The Lead & Steel PB-3

The Lead & Steel PB-3

Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to talk about the Lead & Steel PB-3 micro red dot today. This offering from Lead & Steel represents a capable and economically priced enclosed emitter red dot sight. Shooters of all types can utilize this optic for a variety of purposes which range from casual to serious use cases. As we examine the PB-3 optic we are going to delve into its features, traits, use cases, and other considerations. Without further ado, let’s cover the Lead & Steel PB-3.

Who is Lead & Steel?

Lead and Steel is a company founded in 2019 which provides customers with optics and AR-15 rifles and components. Based in Ohio, the company is well-known for their transparency and desire to innovate in the realm of optics. Currently, the company’s optical offerings include their LP-1 rifle optic and PB-3 micro red dot sight. While the company is relatively new, they have been rapidly building their reputation online. Lead and Steel has maintained an active online presence and commonly interacts with customers and users online on forums and other sites.

What is the PB-3?

The Pandora PB-3 serves as Lead and Steel’s micro red dot sight offering. Red dot sights of this type are incredibly versatile when it comes to mounting solutions and methods. While red dots of this style are primarily utilized on pistols, they are also often used on rifles or as backup/offset sights. The Pandora PB-3 features an enclosed emitter and is protected from the elements and external interference by the housing and glass lenses. These offerings utilize the same mounting footprint as the Aimpoint ACRO P-2, one of the most popular enclosed micro red dot sights. When compared to the ACRO P-2, the Lead and Steel states that their Pandora PB-3 has a window which is 30% larger than its Aimpoint counterpart. The optic features a versatile 3 MOA reticle which is easily adjusted via the turrets on the top and right side of the optic. Purchase PB-3

Where is the PB-3 Made?

The PB-3 is ultimately assembled domestically at the company’s Ohio location. At this point in time, the optic features high quality Japanese glass and a housing produced in Hong Kong. While these components are of overseas origin, the R&D for the optic was done in the United States by Lead & Steel. Notably, the company has stated that they wish to bring production of components such as their housings stateside. In short, this American-designed optic utilizes a number of quality foreign-made components and is assembled in the United States by Lead & Steel.

Mounting Footprint

As mentioned above, the PB-3 utilizes the mounting footprint established by the Aimpoint ACRO micro red dot sight. This allows users of PB-3 optics to utilize a wide variety of mounts and plates which support the ACRO footprint. Since a popular footprint is utilized, one will be able to easily find an appropriate mounting plate for their optics ready handgun of their choice or mount it on a rifle, shotgun, or subgun easily. Additionally, it is easy for an end user to mount a PB-3 on a long gun such as a rifle in either a primary or reserve optic. This is to say that an end user can easily utilize primary optic mounts and either piggyback-mounted or offset solutions which accommodate ACRO pattern optics.

Different Color Options

The PB-3 optic from Lead & Steel is currently offered in multiple colorways. As of now, the optic is available in black, flat dark earth, and jade colorways. Currently, these colorways only include these three solid colors. We here at True Shot Ammo offer and stock black and jade colored Lead & Steel PB-3 optics.

Brightness Settings

The Lead & Steel PB-3 features numerous brightness settings. In total, the PB-3 has 10 different brightness settings which are easily adjusted by the end user. Among these settings are 7 daylight settings and 3 dedicated night vision settings. The 7 daylight bright reticles allow an end user to consider multiple brightness options for their type of shooting. As a boon to night vision users, the 3 dedicated night vision settings on the optic which can be used when passive aiming. The top deck of the optic features both large, recessed arrows which are used to adjust the brightness of the reticle.

Battery Life

The PB-3 is powered by a single 3V CR 2032 battery which is retained in a battery compartment on the left side of the optic. This battery compartment features a slotted cap which is easily removed by a screwdriver or coin. Lead & Steel states that the optic has a potential runtime of over 30,000 hours if it is run on one of its daylight bright settings. The simple 3 MOA reticle aids in prolonging the runtime as reticles of this type draw less power than their more complex counterparts. In short, the PB-3 is an energy-efficient red dot which utilizes a common battery. Purchase PB-3

Designed with Shooting in Mind

Notably, there are a number of features on the PB-3 which clearly show that the unit was designed with shooting in mind. One of these features is the beveled edge of the battery compartment on the left side of the optic. This beveling allows the end user to easily holster and draw a pistol with a PB-3 optic mounted on the slide without the unit being caught up on the holster. Additionally, the housing of the optic features a profile that is similarly contoured to reduce snag potential. The PB-3 housing also features distinct serrations which aid the shooter in gripping the unit to manipulate the slide of a pistol. Sealing plates that sandwich optic lenses and a prominent standoff around the objective lens protect the front lens from damage and allow for one handed slide manipulation if the need arises.

What is the PB-3 Good For?

There are many potential use cases for the PB-3. One will be hard pressed to find an optic which is not suitable for recreational shooting or plinking, naturally the PB-3 excels in this regard. Additionally, the sight is well-suited for training and practice. The reticle and large window make it easy for an end user to find and engage targets, allowing for fast and accurate fire. With training, one will become quite capable with a firearm equipped with a PB-3. Beyond range use, the PB-3 also excels as a defensive capacity, specifically in the realm of concealed carry. The fast target acquisition and accuracy potential afforded by the PB-3 make it well-suited for defense, allowing for precise and judicious marksmanship. These same traits make the optic viable for use in competition and hunting settings as well. All in all, the Lead & Steel PB-3 excels in many use cases.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the Lead & Steel PB-3 represents an affordable and versatile optic offering which is quite capable and won’t break the bank. Shooters of all types can benefit from this optic, whether they are focused on simple recreation or need the optic for a more specific purpose. Night vision device compatibility further elevates the unit's value and allows it to appeal to a wide range of shooters. We here at True Shot Ammo carry PB-3 optics in addition to our wide inventory of ammo for sale. Our ammunition inventory spans popular calibers and gauges such as 9mm, .223, 12 gauge, and .22 LR. Whether you want to buy a PB-3 optic or buy bulk ammo, we have you covered. As always, happy shooting.