For years, I trained exclusively with iron sights. Thousands of rounds spent aligning the front post, rear notch, and target in a delicate, three-plane dance. It’s a foundational skill, but one that reveals its limitations under pressure. In a high-stress defensive scenario or a competitive match where fractions of a second matter, that three-point alignment can feel agonizingly slow. Your focus shifts, the target blurs, and the perfect sight picture you practiced on a static range evaporates. This challenge is compounded by low-light conditions or for those of us whose eyes aren’t as sharp as they once were. The search for a better way—a faster, more intuitive system that allows you to remain threat-focused—inevitably leads to one place: the red dot sight. Failing to evolve your sighting system means leaving critical speed and accuracy on the table when it matters most.
What to Consider Before Buying a Pistol Red Dot Sight
A Gun Sights, specifically a pistol-mounted red dot sight, is more than just an accessory; it’s a fundamental upgrade to your shooting platform. It solves the core problem of slow, multi-focal-plane aiming by superimposing a single, illuminated dot on your target. This allows for rapid, target-focused shooting with both eyes open, dramatically enhancing situational awareness and engagement speed. The main benefits are undeniable: faster first shots, quicker follow-up shots, and significantly improved accuracy, especially at extended pistol ranges. It transforms a firearm from a tool requiring precise alignment into an intuitive extension of the user’s line of sight, which is a game-changer for defensive use, competition, and even hunting.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who prioritizes performance and reliability. This includes law enforcement officers, military personnel, competitive shooters, and civilians dedicated to concealed carry and self-defense. They understand that a high-quality optic is an investment in capability. Conversely, a premium red dot sight might not be suitable for the casual plinker or the extremely budget-conscious shooter who isn’t willing to also invest in a compatible firearm (or slide milling) and proper training. For those individuals, upgrading to high-visibility fiber optic or tritium iron sights might be a more practical first step. The transition to a red dot requires practice to overcome the initial learning curve of finding the dot upon presentation.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Reticle Size & Clarity: The size of the dot, measured in Minutes of Angle (MOA), is critical. A larger dot (e.g., 6 MOA) is faster to acquire up close but can obscure smaller targets at a distance. A smaller dot (e.g., 1-3.25 MOA) offers more precision for longer shots. The quality of the emitter and lens coating also determines how crisp and round the dot appears, which is vital for clear aiming.
- Durability & Weatherproofing: A pistol-mounted optic endures a violent existence, riding the slide through thousands of recoil cycles. The housing should be made from a robust material like forged aluminum. Look for optics that are shockproof, waterproof, and fog-proof, as you never know the conditions in which you might need to rely on it. A patented, reinforced housing shape is a significant plus.
- Battery Life & Accessibility: Battery life can range from hundreds to tens of thousands of hours. Look for models with long-lasting power from common batteries like the CR2032. Critically, consider how the battery is replaced. Top- or side-loading trays are convenient, while bottom-loading designs require removing the entire optic from the firearm, which may necessitate re-confirming your zero.
- Mounting Footprint & Compatibility: Not all red dots fit all guns. The “RMR footprint” has become a de facto industry standard, but many others exist. Ensure the optic you choose is compatible with your firearm’s mounting system, whether it’s a factory optics-ready slide or an aftermarket adapter plate. The wrong footprint will lead to an unstable or impossible installation.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Trijicon RMR Type 2 RM06-C-700672 3.25 MOA Red Dot Sight stands out in several areas, particularly durability and footprint compatibility. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Trijicon RMR Type 2 RM06-C-700672 3.25 MOA Red Dot Sight is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Reticle allows for 4 different styles. Dot, Circle/Dot, Crosshair/Dot, Crosshair/Circle/Dot combinations. All in one sight!
- 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗰: Designed with a fully sealed system, the optic offers unmatched protection against the elements, ensuring reliable...
- DUAL COLOR OPTIONS: Package includes one Green and one Orange OverSight for versatile shooting conditions and personal preference.
