Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 RMR Mounting Adapter Review

First Impressions of Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 RMR Mounting Adapter

The Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 RMR Mounting Adapter promises a seamless transition between the RFX 45 closed emitter green dot reflex sight and slides cut for the ubiquitous RMR footprint. At a price point hovering around $20, it seemingly offers an affordable solution for those looking to mount Viridian’s optic on a wide variety of pistols. My initial attraction stemmed from a desire to experiment with different optic configurations on my Glock 19, without committing to a permanent slide modification.

I’ve always appreciated Viridian’s innovative approach to laser sights and their foray into red dots intrigued me. Unboxing the adapter, I immediately noticed the simple, no-frills design. The adapter is machined from aluminum with a matte black finish; it felt lightweight and appeared reasonably well-made. I was eager to see if it lived up to its promise of compatibility, considering the mixed user reviews I had seen online prior to purchase.

Before settling on the Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 RMR Mounting Adapter, I considered the Trijicon RMR mount and a generic RMR adapter plate from Amazon. I opted for the Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 RMR Mounting Adapter because of its advertised compatibility with the RFX 45 and the backing of a known manufacturer, Viridian Weapon Technologies. My first impression was one of cautious optimism, tempered by the conflicting feedback I had encountered in online forums.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 RMR Mounting Adapter to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground for the Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 RMR Mounting Adapter was my local indoor shooting range. I mounted the RFX 45 onto the adapter, then secured the entire assembly onto my Glock 19 slide which has an RMR cut. The installation process was straightforward; the screws aligned properly, and everything seemed snug. I ran about 200 rounds of 9mm through the pistol.

The first few shots revealed a minor issue: the RFX 45, while securely mounted, seemed to sit slightly higher than expected. This resulted in a minor adjustment to my cheek weld and sight picture, which I quickly adapted to. The adapter held up well during the initial range session; there was no evidence of loosening or shifting. The bright indoor lighting didn’t present any visibility issues with the RFX 45’s green dot.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the past few months, I have used the Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 RMR Mounting Adapter in several different shooting scenarios. This included outdoor range days in varying weather conditions and force-on-force training exercises. The adapter has proven to be reasonably durable, showing minimal signs of wear and tear despite frequent handling and exposure to the elements. Cleaning is simple, requiring only a quick wipe down with a CLP-soaked cloth.

However, a significant drawback emerged during extended use: the adapter’s fit on different RMR-cut slides varied considerably. While it worked flawlessly on my Glock 19, it exhibited significant wobble on a friend’s Zev Technologies slide. This inconsistency in fit is a concern. This makes me question its true “universal” compatibility.

Breaking Down the Features of Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 RMR Mounting Adapter

Specifications

The Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 RMR Mounting Adapter is designed to bridge the gap between the Viridian RFX 45 red dot sight and slides cut for the Trijicon RMR footprint. Constructed from machined aluminum with a matte black finish, it aims for both durability and a low-profile aesthetic. The adapter’s key specifications include being compatible with RMR-cut slides, fitting the RFX 45 optic, and having a height of only 0.1 inches.

The use of machined aluminum ensures that the adapter can withstand the recoil and stresses associated with pistol shooting. The low-profile design helps minimize the added height of the optic. This maintains a reasonable cheek weld and sight picture. The matte black finish reduces glare and blends seamlessly with most pistol slides.

Performance & Functionality

The Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 RMR Mounting Adapter’s primary function is to provide a secure and reliable mounting platform for the RFX 45 on RMR-cut slides. In ideal scenarios, it accomplishes this task adequately, holding the optic firmly in place and maintaining zero. However, the inconsistency in fit across different slide manufacturers significantly impacts its overall performance. While it performs admirably on some pistols, it can exhibit unacceptable wobble and instability on others.

The adapter’s strength lies in its simplicity and ease of installation. Its weakness is the lack of a truly universal fit. It meets expectations in terms of basic functionality, but falls short of delivering the consistent performance that serious shooters demand.

Design & Ergonomics

The adapter’s design is minimalist and functional. The machined aluminum construction provides a decent level of durability. It weighs very little, adding negligible weight to the overall pistol setup. The matte black finish complements most pistol finishes.

However, the lack of specific recoil lugs or a tighter tolerance design contributes to the aforementioned fitment issues. A more refined design with tighter tolerances and perhaps interchangeable shims could significantly improve its ergonomics and compatibility.

Durability & Maintenance

The Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 RMR Mounting Adapter is constructed from machined 6061 aluminum with hard coat anodization. This should provide adequate durability for most shooting applications. After several months of use, I observed only minor surface scratches. The adapter appears capable of withstanding regular use without significant degradation.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a CLP-soaked cloth to remove powder residue and grime. No specialized tools or procedures are needed for maintenance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 RMR Mounting Adapter does not come with any additional accessories beyond the necessary mounting screws. Its primary purpose is to adapt the RFX 45 to an RMR-cut slide. Therefore it doesn’t lend itself to further customization beyond the choice of optic and slide combination. Compatibility with aftermarket accessories is limited to those designed for the RMR footprint.

Pros and Cons of Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 RMR Mounting Adapter

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Who Should Buy Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 RMR Mounting Adapter?

The Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 RMR Mounting Adapter is perfect for budget-conscious shooters who own an RFX 45 and want to experiment with mounting it on an RMR-cut slide, particularly if that slide is known to be dimensionally accurate. It is also suitable for individuals who are comfortable with minor modifications and adjustments. For example, the use of shims to achieve a secure fit.

Those seeking a guaranteed, rock-solid mounting solution for duty use or high-stakes competitions should skip this product. Similarly, users with slides from manufacturers known for looser tolerances should also consider alternatives. Must-have accessories might include a set of precision shims and thread locker for secure mounting.

Conclusion on Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 RMR Mounting Adapter

The Viridian Weapon Technologies RFX 45 RMR Mounting Adapter offers an affordable entry point for mounting the RFX 45 red dot sight onto RMR-cut slides. Its simplicity and low price are appealing, but its inconsistent fit across different slide manufacturers is a significant drawback. The value proposition is questionable, as the potential need for shimming and the risk of wobble detract from its overall utility.

While I appreciate the adapter’s durability and ease of installation, I cannot wholeheartedly recommend it due to its unreliable fit. The promise of universal compatibility simply isn’t fulfilled in practice. If you’re willing to gamble and potentially tinker with shims, it might be worth a try. Otherwise, investing in a more precisely engineered mounting solution would be a wiser choice.