Features
At the time of this writing, Vortex is offering both 3-MOA and 6-MOA versions. The size of this micro dot is indeed micro. Overall dimensions come out to 1.84 inches in length, 1.27 inches in width, and just 1.20 inches in height.
I did my testing with the 3-MOA dot, but the dot size is the only notable difference between the two options. Both dots feature a DeltaPoint Pro footprint, with multiple screw sizes included with the dot.
The big, exciting news for this release is the enclosed nature of the micro red dot, which boasts an armor-like housing made from 6061 aluminum. This rugged design is made to be shock, water, and fog proof.
Other highlight features include Vortex’s motion-activation tech that turns your dot on whenever it senses movement. That’s beyond handy, as a person who has burned through untold numbers of batteries that were left on in the safe after range visits and hours of concealed carrying. Of course, you can also opt for the always-on option.
Similarly, the Venom Enclosed Micro Red Dot has a 10-minute auto-shutoff feature, and it will return to your last brightness setting upon reactivation. Speaking of dot brightness, this dot has 10 daylight brightness settings and two night-vision settings.
You can expect 20,000 hours of continuous operation on brightness setting six. However, real-world battery life is much longer thanks to the auto-on and auto-off features.
Vortex used aspherical lenses on this Venom, which prevent image size and color distortions. My measurements put the wide front lens window at 0.867x0.766 inches. I found it to have a generous field of view for both my handgun and rifle needs during testing. There was plenty of space to view a large target area without needing to chase after the dot. Eye relief is unlimited, with no parallax.
One of my favorite things about Vortex optics is the attention to detail with the extras that come with them. This one comes with multiple common screw lengths, a rubber protective cover, a lens cloth, a custom adjustment tool, and a CR2032 battery right out of the box. Vortex has additional mounting options with a flat Picatinny rail adapter and a 45-degree offset Picatinny mount.
Technical Specs
Here’s a breakdown of the basic specs for the new Venom Enclosed Micro Red Dot.
Dot Size: 3 MOA (6-MOA option also available)
Footprint: DeltaPoint Pro
Auto-Off: Yes, after 10 minutes of no motion
Motion Activation: Yes
Housing Material: 6061 aluminum
Dot Color: Red
Window Size: 0.867x0.766 inches (distortion-free aspherical lens)
Eye Relief: Infinite
Parallax: None
Magnification: None
Brightness Settings: 10 daylight, 2 night vision
Weight: 1.75 ounces (with battery)
Length: 1.84 inches
Width: 1.27 inches
Height: 1.20 inches
Battery Type: CR2032 (side-loading)
Battery Run Time: 20,000 continuous hours (setting six)
Adjustment Graduation: 1 MOA
Max Adjustment: 150 MOA
Resistance: Shock, water, and fog proof
Warranty: Yes, Vortex VIP lifetime
Range & Accuracy Testing
I ran this dot on my Zastava M70 ZPAP Underfolder AK rifle for some more robust accuracy and durability testing. I mounted the dot using the Midwest Industries AK Alpha Mini Dot Mount. All my accuracy testing was done at 50 yards.
After 100 rounds of 7.62x39mm, I haven’t noted any issues with the Venom Enclosed Micro Red Dot. The dot remains steady without any flickering. The zero showed no signs of shifting.
Brightness settings are plenty for even high sun on the range, and I was easily able to acquire the dot when shouldering this folding Zastava ZPAP or running it with the stock folded.
Here’s how it performed in the accuracy department.
All my targets showed group sizes well under 1.5 inches at 50 yards.
Between the Venom’s steady performance under the recoil of the hefty AK action and that level of accuracy, I’d call the Venom Enclosed Micro Red Dot a fine performer for both reliability and accuracy so far.
Pros & Cons
Here are my top pros and cons for the Venom Enclosed Micro Red Dot.
Pros:
- Robust enclosed design made with 6061 aluminum
- Affordable price point
- Reliable and very accurate
- 10 daylight brightness settings, 2 night-vision settings
- Button lock feature with large easy-to-reach buttons
- Unlimited eye relief with no parallax
- Micro size and lightweight with a wide window
- Auto-off feature after 10 minutes
- Motion activation
- Easy to adjust windage and elevation
- Protected against shock, water, and fog
- Extensive battery life (20,000 continuous hours with setting six)
- Easy-access battery compartment
- Runs on common CR2032 batteries
Cons:
- Not solar charging
- Only available in black, for now
- Only one reticle option (center dot)
- Currently only available with a red dot
-
Enclosed red dots a bit bulkier
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for something that is micro in size but robustly built, the Vortex Venom Enclosed Micro Red Dot offers reliability and accuracy in a tiny package. It ran without any issues on even my AK rifle during testing.
Vortex packed in the features on this optic: auto-off, motion activation, easy button and battery access, 20,000+ hours of continuous runtime, 10 daylight settings and two for night vision, plus a whole lot more.
Optics are exploding in complexity, affordability, and reliability right now. This enclosed Venom is a great step up if you are looking for some glass to put on your self-defense pistol or a backup red dot for your tactical carbine.
