TFB Review: C&H Precision ERD-1 Red Dot Sight
Everyone loves a good large windowed enclosed optic with quick brightness adjustments and a crisp reticle. C&H has entered the game with their ERD-1 which was announced at SHOT2024. I had a chance to talk with the very kind folks there and they gave me the low down. I feel embarrassed to say I do not remember much of what was said but it was because I was so interested in the ERD-1. It had my attention and I knew I had to review it down the road. They were nice enough to send a T&E sample my way when production got rolling so here we are. How does it stand up in today’s market? Let’s dive right into my review of the C&H Precision ERD-1 Red Dot Sight!
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Specifications: C&H Precision ERD-1 Red Dot Sight
The C&H Precision ERD-1 is an enclosed optic. This means that the matter in charge of creating the reticle you see in the glass is protected from the elements and is less likely to be damaged or obstructed in those precious moments you may need it. We have witnessed a rise in popularity for these types of optics when it comes to carry guns and battle rifles equipped with red dot optics. Despite its looks, it is not a holographic sight, it is a true red dot equipped with a multi-reticle system, night vision settings, and shake awake.
- Magnification: 1x
- Lens Diameter: 27.5 x 36mm
- Elevation/Windage Adjustment Range: 45 MOA (Total 90 MOA)
- Click Value: 1 MOA per click
- Dot Size: 2 MOA (2 moa and 56 moa circle in multi-reticle)
- Dot Color: Red
- Parallax Free: 100 yards
- Dot Brightness Setting: 10 levels (2 NV)
- Power Supply: 1x CR 2032 3V Lithium battery
- Auto Wake/Sleep: 5 Mins after no movement
- Dimensions: (LxWxH) 93.5mmx44.3mmx63.8mm
- Weight (with battery installed): 352g (approx. 12.4 oz)
- Levels of Brightness: 10 (1&2 are night vision compatible)
- Motion Control: Shake awake
- Caliber Rating: All calibers
- Waterproof: (ipx7, 1 meter for 30 mins)
- Battery Life: 50,000 Hours
- Construction: CNC Machined One-Piece Body
- Shockproof & Waterproof
The MSRP of the C&H ERD-1 Red Dot Sight is currently at $494.95 which is pretty competitive compared to other larger enclosed red dot sights that are not holographic. When you have something like this I am not sure why someone would lean into a holographic but hey, that’s just me.
“THE C&H ERD-1 is a rugged, large windowed rifle optic that will be a perfect match for your gas rifle or PCC. It was built for those who want a larger window on a tough, reliable platform. It utilizes a picatinny rail mount for widespread compatibility. Available in red dot with 2 moa dot and 56 moa circle with a selectable multi-reticle.”
First Impressions: C&H ERD-1 Red Dot Sight
As I mentioned the first time I saw and held the ERD-1 was at Shot Show 2024 and I was totally star-struck. I liked the looks, I liked the buttons, I liked the window size and reticle. Everything about this thing was very appealing.
The T&E sample I received is likely very much a first sample off of the line. The box is blank and there were no instructions included. I am guessing I was one of the first to step up to the review plate. Thank goodness they tracked one down for me because this optic was on my mind for months.
Just as it was at SHOT it is impressive. It is on the heavier dense side so if you are going for a lightweight build it may not be for you but if it’s going on a battle rifle or SBR build it fits the bill because it feels like a tank. I really like the mounting setup and the battery access as well as the large button adjustments/placement. It is a very good-looking optic and a perfect profile for someone looking for that holographic sight look without the battery drawbacks and price tag.
Mounting the ERD-1 was extremely easy. It has four screws securing it so with those tightened down to 15 to 20 inch pounds (not sure what the right spec is as I said my early sample did not have instructions) it was not going anywhere. It uses a side load battery so that was super easy to install but in a pinch, I can see unscrewing the locking screw being an issue. Good thing this lasts for around 5 years worth of battery and has an auto shutoff.
With the dot up and running it yielded a crisp and clear reticle. Everyone I have shown it to remarked how crisp it was. It was just as nice as the one I saw at SHOT. Who knows maybe it’s the same one since this is a sample.
Range Time: C&H Precision ERD-1 Red Dot Sight
Prepping for some range time I wanted to give the ERD-1 a great go of it with a new pistol and future SBR build. Needless to say it really suited the compact package and complimented the looks all day long. I paired it with my new AT3 Tactical lower, a Roscoe upper I have for review, and a Silencer Central Backcountry for that added flair. I do need to pick up some backup sights for this build but I was in a rush. For my sake drop your favorite backup sights in the comments!
Rolling into the range day I was vibrating with excitement. Fellow TFB writer and AllOutdoor editor Adam S was with me on my range trip and even he remarked how impressed he was with the clean lines of the optic and the crispness of the reticle. I set up a few targets at 25 yards and typically I wouldn’t bother sighting a review optic in to precisely besides getting it on paper mainly because you can still tell how something groups or if there is a change in point of impact. Does not really matter if there is a bullseye where the holes are.
Since I wanted to have as much time with the ERD-1 I took the extra time and effort to get it hitting bullseyes. The adjustments were smooth, tactile, and loud enough to hear through my earplugs. Everything kept on target and there weren’t any noticeable shifts from the optic. The window was clear whether I shot out in the sun or under the low light of the range canopy.
The brightness settings felt sort of lacking. Not in a sense they were not bright enough, rather I just noticed that some of the higher levels felt like there should have been a level in between each other. Basically, it felt like I was at setting 8 and then clicking up once the brightness would increase pretty noticeably as if it jumped to a figurative 10.
As I have harped on, the reticle is very crisp with no flicker. It almost looks like an etched reticle on a prism optic. At the highest brightness, the dot itself developed a slight fuzz but very slight. Many other dots in this price range are far worse in my experience.
Final Thoughts: C&H Precision ERD-1 Red Dot Sight
I typically get pretty hyped about most things that cross my review table but it's because I already know I want to work with them. Rarely has there been a time I didn’t like something or was terribly unimpressed. This red dot takes the cake as one of my favorite dots. Things I don’t like would be the bulk and weight but I would be willing to live with that for the perceived durability (I did not do any torture tests). It's a secured mounted, enclosed multi-reticle having, rock solid option for any high-intensity build out there. I know I will be picking one up the first chance I get. I highly recommend checking the ERD-1 out if you get a chance!
In closing, I want to say thank you to C&H Precision for allowing TFB and myself the opportunity to try out their new ERD-1 Red Dot Sight. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think. Do you believe that this new-fangled enclosed optic is worth spending your money on? Would you take this out to the range on the regular? Would this be on your go-to AR build? Let us know all of your thoughts in the comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
Writer | TheFirearmBlogWriter | AllOutdoor.comInstagram | sfsgunsmithOld soul, certified gunsmith, published author, avid firearm history learner, and appreciator of old and unique guns.
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I laughed at the mounting setup.
This looks like a decent first attempt? and I haven't seen anything similar from any other MFG, so this may have been one of their first actual designs (or something they had real design input into)
$495 does appear to be the going rate, which is way too close in price to the made-in-not-China SIG Romeo 8H, and a good bit more than a Holosun AEMS.