Gideon Optics makes some pretty darn solid optics. Today I want to talk specifically about 3 models in the Alpha, Omega and Rock. All three of these have a lot in common including being circle dot reticles, available in red or green colors, RMR footprints, CR1632 battery and a whole lot more. However there are some differences that do allow me to rank them according to my personal preferences. By the way, specs listed in bold are the same across all three models. So here goes…
#1 The Rock
- 15.5mm x 22mm window
- 45mm x 32mm x 26.4mm overall
- 1oz weight
- shockproof
- waterproof
- RMR footprint
- CR1632 battery
- top load battery
- up to 50,000 hour battery life
- 45 MOA adjustment windage/elevation
- parallax free up to 33 yards
- red or green reticle color
- 65MOA cirlcle with 3 MOA dot
- auto off after 225 seconds of no movement
- shake awake
- 10 brightness levels
- included picatinny mount
- included screw variety
- lifetime warranty
#2 The Alpha
- 17.5mm x 27mm window
- 45mm x 32mm x 26.4mm overall
- 1oz weight
- shockproof
- waterproof
- RMR footprint
- CR1632 battery
- top load battery
- up to 50,000 hour battery life
- 45 MOA adjustment windage/elevation
- parallax free up to 33 yards
- red or green reticle color
- 65MOA cirlcle with 3 MOA dot
- auto off after 225 seconds of no movement
- shake awake
- 10 brightness levels
- included picatinny mount
- included screw variety
- lifetime warranty
#3 The Omega
- 22.3mm x 27mm window
- 52.5mm x 30.7mm x 31.7mm overall
- 1oz weight
- shockproof
- waterproof
- RMR footprint
- CR1632 battery
- top load battery
- up to 50,000 hour battery life
- 45 MOA adjustment windage/elevation
- parallax free up to 33 yards
- red or green reticle color
- 45MOA cirlcle with 3 MOA dot
- auto off after 225 seconds of no movement
- shake awake
- 10 brightness levels
- included picatinny mount
- included screw variety
- lifetime warranty
As you can see by these specs, the only choice you really have to make is what size window, overall dimensions and reticle are the best fit for you.
For me the Omega comes in at #3 because I like a smaller overall size and smaller reticle. I am also not the biggest fan of the curvy style aesthetics. To me, this optics seems more suited for a competition style setting than a defensive one.
The looks of the Alpha are a little more pleasing to me than the Omega. Despite the Alpha having the same reticle and overall dimensions as the Rock. This could be a good defensive choice but I would personally rank it as #2.
For me, the Rock is hands down my #1 choice. The squared off design just looks sharp to me. The slighly smaller window makes the same size reticle as the Alpha just look larger. The reticle taking up more room in the window makes for really quick sight acquisition and easier targeting transitions. In my opinion of course, the Rock is the optimal defensive handgun optic of the these three.
All this said, you cannot go wrong with either of these three optics from Gideon Optics. Once you settle on what fits your needs best as far as sizes, you will have a quality optic, with lots of features, backed by a lifetime warranty.
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