I love pistols, and I am one of those who tends to prefer red dot optics on my pistols. It would seem that I am not the only one, as there is an unbelievable amount of pistols available with an optics cut. With more and more options it is quickly becoming the norm. But what about those pistols that don’t accept optics? Are they doomed to be shot forever using only the sights? Today I am documenting my experience in; Does your pistol need an optics cut? We’ll walk you through the process of turning a featureless slide, into an optics ready roscoe.
Machining Slides
As I mentioned, optics cut slides on semi-automatic pistols have become very common. So common in fact that I frequently joke with Glock owners about having to have their slides machined to fit.
But obviously there is a demand for it, and one of the many companies doing it is C&H Precision out of Georgia. I have been familiar with C&H for some time, having seen some their products like their in-house branded red dot sights and their optics mounting adaptor plates. I suppose they had enough demand for machining cuts into pistols, that they started offering the service. And since they offered me a discounted service, I figured I would give it a try.
the pistol I chose to have altered is the Zro Delta FKS 9, a clone of the very popular Glock 19
The Process
I’ll admit that I was grossly unaware of how many options there were in this process. But luckily they had a nice step by step system that walks you though everything. First of all you select the pistol brand to be cut, I chose a Glock because I had a clone than needs a red dot.
Footprint
You can then select what type of optic or more specifically what footprint to use. There is also an option for using Zev threaded posts if you like, as well as if you’d like a cover plate for when the optic is not used. I opted for the Trijicon RMR cut, as I have several red dots with that pattern.
Sights
They will ask if you plan on removing your sights prior to shipping, or if you would prefer they remove them (for a fee). They also give you the option of upgrading sights while they are off with a couple different options.
You can also choose to have the rear sight machined out and a new dovetail cut in front of your red dot if you prefer that look.
Cerakote
Custom Cerakote options are also available, with something as simple as having the raw cut steel coated or a whole custom job. This gives you the choice of various patterns and looks, of course there is an added cost but that should be expected.
Expedited Service
Rush orders can also be done, for a fee. And duty weapons also get the expedited service. And there are a few other parts upgrade options you can have done while your slide is disassembled.
The Results
After I shipped my slide off to C&H, I received an email a few days later confirming receipt and the services I asked to be performed. Once that was confirmed, a simple payment was made online. And a few days later I got a shipping notification.
When I opened the box, I was quite pleased at the look of my slide. As far as I could tell, it appeared the slide had always had an optics cut. Nearly indistinguishable from something done from the factory. I wasted no time reassembling the pistol, and installing an Apex Optics Atom red dot (an RMR pattern).
The footprint fit very snug, in a good way. Both the screws also fit tightly in their threaded bores. This made for a very good coupling, and a secure feeling that the red dot isn’t going anywhere.
My Conclusion
I am quite happy with this service to be honest. And I must say I am impressed with the quality finish and the quick service and communication. I guess I’ll quit making jokes to guys for sending off their pistols to get an optics cut. As it seems quite the quick turnaround and well worth it. There are plenty of other outfits that also offer the service, so do what works for you. As for C&H Precision, I can strongly recommend it to those interested.
Red dot sights have become extremely popular, and I consider myself an enthusiast on the topic. You might have read my last comparison between theVortex Defender XL VS. the Holosun 507 Comp, two large windowed XL red dots. Today we are looking at two micro red dots in the same way. We are reviewing the Vortex Defender CCW VS. Holosun SCS Carry, both of these red dots are RMSc footprint compatible, and they both feature an enclosed emitter.
They are very comparable and I expect very popular candidates for folks looking to put a red dot on their CCW pistol. I’ve put quite a few rounds through both of them, and today I’ll give you my opinion on their comparison.
Specifications
On paper these two sights are pretty similar, the main difference in construction being that the Defender uses a dual power source. A removable CR2023 battery whereas the Holosun uses its solar panel as a source, keeping an internal battery (non-serviceable) battery charged.
the easily removable CR2023 battery of the Defender
Both of these are small and ideal for a CCW pistol, but because they are enclosed emitters that means they are slightly bigger than traditional open emitter red dots. The Vortex defender is a little bigger than the SCS Carry, though I’m not sure if thats because of the battery housing or because they wanted to make a bigger window.
Configurable reticles are becoming more the norm, and I like that. Both of these can be configured with a dot, circle, or circle-dot reticle.
I’ve spent a lot of time shooting with both of these sights, but in fairness I have more time using the Holosun. I have run the SCS Carry on several different pistols, both 9mm and .22LR. The Defender CWW Solar Micro has lived on my Girsan 2311 since I got it. Realistically though, you can get to know a pistol sight well enough without having to go through a bunch of pistols. Though I did run both sighs on the same pistol for a while to get a solid comparison.
The Holosun SCS Carry uses a K footprint, that can also be dropped onto an RMSc footprint. The Defender is an RMSc footprint, so either of these can fit in most of the same mounting situations. I had not issue mounting them on several different similar pistols.
unboxing the Holosun SCS Carry
When mounting red dots, I usually try and line them up as close to the iron sights as possible before torquing them down. This usually makes for minimal adjustments to zero the sight. The Vortex model has 110 MOA of adjustment available, while the Holosun is plus or minus 30 MOA. That might make the Vortex a little better for certain host weapons, but in general you probably don’t need that much.
The Vortex Defender and its accessories
The Vortex also gets extra points since it came with a plethora of mounting screws and accessories for mounting on different hosts.
Brightness
One very convenient thing about the SCS Carry is its auto-brightness correction. The solar panel uses ambient light to adjust the reticle brightness. I really like this feature though every so often I wouldn’t, let me explain. Typically in dark areas, I occasionally found that the SCS Carry was a touch dimmer than I would have liked in such a scenario. Outside in daylight I never had an issue.
Holosun’s SCS Carry reticle (seen through magnifier)
The Vortex Defender has a manual brightness adjustment, which can be both good or bad. You can set it where you want it, and know what to expect everytime you present the pistol. But you also might have it set a little bright, or a little dim for any particular scenario. I am still unsure which way I prefer, but I kind of default to the manual setting, because I like control.
