Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX15 Reflex Red Dot Sight Review

What Happened When I Tried the Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX15 1×17-24mm Reflex Red Dot Sight

The red dot sight market is saturated, but the Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX15 1×17-24mm Reflex Red Dot Sight immediately caught my eye with its promise of clarity, ruggedness, and compatibility with subcompact pistols. As someone who’s spent over a decade tinkering with tactical gear, I’m always looking for an optic that offers top-tier performance without breaking the bank.

For years, I’d been hesitant to mount optics on my everyday carry pistols, mostly due to concerns about added bulk and potential snag points. However, my aging eyes started making iron sights a challenge, especially in low-light conditions, pushing me to explore micro red dots for my subcompact Glock 43X. I’ve also got a Sig P365 that could use a more advanced optic.

Out of the box, the RFX15 impressed me with its compact size and lightweight design; at a mere 0.65 ounces, it felt almost unnoticeable in hand. The Flat Dark Earth finish looked fantastic and seemed durable enough to withstand daily abuse, and I appreciate the RMSc footprint. Compared to the Trijicon RMRcc and Holosun 507K, the RFX15 seemed to offer a compelling balance of features and affordability.

Honestly, I was cautiously optimistic; I’ve been burned before by optics that look good on paper but fail in real-world scenarios. The Viridian RFX15 had a lot to prove to earn a spot on one of my carry guns.

Real-World Testing: Putting Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX15 1×17-24mm Reflex Red Dot Sight to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX15 1×17-24mm Reflex Red Dot Sight was my local outdoor range. I mounted the sight on my Glock 43X using the appropriate adapter plate, zeroed it at 15 yards, and ran through a series of drills focusing on speed and accuracy.

The green dot was crisp and easy to acquire, even in bright sunlight, which I found surprising compared to some other red dots I’ve used. Despite the wet conditions and light rain, the sight maintained a clear image, and I noticed zero fogging or water intrusion. I was immediately impressed with how intuitive the RFX15 was to use; the dot brightness adjusted quickly to ambient light, and I found myself hitting targets faster than I ever could with iron sights.

However, I did find the auto-off feature a bit annoying during one string of rapid fire, as the dot briefly disappeared between magazine changes.

Extended Use & Reliability

After three months of regular use, the Viridian RFX15 has become a staple on my Glock 43X. The optic has held zero consistently, even after several hundred rounds and repeated holster draws.

I’ve noticed some minor wear on the edges of the Flat Dark Earth finish from rubbing against my holster, but nothing that affects functionality. Cleaning the lens is simple – a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth keeps it clear and bright. Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper optics that often lose zero or suffer from battery drain, the RFX15 has been a pleasant surprise. It definitely punches above its weight class in terms of reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX15 1×17-24mm Reflex Red Dot Sight

Specifications

• The Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX15 1×17-24mm Reflex Red Dot Sight boasts a durable construction using 6061-T6 Aluminum. This ensures the optic can withstand the rigors of daily carry and tactical use.

• The sight offers 1x magnification with a 17-24mm objective lens diameter, providing a wide field of view for rapid target acquisition. This is crucial for maintaining situational awareness in dynamic environments.

• It features a 3 MOA Green Dot reticle powered by a single CR2032 battery, offering an impressive 30,000-hour battery life. The green dot is easier for some users to see than red, especially against certain backgrounds.

• The sight operates in temperatures ranging from -4 to 130 Fahrenheit, ensuring reliable performance in extreme conditions. The IPX-6 water resistance level provides protection against splashes and rain.

• Weighing only 0.65 oz and measuring 1.62 inches in length, the RFX15 adds minimal bulk to your pistol. Its RMSc footprint ensures compatibility with a wide range of subcompact pistols.

Performance & Functionality

The Viridian RFX15 1×17-24mm Reflex Red Dot Sight performs admirably in its intended role as a pistol optic. The Green Dot is bright and easy to pick up, even in bright daylight, and the two night vision brightness settings are useful for low-light scenarios.

While the lack of manual brightness adjustment might be a drawback for some, the auto-brightness feature works surprisingly well in most conditions. The sight’s primary strength lies in its reliability and ease of use; it simply works, allowing you to focus on shooting. It meets my expectations for a defensive pistol optic, though I’d appreciate finer control over brightness.

Design & Ergonomics

The RFX15’s compact and lightweight design is a major selling point. The 6061-T6 aluminum construction feels solid and durable, yet the optic adds minimal weight to your pistol.

Mounting is straightforward thanks to the RMSc footprint, and the low-profile design doesn’t interfere with holster compatibility. The sight is remarkably user-friendly; even someone new to red dots should be able to pick it up quickly.

Durability & Maintenance

The Viridian RFX15 feels built to last, and its performance so far suggests it will provide years of reliable service. The aluminum housing seems resistant to scratches and impacts, and the IPX-6 water resistance offers peace of mind in wet conditions.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lens with a soft cloth. The long battery life also reduces the need for frequent battery changes.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX15 1×17-24mm Reflex Red Dot Sight doesn’t come with a ton of accessories, but it doesn’t really need them. The box includes the sight itself, mounting screws, and a small tool for battery replacement.

The RMSc footprint opens up a world of mounting options, allowing you to adapt the sight to a variety of pistols using readily available adapter plates. There aren’t specific customization options for the sight itself, but its compatibility with standard mounting systems makes it easy to integrate into your existing setup.

Pros and Cons of Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX15 1×17-24mm Reflex Red Dot Sight

Who Should Buy Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX15 1×17-24mm Reflex Red Dot Sight?

The Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX15 1×17-24mm Reflex Red Dot Sight is perfect for everyday carry users seeking a reliable and compact optic for their subcompact pistols. It’s also an excellent choice for shooters with aging eyes who struggle with iron sights.

Those who prefer manual brightness controls or need an optic for competition might want to consider other options. A must-have accessory is a quality holster designed for pistols with red dot sights.

Conclusion on Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX15 1×17-24mm Reflex Red Dot Sight

The Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX15 1×17-24mm Reflex Red Dot Sight is a surprisingly capable optic that delivers excellent value for its price. While it’s not perfect, its strengths – compact size, durable build, bright green dot, and long battery life – far outweigh its weaknesses.

At around $269.00, the RFX15 offers a compelling alternative to more expensive optics from Trijicon and Holosun. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable red dot sight for their subcompact pistol. Upgrade your carry gun today and experience the benefits of the Viridian RFX15!