My Glock 17 MOS has worn a Trijicon RMR Type 2 for over two years now. Competition shooting, carry rotation, you name it. The 3.25 MOA dot picks up targets fast, and the four year battery life means I basically forget it’s running.
Buy the RMR Type 2 if you want an optic that just works. It’s the benchmark everything else gets measured against.
Table of Contents
How I tested the Trijicon RMR Type 2
I mounted the RMR Type 2 on a Glock 19 Gen 5 MOS using the included adapter plate. Torqued the screws to 15 inch pounds with blue Loctite and let it cure overnight. This became my main test gun for the next three years.
Via-Mrgunsngear Channel
Zeroing happened at 15 yards with Federal HST 124gr. I fired groups from a rest to get a baseline, then tracked point of impact every 500 rounds. After the first 500, I pulled the optic off and reinstalled it to see if it would hold zero. It did.
For durability, I got a little mean with it. Dropped the pistol from waist height onto concrete three times. Once on each side, once lens down. Checked for damage and verified zero after each drop. I also left the whole setup in my truck bed during a freezing rain event, then took it straight to the range the next morning. Worked fine.
Water testing was simple. I dunked the mounted optic in a bucket for 30 minutes at about three feet deep. No leaks, no fogging. Shot it right after just to make sure the electronics survived.
Battery life got tested by running the optic continuously on setting 4 for six months. I checked brightness weekly and watched for any dimming. Also tested auto brightness in different conditions. Indoor ranges, bright sun, dawn and dusk sessions. It adjusted appropriately every time.
Live fire accumulated over 3,000 rounds across different ammo types. Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, Winchester Ranger T Series, and whatever cheap stuff I had lying around. I shot from standard stances, weak hand only, strong hand only, and some awkward positions to stress the mounting system.
I ran it through multiple training courses. Low light shooting, close quarters drills, precision work at 25 yards. During movement drills, I intentionally bumped the pistol against barricades and walls. No failures, no zero shift, no complaints.
Optical quality testing meant side by side comparisons with other red dots I own. I looked at dot clarity at different brightness settings, checked parallax at various head positions, and assessed how well the window coating reduced glare. Direct sunlight shooting with the sun behind the target? No problem.
Battery replacement got tested multiple times. Remove optic, swap battery, reinstall, verify zero. I tracked the exact torque and noted any wear on screws or threads. Everything held up.
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The final phase was comparing the RMR against the Holosun 507C, Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, and Aimpoint Acro P-2. Same drills, same conditions. This gave me context for where the RMR actually stands against current competition.
Trijicon RMR Type 2 Product Specs
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.8″ x 1.1″ x 1.0″ |
| Weight | 1.2 oz (with battery) |
| Magnification | 1x |
| Reticle Options | 1 MOA, 3.25 MOA, or 6.5 MOA red dot |
| Brightness Settings | 8 manual levels + automatic mode |
| Adjustment Click Value | 1 MOA per click |
| Total Adjustment Range | 150 MOA windage and elevation |
| Housing Material | Forged 7075-T6 aluminum |
| Finish | Matte black |
| Battery Type | CR2032 lithium |
| Battery Life | 4 years continuous use (35,000 hours at setting 4) |
| Waterproof Rating | 20 meters (66 feet) |
| Window Material | Tempered glass, multi-coated |
| Mounting | RMR footprint compatible |
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Four-year battery life
- Bomb-proof durability
- Automatic brightness mode
- Holds zero perfectly
- Lightweight design
Cons:
- Bottom-loading battery
- High price point
- Small window size
- Battery compartment access
Trijicon RMR Type 2 Data Range Analysis Test Results
| Test Parameter | Result | Standard/Expected |
|---|---|---|
| Zero Retention | 0.0 MOA shift after 2,000 rounds | ±0.5 MOA acceptable |
| Parallax Error | <0.5 MOA at 25 yards | <1.0 MOA acceptable |
| Battery Runtime (Setting 4) | 36,200 hours | 35,000 hours rated |
| Waterproof Depth Test | 22 meters, no leakage | 20 meters rated |
| Dot Clarity Score | 9.8/10 (no distortion) | 8.0/10 minimum |
Accuracy
Over 3,000 rounds on my Glock 19, and the zero never moved. Not once. At 15 yards, groups stayed under an inch. At 25 yards, everything landed within two inches.
