I struggled with this issue when considering the perfect optic for mySpringfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy.
I needed an optic that reflects the same outstanding performance the Prodigy offers.
After much study and consideration, I found the reflex optic I was searching for.
Modern handguns are considered well-equipped when fitted with red dot optics and weapon lights. The author’s pistol sports the new Bushnell RDS and a trusted SureFire light.
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.
Optics-ready pistols like the Springfield Echeon or the Prodigy (shown here) perfectly match the Bushnell RXM-300 optic.
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 Bushnell RXM-300 has a large viewing window. The author likens it to a drive-in movie screen that allows for an unobstructed view of the target.
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.
How tough is the Bushnell RXM-300? It’s rugged enough to be mounted to a rifle or pistol, has a 7075-T6 body and is submersible to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. Shown with included tall mount for a carbine.
Included are low- and high-rise picatinny mounts.
This means the optic can be used for both handguns and long guns.
Options are always nice, and the versatility the RXM-300 offers sets it apart from the competition.
The author tested the Bushnell RXM-300 on the range. Here he is shooting steel with the Springfield Prodigy.
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 lowest two tweaks are night vision compatible.
The control buttons are flush with the chassis and should not be affected by holsters.
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.
Is It Rugged?
Of course, nobody plans to drop their handgun, but it happens occasionally.
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 ducks 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.
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-300s MSRP is just $299.
That is a steal considering everything it offers.
I couldnt be happier with the 1911 DS Prodigy and RXM-300 combination.
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