Trijicon MRO is a unique large FOV reflex optic from Trijicon. It's one of the best red dot sights for PCC and sporting rifles.
For red dot users who want to extend their shooting distances using the MRO without having to buy a completely new magnified optic, adding a fixed power red dot magnifier right behind the optic is a way to go.
The best magnifier for Trijicon MRO involves three important parts:
- Mount height (Alignment)
- Magnification
- Sight transition mechanism (Side flip or Detachable)
Holosun, Primary Arms and Vortex have made some amazing magnifier products that are more affordable than Aimpoint and EOTECH.
In this post, we gonna show you some of the best magnifiers for the MRO that work well & look great, and durable.
Let's check them out…
Best Magnifier Scopes For Trijicon MRO (Looks Great Too)
Red dot magnifier is simply a monocular scope with a weapon mount that goes behind the reflex optic.
For More Please Check Out: Red Dot Magnifier Buyer's Guide
Trijicon MRO HD 3X (Whole Set)
For Trijicon fans who want everything Trijicon, the 3X magnifier is coming soon to the market along with a brand NEW MRO HD with a 68 MOA reticle ring. The shooter can choose between JUST the dot or 68 MOA w/Center dot reticle.
Check Out More: Best Red Dot Sights For AR15
It will be Trijicon's first-ever reflex sight magnifier product getting ready to release. It features a compact mil-spec 7075 T6 aluminum body for weight & rail space savings.
The magnifier also comes with Trijicon's specific side-flip mount, and it will only work with the Trijicon magnifier.
Weighing only 6.5 oz, which makes it the lightest magnifier on the market with the mount attached.
Must Watch: SHOT SHOW 2020 MRO HD & 3X MAGNIFIER PRODUCT LAUNCH
Vortex Micro 3X
The Vortex Micro 3X is a more compact version of the Vortex VMX 3T. Better eye relief, 28% more field of view than the VMX 3T, and a better quick-release mount which allows for right or left-handed use.
Micro 3X will work with any red dot optics, however, it will not work with prism scopes.
Aimpoint 3X-C
For Aimpoint fans who don't want to invest $1200 for a Mil-Spec 3X magnifier, The Aimpoint 3X-C is the commercial-grade magnifier that costs only 1/3 of the military-grade version.
The 3X-C is encased in a shock-absorbing protective rubber cover that also creates an ideal ergonomic grip. Internal optical adjustments make aligning the magnifier and sight quick and easy.
In addition, a variable (-2 to +2) dioptric setting allows this magnifier to be adapted to the individual shooter’s eye.
Practical Applications Trijicon MRO With A Magnifier
Red dot magnifier allows CQB tactical rifles to be long-range capable simply by putting a magnified scope behind the red dot.
The Trijicon MRO is a 1X25mm large FOV optic great for CQB, and also great for shooting long ranges while mounted on popular sporting rifles and PCC.
Faster Sights Transition
The shooters can quickly transition from 1X to 3X, 4X or 6X within a split second. Simply by flipping the magnifier to the side. It's a very flexible system for CQB and distance shooting in one gun.
Better Zeroing Precision
What's great about a magnifier is that the shooter can really zoom in on the target with a particular MOA size red dot for precise zeroing.
With magnifier, the shooter can see the finer adjustments needed to bring the shot group at least 0.15 – 0.25 MOA tighter, which is hard to see without a magnifier.
Once everything is zeroed, the user can take it off or leave it on as needed.
Target Identification & Spotting
Target identification and spotting for someone is easy when you have a magnifier, especially everyone on the range who has a similar CQB setup shooting long distance.
There is no need to pull out binoculars when checking out targets at extended ranges.
Firearms To Have MRO + Magnifier Combo
Popular firearm setup with Trijicon MRO + Magnifier
- MK18, Mid-Length Carbine
- PCC
- Literally ANYTHING you like!!!
