Today we're taking a look at another choice in the micro pistol optic space. This is the Crimson Trace Rad Micro Pro, and it's a recent entry into the category. We'll take a look at it, go over the specs and features, and then I'll tell you what I like about it and maybe a few things I don't like so much about it.
The micro reflex optic is a very hotly contested segment nowadays, with the space becoming more and more crowded with options. This is in response to gun manufacturers producing more and more models that are optic-ready from the factory, like the Taurus GX4 and Springfield Hellcat that we've taken a look at lately. The Rad Micro PRo is Crimson Trace's entry into this segment, and it comes in at the more affordable end of the price spectrum. This version has a 5moa green dot, but it also comes in a 5moa red dot configuratuion. The Rad Micro measures MSRP for the Rad Micro Pro is $275 dollars, but it can definitely be found for less. I got this one for $200 at Brownells.
The Rad Micro pro comes with an 7075 aluminum body with an IPX4 water resistance rating. It measures 1.53 inches long and 0.91 inches tall. The width at the base, where it's narrowest is 0.87 inches, but that widens up to 0.94 inches at the top of the body and then wider still to right at 1 inch where the lens is. It has an RMS footprint and an integrated notch cut into it that acts as a cowitness rear sight. Crimson trace also likes to point out that the angled design of the hood deflects impact force if the sight is dropped. Inside that body an LED that projects a 5moa dot onto the coated glass lens. The Rad PRo has 10 levels of brightness, with 2 of them being night vision compatible, with automatic brightness control handled by it's light sensor mounted behind the lens. Rounding out the features is motion sensing power saving, or "shake awake" as I like to call it. Inside the box, Crimson trace also throws in mounting screws, an allen wrench, a turret adjustment tool, a rubber dust cover and a cleaning cloth.
Speaking of power saving and battery life, Crimson Trace lists the battery life of the Rad Micro PRo's included CR1632 battery at 7,000 hours. That battery loads from the bottom similar to an RMR. It's worth it to note here that the rated battery life is a lot less than the rated life of other optics the Rad Micro competes against, like the Holosun 407K. That shake awake feature should help increase that a bit, but if you plan to carry the Rad PRo every day, it might be a good idea to plan on changing the battery twice a year instead of just yearly.
Adjustment on the Rad Micro Pro is handled by turrets on the top and side of the unit; elevation adjustment is on the top of the body, and windage adjustment is on the right side of the unit. The turrets take allen wrenches, which I think is not quite as optimal as a simple slot in my opinion. The turret clicks are not really very tactile or audible, but if you go slow you should get dialed in with not much trouble.
Now, for things I like about the Rad Micro Pro. If you've watched my other optic reviews, you already know the first feature I'm going to talk about: shake awake. This feature is, in my opinion, a must have on pistol optics. It's a great way to extend battery life, and the Rad Micro Pro is sensitive enough to pass the table tap test easily. The sight has always been on and ready whenever I picked it up.
The second thing I like about the Rad Micro Pro is the body. I especially the angled parts on the sides here that help you get a grip when running the slide, since I tend to grab over the optic when I do manipulations.
The last thing that I like about this is the price. At 200 dollars street price, this comes in as the lower end of the price spectrum in terms of pistol optics, and in that space there isn't a lot (other than the Swampfox Sentinel) to compete with.
Now nothing is perfect, and the Rad Micro Pro is no exception. The number one thing that I don't like about it is the automatic brightness adjustment. There are certain situations, like shooting from a dark space into a bright one, that the automatic adjustment fails to set the dot at the right brightness. I understand the reasoning behind automatic adjustment, but I just prefer a manual adjustment that a button lockout.
Another thing that I don't like about the Rad Micro Pro is the shape of the window. It's wide but short, which means that it's easy to lose the dot high or low when presenting the gun. Like most people, I tend to present with the dot too high, and having a short window means that the dot is just nowehere to be found. With a tall window I can at least see how far off the dot it and quickly correct; with a short window, I have to adjust until I can first see the dot and then get it on target. IT's a small thing, but for me its significant.
The last thing I don't like about this is the bottom loading battery. Replacing the battery in this means dismounting the optic and then having to re-zero it after replacing the battery. I know that this is common with micro reflex optics, but the Holosun 407's tray mountis definitely the superior design here.
Overall, while it's definitley not perfect, for the 200 dollars I paid I think that the Rad Micro Pro is a solid value in a micro pistol optic. If you're looking for a micro optic in this price range, and especially if you're ok with automatic brightness control, then its worth checking out. If you're looking for something that has manual adjustment in this same price range, though, there is another option in the Swampfox Sentinel. That's all I have for you this time, so until next time, stay safe!