Looking through the Vortex Defender CCW Solar Micro
Sight Picture
Both of these optics are compact, though the Defender is a touch bigger as I mentioned. But the Defender also has a noticeably bigger window, and a little bit means a lot with sights this small. The bigger window definitely gives more room for target acquisition and aiming. Both of them gave precise aiming, but I think I have to give the Defender an edge here.
One thing worth mentioning here, the Holosun SCS Carry does incorporate a notch rear sight as part of its housing. Which is one thing I wish the Defender had, in case the electronics were to fail.
One thing I noticed with the SCS carry from the very first time I mounted it, was a touch of fuzz when focusing on it. I never worried too much about it as I would look past the sight at the target, and hold the reticle over it. Doing this I never had any issue sharply seeing the reticle.
not a great pic of the reticles, but here you can see some comparison, as well as the window size
On one of my test guns, I removed the SCS to install the Defender and immediately noticed the Vortex did not have that issue. Regardless of where I focus the Vortex Defender is sharp and clean, whereas the Holsun SCS Carry did have a little fuzziness depending on how you looked through it.
With 3 and 2 MOA dots, both of these optics give you a fine aim point. And with an accurate firearm I found them both to be very useful. When zeroing the optics I found they were smooth, and moved evenly. I can’t stand a sight that doesn’t show any change when you adjust it, and both of these were great in that aspect. The quality of these two sights also show in that neither of them needed to be re-zeroed at any point, they held zero nicely, and after hundreds of rounds they hadn’t moved.
both dots were easily adjusted with tools provided
Value
I have no doubt that both of these optics are manufactured overseas, it’s hard to find a red dot that isn’t these days. To be honest I was a bit surprised that the Holosun tends to cost more at popular online retailers. At publishing, it seems the SCS Carry is usually around $400 like here at Primary Arms. While the Vortex Defender CCW Solar Micro is typically priced around $300 like here at Optics Planet. With prices like that, the Vortex seems to offer a significant advantage.
Report Card
You may have gathered, I like both of these sights. But it didn’t surprise me that the Vortex won me over, after a short while shooting it I could tell I was going to like it more than the Holosun SCS Carry. That is certainly not to say the SCS Carry is not a good option as well. Though I like them both I would have to pick the Defender CCW Solar Micro if I had to pick only one. Luckily I don’t, and I can have both of them for different purposes.
Vortex Defender CCW Solar
Holosun SCS Carry
Mounting & Zeroing
A+
A
Brightness
A
A
Sight Picture
A
B+
Parallax & Clarity
A
B
Accuracy and Zero
A
A
Value
A
B+
Cumulative Score
96%
92%
Last Words
Hopefully this has helped you decide which of the two options might best fit you. Both are certainly good choices for your concealed carry pistol, but it would be a good idea to look at them in person as well to help close the deal for you. Both of these dots will continue to be used in my collection, and I look forward to what’s new from both of these great companies.
Enclosed red dot sights are becoming more and more popular, and I decided recently that I’d jump into them with eyes open. Today we are taking a look at the Vortex Optics Defender CCW enclosed solar micro red dot. Part of the larger Vortex Defender family, this model encloses the emitter and adds a solar power supply all in a micro red dot that drops onto the popular RMSc footprint. We’ll review this sight and give you some feedback on it and how it stands next to its competition.
the Defender CCW was a perfect fit for my Girsan 2311
The Vortex Defender CCW
I’ve had a couple other Vortex Defenders recently, and I quite liked them if I’m honest. So it was with some confidence that I decided to match this new Defender with my latest 2011 style pistol. My Girsan Witness 2311 has an RMSc footprint machined into it’s slide, so I wanted to put a good enclosed sight on the pistol, which led me to the Defender.
The Defender CCW Enclosed Solar Micro Red Dot (ESMRD) is a tough built dual-powered sight. It’s large window houses a configurable reticle inside its protected weatherproof housing. This dot is made to fit large weapons down to sub-compact handguns.
Like other Defender dots, this one came with an incredible selection of accessories. A great variety of mounting screws in various sizes, an one-degree angle shim, mounting and adjusting tools. As well as a picatinny mount, and a cute little rubber cover.
Specifications
Mounting Footprint
Shield RMSc
Dot Size
3 MOA Dot / 32 MOA Circle
Dot Color
Bright Red
Magnification
1x
Battery Type
CR2032
Battery Run Time
35,000 hrs. without solar / 150,000 hrs. with solar
Reticle
Multi-Reticle
Eye Relief
Unlimited
Adjustment Graduation
1 MOA
Travel Per Rotation
30 MOA
Max Elevation Adjustment
110 MOA
Max Windage Adjustment
110 MOA
Parallax Setting
Parallax Free
Deck Height
7.2mm
Length
1.59″
Weight
1.30 oz.
Mounting the Defender
After removing the sight from my pistol, I sat down to mount the Defender ESMRD. Using a set of screws that came with it, I did a few test fits to ensure it would be properly secured. I always like to put a touch of blue Loctite on the threads and under the screw-head. Nothing worse than your red dot coming loose while shooting, so I snugged it down nicely with the included tool. I love that Vortex red dots come with basically everything you need to mount them.
Powering up the Defender would require removing the battery cover to remove the battery isolation sticker. After which the reticle lit up and allowed me to give it a rough adjustment before heading to the range.
Range-time and Zeroing
Zeroing the Defender was easy, lining up the reticle with the sights as I torqued it down. After that, with a few shots I made some adjustments with the included tools. In no time the Witness 2311 was hitting my point of aim.
We would shoot quite a bit at an indoor range the first time. Getting a good feel for picking up the reticle and focusing on targets. Following the instructions I cycled through the three reticle configurations, this is done by pressing the + and – button together. You can select between a 3 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or the two together. I am a bit of a circle dot kinda guy so that where it typically stayed.
You can also lock out the buttons to prevent unintended adjustments. Pushing the + button and holding down until the reticle blinks, and easily reversed by doing the same process till it blinks twice.
