The Different Types of Trijicon Red Dots

Trijicon was established in 1981 and has since led the industry in developing reliable aiming solutions for shooters. As an official supplier of the U.S. Military and several law enforcement agencies, Trijicon electro optics are trusted and used by professionals around the globe for their durability, reliability, and innovative features. This guide will break down their most popular pistol red dot optics to help you decide which Trijicon sight you should buy to elevate your aim and deliver your best performance yet.

Trijicon RMR Type 2

Building upon what made the original Trijicon RMR so great, the Type 2 makes for an excellent concealed carry pistol red dot sight. What truly sets the RMR apart from other red dots on the market is its outstanding durability, featuring a unique, patented housing shape that diverts stress away from the lens in case of impact. That’s a primary reason why they’re used in the military. They are also waterproof and have multi-coated lenses for crisp, clear views in a variety of field conditions.

The proven RMR footprint has become an industry standard, providing vast compatibility with a variety of weapon platforms. Its compact size takes up minimal space on your slide, and there are multiple models to suit your shooting style. For example, the Trijicon RMR is available with green or red dot reticles, and there is a dual-illuminated model that uses fiber optics by day and tritium at night to power the dot and automatically adjust to your ambient lighting. The RMR is currently available with a 1 MOA, 3.25 MOA, or 6 MOA dot size to accommodate your preferences.

Here is a recap of what makes the Trijicon RMR so popular:

• Extreme durability
• Compact size, perfect for concealed carry
• Premium optical quality
• User-friendly adjustments
• Versatile reticle options to suit your exact needs

Trijicon RMR HD

The Trijicon RMR HD red dot sight represents the next evolution in the RMR series, providing several upgrades and key differences that truly make it stand out from the Type 2. It features the same electronic platform, optical quality, and patented housing shape of the Type 2. The main differences are that it has a larger sight window, top-loading battery, innovative forward-looking light sensor, improved illumination adjustments, and the Multi-Reticle System (MRS).

To start, the new sensor assists with automatically adjusting the reticle to your lighting conditions. Combined with improved controls with tactile feedback, the RMR HD makes it much easier and quicker to adjust the reticle and acquire targets, making it an ideal choice for duty or competitive use when time matters most. It also offers more customization opportunities by allowing you to choose between a complex reticle, simple dot, or a combination of both. Plus, it has a setting for compatibility with night vision devices to assist tactical operators and nighttime hunters.

Keeping the same RMR footprint of the Type 2, you can seamlessly upgrade to the RMR HD while using the same mounting plates. Overall, here is what makes the Trijicon RMR HD red dot an ideal optic for handguns:

• Larger sight picture for enhanced accuracy and faster target acquisition
• Improved illumination controls for quicker adjustments and a more customized experience
• Top-loading battery makes it easier to swap batteries without removing the sight
• Optimized for duty use, making it a better choice for law enforcement

Trijicon RMRcc

The Trijicon RMRcc Ruggedized Miniature Reflex Sight is the ultimate concealed carry red dot, offering the thinnest, lowest profile of the RMR series to ensure quick, snag-free draws. Keeping the same durable housing and features of the RMR, the RMRcc is simply a better option for everyday concealed carry when size matters most.

However, the RMRcc mini reflex sight does come with some tradeoffs. First, it has the smallest sight window out of the bunch, so you will need to adapt your aim accordingly. It also features a bottom-loading battery, so you will need to remove the optic to swap batteries. Another consideration is that the RMRcc has its own unique, proprietary footprint, so you will need a compatible mounting platform even if you previously owned a different RMR red dot.

Despite any cons, the Trijicon RMRcc red dot is still an excellent choice for pistols for the following reasons:

• Extremely minimal, perfect for micro-compact and small carry pistols
• Lighter weight = less bulk
• Snag-free design
• Same rugged housing and durability of other RMR red dots

Trijicon RCR

The Trijicon RCR reflex sight was developed to be even more durable than the RMR series, featuring more robust housing and an enclosed emitter that is immune to water, dust, and other obtrusions. You can learn more about these types of optics in our Open vs. Closed Emitter Red Dot Guide. Basically, the RCR red dot can withstand direct impacts without losing zero and perform in harsher environments without worry. This Trijicon enclosed red dot shares the RMR footprint and has the same deck height, allowing you to seamlessly swap optics with compatible RMR mounts.

The only downsides are that the RCR is bulkier and is currently only available with a 3.25 MOA red dot while the RMR models offer more options. Another difference is the patented capstan screw mounting system instead of traditional top-down screws. However, this is how the sight maintains compatibility with the RMR footprint without requiring special adapter plates.

You can consider the Trijicon RCR to be the closed-emitter version of the RMR, but it’s honestly so much more than that. Here are some key highlights of this closed-emitter red dot:

• Even more durable than the RMR series, with a closed emitter to protect precious components from rain, sleet, snow, and other particles
• 10 total brightness settings, including 3 night vision settings and 1 Super Bright setting
• Closed-emitter design is easier to clean and maintain than an open-emitter red dot sight
• Top-loading battery that allows you to swap batteries without removing the optic

Trijicon SRO

The Trijicon SRO Specialized Reflex Optic is optimized for competitive and target shooting, offering the largest field of view and fastest target acquisition of the bunch. It has a circular shape and is compatible with suppressor-height iron sights. While not as durable as the RMR or RCR, it is still incredibly rugged for its size and built to withstand abuse while also offering the same waterproof protection. It also uses the same RMR footprint so that you can swap optics without requiring additional mounting plates.

The clear crisp dot is currently available in 1 MOA, 2.5 MOA, and 5 MOA sizes. Since the SRO red dot is larger than the RMR and has a forward-projecting hood, it may print easier through clothing and has the potential to snag during quick draws. Therefore, it’s best used during practice and in competitive settings, while the RMR series is ideal for concealed carry. It is also slightly less durable than the RMR, which makes it more prone to damage with the wear and tear that comes with concealed carry pistols.

Despite any drawbacks, the Trijicon SRO is the best optic for those who need the largest, cleanest sight picture possible. Here’s a quick breakdown of what makes the SRO an excellent red dot sight:

• Large, unobstructed sight picture and crisp red dot aid in target acquisition speed and accuracy
• Top-loading battery doesn’t require you to remove the optic when changing batteries
• 8 adjustable brightness settings, including 2 night vision settings and 1 Super Bright setting
• Tool-less windage and elevation adjustment
• Ideal for competitive and target-shooting applications

Trijicon Red Dot Roundup

Hopefully, this guide will help you find the best Trijicon pistol red dot for your firearm and application. OpticsPlanet sells all the above models and tons of other Trijicon optics for rifles, pistols, and shotguns to ensure you find a high-quality optic to guide your aim in any situation. Make sure to check out our guides on the Best Trijicon Optics for Different Uses and the Best Trijicon ACOG Scopes to learn more about their selection and how to find the perfect rifle scope or sight for other platforms and applications.