawk II weighs 20 ounces, this combo does add a bit of weight to your rifle. So if you are looking for something super light, maybe use one of Swampfox’s other AR mounts.

  I like the Swampfox Tomahawk II. The BFO is fantastic for close up work. It literally is like using a 1x red dot, or should I say blue dot? The MOA style reticle also works well for me. I like the 5 MOA stadia marks as I can use them for bullet drops or ranging. My one dislike is that I can definitely tell the weight of the scope/mount combination. Especially when transitioning from target to target. However, the clear glass and bright dot make this an excellent option in the LPVO market.

  The Swampfox Tomahawk II is a stand up LPVO. The BFO reticle makes it both fast and precise. That center dot of the reticle is probably why you are looking at this anyhow. Why not have an LPVO that you can use as a dot style optic? Plus, you will be able to see your target nicely due to the clear glass. The lock down turret knob is also a nice touch. So if you are looking at fair priced LPVO's that work as red dots, take a look at the Swampfox Tomahawk II.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Affordable 1-6 LPVO with a bright colored illuminated center dot

Target Market:

Anyone, Hunters, Target shooters, Competitors, Law Enforcement, etc

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Magnification: 1-6x

  • Tube Diameter: 30mm

  • Objective Lens Diameter: 24mm

  • Exit Pupil (mm): 7.6mm-3.9mm

  • Eye Relief: 3.39”-3.54” (1x-6x)

  • FOV @ 100 Yards: 120.43’-20.9’ (1x-6x)

  • Click Value: 1/2 MOA

  • Parallax Setting: 100 yds

  • Travel Per Rotation: 100 Clicks/50 MOA

  • Max Windage & Elevation Adjustment: 100 MOA

  • Fully Multi-Coated / Anti-fog / Hydrophobic lens coating

  • Illumination: 12 illumination settings with intermittent on/off positions

  • Side-mounted CR2032 Battery

  • Second Focal Plane Bright Fiber Optic Reticle

  • Fast Focus Diopter: -2 to +2

  • Push/Pull Locking elevation Turret with Zero Reset and capped windage turret

  • Length: 10.55”

  • Weight: 20.59 oz

  • Waterproof Rating: IPX7

  • Impact Resistance: 1,100 G Force

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

1-4x

Red or Green BDC reticle

Red, Green, or Amber BFO reticle

What others are saying?:

Nothing found as of publishing

Link to other reviews:

Parallel Defense on YouTube    

Price point:

MSRP = $449.00

Retail = $380 at Brownells

I need it now! Availability:

Swampfox Optics or Brownells

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Super clear glass

  • Bright Fiber Dot MOA reticle

  • Locking Turret

  • Useful magnification range

Cons:

  • Weight

Score: 8.00 Great

Favorite Link:  Swampfox Liberty Green Dot review   

Lucid Optics E7

  Small, fully enclosed, red dots have become commonplace. These dot sights can be used on rifles, shotguns, or pistols. That makes them very useful. Lucid optics has one of these enclosed “dot” sights named the E7. The Lucid E7 has something special under its hood. That special twist is a BLUE colored reticle instead of your standard red dot.

  Besides the blue reticle, Lucid’s E7 reflex sight is pretty standard. The E7 is essentially a square rectangle with a length of 1.78 inches. Okay, it is not a true square, but you get the idea.  It uses the industry standard footprint for these types of sights. That standard is the ACRO footprint. The nice thing about the ACRO footprint is that you can get a multitude of adapters to fit it on just about any firearm. The E7 comes with a tall picatinny adapter that is pre installed. Also in the box is a MOS adapter should you choose to run it on a Glock pistol. I used the tall picatinny adapter because I mounted the E7 on a Foxtrot Mike AR’ish pistol. It worked great in this configuration. 