According to the manufacturer, the Defender Solar Micro will last approximately 35,000 hours on a battery, using the 3 MOA dot with no solar input. That might be the case, but I wasn’t going to find out. As I like the circle dot configuration, and there would certainly be some solar input since I usually shoot in the daylight. But furthermore I was going to engage the auto-shutdown feature that is a must for red dots these days. By holding both buttons down you can engage or disengage this feature.
Optical Performance
While I am not a huge fan of the “mailbox look” , this red dot is a bit larger than other options because it is an enclosed emitter. Its very comparable to other enclosed emitters of the same size, and has a large window. For a micro red dot It certainly felt like a big lens.
I did feel like the Defender CCW Solar Micro had less color change when looking through it. And I also really liked how sharp and clean the reticle looked. No parallax made it easy to focus on whatever I wanted to shoot.
Usability
Adjustments and controls of this Defender were easy to understand and remember. Its included tools made it easy to zero the reticle and the included directions explained everything nicely. I like the dual power source, and the battery is easy to change without removing the unit from the host. I also like that they used the CR2023 battery which is more common than the other options typically used in micro sized red dots.
MSRP on this red dot from Vortex’s website shows $400, but as usual you can find this red dot on places like Optics Planet for much less. I have other similar red dots that retail for more that I don’t like as much as this Defender. Even if you broaden the search to other larger red dots of different footprints, I still think this one offers more for less.
Pros and Cons
First off, this thing is handsome. And we can’t pretend that doesn’t matter, it looks like a great quality fit for nice handguns. The controls are easy and comprehensive, external battery mounting and the plethora of included accessories and mounting options make it a slam dunk. Its big clear window makes for quick finding and engaging of targets, and the reticle selection is a big plus. All this for a reasonable price when compared to others.
If there was anything I would change about this red dot, it would probably be a bigger circle option. Nothing wrong with the 32MOA, but I wouldn’t mind like a 50 or 60 MOA circle option too. But of course these are subjective preferences. I also wouldn’t mind if they incorporated a notch on the base to double as a rear sight if needed.
Concluding Thoughts
Every time I get a new Vortex red dot, my inventory of fasteners and tools is enriched. Vortex packs some great added value with their red dots, and that’s a pretty big feather in the cap for this sight. My selection of Defenders continues to grow, and this one is probably my favorite so far. The simple controls and all the options are what seal the deal for me. I am uninterested in red dots moving forward that don’t have auto-shutdown, this and other features make the Defender CCW Solar Micro very adaptable to various applications. I look forward to the bright future and reticle with this combination.
As my love for shooting develops more depth, I have greatly come to enjoy the use of red dot sights, particularly on my pistols. Today I am bringing you a look at two new to me red dots, both from Gideon Optics. Both of them use big windows for a broad field of view. First of the two is the Gideon Omega, which has been around for a while. The newer of the two sights is the Gideon Storm.
While these two sights are similar, they have some distinct differences that might appeal to different shooters. We’ll go over the features of these two sights, and why you might select one over the other.
Specifications
Gideon Omega
Gideon Storm
Footprint compatibility
RMR
Delta Point Pro
Weight
1.6 Ounces
1.37 Ounces
Battery
CR1632
CR1632
Material
7075 Aluminum
7075 Aluminum
Reticle
3MOA dot or 45MOA circle/dot
6MOA Dot
Reticle Color
Red or Green
Red or Green
Click Value
1MOA
1MOA
Shake Awake
Yes
Yes
Waterproof
Yes
Yes
Lifetime Warranty
Yes
Yes
Dimensions
52.5mm x 30.7mm x 31.7mm
47.7mm X 31.2mm X 30.8mm
Screws Included
6-32 x 0.374″4-40 x 0.25″M3.5 x 0.6 x 11mm
M4x0.7×8.6mm and M4x0.7×10.1mm
On paper these two sights look pretty similar, and I would say they could easily share similar duties. The Omega is very similar in looks to the Trijicon SRO, the shape and everything makes it look like a clone. But the Omega offers a little diversity in reticle options, with its circle dot versus just the dot option. What it doesn’t copy is the impressive price, the Omega can be had nearly a quarter the price. The fine 3MOA dot of the Omega gives some dexterity in aimpoints, it’s easy to accurately pinpoint targets, or bracket the target inside the circle dot version of the reticle.
the Grizzly 101 was also fitted with a Surefire X300 during shooting
The Storm on the other hand, closely resembles my Holosun 507 Comp being just a bit smaller. It uses the more traditional square shaped display, versus the Omega’s rounded look. Both of these optics come with a selection of screws to make it easier to attach these optics to their base. They also come with a tool to both tighten the screws, as well as adjust the reticle of the red dot. The Storms big window and 6MOA dot are quick to get on target, and easy to find in a hurry.
Both of these dots use Gideon’s shake awake feature, that preserves battery life by shutting down when motionless for 255 seconds. They instantly revive when any movement is made. The Storm red dot incorporates a rear sight notch, in the event the rear sight is removed when installing a red dot. Both units came with a picatinny base mount, should you wish to mount it to a rifle.
Mounting Gideon Red Dots
To experience these two red dots together, I decide to mount them to two comparably sized pistols. The Storm would get mounted to my Shadow Systems DR920, a nice clone. Meanwhile the Omega would be mounted to my Bear Creek Arsenal Grizzly 101, another clone of the popular Glock 17.
both red dots came with tools and other extras for mounting options
Luckily I was able to find the right screws to mount both sights, and with a dab of blue loctite I tightened them down. Using the supplied tool, I adjusted the reticle to co witness with the iron sights. And it was time to hit the range.
On the Firing Line
We took both pistols to the range, and with a bucket of 115gr ammo, we went to town. We started with targets up close, 7-10 yards away. Later we would shoot more targets at further distances like 15 and 20-yards.
Presenting the pistols from the holster gave a good chance to evaluate how the larger windows aided in rapidly getting on the target. Using the different reticle options between the two gave interesting contrast. The finer dot was more concise, while the 6 MOA dot was easy to just cover the target and squeeze. I think I prefer the circle dot options though, this has been the case with other red dots with the option as well.
