Riton Optics is an up-and-coming company producing nice, quality red dots and scopes that won’t break your bank account. I spent time with the Riton folks at SHOT Show 2025 and came away impressed by what I saw.
They kindly sent us some samples, including the PRD 3 (Pistol Red Dot 3) and MPRD 3 (Micro Pistol Red Dot) optics. Those optics have several range trips now, and I like them even more than I thought I would. In fact, both Riton red dots are going into my system, albeit in different roles.
Riton Red Dots: Features
The PRD 3 and MPRD 3 are Riton’s latest pistol offerings in their “Tactix” series. The “3” refers to the three user-selectable reticle options, which are standard in both optics. The three options are a simple red dot, a 30 MOA (MPRD) or 50 MOA (PRD) circle, or a bullseye with the dot within the circle. The circles have reference marks at north, south, east, and west.
Each optic features motion activation, coming back on at the same brightness level at which it was last used. The reticle adjustment dials have a 45 MOA range and are easily manipulated with the provided tool.
I zeroed my test units in only a couple of minutes. The CR1632 battery is accessed via a side tray, so no dismounting the optic is required to change it. Riton says the battery life is 50,000 hours.
The PRD and MPRD are constructed from 7075 aluminum, making them strong and lightweight. The PRD weighs 1.31 ounces, while the MPRD is only 0.96 ounces. Riton’s high-density, multi-coated glass enables 99.5 percent light transmission.
Both optics are IPX67 waterproof rated. The PRD has a Trijicon RMR footprint, while the MPRD is Shield RMSc-compatible. Both ship with a Picatinny rail adapter.
Riton the Range (See What I Did There?)
At this writing, both the PRD and MPRD have four range trips under their belts. I’ve been running the MPRD on a Ruger Max 9 and the PRD on an IWI Masada and a Masada Tactical. The last two trips were more for fun, so I lost count of my rounds. But each has at least 350 rounds with no loss of zero or any type of malfunction.
Not all the optics I test get that extra fun time. These Riton red dots got it because I love the bullseye reticles so much. In fact, these reticles are the best I’ve ever run. They’re large and easy for my aging eyes to pick up. Whenever I push the gun out, the reticle is right there. Riton did a great job with that. The eight brightness settings mean I can see it in any conditions.
The reticles made running drills easy. Lots of time was spent on the dueling tree and knocking over lines of steel plates. I like to emphasize target acquisition and transitions, so I include lots of mag changes. I purposely tested the optics’ durability by racking the slides with them when charging my pistols and after mag changes. Neither optic lost zero, and both are still rock solid.
The control buttons are tactile and responsive, though I wish they were a bit larger. But that’s a minor complaint. They work just fine, and I can feel the clicks while wearing gloves.
The test ammo was generously provided by Ammo-to-Go, and I thank them for their continued support. I couldn’t do this without them.
A Good Endorsement
Incorporating a test product into my system is the best endorsement I can give. I always evaluate products on my dedicated test guns. But now that I’ve finished that process, these Riton red dots will be moving to my personal firearms instead of going into the test category themselves.
The MPRD is heading to my EDC Sig P365XL. I haven’t wanted a red dot on my EDC gun, but I have to admit that I shoot much better with one, and the MPRD is my favorite micro-dot because of the reticle.
The PRD has a different destination. My number one AR-15 features an LPVO with an offset red dot. The red dot is old and needs to be upgraded. The PRD is the upgrade. So it will ride on my rifle, where I expect it will, in turn, upgrade my performance with that rifle.
Final Thoughts on the Riton Red Dots
These two Riton red dots are now among my favorite pistol optics. Honestly, I like all my red dots, but the Riton reticles really stand out. Others may have a thing or two I like better, but the reticle is the secret sauce. That’s the dominant feature for me because of my less-than-stellar vision. They obviously have to perform by holding zero and staying locked on the gun, but they did that too. If wishing the control buttons were a little bigger is my only complaint, then I think I’m doing very well indeed.
The folks at Riton Optics gave me a large chunk of time at SHOT Show, taking me through their products in-depth. I came away believing they know their business and are serious about making quality optics. And that quality doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag anymore. Technology and competition have really helped out shooters who don’t want to spend as much, or more, on their optic as they do their gun. You can do that if you want, but it’s just not necessary for most people. Riton gives you that quality at an attractive price.
I’m impressed by Riton, their people, and their optics. Go check them out. I bet you’ll like them too.
