C&H Precision makes the largest windowed RMSc footprint optic, and it is called the Max. For this review, I put one to the test in pistol shooting competitions. The Max is unique because the RMSc footprint is narrow and typically used for subcompact firearms as well as 1911s, but the window is just as large as the most popular competition-focused red dots being produced today. There were no shortcuts taken in the design of the Max, so it’s packed with tons of popular features.
About C&H Precision
C&H Precision is a Georgia-based company whose roots are in producing pistol optic adapter plates and other high-end mounting solutions. They grew rapidly in this space and have recently entered the optic game. C&H Precision designs these optics, and they are produced in China.
C&H Max Overview
The C&H Max’s standout feature is the large 24mm window that provides 90% more expanded reflective lens area than the average RMSc footprint optic. The Max also boasts 7075 aluminum construction, an IPX7 waterproof rating, 10 brightness levels with two that are NV compatible. The 50,000-hour battery life is made possible by an auto-off feature after 5 minutes of inactivity paired with “Shake Awake” Motion control. Oh, and it’s nearly indestructible, being rated for +P and +P+ ammunition.
C&H Max First Impressions
The C&H Max comes in a neat little clear box. Not that it means anything, but the packaging was unique and appealing. Inside this box, you will find the optic, a lens cloth, a 1632 battery, wrenches, two different mounting screw sets, a card with a scannable QR code for warranty information/registration, and the user manual. The screw sets that are provided are M3x0.5 and M4x0.7. I used the M4 scews to mount the optic to my Girsan Witness2311 Match X.
The Max feels robust in the hand, and the large window provides a huge field of view. I also love how the battery compartment is on the side, allowing the battery to be changed without removing the optic from the slide, thus preserving your zero. The only controls on the optic are the up and down buttons that are located on the side of the optic. Using these, you can change reticles, adjust the brightness, or turn the optic on and off.
Mounting The C&H Max
I mounted the C&H Max on a Girsan Witness2311 Match X. This gun is a double-stack 1911, and it has an RMSc optic cut. I chose to pair this optic with this particular gun because of my ability to direct mount the optic to the slide, in addition to the Max’s large window for competition use. Any time you can avoid using an adapter plate, you should. Fewer parts mean fewer potential issues in my mind.
I used the included M4x0.7 screws to mount the Max to the Match X. These provided plenty of thread engagement and come with blue LokTite pre-applied. This optic was never going to come loose. Because I used the M4 mounting screws, I chose to torque them to 18 in-lbs. If you use the M3 screws, torque them to 12-15 in-lbs. I only provide these torque specs because C&H does not, and I’ve found these to work on all optics I’ve used. Still, use these torque specs at your own risk when mounting your optic. If you are not comfortable mounting this optic, bring it to a qualified gunsmith who can provide this service.
Once I mounted the Max, I used the optic’s integrated rear irons to get a rough zero. I simply adjusted the dot to sit right above the front sight when the irons were aligned. This turned out to be the perfect zero in my gun, which means the rear irons of the Max were sitting at the perfect height with the optic directly mounted on the Match X.
C&H Max In The Field
The Girsan Match X that I mounted the C&H Max to is my go-to gun for SCSA (Steel Challenge) competitions. I also used this gun and optic in multiple USPSA matches, which is a more physically demanding run-and-gun style of pistol shooting. This optic got beat on for months. I used it to rack my slide and clear a few malfunctions. Dry, dusty, hot conditions relentlessly abused it. And I shot in downright downpours. Unlike pleasure trips to the range, competitions occur regardless of the weather on hand, which makes this setting the ideal proving ground for optics.
After these last 4 months of abuse, the C&H Max is still in pristine shape and is functioning perfectly. It even held zero through all of this activity. During this time, I never had any complaints about the clarity of the glass or any parallax issues. My only negative comment is a slight starburst appearance of the dot, but this is due to my astigmatism. This starburst was difficult for me to identify in bright sunlight, though, and the dot looked round and crisp in this setting.
Specifications And Features
- Large window for fast target acquisition and tracking
- Small RMSc™ footprint – compatible with compact optics mounts
- Multi-reticle red dot (2.5 MOA dot with 24 MOA circle option)
- 10 brightness levels
- Levels 1 and 2 are night vision compatible
- Motion control (Shake Awake)
- Smart power management
- Auto-off after 5 minutes of inactivity
- Up to 50,000 hours of battery life
- CNC-machined one-piece body
- Made from 7075 aircraft-grade aluminum
- Shock rated for +P and +P+ ammunition
- Waterproof rated IPX7
- Withstands immersion 1 meter deep for 30 minutes
- Magnification: 1x
- Lens diameter: 24mm
- Dot size: 2.5 MOA (with 24 MOA circle in multi-reticle mode)
- Dot color: Red
- Adjustment range: 45 MOA elevation / 45 MOA windage (total 90 MOA)
- Click value: 1 MOA per click
- Parallax-free distance: 33 yards
- Brightness settings: 10 levels
- Battery: 1x CR1632 3V lithium
- Shockproof and waterproof
- MSRP $339.99
READ MORE HERE: New Echelon 4.0C Comp From Springfield Armory: Full Review
Final Thoughts
The C&H Precision Max is the best competition-focused RMSc footprint optic on the market, currently. The large 24mm window and lengthy feature set make it appealing, and the proven reliability in tough conditions solidifies my claim. I would seek out the Max to pair with any gun that has RMSc direct mounting compatibility. Of course, if you need a small, low-profile optic for your subcompact concealed-carry gun, the Max might not be the best option because of its large profile. But that’s ok. This optic is meant for a different crowd that is looking for a large FOV for increased awareness and faster target transitions.
The Max has an MSRP of $339.99, which makes it cheaper than similar optics. If you buy one of these other optics and have to purchase an adapter plate for them, you are only increasing this cost difference. The C&H Max will continue to live on my Girsan Witness2311 Match X while I use it in USPSA and SCSA competitions because I have grown to like it so much.
Learn more about the C&H Precision Max here.
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