The Firefield Rapidstrike Red Dot Sight, officially unveiled in early October, appears to be a well-considered piece of kit aimed squarely at the demanding utility market. It doesn't promise to be the best thing since sliced bread, but rather a thoroughly dependable companion for those who require a simple, durable sighting solution without unnecessary complexity. It’s certainly a robust-looking tube, ready to be mounted up and put to work immediately.

This particular red dot sight is intended to address the segment of the market where practicality trumps outright extravagance. For those looking for a sighting system suitable for common sporting rifles, shotguns, airsoft guns or perhaps an air rifle that sees a bit of rough handling, the Rapidstrike makes a substantial case for itself by focusing on the fundamentals and doing them rather well.

Starting with its constitution, the sight is built around a single tube of 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, finished in a matte black anodisation. This is a common and highly regarded material in the optics industry, chosen for its agreeable blend of strength and manageable mass. It suggests the optic is designed to handle the inevitable knocks and bumps that come with field use.

The dedication to hardiness continues with the environmental protections applied. The tube is nitrogen-purged to prevent internal fogging, which is always a welcome feature when transitioning from a warm indoor space to a chilly, damp climate—a common enough occurrence on these shores. Furthermore, it boasts an IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, meaning it should survive a brief, accidental dunking in a puddle or a substantial downpour quite comfortably.

The recoil resistance is also a talking point; the optic is rated for calibres up to and including the powerful 12-gauge shotgun. This gives the user confidence that the sight won't suddenly lose its bearings or malfunction under the stresses of typical sporting or home defence applications. It is, by all accounts, built to maintain zero when the going gets a bit energetic.

The RapidStrike Red Dot Sight is controlled using two buttons, labeled "+" and "-" . To power the optic on, simply press either of the buttons a single time. Once on, these buttons control the reticle's brightness across nine settings. The unit includes two Night Vision (NV) settings and seven low light/daylight settings. The + button is used to increase the reticle's brightness, with consecutive presses cycling through the settings from 1 to 9. Conversely, the - button is used to decrease the reticle's brightness.

To turn the optic off, you must hold either the + button (3) or the - button (4) for a duration of three seconds. You might notice the optic's display slowly fade for up to five seconds before it completely shuts down. This brief delay is normal and occurs because the extra power stored in the unit's capacitor needs a moment to drain completely after the device has been turned off.

The sight features a 3 MOA dot, illuminated in a sensible red. For those unfamiliar with the minutiae, 3 MOA strikes a serviceable balance for most practical shooting distances; it's large enough to pick up rapidly when bringing the firearm to the shoulder but sufficiently contained not to entirely obscure smaller targets at short-to-medium range. The lenses themselves are multi-coated optical glass, which contributes to a clear, crisp sight picture.

Note: Red dot appears to bloom as brightness is increased as camera is unable to focus on lower brightness levels. To the naked eye, it is a smaller and fine red dot.

Adjustments for windage and elevation are handled by two recessed turrets, offering one minute of angle (1 MOA) per click. The total adjustment range is a generous 120 MOA, allowing for considerable scope if the mount is slightly off or if the user is attempting some rather ambitious zero distances. Their recessed, or 'flush,' design is a small but thoughtful touch, reducing the chance of accidental adjustment or snagging on clothing or gear.

A key feature for ease of use is the side-loading battery tray, which accepts a single, easily procured CR2032 cell. This particular design is a definite improvement over the older, more protruding battery compartments. Not only does it streamline the optic's profile, making it a touch sleeker, but it removes a potential impact hazard that might otherwise compromise the seal or the battery connection.

Perhaps the most significant practical benefit of the side-loading design is the ability to replace the power source without having to remove the optic from the firearm and subsequently re-zero it—a considerable time-saver on the range. It’s a fuss-free approach to maintenance that anyone who spends time outdoors will appreciate.

Coupled with the efficiency of the LED emitter, the power management system allows for some impressive run-time figures. At its lower settings, the advertised battery life stretches out to a maximum of 80,000 hours, which is a substantial figure indeed. Even at the medium brightness setting, the lifespan is rated at a considerable 45,000 hours, ensuring the user won't be changing batteries every five minutes.

Helping to achieve that prolonged run-time is the integrated Shake Awake technology. If the optic detects no motion for a period of fifteen minutes, it automatically shuts off the illumination to conserve battery. A small bump or movement instantly re-activates the dot, ensuring it is ready for immediate use when the firearm is taken up again—a reliable system for managing power consumption effectively.

For mounting purposes, the Rapidstrike uses the widely accepted Aimpoint T2 footprint. This is a very practical choice, as it guarantees compatibility with a vast range of factory and aftermarket mounts, risers, and quick-detach solutions already available on the market. It means the user isn't stuck with the factory-supplied mount if a different height is required. With this footprint, it can also be used as offset sight for rapid target acquisition at close ranges under different lighting conditions in conjunction with magnified scopes such as LPVOs.

The package itself is perfectly adequate. Included are clear flip-up lens covers for lens protection when not in use, the requisite CR2032 battery, and a T10 Torx wrench for mounting the optic. The provision of a high-profile mount from the factory ensures most users will be able to install the optic straight away, which is handy. 

Overall, the Firefield Rapidstrike RDS is an effective and robust sight that keeps its promises, offering substantial functionality at a keen price point.