  Before I get into the blue reticle design of the E7, let’s get into some of the specifications. This is a 1x reflex sight, so there is no magnification. The exterior is made from 7075 aluminum. So you should be able to bash it around if needed. The E7 tips the scales at a lightweight 2.65 ounces. It runs off of a CR2032 battery with a 50,000 hour life, thanks to the “shake awake” feature of the E7. The auto on/off feature is really a favorite of mine. The rest of the specs can be seen down below in the “Features” section.

  The Lucid Optics E7 is the first reflex sight with a blue colored reticle. Why blue? Blue is calming to the human mind. That leads to less fatigue if seeing it for extended periods of time. It also appears very sharp, making it ideal for reticle designs. But most important to us shooters, is that blue colors are typically not found on things we shoot at. Now if you are shooting in a field of blue flowers, that might be an exception. The blue reticle just doesn’t blend into stuff like a green one might. Even against blue sky, you can still see the reticle of the E7. So if you are training and have different color targets. When someone says “shoot the red target”, you don’t lose track of your dot with the blue, like you might with a red dot.

  Now for the reticle design. Lucid Optics uses their M5 reticle in the E7. I will do my best to describe it, but look at the picture of it. In the middle is a 4 MOA dot. This dot is surrounded by about two thirds of a 32 MOA circle. Then, on the bottom, at 45 degree angles, are two lines. Having both the 32 MOA circle and those two lines help to draw your eye straight to the center dot. Lucid Optics says that between the blue color and this reticle, it helps to give up to 30% faster target acquisition over just a dot. I do not know if I was 30% faster with the E7, but the reticle is pretty fast and does draw my eye into it, so it is easy to pick up a sight picture. I really like the design of the reticle. 

  Since the Lucid E7 is an enclosed sight, it does have some advantages. The most obvious is that the guts of the E7 are protected from dirt, water, oil, and other objects that might cause problems. If you have ever gotten water on the emitter of an open reflex sight, you know what advantage having a closed system does for you. If you happen to get something on the E7’s 21x18mm lens, you can just wipe it off. The enclosed system also puts all the controls on the outside where they are easy to get to. In the E7's case, the brightness up/down is on the left side and the battery compartment is on the right side. The windage adjustment is also on the right side. The elevation adjustment is on top, as one would expect. Both of these have positive click adjustments for easier use. However, they are small and need a small flathead screwdriver to adjust. I was pleasantly surprised with the adjustment clicks, being that they are so small.  

  I am pretty happy with how the Lucid E7 performed. It is a great little 1x reflex sight. I really only have one complaint. If you turn up the brightness on the M5 blue reticle, it blurs together for me. This is due to my astigmatism. So do not worry about the reticle being clear, unless you have bad eyes like me. Because the reticle has more in it then just a dot, that is why it is worse for me. HOWEVER, if I turn the brightness down a little, the reticle clears up nicely. Plus, due to the blue reticle, I can get a clear reticle at a lower brightness setting than if it were red in color. This really only plays a role if I am shooting at distant targets. Up close I just use the bright blue as a larger dot. Just put the reticle on the target and engage. I also like the size and weight of the E7. It is the perfect size for a lightweight AR pistol or SBR. Having the ACRO footprint also lends the E7 to be right at home on a handgun, if you were to choose that option. The E7 has been a great little reflex sight and has stood up to my abuse.

  Since the Lucid Optics E7 is the first blue colored reflex sight, it stands out against all the other ones. Yes, you will pay a few dollars more, but you get an actual reticle in a blue color, not just a red dot. The construction is nice and sturdy with easy to use controls. It has great battery life thanks to the “shake awake” feature. So if you are looking for a good enclosed style reflex sight, but with a blue twist, check out the Lucid Optics E7. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Blue illuminated reflex sight

Target Market:

Those wanting something different. Sight can easily be used for just about anything from handguns to rifles

