Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 Low Mount Review

First Impressions of Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 Low Mount

The Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 Low Mount promises a streamlined and secure mounting solution for the RFX44 and RFX45 closed emitter green dot reflex sights. It’s a simple concept: a low-profile picatinny adapter to get your optic as close to the bore axis as possible. As someone with over a decade of experience mounting optics on everything from AR-15s to lever-action rifles, I was interested to see how this particular mount stacks up against the competition, especially given the mixed user feedback I’ve encountered.

I was looking for a low-profile mounting solution for a Steiner MPS I wanted to put on a Henry lever action. The height over bore can be a real issue on lever guns, impacting cheek weld and accuracy. My first impression was largely based on the hope that it would live up to its “low mount” designation and provide a rock-solid, dependable base.

Upon receiving the Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 Low Mount, the first thing I noticed was its minimalist design. The black matte finish and cleanly machined aluminum gave it a professional look. Compared to some bulkier, more complicated mounts on the market from companies like Midwest Industries or Scalarworks (albeit those are usually QD mounts), this one seemed refreshingly simple, prioritizing a direct, no-frills attachment. My initial reaction was cautiously optimistic, hoping that its simplicity translated to solid performance.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 Low Mount to the Test

First Use Experience

I initially tested the Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 Low Mount on my Henry 45-70 at an outdoor range. Conditions were sunny and dry. Installation was straightforward: the mount attached easily to the picatinny rail on the rifle. However, I immediately noticed a slight side-to-side play, even after tightening the mounting screw. This immediately raised a red flag and echoed concerns I had seen from other users.

During the first few rounds, the optic (Steiner MPS) held zero surprisingly well. However, after about 20 rounds of heavy 45-70 recoil, the mount began to shift slightly on the picatinny rail. This movement, though small, was enough to impact accuracy at 50 yards. The initial promise of a low-profile solution was quickly overshadowed by the mounting instability.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several range sessions spanning a couple of months, the Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 Low Mount continued to exhibit the same issue: slippage under recoil. The amount of slippage was inconsistent, sometimes subtle and sometimes more pronounced. This made maintaining a consistent zero extremely challenging. The finish, while initially attractive, began to show wear marks around the mounting screw and picatinny contact points.

Cleaning was simple, as the mount has no intricate parts, but this didn’t address the core issue of its unreliable grip. Compared to other mounts I’ve used, like those from Warne or Leupold, this Viridian mount falls short in terms of recoil resistance and overall reliability. While the “low mount” concept is sound, the execution leaves much to be desired.

Breaking Down the Features of Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 Low Mount

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Viridian Weapon Technologies
• Color: Black
• Finish: Matte
• Gun Model: Universal
• Gun Type: Rifle
• Height: 0.1 in
• Fabric/Material: Machined Aluminum
• Optic Cut: Not Applicable
• Gun Make: Universal
• Red Dot Sights-Footprint: Aim Point Acro
• Mount Type: Picatinny
• Gun Rail: Picatinny
• Material: Machined 6061 Aluminum w/ Hard Coat Anodization

The specifications highlight the mount’s lightweight and minimalist construction. The use of 6061 aluminum is typical for optic mounts, balancing weight and strength. However, the critical factor is the execution of the design, particularly the tolerances and the effectiveness of the mounting screw in preventing slippage.

Performance & Functionality

The Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 Low Mount aims to provide a low-profile and secure platform for Aimpoint Acro footprint optics on picatinny rails. In theory, it achieves the low-profile goal. However, in practice, its primary function – secure mounting – is compromised by its tendency to slip under recoil. This severely impacts accuracy and reliability.

The mount’s strength is its simplicity and minimal height. Its weakness is its inadequate clamping force on the picatinny rail, especially when subjected to significant recoil. It falls short of expectations for any firearm beyond maybe a .22LR.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality appears decent at first glance, with clean machining and a matte black finish. The 6061 aluminum is lightweight. However, the design suffers from a critical flaw: an insufficient clamping mechanism. The mount itself is quite simple to attach.

There is a slight learning curve as it requires careful tightening to minimize movement, but ultimately, even proper installation doesn’t eliminate the slippage issue.

Durability & Maintenance

The aluminum construction should be durable enough for most applications. However, the finish is prone to wear, and the mounting screw is a potential point of failure due to its thin profile and the stress it endures during tightening. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning and lubrication of the mounting screw. Its long-term durability is questionable, especially with repeated exposure to recoil.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 Low Mount is a standalone product and doesn’t include any additional accessories. Its primary purpose is to facilitate mounting an Aimpoint Acro footprint optic on a picatinny rail. There are no customization options directly related to the mount itself. The compatibility with other brands depends entirely on the optic’s footprint (Aimpoint Acro).

Pros and Cons of Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 Low Mount

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Who Should Buy Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 Low Mount?

The Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 Low Mount might be suitable for shooters using low-recoil firearms, such as .22LR rifles or pistols, if they are looking for an extremely low-profile mounting option and are willing to accept potential slippage. It could also be a temporary solution while waiting for a more robust mount.

Who should skip this product? Anyone using firearms with moderate to heavy recoil (9mm, 5.56, .308, 45-70, etc.) should avoid this mount. Those who demand consistent zero and reliable optic retention should also look elsewhere. A must-have modification would be a redesign of the clamping system to provide a more secure grip on the picatinny rail.

Conclusion on Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 Low Mount

The Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 Low Mount offers an appealingly low-profile design at a budget-friendly price. However, its fundamental flaw – slippage under recoil – undermines its value proposition. While the idea is sound, the execution falls short of providing a reliable and secure mounting solution.

The price of $27.49 might seem justified for a basic mount, but the performance issues outweigh the cost savings. I cannot personally recommend this product for anything beyond extremely low-recoil applications. Spend a bit more on a higher-quality mount from a reputable manufacturer like Scalarworks, Midwest Industries, or Badger Ordnance to ensure consistent zero and reliable performance.