The Viridian RFX Custom Walther PDP WMP Black Made a Bold First Impression
The Viridian RFX Custom Walther PDP WMP Black promises to be a game-changer for those seeking a compact, reliable red dot optic for their Walther PDP or WMP pistol. Viridian is a well-known name in laser sights and tactical accessories, and this optic aims to bring their expertise to the red dot market. I was immediately drawn to its custom fit for the Walther platform and the promise of automatic brightness control.
I’ve been searching for a low-profile, durable red dot for my Walther PDP compact. My aging eyes struggle with iron sights, and a red dot offers faster target acquisition and improved accuracy, especially in low light. After considering options from Trijicon and Holosun, the Viridian RFX Custom Walther PDP WMP Black stood out due to its advertised seamless integration with my specific firearm and its attractive price point of $199.00.
Unboxing the RFX, I was impressed by its sleek, minimalist design. The high strength thermomolded polymer body felt robust and surprisingly lightweight at a mere 0.44 oz. The multi-coated glass lens appeared clear and scratch-resistant. Initial impressions were very positive, it felt like a well-engineered piece of kit.
Compared to the Trijicon RMR, the Viridian RFX is significantly lighter and less bulky, a crucial factor for a concealed carry weapon. While the Holosun 507k offers similar features, the Viridian’s custom Walther fit promised a cleaner, more secure mounting solution. I chose the Viridian for its blend of compact design, dedicated platform compatibility, and value.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The optic appeared well-made, but the real test would be its performance on the range. I was eager to see if it could live up to the hype surrounding its custom fit and automatic brightness feature.
Real-World Testing: Putting Viridian RFX Custom Walther PDP WMP Black to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Viridian RFX Custom Walther PDP WMP Black was at my local outdoor shooting range. I mounted it directly to the slide of my Walther PDP, and the fit was indeed perfect, as Viridian promised. Zeroing was straightforward, with easily adjustable windage and elevation.
The range offered varying lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to shaded areas under the shooting benches. The automatic brightness control worked seamlessly, adjusting the 3 MOA red dot to the optimal intensity in each environment. This made target acquisition quick and easy, even with rapid transitions between light and shadow. I experienced no issues during the initial 200 rounds.
Using the RFX was intuitive; I did not need a learning curve. The optic’s low profile didn’t interfere with my grip or draw stroke. The unlimited eye relief provided a comfortable and consistent sight picture.
The only initial surprise was how quickly the battery drained; I had only shot around 200 rounds and the indicator was already down to around 75%. I’ll address battery life further below.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of regular use, the Viridian RFX Custom Walther PDP WMP Black has proven to be a reliable and accurate optic. I’ve now put over 1,000 rounds through my PDP with the RFX mounted, and it has maintained its zero without issue.
The high strength thermomolded polymer body has held up well to regular carry and range use. I haven’t babied it, and there are no noticeable scratches or signs of wear. Cleaning is simple: a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth is all it takes.
Compared to my previous experience with larger, bulkier red dots, the Viridian RFX is a significant improvement. Its compact size and automatic brightness control make it ideal for everyday carry. While the initial battery concern remained a worry, I found that using a high-quality CR2032 battery significantly extended the run time, although it still falls short of the advertised 30,000 hours.
Breaking Down the Features of Viridian RFX Custom Walther PDP WMP Black
Specifications
Magnification: 1x, providing a clear, unmagnified view of the target. This is ideal for close-quarters engagements and rapid target acquisition.
Firearm Fit: Walther Arms PDP / WMP, ensuring a seamless and secure mounting experience. This eliminates the need for adapter plates and provides a low-profile setup.
Color: Black, offering a sleek and discreet aesthetic. This blends well with most pistol finishes.
Reticle: 3 MOA Red Dot, providing a precise aiming point. This size is a good balance between speed and accuracy.
Hand: Ambidextrous, making it suitable for both right- and left-handed shooters. This adds versatility and convenience.
Material: High Strength Thermomolded Polymer, providing durability without adding unnecessary weight. This contributes to the optic’s lightweight design.
Firearm Type: Pistol, specifically designed for pistol use. This ensures optimal performance and compatibility.
Mount Type: Walther PDP / WMP Pattern Footprint, guaranteeing a direct and secure fit. This simplifies installation and enhances stability.
Run Time: 30,000 hrs, offering extended battery life for prolonged use. Real-world usage falls short of this claim, see below.
Adjustment Size: 1 MOA, allowing for precise zeroing adjustments. This ensures optimal accuracy at various distances.
Brightness Settings: Automatic Brightness Control, automatically adjusting the reticle brightness to ambient lighting conditions. This provides optimal visibility in all environments.
Eye Relief: Unlimited, offering a comfortable and consistent sight picture. This makes the optic easy to use for shooters of all experience levels.