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • Finish: Matte Black

  • Material: 7075 Aluminum

  • Magnification:  1x

  • Lens Diameter:  21mm x 18mm

  • Reticle: M5

  • Illumination Color:  Blue

  • Emitter Type:  Enclosed

  • Battery Life:  50,000 hours

  • Length:   1.78″

  • Weight:  2.65oz

  • Field of view: 60 ft @ 100 yds

  • Footprint:  Aimpoint ACRO

  • Mount:  Picatinny/ACRO adaptor mount included

  • Battery: CR2032

  • IPX7 Waterproof

  • Shake Awake

  • 90 MOA Windage and Elevation Adjustment

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

None

What others are saying?:

3 out 5 stars at OpticsPlanet.com  

Blurry for my eyes and sons eyes

I had trouble seeing the optic clearly and so did my son. My buddy had no issue seeing it. He doesn't wear glasses and neither does my son. I do. Was bummed. However I still hit the target. So far not a horrible optic, just wish I could see it clearly.

Link to other reviews:

Shooting News Weekly  

Price point:

MSRP = $299.99

Retail = $239.95 at OpticsPlanet.com   

I need it now! Availability:

Lucid Optics or Optics Planet

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Blue reticle is easy on eyes

  • Reticle design is fast to pick up

  • Shake Awake

  • Acro footprint

  • Actual click adjustments

Cons:

  • May not be good for people with astigmatisms

  • MSRP is a little higher than other optics in this class 

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  Lucid L7 1-6x24 review   

Primary Arms GLx RS-15

  When it comes to mini reflex red dot sights, everyone seems to have one or more in their catalog. Primary Arms has them also. The difference is that Primary Arms has broken the “same old dot” mold by designing and using an innovative reticle called the ACSS Vulcan. They have put this reticle in their brand new GLx RS-15 mini reflex sight. I tested the GLx RS-15 on a shotgun and a pistol just to see how it worked. 

  For everyday purposes, the Primary Arms GLx RS-15 is a reflex red dot sight. That is only the beginning of the story. First, the RS-15 is in Primary Arms’ GLx line. The GLx line is Primary Arms’ mid-tier optics line. That means you get a higher class of technology and materials at a fair price. The RS-15 comes in at $359 dollars, which isn’t bad when you count how many features are in it. In this line you tend to get new and innovative reticles and sharper glass, leading to a crisper dot. It also has the ACSS Vulcan reticle. Which I will explain, at length, later. Some of the other features it has include: A top load battery, 7075 aluminum housing, and Autolive technology, just to name a few.

Camera is closer to optic, to give an almost complete view of the reticle

  The GLx RS-15’s ACSS Vulcan reticle is an innovative design. For simple explanation, it is essentially a 3 MOA red dot. Then it has an outer ring around that dot. That outer ring is 250 MOA. So what happens is that when you hold the RS-15 at arms length, the outer ring is not seen if the dot is in the center of the window. If you move the sight up/down or left/right, the outer circle starts to come into the window's view. This allows the shooter to see which way the gun needs to move, so you can get back to having the dot centered. Take for instance you see a curved line in the right or left side of the window. Just move the muzzle of the firearm toward the direction of that curved line, and you should then see the aiming dot. Same with up or down. If the curved line is on top, move the muzzle up, if it is toward the bottom of the window, move the muzzle down. The ACSS Vulcan reticle is a great reticle to learn how to shoot red dots on pistols. Yes, it even helps out seasoned shooters like myself. After you use the Vulcan reticle for a while, and want to try just a normal dot sight picture, it has an option to turn off the outer ring so that it is just the 3 MOA dot. Just hold down the brightness down button for 3 seconds and it will cycle between the two modes. I’ve been really impressed with the ACSS Vulcan reticle.

  Primary Arms’ Autolive function is also built into the GLx RS-15. However, it works a little differently than their normal Autolive version. After around 10 seconds of no movement, the RS-15 shuts off the 250 MOA ring and leaves just the 3 MOA dot. Then after around 4 minutes of no movement, it shuts down the dot reticle. Have no fears, just barely move the RS-15 and the full Vulcan reticle will come back on. This helps aid in longer battery life. Battery life is pretty good. Primary Arms states 25,000 plus hours on medium setting with just the dot, and around 5,000 hours with the Vulcan reticle. It may sound substantially less, but 5000 hours is still 200 days of continuous “on.” And with the Autolive, it will not be continually on for 200 days. I’m a big fan of Autolive, or any of the auto on/off systems. 

