I recently took the plunge and added the ADE Advanced Optics RD3-020 red dot sight to my pistol. As someone who’s been wanting to try a red dot for a while, the RD3-020’s budget-friendly price tag was hard to resist. Let’s break down how it performed.
Specs and Features:
- Fits Trijicon RMR footprint/slide/screw pattern
- 1 MOA red dot
- Motion-activated automatic illumination (with manual on/off option)
- 10 brightness settings
- Up to 50,000 hours battery life (low setting)
- Rail mount included (primary use is for optics-ready pistols)
Best Features:
The automatic illumination is a big win. The sight wakes up with the slightest movement and goes back to sleep after a period of inactivity, saving battery. Plus, having 10 brightness settings is great for adapting to different lighting conditions.
Advantages in Use:
- Acquisition speed: With the red dot, acquiring my target was noticeably faster compared to iron sights.
- Improved accuracy: Focusing on the target instead of aligning sights definitely tightened up my shot grouping.
Disadvantages to Consider:
- Build quality: While it functions well, the RD3-020 feels a bit lighter and less robust compared to higher-end red dots.
- Battery compartment: The battery compartment is on the bottom of the sight, which requires removing the sight to change it. Not a deal breaker, but slightly inconvenient.
My Experience:
Overall, I’m impressed with the RD3-020 for the price. It’s a solid option for shooters looking for an affordable red dot sight to enhance their pistol performance. It definitely boosted my confidence and made acquiring targets a breeze.
Online Buzz:
Customer reviews on the RD3-020 are a mixed bag. Some users, like myself, praise the automatic illumination and price point. However, there are also mentions of issues with the included mounting screws not being the right size and some concerns about the long-term durability.
The Verdict:
If you’re a budget-minded shooter looking for your first red dot experience, the ADE Advanced Optics RD3-020 is absolutely worth considering. Just keep in mind that you might need to source separate mounting screws and that the build quality might not match high-end optics. But for the price, it delivers a significant improvement in target acquisition and overall shooting experience.
Dennis –
I used this sight only once, when i intiall mounted it and was in the process of zeroing it in. The red dot functioned well for several magazines through a Glock 17 however, The dot began moving upward in the dispalay window eventually settling all the way at the top. This was after approximately 30 rounds fired. I attempted to adjust the sight but the adjustment screw failed to move the dot before it eventually hit it’s adjustment limit. I was not previously familiar with the ADE brand and bought this item based primarily on price. I will not replace this item with another ADE optic.