The Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous is a place to get our hands on new products while connecting with some we might’ve missed. This year was no different, as I finally got to take a look at the Sightmark Volta in between testing a few other products that will have to remain unnamed for the time being. The Volta hails from the family of fully-enclosed red dots and carries a unique culmination of features that make it ideal for dusty shooting environments like those of the potato fields of Victor, Idaho.
The Sightmark Volta Solar Red Dot Optic
Before I get to the basics, let’s start with what sets this optic apart; 400,000 hours of battery life. That is not a typo; this optic can run continuously for 45 years off a pair of common AAA batteries.
Sightmark can make this claim because the Volta stops pulling juice off of the dry cells when there is enough ambient light to run the solar system powered by the onboard panel. Because of this tech, the dot is perpetually ON. This makes it ideal for rapid engagements that comprise self-defense or hunting scenarios.
At the event, I had the opportunity to beat one up a bit. Specifically, one mounted to a 6.8 SPC build that was clamped into a Kopfjäger tripod. This configuration is an excellent way to test an optic’s rigidity. This is because it transfers nearly 100% of the recoil to the optic itself.
After confirming zero at 100 yards, I brought things in closer and swapped back and forth between two 50-yard pieces of DOA steel. Throughout the test, the dot remained lit, held zero, and was instinctual to pick up between targets. Before walking away, I confirmed zero by returning to the 100-yard target and dumping another three magazines in rapid succession. It passed.
Aside from being rugged and reliable, the Volta has all of the features we seek in a modern electro-optic. These features include auto-dimming/brightening, interchangeable mounts to get the height where you want it, and an operational temperature range to handle nearly any climate on earth.
That’s pretty impressive for a product carrying a list price of just $299.97.
For more information, please visit Sightmark.com.
Sightmark Volta Solar Red Dot Optic Specs
Reticle, Type: 2 MOA Dot
Reticle, Color: Red
Illuminated Reticle: Yes
Magnification: 1 x
Objective Aperture: 28 mm
Reticle Brightness Setting: 1-10
Window Material: Glass
Eye Relief, mm: Unlimited
Elevation Adjustment: 120 MOA
Windage Adjustment: 160 MOA
MOA Adjustment: 1/2 one click
Finish/Color: Matte black
Body Material: Aluminum 6061-T6 / plastic/ rubber
Maximum Recoil: .338 Win Mag
IP Rating (waterproof): IP67
Shockproof: 3ft / 1m
Fog Proof: Yes
Lens Coating: AR red
Mount Type: Picatinny
Battery Type: 2x AAA
Battery life, hours: 800 on High, 400000 on Low
Voltage, V: 3
Operating Temp, F/?C: -4 to 140 / -20 to 60
Length (in/mm): 3.23/82
Weight, oz.: 7.3
Width (in/mm): 1.37/35
Height (in/mm): 1.98/50
MSRP: $299.97