   Mounting the GLx RS-15 might lead to some hassles. The RS-15 uses a C-More mounting footprint. Trying to find an actual C-More footprint optics cut is not easy. Slides with these optics cuts are available, but not nearly as prevalent as a RMR footprint cut. However, If you have a slide cut for a Delta Point Pro (DPP), and it doesn’t have the recoil lug bosses built in, the RS-15 will mount right up. This is because the screw hole spacing is the same for a DPP or a C-More footprint. This mounting footprint is the GLX RS-15’s biggest flaw. First I mounted the RS-15 up to a shotgun, with the help of a Warne Red-dot Shotgun Rib Reflex Mount. On a side note, the Warne mount is fantastic. It mounts to the shotgun's rib, securely, and has options for just about any red dot footprint imaginable. I then proceeded to put it on a P320 with a Grey Ghost Precision (GGP) slide. I did this because the GGP slide is cut for a DPP and doesn't have any recoil bosses to make the RS-15 not bolt up. That is where it stays. Not because it didn’t work on the shotgun, but because I like it better on the pistol.

  Besides the ACSS Vulcan reticle and Autolive functionality, the GLx RS-15 has some other great features. First up is the actual window size, which is 26x20mm’s. The window size is decently large and seemed easy for me to get on target with. Next is the RS-15’s top load CR2032 battery. Which also comes with a combo wrench to make removing the battery cover easy. The 7075 aluminum housing is stronger than comparable sights that use 6061 aluminum. Probably most notable, is that the RS-15 has 0.5 MOA click adjustments. Almost all mini reflex sights use a 1 MOA adjustment, and some do not have clicks. Lastly, the buttons on the right side control brightness. It has 13 brightness settings, 3 of which are night vision compatible. The top brightness settings are super bright. 

  The GLx RS-15 is one of the clearest red dots I have used. The clarity is just amazing. I say this because with my astigmatism, red dot’s are usually a little starred out for me, making them a little blurry. Not the RS-15. I don’t know what Primary Arms did to get this red dot so clear, but I like it. Maybe it is the very slightly tinted blue lens. Either way, it works. In fact, it is the first time, in a while, that I can turn the brightness all the way up and not have the dot look distorted. 

  I mentioned running the GLx RS-15 on a shotgun. I wanted to try out a non conventional use for it. I really liked shooting trap with the RS-15. However, the 250 MOA outer ring didn’t really do anything for the shotgun. Something about looking down a long gun barrel that tends to line up the sight. I am not sure if it helped me shoot trap better, but I see how having something like the RS-15 on a field shotgun could be immensely useful. The dot just made aiming at a moving target easier.

  After the shotgun try out, I proceeded to go conventional. Using the GLx RS-15 on a handgun is where it really shines. This is where the ACSS Vulcan reticle can be used to its full potential. I ran some drills with the RS-15 to test it out. I am a little faster, shot to shot, under recoil thanks to the Vulcan reticle. One because it is so clear, and the other because the reticle just helps you find the dot faster. This is definitely a more useful sight on a handgun.

  If you are looking into a red dot that can help you shoot better, the Primary Arms GLx RS-15 might be a good option. Partly due to its innovative ACSS Vulcan reticle. For new red dot shooters, it helps you find the dot and get used to it. For seasoned shooters, it helps you to find the dot faster. The GLx RS-15 even works for non-conventional uses like a shotgun. I have a hard time deciding what would be my favorite feature of the RS-15. Is it the Vulcan reticle, or the sights' clarity? Go check out the Primary Arms GLx RS-15 and see for yourself.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Quality red dot with the ACSS Vulcan reticle

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a quality red dot, but also those who will benefit from the ACSS Vulcan reticle

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • 7075 Aluminum construction

