Riton Optics has several exciting new products this year, including two nice pistol red dots. The 3 Tactix PRD 3 and MPRD 3 are versatile, rugged optics for concealed carry, home defense, or general use. We talked to the folks at Riton at SHOT Show 2025, and they sent us a few sample products to play with. The open-emitter PRD 3 and MPRD 3 were among them.
Hands On with Riton Optics Red Dots
Both optics are part of Riton’s “Tactix” series, focusing on tactical applications. The company’s “Primal” and “Conquer” lines deal with hunting and long-distance shooting, respectively. Both are 3rd Generation products, hence the “3 Tactix” designation.
“PRD” stands for Pistol Red Dot, with an added “M” for Micro. Finally, the second “3” refers to each optic’s user-selectable three reticle options.
The PRD features a simple 2 MOA dot, a generous 50 MOA circle, or the dot within the circle. The MPRD has a 3 MOA dot, a 30 MOA circle, or the dot within the circle. Each reticle’s circle also has reference marks at each cardinal compass point.
PRD 3 and MPRD 3 Features
These optics are well-made from 7075 Aluminum, and Riton boasts that their multi-coated, high-density glass delivers 99.5 percent light transmission. Both are lightweight, with the PRD at 1.31 ounces and the MPRD at. 0.96 ounces.
The PRD is compatible with the Trijicon RMR footprint, and the MPRD is compatible with the Shield RMSc. This provides maximum flexibility across handgun platforms. Each also ships with a Picatinny rail adapter and is IPX67 waterproof rated.
The PRD and MPRD feature motion activation, which, in our considered opinion, should be standard on all modern electronic optics. We tested this feature, and it works as advertised, activating at the same brightness level to which it was previously set.
The reticle adjustment dials are easily reached, though they do require a tool, which is included. Correspondingly, the dials have a 1 MOA click value with a 45 MOA adjustment range. The CR1632 battery goes in a side tray, meaning you don’t have to dismount the optic to change it. Estimated battery life is 50,000 hours.
Each optic ships with an Allen key, red dot tool, one CR1632 battery, lens cloth, mounting screws, and a Picatinny rail adapter.
At the Range
These optics have undergone two extended range trips, firing two hundred rounds each. We mounted the PRD on an IWI Masada and the MPRD on a Ruger Max 9. Our friends at Ammo-to-Go kindly provided the 9mm ammunition.
The Masada and the Max 9 are very reliable pistols, so we were able to run them pretty hard. The two Riton optics were easy to zero, and they reliably held that zero throughout our tests.
We ran drills that included lots of mag changes and purposely racked and released the slide using the optics themselves. We liked that the housing’s leading edge slants forward just a bit to aid with cocking on a table or whatever if necessary. To purposely get the guns hot, we fired several fast-shot strings. The PRD and MPRD remained locked on the slides and held their zero.
My co-tester and I tried the different reticle options, but we quickly settled on the ring and dot combination. The rings are bigger than other similar reticles I’ve run, and I’ve never used a red dot whose reticle was easier to pick up when presenting the gun. You just push the gun out and “BAM,” there it is. I like that a LOT.
The Case for Red Dots
I’ve resisted red dots on my handguns, but my vision is slowly getting worse with age, and it wasn’t great to begin with. I’m slowly coming around on pistol optics, and my experience with these Riton models really helped the cause.
Those big, bright reticles are exactly what I need and want. Each optic has eight brightness settings, and we had no trouble picking them up on two nice, sunny days.
The control buttons aren’t quite as large as I’d like, but they are very tactile and responsive. I hate mushy control buttons, but the Riton red dots don’t have that problem at all. I can use them with gloves if I pay attention, but I just wish they were a little bigger.
The glass on both optics is very clear, and the windows provided plenty of space to find our targets. We knocked over lines of steel plates and worked on the dueling tree. The point was to acquire targets quickly on presentation and through transitions.
The Riton red dots performed very well, and we had a great time on both range trips.
Riton Optics Becoming a Favorite
I test lots of optics, and I like most of them. But I like some more than others. These Riton Optics red dots are quickly earning a place among my favorites. I like their features and construction, and I love the reticles. I also like the fact that they’re reasonably priced, with an MSRP of $329.99.
You can go spend five or six hundred bucks on a red dot if you want. But it’s not necessary. Not anymore anyway. And most of us aren’t running around with Delta Force. Quality optics don’t have to cost as much as your pistol.
I’d never heard of Riton Optics before talking with them at SHOT Show. But they’ve been around for a while, and they took the time to go in-depth with me on several products. I came away impressed by their workmanship and commitment.
I want to run them some more, but I’m starting to think that the MPRD will go on my Sig Sauer P365XL as my everyday carry optic. I’ve never wanted to commit to an optic on my carry gun, but I shot so well with the MPRD and PRD that I may be changing my mind.
I think that’s a good indicator of what I think of these red dots.
If that sounds good to you, maybe give Riton Optics a look. They might be just what you’re looking for. Even if you didn’t know it.
