Easy on the Eyes: Viridian RFX11 and RFX15 Green Dot Sights

Viridian is probably best known for their laser aiming packages geared toward small, concealed carry pistols. But they produce several reflex sights perfect for tactical rifles and optics-ready handguns. One unique feature across the lineup is the use of green dots and green lasers, rather than red, which is easy on the eyes and does not wash out in harsh sunlight. The RFX11 and RFX15 represent Viridian’s most economical options that perform above the price. Here is how they stack up:

The Viridian RFX15

The Viridian RFX15 is the company’s flagship open-emitter 3 MOA green dot sight. It features 6061 T6 anodized aluminum construction with an optical window measuring 17mmx24mm. It is set up to fit pistols milled for a Shield Arms footprint but comes equipped with an aluminum Picatinny mount for attaching to rails. The RFX15 also comes with brightness setting buttons: one to increase brightness on the left side and one to decrease it on the right. In total, it has eight brightness settings, including two settings for viewing with night vision devices.

Elevation and windage adjustments at the rear of the optic are also moveable via one of three hex and Allen keys. One is used to drive the included installation bolts, one is clamped down the Picatinny rail, and the other is for zeroing the optic. 

The RFX15 has a waterproof rating of IPX6 and weighs 0.7 ounces with a CR2032 battery. On a middle brightness setting, Viridian rates the battery life at 30,000+ hours, which is extended by automatic shutoff and Instant-On features. The RFX15 is available with your choice of either a black or FDE anodized finish and ships with a lens cleaning cloth and a rubber dust cover. It has an MSRP of $289.

The Viridian RFX11

It is useful to think of the Viridian RFX11 as a thermo-molded polymer version of the RFX15. It features the same 3 MOA dot, the same advertised 30,000-hour battery life, and the same automatic on/off settings. The major difference, as stated, is that it features a polymer frame.

The RFX11’s dot is not manually adjustable, and the optic relies on an ambient light sensor to tailor the dot’s brightness to the environment. It also has a slightly smaller viewing window of 16x22mm and has a flat top where the adjustment turrets are located. Like the RFX15, the RFX11 is set up for a Shield footprint pistol but comes with the same aluminum Picatinny rail base.

The RFX11 comes with the same installation equipment and accessories as the RFX15, including the adjustment keys, bolts, cleaning cloth, and dust cover. It has an IPX4 waterproof rating and uses a CR2032 battery. This optic ranks amongst the lightest optics on the market, weighing 0.5 ounces with the battery installed. Because of its lighter construction and minimalistic design, it has an MSRP of $209.

The Viridian RFX11 and RFX15 Compared

Each green dot model has its pros and cons. The RFX11 is the winner in the weight category and has the virtue of having a sensor-controlled brightness setting. However, perception varies from person to person and light to light. Although the sensor will most likely pick the right setting, for some shooters under certain shooting conditions, it might not be the appropriate setting.

The polymer housing is also more elastic than aluminum, and some shooters might have durability concerns and perhaps even fitment concerns with the milled aluminum or steel slides of an automatic pistol.

The RFX15 has a superior rating in the waterproof department and, of course, features durable aluminum construction. You are free to adjust the brightness to your liking, although it might wake up to a setting that you will have to readjust later on as there is no setting memory feature.  

Both pistols feature the same on/off arrangement with an automatic shutoff that is advertised to start after two minutes of inactivity. In my own testing of both optics, the emitter shut off after five minutes. Both also require the user to dismount the optic to change batteries, which can lead to some concerns about the optics losing their zero. Although the RFX11 is more budget-friendly, both optics are reasonably priced. Although the RFX15 is more durable, the RFX11 is “smarter.”

In the Field with the Viridian RFX Green Dots

I tested both optics across three firearms, and over 1,000 rounds fired downrange to determine which is better and whether their quirks are material concerns. I started by mounting the RFX15 on a Rainier Arms Dusk 19R, an upgraded Glock 19.

