Because my vision problems (and its corrective fixes) no longer allows me to accommodate for close in objects (ie the front sight is blurry), I have opted to transition to RDS sights for my self defense guns. Conventional wisdom would recommend starting off with the Trijicon RMR06 first. However, I was not sure that a RDS would be totally right for me. Along with the lack of accommodation, the special contacts I wear also gives me some astigmatism too. Thus the red dot always appears like a starburst at some level. On my rifles with T1/H1 sights, I look through my rear O-ring iron sight when aiming at distant targets to minimize this effect. Thus I didn't want to blow $600 for a sight that wasn't a long term solution. Instead I chose the Vortex Venom. It was $226 shipped from Amazon. Below are details of the test.
TEST RESULTS
- Dates of Test: 5/22/2016 to 7/10/2016.
- Gun Mounted: Glock 17 MOS.
- Sights used: Dawson Precision MOS tritium sights: allows for about 1/2 cowitness above the level of the sight housing.
- Total Rounds: 2081.
- Using sight to rack the slide: 150+
- Total battery life: on same original battery since 5/22/16 without turning off red dot (2.5 months).
- Zero shifts: none.
- Failures: The dot turned off 3 times total during this test. They occurred one time for the last 3 outings (rounds 1231-2081). Turned back on with touching the up button immediately. Battery housing was secure all three times.
OBSERVATIONS
- The Glock was new also and shot the 2081 rounds without any malfunctions with the RDS on top. Loctite is mandatory.
- Visible back up sights are mandatory. Without them I would be hosed when the RDS went out.
- The sight picture on the Venom is wide and nice. There is a slight blue-ish tint to the glass. I cannot comment on how crisp the dot is. Everybody who has looked told me it looks great.
- I treated the sights roughly and it held up great.
THE BIG QUESTIONS
Do I put a failing grade on this sight? It did turn off expectantly three times during the test. I also did come back on quickly without any fuss. It had no other problems. Do I replace it with the RMR06? I don't know if I would put the Glock 17 MOS up for sale if it hiccuped only 3 times. We probably have a good idea when it is time to ditch a gun; but a RDS? What do you guys think?