My Viridian RFX25 Green Dot Reflex Sight has been the subject of one of my most extensive tests to date. It’s been on 9mm pistols and carbines, a couple of rimfires, and was mounted next to my scope on an AR. It’s ridden along for hundreds of centerfire rounds and at least a thousand rimfire rounds. Slamming back and forth on a 9mm pistol slide is probably the harshest recoil an optic like this sees. Yet through all of this, it’s never had a single hiccup, and always held zero. Having passed the reliability test, I figure it’s due for a review.
First, it’s not red
Although compact unmagnified optics frequently have a red dot, this one doesn’t. That’s because the green light wavelength is more visible to the human eye. If you’ve only ever used a red dot, the difference is impressive. Whether in bright or low light, green shows up better. Faster target acquisition is the primary benefit here. Yet it also looks sharper, especially for users with astigmatism.
If green is so much better than red, why don’t all reflex sights use green? Pricing is one of the bigger factors. Producing a reflex sight with a green dot is more costly. In situations where red is “good enough”, that extra expense is a hard sell. The majority of consumers buying for sport or defense may not see the value in the green upgrade. And that’s perfectly understandable. But if you’re going to be shooting in bright light, low light, or darkness (it’s got two night vision settings), green is ideal. Bonus: they’re more efficient, for improved battery life.
Viridian RFX 25 Green Dot Reflex Sight specs and features
Boasting a big 20x28mm viewing window with a 3 MOA dot, this sight is great for speed and situational awareness. Durability comes from its 6061-T6 aluminum body that keeps weight down to 0.75 ounces, despite the big window. Overall size is 1.85″ x 1.22″ and 1.06″. It’s got 8 visible settings, along with the two aforementioned night vision settings. A single CR2032 battery is expected to last for 30,000 hours on the middle setting. Contributing to the battery life is Viridian’s INSTANT-ON® and auto shut-off technology.
Sharing a footprint with the Docter, Burris FastFire, and Vortex Venom, it direct mounts to a wide variety of firearms. Included in the package is a Picatinny mount as well, for nearly universal fit on all other modern firearms. Between the IPX6 rating (impenetrable by weather) and an operating range of -4 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit, it will put up with more than many of us will subject it to.
Installation and zero
Installing using the included Picatinny mount doesn’t require much in the way of instructions. Viridian even includes the necessary wrench. Removing the Picatinny base and direct mounting, or mounting to an optics plate provides a lower profile. In some cases, direct mounting will allow you to co-witness with iron sights on a pistol. Tightening the mounting screws evenly, and to no more than 12-15 in/lbs makes this a quick job. Buy or borrow a torque wrench to avoid damaging your expensive optics. It’s worth it.
With the Viridian RFX25 installed on a pistol, I used a magnetic laser on the barrel for a 15 yard zero. I find that distance to be a good compromise for my shooting. Most of my targets are between about 7 and 25 yards, and this ensures I’m hitting them. We use steel and self-healing rubber targets from 4″ to 8″ in diameter. Note that this is for handguns – on rifles, I usually do a 25 yard zero.
Viridian RFX25 at the range
Shooting with a green dot really spoils me. While most of my rimfire pistols have a red dot, I seem to gravitate to green for centerfire. That’s because it’s just so much easier to see, and when acquisition speed counts, I want the best. Whether rolling my AR over a bit and using the offset RFX25, or banging away with my CZ P10 F, it just works. That big window certainly helps too, but the color makes the difference.
Another thing is the dot size. With red, I prefer a 6 MOA dot for speed, as it’s quicker to pick up. Shooting with a green dot, the 3 MOA is just as effective. More importantly, it also didn’t wash out as much in bright sun. That’s a key benefit of the green dot. Likewise, it also doesn’t flare out the way a red dot can. Suffering from astigmatism? Try a green dot. I can get by without my prescription glasses when shooting with a green dot, although not at longer distances.
Regardless of whether it was on a pistol or rifle, rimfire or centerfire, the Viridian RFX25 held zero over all my testing. Sure, I may have had to do some minor adjustments after the initial zero, but once it was set, it was good. Pressing the left side button turns the optic on, and increases brightness. Doing the same to the right button turns it down, or off. I prefer the INSTANT-ON® technology when mounting it on a handgun. Combine that with the auto-shutoff after two minutes, and that CR2032 battery should provide plenty of life.
Applications for the Viridian RFX25
As one of the larger optics, I can see the RFX25 being used on competition and home defense pistols. It’s also great as an offset sight on an AR, or a primary sight on a .22 LR or 9mm carbine. Carrying with one on your EDC is going to come down to personal preference. No matter how many different optics I try, I always end up with irons for my carry pistol. But that’s just me. No matter what you put it on, it’s a reliable and durable choice.
Conclusion
There’s no right or wrong choice when choosing an optic. Well, don’t get a super cheap one for defensive purposes, that’s obvious. Beyond that, choose whatever fits your budget and application. In the case of the Viridian RFX25, it served me well across multiple platforms, and I have no complaints. Some may not like the battery underneath, requiring it to be removed and zeroed with a battery swap. That’s a small price to pay for the low height though. Overall, I feel it’s easily worth the $289 MSRP. It does everything I could ask for, and includes a lifetime limited warranty for peace of mind.
As always, I’d like to thank Viridian for providing their RFX25 for testing and evaluation. If you’re interested in getting your own, or want to check out the rest of their excellent products, head over to viridianweapontech.com.