Red dot sights have been sold commercially since the Aimpoint electronic was released in 1975. The first red dot sights were heavy, had low battery life, and were designed for rifles.
In 1990 Jerry Barnhart arrived at the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) Nationals with a red dot sight and proved the utility of reflex optics on handguns.
The early optics mounted on handguns had to be adapted for the purpose and weighed more than 16 ounces.
Today we review a lightweight optic developed specifically for pistols.
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Trijicon SRO
Trijicon SRO Specs
Eye Relief: Infinite
Adjustment Options: 150 MOA total travel, 1 MOA per click
- Parallax: Parallax free
- Windage: Yes (1 MOA per click)
- Elevation: Yes ( 1 MOA per click)
Type of Reticle: Red dot 1 MOA, 2.5 MOA, and 5 MOA options available
Image of Reticle:
Magnification: 1 x
Objective Lens: 0.98 In x 0.89 in
Weight: 1.6 ounces, including battery
Battery Life: 3 years at continuous use below setting 4
Pros
Trijicon developed the SRO after customer requests for a reflex optic designed for pistols. Having a red dot designed for a pistol has numerous advantages.
Shape
The rounded shape of the SRO may not look as good as the traditional square-shaped optics. We listed it as a pro because of the additional benefits it provides when mounted on a pistol. The design and shape of the SRO have a positive effect on every advantage listed here.
Field of View
Field of view is more critical with pistol shooting than rifle shooting. Most of the red dot optics mounted on handguns were designed with rifles in mind and used on pistols. The rounded shape of the lens gives you a broader field of view than similarly sized reflex optics.
Target Acquisition
Whether you use the optic for competition shooting, handgun hunting, or self defense, rapid target acquisition is vital. This optic shape again helps with target acquisition, and it's easy to find the red dot. Even at rapid-fire, you can retain good grouping at 25 or even 50 yards.
Holster Fit
Typically, a pistol fitted with the SRO will fit in a standard holster without modifications. The rounded shape of the lens also reduces the chance of snagging during a draw. These features make it ideal for concealed carriers or duty personnel.
Options
Trijicon has three options for the SRO. The 1 MOA optic is designed for competition shooting with a finer dot for high accuracy and tight groupings. The 5 MOA optic is ideal for fast target acquisition in close situations. The 2.5 MOA combines the advantages of both for more general use.
Cons
No matter how well designed a piece of equipment is, there will always be some drawbacks. The SRO still shares some disadvantages with other optics when mounted on a handgun.
Suitability
The SRO isn't suited to all handguns. With a length of 2.2 Inches, it may overhang the ejection port of some handguns, causing jams or damage to the electronics.
Fouling (if suppressed)
The lens tends to foul when used with a suppressor. You would need to clean the lens with each magazine change to maintain clarity. Fouling is only a problem when used on a pistol with a suppressor though.
Best Uses for the Trijicon SRO
We wouldn't hesitate to recommend the SRO for use in competition shooting. We classify this as the best use for it. The crisp, clear dot and improved field of vision with a 1 MOA red dot contribute to fast and accurate shooting. That's not to say it's unsuitable for other uses.
Although the rounded top and bigger lens of the SRO give it a higher profile than the RMR, it's still ideal for concealed carriers.
Photo credit: gunsweek.com
A pistol with a properly mounted SRO still fits most standard holsters. The rounded edges reduce the chance of your optic snagging on the holster or your clothing when you draw your weapon.
The SRO also has a feature to lock the brightness level in or out. You can either keep the brightness level automatic or lock it to your preferred setting without fear of accidental adjustments. The recessed windage and elevation turrets also ensure that the zero settings remain true unless you adjust them.
Trijicon states that the SRO hasn't been tested in combat situations. Still, using the 5 MOA version for home defense or up close gives you an advantage in a fast-moving, fluid encounter. The large dot is easier to see as you focus on the target, allowing you to aim and shoot quickly, or one-handed if necessary.
The improved field of view also improves your awareness of the environment around you, preventing tunnel vision. Traditional iron sights force you to focus on the sight rather than the target, reducing your capacity to evaluate the entire situation.
The 2.5 MOA reticle is an ideal choice for hunting. The dot remains clearly visible even in bright sunlight. The improved field of vision allows you to maintain situational awareness while aiming or tracking a moving target. The optic is also sturdy enough to accommodate any ammunition without losing zero or becoming damaged.
Is the Trijicon SRO Compatible With Any Handgun?
The short answer is no, and this is one of the cons of the product. The SRO has the same footprint as the RMR, so if you've successfully mounted an RMR optic on your handgun, the SRO will also work.
