TFB Review: Viridian RFX 35 Green Dot Sight

Last year, Viridian Weapon Tech released the Viridian RFX 35, along with two other new RFX line green dot optics, primarily driven for the optics cut pistol market. However, the new RFX line also comes supplied with a Picatinny mount for equipping them on long guns as well. Out of the new RFX series, the RFX 35 features the largest window, which is also rounded to allow a bit more through-optic sight picture. I spent some time with the RFX 35 mounted for my review of the Glock 45 MOS pistol and afterward mounted it onto a couple AR-15s. Let’s take a look at how the RFX 35 did.

Viridian Weapon Tech @ TFB:

• Optics Planet & Viridian Release Omega Universal Lights & Green Lasers
• Optics Planet & Viridian Partner on OPMOD One-Piece 30mm Mounts
• [SHOT 2023] New Viridian FX45 Closed Emitter Green Dot Sight and More
• New P365XL E SERIES Green Laser Sights Available from Viridian
• Viridian FACT Duty Weapon-Mounted Cameras – MSPCE

I was grateful for the opportunity to review the RFX 35 since pistol red (and green) dot sights are fun and practical. The RFX 35 specifically resembles a similar profile to the Trijicon SRO with its large rounded window but is less than half the price of the Trijicon. The green dot, as opposed to the traditional red dot also appeals to my eyes since it can be much brighter on the brightest of days. I will note that my camera didn’t show the dot as brightly as my eye picked it up in person.

Viridian did a great job at keeping the housing to a thin but sturdy minimum to allow for maximum viewing through and around the RFX 35. One of the trade-offs for this is that the battery compartment is only accessed by removing the optic. While this is an undesirable aspect for some, I’m not overly bothered by it since Viridian included a rubber seal around the battery compartment, that when mated to a plate, slide, or the supplied Picatinny mount, the seal is clearly engaged and protects the battery against the elements.

• 3 MOA Green Dot
• 22×26 mm viewing window
• RMR Mounting Footprint & Picatinny mount included
• Auto shut off and INSTANT- ON® technology
• High grade aluminum alloy body, lightest in its class
• Designed from the ground up to ensure clarity, solid function, and rapid target acquisition
• Designed to fit full size handguns, shotguns, and rifles
• With 2 night vision brightness settings, the RFX35 is the perfect optic for your pistol in any light condition
• Tested in the harshest conditions to ensure your optic will be ready whenever you need it
• 8 Visible & 2 Night Vision Brightness Settings

TECH SPECS:
ACTIVATION: User controlled and INSTANT-ON®
Dimensions: 1.93″ x 1.16″ x 1.2″
MOUNT: RMR standard footprint
BATTERY LIFE: 30,000+ hours (middle settings)
BATTERY TYPE: CR2032
OBJECTIVE LENS: 22×26 mm
TOOLS: Included in packaging
MATERIALS: 6061-T6 aluminum alloy
OP TEMP: -4 °F to 130 °F
WATERPROOF: IPX6
WEIGHT: 1.0 oz
WARRANTY: Lifetime Limited
DOT SIZE: 3 MOA
DOT COLOR: Green
AUTO OFF: 2 minutes

As for getting around any potential zero shift from removing the sight to replace the battery, users could always arrange to change the battery at the range to confirm their zero after replacing the RFX 35. Viridian boasts a 30,000-hour battery life at a medium brightness setting, which provides a few years of not having to worry about it. Unsurprisingly, during the six months of having the RFX 35, I didn’t have any issues regarding the battery life despite leaving it on the entire time at various brightness settings.

The elevation and windage adjustments on the Viridian RFX 35 worked fine, but require a hex wrench. Even though Viridian supplies the wrench for adjustments, I prefer the knob to have a slotted head that I could adjust with my knife, rather than having to dig around my range bag for a specific tool. The adjustment dials don’t have any audible or tactile indications as to how far each adjustment is being moved, but the adjustment dials take firm, intentional pressure to move. I never had any zero shifts during my time with the RFX 35. Outside the dial holes are 360-degree markings, but the dials themselves don’t have any corresponding indication markings. The user could add a dash of paint, permanent marker, or fingernail polish onto the dial for more precise adjustments.

I also used the supplied picatinny mount from Viridian in order to mount the RFX 35 to a couple AR15 rifles. This style of mounting exposes the optic to more wear and tear on a hard-use rifle, so finding an optic protector may help. However, if you just plan on standing the RFX 35 equipped rifle in a corner for home defense, or just casually taking it to the range, it should be fine. When mounted to the Bear Creek Arsenal BC-9 with its Picatinny stock mount, I found that attaching my stock at the lowest notch allowed me to forego an optic riser.

The Viridian RFX 35 is a versatile optic and is easy to set up and use. The only drawback I found was that the whole optic needed to be removed to replace the battery. The RFX’s glass is crisp and clear and has great dimensions for viewing through, while the glass’ housing is minimal to maintain a good peripheral view outside the optic.

Check Prices on Viridian RFX 35 Reflex Sights

The Viridian RFX 35 is priced at $289, which you can find on the dedicated page HERE. You can also visit ViridianWeaponTech.com to see the rest of their products, as well as the other RFX models.

What do you think of the RFX 35 Green Dot Sight? If you’ve already bought one, how has your experience been?