Preface
Red dot sights have become increasingly popular among handgun shooters, and it is easy to understand why. They offer a simple aiming solution that can make shooting faster and more intuitive. Like most things in the shooting world, however, there are plenty of options available, ranging from inexpensive entry-level optics to expensive duty-grade sights. Today, we are taking a look at an interesting option from Nutrek Optics, the BLADE red dot sight.
The Nutrek Optics Blade
Nutrek may not be a household name among American shooters, but the company offers a variety of optics intended for different shooting applications. The BLADE is a compact reflex sight designed primarily for handgun use. It incorporates several features that have become increasingly common in modern pistol optics, including motion-activated illumination and a mounting footprint compatible with popular micro red dot systems.
One of the first things I noticed about the BLADE is its small size. The optic measures 24mm by 17mm at the viewing window and weighs less than 23 grams without the battery or mounting base. That is a pretty lightweight package, particularly for those who want to add an optic to a concealed-carry pistol without unnecessarily increasing its weight.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | BLADE 1x24x17 |
| Item Number | DSL15RV |
| Magnification | 1x |
| Window Size | 24 × 17mm |
| Reticle | Red dot and circle |
| Dot Size | 2 MOA |
| Circle Size | 40 MOA |
| Brightness Settings | 10 |
| Daylight Settings | 8 |
| Night Vision Settings | 2 |
| Reticle Adjustment | 1 MOA per click |
| Mounting Footprint | Shield RMS |
| Included Mount | Picatinny/Weaver |
| Battery | CR2032 |
| Battery Life | 50,000+ hours |
| Motion Activation | Shake Awake |
| Automatic Shutoff | 5 minutes of inactivity |
| Recoil Resistance | 1,200G |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX7 |
| Weight | 23 grams (without battery and mount) |
| Rear Sight | Integrated rear sight notch |
Features and Construction
The BLADE uses a Shield RMS footprint for compatibility with corresponding pistols and mounting plates. Nutrek also includes a Picatinny/Weaver base for use on other firearms.
The viewing window is relatively small, but the housing incorporates a rear sight notch to help with sight alignment and provide a backup reference.
Its dual-reticle system combines a 2 MOA dot with a 40 MOA circle, offering a precise aiming point alongside a larger reference for rapid target acquisition.
Ten brightness settings include eight daylight levels and two night vision-compatible settings. Motion activation illuminates the reticle when movement is detected and shuts it down after five minutes of inactivity, conserving battery life.
Power comes from a CR2032 battery, with Nutrek advertising more than 50,000 hours of runtime. Durability specifications include resistance to 1,200G of recoil force and an IPX7 waterproof rating.
The BLADE brings together lightweight construction, a dual-reticle system, motion-activated illumination, and an integrated rear sight notch. Its included Picatinny/Weaver mount adds versatility beyond handgun applications.
Shooting with the Nutrek BLADE red dot
I used the BLADE across a couple different pistols, both of them Taurus handguns. The first one was the Taurus GX2 9mm, and the second was the Taurus GX4 .380ACP. Both pistols have optics cute that can accept the Shield footprint, and it lined up perfectly with both slide features. Allowing the notch of the BLADE to be used as a rear sight.
Reticle
The brightness settings can be adjusted with a button on either side of the optic. Buttons are marked clearly with a positive and negative symbol to increase or reduce brightness. When left motionless for five minutes, the unit auto shuts off. And as soon as you pick up the pistol again, the red dot reignites.
I found the dot to be clean enough to make great shots. Its aim point is small enough to place shots precisely.
Adjustments
Adjusting the elevation and windage to correct the point of impact was easy using a small flat screwdriver. The movements were clean and obvious, making it easy to line up the dot with the sights. And further precise adjustments after that. I never had any reason to reset or adjust the BLADE after having zeroed it to the pistol.
This will come in handy when the time comes to change the battery. Which is unfortunately underneath the sight and requires removal to change out the battery.
Value
While I quite like the BLADE sight, I do feel like there are many other great red dots from much better known manufacturers. I can totally understand why someone would prefer to buy a Vortex, Primary Arms or Crimson Trace red dot for the same price or even less.
Verdict
There are plenty of red dot sights available today, and the Nutrek BLADE offers an interesting collection of features in a compact package. For shooters looking for a lightweight pistol optic with a dual-reticle system and a few useful conveniences, it is certainly worth a closer look.
As with any optic, the real test will be how well it performs once it is mounted and put to use. The BLADE has some promising features, and I look forward to seeing how it compares with the other options available to shooters.