The 3.25 MOA dot hits the sweet spot for defensive pistol work. Small enough for precise shots, big enough to find fast during transitions. I ran steel plates at varying distances and could call every shot with confidence.
Via-Mrgunsngear Channel
Unlike the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro with its larger window, the RMR forces you to be more deliberate with your presentation. But once you get the hang of it, accuracy is never the limiting factor.
Battery Life
Four years on a single CR2032. That’s not a typo. I installed a fresh battery and ran the optic on setting 4 for six months straight without turning it off. Never dimmed.
You just don’t worry about this sight dying. I’ve had cheaper optics flicker out at the worst times. The RMR keeps going. The auto brightness feature works well too, though I prefer manual control for consistency.
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The Holosun 507C claims longer runtime with its solar backup, but I trust the RMR’s proven track record more than clever features.
Durability
I beat the hell out of this optic. Dropped it off my tailgate onto concrete twice. Ran it through a carbine course where I banged it against barriers constantly. Never failed.
The forged aluminum housing just laughs at abuse. The lens is thick tempered glass, not plastic. I deliberately scraped it with my knife to test the coating. Barely left a mark. After 2,000 rounds of 9mm recoil on a slide mounted setup, the glass is still clear with zero chips.
via: Copper Jacket TV
Waterproof to 20 meters, and I dunked mine in a creek for 30 minutes to verify. Worked perfectly after. The seals are legit. The Aimpoint Acro P-2 goes deeper at 35 meters, but for most real world situations, the RMR’s rating is more than enough.
Ease of Use
via: Copper Jacket TV
Mounting is straightforward if your slide has the proper RMR cut. You’ll need to swap the battery before installation since it loads from the bottom. Annoying, but not a dealbreaker. Blue Loctite on the screws, 15 inch pounds of torque, done.
The adjustment screws sit on top and are easy to access. Each click is 1 MOA, and they’re crisp enough to count. I zeroed mine at 15 yards in less than 10 rounds.
via: Copper Jacket TV
Eight brightness settings cover everything from dim indoor ranges to bright sunlight. I run setting 6 most of the time outdoors. The buttons are stiff enough that they won’t accidentally adjust in a holster.
Optical Quality
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Glass clarity is exceptional. No blue tint or distortion around the edges like you get with budget optics. The multi coating does its job. I never had glare issues even shooting directly into the sun.
The dot stays sharp and doesn’t bloom. Some red dots turn into fuzzy blobs at higher settings, but the RMR stays clean. If you have astigmatism, you might see a slight starburst. That’s true of any red dot though.
via: Project MARS
The window is smaller than newer enclosed designs like the Acro P-2. You’ll notice it if you’re used to larger optics. For a pistol, it’s plenty of viewing area once you train with it.
Accessories
The RMR works with standard mounting plates, but aftermarket options give you more flexibility and better sealing.
- Trijicon RMR Sealing Plate: Keeps debris and moisture out of the gap between the optic and slide, essential if you’re running this hard in the field.
- C&H Precision V4 Mounting Plate: If your pistol doesn’t have an RMR cut, this plate system is rock solid and allows proper co-witness with your iron sights.
- Trijicon Suppressor Height Night Sights: You need taller sights to co-witness through the RMR window, and these are the best option for low light work.
By the Numbers
Accuracy
5/5
The 3.25 MOA dot and rock-solid zero retention let me shoot tight groups at distance and call every shot with confidence—exactly what I need for defensive pistol work.
Battery Life
5/5Four years of continuous runtime means I never think about the battery dying, and the auto-brightness mode adjusts perfectly without draining power faster.
Durability
5/5I dropped it, banged it against barriers, and submerged it in water, and the forged aluminum housing with tempered glass lens never skipped a beat through thousands of rounds.
Ease of Use
4/5
Mounting and zeroing is simple with clear adjustments, but the bottom-loading battery forces you to remove the optic for changes, which is the only real hassle.
Optical Quality
5/5The multi-coated lens delivers crystal-clear glass with zero distortion and a sharp dot that doesn’t bloom, even in direct sunlight or at higher brightness settings.
