What a disappointment - Vortex Venom 1x26.5mm Red Dot Sight

After reading all the positive reviews, I felt confident ordering this Red Dot. The battery case cap is ridiculously difficult to get started, but I work with fasteners every day. So that only took me about 5 minutes. I also find the size of the optic lens way smaller that I expected. I should have tried harder to find one locally to understand how small it is (GOOD LUCK WITH THAT).

My most significant issue with this product is, that even on the lowest setting, the reticle is so bright that it completely obscures the center of a paper target. Several articles I have read recommend the 6 MO reticle for swift acquisition of a target. This thing is so large and bright, you will be lucky to see the target. That is if you can find the reticle on the VERY small lens. My first experience with a Red Dot was with a sub $100.00 Red Dot mounted a Browning .22 Auto. Both my wife & I LOVE that one. This one is basically a stinker.

OpticsPlanet has refused a return, as I had already mounted it on my Beretta APX. I will have to contact Vortex directly to see if there is a solution to at least the last issue. When I get over the lose of over $200, I may look at a Leopold product. Not so sure it will be coming from OpticsPlant