Green Dot Optics from Viridian Weapon Tech: Moving Beyond Lasers

Viridian Weapon Tech shook up the red-laser aiming industry with its green-laser technology in 2006. They’ve convinced many that green — which is in the middle of the color spectrum — is easier for the eyes to see than red, especially in daylight. By 2017, Viridian had introduced firearm-mounted camera/light technology. Now they’re into making electro-optics, magnifiers and variable-power scopes.

To expand their grip on green technology, Viridian Weapon Tech applied the benefits of seeing green to its new dot sights. According to CEO Brian Hedeen, “The need was clear. Understanding the science behind why green is more visible, along with seeing the adoption and use of red-dot optics, drove our path to development.”

Reflex sights are so popular now that almost every major pistol manufacturer offers at least one model with an optics-cut slide. However, since one product does not fit all sizes of firearms, Viridian created sights for three of the most common mounting footprints. For Shield patterns, Viridian offers the RFX 15 . The RFX 25  works on Docter patterns, and the RFX 35 mounts on Trijicon RMR footprints. These are as affordable as they are functional.

Constructed of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, these reflex sights are lightweight and durable. Each features a 3 MOA green dot powered by a CR2032 battery with a run time of 30,000 hours in the middle settings. RFX sights are equipped with Instant-On technology, meaning the dot will be active when needed. To preserve battery life, each is programmed to shut off after 2 minutes of inactivity. There are eight visible brightness settings and two night-vision settings.

For long guns, Viridian launched the GDO series. The number designator refers to the size of the objective lens; the GDO 22 has a 22mm objective, for example. While the number varies from model to model, each dot sight offers multiple brightness settings. The series ranges in price from $180 to $290. From my testing, the GDO MAG 3X is an impressive magnifier for $180. The push-button flip mount enables the user to quicky move it into position or out of the way, and it perfectly aligns with all Viridian GDOs. With an eye relief of 2.7 inches, the GDO MAX 3X provides a field of view of 49 feet at 100 yards.

For those needing an economical scope, Viridian developed the Eon, Venta and Serac, and the company added the Antero line in 2022. The 5-30x56mm Antero is distinctive in Viridian’s lineup for having a 30mm-diameter maintube. The multi-coated optic offers its reticle on etched glass. Aiming references are separated by half-mil increments, and the reticle is illuminated (red) by a CR2032 battery.

The Antero’s field of view measured 24.9 to 4.2 feet at 100 yards across its magnification range. Eye relief was consistent at 4 inches. Click values are .25 MOA with a 60 MOA total range for both windage and elevation adjustments. Inside, nitrogen purging helps to prevent fogging, and the Antero is waterproof rated at IPX6. It can withstand even heavy downpours. With a retail of $800, the Antero proved to be a lot of scope for the money.

“We are a company committed to increasing aiming and sighting technology. Green dots at this quality and price point will change the game again,” said Hedeen. The scopes will help us reimagine the Viridian brand, too, if I might add. Visit viridianweapontech.com for more information.