  • Hardcoat anodized black

  • Top loading CR2032 battery compartment

  • 5,000 Hour battery life with full reticle on medium setting

  • 25,000+ Hour Battery life with dot reticle on medium setting

  • Side mounted buttons for brightness (13 settings with 3 night vision)

  • Red Dot Bright® ACSS Vulcan Dot reticle (3 MOA center dot with 250 MOA outer circle)

  • Multi-reticle select can be changed between circle/dot and just the dot

  • 0.5 MOA windage and elevation adjustments

  • Autolive® functionality

  • Waterproof and shockproof construction

  • Multicoated lens

  • C-More footprint which is very similar to the Delta Point Pro footprint

  • Includes GLOCK MOS compatible mounting plate

  • Length: 1.84"

  • Weight: 1.11 oz.

  • Aperture diameter: 26x20mm

  • Lifetime warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Dot only version

What others are saying?:

5 out of 5 stars at primaryarms.com

SUPERB RDO WITH DIRECT FITMENT ON SIG PRO-CUT SLIDE

This optic is my third with the ACSS Vulcan reticle, but first PA-branded open reflex (others are HS 507k & 507c). I've become a real believer in this reticle, in either red or green.

Target and sight acquisition are super-fast and consistent -- intuitive, too, once a little muscle memory is achieved. For me, it also had a minimal learning curve, with the added benefit of presentation depth feedback, making it simple to verify the gun is in the correct position for each round fired.

Too far away, the 250 MOA outer ring disappears. In too close, the outer ring circles the 3 MOA dot. At just right, the outer ring guides the dot to perfect target alignment. It's a system beneficial to both experienced shooters and new RDO users, and it just plain works.

This optic, like the HS RDOs, checks all the right feature boxes too, including shake awake, top-mount battery and side-mount brightness.

It’s a real winner. A+ performance and value.

Link to other reviews:

Nothing found as of publishing 

Price point:

MSRP = $359.99

Retail = Same

I need it now! Availability:

Primary Arms

Our Rating: 

Pros:

  • ACSS Vulcan reticle

  • Clarity

  • Autolive motion activation

  • Window Size

Cons:

  • C-More mounting footprint

  • Slightly higher price when compared to similar reticles in red dots

Score: 7.50 Good

Favorite Link:  Primary Arms SLx 1x prism review  

Rost Martin RM1C

Ammo supplied by Target Barn

  A new pistol manufacturer is in town and they hit the streets hard. They are Rost Martin, and if you have not heard of them, you soon will. As of writing, their premier offering is the Rost Martin RM1C pistol in 9mm. The RM1C is a compact pistol, think G19 size for reference. This pistol comes packed with features at an affordable price. Let us find out what makes the RM1C so good.

  This new Rost Martin compact pistol comes ready to go. In the box with the RM1C are 2 magazines. One is a flush fit 15 round magazine. The second one is a 17 round extended one. Both have steel bodies. The 17 round looks like the 15 round magazine but with just a +2 extension. Extra magazines are only $24.50! Yeah, $25 bucks a piece for extra mags. Thank you Rost Martin for making affordable steel magazines. Also in the box is a plate to mount a RMR footprint optic. Plates for different foot print optics are available on the Rost Martin website. Lastly, there are 2 extra backstraps. A small and large one. The RM1C comes equipped with the medium size backstrap. The medium sized one seemed to fit a lot of different sized hands, mine included. 

