The long-awaited Swampfox Kraken closed emitter pistol, red dot sight was finally released in 2022. The optic is small and rugged, and can be used with almost any firearm. The Swampfox Kraken can be used with almost any firearm, from pistols to rifles to shotguns, and everything in between. The optic can withstand being submerged for 24hrs, frozen, set on fire, and racked off many objects, including a dumpster, according to Swampfox. Swampfox’s tests showed that the optic can withstand being submerged for 24 hours, frozen, set on fire, and racked off many objects, including a dumpster. It’s difficult to top that feat at home. Today’s focus will be on the Kraken’s performance and features. The optic’s functionality is enhanced by the tactile buttons, small adjustments (0.5 MOA per click), and use of common CR2032 battery. The Kraken logo is also visible on the side. It can fit on any RMR and Glock MOS footprint. Some pistols require custom milling in order to fit closed emitter optics. This is not the case with the Kraken. You can also run the Kraken if you have an RMR or Holosun 407/507 series. The Kraken fits every gun I tried to mount it to. It can be bulky as an offset optic, but it is worth the extra height to get a rugged RDS with a closed emitter. The size is a bit much for me, but I prefer smaller red dots. The 16mm lens is larger than it appears on paper. However, I was able to pick up and track the 3-MOA reticle with no difficulty. I noticed that the battery compartment is a bit higher than I would like on the right side. However, it houses a very common CR2032 – which can be replaced without removing or modifying the optic. I also tried the Kraken on top a Shadow Systems MR920 Elite, an AR Pistol, and my Ballistic Advantage AR-15 as an offset for my Primary Arms 3x prism scope. Swampfox’s battery-saving technology, “Shake N Wake”, is appreciated by all platforms. It’s even better if you plan to use the optic on a home defense weapon or duty weapon. The 3-MOA dot can be purchased in red or green. Both models have 10 brightness settings, including two levels that work with night vision. The buttons that adjust the brightness are tactile and easy-to-use. However, the Kraken will not work with Magpul MBUS sight mounts when mounted to an AR with Swampfox’s Rebel Riser. Many red dots similar to the Kraken work well when mounted to an AR mount from their respective manufacturers. However, if you want cowitness capabilities with this optic, you will need a different mount. It is slightly larger than a standard pistol RDS but the bulk it offers is more than its dependability. The IPX7 waterproof rating means that you won’t have to worry about water droplets affecting your dot or causing malfunctions if you go for a walk in the rain or fording rivers. I used the offset Kraken with a 3x prism optic and found it very easy to transition between targets within 30 yards. It can compete with other closed emitter red dot products on the market and it does so at a fraction of the cost. It can use most of the same batteries as all of them, and even has the same aesthetics as the ACRO, 509T, and MPS. The Kraken has some things I like more, such as the tactile clicks and the 0.5-MOA adjustments. This allows the Kraken to be used on rifles too, unlike the 1-MOA adjustments on many optics. Its versatility is also a plus. The Kraken can be used on almost any platform, from handguns and rifles to shotguns, PCCs, and shotguns. It was easy to pick up and easy to re-zero, no matter what platform it was mounted on. When it was mounted on top of my M920, I wondered if the mailbox had its own zip code. It performed well, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t capable. It performed just as well, if not better than the RMRs or Holosun 407/507s I’ve used for hundreds, if not thousands of rounds. I have most of my guns equipped with optics. This added an inch to a pistol that is large enough that it would be difficult for me conceal it without covering it. It will likely end-up on top of a full-size gun like a DR920, or my competition CZ SP-01. However, all of the Kraken’s benefits would still be very useful. It’s rugged, impact resistant, waterproof to 1 meter, and, most importantly, it doesn’t have an emitter that can be affected by the environment. My final complaint was that it didn’t co-witness well with my iron sights when mounted on my handgun. Shadow Systems MR920 was comparable to any other optic I have used. It provided at most a one-third, if not absolute, co-witness. This will not be a deal-breaker for many. I have no complaints about the Kraken as a primary optic for a rifle or on a 45 degree offset mount. The Kraken is an excellent offset optic. It’s rugged, enclosed and can withstand a beating. The Swampfox Kraken is a great option for offset optics. They have a solid warranty and I’ve experienced nothing but good things from their customer service and build quality.Swampfox Kraken Specs:Dot Size: 3-MOAMOA Adjustment: 0.5-MOA per clickMagnification: 1xLens Diameter: 16mmWaterproof: 1 Meter/ IPX7Illumination Positions: 10Brightness Adjustments: Up/Down ArrowsShockproof G Forces: 1500GsBattery Type: CR 2032Max Battery Life: Approximately 2-Year Real-World (Shake ‘N Wake)Dimensions: 1.85 inches(length) x 1.38-inches (width) x 1.27 inchesWeight: 2.5 ounces without batteryLens: “Multi-Coated Ruby Red – Red Dot or Multi-Coated Silver – Green Dot”Specialty Coatings: Anti-fog, hydrophobic, anti-scratchEye Relief: UnlimitedMount Type: RMR Adapted / MOS AdaptedChassis: 7075 Aircraft-grade aluminumWindage/Elevation Movement Range (MOA): 45-MOA/ Total 90-MOA RangeMSRP: $349Site: swampfoxoptics.comMore On Pistol Red Dots:NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Storm Tactical Printable Target Pack62 Printable MOA Targets with DOT Drills – Rifle Range in YARDSThis impressive target pack from our friends at Storm Tactical contains62 printable targetsfor rifle and handgun range use. 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