DD Optics Red Dot Sights

When it comes to red dot sights, there must be a manufacturer or two out there making a fortune, as recent tests on various, branded products all seem to show some very similar models. With that in mind, I turn to the subject of this month’s test; DDOptics red dot range. This German company offers a wide selection of optics from telescopic sights, binoculars, night vision, thermals and dots. Over the last few months, we have looked at the first three areas, now it’s the turn of the last.

Small, medium and large

All three offer what is known as a reflex build, with a forward-mounted viewing screen/lens and a rear-projected dot in an open-type, L-shaped build. Lighter and more compact than a traditional, full tube design, but also more prone to rain getting on the display and projecting lenses and refracting the dot. All are configured to go on a Picatinny-type rail; two appear to have the ability to change mounts to suit, whereas the third is fixed in this choice. All models are rated up to IP54 protection levels against water and dust etc, which is comforting.

First up, is the smallest, the Mini. Weighing in at just 1.9oz including mount, it measures 25mm W x 300mm H x 50mm L and perfect for long barrelled handguns and rimfire rifles, due to its compact build. However, for something so small it’s pretty comprehensive. ON/OFF and illumination adjustment is by twin rubber buttons (+ & -) forward left on the lower body. Dot size is a quoted 2 – 3 MOA, there’s a slide-out battery compartment on the right, far preferable to the older designs that required the dot taking off the base to access the CR2032 cell. DD quotes fields of view for all models, but in truth its largely academic on a sighting system such as this. Adjustment/zeroing range is +/- 30MOA, a pen tool with two interchangeable bits is included for the purpose. Illumination offers six levels inc. night mode and auto adjustment. Finally, a Torx key and 4 x screws are included to attach the Picatinny base, which is secured by a clamping screw, there’s also a rubber cover, which must be removed for operation.

Bigger

The Gen. III is essentially the same build but slighter larger and heavier at 4.8oz and 65mm L x 40mm W x 45mm H with a larger lens, which is coated for better contrast and resolution and a fine 2MOA dot. Controls are the same with the two (+/-) buttons forward left for 11 brightness levels and ON/OFF, adjusters are set on top for elevation and on the right for windage and a screwdriver is included for zeroing, the range of movement is 30MOA. Power comes from a CR2032 battery, which sits under a screw-off cover behind the lens and there’s a rubber rain cover. The Picatinny base has an adjustable mounting lever with an additional locking catch for security and it can also be removed to accept another mount.

Both the Mini and Gen. III have a red dot that works well against most backgrounds and even in bright sunlight at full power can be seen. They do not flare out that much either, as some can do, so don’t inhibit what you see on target.

The big one

Finally, the big one, the MilSpec, which seems to be a very common build these days, as it’s near identical to the Konus SIGHTPRO-MR and GECO Multi-dot with a few minor variations and like a lot of optics, probably comes from the same factory, with just minor, brand-requested variations. It weighs a noticeable 9.3oz and is 111mm L x 55 W X 60 H, so quite a lump for a red dot. Windage is on the left with elevation in the centre/rear, again offering a 30MOA range of adjustment. Power comes from the standard single CR2032 battery, which is on the right under a screw-off cover. However, this model also offers the alternative of beign rechargeable, as a USB cable and 3-pin, USB plug are included, along with a jack that goes into the side of the sight that connects it to the power. A micro USB adaptor is also included, but I can’t work out what for, as there’s no compatible outlet. It’s a clever idea having an alternative power system. However, to take advantage of this facility, you will need to get an LIR 2032 (lithium) battery. Run time is quoted at 1000-hours (CR2032 battery), which I assume you can also expect from the Mini and Gen. III too. We are told that the Lithium cell will give you 5000 charging cycles, so pretty good.

Spoilt for choice

Illumination offers five levels in two colour options. These are controlled by two buttons front left of the body the one on the left is red and the one on the right green. They cycle through the levels as long as they are kept pressed and, like the Mini and Gen. III, a long push turns them off. Common to this design, regardless of make, is the ability to select individual reticles, in the case of the MilSpec you get eight options: circle cross with centre dot, large and small plain dots (probably 2 and 4MOA) inverted V, open cross with centre dot, horizontal Vs with central dot, circle dot and horseshoe with three vertical dots; see the chart for full details.

Selection is by a rotary plate at the rear of the body. I’m not a fan of this sort of multi-reticle option, as they are usually too small to be effective. However, in the case of the MilSpec, this is not the case. Although I still think a 2 to 3MOA dot is probably the best aiming mark at shorter ranges, after 30-yards and beyond they come into their own and proved well balanced and useable on smaller targets. The only one I found a little crowded was the circle cross with centre dot and even that was not too bad.

Overall no real complaints on any of these three models.