Firefield Ironclad Mini RDS F1 and F3: the little, big red dot sights
The Firefield Ironclad are open emitter micro red dot sights: compact and sturdy
Firefield Ironclad Mini RDS F1 and F3: the little, big red dot sights
The two Firefield Mini RSD F1 and F3 compared with a classic-sized Red Dot optic, like those used on various types of tactical and sporting rifles
Small red dot sights (Micro Red Dot Sights), both on the civilian and professional markets, currently have two primary uses.
The first is for use on handguns, whether for defense or competition. Red dot sights for pistols are nothing new - the adaptation of C-MORE or Aimpoint sights to the first IPSC pistols dates back to the late 1980s - but over the past decade, the proliferation of handguns with machined slide-mounted optic interfaces has transformed them from niche accessories to virtually standard equipment, even for tactical and operational uses.
The second, not less important, is their use as ancillary optics for long guns - typically rifles and carbines - that already have a primary optic, typically medium or high magnification and an engraved reticle. Mounted above the primary optic or in an offset position, with a 45-degree inclination, a Micro Red Dot allows for rapid transition to engage targets at different distances: a fundamental factor both in dynamic sport shooting competitions and in defensive and tactical-operational uses.
Firefield Mini RDS F1
Firefield Mini RDS F3
In today's crowded and saturated market of Micro Red Dots of all types and prices, the Firefield Ironclad Mini F1 and Mini F3, from the American brand Firefield, certainly stand out.
Variants of the same design, and therefore largely overlapping with the exception of a few distinctive features, the Firefield Ironclad Mini F1 and Mini F3 are built for use on pistols up to .45 ACP caliber or as ancillary sights on long guns up to .308 Winchester caliber. They meet a wide range of needs without costing a fortune, demonstrating - as is customary with Firefield-branded products - that a reliable optic doesn't necessarily have to be expensive.
The Firefield Ironclad Mini F1 and Mini F3 Micro Red Dot Sights are built on an open-emitter frame, crafted from 6061-T6 aluminum with an external rubber coating to protect against impacts and scratches, and a front lens made of optical glass protected by an anti-reflective coating.
The differences between the two models are easily summarized: the Mini F1 model features a 20.5 x 15 mm front lens, a 3.6 MOA red illuminated center dot, and a footprint (base size and mounting screw location) compatible with those of the Docter, Vortex Venom, and Burris Fastfire red dot sights. The F3 model, however, features a 4 MOA central dot, an 18 x 14.5 mm front lens, and a Shield RMSc footprint.
The Mini F3 model is slightly smaller than the F1: we are talking about 41 millimeters in length, 25 mm in thickness and 24 mm in height for a weight of 16 grams, compared to 46 millimeters in length, 28 mm in thickness and 26 mm in height for a weight of 26 grams – net, obviously, of the mounting base.
In addition to direct installation, each model can be mounted on Picatinny rails using two supplied bases of different heights.
The electronics, controlled by a rubberized button located on the left side of the scope body, are powered by a single CR2032 battery.
The red dot illumination intensity can be manually adjusted to ten different levels, and depending on the selected level, a single battery can provide from 85 to 480 hours of continuous use.
The adjustment screws, recessed on the right side and rear of the scope body, allow the red dot to be adjusted for elevation and windage in 1 MOA clicks, for a total of 180 MOA.
Lightweight, compact, and functional, the Firefield Ironclad Mini F1 and Mini F3 micro red dot sights are rugged and suitable for all shooters who can't or don't want to spend hundreds of euros on a model from a renowned brand without sacrificing appropriate quality.
In addition to use on firearms—centerfire or rimfire—the Ironclad Mini F1 and Mini F3 micro red dot sights, like all Firefield products, are also an excellent alternative for competitive Airsoft and other MIL-SIM disciplines, or for those who use more realistic Airsoft replicas for professional training. This practice is increasingly popular in many countries, especially among law enforcement agencies, as an alternative to the use of training equipment such as Simunition, which, due to the manufacturer's policy, are not available to civilians and are extremely expensive even for government forces.
The price on the Italian market is €74.99 for both models. For more information and to purchase directly, visit the official Firefield website.
Tecnical Specifications / Micro Red Dot Firefield Ironclad F1 and F3