Over the course of shooting, I ran several boxes of ammunition through both pistols. I love shooting pistols, and using these two red dots added to the enjoyment. Their bright reticles showed up excellent in both bright afternoon light, and especially in the dull overcast skies. I didn’t experience any shift in the reticle once they were zeroed, we just plowed through the shooting.
Quality
Both of these dots come with a lifetime warranty, but so does everything these days. For that matter a huge portion of red dots come from China, and despite the taboo of 中国制造, so many of these red dots are more than adequate for the folks who use them. I couldn’t find anything about these dots to complain about, especially considering their price. The lenses were clear with no significant effect on my ability to find and engage the targets. The finish on the aluminum was fine, and I’d expect it last for the lifetime of the optics. The bright reticles looked good against my targets, and they were well defined with no worse or better bleed than others.
I saw no zero shift from these dots during testing, none that was discernible anyways. The control buttons were a touch squishy, but not bad. You can feel the click of each button when pushed.
Using side tray battery installation is a nice feature, and one that is becoming standard for most red dots. This makes it so you don’t have to remove the sight to change the battery. Using these dots over time will give more insight as to how well they are made and how reliable they will be. But I also have a Gideon Alpha that has been going for almost two years now, swapped across various pistols. It has neither gone dead or crapped out on me in any way during that time. I expect the Omega and the Storm will do the same.
the Storm and Omega both fit neatly in my Safariland holsters molded for large optics
Value
Both of these optics offer a pretty good deal. I already mentioned the difference in price between some of these. That’s not to say I’m making a direct comparison between these optics and ones that cost three or four times their cost. But for what these red dots cost they are certainly a good value. The Omega can be had for $170 on Optics Planet, which is fifty-bucks less than you can get the Storm for $220 on Optics Planet. I expect many might make their decision based on budget, I myself am a little more about aesthetics.
Conclusion
If I had to choose between these two optics, it would be a little tough. The Omega is a better deal, but I prefer the look of the Storm. But whether you go for beauty or value, I don’t think you’ll be let down by either of these sights. Your choice between them might also be based on the footprint. If you’re lucky, you might have a pistol with a configurable footprint like my Ruger RXM and run either of them.
As red dot sights become more and more popular, many variations of them are being brought to market. The enclosed emitter type is a more recent development, and today I am bringing you a review of another enclosed emitter option. This one comes from Vector optics, and it is called the Frenzy 1x17x20 MRT red dot. The Frenzy family has various models for differing applications, possibly one for every need.
The Vector Optics Frenzy 1x17x20 MRT Red Dot
Standing out from the other Frenzy models, the 1x17x20 MRT uses aspheric lenses and an enclosed emitter. Keeping the emitter sealed inside the housing prevents contamination and deterioration of the reticle. The aspheric lenses on the other hand, improve peripheral vision when looking through the sight. Giving an overall better view than traditional spherical lenses.
the Frenzy and its included accessories
Controlling the Frenzy is done using two rubberized buttons on the left side of the optic. There are nine brightness settings and two for night vision usage. There is a motion sensing option, that will auto shut-off after three minutes of not moving, and power back up instantly upon moving.
Specifications
Specification
Details
Magnification
N/A
Window Lens Size / Objective Lens Size
17×20 mm / 0.67×0.79 in
Eye Relief
N/A
Parallax
≤ 2 MOA
Parallax Setting
25 yards
Dot Size / Reticle
3 MOA Dot, Circle, Crosshair, etc.
Dot / Reticle Color
Red
Sensor
Motion Sensor
Click Value
1 MOA
Elevation Adjustment Range
≥ 90 MOA
Windage Adjustment Range
≥ 90 MOA
Footprint
MGT (comparable to RMSc/SMS footprint)
Mounting Rail
Weaver
Illumination Setting
9 Daylight & 2 Night Vision
Battery Type
CR1620
Battery Life
50,000 hours (Lowest Power Mode)
Battery Placement
Side Loading
Waterproof
IP67
Shockproof
1500 G
Working Temperature
-20~+60°C / 2H
Housing Material
7075-T6 Aluminum Alloy
Mount Material
6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy
Finish
Matte Black
Weight (without mount)
26 g / 0.92 oz
Items in the Package
User Manual, Cleaning Cloth, Vekey, Weaver Mount, Hex Keys, etc.
Features
Multi-Reticle Options: 3 MOA Dot, Crosshair, and Circle with 9 Brightness Levels & 2 NV Illumination Modes for Diverse Shooting Scenarios. I used the Frenzy with the dot and the circle dot, I like the precise aimpoint of the dot alone, but the larger circle dot is nice for covering targets. The brightness settings all seemed perfectly adequate in daylight and less. I even tried the NV settings which were perfectly visible, though it did seem a little harder to get a clear presentation of everything. But that could be more a NV thing than to do with the Frenzy.
· Distortion-Free Clarity: Aspheric Lens Minimizes Aberration, 26g / 0.92oz Lightweight Design Ideal for EDC. I did notice a little difference than with other red dots, it seemed there was better reticle acquisition. As well there was less distortion when moving the red dot, the target area behind the reticle seemed more stable.
· Smart Power Management: Motion Sensor Prevents Wasted Battery, Side-Loading Design Allows Easy Replacement Without Losing Zero. I can’t believe this isn’t standard equipment on every red dot on the market. The auto power off is a great feature to save battery power, and the power-up is instantaneous with any movement. I did notice that it did take slightly longer than advertised to shut down, but that is nothing to worry about in my opinion.
· All-Weather Performance: 7075-T6 Aluminum Alloy with IP67 Waterproof Enclosed Design for Reliable Outdoor Use. Another fantastic feature that keeps rain and snow out of the important parts of your sight. Even in pretty thick snow fall, it was easy to just wipe the front and back lenses clear. With no concern of anything getting into the emitter.
· Broad Compatibility: MGT Footprint Fits RMSc/SMS Mounts for GLOCK® 43X/48 MOS, Canik® TP9, Walther® PPS, etc. This was a new one for me, I guess the MGT footprint is one Vector Optics created. It did fit perfectly on various handguns, making it a great choice if you have a variety. I really liked the configurable footprint of my Ruger RXM which the Frenzy-S dropped into perfectly.