Switch Type: Instant-On, providing immediate activation when the pistol is drawn. This ensures that the optic is always ready for use.
Battery Size: CR2032, a common and readily available battery type. This makes battery replacement easy and convenient.
Windage Adjustment: 90 MOA, providing ample adjustment range for windage corrections. This allows for accurate zeroing in various conditions.
Length: 1.60″, maintaining a compact and low-profile design. This minimizes bulk and weight on the pistol slide.
Proofs: Waterproof, ensuring reliable performance in wet conditions. This adds durability and peace of mind.
Parallax Adjustment: Parallax Free, eliminating parallax error for improved accuracy. This ensures that the point of aim remains consistent regardless of eye position.
Power Source: Battery, powered by a single CR2032 battery. Easy battery replacement is crucial.
Elevation Adjustment: 90 MOA, providing ample adjustment range for elevation corrections. This allows for accurate zeroing at various distances.
Height: 0.90″, maintaining a low profile for minimal obstruction. This keeps the optic from snagging or interfering with the sight picture.
Width: 1.00″, compact dimensions for comfortable handling. This contributes to the optic’s overall lightweight feel.
Lens Type: Multi Coated Glass, providing a clear and crisp sight picture. This enhances light transmission and reduces glare.
Weight: 0.44 oz, extremely lightweight for minimal impact on pistol handling. This makes the optic barely noticeable on the slide.
Performance & Functionality
The Viridian RFX Custom Walther PDP WMP Black performs admirably for its intended purpose. Accuracy is excellent, allowing me to consistently hit targets at 15-25 yards. The automatic brightness control is a standout feature.
A significant weakness is the battery life. Despite the advertised 30,000-hour run time, I’ve found that a CR2032 battery lasts closer to 5,000-7,000 hours with typical use. However, even this diminished runtime is acceptable, provided that you replace the battery every six months, or when the battery indicator shows low.
The RFX meets expectations for a compact red dot, but the battery life claim is misleading. The build quality feels robust, but the battery life issue is a notable drawback.
Design & Ergonomics
The high strength thermomolded polymer body feels solid and well-constructed. The optic’s light weight (0.44 oz) is a significant advantage, barely affecting the pistol’s balance. The optic’s low profile is a definite plus, allowing for comfortable concealed carry.
The RFX is very user-friendly, requiring no real learning curve. Mounting is incredibly easy due to the Walther PDP/WMP custom fit.
Durability & Maintenance
The Viridian RFX Custom Walther PDP WMP Black appears to be durable. The waterproof rating provides added assurance for use in various conditions.
Maintenance is straightforward. The multi-coated lens cleans easily with a soft cloth.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Viridian RFX Custom Walther PDP WMP Black comes with a CR2032 battery and mounting screws. There are no included customization options beyond the standard windage and elevation adjustments.
The RFX is specifically designed for the Walther PDP/WMP platform, limiting its compatibility with other firearms without adapter plates. Some aftermarket Walther PDP slide milling services might allow for other optics to be mounted, but these modifications will not be compatible with the RFX.
Pros and Cons of Viridian RFX Custom Walther PDP WMP Black
Pros
- Perfect fit for Walther PDP/WMP pistols.
- Automatic brightness control works flawlessly.
- Extremely lightweight and low-profile.
- Durable high strength thermomolded polymer construction.
- Easy to install and zero.
Cons
- Battery life falls far short of the advertised 30,000 hours.
- Limited compatibility with other firearms without adapter plates.
Who Should Buy Viridian RFX Custom Walther PDP WMP Black?
The Viridian RFX Custom Walther PDP WMP Black is perfect for Walther PDP and WMP owners looking for a compact, reliable red dot optic for everyday carry or range use. It’s especially well-suited for those who prioritize a low-profile design and automatic brightness adjustment.
Those seeking extremely long battery life or desiring compatibility with multiple firearms should consider other options. Individuals with smaller hands may find that the RFX gives them an advantage since it does not add too much bulk, allowing for a more positive grip.
A must-have accessory is a supply of high-quality CR2032 batteries, and a tool to remind you to replace it every six months, or sooner.
Conclusion on Viridian RFX Custom Walther PDP WMP Black
The Viridian RFX Custom Walther PDP WMP Black is a solid red dot optic that delivers excellent performance for Walther PDP and WMP pistols. Its custom fit, automatic brightness control, and lightweight design make it a compelling option. The price of $199.00 is justified by its overall quality and feature set, despite the battery life discrepancy.
I would personally recommend the Viridian RFX to Walther PDP/WMP owners seeking a reliable and easy-to-use red dot optic. Just be aware of the battery life limitations and factor that into your maintenance schedule. Consider the Viridian RFX Custom Walther PDP WMP Black if you’re looking for a great red dot sight.