Viridian RFX35 Green Dot Reflex Sight RMR Footprint FDE Review

The Viridian RFX35 Green Dot Reflex Sight RMR Footprint FDE Made a Bold First Impression

The world of red dot sights can be overwhelming, with a dizzying array of options promising faster target acquisition and improved accuracy. The Viridian RFX35 Green Dot Reflex Sight RMR Footprint FDE aims to cut through the noise with its focus on green dot technology, a robust design, and a competitive feature set. Viridian, known for their innovative laser sights, has entered the reflex sight market with a contender that immediately piqued my interest.

My aging eyes have started to struggle with red dots in bright conditions. I was looking for an optic that offered a clearer, more easily visible aiming point. The promise of Viridian’s green dot technology, coupled with the popular RMR footprint for easy mounting, made the RFX35 an intriguing option.

Out of the box, the RFX35 presents a clean, modern aesthetic. The FDE (Flat Dark Earth) finish is well-applied and feels durable. The sight is surprisingly lightweight, a definite plus for a pistol optic, and the aluminum alloy body feels robust. Compared to a Trijicon RMR and a Holosun 507C (both sights I own and have extensive experience with), the RFX35 felt lighter than the RMR and comparable to the Holosun. I was initially impressed by the clarity of the lens and the crispness of the green dot.

First impressions were definitely positive. I was eager to get the Viridian RFX35 Green Dot Reflex Sight RMR Footprint FDE mounted and see how it performed in real-world shooting scenarios.

Real-World Testing: Putting Viridian RFX35 Green Dot Reflex Sight RMR Footprint FDE to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the RFX35 was my local outdoor shooting range. I mounted it on my Glock 19, a common host for RMR-footprint optics. I wanted to evaluate its performance in typical daylight conditions. The ease of installation, thanks to the RMR footprint and included Picatinny mount, was a welcome start.

The green dot was immediately noticeable and easier to pick up than a traditional red dot, especially against bright backgrounds. I shot several drills, focusing on speed and accuracy. The RFX35 facilitated rapid target acquisition, and the 3 MOA dot provided a precise aiming point. However, in extremely bright sunlight, the dot’s intensity, even at its highest setting, felt just a touch lacking compared to some competitors.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Viridian RFX35 Green Dot Reflex Sight RMR Footprint FDE has proven to be a reliable performer. It has been through approximately 500 rounds, and it maintains zero consistently. The FDE finish has held up well with only minimal wear marks from holster use.

Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe with a lens cloth keeps the glass clean. The battery life, rated at 30,000+ hours, has yet to be tested fully. Still, the auto shut-off feature provides confidence that the battery will last. Compared to my previous red dot experience, the green dot definitely gives Viridian an edge in visibility.

Breaking Down the Features of Viridian RFX35 Green Dot Reflex Sight RMR Footprint FDE

Specifications

• The Viridian RFX35 Green Dot Reflex Sight RMR Footprint FDE features a 3 MOA green dot. This offers a crisp and clear aiming point, especially advantageous for shooters with astigmatism or those who struggle with red dots.
• Its viewing window measures 22×26 mm, providing a generous sight picture. This size strikes a good balance between a wide field of view and a compact optic size.
• It utilizes the RMR mounting footprint, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of pistols and mounts. This is a significant advantage as it allows for easy integration with existing setups.
• The sight includes both an RMR mounting footprint and a Picatinny mount. This versatility ensures that it can be easily mounted on a variety of platforms.
• Viridian’s INSTANT-ON® technology activates the sight as soon as it senses movement. This is a critical feature for defensive applications, ensuring the optic is ready when needed.
• The RFX35 is constructed from a high-grade 6061-T6 aluminum alloy body. This material provides excellent durability while keeping the weight to a minimum at just 1.0 oz.
• It offers 8 visible and 2 night vision brightness settings. This allows for optimal dot visibility in a wide range of lighting conditions.
• The RFX35 is powered by a CR2032 battery with a rated battery life of 30,000+ hours (middle settings). This offers a long service life, reducing the need for frequent battery changes.
• It includes the necessary tools for installation and adjustment. This is a thoughtful addition, ensuring users have everything they need to get started.
• It is IPX6 waterproof rated. This provides protection against splashes and rain, making it suitable for outdoor use.
• The optic features an auto-off function, shutting down after 2 minutes of inactivity. This helps to preserve battery life.

Performance & Functionality

The Viridian RFX35 Green Dot Reflex Sight RMR Footprint FDE performs admirably in its intended role as a pistol optic. Accuracy is excellent, and the green dot is easy to acquire and maintain on target. The sight is reliable, holding zero through hundreds of rounds.

A minor weakness is the dot intensity in extremely bright sunlight, where a slightly brighter setting would be beneficial. Overall, the RFX35 meets expectations for a modern reflex sight.

Design & Ergonomics

The RFX35 boasts a sleek and lightweight design. The aluminum construction feels solid, and the FDE finish is aesthetically pleasing. The sight sits low on the pistol slide, minimizing interference with the iron sights (if co-witnessed).

The controls are easy to access, and the INSTANT-ON® feature is a significant advantage. There is virtually no learning curve for experienced red dot users.

Durability & Maintenance

The aluminum alloy construction and IPX6 waterproof rating suggest good long-term durability. The sight has withstood minor bumps and scrapes without issue. Maintenance is limited to occasional lens cleaning and battery replacement.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Viridian RFX35 Green Dot Reflex Sight RMR Footprint FDE comes with an RMR mounting footprint and Picatinny mount, providing versatile mounting options. Given the RMR footprint, there are plenty of aftermarket options like different height iron sights for co-witnessing.

Pros and Cons of Viridian RFX35 Green Dot Reflex Sight RMR Footprint FDE

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Viridian RFX35 Green Dot Reflex Sight RMR Footprint FDE?

The Viridian RFX35 Green Dot Reflex Sight RMR Footprint FDE is perfect for:

• Pistol owners looking to upgrade to a reflex sight.
• Shooters with astigmatism who struggle with red dots.
• Concealed carriers who need a reliable and always-on optic.
• Those seeking a lightweight and durable optic for their pistol, rifle, or shotgun.

Those who should skip this product:

• Users who require the absolute brightest dot intensity, even in direct sunlight (consider a more expensive option designed for extreme conditions).
• Those who prefer a longer auto-off timer.

A must-have accessory would be quality suppressor height iron sights for co-witnessing, allowing for backup aiming in case of battery failure.

Conclusion on Viridian RFX35 Green Dot Reflex Sight RMR Footprint FDE

The Viridian RFX35 Green Dot Reflex Sight RMR Footprint FDE is a solid contender in the reflex sight market. The green dot is a standout feature, providing excellent visibility in most conditions. Its lightweight design, RMR footprint, and INSTANT-ON® technology make it a practical choice for everyday carry and tactical applications.

The value proposition is strong, offering a feature set comparable to more expensive optics. I would definitely recommend the RFX35 to anyone looking for a reliable and effective green dot sight. Upgrade your aiming game and experience the Viridian difference!

Check Best Price HERE