Mounting the Frenzy
So far I’ve mounted the Frenzy on two different Glock clone pistols. The first one is my Shadow Systems DR920, it too has variable mounting options for different red dots. But the Frenzy fit snugly, and easily allowed the use of the rear sight when looking through the window of the sight. The Frenzy has a rear sight incorporated to its housing, so in the event your pistol’s rear sight is too short or removed to run a red dot you can use this one.
The Frenzy came with various different mounting screws that can be used in different pistol slides. This was very handy when I decide to swap the sight over to my Ruger RXM. It dropped into place after configuring the recoil pins into the right location. And with a touch of Loctite, I torqued down the screws to keep it in place.
looking through the window of the Frenzy on the RXM
Shooting with the Frenzy Red Dot
Some enclosed emitter red dots have a very narrow field of view, which makes it feel like looking through a small tube, instead of looking through a window like most red dots. I have used some very popular red dot sights that seemed too narrow, and didn’t care for the view. One thing I like about this Frenzy is it doesn’t block out the area around the target, it feels like most open red dots giving a pretty wide field of view.
Zeroing the Frenzy was simple using the miniature rifle shaped tool that was included with it. Adjusting the reticle to match the iron sight position was quick and easy. The two buttons are rubberized which makes them easy to feel, and adjustments are concise with a small click everytime the button is pushed.
adjusting the brightness of the Frenzy is easy using the rubberized buttons. The RXM with the Frenzy and Streamlight TLR-8 is an excellent combination
You can cycle through the brightness settings easily using the two buttons. Changing the reticle is done by holding down the + button until it changes to one of the three options. Carrying a pistol with the Frenzy was great because of its small size. Many enclosed emitter red dots are much bigger than this, making them a little uncomfortable for CCW. With its small size it fit neatly into holsters and doesn’t extend beyond the width of the slide.
The Frenzy feels well built, with its aluminum housing that appears to be machined from a single piece. The lenses are clear and give excellent transmission without much reticle flare. The MSRP of $249 might seem a bit steep to some, but it can easily be had for as little as $169.99 That is reasonable considering I’ve seen many others priced comparably that are inferior.
And not only does the Frenzy come with a limited lifetime warranty, they also come with a 15 day money back guarantee. They give you plenty of ways out should you not like the product, but I expect you will. The only strike against the Frenzy is arguably that it is made overseas. But nearly all red dots are made in Asia, and it hasn’t stopped some of them from being among the most desireable sights on the market.
Final Thoughts
This Vector Optics Frenzy 1x17x20 MRT is definitely a red dot that will stay on my more frequently used pistols. I have really grown to appreciate its clear view and easily picked up reticle. There is very little not to like about this dot, so it will stay in my collection of most used red dots.
I joined the cult of shooting long ago, with a focus mainly on long-range shooting and hunting. Like many others in that sub-group of shooters, I felt that I needed as much magnification as possible. In the decades since I have learned that there is not always a need for such high power optics. You can read more about that subject in this article. But today’s subject is a little more specific, today we are on the topic of: what is an LPVO and do you need one?
LPVO is an abbreviation for Low Power Variable Optic. There are quite a few LPVO’s on the market, I suspect it has something to do with marketing medium range optics for the massive AR15 customer base. Everybody want’s to build their own version of a “Recce rifle” and they usually put some kind of LPVO on it.
What is an LPVO?
A low power variable optic is just what it sounds like. Typically they feature variable zoom settings between 1-4 and as much as 1-10 or more. Not all of them are 1X at the lower end, some are 1.5, 1.8 or sometimes even a little bit more. The reason for this is pretty simple, at 1X or near there, the optic can be used almost like a red dot or holographic sight. And should you need to engage a target at a more significant distance, you can zoom the scope in to its higher power settings.
LPVO’s like all scopes can vary greatly in quality and construction type. It might be a 30mm tube or a 34mm, you might find one for $150 or you could pay upwards of $2000 if you want. Other features like exposed turrets and illuminated reticles are also possible features that might be incorporated.
on this Eotech VUDU 1-8, you can see the diopter focus at the very rear. the magnification ring with the added throw-lever. The turrets are capped on this one, and the illumination is on the other side of the scope.
Many LPVO’s do not have a large objective lens in the front. This has had the comedic effect of people mounting them backwards because of a lack of understanding. Most LPVO’s are just like larger rifle scopes, they have a diopter ring at the back to focus the reticle. And a power adjustment ring near the eye-piece to adjust the power setting. It’s not rocket science or brain surgery, its just a smaller scope with the same job; to allow accurate aiming on target.
Why So Low?
Having such a low magnification serves several purposes. I mentioned above that the scope can be used like a red dot, but there is more to it than that. Having low magnification also widens the view angle, allowing you to see more through the scope’s field of view.
the reticle of the SAI6 LPVO
Many manufacturers like to tout “true 1X”. Meaning that the image through the scope will be identical to what your non-sighting eye sees. This is because many folks shoot with both eyes open when the shooting is fast and close. Having a 1X image that matches you other eye will help keep perception and boost your situational awareness. This can come in very handy when shooting while moving through obstacles and potentially dangerous scenarios.
Why Might You Need an LPVO?
The traditional purpose of LPVO scopes has been on firearms that might be used at short or medium distances. For example, a three-gun shooter might be engaging many targets in rapid succession. The targets might be 30-yards away, or 300 yards away depending on the course of fire. 30-yards is pretty close, you probably don’t want a 4X scope for shooting that close. And 300-yards is a bit far for 1X or iron sights. You can see how a scope that can be quickly switched between 1X and 6X for example might be perfect for such a scenario.
Now imagine you are hunting Cape Buffalo on the dark continent, with dangerous animals lurking in the brush. If the possibility exists of needing to make a shot at a charging buffalo from 50 yards, 1X might be great option. And if you need to take an accurate supported shot at the animal from a hundred or more yards it would be nice to have more than 1X.
