Gear Review: Taking the Hi-Lux Optics TD-3C for a Spin

There’s no denying that the optics market has been flooded with merchandise from producers new and outdated. Whereas competitors breeds success (and a market that’s nice for customers), it additionally means some merchandise are going to battle in opposition to established manufacturers. This will even be true for the descendant of a well-known model resembling Leatherwood/Hello-Lux, which acquired its begin producing rifle scopes for snipers in the course of the Vietnam battle. At present’s overview product is a bit more close-up oriented, the Hello-Lux TD-3C pistol crimson dot sight.

Let’s take a fast take a look at the Hello-Lux TD-3C’s specs, to ensure I’m not about to mount a Toyota Hilux to my gun (frequent mistake).

Tech Specs

Machined from stable 7075-T6 aluminum billet
RMR footprint
28mm x 19mm window
Facet loading CR2032 battery compartment
2 x Reticles, 34 MOA segmented circle with dot, or solely 3 MOA dot
50,000 hour battery life
2 ounce weight
1 MOA journey per click on
90 MOA elevation/windage journey
Low picatinny riser obtainable
11 brightness settings
Hello-Lux is HQ’d in California

The place To Purchase

Massive Efficiency in a Small Package deal

Any optic this measurement goes to really feel just a little like a toy if you unbox it. I imply, this factor is 2 ounces. I’ll hand it to Hello-Lux, this feels as stable as any tiny optic has ever felt. It received’t add a lot heft to your gun, roughly the identical weight as 4 rounds of 9mm.

A pair issues I observed instantly: The max brightness setting is ample. Looks as if a gimme, however some optics have been arising quick on this currently. I just like the aspect loading battery compartment. I see no motive somebody ought to should dismount an optic to re-up the battery. Together with the picatinny low mount at no additional value is a pleasant transfer, since picatinny is much more prevalent than RMR footprints.

I wish to see this with some model of “shake awake.” With such an extended battery life, I see no draw back to including in a characteristic that’s shortly approaching “trade customary.”

The Hello-Lux TD-3C got here with the 34 MOA circle with dot reticle programmed.  I swapped to the three MOA dot alone, however discovered I preferred the larger reticle extra and instantly switched again.

I mounted the TD-3C to a Ruger Mark IV 22/45, utilizing the included picatinny riser. I really feel just like the Hello-Lux TD-3C is a pure match on such a small, mild firearm. The reticle is properly suited to such a gun as properly, offering a big illuminated circle to heart the dot shortly for reactive hearth, and a small, vivid dot for extra exact aimed hearth.

I saved the TD-3C on the Ruger Mark IV for a handful of vary days, and I actually preferred it there. I receives a commission to shake it up a bit greater than that although, so I mounted it on an MKE/Zenith Mp5k clone subsequent.

If I preferred the TD-3C on the Ruger, I beloved it on the Mp5k. That is already a chonky gun, so including a full-sized (full weight) crimson dot simply exacerbates the difficulty. The TD-3C lives fortunately on the Mp5k clone now, and I received’t be taking it off. It is a large improve over the usual HK iron sights, and never solely sped up CQB drills however made pinging a mini E-type goal at 100 yards a lot simpler.

Wrap It Up

Three months isn’t a very long time to check longevity on an optic. Positive I’ve left the battery on the entire time (2,000+ hours), however I nonetheless have ~47,000 hours to go. Neither the .22 LR nor the 9mm represents a powerful problem in recoil, however the TD-3C is extra prone to be run on smaller weapons anyhow. I’ve let it sit out all day when it was 105°F, simply to see if some model of thermal shift could possibly be induced (it wasn’t).  I do plan on getting some rounds heading in the right direction with this optic on a Ruger SFAR in .308, however I’ve to attend on a pair extra vary days earlier than that occurs. If there’s a difficulty with the TD-3C holding zero with stiffer recoil, I’ll replace this text ASAP.

Till then, I take into account the Hello-Lux TD-3C price trying out for those who’re available in the market for a tiny optic with a giant window and a vivid reticle. The Hello-Lux TD-3C runs $219. Test it out!

Take a look at extra articles from Jens “Rex Nanorum” Hammer or go to him on Instagram @Rexnanorum.

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