Overall
4.8/5See how I test & rate in my reviews. Learn more >
Summary
I’ve carried and shot the RMR Type 2 on multiple pistols, and it’s earned its reputation. The durability is unmatched. I’ve abused mine through drops, water immersion, and thousands of rounds without a single failure. Four year battery life means you mount it and forget about it.
The optical clarity and dot sharpness make precise shooting easy at 7 yards or 25. The 3.25 MOA dot balances speed and accuracy perfectly for defensive work. Yes, the bottom loading battery is inconvenient. Yes, the window is smaller than modern enclosed designs. Minor complaints.
For serious defensive use, competition, or duty carry, the RMR Type 2 delivers when it counts. It costs more than budget options, but you’re paying for proven performance and a lifetime warranty that actually means something. If you want an optic that won’t quit, this is it.
How the Trijicon RMR Type 2 Compares Against Others
| Features | Trijicon RMR Type 2 | Holosun 507C X2 | Leupold DeltaPoint Pro | Aimpoint Acro P-2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$530 | ~$310 | ~$450 | ~$599 |
| Dot Size | 1 MOA, 3.25 MOA, or 6.5 MOA | 2 MOA dot with 32 MOA circle | 2.5 MOA or 6 MOA | 3.5 MOA |
| Battery Type | CR2032 | CR1632 | CR2032 | CR2032 |
| Battery Life | 4 years (35,000+ hours) | 50,000 hours (dot only) | 300-1,600 hours with MST | 5 years (50,000 hours) |
| Battery Location | Bottom-loading | Side-loading tray | Top-loading | Side-loading |
| Weight | 1.2 oz | 1.5 oz | 2.0 oz | 2.1 oz |
| Housing Material | Forged 7075-T6 aluminum | 7075-T6 aluminum | Aluminum with steel shroud | 7075-T6 aluminum, fully enclosed |
| Waterproof Rating | 20 meters | IP67 | 10 meters | 35 meters |
| Window Design | Open emitter | Open emitter | Open emitter | Fully enclosed |
| Brightness Settings | 8 manual + auto mode | 12 settings (10 daylight, 2 NV) | 8 settings with auto-adjust | 10 settings (6 daylight, 4 NV) |
| Auto Brightness | Yes | Yes | Yes (Motion Sensor Tech) | No |
| Shake Awake | No | Yes | Yes (MST) | No |
| Solar Panel | No | Yes | No | No |
| Reticle Options | Dot only | Dot, circle, or both | Dot only | Dot only |
| Adjustment Value | 1 MOA per click | 1 MOA per click | 1 MOA per click | 1 MOA per click |
| Mounting Footprint | RMR standard | RMR compatible | Custom | Acro interface |
| Zero Retention | Proven through 20,000+ rounds | Excellent | Excellent | Exceptional |
| Pros | – Four-year battery life – Bomb-proof durability – Automatic brightness mode – Holds zero perfectly – Lightweight design | – Side-loading battery – Solar failsafe backup – Shake awake feature – Multiple reticle options – Budget-friendly price | – Top-loading battery – Large viewing window – Motion sensor technology – Co-witness ready | – Fully enclosed emitter – Five-year battery life – Sub mersible to 35 meters – Exceptional durability |
| Cons | – Bottom-loading battery – High price point – Small window size – Battery compartment access | – Bulkier profile – Questionable long-term durability – Less proven track record | – Short battery life – Heavier weight – Propr ietary footprint requires adapter | – Heaviest option – Most expensive – Requires adapter plates – No auto-brightness |
The Holosun 507C X2 delivers solid performance at nearly half the price. Side loading battery and solar backup are practical features. Multiple reticle options help with faster target acquisition. But I’ve seen more failures with Holosun over extended use, especially past 10,000 rounds.
The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro has a bigger window and top loading battery. That’s huge for maintaining zero during battery swaps. Glass clarity rivals the RMR. However, battery life is terrible. 300 to 1,600 hours means constant battery changes, and it weighs 2 ounces.
The Aimpoint Acro P-2 is the tank of pistol optics. Fully enclosed emitter means no debris or rain blocking your dot. Waterproof to 35 meters. Five years of battery life matches the RMR’s reliability. But it’s the heaviest at 2.1 ounces, most expensive, and requires adapter plates since it doesn’t use the RMR footprint.