My son has hunted the last eight years with his little .260 topped with an LPVO of one kind or another. This US Optics TS8X helped him make an excellent shot on this buck as he bounded off
New Shooters
These are just a couple situations where an LPVO might serve you well. I’m sure you can imagine others where it might come in handy. One of my favorite uses has been for helping new shooters. Its often hard to get a child or someone new to rifle scopes to be able to see properly through the scope. And even harder sometimes to get them to actually find the deer or target in the scope. Too much magnification in this situation often exacerbates the issue. That is why I like to use LPVO’s for my kids when getting them started into shooting. They can find the target using low power then zoom in in for a better view.
Choosing the Right LPVO
Typically the best way to choose an optic depends on the activities you anticipate doing with it. If you plan on shooting targets on a short range with a 150 yard maximum range. Something like a 1-6 scope like the Vortex Venom would probably work fine. Whereas if you plan on shooting further distances like three to five-hundred yards, you might want something like the Vector Continental 1-10.
Like all rifle scopes, there are varying levels of quality. Price is also usually a concern to keep in mind as well. There are some great less expensive LPVO’s like the ones I mentioned above. I can also recommend the US Optics TS6X and TS8X, as I’ve used them extensively.
I’ve even used the TS8X to accurately engage some target as far away as 1000 yards. If you plan to use an LPVO at distances beyond say 300 yards, look for one with adjustable parallax. Many LPVO’s come with fixed parallax around 100 yards, and for semi-close distances that is fine. But for long-range shooting you may want to adjust for parallax, if you aren’t sure why you should read All you need to know about Parallax.
If you’d like to step up in quality a bit, and price, I’ve got a few more recommendations. The Eotech VUDU line of LPVO’s are great. I have both the 1-6 and the 1-8 and they have been very solid and repeatable on a variety of firearms.
I’ve used the VUDU LPVO’s extensively for a few years now, very good scopes
Illumination
The VUDU pushbutton controls are very handy for illumination, and the very bright dot in the center makes it almost like a red dot sight at 1X. Most scopes these days have some form of reticle illumination. Some are the old fashioned way with an LED just lighting up the reticle, and others have very high intensity LED dots centered in the reticle for and unmistakable aimpoint even in high-noon daylight.
For a few more dollars the SAI Optics LPVO’s are another fantastic scope, I am waiting to get hands on their 1-10 so stay tuned for that.
this SAI 6 has been a great scope, cant wait to get the SAI 1-10
I’d also feel awful if I failed to mention the great LPVO’s I’ve used from Sig Sauer Optics. They make a few different ones, and to be honest the two that I have used were both fantastic. The Tango 6T is definitely not inexpensive, but it is very clear and bright. The FFP illuminated reticle can be used for a great many tasks.
The Tango MSR is more made for average shooters who maybe want to spend their money on ammo and training instead of optics. It too is impressive optically and has some very useful features.
There is a huge variety of reticle options among LPVO’s. Some of them are fairly simple while others are quite complex, some even have dual focal plane reticles. As I mentioned these are typically marketed for medium range rifles, they often have drop compensating reticles.
FFP drop compensating like this one from US Optics allow you to hold over for distance
Again this is where you need to evaluate your purpose when choosing a reticle. If you do plan on shooting medium ranges, you might want one of those drop compensating reticles. Whereas if you plan on doing a lot of long-range shooting, you might be better off with exposed tactical turrets.
the VUDU SR1 reticle has a large circle you can use to bracket targets up close, and a finer inner reticle that can be used for corrections
There seems to be a split in LPVO reticles, they are either optimized for short range shooting, or medium range and beyond. Some have large horseshoe features, and some have thin and precise features for corrections. Do some homework on them before you pick one.
Medium or Long-Range?
If you truly want a capable long-range LPVO, it’s going to cost a bit more. Snipers have been shooting long-range with 10X scopes since before I was born, so there’s no reason you and I can’t keep it up. I mentioned you’ll want a scope with adjustable parallax, most LPVO’s with adjustable parallax are at the larger end of the magnification spectrum.
The US Optics FDN 10X is a great scope for shooting long range, and it’s been around for a while so checking out its record is easy. Leupold makes a 2-10 Mk5 that I haven’t used yet, but it certainly has caught my eye. I’ve also noticed that March scopes make a few different models with adjustable parallax
All that said, you can still do well with a typical LPVO. I mentioned my son has been hunting with the same little rifle and an LPVO since he was twelve. We spent a lot of time practicing so he was ready when it mattered. His first year hunting he took this cow elk with his little .260 Remington at over 500 yards using a 1-6X Minox.
Conclusion
I like doing a lot with just a little, maybe it’s a fool’s errand. You can certainly use an LPVO for a great many purposes, and I hope we’ve given you some ideas here today. I love the idea of a compact and accurate carbine with a great LPVO, pulling of shots better suited to big precision rifles. But as I mentioned I have a bit of bias towards long-range shooting and hunting.
But perhaps more realistic is using a good carbine with an equally adequate LPVO to pull off the shots the rifle was made for. Proper training with such a weapon can make you deadly fast and accurate, whether it be charging hordes of feral swine, or picking off a deer at the far end of a deep pasture. Try out a few different options before you buy, and then practice hard with it. You may find it to be the best thing you never knew you needed.
The past few years have spawned an incredible surplus of red sot sights (RDS) and new technologies around them. Red dots offer a parallax free aiming option, meaning you needn’t focus back and forth between the sights and target. I’ve spent a great deal of time using various red dots over the last few years, and today I am bringing you another brand new option. Our subject in today’s review is the US Optics RISE red dot.
The US Optics RISE Red Dot
From US Optics, the Red dot Integrated Sight Enhancer (RISE) is a compact battery operated sight. Built for precise aiming in high-speed situations. The RISE uses a 3 MOA dot, which is big enough to pick up quickly, but small enough to still offer precise shot-placement.
The RISE has 10 brightness settings include 2 for night-vision use. The brightness and other features are easily controlled using the two buttons on either side of the housing. Like most RDS, the RISE is adjusted using a small blade screwdriver to adjust the windage and elevation for zeroing the sight. It also incorporates some really handy features like a sleep mode where it shuts down after two minutes of motionlessness. It instantly resumes the previous brightness setting as soon as the host firearm is moved.
