Tougher, Bigger, Stronger – Trijicon’s New RMR HD and RCR Reflex Sights
Luke Cuenco 08.01.23
More Robust, Larger, More Powerful – By now, you’ve likely come across leaked information on social media, but today marks the official announcement by Trijicon regarding their new and enhanced RMR HD and RCR (Ruggedized Close Reflex) sights. I had the privilege of testing both of these new optics, initially at a dedicated Trijicon media event a few months ago, and subsequently over the past month as I had them at my disposal. In essence, both new reflex sights by Trijicon retain some of the improvements found in the RMR line, such as enhanced windage and elevation adjustment clicks (more tactile and audible) and vastly improved brightness adjustment buttons, providing a superior user experience. However, beyond these shared enhancements, both optics represent a significant departure from the familiar RMR line.
More from Trijicon @ AllOutdoor:
- AllOutdoor Review – Trijicon ACOG 4×32 BAC (300 Blackout)
- Review: Black Rain Ordnance BRO-PG13 .308 Rifle
- AllOutdoor Review: Trijicon DI Night Sights (Dual-Illumination)
Tougher, Bigger, Stronger – Trijicon’s New RMR HD and RCR Reflex Sights
RMR HD
Convenient
• Uses the same footprint as the RMR®
• Uses common top-loading CR2032 battery
• Designed to fit current duty holsters*
Durable
• RMR-style patented shape diverts the force of impact, for
use in the harshest conditions
• Waterproof up to 66 ft. / 20m
• 7075 T-6 forged aluminum housing
Dynamic
• Switch between center dot only or full reticle
• New light sensor adjusts dot brightness to target environment
• Customizable auto-brightness range can be tuned to
user preference
• Nine brightness settings controlled by more responsive buttons
The RMR HD is basically the lovechild of an RMR and an SRO with a few other neat features packed into it. The RMR HD is about the same size height and length as an SRO and therefore has the same holster restrictions as the SRO. The larger window is paired with a new emitter which features either a standalone dot or the option for a paired 55 MOA segmented circle with the brightness of the segmented circle and center dot being adjustable for better contrast between the two.
The RMR HD now also includes a top-loading battery tray as well as a brand-new forward-facing light sensor that can automatically adjust the dot brightness to compensate for the light coming from the target area. In practice, this technology works at a fairly short distance (about 15 yards I’d estimate) but it’s certainly a useful feature for keeping the dot at a situationally optimal brightness without any extra action on your part.
The RMR HD still features a forged aluminum housing but that neat little ridge that you saw on the SRO is now a purposefully included feature called an index ridge. This little ridge is simply to aid in centering the dot from odd shooting positions but is also useful at close range when bringing the dot onto the target might not be the fastest aiming solution. The RMR HD has 9 brightness settings with an improved 3 total night vision settings with contrast adjustments available for those modes as well.
RCR
- Multi-Platform-Friendly, No Additional Plates Needed The Trijicon RCRTM has a unique patented mounting system that allows the optic to mount using the Trijicon RMR® bolt pattern.
- Same Deck Height as the RMR
Allows for use with RMR compatible Iron Sights.- Easily Adjustable Windage/Elevation No need for special tools, 1 MOA per click.
- Built to Handle the Worst
Built from 7075-T6 aluminum and hard coat anodized, the RCR was designed to survive in any conditions.- Top Loaded Battery
CR2032 battery, six years of continuous operation at setting 5.- Outstanding Durability
The same unique patented housing shape of the RMR now in a closed emitter version, it still diverts the force of an impact away from the lens, greatly increasing drop survivability and one-handed slide manipulation.- Upgraded Electronics and Buttons
Ruggedized battery contacts and electronics ensure performance and survivability in harsh environments, with distinctive and easy-to-use adjustment buttons.- True-Color, Multi-Coated Lens
Wide-band light transmission ensures minimal change in target area color.
This is the one out of the two that I am most excited about but mostly for the novel mounting solution that allows the RCR to use a normal RMR footprint – this is a first for an enclosed red dot. The RCR achieves this by the use of Capstan screws which slot into the side of the RCRs new milled housing and into the same position as with an RMR. This allows the RCR to be installed on a lot more handguns without the use of adapter plates. Proper tension is achieved through the use of an included torque meter. The new mounting system has shown itself to be pretty robust so far and I’m hoping to report back much later with the news that it hasn’t budged at all.
Other features of the RCR include a top-loading battery, and 6 years of battery life on setting 5 with optimal environmental factors. The RCR will launch initially only as a 3.25 MOA dot version versus the RMR HD’s 3.25 or 1 MOA variants. The RCR happens to have the same deck height as a regular RMR which means that your co-witness Irons that work with your RMR will also work with the RCR. I was told that the RCR uses the exact same lens as the RMR does but that it has simply been moved up slightly to fit the design properly. By chance, this also happens to make the RMR-sized window look a bit bigger, it isn’t, but you’re getting to see a lot more of it since an RMR window sits partially below the deck whereas the RCR window sits on top of the deck.
The RCR is entering a pretty tough market by not only being a red dot but also an enclosed red dot that is somewhat late to the party. However, I think the RCR brings a lot to the table by not only having the backing of one of the best names in the business in terms of durability but also because the engineers at Trijicon managed to crank out an enclosed red dot that doesn’t require a special footprint or additional adapter plates.
When can you get them and how much do they cost?
Both the RMR HD and RCR will cost a whopping $849 which I think makes them both the most expensive reflex optics on the market with only the SIG Sauer ROMEO2 rivaling them in price. However, much like the ROMEO2 both of these optics offer best in the business durability along with Trijicon’s legendary reputation for reliability. I think a lot of you are already dry heaving at the price, but I know there are probably an equal amount of you out there who can’t wait to get your hands on one. I think one of these optics, particularly the RCR with its enclosed emitter would be a perfect backup or even primary optic on a hog gun or other rifle you expect to get tossed around and dusty. For more info on the new optics, you can visit the Trijicon website and stay tuned to our sister site TFB for an upcoming review on both optics.
