Viridian RFX 35 better than an SRO?

Upon initially getting the Viridian RFX 35, I was skeptical about the durability of the optic. Testing it for the last 6 months has alleviated any of those fears.

The Viridian RFX 35 has a window size that matches that of the class leading Trijicon SRO but weighs 20% less. It features push button brightness adjustment and an “INSTANT-ON®” feature similar to shake awake technology of competitors.  With a claimed battery life of 30,000 hours it will last far longer than similarly priced green dots like the Crimson Trace RAD. The housing is made of 6061-T6 aluminum and the window is glass, not something that can be said for many sub $300 pistol mounted optics. The differentiator that most people will focus on is the green dot vs the more common red. To be honest, I like them both and each has pros and cons.

​After receiving the RFX 35, I mounted it to a Glock 17 with a Primary Arms slide cut for an RMR. The RFX 35 uses a bottom mounted battery just like the RMR and popped onto the slide with no issues. This particular Glock is dedicated as a loaner gun for pistol classes and sees rain, dirt, dust and hundreds of manipulations using the sight to run the slide. The optic is IPX6 rated and I haven’t had any issues even with heavy rain.

The zeroing process was easier than I expected as the windage and elevation screws do not have an audible or tactile click. You will need an allen wrench to make adjustments but one comes in the box and I always keep a set in my range bag. 

Over the last 6 months and about 2000 rounds fired by me and students using this as a loaner pistol the RFX 35 has proven itself to be a dependable optic. Not once did it lose zero or have any refresh/flickering issues. The large window size makes it much easier for people new to the “Dot Life” to find and track the dot. In addition, the very clear glass decreases optical distortions that I have seen in many other lower priced optics. As you can see in the photos, the optic sits extremely low on the slide which will allow me to switch to standard height sights without losing the ability to have BUIS. 

​The glass is nicely recessed in the housing allowing for vigorous slide manipulations off of holsters, barricades, and anything else you might need to use, without worrying about scratching the lens. While a minor point, one of my biggest surprises is how well the finish has held up. Even after dozens of impacts while manipulating the slide and rubbing against gear while carried in an open top holster, it looks practically new.

---

For recreational, competition, and concealed carry, the RFX 35 could be a great option. It offers many of the benefits you get from large window optics like the SRO while coming in at less than half the price (MSRP). As for “Duty Use,” I'll leave that up to Aaron Cowen in his infamous drop tests.