  Now that we are off to a good start, I will start with the top side of the RM1C, the slide. The slide is constructed from nitrocarburized steel and has a deep black Tenifer finish. On top are non-glare serrations cut from the front to back. These are there to help reduce glare off of the top of the slide. They probably helped and I did not notice any distracting glare when shooting the RM1C. Another quick mention is that the RM1C is cut for Rost Martin’s optic plate. It comes with a plastic cover plate installed. The cover plate also has those non-glare serrations. I used the supplied RMR plate to mount an optic. Rost Martin’s optic plate centers up on a raised boss and locks into the slide at the rear. This system works out well. I have not had any problems with the RMR mounting plate or system. Also on the top are the iron sights. The factory sights are a front post with a white dot, and a serrated U-notch rear. The sights work, but I thought they were a little small and hard to pick up quickly. However, both front and rear sights are dovetailed in using a Springfield XD sight cut. So I proceeded to mount a set of suppressor height sights from XS sights. On the side of the slide are deeply cut, front and rear, slide serrations. These slide serrations work extremely well and look even better. Around the back of the slide is the end cover plate. It is also serrated to reduce glare. More important is that in the center of the back plate is a red safety indicator that tells you when the striker is in the firing position. It is basically the end of the striker, but it is still a nice feature. 

  It is time to get into the RM1C’s frame or grip. The frame comes in 3 different colors: Black, Stone Gray, and FDE. I chose the Stone Gray color. Probably the most notable factor of the frame is its grip texture. I just call it a sand paper texture, but Rost Martin calls it “Responsive Grip Texturing” or RGT for short. The RGT is a “proprietary graduated laser stippling designed to respond, or “grip back,” to the amount of grip pressure exerted by the shooter for an incredibly secure yet comfortable fit”. The texture feels smoothish at first, but as you use the gun, it becomes apparent that it gives you a better grip than you initially thought. I liked the grip texture of the RM1C. Rost Martin also textured the front sides of the frame, just above the trigger guard, where one would rest their thumbs. Rost Martin also designed the RM1C to have a large trigger guard. I really like this for a defensive handgun since one never knows when it might be needed, and you might have gloves on. Next feature is a front picatinny rail for mounting lights or whatever. I’m glad it is a standard pic rail and not some proprietary one. One of my favorite things about the RM1C’s frame is its width. It has a very thin profile. But unlike some “thin” pistols, the ergonomics of the Rost Martin are fantastic. The RM1C is noticeably thinner than a G19 or my Polymer80 19’s. The pistol is super comfortable in the hand.

  I would be remiss if I did not mention the trigger. The Rost Martin RM1C has one of the best striker fired triggers I have felt in a while. It has a short smooth take up, a little under ¼ inch. Followed by a crisp 5 pound break. With very little overtravel. The reset is forceful and tactile. This trigger makes the RM1C easy to shoot. Rost Martin uses a flat faced trigger design to give the user a good feel. Yes, the trigger still has that common flipper safety in the center, but it isn’t very noticeable. Especially since the face of the trigger is pretty wide. When I first saw the RM1C, I didn’t know what to think about the trigger, at least visually. But after using it, I almost immediately started liking it. I really like the overall trigger feel of the RM1C.

  The RM1C is a full ambidextrous (ambi) firearm. When I say full ambi, I actually mean full ambi. The slide release is located on both sides of the frame. It is also in a great location. Not back enough that you will inadvertently hold it down, but not too far forward to where you can not reach it easily. I like the slide release position. The magazine release is also full ambi. Not reversible like other manufacturers that claim “ambi”. Just push either side to drop the magazine free. This magazine release is kind of a teardrop shape. It is also radiused so that it doesn’t snag on anything. I would like an option for a slightly raised version, but the stock magazine release functions flawlessly.

  I have been using the Rost Martin a lot. It has over 1000 rounds of various 9mm ammunition through it. Including 700 rounds supplied by Target Barn - 500 rounds of American Eagle 115 grain and 200 rounds of PMC 124 grain. All of the Target Barn supplied ammo ran flawlessly. As did the various 300 plus rounds of cheap ammo I fed it. I also ran a magazine of some old Speer Gold Dot +P’s I had lying around. The RM1C ate up every ammo I fed it to include: 115’s, 124’s, 147’s, and even some 165 grain subsonics. Did I mention that I also didn’t clean the gun? Yeah, there is that. I also only oiled the gun initially when it came out of the box. I guess I should go clean and oil the RM1C now. The pistol had about 450 rounds through it before I mounted up a red dot. All the rest were with a red dot mounted to the slide. 

