This post was originally published on Athlon Outdoors.
In the market for a new pistol optic? With so many choices, price points, and different models available, how does once chose what’s right for them? First question is, do you want an open or closed emitter? Many are moving towards closed emitters these days as the emitter itself is encased and free from debris, as well as it being easier to clean the lenses.
Enter Trijicon’s RCR
Trijicon released the RCR (Ruggedized Closed Reflex) closed emitter red dot back in the summer of 2023 with a 3.25 MOA red dot. You can’t miss it, it looks like a heavily up armored RMR with a back window. The housing is seriously beefy, and the front window recessed slightly, to keep it protected from flying objects, such as brass or debris. Realistically though, the RCR and the ol’ reliable RMR share the same deck height so you can use the existing iron sights as with your RMR if you were using one.
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The MSRP on Trijicon’s website is listed at $1019. But don’t get sticker shocked as that isn’t what you can expect to pay, nowhere near that actually. Primary Arms has them in stock at the time of this writing for $629.99, which is not bad actually. Especially considering that they are 100% designed and Made in the USA and wear the Trijicon name. They refer to their RCR as the next evolution of the RMR and being just as durable as their legendary ACOG’s. And by now, we’ve pretty much seen the ACOG used in the GWOT that has an AK round though it and it still worked.
Trijicon RCR’s Special Mounting
One thing you are bound to notice is the way the RCR mounts to the firearm in use. It’s straight up funky is what it is. That being said, if Trijicon says it works, we will have to take their word for it as they are known for their exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and design. Good news is, as weird as it may appear, it still uses their original RMR footprint. Trijicon utilizes a special patented Capstan screw that mounts into special cutouts in the side of the optic body, and screws in with some patience.
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The RCR from Trijicon seems like a pretty “bulletproof” optic. First off, the battery loads from the top now and is a commonly found CR2032 “watch” type battery. According to the manufacturer website, the battery can be expected to last “over six years of continuous use at brightness setting 5 of 10 at 70 degrees F.” They also state that the RCR is built with upgraded electronics and buttons. It’s super simple to use, a + button on left side and the – button on the right. The windage and elevation are simple 1 MOA per click adjustments, that are super simple to make as no special tools are required.
Follow Instructions
After using the Trijicon RCR for roughly the last 9 months, I’ve come to really appreciate it. I’ve tried it on a couple of different pistols and have a combined amount of roughly 1100-1200 rounds fired with it on top. If you pick one up, check out the mounting instructions, they will help, trust me. I mounted it without checking and it fell off immediately after I thought I had it mounted properly. I’m personally a huge fan of how the top of the old RMR is shaped and it seems as if Trijicon kept that design with the RCR. If you’re not familiar, the top of the RMR/RCR housing can be used as an emergency aiming point if the glass is all blown out, or your battery is dead for some reason.
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There isn’t a whole lot not to like about the Trijicon RCR. Other than odd way that it mounts, it’s an outstanding optic, and built tough. For $629.99 and knowing it’s 110% American Made, by Americans, with the Trijicon name, how can one argue?
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The post The Tank Tough Trijicon RCR appeared first on Athlon Outdoors Exclusive Firearm Updates, Reviews & News.
