5 Best Athlon Optics Midas Edc Red Dot of 2026 For Concealed Carry

1

Athlon Optics Midas TSR3 Red Dot, Black

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• ARS Mark

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  9.2
• Brand
  Athlon Optics

Key specs2

Optic housing style

Enclosed tube sight

Platform suitability

This sight uses an enclosed tube build intended for rifles or carbines rather than pistol slides. Its dimensions prevent secure fitment inside standard concealed carry holsters.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Enclosed tube body shields the internal emitter from rain, dust, and direct physical impacts
• Robust housing construction offers dependable durability on carbine or shotgun platforms
• Black finish provides a low-glare surface that matches tactical firearm builds

Cons

• Tube-style geometry is far too bulky for handgun slide mounting or concealed carry holsters
• Mounting footprint and included rail hardware must be checked before attempting installation

2

Athlon Optics 403018: Midas EDC Red Dot Sight

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• ARS Mark

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  9.5
• Brand
  Athlon Optics

Key specs2

Intended carry role

The Midas EDC is specifically engineered for everyday carry handgun setups, offering a streamlined exterior that avoids snagging on garments during your draw stroke.

Slide compatibility checklist

• Verify the exact footprint dimensions against your handgun slide cut
• Confirm whether your slide requires an adapter plate before installation

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Designed specifically for EDC applications with a low-profile reflex form factor
• Compact footprint minimizes holster printing and reduces snag risks during the draw
• Direct red dot reflex aiming supports rapid target acquisition in close-range shooting

Cons

• Exact slide cut footprint is unlisted in the title and requires verification before purchase
• Open emitter architecture requires periodic lens maintenance to keep pocket lint clear

3

Athlon Optics Midas TSR2 Red Dot, Black

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• ARS Mark

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  9.0
• Brand
  Athlon Optics

Key specs2

Optic housing style

Enclosed tube sight

Carry viability

Because the TSR2 is a tube-style red dot, it lacks the low-profile slide-mounting geometry needed for concealed handguns. It serves best when secured to a long-gun rail interface.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Enclosed tube sight profile protects optical lenses from lateral environmental exposure
• Red dot illumination delivers straightforward targeting for long guns and carbines
• Black exterior finish offers a clean, corrosion-resistant tactical aesthetic

Cons

• Heavy tube frame cannot be mounted directly to everyday carry pistol slides
• Height over bore and rail mounting requirements prevent concealed carry holster use

4

Athlon Optics 403017: Midas Tsr1-M Redot Sight - RMR Footprint

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• ARS Mark

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  7.7
• Brand
  Athlon Optics

Key specs3

Mounting interface

RMR footprint standard

Reticle specifications

3 MOA red dot

Concealed carry fit

With its RMR footprint and 3 MOA reticle, the TSR1-M mounts directly to RMR-pattern pistol slides, providing a low-profile optic that clears defensive holsters with ease.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Standard RMR footprint allows direct attachment to popular optics-ready pistol slides
• 3 MOA red dot offers an ideal balance between rapid target pickup and precise shot placement
• Micro reflex profile fits cleanly into carry holsters without catching on clothing

Cons

• Handguns with non-RMR slide cuts will require a separate adapter plate to install
• Open reflex design leaves the glass exposed to ambient dust and moisture during carry

5

Athlon Optics Midas BTR Red Dot 1 x 21

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• ARS Mark

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  8.2
• Brand
  Athlon Optics

Key specs2

Optical specifications

1x magnification, 21mm objective

Handgun slide compatibility

The 1x21 cylindrical housing requires a rail mount rather than a slide cut, making it unsuitable for concealed carry pistols while fitting carbines and range firearms.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• 1x magnification enables true both-eyes-open shooting for enhanced field awareness
• 21mm objective lens provides a clear sight window for recreational and carbine targeting
• Compact tubular housing safeguards optics better than open-lens pistol sights

Cons

• Cylindrical tube design is completely incompatible with standard concealed carry holsters
• Slide mounting is not supported, requiring a rail interface for proper attachment

Last update on 2026-10-06 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Which Athlon Midas models are designed to mount directly on a handgun slide?

The Athlon Optics 403018 Midas EDC Red Dot Sight and the 403017 Midas TSR1-M Red Dot Sight are the models built specifically for handgun slides. Other optics in the Midas lineup, including the TSR2, TSR3, and BTR 1 x 21, use enclosed tube bodies intended for rail mounting. Choosing either the Midas EDC or the TSR1-M gives you an open reflex design that mounts cleanly to an optics-ready slide and minimizes bulk inside a concealed carry holster.

What mounting footprint does the Athlon Midas TSR1-M require?

The Athlon Optics Midas TSR1-M uses an RMR footprint. If your pistol slide features a direct RMR optic cut, the sight mounts straight to the slide using standard screws. For handguns with alternative factory slide cuts or modular optic plates, verify your plate compatibility with the RMR pattern before mounting to guarantee proper screw engagement and zero stability.

Can you use Athlon Midas rifle tube sights like the TSR2 or TSR3 for concealed carry?

No, full-size tube sights like the Athlon Midas TSR2 and Midas TSR3 are poorly suited for concealed carry handguns. These models feature cylindrical tube housings and base mounts intended for Picatinny rails on rifles or carbines. Attempting to run a tall tube sight on a carry pistol introduces severe holster fit issues, creates obvious printing through clothing, and adds unnecessary snag points during your draw stroke.

Is the 3 MOA reticle on the Midas TSR1-M good for defensive shooting?

Yes, the 3 MOA dot size on the Midas TSR1-M provides a balanced aiming point for close to mid-range defensive shooting. A 3 MOA reticle is large enough for rapid target pickup when drawing from concealment, yet small enough to avoid obscuring your target at longer distances. Check the brightness adjustment settings in the manufacturer specifications to ensure the illumination level suits your local ambient light conditions.

Can you co-witness factory iron sights through Athlon Midas handgun optics?

Co-witnessing depends on your specific slide cut depth and the height of your iron sights. While low-profile reflex sights like the Midas EDC and TSR1-M allow a natural sight picture, standard factory sights may sit too low in the window on certain slide cuts. Installing iron sights for cowitness with red dot sights provides taller backup alignment through the optic window if your dot battery fails. Confirm your slide depth and sight blade height before purchasing replacement irons.

How does the Athlon Midas BTR 1 x 21 differ from the Midas EDC?

The Midas BTR Red Dot 1 x 21 is a compact tube sight with a 21 mm objective lens, whereas the Midas EDC uses a low-profile open reflex configuration. While a small tube sight works well on rail-equipped target pistols, such as setups highlighted in our guide to the best red dot sight for Ruger Mark handguns, it is far too bulky for a concealed carry holster. The Midas EDC remains the practical choice when you need a smooth, snag-free draw from inside the waistband.