First Impressions of Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight
The Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight is a compact red dot optic designed for a variety of platforms, from pistols to carbines. Griffin Armament aims to deliver a versatile and robust sighting solution at a reasonable price point. With features like shake-to-wake, multiple brightness settings, and a durable aluminum housing, it looks like a solid contender in the crowded micro red dot market.
I was looking for a micro red dot sight that could pull double duty on my pistol and my AR-9. I wanted something compact, durable, and reliable, without breaking the bank. The Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight seemed to strike that balance, promising quality features at a competitive price.
Out of the box, the Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight presents a clean and minimalist design. The all-aluminum housing feels solid and well-machined. The included Acro footprint mount is a welcome addition. My initial impression was positive; it felt like a quality piece of gear ready for some serious use.
I considered the Holosun 507K and the Sig Sauer RomeoZero Elite before landing on the Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight. The Holosun, while feature-rich, was pricier. The Sig, while more budget-friendly, had some durability concerns I wasn’t comfortable with. The Griffin Armament seemed to offer a sweet spot of features, durability, and affordability.
I was cautiously optimistic upon first inspection. The features looked good on paper, and the build quality seemed promising, but the real test would be how it performs under live fire. I was excited to get it mounted and hit the range.
Real-World Testing: Putting Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight on my Glock 19 at an outdoor shooting range. The weather was sunny with a slight breeze, providing good visibility. Mounting was straightforward, thanks to the included Acro footprint mount.
The Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight performed admirably in the bright daylight. The 10 brightness settings allowed me to dial in the perfect dot intensity. Target acquisition was fast and intuitive. I experienced no issues with parallax at typical pistol ranges.
The only initial hiccup was zeroing. It took slightly more adjustments than expected to get the dot dialed in. But once zeroed, it held its position throughout the first range session.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight has proven to be a reliable optic, but not without some minor setbacks. I’ve run it on my pistol and my AR-9 through numerous range trips and even a few informal competitions.
The hardcoat anodized finish has held up remarkably well, showing minimal signs of wear despite being bumped around in my range bag. The adjustments still feel positive and click distinctly, though the initial zeroing issue gave me pause. I have needed to re-zero after approximately 500 rounds, indicating some slight shift over time.
Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe with the included microfiber cloth keeps the lens clear. Overall, the Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight has generally exceeded my initial expectations, though it doesn’t stand head and shoulders above others.
Breaking Down the Features of Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight
Specifications
- The Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight boasts a 1x magnification, providing a true heads-up display without any distortion. This is essential for rapid target acquisition and maintaining situational awareness.
- Its 20.5 mm objective lens diameter provides a clear and unobstructed sight picture. This wider lens allows for more light to enter the optic.
- The 3 MIL Dot reticle is crisp and easily visible, offering a precise aiming point. The user can select one of 10 brightness settings for optimal visibility in different lighting conditions.
- With 1 MOA adjustment click value, zeroing is precise and repeatable. This level of accuracy is crucial for consistent shot placement.
- The Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight weighs a mere 2.5 oz, adding minimal bulk to your firearm. This makes it an excellent choice for pistols where weight is a significant consideration.
- It features an Aim Point Acro footprint, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of mounting solutions. This compatibility makes it easy to adapt to different platforms.
- The optic also has shake-to-wake functionality which provides on-demand activation. The auto-off feature helps to extend battery life.
Performance & Functionality
The Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight performs its primary function – aiming – very well, offering excellent accuracy and reliable target acquisition. The crisp reticle, combined with adjustable brightness settings, makes it usable in diverse lighting scenarios.
While the shake-to-wake feature is a plus, it’s not as responsive as some other optics I’ve used. Sometimes, it requires a more pronounced movement to activate. The optic is still solid, just not exceptional.
Design & Ergonomics
The Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight‘s design is simple and functional. Its aluminum body adds a sense of durability and the low weight is a definite plus for pistol applications.
The controls are easily accessible and intuitive, requiring little to no learning curve. The brightness adjustment buttons are tactile and responsive, even with gloved hands.
Durability & Maintenance
The Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight appears to be built to last, with its robust aluminum housing providing excellent protection against impacts and abrasions. The hardcoat anodized finish is resistant to scratches and wear.
Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lens and inspection of the mounting screws. The battery is easily accessible for replacement.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight comes with an Acro footprint absolute co-witness 1.05H clamp-style riser, allen wrenches, a Griffin Armament microfiber cloth, and a CR2032 battery. The inclusion of the riser is a great value, allowing for immediate use on AR-platform firearms.
Since it utilizes the Acro footprint, it’s compatible with a wide variety of aftermarket mounts and accessories designed for that standard. This provides ample customization options to suit different platforms and user preferences.
Pros and Cons of Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight
Pros
- Durable aluminum housing for enhanced protection.
- Clear 3 MIL Dot reticle with multiple brightness settings for various lighting conditions.
- Acro footprint ensures wide compatibility with mounts and accessories.
- Lightweight design (2.5 oz) minimizes added bulk on pistols.
- Included Acro footprint absolute co-witness 1.05H clamp-style riser adds value and versatility.
Cons
- Shake-to-wake feature can be inconsistent, requiring more pronounced movement.
- Zero can drift slightly over time, requiring occasional adjustments.
Who Should Buy Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight?
The Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight is perfect for pistol owners looking for a durable, reliable, and affordable red dot sight. It’s also a great option for AR-9 or PCC owners who want a compact optic with a clear sight picture.
Those who demand flawless shake-to-wake performance or require extreme long-range accuracy might want to consider higher-end options. A quality thread locker such as Vibra-Tite is a must-have accessory to ensure secure mounting and prevent screws from loosening.
Conclusion on Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight
The Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight offers a compelling blend of durability, functionality, and affordability. While it’s not without its minor flaws, the robust build quality, clear reticle, and included riser make it a solid value for the money.
The price of $189.95 is justified, considering the features and overall performance. It is a great entry point optic.
I would recommend the Griffin Armament Griffin 1x Micro Sight to anyone looking for a reliable micro red dot without breaking the bank. Upgrade your aiming game today!