First Impressions of Rival Arms X1 Micro Reflex 22mm Red Dot Sight
The world of micro red dot sights is vast, with options ranging from budget-friendly to downright extravagant. The Rival Arms X1 Micro Reflex 22mm Red Dot Sight enters this arena promising a balance of performance and affordability. It’s a crowded market, so I was eager to see if the Rival Arms offering could truly stand out and deliver on its promises.
I needed a compact, reliable optic for my everyday carry pistol; something that wouldn’t add significant bulk but would still provide a decisive advantage in target acquisition. I was looking for a sight with a clear, crisp dot, robust construction, and intuitive controls.
Unboxing the Rival Arms X1, I was immediately struck by its solid feel. The CNC-Machined Aircraft-Grade Aluminum housing felt robust and well-finished. The sight seemed compact and lightweight, exactly what I was hoping for, and the included Picatinny mount was a welcome addition.
I considered other options like the Holosun 507K and the Trijicon RMR. Ultimately, I opted for the Rival Arms X1 because of its competitive price point, motion-sensing wake feature, and the Rival Arms reputation for quality. I hoped I’d made the right choice.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The Rival Arms X1 Micro Reflex 22mm Red Dot Sight looked and felt like a quality piece of equipment. I was excited to mount it, zero it, and put it through its paces.
Real-World Testing: Putting Rival Arms X1 Micro Reflex 22mm Red Dot Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Rival Arms X1 was at my local shooting range. I mounted it on my Glock 19 using the included Picatinny mount. The installation process was straightforward and hassle-free.
I tested the sight under bright sunlight conditions, as well as in the shaded indoor range. The 10 brightness settings proved useful in adapting to the different lighting environments. The 3 MOA Dot was crisp and clear, making target acquisition significantly faster than with iron sights.
After the first 50 rounds, I noticed that the zero had held perfectly. The adjustments were easy to make, with positive clicks for each 1 MOA increment. I had no issues with the sight fogging up or malfunctioning in any way.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Rival Arms X1 has proven to be a reliable and durable optic. I’ve used it in various conditions, including light rain and dusty environments. The IPX-7 Water Resistance Level gave me confidence when the weather turned unexpectedly.
The finish has held up remarkably well, with only minor signs of wear on the edges. Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth is usually all it needs. I have been consistently impressed with the battery life, thanks to the Motion-Sensing “Wake” Feature and automatic sleep modes.
Compared to my previous experience with a cheaper red dot sight, the Rival Arms X1 is in a different league. Its superior build quality, clear glass, and reliable performance have made it a valuable addition to my EDC setup. It has exceeded my initial expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Rival Arms X1 Micro Reflex 22mm Red Dot Sight
Specifications
Manufacturer: Rival Arms.
Color: Black.
Fabric/Material: CNC-Machined Aircraft-Grade Aluminum. This provides a durable and lightweight housing.
Magnification: 1 x. This ensures both eyes-open shooting and maximum situational awareness.
Objective Lens Diameter: 29 mm. This provides a wide field of view for quick target acquisition.
Reticle: 3 MOA Dot. A versatile dot size suitable for both close-quarters and longer-range engagements.
Illumination Color: Red. A common and effective color for red dot sights, providing good contrast against most backgrounds.
Brightness Settings: 10. These provide ample adjustment for various lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to low-light environments.
Eye Relief: Unlimited. This makes the sight very forgiving to use, regardless of head position.
Adjustment Type: MOA.
Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA. Precise adjustments ensure accurate zeroing.
Emitter Type: Open.
Optical Coating: Fully Multi-Coated. This maximizes light transmission and reduces glare for a clear and bright image.
Battery Type: CR1632.
Battery Life: 50.000+ hours. This ensures years of reliable use.
Water Resistance Level: IPX-7. This rating means the sight is protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Red Dot Sights-Footprint: RMR. This allows for compatibility with a wide range of mounting solutions.
Mount Type: Picatinny. This provides a secure and versatile mounting option.
