Dot In A Box — Trijicon’s RCR

When Trijicon released the RCR—Ruggedized Close Reflex—in ’23, there was much discussion of the optic’s form, especially of the mounting system. The RCR is an enclosed emitter optic, like the Aimpoint Acro, Steiner MPS, and others.

What Does Enclosed Mean?

 

Most of the optics on long guns – carbines, shotguns, and sub-guns – are tubular, like a traditional scope. That has not been the case with the miniature backup optics that developed into the common pistol-mounted optics of today. Until 2019, those optics were all open-emitter designs. That meant the LED projection was built into the rear of the housing – closest to the shooter – and projected across an open space onto the lens. Those lenses were made of different materials and had a variety of optical coatings. Those coatings could have been there to reduce the amount of battery output needed to see the reticle in very bright conditions.

As mentioned, the early models—Insights MRDS, Doctor J Point, and Trijicon’s RMR—were all open-emitter designs that started as backup rifle sights. While nothing is inherently wrong with an open emitter design, there has always been a feeling that an enclosed emitter design was better for certain roles or environments.

Design Purposes

From my perspective, an open emitter design excels for concealed carry and in places where adverse weather is not an issue. Versions with larger windows are making great strides in competition.

Closed emitter models, at least for me, work better for open carry (think uniformed L/E) in a variety of environments and conditions.

Made in the USA

Many pistol-mounted optic designs came from overseas manufacturers. However, Trijicon was already made in the United States. At least as importantly, their designs had evolved based on end-user feedback, becoming significantly more rugged and durable.

Trijicon has a loyal customer base, especially since they are a domestically produced product.

They released both the RCR and the ruggedized RMR-HD in 2023. I discussed these at length with the Trijicon staff at SHOT. This past spring, they sent me an RCR for review.

Initial Observations

The RCR arrived in a plastic case. Inside was a CR2032 battery – likely the most common type for optics, an Allen/Hex wrench, six capstan screws (depending on whose pistol you use), blue Locktite thread locker, a guide for torquing the capstan screws, and an owner’s manual.

Mounting

I will admit I was cautious about the mounting system design and the capstan screws. My concerns were the installation process and the likelihood of them remaining tight. By using the mounting method I have recommended here before, that concern went away.

I put everything together dry, meaning without any thread locker, and everything fit. While not as quick a process as other methods, it did not take a tremendous amount of time. After de-greasing everything, once dry, I used Locktite 248 and installed the RCR. The use of the torque guide was sufficient in getting the capstan screws as tight as they needed to be. While waiting for the Locktite to cure (24 hours), I used a paint pen to witness the screws. There has been zero indication of those screws loosening during the time I have been shooting the Shadow Systems pistol with the RCR.

Since a number of slides have already been cut for the RMR footprint, this mounting method avoids the need for a mounting plate, drastically reducing the likely failure points.

Battery Change

Unlike the traditional RMR, which has a battery on the bottom, the RCR’s battery is on top of the housing. This has several benefits for the end user or the organization. First, it keeps the optic on the slide when changing the battery, which makes life significantly easier for armorers and instructors and saves time. Second, with the battery atop the housing, the window sits lower, bringing it closer to the shooter’s eyeline.

Changing the battery is as simple as unscrewing the cap, popping out the CR2032 battery, replacing it, and screwing the cap back on.

I have two suggestions: first, date the battery with the day/month or month/year of installation. Second, consider using dielectric grease on the cap’s threads.

Battery Life

Trijicon’s material notes that the optic’s battery life on setting five is six years. However, during the less than a year I have been using it, I have had to replace the batteries twice.

 

The Dot

The 3.25-minute of angle (MOA) dot is certainly bright, more than enough so in desert or mountain winters. With my astigmatisms, though, I see it the same as I do single dot reticles from at least one other well-known manufacturer.

Practical Application

Towards the end of the several hundred rounds I have put through the RCR, I shoot the HITS Super Test – 10 rounds each at 15, 10, and 5 yards. The time for each of those strings is one second per yard. You see the photo of that target below.

Holding Zero

With any optic, there will likely be concerns about it holding zero. I zeroed the RCR very early in my use of it. The last five shots I fired before finishing this article were on the zero target I use at 15 yards. Three rounds touched at the bottom of the white circle (essentially the X ring), one was at 2 o’clock on the X/10 ring line, and the fifth was (clearly my fault) in the 9 ring at 1:30.

So, yes, it held zero.

Cost

Although Trijicon lists the RCR on its website for $1019, I found it online for just under $800.

Final Thoughts

It is worth it to me to Buy American whenever possible. The RCR is a solid optic built in America. Its unique mounting system has held up well over a decent round count, and the battery compartment’s location mitigates any historical negatives.

I would have no concerns about carrying the RCR in any on-duty role.

 

RESOURCE

Trijicon RCR