Why we like these:
The Lead & Steel PB-3 V2 is here and it is a HUGE leap in quality over the beloved original. Let's go over some of our favorite features:
- Large window - this is a 'mailbox' style optic, so it's not going to be the smallest micro red dot on the market. But it boasts an impressive 22x17mm window that is 30% larger than the competitor.
- Glass upgrade - a huge improvement over the first gen, the glass is insanely clear with almost zero distortion or tint. You have to see it in person to really appreciate it.
- New reticle options - We've always been fans of the 'circle/dot' style reticle, and now they've brought it to the PB-3. You now have your 3 MOA dot surrounded by a 32MOA circle. And you can cycle between dot + circle, dot only, or circle only for shotgun use.
- AURAWAKE - this is an awesome edition to the PB-3. If you don't know, Aurawake is basically a 'shake awake' style feature that helps save battery life while also adding a level of redundancy to your optic. Read the full description below, but it's great.
- New Machining - not only is it more aesthetically pleasing, but more functional too. We love the beveled leading edge of the battery cap that will make a huge difference when re-holstering your pistol. It's just a nice touch that's functional and looks great.
- GHOST ADAPTER PLATE (GAP) - this is one of the BIGGEST selling points in our opinion. The GAP allows your optic to be adapted to the existing footprint of your firearm, while maintaining a depth similar to a direct milled slide. This opens the door to use on other firearms without having to get your slide milled or deal with a large adapter plate that sits your optic up higher.
Overall, we think L&S absolutely killed it with this update to their original PB-3 red dot. This is without a doubt one of the best enclosed micro red dot sights on the market.
Official Description From Lead & Steel:
The Pandora PB-3 was developed under the L&S Central Ohio Research Division [CORD] to meet the quality standards of the discerning end user. Designed for durability with a 7075-T6 aluminum housing and lens sealing plates, the Pandora’s Box utilizes a 3-MOA reticle through a class-leading field of view. The popular ACRO® P2 footprint allows for ease of mounting and expands to a flush mount RMR footprint when paired with our Ghost Adapter Plate. Extended runtime is provided by the side-loading CR2032, and the PB-3 is IPX8 rated for dedicated maritime applications.
Proudly designed and developed in the United States of America by our opto-mechanical engineering team.
AURAWAKE:
AuraWake is CORD’s take on a safer implementation of shake-to-wake designs seen in the industry today. Many optics will auto shut off after a set number of hours to conserve runtime. Motion sensors are commonly utilized in optics to activate them once the weapon is picked up, but these devices may exhibit unreliability after heavy impact testing. However, CORD is now proud to announce AuraWake, a new partial shake-to-wake system that ties the accelerometer ONLY to the 32-MOA ring.
Simply put, after 5 minutes of non use, the PB-3’s outer CQB ring will “sleep,” yet maintain the 3-MOA dot on at all times. This provides a constant, action-ready aiming reference that cannot be interfered with upon motion sensor failure, while significantly increasing runtime. It’s the best of both worlds, and is available for purchase now.
SPECS:
- 30% larger window than industry competitors (22x17mm).
- Sealing plates to sandwich lenses into housing for added security.
- 7075-T6 housing refined for added durability.
- Dot matrix machined into housing.
- IPX8 rated to 10m submersion (90 minutes).
- Recessed brightness controls.
- 3V CR2032 – capable of 30,000+ hr runtime on various daytime settings.
- Standoff around objective lens for one handed pistol slide manipulation.
- Ocular offset to protect glass during pistol/rifle retraction through barriers.
- Beveled leading edge of battery compartment to assist re-holstering.
- NEW 3/32 MOA dot/ring reticle.
- Three built-in reticles paired with our Patent Pending Aurawake Technology.
- ACRO® P2 footprint.
- Stronger clamp and mounting interface.
- 7 daylight settings, 3 NV settings.
- Lifetime warranty.