  I just recently started carrying the RM1C around. Mainly because I did not have a good inside the waistband holster. That changed thanks to Werkz holsters. The RM1C carries really nice. It doesn’t feel as heavy as my glockish 19’s. Plus the rounded corners of the RM1C really smooth out its outline. Especially under just a T-shirt. There are plenty of good holster makers making RM1C holsters. Rost Martin even listed 3 or 4 when the pistol first came out. It is always nice when a new manufacturer has holster support from day 1.

  The RM1C is a fantastic pistol. I really like shooting it. The performance has been astonishing. I always try to run review items in some sort of shooting match, if I can. So I ran the RM1C in a steel challenge match before I put an optic on it. This is when I realized that I didn’t like the small sights. Of course, the RM1C ran the match without any hiccups, which I can’t say about the shooter. When shooting the RM1C, it feels good. Recoil is controllable and the grip texture doesn’t seem to be overly aggressive. In fact, some may say it needs more texture. But since I think the RM1C is a “do all” pistol, which includes carry, I really like the grip texture. Everything on the RM1C exudes quality. It has top notch machining on the slide. The frame doesn’t have any molding marks. It is just a beautiful pistol. I also got usable accuracy out of the RM1C. At 25 yards, off hand, I would get around 3-4 inch 5 shot groups. It did not seem to care what ammo I ran through it either, the groups all seemed about the same. If you put it in a rest, I would bet the accuracy would be fantastic. If you have not figured it out by now, the Rost Martin RM1C is a great pistol right out of the box.

  Rost Martin is going to be making waves in the handgun market. Their entry into the handgun market is a solid buy. The RM1C will only set you back about $450 dollars, which is really a fantastic deal for all the features you get. The RM1C has holster support and with its standard picatinny rail, will take almost any light you decide to install on it. If you are looking for a pistol that hits above its price range, definitely take a look at the Rost Martin RM1C. 

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Compact 9mm handgun with a decent feature set

Target Market:

Concealed carry, Home Defense, Target shooting, Personal Protection, or anyone just wanting a compact handgun

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

  • GRIP WIDTH: 1.1"

  • LENGTH: 7.1"

  • SLIDE: Nitrocarburized steel slide

  • BARREL: 4" hammer forged in 9mm

  • SIGHTS: Rear: Black serrated Front: White dot - Springfield XD/XDM compatible 

  • MAGAZINES: (1) 15 - Round (1) 17 - Round

  • WEIGHT: 21.1 oz. with flush mag 21.5 oz. with extended mag

  • TRIGGER: 5 pounds, Double Action Striker (DAS)

  • HEIGHT: 5.0" with flush mag 5.5" with extended mag

  • Optics ready, RMR optics plate included with the gun - other plates available through the website

  • 3 Back Straps included

  • Ambidextrous Magazine release and slide stop 

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Black or Flat Dark Earth

What others are saying?:

TODD K at Guns.com  

Excellent value and quality

Excellent value and quality, I would highly recommend this firearm. You can't find another pistol in this price range that's the same quality and has the same features.

Link to other reviews:

Chris from the 740  

RTT: Guns & Gear   

GunsandAmmo.com   

Price point:

MSRP = $459.00

Retail = Around $400    

I need it now! Availability:

Guns.com

gun.deals

or your local FFL

Our Rating:

Pros:

  • Trigger

  • Ergonomics

  • Full ambidextrous

  • Comes Optics Ready

  • Flawless performance

Cons:

  • Small Iron sights

Score: 8.50 Great

Favorite Link:  Viridian RFX 35 review 

,

Gideon Optics Judge

,

  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

Viridian RFX45

  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

Gowutar A17 Micro red dot

  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

,

Hawke Vantage 30 1-8x24 Fiber Dot

,

 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

,

Primary Arms SLx 1-6x24 ACSS NOVA

,

  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

Primary Arms SLx MD-25 gen 2 red dot

  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

Viridian RFX 35

  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

Primary Arms Classic Mini & Micro red dots

  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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