This feature helps maintain battery life, which is anticipated to last some 75,000 hours with a single CR2032 lithium cell. The battery is easily changed through the RISE’s top loading battery lid using common tools or the included tools that come with the optic. Mounting the RISE RDS is easily done using the supplied fasteners, and it is built to fit Delta Point Pro footprints. One of the more common patterns.
Initial testing of the RISE RDS was done on my Sig Sauer P320 X5 Legion 9mm pistol. This was an easy fit as the pistol comes ready for Delta Point optics. Using the supplied screws, I set the RISE in place, and kept it as close to zero as possible while I torqued down the fasteners with a wrench. The fit was perfect, and it looked as though the RISE was made for it. In just a few moments I had adjusted the dot to co-witness with the iron sights. I found that the small notch built into the back of the RISE worked as a rear sight that would work in the event the battery died.
I also mounted the USO RISE RDS to my Shadow Systems DR920. The pre-cut slide makes it an easy host for a variety of optics, and the RISE was a perfect match as well. The lower cut slide of the pistol made it the perfect height for seeing both front and rear sights through the window.
Shooting with the US Optics RISE
I have pretty extensive shooting experience with this pistol (hasn’t gone off by itself yet) so it was a great gun to test it on. I already had the US Optics DRS enhanced red dot on the pistol, but this was definitely an upgrade.
My immediate first impression was the much bigger window, the RISE uses a larger lens than its predecessor. I have become accustomed to these larger windowed red dots, and I like them quite a bit. You can read more about that here. The RISE is a nice compromise, its bigger than many standard RDS windows, but not quite as obtrusive as the XL sized competition sights. It might be a touch large for a CCW pistol, but thats obviously a bit subjective.
I did find the big window great for finding targets quickly, and the 3MOA dot was very precise for putting shots on conspicuous places on the target. The parallax free targeting I mentioned at the top makes for faster shooting, you never have to take your eyes off the target. You simply bring the pistol to bear on the target and the dot comes into your field of view, only slight adjustments are needed before pulling the trigger.
Shootability
The big lens is one of the great features of this dot, but the controls are very nice, and simple as well. I’m not a huge fan of complication, so I like the no-nonsense two button operation. If you don’t like the auto-off feature it can be easily locked into the ON or OFF position using the buttons.
Its a simple system for folks who don’t want to wonder. I leave the dot in the recall mode, that way every time I grab my pistol the dot is on and ready for action. Finding the bright red dot is easy and comforting when you are looking for a target.
Like most RDS, if you have the dot set on a brighter than necessary setting you might find the dot blooming. Or bleeding out across the lens, I found that simply turning it down a bump or two takes care of the issue. The brightest setting was easily seen in full sunlight, so while I found it unnecessary, you can adjust it how you like.
Reliability
During our testing, we had zero issues with the RISE red dot. It never came loose or lost zero, and I never had to make any adjustments other than the brightness settings based on our surrounding conditions.
I like the robust construction of the RISE, it is thicker than the hood on other RDS which makes me think it will stand up to more abuse. Additionally the RISE is rated IP67 for dust and water protection, just incase you drop your CCW into a pool or something. And like all US Optics products, the RISE has a no bullshit warranty covering; function, quality, workmanship and material.
Value Comparison
With an MSRP of $279.99 the US Optics RISE is a great option if you are looking for a bigger windowed RDS. While other sights like the Delta Point Pro, and Vortex XL have a little bit bigger windows they are $75 to $125 more in their street price. The Romeo 3 MAX and the Holosun 507 Comp are two other popular RDS and they too cost about $100 more than the RISE. To be fair some of those sight offer enhanced reticle options as well so keep that in mind.
Conclusion
Like many other US Optics products, I have found the RISE RDS to be a great option for my purposes. If there was one thing I would change about it, I think it would be cool to add some reticle options like some of the other companies have done. But if you like the simplicity of a dot, then you’ll need look no further.
The US Optics RISE red dot is a quality sight for your pistol or carbine. It brings a durable no-nonsense performance with compatibility from a quality brand you can trust. I look forward to shooting more with this sight, perhaps I’ll mount it to my ZRO Delta FKS 9 CCW pistol to see how it performs there.
I’ve jumped into the red dot world with both feet at this point, and fully embraced optics ready handguns. This has resulted in a wide variety of red dots making their way into my collection, and today I am bringing another one to you. Today’s subject is the new Holosun SCS Carry red dot.
The SCS Carry Red Dot is a compact RMS-C sized red dot that will fit onto compatible footprints. Like other Holosun K optics, this red dot is ideal for compact carry guns. But this little unit has some additional features you’re going to like, as did I.
the Holosun SCS Carry mounted to my Taurus TX 22 Toro
The Holosun SCS Carry Red Dot
The SCS (Solar Charging Sight) uses solar energy to power itself for an indefinite period of time. Perhaps in the dystopian future, in the fight against the machines, someone will find one of my old pistols discovering a curious green glow.
The SCS Carry has an internal rechargeable battery good for over 20,000 hours. And since it is constantly recharged by the solar cell on top of the unit, you can count on it outlasting your ammo supply. In addition to the power cell, the SCS uses multi-directional light sensors to adjust reticle brightness depending on ambient light.
unboxing the SCS Carry, note tools and other fasteners included
Holosun is very popular for their reticle options, and this one is no different. The SCS comes with a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA circle around it. I like this pattern and have used it extensively in my Holosun 507 Comp red dot on another gun. This model also features an enclosed emitter for reliability, as well as a notched base to stand-in as a rear sight.
Other traditional Holosun red dot features are also incorporated, things like the 1X magnification, lens coatings, unlimited eye relief, and parallax free viewing.
