Editor’s Note: In this Osight R red dot sight review, Ryan Domke evaluates the new rifle optic on a Springfield Armory SAINT Victor and a Kuna 9mm pistol. Prior to the product’s launch, the author received a sample Osight R from Osight for testing.
Osight is relatively new in the marketplace and has been making a name for itself with compact pistol optics. With the new Osight R, however, the company is throwing its name into a completely different category. The Osight R is the company’s first rifle optic, bringing a larger viewing window, multiple reticle options and night vision compatibility, to name a few of the standout features.
Admittedly, this was my first experience with any Osight optic, so I wasn’t quite sure where to set my expectations, especially with the relatively low price point that the R comes in at. That said, after spending time with it and putting it through its paces on the range, I walked away impressed.
First Impressions of the Osight R
Inside the box, Osight includes everything needed to get the optic mounted and running right away. Aside from the optic itself, you’ll find a lower ⅓ co-witness mount, a CR2032 battery, an adjustment tool, mounting screws, protective lens covers, an anti-reflective device, a cleaning cloth, and the typical documentation.
The first thing I noticed about the Osight R upon picking it up from the box is how light it was, despite being constructed from 7075-T6 aluminum. The specs state it weighs 6.7 ounces with the standard mount, and holding it side by side with a very similar-sized competitor, I would say it feels even lighter than that.
The window is also noticeably large for the housing size. Measuring 1.10”x0.87”, it gives you plenty of room to pick up the reticle quickly when bringing the rifle onto target. It seems like OSight used almost every bit of potential window space they could, which I like.
The controls are straightforward, with brightness controls and a dedicated night vision button located on the side, right where you’d expect. That dedicated button is a particularly nice touch because it allows you to toggle between daylight and night vision settings without having to cycle through the entire brightness range.
The included protective lens covers are another feature that immediately caught my attention. Rather than being permanently attached, the covers can be removed, and the front cover can be replaced with the included anti-reflective device.
From a first-impressions standpoint, the optic was coming in strong.
Main Features
Large viewing window and night vision compatibility aside, there are several other key features that make it evident that Osight paid very close attention to what shooters actually want these days.
Thanks to the Micro T1/T2 footprint, you’re able to access a wide variety of mounting options. While the R only comes with one, there are additional mounts you can purchase directly from Osight to suit various height preferences.
Looking through the glass, you’ll find the R provides three reticle options: a 2 MOA dot, a 65 MOA circle, and a circle/dot combination. The 2 MOA dot is the obvious choice when precision is the priority. On the other hand, the 65 MOA circle provides a much larger visual reference that can be useful when speed is the primary concern. Combining the two gives the best of both and is where I kept it 95% of the time. The reticle is very crisp and defined, I might add.
Motion Activation Technology ensures your chosen reticle is ready to go the second you are and powers your optic down after three minutes of inactivity. This helps preserve the battery life, which is rated for up to 83,000 hours when using the 2 MOA dot on brightness level 5. I will note that I found level 5 to be rather dim for most of my time outdoors, but thankful there are 12 total brightness settings, with three of them being night vision compatible.
Other worthwhile features to note include a memory function that returns your reticle to the last selected brightness and an IPX8 waterproof rating, giving you the confidence to run the optic through inclement weather.
Range Time
While I was only able to hit the range twice with the optic since it’s so new, I managed to squeeze just over 400 rounds downrange with it.
The larger viewing window was immediately useful during presentation and target transitions. I was able to get on target quickly and move between them at varying distances with ease. At every distance that I shot within, I had no issues ringing every piece of steel consistently, and at closer distances indoors, printed tight groupings very quickly after I spent only several rounds zeroing it.
I found the brightness adjustment buttons large enough to find in a hurry, but I do wish they provided a more consistent tactile response. And while I don’t run night vision (yet), I did test the NV button to ensure it toggled on/off quickly and with no hesitation; it most definitely did.
Live The Armory Life. The latest content straight to your inbox plus an automatic entry to each of our monthly gun giveaways!
Osight was kind enough to also send out the Picatinny Riser Mount, which I wound up finding worked well on not only my SAINT Victor 5.56mm rifle, but also extremely well on my Kuna braced pistol.
By the end of the 400 or so rounds, I was pleasantly surprised at how well the affordable optic performed.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Large viewing window
- Multiple reticle options
- Dedicated NV button
- Motion Activation Technology
- Flexible Micro T1/T2 footprint
- Protective lens system
- Durable construction
Cons
- Additional mount options cost extra (as do most)
- Adjustment buttons could be more tactile
Conclusion
The Osight R represents an important step for Osight. What’s most impressive is how the company built the R around what shooters actually want. The result is a robust enclosed-emitter optic with a large viewing window, multiple reticle options, and all of the accessories included to get you on the range immediately.
For shooters looking for a versatile close-to-mid-range optic that delivers a solid list of practical features, the Osight R is a compelling first entry into the rifle optic market. I’ll now be paying close attention to what’s next from Osight.
I have been informed that there is a special launch offer that, from September 21 at 8:00pm EDT through September 25 at 11:59pm EDT, customers who purchase the Osight R from the official Osight/Olight Store will receive a free 1.93″ mount ($45.99 value). MSRP for the optic is $279.99.
Editor’s Note: Please be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the “Go To Forum Thread” link below to jump in and discuss this article and much more!
Join the Discussion
Featured in this article
Read the full article here