That particular pistol is cut for an RMR footprint, but with the help of a Rival Arms adapter plate, I had the RFX15 mounted in a few minutes. Viridian does provide enough bolt options to successfully use an adapter plate, should you need one—a smart move for people unaccustomed to pistol optics. You know, people like me. 

Zeroing the Optic

Sighting the optic was a bit touch-and-go. With the adapter plate, the optic was still high enough to achieve a good co-witness with the higher-profile sights on the Dusk 19R. From the bench, I simply flicked the brightness adjustment setting to compensate for the shade of my position and the glare on paper and let loose.

After a few shots downrange, I moved the dot to my intended aiming point. It does visually move as you twist the key from left to right or up and down. I still didn’t hit the point of aim. My inexperience quickly came up with a solution. I moved the dot from my intended point of aim to where my bullets originally struck, and success!

In under 5 minutes, I was zeroed at 10 yards. I repeated the same process with the RFX11 on its initial outing on a Savage A22 takedown rifle. The light sensor did a good job picking the right setting, and I was on target in no time. 

In a 350-round battery firing over several weeks, the RFX15 performed flawlessly on the Dusk 19R. The Loctite-coated screws never backed out, and all the brightness settings worked as expected. The 3 MOA dot was a good compromise between instant visibility and accuracy, as a larger dot that is more visible may not be so good at printing tight groups up close or obscuring larger targets at farther distances.

Although the dot did not improve my shooting from 7-15 yards, it did help me get repeatable and quick hits at 25-50 yards compared to using the iron sights alone. 

Durability Tests

I expected more trouble from the RFX11 because of its lighter construction. Admittedly, I started it out on a .22 rifle because I believed I might damage the optic if put on anything heavier. I found it a compelling light optic that one might use on a .22 rifle for closer shots. It went through a 300-round battery of testing with no issues. The light sensor also made quick work of extremely dim thunderstorm light and extremely sunny cloudless light, adjusting the brightness smartly.

To up the ante, I mounted it onto an Arex Delta Gen. 2 pistol chambered in 9mm and subjected the optic to some more abuse. Nothing happened. 

I subjected both optics to an eight-hour range day of moderate rain to satisfy my curiosity. Water got into the viewing windows, and despite having multicoated lenses, they fogged up when I went into the shelter. However, both optics cleared up, and their dots were not affected throughout that day or in the time since. My usual range days consisting of upper 90-degree temperatures and near 100% humidity didn’t hurt them either. 

The biggest flaw I found in both designs is the potential to lose zero, as the optic has to be removed from the Picatinny mount or the pistol slide for a battery change. Both optics are cut to fit securely around the locking nubs of a Shield footprint and secured via two bolts to a Picatinny mount.

Assuming everything is torqued down correctly, there should not be a loss of zero. But there is always that possibility. So that is what I did. I did not have a torque wrench to get my bolts tightened to the exact spec, so I had to settle for a snug fit using the included keys. To my surprise, both optics preserved their zeroes. I did lose zero going from the rifle to a pistol with the RFX11, but that was to be expected. 

The Viridian RFX Series: A Good Buy?

The world of reflex sights can be a frustrating one to conquer if you are just starting out. You have to know what each optics footprint is, what optics fit which footprint, and which adapter plates to get if necessary. There is also an ever-expanding portfolio of features out there, from Shake-Wake, auto-shutoff, auto-brightness, and even solar power capability.

There are also closed and open emitter types to contend with. Viridian is expanding its line to include the latest advancements. The RFX11 and RFX15 optics represent something of a generation that has already passed on an accessory that barely existed five years ago. Like those first optics, these early RFX models require dismounting for a battery change, while some later models have a port on the side so the optic stays mounted.

Although I did not have an issue, I do appreciate the concern. I found the RFX dots to be more feature-filled and useable than other first-gen-like optics. Holistically, the Viridian RFX11 and RFX15 exceed expectations beyond their price points.