Review: Spuhr's New RDF-20225K T-2 and Magnifier Mount

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Red dot sights, like Aimpoint’s famous T-1 and T-2, are great for a variety of tasks. They offer a bright and easy to see aiming point well-suited for rapid engagement of targets in fast moving situations in a variety of lighting conditions. However, they come up short as the distance to the target grows. Being able to locate, identify and engage a target is critical and sometimes this requires more magnification than your 1x eyeball can provide. This is where a low power variable optic (LPVO), like a 1-6x24mm shines. Magnifiers were developed to provide this capability to red dot sights. Available in a variety of powers running from 2x to 6x, they provide useful magnification when needed, but can be flipped out of the way when 1x is sufficient.

While this “two optic” approach has certain real advantages, it is not without its drawbacks. Problems include the added weight, expense, and complexity of needing two mounting systems. One company which recently wrestled with this problem is Spuhr of Sweden. Known for both their innovative designs and the very high quality of their products, Spuhr is well-respected among professionals. Founded in 2007 by Håkan Spuhr, the company specializes in the design, development, and manufacture of specialized mounting solutions for special operations units.

This leads us to the mount seen here, Spuhr’s RDF-20225K. From my understanding, the genesis of this design was a recent European military request for a lightweight but very robust mounting solution for an Aimpoint T-2 and its magnifier. Spuhr’s solution is both simple yet innovative. The robust mount for the red dot also serves as the base for the quick detachable magnifier mount. The magnifier mount features a steel spigot which inserts into the mount. A cross-bolt button locks it into place or unlocks it for quick removal.

The RDF-20225K mount features an Aimpoint Micro pattern footprint. So, any red dot with this mounting configuration can be attached. The base features three beefy Torx head screws to attach it to a MIL STD 1913 rail. Thoughtfully the torque specification is engraved on the mount, 45 inch/pounds. The mount I tested for this review features a 2.25 inch height but a 2.91-inch model is also available. A rear sight is offered separately, which attaches to the mount providing a back-up iron sight.

Fit, finish and build quality of the Spuhr RDF-20225K are excellent. It’s nicely designed, very robust and equipped with excellent hardware. The magnifier attaches very securely with no slop. To attach the magnifier, you push a cross-bolt located on the left side of the mount through to the right, exposing a red O-ring. Then insert the spigot into the mount and push until it clicks into place. Finally, push the cross-bolt to the left, locking the mount into place. Removing the magnifier is fast and simple. If you do not wish to remove it but want it out of the way, you can also just rotate the magnifier down. It then stores just to the left of the centerline of the rifle, rather than being flopped noticeably off-center.

My thoughts? In use the Spuhr works very well. Complete weight with Aimpoint T-2 and 3x magnifier is 17.2 ounces. The 2.25-inch height facilitates a heads up position for rapid engagement of targets, especially while on your feet moving. This height also works well with head mounted night vision. Removing the magnifier provides plenty of room to get behind the red dot for passive shooting with a PVS-14 or duals. Removing the magnifier and stowing it in a pouch, until needed, reduces weight from the rifle, and thus shooter fatigue. The way the magnifier stows to the left of centerline is an advantage over traditional magnifier mounts, except Unity Tactical’s Flip-to-Center design. The Spuhr design tucks the magnifier in so close to the centerline though, I do not see the Unity design having a noticeable advantage.

Cons? In my opinion, would be the 2.25-inch height is more fatiguing to use prone than lower mounts. Plus, I’m curious if a very hard impact could break the mount’s sidewall retaining the magnifier spigot. Lastly there is the price, and this is an expensive combination. The RDF-20225K T-2 and magnifier mount has an MSRP of $410 while the A-0233 back-up iron sight is $70. The T-2 mount by itself is $218 and the matching RDM-20225 30mm magnifier yoke is $202. For more information visit Spuhr’s exclusive US distributor at MileHighShooting.com. 

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