Caliber: 8x22mm Nambu. (Note: This seems like a strange spec, likely a copy/paste error. The sight itself is caliber-agnostic and suitable for a wide range of firearms.)
Gun Rail: Picatinny.
Performance & Functionality
The Rival Arms X1 Micro Reflex 22mm Red Dot Sight performs exceptionally well for its intended purpose. Its clear glass and crisp dot make target acquisition fast and intuitive. The brightness settings are easily adjustable, and the motion-sensing wake feature ensures that the sight is always ready when needed.
One of its strengths is its ease of use. It requires minimal setup and the intuitive controls make it simple to adjust the brightness and zero the sight. The generous eye relief makes it forgiving to use, even under stress. A slight weakness could be the dot size; some might prefer a smaller dot for longer-range precision.
It largely meets and even exceeds expectations given its price point. It rivals other red dots costing significantly more.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Rival Arms X1 is impressive. The CNC-Machined Aircraft-Grade Aluminum feels solid and durable, while remaining lightweight. The compact design ensures that it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to the firearm. The sight is comfortable to use and the buttons are easily accessible.
The design is user-friendly with no noticeable learning curve. Anyone familiar with red dot sights will be able to use it straight out of the box.
Durability & Maintenance
The Rival Arms X1 is built to last. The robust construction and IPX-7 Water Resistance Level make it suitable for use in harsh conditions. With proper care, this sight should provide years of reliable service.
Maintenance is straightforward. A quick wipe with a clean cloth is usually sufficient to keep the lens clear and free of debris. The battery is easy to replace when needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Rival Arms X1 Micro Reflex 22mm Red Dot Sight comes with a Picatinny mount. This allows it to be easily attached to any firearm with a Picatinny rail. The RMR footprint also means that it is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket mounts and adapters, allowing for even greater customization.
While the Rival Arms X1 doesn’t offer different reticle options, its compatibility with aftermarket mounts makes it highly customizable to individual preferences. The RMR footprint allows it to be mounted on a variety of optic-ready pistols, rifles, and shotguns.
Pros and Cons of Rival Arms X1 Micro Reflex 22mm Red Dot Sight
Pros
- Clear and crisp 3 MOA dot for rapid target acquisition.
- Durable CNC-Machined Aircraft-Grade Aluminum construction.
- Motion-Sensing “Wake” Feature for extended battery life.
- 10 adjustable brightness settings for various lighting conditions.
- IPX-7 water resistance for reliable performance in wet environments.
Cons
- The 3 MOA dot may be too large for some users who prefer a smaller, more precise dot for longer-range shooting.
- The lack of integrated iron sights may require the purchase of separate backup sights.
Who Should Buy Rival Arms X1 Micro Reflex 22mm Red Dot Sight?
The Rival Arms X1 Micro Reflex 22mm Red Dot Sight is perfect for concealed carriers, tactical shooters, and recreational shooters looking for a reliable and affordable red dot sight. It’s also suitable for those with optic-ready pistols seeking a straightforward and dependable aiming solution.
Those who need extremely precise aiming at extended ranges, or require integrated back-up iron sights should consider alternative options.
A must-have accessory is a quality holster designed for a pistol with a mounted red dot. Also, consider purchasing extra CR1632 batteries to ensure uninterrupted use.
Conclusion on Rival Arms X1 Micro Reflex 22mm Red Dot Sight
The Rival Arms X1 Micro Reflex 22mm Red Dot Sight offers a compelling combination of performance, durability, and affordability. Its clear glass, crisp dot, and motion-sensing wake feature make it a valuable addition to any firearm. It is a great offering by Rival Arms.
The price is justified considering the features and build quality. The Rival Arms X1 provides excellent value for the money.
I would personally recommend the Rival Arms X1 Micro Reflex 22mm Red Dot Sight to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable red dot sight. It’s a solid performer that won’t break the bank. Upgrade your shooting experience today and see the difference the Rival Arms X1 can make!