New Product Highlight: AT3 Tactical Nano Polymer Micro Red Dot
Would you use a polymer red dot? We got our hands on the new AT3 Nano to see if plastic really is fantastic.
PPT Editor. Marine vet, hunter, and long-range shooter. Articles in 10+ major publications
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If you’re looking to keep your concealed carry pistol as lightweight as possible, can you justify adding a red dot?
The new AT3 Tactical Nano micro red dot isn’t just lightweight, it’s light on the wallet. And it’s polymer!
I was just as curious as you are about this new budget optic, so I got some range time with the Nano to see what it’s capable of. I even roughed it up a little bit.
Let’s see how it did!
AT3 Tactical Nano Specs & Features
Specs
- Reticle: 3-MOA red dot
- Window: 0.82" x 0.63"
- Mounting Footprint: RMS / RMSc / Shield
- Weight: 0.7 oz
- Comes With: CR2032 battery, mounting hardware and tools, 1-degree shim plate, instruction manual, silicone cover, lens cloth
- Country of Origin: China
- MSRP: $185.99
Features
- Ultralight polymer construction
- Auto shutoff and shake-awake
- More affordable than some upgraded iron sights
Let’s start with the big question: can you trust a polymer red dot on your concealed carry gun?
I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that most modern pistols are made from polymer. They seem to be holding up just fine.
I also dropped the Springfield Hellcat Pro and AT3 Tactical Nano optic-first onto gravel from waist height, with nothing more than slight cosmetic damage on the shroud to show for the direct hit.
The glass didn’t break, and it held zero. Polymer is softer than metal, so maybe it’s better at absorbing impacts. Score one point for the Nano.
The emitter is plenty bright, too. I never had difficulty seeing it under a blazing midday sun in the desert.
There’s only one button, but manual brightness adjustment is available. Just tap the power button to cycle through the six brightness settings or hold it down for 1.5 seconds to enter automatic brightness mode (the reticle will blink three times to confirm your selection).
The LED will automatically power down after 15 minutes without moving, and turn back on with your last brightness setting once motion is detected.
That should extend the CR2032 battery’s service life, although I like to change mine out once a year regardless of the optic. That seems like pretty cheap insurance to me.
Installation is easy and straightforward. AT3 provides labeled mounting hardware for the Glock 43X and 48 MOS; Sig Sauer P365 and P365XL; Springfield Armory Hellcat and Hellcat Pro; and Smith & Wesson Shield Plus.
Blue thread-locker is applied to the screws and torque specs are provided (a dainty 9 inch-pounds, if you’re curious).
Just remember the included hex key when you go to sight in; you’ll need it to rotate the elevation and windage turrets.
These are just initial impressions, but it's nice to see another affordable option for gun owners on a budget.
AT3 Tactical lists an MSRP of $185.99 for the Nano, and it’s backed by a transferrable lifetime warranty.
What do you think of the new AT3 Tactical nano? Leave a comment to let us know. Looking for something else? Check out our guide to the Best Pistol Red Dots!