Gideon Optics

Omega review

I was looking for a new pistol mounted red dot to install on my Rost Martin. I knew I wanted a larger window size reflex sight for that pistol. So I did what any good reviewer would do and hit up the good people at Gideon Optics. Gideon had just what I was looking for in their Omega series. When they asked which version I wanted to review, I said the green dot only version. So a few weeks later I received it. That is where the story takes a twist.

The Gideon Omega arrived at the perfect time. I had just received a lightweight 10/22 kit and it needed a lightweight dot. So even though I had intentions of mounting the Omega on the Rost Martin, it proceeded to get mounted on the 10/22 with the CP Firearms Dragonfly kit. The Omega was perfect for it. Its large window lets you see the dot quickly on this little rifle. Plus the Omega came with a pic rail adapter already installed, so all I had to do was tighten it on the rail. The Gideon Omega has an RMR footprint so it will fit on a ton of pistols cut for an RMR optic. Which is exactly what I originally had planned for the Omega.

Gideon Optics has hit the ground hard with the Omega. It is their larger window RMR footprint reflex sight. The window size is 0.88 inches tall x 1.06 inches wide and round shaped with a flat on the bottom. I found it extremely easy to pick up the dot in the Omega. Probably because round objects draw the human eye to the center. Having an RMR footprint makes the Omega very versatile. There are so many mounting options for it, either direct or some sort of picatinny mount. Even offset style mounts can be had with RMR footprints.

For this review, I asked for a green dot version of the Gideon Omega. It also can be had with a red dot, a red circle dot, or a green circle dot. The dot versions have a 3 moa sized dot and the circle dot versions have a 45 moa outer ring with a 3 moa dot inside the ring. I chose the 3 moa green dot because green is usually clearer for me. I also am not a fan of circle dot reticles on pistols, even though some people love them. The dot is bright enough to see on a hot summer day with zero clouds in the sky. The Omega has 10 brightness levels in case you need to turn the brightness down, 2 of those are night vision compatible. I am also a big fan of being able to set the brightness where I want it. I am also pleased with the clarity of the green dot. It just does not star out like a lot of red colored ones do for me. The dot was easy to pick up and super fast on that little lightweight 22.

Auto on and off is a feature every new optic should have. The Gideon Omega has this auto on/off feature. Essentially, when you move the sight, it automatically turns back on to whatever brightness setting you have it set at. Then, after sensing zero movement, it turns off after 225 seconds, or just under 4 minutes. The Omega does have a twist to this auto on/off. If you leave the Omega sitting for 12 hours, it will turn off completely to save battery life. I have a love/hate relationship with this. Since I use it on a 22 rimfire rifle, this feature is great. But if you want this optic for a bedside firearm, the auto on might not work when you need it. Mainly because the gun will probably not get moved enough to keep the auto on/off working. For duty use, it is probably fine because the movement of it being on you will keep the sight from turning off. Something to think about. Gideon does have other optics without the 12 hour off feature, so one can always check those options out.

Another feature I like on the Omega is the top load battery. With the top load battery, you will not have to take the sight off to change it. Gideon gave the Omega a CR1632 battery. They spec the battery life at “up to 50,000 hours”. So if you leave it on the brightest setting, I do not know how long the battery will last. But I really do not think anyone has to really worry about the battery life.

The Omega is super light. Gideon states that it weighs 1.8 ounces with the battery. This is one of the reasons I decided to mount it on that lightweight 10/22. As far as physical size, it is 2.06 inches long x 1.21 inches wide x 1.25 inches tall. So even though it has a good window size, the Omega is still small.

Sighting in the Gideon Omega was super easy. It was almost centered up after mounting. I even sighted it in right before a local steel challenge competition. I set a target about 15 yards away and went to town. Adjustments on the Omega have actual clicks. Yes, they are tiny sounds and feel, but at least it has them. I am a fan of clicks on these micro optics. If it does not have them, how do I know how far I actually moved the adjustment screw? Thank you Gideon for putting actual clicks in the adjustments.

I was really happy with how the Gideon Omega works. I know it will handle the recoil of a pistol, at least based on my previous experiences with other Gideon Optics. I was surprised at how well I liked the Omega on a small rifle. It performed fantastic. Yeah, I am not a fan of the 12 hour auto off function, but since I have it on a competition 22, it does not really matter. Would I recommend it to someone? Yes, it is a fantastic green dot reflex optic.

Sometimes life throws you a curveball and you hit it out of the park. I had not planned on mounting the Gideon Omega to a 22, but I did. The Omega works so well on that 22 that I am not taking it off to install it on a pistol. The green dot is clear and a great size. Gideon is really the one that hit the home run with the Omega. I love the size and features it has. If you want to check it out, head over to Gideon Optics.

Firearms Insider Reviews - Key Points

Claim to Fame:

Large window reflex sight mainly for pistols, but also at home on rifles

Target Market:

Anyone wanting a quality large window red dot at a fair price

Features, Benefits, and Specifications of this product:

Magnification: 1x
Lens Dimensions: 22.3mm tall x 27mm wide
7075-T6 aluminum body
Elevation/Windage adjustment range: 45 MOA (Total 90 MOA)
Click Value: 1 MOA per click
3 MOA Dot
Parallax Free: Beyond 33 yards
Red Dot Brightness Setting: 10 levels (8 visible, 2 NV compatible)
Power Supply: 1x CR1632 3V Lithium battery
Battery life: 50,000 Hours
Top load battery
Auto Wake/Sleep: 225 Seconds after no movement, Deep Sleep after 12 hours
Shockproof & IPX7 Waterproof
Dimensions: (LxWxH) 52.5mm x 30.7mm x 31.7mm
Weight (with battery installed): 1.8 oz (approx.)
RMR footprint
Picatinny mount included
Lifetime Warranty

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?

Red Dot only, Green Circle Dot, or Red Circle Dot

What others are saying?:

The Gideon Omega does exactly what it needs to. It provides a big window, competition style optic that performs. Shake-awake type functionality is welcome and is essentially the only "advanced" feature an optic like this really needs. I also appreciate the easier to actuate buttons versus some other brands. This is a tradeoff of course as you could get some accidental presses in some situations, but it suits my preference for fast adjustment. After my first 200 rounds with the Omega I've noticed zero issues and will be running this solution for competitions going forwards (and saving hundreds in the process).