Holosun SCS Specifications
OPTICAL SPECS
Reticle
2 MOA Dot & 32 MOA Circle
Light Wavelength
540nm
Reticle Color
Green
Parallax Free
Yes
Unlimited Eye Relief
Yes
Magnification
1x
Multi-Coatings
Yes
PHYSICAL SPECS
Window Size
0.90×0.63
Dimension (in)
1.6×0.98×0.95
Weight (oz)
1.05
MECHANICAL SPECS
Housing Material
7075 T6 Aluminum
Surface Finish
Anodize
Adjustment per Click
1.5 MOA
W&E Travel Range
±30 MOA
ENVIRONMENT SPECS
Storage Temperature
-40℃~70℃
Working Temperature
-30℃~60℃
Submersion
IPX8
Vibration
5000G
Assorted Models
Aside from the model shown here today, there are also other models of the SCS Carry. There is a non-enclosed emitter version that is less obtrusive and surely lighter. And there are also firearms specific models as well, with SCS Carry dots made to fit: Smith & Wesson, Walther, Sig Sauer, H&K, and CZ pistols respectively. These custom fitting sights likely reduce your need to use adaptor plates, and other mounting hardware. Both simplifying the install, as well as reducing the weight of your CCW handgun. The SCS family also incorporates Holosun’s Super LED technology, matching visual wavelengths of light best seen by most eyes.
Mounting the Holosun SCS Carry
Mounting the SCS Carry was easy using the provided tools and fasteners. I chose my Taurus TX 22 Toro as a host for the SCS, mainly because it was available and needed a red dot. In addition to that situation, the TX 22 is an incredibly fun gun to shoot, you can read more about it here.
I lined up the reticle as best I could while torqueing down the mounting screws. This would help reduce the adjustment needed to zero the optic, and with a few clicks it co-witnessed perfectly with the iron sights. I could adjust it a little more once on the range. I also appreciated that they kept the base thin enough to still be able to see my iron sights through the optic.
After mounting, I took a moment to go through the operating instructions. Its convenient to not worry about brightness settings, and I was amazed at the instant adjustment of the auto-brightness controls.
Shooting the Holosun SCS Carry red dot
Once in my shooting spot, I started loading magazines to pour a fresh layer of lead on my targets. The bright green reticle of the SCS was easy to see even in the bright mid-day sun. After a couple adjustments, it was dead on. We spent the afternoon burning through ammo, and drawing down on targets.
I also keep that pistol close during hunting season. Its always nice to have a suppressed 22 handy for quietly dispatching pests without scaring away the elk and deer. It also gave me something to do around camp, plugging mice in the dark with a Surefire X300 weapon light attached to the pistol.
Shootability
I like the big-windowed red dots, so it was a little bit more restrictive using the smaller window of the SCS. That is of course to be expected with a smaller optic, it also requires you to be a little bit more judicious when presenting the pistol, making sure it’s lined up. The SCS Carry is ideal for a carry sized pistol, its width is similar to many compact guns, and its edges aren’t snaggy.
The enclosed emitter is nice, as it keeps debris from getting between the lens and the LED. I did notice a tiny bit of blur when shooting, though I’m not sure if it was due to looking through two pieces of glass or something else. I know most of these optics are supposed to be parallax free, but occasionally it feels like maybe they aren’t. Or perhaps my eyes are starting to go…
Either way, the SCS Carry was great for shooting. Always ready, always on.
as pictured, an extremely capable 22 pistol, hunting mice in the dark illuminated by the Surefire X300 light
Reliability
Which brings us to our next point, in all my shooting the SCS was fixed in its place. Never did I have the need to re-zero or adjust anything. Nor did I have any issues with the controls. Its simple, which I have on good authority is good for stupid’s like me.
Being exposed to freezing temps, vibrating for miles and miles on ATV’s didn’t slow down the SCS Carry. The only maintenance needed was to clean the front lens occasionally due to suppressed shooting.
the single button control of the Holosun SCS Carry
Accuracy
As I mentioned already, I never had to readjust the SCS Carry. It maintained zero throughout all this. While the recoil of the TX22 is not as significant as some of your spicy CCW 9mm pistols, it still endured lots of shooting. Maintaining zero is very important for all sights, but particularly for CCW sights.
Also I mentioned window size and my preferences. Training with what you are going to carry and shoot is probably more important than preferences. And shooting accurately with the Holosun SCS Carry was perfectly attainable with proper practice. The reticle details also gives you a few advantages as well.
The MRS from Holosun is a nice customizable feature, the Multiple Reticle System gives you options. You can select just the 2 MOA dot for more precise shooting, or you can use just the circle to bracket targets. Or a combination of the two if you choose.
the enclosed emitter is nice in the weather
Value
There are untold hordes of red dot sights on the market now, making it very competitive. I can appreciate that Holosun’s Optics have maintained a great position of authority in that market. They continually push the boundaries, innovating and bringing new features and options. Basically they seem to be the ones to beat. The Holosun SCS Carry line of red dots are not the most affordable red dots made by Holosun, but I wouldn’t expect a dedicated CCW sight to be so. Sure you can get cheaper red dots, even from Holosun. But the feature-rich and maintenance-free SCS Carry is well worth the extra cheddar in my opinion. If you’re looking for a good sight for your CCW pistol, the street price between $350 and $400 for these is a great choice. It’s no surprise they have a “best rated” tag on Optics Planet.
Pros and Cons
There was very little I could come up with that I didn’t like about the Holosun SCS Carry red dot. I’d mentioned earlier some possible blurriness, though I’m not sure if its me, dirty lenses, or something else. It was certainly not enough for me to worry about.
Everything else about the SCS Carry was great for me. I love the simple operation, never needing to worry if it’s on, or having to adjust the brightness when I go indoors or out. It fits a wide variety of guns, it’s emitter is enclosed for less cleaning and maintenance, and I like the bigger reticle. And it comes with most everything you need to mount and adjust it, adding to my collection of red dot mounting hardware and tools.
Conclusion
If you haven’t gathered by now, I think Holosun has hit the target with this little optic. It gives great performance with no complications. It adds just enough to your CCW pistol to be beneficial and give you the upper hand when aiming. While shopping for your next pistol sight, consider the Holosun SCS Carry as a solid option. I’m not sure if this one will stay on my 22, or if I’ll move it over to my CZ P-10S.
