The C&H Precision EDC XL represents a thoughtful middle ground in the reflex sight market. It straddles the line between a compact defensive sight and an oversized competition optic. For the outdoor enthusiast and handgun hunter, this hybrid approach delivers distinct advantages where fast acquisition and rugged dependability are non-negotiable.
Design & Field Durability
Built on the industry-standard RMR footprint, the EDC XL features a housing CNC-machined from a single piece of 7075-T6 aluminum. This provides excellent strength for its weight, making it capable of enduring the snappy recoil of heavy hunting loads or even accidental impacts from trees or rocks when the going gets tough. The optic is IPX7 waterproof, ensuring that a sudden downpour or an early morning trek through heavy dew won’t compromise the electronics.
A notable design feature is the low-profile rear iron sight built directly into the back of the housing. If your mounting situation requires you to remove the rear site, this integrated feature provides options for co-witnessing without cluttering the primary field of view.
For field applications, battery access is practical but requires the use of a micro flat head screwdriver. Rather than requiring the removal of the entire optic, which ruins your zero, the EDC XL utilizes a convenient side-loading battery drawer (battery included).
To maximize battery life, the sight incorporates Motion Control Technology (Shake Awake). It automatically powers down after five minutes of absolute stillness to preserve the CR-series cell but snaps back to life instantly at the slightest movement when drawing or lifting the firearm. C&H Precision rates the battery life at up to 50,000 hours on lower settings, giving hunters peace of mind during extended multi-day wilderness pack trips.
Optics and Multi-Reticle Functionality
The EDC XL sports a multi-coated 22mm glass window with nice clarity. It offers a wider sight picture than many red dot optics in its class. This improves visibility and target acquisition under low light or brushy conditions.
The optic features a flexible multi-reticle system that allows the user to cycle between three configurations by holding the “UP” brightness button:
- 3 MOA Dot: A good size for all around use but a little larger than I prefer for hunting.
- 27 MOA Circle: Excellent for rapid target acquisition on larger silhouettes or steel plates.
- Circle & Dot Combo: Combines the speed of the large ring with the precise aiming point of the center dot.
With 10 discrete brightness settings, the reticle can be tuned to remain crisp under direct sunlight or dialed down during prime dawn and dusk hunting hours. Those with astigmatism will greatly appreciate this adjustability as red dots, especially overly bright ones, often turn into star bursts for shooters with this malady.
Technical Specifications
- Footprint: RMR
- Lens Window Size: 22 mm
- Housing Material: One-Piece CNC Machined 7075-T6 Aluminum
- Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA per Click
- Power Source / Battery: 1x CR1620 / CR1632 Lithium (Side Drawer)
- Battery Life: Up to 50,000 Hours (Shake awake)
- Water Resistance: IPX7 (Submersible to 1 meter)
- Reticle Configurations: 3 MOA Dot; 27-30 MOA Circle; Circle/Dot Combo
- +P+ rated
ON THE RANGE
For testing, I mounted the sight using the included mounting screws and tools to an FNX-45 Tactical which had been converted to 460 Rowland. Though I stuck with some relatively mild .45 ACP +P for this review, the Rowland can push 230 gr projectiles to velocities comparable to .44 Remington Magnum. I’ll be subjecting the EDC XL to more recoil in coming articles.
Firing with my wrists supported on a shooting bag, seven shots and a couple of quick adjustments had me on target. It would be nice if the click adjustments were more tactile though the adjustments were precise. I then backed out to 50 and verified my zero, finding it more than satisfactory for harvesting game at that distance. Zeroing complete, I backed off and worked through a few basic shooting drills on the steel targets on my range without any incidents. The wide, clear, lens and ample brightness adjustments were of great use as I moved from the bright mid-day sun to the deep shade of the oak canopy on my range. There is no auto-brightness feature on this optic, something I prefer.
Closing Thoughts
The C&H Precision EDC XL gives shooters and excellent field of view and a nice feature set for reasonable price. Its combination of a one-piece chassis, clear glass, versatile reticle options, and field-accessible battery makes it a compelling choice. Shooters looking for a dependable aiming solution for hunting or EDC would do well, giving this optic a look. I’ll certainly be putting it through its paces in the future. I hope to see you out there!