Trijicon SRO VS RMR, which one is better? I have used the Trijicon RMR for the longest time, and the Trijicon SRO definitely has the bigger window than RMR, and it has become my favorite. Both optics are still top tier products that many optics brands are modeling after. Let's see their pros and cons for pistol and rifle applications.
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Trijicon SRO VS RMR Specs
Trijicon SRO
L X W X H - 2.2"X1.3"X1.4"
Magnification - 1X
Dot Color - Red
Brightness Setting - Adjustable / Lock
Battery - 1 CR2032 Top Access
Battery Life - 4+ years
Material - 7075 T6 forged aluminum
Weight - 1.6 oz
MOA Adjustment - 1 MOA / click
Trijicon RMR
L X W X H - 1.8"X1.1"X1"
Magnification - 1X
Dot Color - Red
Brightness Setting - Adjustable / Lock
Battery - 1 CR2032 Bottom Access
Battery Life - 4+ years
Material - 7075 T6 forged aluminum
Weight - 1.2 oz
MOA Adjustment - 1 MOA / click
SRO VS RMR FOV Comparison
Lens Frame
This one is obvious! The Trijicon SRO has the largest circular shaped field of view to help find the dot faster.
This is great for offset red dot, shotgun, rifle and pistol applications.
The Trijicon RMR's field of view isn't too bad, but it's much harder to go back to it once you have tasted the Trijicon SRO.
Here are some more photos to check out:
Trijicon RMR
Trijicon SRO
RMR VS SRO Dot Sizes
Referenced Trijicon
Both optics offer a wide selection of dot sizes from 1 MOA to 13 MOA.
Trijicon RMR LED offers: 1 MOA, 3.5 MOA , 6.5 MOA (1 MOA is the best for precision shots)
Trijicon RMR illuminated offers : 7 MOA, 9 MOA, 12.9 MOA and 13 MOA (Great for outdoor use and users with severe astigmatism)
Trijicon SRO offers: 1 MOA, 2.5 MOA, 5 MOA (5 MOA is the best for pistol use)
Lens Tint
Both RMR and SRO have lens tint, but the Trijicon RMR has the darkest blueish tint. The Trijicon SRO's lens is fairly clear.
In low light conditions, the Trijicon SRO is the winner. For Trijicon RMR, a weapon light is definitely required to lit up the target without being obscured by the lens tint.
Mounting Footprint
Both optics feature the same footprint. Any existing RMR optic mounts will work. See more RMR optic mounts here
By now there are tons of aftermarket optic mount so the user can mount the RMR or SRO on DMR or competition rifles.
One of my favorite mount for rifle application is the Strike Industries Ambush offset mount.
Just tilt the rifle 45 degrees, and the shooter can quickly transition from a long range optic or a prism optic back to 1X for close range targets.
Both RMR and SRO are great for an offset optic on long guns.
Battery Compartment
Trijicon SRO has a way better battery compartment design than the SRO because the user can access the battery without removing the sight from a mount.
Trijicon RMR's bottom battery installation can be annoying if the user needs to switch the battery, but don't have the right tools.
SRO VS RMR Durability
Lens Frame Durability
Both optics can withstand drops and field-related impacts. However, the original Trijicon RMR has a sturdier lens frame that can redirect the force from point impacts away from the glass.
The SRO's lens frame, with its circular shape, isn't designed for top or side manipulation.
Most handgun users use the optic as a lever to speed up slide charging, and both optics work well for this purpose.
For slide charging on tough surfaces, the Trijicon RMR is a better choice.
Despite initial judgments about the SRO not being duty-grade, many people still carry it for daily use, even though most don't intend to damage it.
Emitter Reliability
Both optics are open emitter designs.
- Under normal use, both optics are very reliable. SRO can be used for daily carry
- Auto brightness adjustment is only available for the SRO
- Conceal carry under clothing without cleaning - Dirt and particles can fall in there and obscure the emitter screen
- Under rough weather conditions such as sandstorm, mud, rain, snow - They can block the emitter screen
