Trijicon’s new SRO

By
Dave Bahde
-

The next-generation pistol RDS

Once a rarity relegated to custom machining or slide conversions, times have changed when it comes to RDS (red-dot sight) ready pistols. Compacts, midsize, full size, concealed carry, duty or competition, there is an RDS capable pistol for you. As demand increases, optics companies are stepping up to the plate, including Trijicon—the leader in the duty capable RDS field. When Trijicon’s RMR HRS was chosen by USSOCOM as their primary HRS (Handgun Reflex Sight), Trijicon was already working on the next generation RMR, the SRO, and it is pretty impressive.

The new SRO features a wider, circular field of view, which made it noticeably quicker for the eyes to acquire a sight picture, as opposed to the previous king of the hill—the smaller and square-ish Trijicon RMR.

Trijicon SRO

The SRO (Specialized Reflex Optic) was specifically designed for pistol use. Widening the field of view makes it easier to pick up the dot with less interference from the body of the sight. The round lens is crystal clear and parallax free providing a very crisp dot. Using the same footprint as the RMR makes mounting easy. Moving the battery to the top eliminates the need for a sealing plate. Battery life is three years on setting 4 using the widely available CR2032 battery. Built from 7076-T6 Aluminum, the internals are designed to survive 30,000-plus rounds. Now waterproof and submersible to 10 feet, it’s also impervious to the elements. Available dot sizes include 1, 2.5 and 5-MOA to suit your application.

Testing

The SRO uses the same footprint/mounting plate as the RMR, simplifying the transition to the new optic if you already employ the RMR. Outward dimensions are similar to the RMR, but it does sit farther forward and is taller, making holster fitment currently somewhat of a crapshoot.

My test SRO has the 2.5 MOA dot—big enough to pick up quickly yet allowing for precision at 50 yards and beyond. Mounted to a CZ P10F, Walther Q4, STI 2011 Staccato-P, Glock 19 MOS, FN509 Tactical and Springfield Armory TRP 1911 in 10mm, it saw tons of use. Several test days included snow and inclement weather, and one complete day in the pouring rain. Numerous stoppage drills and reloads were conducted using the SRO on barricades, walls, boots and holsters without a scratch or crack on the lens. Dropped in the dirt, mud, and snow, it continued to work and never even came loose. It was carried IWB, OWB and AIWB.  

Mounting and Holsters

No mounting issues were experienced with any of the RMR-plate-equipped pistols. Outer dimensions are similar to an RMR, but it sits farther forward and is taller. All of my carry Kydex holsters required a bit of a notch in the front to allow for the SRO. Nothing drastic and it never affected carry comfort, presentation or use. Duty rigs are going to be a different story. It would not fit in my Safariland ALS. Those enclosing the RDS will likely experience issues, if its open there may not be any problem at all but make certain you check. 

Page 2

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR