Sighting In On A Good Budget Compact Handgun Reflex Sight

My quest for a budget-friendly ($150 or less), compact open reflex sight for my 9mm handgun led me to many options, each with varied reviews, but after some thorough research, I decided on and purchased the CVLIFE WolfCovert Motion Awake Green Dot 2 MOA Compact Open Reflex Sight.

Before going through the specs on the WolfCovert and some of my reasoning for choosing this budget friendly option, here is a quick primer on open reflex sights in general:

Open Reflex Sights for Handguns: A Quick Primer

Open reflex (aka red dot sight or green in my case) sights on handguns offer a lot of similar benefits as using red/green dot sights on your rifle such as:

• Faster Target Acquisition: Keeping both eyes open allows for a wider field of view and rapid target engagement.
• Improved Accuracy: The illuminated dot simplifies aiming, particularly in varying lighting conditions.
• Enhanced Situational Awareness: Maintaining a broader field of view is crucial for self-defense scenarios.
• Size: Compact and rugged allowing for easy mounting (with the right footprint) to your handgun.

CVLIFE WolfCovert: Specifications and Observations

• Reticle: 2 MOA Green Dot (for those who prefer green over red – like me 😊). 
• Motion Awake: A key feature, designed to save battery life.
• Mounting: My optic was designed for RMS/RMSC footprints, with adapter plates included for broader compatibility and an included 21mm Picatinny base.
• Durability: Advertised as shockproof and water-resistant.
• Brightness: Multiple brightness settings for various lighting conditions.
• Nice Feature: An integrated fiber optic design for co-witnessing with the front collimator.

My Use Case: The Everyday Carry Consideration

For myself, I needed a handgun-mounted optic that is durable, compact, reliable and budget friendly. I also wanted something that could go on an everyday carry (EDC) and not have to worry about it functioning.

The CVLIFE WolfCovert enters the picture. At my initial review, I weighed my pros and cons list and came up with this.

My Pros:

• Affordability: This was a major selling point. At my purchase price of $115, a very cost-effective way to get an optic I was wanting for my handgun.
• Motion Awake: For an EDC firearm, this feature is invaluable. It ensures the optic is ready when I (or you) need it. This optic will go back to sleep mode after about 4 minutes of inactivity which is a great battery saver!
• Green Dot Visibility: Green dots can sometimes be easier to perceive than red dots, at least for me. This depends on the individual and lighting.
• Compactness: It's designed to be small and unobtrusive on a handgun.

My Cons:

• Durability Concerns: While advertised as durable, it may not withstand the same level of abuse as higher-priced optics.
• Brightness Adjustment Reliability: Like many budget optics, the automatic brightness may not always be perfectly consistent. 10 different brightness levels.
• Optical Clarity: The glass quality may not be on par with premium brands. My optic had a slight halo effect that I had to adjust for initially.
• Adjustment Quality: The precision and feel of the windage and elevation adjustments may be less refined.
• Battery Location: The battery is mounted on the bottom side of the optic which means you have to remove the optic to replace the battery eventually. 

The Post-504 Round Deep Dive

Alright, now let's talk about the CVLIFE WolfCovert after sending a solid 504 rounds downrange with it. Now 504 rounds isn't exactly torture testing, but it's enough to shake out some quirks and see how it holds up to regular use.

After these days of carry and trips to the range that got me though 42 mags worth of shots, some things became glaringly obvious, while others remain consistent.

What Held Up (Surprisingly Well):

• Motion Awake Function: This feature remained surprisingly reliable. It consistently activated when the firearm was handled, and didn't randomly switch off during firing. This is a big win for my budget optic.
• Green Dot Visibility: The 2 MOA green dot remained visible in most lighting conditions. While not as crisp as higher-end optics, it did its job.
• Zero Retention (Mostly): Here’s where it gets a little complicated. For casual plinking and range sessions, the zero held reasonably well. However, after a few rounds of rapid-fire drills (about 250+ rounds), minor adjustments were needed. It's not a catastrophic shift but was noticeable to me.

Where the Cracks Started to Show:

• Adjustment Consistency: The adjustments felt less positive and consistent over time. Some adjustments felt mushy, and it was hard for me to get a precise feel for the changes. This became more apparent as my round count increased.
• Brightness Adjustment Shenanigans: The automatic brightness setting, as predicted, remained a source of amusement and occasional frustration. It would sometimes lag behind changes in adjustments or make seemingly random adjustments.
• Durability Concerns (Confirmed): While it didn't completely fall apart, signs of wear and tear became more evident. The finish started to show some scratches, and there was a slight increase in play in the adjustment turrets. This optic is not designed for heavy abuse. Not sure how it will look at the 1000 round mark!
• Battery Life: While the motion awake feature helped, after a large amount of range time, the battery began to dim. Note to self - It is always wise to keep spares.

My "Real World" Takeaway:

After 504 rounds, the CVLIFE WolfCovert solidified its position as a budget-friendly option with noticeable limitations.

• For the Casual Shooter: If your primary use is recreational range time and occasional plinking, it's a decent option. The motion awake and visible green dot are definite pluses.
• For the Serious User: If you need an optic for serious self-defense or competitive shooting, this is not the optic for you. The inconsistencies in adjustments and durability concerns make it unreliable for high-stakes situations.
• The "Good Enough" Verdict: It's still a "good enough" optic for the price, but the 504-round experience highlighted its limitations. It's a testament to the idea that you get what you pay for. Not a knock, just my opinion as I am the one that used it 😊

Some Comparisons to Higher-Priced Brands:

When comparing the CVLIFE WolfCovert to brands like Trijicon, Holosun, or Leupold, you'll notice significant improvements, just remember that you will pay (in some cases a lot) more for these differences, but could be worth it to you. Examples include:

• Build Quality: Premium optics are typically made from higher-grade materials and undergo more rigorous testing.
• Optical Clarity: High-end optics offer superior glass clarity and minimal distortion.
• Reliability: Top-tier brands have a proven track record of reliability under harsh conditions.
• Precision Adjustments: Higher-priced optics provide more precise and repeatable adjustments. A 3 MOA would be better suited for the balance between shorter- and longer-range shooters.

My Verdict: The "Good Enough for Now" Option

The CVLIFE WolfCovert is a viable option for those of us on a tight budget who want to experiment with handgun optics. It is suitable for casual range use or those new to handgun optics like these and of course the price point is a more affordable option.

Think of it as the "starter kit" of handgun optics. It might not win any beauty contests or survive a drop from a helicopter, but it'll get you hitting your target (most of the time). If your handgun is your primary home defense weapon, you may want to save up for a higher quality optic. But if your handgun is for recreational range days, or occasional carry, and you are on a very tight budget, this optic will allow for you to get into the red/green dot world. Just remember that like with most things, you get what you pay for.

In essence, the CVLIFE WolfCovert offers a decent value proposition for the price. Just manage your expectations, and you might be pleasantly surprised.