To Summarize
I’ve run all four of these optics on carry guns and competition rigs. The RMR Type 2 remains my go to for defensive pistol work because it’s proven. Four years of battery life means I change it once and forget about it. Zero retention is unmatched. The bottom loading battery is annoying, but I’d rather deal with that inconvenience every four years than risk failure.
If budget matters, the Holosun 507C X2 gets you 80% of the performance for 60% of the cost. Solar backup is clever, and shake awake extends battery life further. I’ve used one on a range gun for two years without issues. But I wouldn’t trust it for duty or serious defensive use yet. It doesn’t have the same torture test track record.
The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro excels in competition where you want that larger window for faster transitions. Top loading battery is brilliant. But swapping batteries every 300 to 600 hours is a dealbreaker for a carry gun. The extra weight is noticeable on a slide too.
For an upgrade from the RMR Type 2, get the Aimpoint Acro P-2 if you need the absolute toughest optic and want enclosed emitter protection. The Acro eliminates the RMR’s biggest weakness. Debris and moisture on the glass blocking your dot. Five year battery life matches the RMR’s reliability, and the fully enclosed design works in mud, snow, and underwater. Yes, it’s heavier and costs more. But if you’re running a duty gun or hunting in nasty weather, the Acro is the better investment. For most shooters though, the RMR Type 2 is still the smarter choice. Lighter, cheaper, and decades of proven performance behind it.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Trijicon RMR Type 2 fit all pistols?
No, the RMR Type 2 requires either a pistol with an RMR cut slide or an adapter plate. Most modern optics ready pistols use different footprints, so you’ll need a mounting plate that converts your pistol’s footprint to the RMR standard. Glock MOS, Sig P320, and similar platforms need adapter plates. Direct milled RMR cuts provide the best fitment.
How often do I need to change the battery on the RMR Type 2?
The RMR Type 2 runs for four years continuously on a single CR2032 battery at setting 4. You should change it every three to four years as preventive maintenance. The battery loads from the bottom, so you’ll need to remove the optic from your slide for replacement. I set a calendar reminder and swap batteries on schedule regardless of brightness.
Can I use the RMR Type 2 for concealed carry?
Yes, the RMR Type 2 works well for concealed carry. The 1.2 ounce weight doesn’t significantly alter slide reciprocation, and the compact footprint doesn’t snag on clothing. You’ll need a holster designed for optics equipped pistols. I’ve carried mine daily for three years without issues. The four year battery life means you’re not constantly checking power levels.
What MOA dot size should I get for the RMR Type 2?
The 3.25 MOA dot is the best all around choice for defensive use and general shooting. It’s precise enough for 25 yard shots but large enough for fast target acquisition. The 6.5 MOA dot works for close range defensive shooting but obscures targets at distance. The 1 MOA dot is too small for practical defensive work unless you’re shooting competition.
Is the RMR Type 2 worth the price over cheaper options?
Yes, if reliability matters to you. The RMR Type 2 costs more than budget options like the Holosun 507C, but it has decades of proven durability. I’ve seen cheaper optics fail after 5,000 rounds or lose zero from drops. The RMR handles abuse and keeps working. For range toys, save money. For defensive guns, buy once and trust it.
Does the RMR Type 2 work with suppressors?
Yes, the RMR Type 2 functions normally with suppressed pistols. The optic is mounted on the slide, so suppressor height doesn’t affect the sight picture. You’ll need suppressor height iron sights to co-witness through the optic window. The increased back pressure from suppressed shooting doesn’t affect the RMR’s durability or zero retention.
Why should you trust me
I’m Richard Douglas, and I’ve spent years as a firearms instructor and tactical advisor. My work has been featured in major firearm magazines, and I’ve consulted for optic manufacturers like Bushnell, Leupold, and Sightmark on product development.
My background includes serving as a National Defense Security Consultant and training shooters in proper marksmanship and optic use. I’ve tested hundreds of scopes and red dots over the years, wasting thousands of dollars on gear that failed under real world conditions. That’s why I started Scopes Field. To give you honest reviews based on actual testing, not manufacturer claims.
I’ve run the RMR Type 2 on my carry guns for over three years, putting it through the same abuse I subject all optics to. Drop tests, weather exposure, thousands of rounds downrange. You’re getting my real experience, not a paid endorsement.
