First Impressions of Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M 24 x 17 mm Red Dot Sights
In a market saturated with red dot sights, the Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M 24 x 17 mm Red Dot Sights aims to stand out with its compact design, motion sensor activation, and impressive battery life. As someone who has spent over a decade immersed in the world of tactical gear, I’ve seen countless optics come and go. The promise of co-witnessing with suppressor-height sights on Glock MOS pistols immediately piqued my interest, along with Athlon’s reputation for delivering quality optics at a reasonable price point.
I was seeking a reliable and compact red dot for my everyday carry Glock 19 MOS. I needed something that wouldn’t significantly increase the pistol’s overall size but would still provide a clear and fast aiming solution. My search criteria prioritized battery life, motion activation, and a crisp, clear dot.
Upon unboxing, the Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M felt solid and well-constructed. Its compact size was immediately apparent, and the matte black finish gave it a tactical aesthetic. Compared to a Trijicon RMR, which is a benchmark in the industry, the Midas TSR1-M felt noticeably lighter. I picked the Athlon because the features, especially the motion sensor, aligned perfectly with my needs. My first impression was cautiously optimistic – intrigued by the feature set and the potential value for money.
Real-World Testing: Putting Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M 24 x 17 mm Red Dot Sights to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing of the Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M took place at my local outdoor shooting range. I mounted it on my Glock 19 MOS and zeroed it at 25 yards. The 3 MOA dot was easy to acquire and adjust, even in bright sunlight.
I tested the sight in varying weather conditions, including a light rain shower. The sight’s waterproof rating held up perfectly, with no noticeable impact on performance. It only took a few magazines to get accustomed to the red dot, and I immediately noticed an improvement in my target acquisition speed compared to iron sights. There were no malfunctions or unexpected issues during this first range session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M has proven to be a reliable optic. The **motion sensor activation is a game-changer, ensuring the sight is always ready without constantly draining the battery. ** I’ve taken it through several training courses, exposed it to bumps and scrapes, and it shows minimal signs of wear.
Maintenance has been straightforward; a quick wipe down with a microfiber cloth is all that’s needed to keep the lens clean. Compared to a Holosun 507k I previously owned, the Athlon feels more robust and offers better visibility in direct sunlight. The Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M has exceeded my initial expectations in terms of durability and performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M 24 x 17 mm Red Dot Sights
Specifications
The Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M 24 x 17 mm Red Dot Sights boasts several impressive specifications that contribute to its overall performance. It features 1x magnification with a 24 x 17 mm objective window, providing a clear and unobstructed field of view. The reticle is a crisp 3 MOA dot, offering a good balance between precision and speed.
The sight has 1 MOA adjustment click values, allowing for precise zeroing. An enclosed emitter enhances durability and weather resistance. It also has parallax free performance. The Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M runs on a CR2032 battery, delivering an impressive 50,000 hours of battery life. It’s built to withstand the elements with waterproof and shockproof construction. It weighs just 2.8 oz with a width of 1.2 inches. These specifications translate to a lightweight, durable, and highly functional red dot sight suitable for various applications.
Performance & Functionality
The Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M excels in delivering fast and accurate target acquisition. The 3 MOA dot is crisp and clear, even in bright sunlight, facilitating rapid engagement of targets at varying distances. The motion sensor works flawlessly, instantly activating the sight when the pistol is drawn.
The elevation and windage adjustments are tactile and precise, making zeroing a breeze. The only minor drawback is the lack of automatic brightness adjustment; however, the manual brightness settings provide sufficient control in most lighting conditions. Overall, the Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M performs exceptionally well and meets, if not exceeds, expectations for a red dot in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M sports a compact and lightweight design, making it ideal for concealed carry and duty use. The low profile allows for co-witnessing with suppressor-height iron sights on Glock MOS pistols, providing a backup aiming solution in case of optic failure. The sight’s controls are easily accessible, even with gloved hands.
The aluminum housing feels robust and well-made, instilling confidence in its durability. There is a slight learning curve for those new to red dots, but the intuitive design of the Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M makes it easy to master.
Durability & Maintenance
The Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M is built to withstand the rigors of daily use. The waterproof and shockproof construction ensures reliable performance in adverse conditions. The enclosed emitter design protects the internal components from dust, dirt, and moisture.
Maintenance is minimal, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lens with a soft cloth. The durable construction and minimal maintenance requirements make the Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M a reliable optic for years to come.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M includes a CR2032 battery and mounting screws suitable for most Glock MOS slides. While there are no included accessories beyond the basics, its compatibility with the Glock MOS footprint opens a wide range of aftermarket customization options.
Users can easily find compatible suppressor-height iron sights from various brands to achieve a co-witnessing setup. Additionally, the standard footprint makes it compatible with various aftermarket slide milling options, expanding its versatility across different pistol platforms.
Pros and Cons of Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M 24 x 17 mm Red Dot SightsPros
- Excellent Battery Life: The 50,000-hour battery life ensures the sight is always ready when needed, minimizing the need for frequent battery changes.
- Motion Sensor Activation: The motion sensor instantly activates the sight, providing rapid target acquisition without manual intervention.
- Durable Construction: The waterproof and shockproof design ensures reliable performance in harsh environments.
- Compact and Lightweight: The compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for concealed carry and duty use.
- Clear 3 MOA Dot: The crisp and clear 3 MOA dot facilitates accurate target engagement at various distances.
Cons
- No Automatic Brightness Adjustment: The lack of automatic brightness adjustment may require manual adjustments in changing lighting conditions.
- Limited Included Accessories: The package includes only the bare essentials, requiring users to purchase additional accessories separately.
Who Should Buy Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M 24 x 17 mm Red Dot Sights?
Pros
- Excellent Battery Life: The 50,000-hour battery life ensures the sight is always ready when needed, minimizing the need for frequent battery changes.
- Motion Sensor Activation: The motion sensor instantly activates the sight, providing rapid target acquisition without manual intervention.
- Durable Construction: The waterproof and shockproof design ensures reliable performance in harsh environments.
- Compact and Lightweight: The compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for concealed carry and duty use.
- Clear 3 MOA Dot: The crisp and clear 3 MOA dot facilitates accurate target engagement at various distances.
Cons
- No Automatic Brightness Adjustment: The lack of automatic brightness adjustment may require manual adjustments in changing lighting conditions.
- Limited Included Accessories: The package includes only the bare essentials, requiring users to purchase additional accessories separately.
The Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M is perfect for everyday carry users looking for a reliable and compact red dot sight. It also works for law enforcement officers who need a durable and always-ready optic for their duty pistols. This sight will improve competitive shooters seeking faster target acquisition and enhanced accuracy.
This product is not suited to users who require advanced features like multiple reticle options or automatic brightness adjustment. Anyone requiring extreme long-range capabilities may find the 1x magnification limiting.
A must-have accessory would be a set of suppressor-height iron sights to achieve co-witnessing and provide a backup aiming solution.
Conclusion on Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M 24 x 17 mm Red Dot Sights
The Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M 24 x 17 mm Red Dot Sights is a well-rounded optic that delivers excellent performance, durability, and value for money. Its impressive battery life, motion sensor activation, and rugged construction make it a reliable choice for various applications. While it lacks some advanced features, its core functionality is executed flawlessly.
At a price of $176.40, the Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M offers a compelling alternative to more expensive red dots on the market. I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a dependable and affordable optic for their pistol. Upgrade your aiming game today with the Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M!