Do not mount the SRO if it will overhang or obstruct the ejection chamber. Any accessories on a handgun that obstruct the ejection chamber lead to jams and damage.
Photo credit: personaldefenseworld.com
Other than that consideration, you can use the SRO with any caliber handgun, including the .50 Desert Eagle and any ammunition. A skilled shooter can still achieve good groupings on a large caliber handgun at 50 yards, and you'll hit your target at this range.
Most miniature optics were designed for rifles, and enthusiasts found that they were suitable for handguns. The SRO is a reflex sight designed for handguns that you can comfortably mount on a small carbine like a AR 15. Although the SRO isn't as durable as some miniature rifle optics, it will still serve adequately in this capacity with the 2.5 MOA option.
What Do I Need to Know About Mounting the Trijicon SRO?
Before buying the Trijicon SRO, check if it fits on your pistol or that you can find a suitable mount. The SRO fits on these red dot ready pistols without any additional accessories:
Photo credit: personaldefenseworld.com
Mounting the SRO on any other pistols will require some milling of the slide, a mounting plate, or a combination of both. Check with your gunsmith whether there are accessories for mounting the SRO on your weapon.
Once you've successfully mounted the SRO, zeroing it is easy. Send three rounds downrange at a comfortable distance to be sure you hit the paper. (10 yards is good). Center the red dot onto the point of impact by adjusting your windage and elevation. You can use a coin or cartridge rim to make the adjustments. Check your adjustments with another three rounds.
Check the zeroing again at 20 to 25 yards and admire your beautiful grouping. Always use the ammunition type that you're most likely to use. For longer ranges, you may need to correct your aim for the weapon's natural behavior.
Who Should Not Buy a Trijicon SRO?
The Trijicon red dot optic is an excellent choice for various applications, but those with astigmatism often have trouble seeing the red dot, as it either blurs or deforms in their vision. If you have astigmatism, then rather check first whether you can see the red dot clearly. You can also try other options such as optics with crosshairs or hashes. You can also consider other alternatives like holographic or prismatic sights.
If you do mount the SRO on a carbine, keep in mind that the optic won't be particularly effective at extreme ranges. With some adjustment, you can use it up to around 300 yards. You need a scope or red dot that's designed for use with a magnifier for longer ranges.
Trijicon SRO vs RMR: Comparison Overview
The SRO was designed for use on pistols, and a lot of thought went into the design. At first glance, the RMR has a flatter profile and seems more suited for handguns than the SRO. Once you start using the SRO, you find that the extra height and rounded shape give it several advantages over the RMR.
The larger lens size gives you a better field of view, and the three different dot sizes mean that you can choose the SRO best suited to your needs. The SRO is slightly heavier than the RMR, but the difference is too slight to significantly impact performance.
The rounded edges of the SRO also make it less likely to snag on clothing or a loose holster strap when you draw the weapon. That said, the RMR is proven to be rugged and long-lasting. If you're looking for a combat-proven optic for your handgun, the RMR is a better choice.
Photo credit: armytimes.com
The two sights have similar weights, dimensions, and performance. The SRO stands out because of the larger window and the difference in battery position. The SRO's battery is on the top, meaning that you can change the battery with the sight still mounted. More importantly, the battery and delicate electronics have better protection and sealing in the upper part of the optic.
Conclusion
If you have a sidearm that's suitable for the SRO, this optic is a good investment. You can use the 1 MOA version for competition shooting or the 5 MOA for close-quarters use and fast target acquisition. The 2.5 MOA is more than adequate for general use or hunting. The design and shape make it ideal for concealed carry weapons.
People Also Ask
We have tried to answer a few of the most commonly asked questions about the Trijicon specialized Reflex Optic (SRO). Hopefully, we have managed to answer most queries you may have had.
What Kind of Warranty Does the Trijicon SRO Come With?
The Trijicon SRO has a five-year warranty on the electronics. The warranty is from the date of manufacture, not the date of purchase.
Can You Use the Trijicon SRO in Low Light?
The Trijicon SRO has eight brightness settings, including two for low light or nighttime use.
Photo credit: gunsandammo.com
Why Are Red Dot Sights So Expensive?
Three factors contribute to the cost of quality red dot sights, and electronics isn't one of them.
- The Glass: The glass needs to be scratch-resistant, have no reflection, and highly durable.
- Build Materials: A red dot optic's body needs to be light, durable, and fog-proof. The body needs to be well sealed from moisture and resist the forces exerted on it while mounted on a weapon.
- Battery: Users demand a small, lightweight battery with a long lifespan, contributing to the cost.
