New Bushnell Reflex Sights

By Dan Abraham

Bushnell recently introduced two pistol red dot reflex optics to the market, the RXU-200 and the RXC-200, and I feel they are welcome additions to the handgun optic world. They are built with a rugged aluminum body, and the glass is as clear as any optic I have tested.

In my opinion, the new Bushnell red dots should garner attention from those who love shooting with reflex sights. Bushnell has a fine reputation for producing quality firearm optics, so I suspect the growing market of handguns produced with slide cuts for red dots was too much to ignore. They jumped headfirst into the mix and created two well-built and user-friendly reflex sights.

What’s the Deal?

The popularity of red dots on handguns has grown incredibly fast the past three years. I remember a few years back in a defensive training class I took that a couple guys had red dots on their handguns.

I thought, “Man, that’s cheating.” In my mind, red dot sights belonged on long guns. To me, it made no sense. However, I saw these guys ring steel quicker than anyone else in the training class. Actually, they outperformed everyone.

I soon realized that these guys might just be on to something. And it looks like everyone else has figured that out, too. As the years passed, red dots on pistols have become mainstream. From the competition circuit to concealed carriers, shooters are choosing red dots on their handguns.

The Details

The RXU-200 is the “ultra” compact model, and the RXC-200 is a slightly larger “compact” variant. Both feature 6 MOA dots, and both feature the RMS/RMSc footprint.

While the RXC-200 is small, I gravitated toward the even smaller RXU-200 due to the fact I was planning on putting it on a Hellcat. The Bushnell RXU-200 is a micro reflex sight that has a compact lens and frame that helps keep the pistol in its smallest configuration.

The optics are “always on”, therefore they have no confusing buttons or levers to deal with. They have auto adjustment for the 6 MOA red dot. That means the red dot will automatically adjust the brightness according to the setting. If it is dark out, the intensity will decrease. If it’s a sunny day, the red dot will increase in brightness.

The billet aluminum housings are made from 7075-06 aircraft-grade metal. They use real glass with an EXO barrier coating that minimizes fogging, and repels water, dust and debris. They also have co-witness cuts in the rear of their frames. They are powered by a CR 2032 battery that Bushnell claims will last 50,000 hours.

Range Time

I decided to mount the Bushnell RXU-200 on my Springfield Hellcat OSP. Bushnell has performed several reliability tests with the RX-200 series and they have been proven to take a lot of abuse and keep on running. The RXU-200 has a strong frame and clear glass, and the red dot is very easy for me to acquire.

When I mount a pistol reflex sight, I first adjust the red dot according to what I believe is accurate. Typically, it’s just a few clicks with the elevation and windage settings.

At the range, my strategy was proven successful because it took just eight shots to get the sight dialed in. After that, I rang steel quite well.

If you watch the attached video, you will notice that the Bushnell RXU-200 and the Springfield Hellcat were a nice combination. I enjoyed the clear red dot, quick target acquisition and hearing the ring of steel. After all, isn’t that why we put red dots on handguns to begin with?

The Other Option

The Bushnell RXC-200 (compact) embodies the same features and characteristics as the shorter RXU-200. It uses a taller body, which equates to more glass to view the red dot.

At this point, I am not certain which Springfield handgun the Bushnell RXC-200 will call home. I can, however, guarantee the red dot will soon be mounted so I can enjoy the same benefits the RXU-200 offers with my Hellcat.

Conclusion

I confidently believe that Bushnell created two phenomenal reflex red dots that are built tough and priced right. The MSRP on either of the RX-200 reflex sights is $199. For this price and the level of quality they exude, I think either is a great choice.

Editor’s Note: Please be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the “Go To Forum Thread” link below to jump in and discuss this article and much more!

Join the Discussion

Go to forum thread

Featured in this video

Bushnell RX Micro Reflex Sights

9^mm

Hellcat® Series