TFB Review: Primary Arms Classic RD-25 Red Dot Sight – Push Button Operation

Primary Arms recently added the Classic RD-25 Red Dot Sight that features push button operation to their lineup, which contrasts the knob-operated PA MD-25 in the SLx series. The new 25mm push button red dot sight harkens back to the style of early reflex sights like the Bushnell TRS-25, Aimpoints, hence its position in Primary Arms’ Classic Series of optics. This affordable 1x optic packs some surprising features for $129.99, so let’s dive in.

Primary Arms @ TFB

PRIMARY ARMS CLASSIC RD-25 RED DOT SIGHT

As alluded to in the name, the RD-25 red dot features a 25mm window, housed in an aluminum body, which is affixed to a quick detach (QD) Picatinny rail mount. The ON, OFF, and brightness settings round out the “Push Button” aspect of the naming scheme, while the windage and elevation adjustments protrude in their own turrets for easy access. The adjustment knobs are flush with the turrets so they don’t get bumped. Each click adjusts the point of aim by 0.5 MOA. The battery compartment extends from the right side of the housing and adds to the classic styling of the older red dot sights.

Although there’s no official confirmation in Primary Arms’ literature, the Classic RD-25 Red Dot Sight shares the Aimpoint T2 footprint for mounting options. The mounting screws should be tightened to 15 inch pounds when swapping mounts.

I am thoroughly impressed by the quick detach Picatinny mount. I’m either behind the times and Primary Arms is only following trends, or they knocked the quick detach aspect on the RD-25 out of the park. The adjustability takes some intentional maneuvering, but it’s easy to properly size it to fit snugly on a rail. When throwing the clamp lever into the locking position, a protruding locking tab fits through the hole on the clamp lever and locks it in place. The locking tab is spring-loaded and can be unlocked by pushing it rearward to release the clamp lever. Apparently I am behind the times as there are several different clamp locking designs, but Primary Arms’ approach works well and I’m glad they added this feature over a friction-only lock that could come undone by snagging on gear.

To adjust the RD-25 QD Mount’s Picatinny clamp, push inward on the spring-loaded bar that locks the screw. Once it’s out of the way, you can adjust the nut to tighten or loosen it.

The supplied QD mount from Primary Arms was built for an absolute co-witness with iron sights. The photo below shows the RD-25’s 3-MOA dot co-witnessing my Magpul MBUS sights.

SPECS:

Base QD Mount

Battery Type CR2032 3V Lithium Coin

Brand Primary Arms

Brightness 10 Settings

Click Value 1/2 MOA

Color Black

Finish Hardcoat Anodized

Manufacturer Primary Arms

Material Aluminum

Night Vision Compatible Night Vision Compatible

Optic Series Classic

Reticle 3 MOA Dot

Reticle Color Red

Warranty Lifetime

Weight 7 Oz.

RANGE TIME WITH THE PA CLASSIC RD-25 RDS

The RD-25’s push button feature works great and is just as intuitive as adjustments on pistol red dot sights. The placement of the brightness adjustments on top was a great idea since you can reach it easily with either hand, compared to some earlier models that made for awkward adjustments on one side. The Primary Arms RD-25 remembers which brightness setting you left it at when you last shut it off, which makes it much quicker than older red dot sights that had 0-11 rheostat brightness settings without any off settings in between. If the RD-25 is switched off, pressing either the plus or minus button turns it on.

I later moved the Inforce WML since it partially obscured the view.

Aside from the push button operation, the Classic RD-25 Red Dot functions just like the one-power red dots of old. I had mounted the RD-25 on the Bear Creek BC15 upper with a 16-inch cold hammer forged barrel (review on that coming soon). I did some up-close drills from 10 to 50 yards and the RD-25’s dot was quick to pick up from low-ready and retention positions that led to first round hits on steel. I then reached out to the 200-yard range from standing and was making consistent hits on my MK Machining Covid Steel Target.

The PA RD-25 RDS atop the Bear Creek Arsenal BC15 upper receiver with a 16-inch cold hammer forged barrel.

Ringing steel at 200 yards offhand was a breeze with the PA CLx RD-25.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I was completely satisfied with the RD-25’s performance, and I was pleased by the affordable price tag of $129.99 listed on PrimaryArms.com. While the Aimpoint footprint makes sense for having a wide array of aftermarket options, some of those options can get kind of pricey compared to the cost of the optic. However, Primary Arms offers five different discounted mounting options available when purchasing this red dot directly from PA’s website.

The PA Classic RD-25 is a great option with its robust construction, rock-solid mount and quick dot acquisition. If you’re in the market for a red dot sight for home defense, plinking, hunting or pest control, I recommend the RD-25! You can find the product page HERE, or view their whole lineup of optics and accessories at PrimaryArms.com.

What do you think about the Primary Arms CLx RD-25 Red Dot Sight? If you’ve already grabbed one for yourself, how has your experience been?