Lead-Steel-PANDORA-PB-3 Khimaira Strategy Tactics

Lead & Steel PANDORA PB-3

Its full name is PANDORA PB-3 RED DOT SIGHT , and the Pandora is a closed red dot sight. It can be used on all types of "Optic Ready" handguns, as well as shoulder-fired weapons.


It is available in FDE and in black.

Its footprint is that of the ACRO P2. Aimpoint has defined an effective professional standard for the industry. It is smart of Lead & Steel to adopt this for their product.


This makes the Pandora compatible with all ACRO accessories such as the ACRO plate for GLOCK MOS or an ACRO cut on a machined slide.


First of all, why buy the PANDORA?
Why this one and not another?


As a voracious buyer myself, I've had the opportunity to test a great many red dot sights. My personal opinion is that all red dot sights on pistols should be closed. Rain, mud, and dust, for example, won't prevent their use.


Furthermore, due to their design, closed red dots are stronger/more durable.

I've tested, so to speak, almost every closed red dot on the market. Most of them are good, but I wanted the best.

My specifications were simple:

  • Very sturdy
  • Wide window
  • Battery accessible without removing the red dot
  • FDE color (yes, I have a problem with FDE)


Spoiler alert, the Pandora totally won me over.

I will detail the thought process I went through when choosing a red dot.

Through my role as an instructor within the Khimaira team, I had the opportunity to actually try out the PANDORA during three days of pistol training.


Having been convinced by the shooting technique, I then decided to study the matter more closely:

  • What convinced me about shooting:
    • Window size, and in particular the width
    • Clarity of the glass
    • Personal feeling to find the point


Pandora design:

The Pandora is made of aluminum. Its coating is a type III hard anodizing. That sounds great at parties, but what does it actually mean?

There are three types of anodizing, that is, treatment of aluminum to protect it.

Type III is the hardest anodizing process. This gives the Pandora a more durable, scratch-resistant coating than red dot sights that haven't received this treatment.

Above :


Clamping: To aid in handling

Buttons: To increase (>) or decrease (<) the intensity of the red dot. Long press UP to turn off the Pandora (B).

To turn on the Pandora, simply press one of the two buttons. The Pandora will turn on at the same brightness level as when it was turned off.

The Pandora has 10 intensity levels, 3 of which are compatible with night vision goggles (level 1, 2 and 3).

Front / Back:

The Pandora has removable covers on the front and back, held in place by two Torx screws. The window is 30% larger than that of the Acro P2. I recommend that you do not remove the covers yourself. This could compromise the Pandora's seal.

The red dot is 3 MOA.

Pandora (3 MOA) - MPS (3.3 MOA) - ACRO P2 (3.5MOA)

Regarding the setting, 1 click = 1 MOA.


One of the innovative things about the PANDORA is the fact that it is sealed and filled with nitrogen.

"Thank you Jamy for that clarification."


What we need to understand is that nitrogen will prevent moisture from seeping in. This is a recurring problem with other brands of closed red dot sights.


Side faces :

Drift adjustment, ACRO imprint fixing, TORX screw tightening.

Battery compartment which contains a CR2032 battery.

This is a good choice because this battery is very common and inexpensive. Another point is that the casing is made of aluminum and therefore robust, unlike the plastic casing of the ACRO, which is extremely easily damaged with the slightest disassembly.
Regarding battery life, the brand provides us with this table:

What can we learn from this?

Not much. These days, apart from the ACRO P1, all closed-dot red dot sights have very good battery life. The PANDORA is no exception. Its battery life is excellent. Personally, I turn off my Pandora when I put my gun in the safe.

Finally, a major advantage over competitors is the placement of the front and rear windows. In addition to being positioned at an inward angle, the front window is also recessed well from the outer edge. This design helps preserve its integrity in the event of an impact, such as a "rack" movement affecting the headlight assembly.

This problem is, for example, very common on the Aimpoint ACRO.


Box contents:

The PANDORA box is quite stylish. Not necessarily useful, but the work done on the box suggests the same effort will be put into the product itself. A victim of marketing, me? Never.


Inside the PANDORA box, you will find, perhaps surprisingly, the PANDORA itself. That's a pretty good start.

Furthermore, you will find:

- A TORX key to use for installing the PANDORA on your weapon and also for adjusting the red dot sight

- A cleaning cloth for the glass and a QR code directing you to a user guide. No batteries are supplied with the PANDORA .

A shame for a red dot sight at that price.

Conclusion :

Lead & Steel is an American brand that has captured my attention. They don't just offer new products; they strive to innovate. Already pleasantly surprised by their holographic sight, I took the plunge with the PANDORA for its technical innovations (exterior coating, front/rear protection, nitrogen filling) and its tank-like appearance.

Furthermore, it is available in France, with real after-sales service if needed.




Its rather high price of 629 euros makes it the second most expensive closed-dot red dot sight after the ACRO P2. Compared to the latter, I find this price more justified.

Another important point to consider is the prominent battery compartment on the left side. Compatibility with certain narrow holsters should be checked.

Feel free to watch our YouTube video where we discuss the compatibility of US DUTY Gear holsters with the PANDORA.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI5OdvViDig&t=6s

The Pandora doesn't fit in my Safariland 6390 RDS but it does fit in my US Duty Gear. I absolutely don't regret my choice and I recommend it if your budget allows.



I'm getting the Pandora!

Article by Steve, Khimaira Monitor.


Your opinion matters to us!


Have you ever used the PANDORA PB-3 RED DOT SIGHT or are you considering buying one? Share your impressions, questions, or even your own tips and experiences in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, not only to help us improve our future articles, but also to help the community make informed choices.

Feel free to share your suggestions or feedback on this innovative product.


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