The Aimpoint Duty RDS red dot sight offers a pragmatic solution for law enforcement professionals and shooting enthusiasts who value both quality and cost-effectiveness. This optic is a nod to the lauded Aimpoint Micro T-2, sharing its lineage and reliability but is tailored to a market that balances rigorous field use with budget considerations.
Officers and casual shooters often face a dilemma; high-end, military-grade optics come with a price tag to match, and affordable options tend to compromise on quality. There's a gap in the market for a mid-range optic that offers professional performance without the premium cost, especially for those who purchase their gear independently.
Budget constraints shouldn't mean a sacrifice in the quality of essential gear. A subpar red dot sight can mean the difference between a successful operation or a miss, a safe encounter or a risky one. The stakes are high where clarity, durability, and battery life are concerned.
The Aimpoint Duty RDS is engineered to bridge the gap between affordability and high-end tactical performance. For the officer who spends their own money to gear up, or the casual shooter who demands high quality without the extremes of combat-tested gear, this red dot sight stands as the solution.
This red-dot sight builds on Aimpoint's battle-proven heritage, bringing features from the Micro T-2, such as the sharp 2 MOA dot. The 2 MOA red-dot allows for quick target acquisition, while maintaining a wide field of view, which can be critical when situational awareness is needed in high-stress tactical environments. The RDS's compatibility with night vision devices extends its utility into low-light conditions—a helpful feature for law enforcement. For those who must be ready for the unexpected, this red-dot sight provides the peace of mind, knowing that you are covered.
The construction of the Duty RDS combines resiliency and reliability. Its aluminum housing, commonly used in aerospace technology, offers a lightweight yet virtually indestructible frame. The optic is sealed to be fully waterproof up to 80 feet. That is more than most of us will need, but the peace of mind knowing that the RDS is ready for any weather or terrain is comforting.
The windage and elevation adjustments are designed to endure rigorous use while maintaining their precision, a feature often tested in the field where recalibration is a luxury that law enforcement officers and tactical operators cannot afford. And, if it works where lives depend upon Aimpoint, it can work for you in 3-gun competition, larping or plinking in the backyard
The discussion of the Aimpoint Duty RDS is not complete without mentioning its battery life. The ability to operate continuously for over three (3) years on a single CR2032 battery means that you and other operators can trust their sight to be ready at a moment’s notice, keeping your equipment in the ever-ready state that is needed. The duty cycle of this sight mirrors the dedication of those it serves: constant, vigilant, and enduring.
This combination of technical prowess and practical application positions the Aimpoint Duty RDS as not just a piece of equipment, but a trusted ally in the field. It stands as a narrative of empowerment for those who serve and protect, ensuring that when the moment of truth arrives, they can aim with confidence, backed by the clarity and precision that Aimpoint is known for.
At Charlie's, we offer a variety of options for red-dot optics. Aimpoint remains in the top handful that we most often recommend, and that we offer in combination with tactical rifles. This model is a nice blend of performance and budget. While not inexpensive, it is a more affordable model than many, providing the highest level of quality, and a price-point that the individual officer or weekend warrior can afford.
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Dot Size | 2 MOA red dot |
Battery Life | 30,000 hours on setting 7 |
Battery Type | CR2032 (included) |
Mount | One-piece Torsion Nut Mount |
Lens Covers | Flip-up; front solid, rear clear |
Adjustments | Flush mounted; waterproof windage and elevation |
Finish | Hard anodized; non-reflective |
Brightness Settings | 10 total (1 off, 4 NV, 6 daylight) |
Power | 1X Non-magnified |
Water Resistance | Submersible to 80 feet |
Temperature Tolerance | -49°F to +160°F |
Weight | 3.8 oz (sight only) |
Dimensions (LxWxH) | 2.7 x 1.5 x 1.7 inches |
NOTE: The Aimpoint Duty RDS uses the same mounting footprint as the Micro series but sits 10.4mm (.41") higher. The included mount factors this in to set the height over the bore. Take this into account when looking at aftermarket mounts, several companies are now making mounts specifically for the Duty RDS.
TFBTV talks with Aimpoint about the Duty RDS.