Magnifier Features To Look For When Pairing With MRO
Cost
The cost is the first thing we going to talk about because the red dot magnifier combo will be expensive because they're two different optics put together. For the MRO what runs about $460, and a decent 3X or 4X magnifier would cost about $340 to $550.
For that price, many people believe it's cheaper if you buy a 1-4X low power variable optic.
But… 1X magnification from a red dot is an undeniably different experience than looking through an LPVO on 1X.
MRO Parallax When Magnified
The Trijicon MRO's reticle tends to shift diagonally when the shooter shifts their eyes around. When the reticle is magnified it's much more noticeable to pick up the parallax shift.
Magnification & Reticle Scale
Depend on the range you will be shooting at, 3X, 4X & 6X are the top magnification levels available on the market today.
For every 100 yards increase in distance, increase the magnification power by 1X as a general rule of thumb.
3X is great up to 300 yards
4X is great up to 400 yards
6X is great up to 600 yards
Another important thing to remember is that when looking through the magnifier, the target will be magnified as well as the reticle.
NOTE: Reticle MOA size will appear to be enlarged relative to the magnification. aka, Trijicon MRO's 2 MOA dot will still be 2 MOA when magnified.
Maybe Interested In Low Power Variable Optics? Click the link to read the guide
Lens & Dot Clarity
Most magnifiers have great lens clarity, and the biggest difference is how the reticle projected look when magnified.
The Trijicon MRO has a bit more stretched reticle when zoomed in so as to other red dots on the market. It's pretty common across the board.
Let's see what the NEW Trijicon MRO HD version can do…
Magnifier Scope Length
There isn't any set rule that says you must get a certain length scope magnifier with the red dot, but it's important to recognize the overall setup you want to go for.
The MRO is short and compact, which is why people love it so much and it doesn't take up too much rail space on a gun to mount a magnifier scope, while the longer body magnifier could shift how the shooter's cheek weld on rifle.
Magnifier Weight
Adding a magnifier behind a red dot definitely shift the center of gravity of the gun slightly, and it will feel heavier compared to a one-piece low power variable optic setup.
Different magnification levels yield different weights & sizes for the scope. 3X will always be more compact, short & lightweight than a 6X magnifier.
When it comes to weight, it's all based on what you as the shooter can handle. Some people care less about a couple of ounces added to their setup because they're either physically fit or just like being a strong man!
Some tactical people like it light for reducing weight drag and to increase maneuver speed, especially they got full gears on. Any reduced weight is a plus.
Eye Relief
Short eye relief means the shooter has to get close to the ocular lens to be able to see the full image well without any black shadow.
Generally, speaking red dot magnifier across the board has short eye relief distances around 2.5 – 3″, where a low power variable optic has generally 3.5 – 4″ when magnified.
Height Riser
Depend on the height of the optic mounted on the rifle, you might need to adjust the height of the magnifier so it lines up with the Trijicon MRO.
Some mounts come with additional riser piece to raise the height and some don't.
Sight Transition Mechanism
Most magnifier scope comes with a detachable QD mount that can flip to the side. Some you can just push it out of the way, and some require a push of a button or detent like the Aimpoint magnifier.
Some offer a fixed mounting position where the user can't rotate it to the side, which we don't recommend due to tactical reasons and cost.
You can't switch between the sights without having to use a tool to remove the magnifier, then what's the point of having it?
low power variable optic is way more affordable, lightweight and fast
Round-Up
The Trijicon MRO is a great optic for various shooting applications. For shooters who want to extend their range without dipping into the low power variable optic world, a red dot magnifier setup is the way to go.
The Trijicon MRO HD 3X is a highly anticipated Trijicon branded magnifier that is ready to be released soon in 2020. But if you're not patient enough, the Vortex Micro 3X and Aimpoint 3X-C are great options for the MRO, and they also look fairly cool.
Hope you find this helpful. Please check out our Ultimate Red Dot Magnifier List here.