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Sometimes, I have difficulty finding the perfect red dot optic for a specific handgun. Considering the value of the handgun and the purpose of its use, it boils down to a cost/value/purpose scenario.
I struggled with this issue when considering the perfect optic for my Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy. Being a huge fan of 1911s and loving the 1911 DS Prodigy for range-time fun, I searched for the best reflex optic that both complements the 1911 DS Prodigy and enhances it. I needed an optic that reflects the same outstanding performance the Prodigy offers.
I searched for an optic that offers a firm mount, large glass, clear dot, simple controls, shake awake feature and a rugged build. After much study and consideration, I found the reflex optic I was searching for.
The Answer?
Bushnell is now producing a reflex red dot dot optic with a large glass lens called the RXM-300. The optic uses an RMR footprint and offers user-selectable auto-ambient intensity or manual brightness control.
It also has my requirement of a “shake awake” function. The default condition is manual brightness and “shake awake” is engaged with a five-minute off delay. Basically, that means it is power on demand. The red dot will disengage after five minutes of inactivity, but will shake awake with any movement. That is a phenomenal feature.
The RXM-300 box includes everything needed for mounting the optic and sighting it in. Included are low- and high-rise picatinny mounts. This means the optic can be used for both handguns and long guns. Mounting this optic using the high-rise mount gives the shooter a clear visual alignment of the red dot on a long gun. Options are always nice, and the versatility the RXM-300 offers sets it apart from the competition.
Big Windows
The Bushnell RXM-300 has a large glass window that gives the shooter the impression they are looking at a drive-in movie screen. The glass lens is 28mm wide and 24mm tall. That is a large, unobstructed field of view. Just raise the pistol to the target, and the crisp 4 MOA red dot is easily acquired.
The red dot has 12 brightness settings for clear day bright viewing and lower intensity settings for low light conditions. The lowest two settings are night vision compatible. The control buttons are flush with the chassis and should not be affected by holsters.
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If the user tends to brush a button while drawing, they can take advantage of the button lockout feature by simply pressing and holding both buttons for three seconds. The LED will swell twice to let the user know it’s engaged, and then the sight will not respond to any button presses unless the same button press-hold for three seconds occurs.
Battery Life
The battery life of the optic is rated at approximately 35,000 hours on the mid-setting red dot intensity, which is equivalent to four years. A single CR2032 battery powers the unit.
The top-loading battery compartment offers the shooter easy replacement with minimal maintenance. Swapping out the battery will not require the user to remove the optic or to “re-sight” it back in. It’s such a nice touch compared to other red dot optics that require the optic to be removed to replace the battery.
Is It Rugged?
The RXM-300 uses a strong 7075-T6 aluminum housing that ensures the glass and electronic internals are protected during field use. Of course, nobody plans to drop their handgun, but it happens occasionally. The RXM-300 offers shooters “peace of mind” by knowing it is built tough and will withstand standard range usage and even some abuse and keep on functioning.
This optic is rated to be submerged in one meter of water for 30 minutes without damage. Bushnell uses an EXO barrier hydrophobic coating that reduces fogging when transitioning environments. The EXO barrier will repel water, light debris and other contaminants like water off a duck’s back.
Range Time
I mounted the RXM-300 on the 1911 DS Prodigy and hit the range. The “sight in” was simple with one MOA elevation and windage adjustments. After sighting it in, I was ringing steel with ease.
The large glass lens made target acquisition and transitioning a breeze. The red dot was extremely clear to see as the 1911 DS Prodigy went to work. If you watch the video at the top of the page, you’ll notice that several of my targets are very small. As an average/competent shooter, I tagged those targets one after another.
My confidence grew the more I shot the Prodigy with the RXM-300. I had no problem stepping back past 20 to 30 yards. For some shooters, that is an easy task but, for me, that distance is very challenging. I just aligned the dot and pressed that sweet 1911 DS Prodigy trigger and I was on target.
RXM-300 Price
The Bushnell RXM-300’s MSRP is just $299. That is a steal considering everything it offers. For me, I’ll choose to save some dough over a more expensive optic and experience first-class shooting with the very Bushnell RXM-300. I couldn’t be happier with the 1911 DS Prodigy and RXM-300 combination.
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