First Impressions: Unboxing the Benchmark
The experience of unboxing the Trijicon RMR Type 2 RM06-C-700672 3.25 MOA Red Dot Sight immediately communicates that you’re handling a serious piece of equipment. It arrives in a high-impact polymer case, nestled securely in foam—a far cry from the blister packs of lesser optics. The first thing we noticed upon picking it up was its deceptive combination of light weight (a mere 1.2 ounces with battery) and dense, solid construction. The black, hard-coat anodized finish is flawless and feels tough to the touch. The patented housing, with its distinctive “owl ears” shape designed to protect the lens from impact, is immediately recognizable. It feels significantly more robust than many competitors, confirming what one user, a law enforcement veteran since 1990, noted: “The RMR is a little smaller than my Leupold but it feels much more robust.” The side buttons for adjusting brightness are low-profile yet provide a tactile, positive click when pressed. This is a tool built for duty, not just for the range.
Key Benefits
- Legendary durability from a forged 7075-T6 aluminum housing
- Versatile 3.25 MOA dot is a perfect balance of speed and precision
- Upgraded Type 2 electronics are proven to withstand pistol slide recoil
- Intuitive manual and automatic brightness controls
- Industry-standard RMR mounting footprint ensures wide compatibility
Limitations
- Premium price point puts it at the top end of the market
- Bottom-mounted battery requires optic removal for replacement
- Auto-brightness mode can be suboptimal in certain lighting situations
Deep Dive: A Performance Analysis of the Trijicon RMR Type 2 RM06
There’s a reason the Trijicon RMR has become the benchmark by which all other pistol-mounted red dots are judged. Its reputation wasn’t built on marketing but forged through years of grueling use by military special operations, law enforcement agencies, and demanding civilian shooters. Our extensive testing confirms that this reputation is well-earned. The Trijicon RMR Type 2 RM06-C-700672 3.25 MOA Red Dot Sight isn’t just an optic; it’s a declaration of reliability.
Unrivaled Durability and Build Quality: The Forged Aluminum Fortress
The absolute standout feature of the RMR is its toughness. Trijicon utilizes a 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, but crucially, they forge the housing rather than just machining it from bar stock. This forging process aligns the grain structure of the metal, resulting in a housing that is immensely stronger and more resistant to impact and stress. You can feel this condensed strength the moment you hold it. The patented shape is a work of engineering genius; the curved top and reinforced “ears” are specifically designed to divert the force of an impact away from the lens, which is the most vulnerable part of any optic. This isn’t a theoretical benefit. We’ve seen these optics survive direct drops onto concrete, and users corroborate this in real-world scenarios. One law enforcement user mentioned taking his new RMR out in the rain and getting mud on it with no issues whatsoever, a testament to its battlefield-ready construction.
This physical toughness is matched by internal resilience. The “Type 2” designation is critical. The original Type 1 RMR sometimes experienced flickering or loss of battery contact under the violent, reciprocal motion of a pistol slide. Trijicon completely redesigned the battery contacts and upgraded the electronics for the Type 2 to specifically solve this problem. After mounting our test unit on a Glock 19 and running over 1,000 rounds, including a mix of standard 115-grain range ammo and potent +P defensive loads, the dot remained perfectly steady and bright. There was no flicker, no failure, no deviation—just unwavering performance. This is the reliability you pay for, the peace of mind that the dot will be there every single time you present the firearm.
Optical Clarity and Reticle Performance: The Versatile 3.25 MOA Dot
The heart of the Trijicon RMR Type 2 RM06-C-700672 3.25 MOA Red Dot Sight is its reticle. We found the 3.25 MOA dot to be the ideal “do-it-all” size. At close quarters (0-15 yards), it’s large enough to be acquired instantly for fast, reflexive shooting. Yet, it’s fine enough that it doesn’t completely obscure targets at 25 or even 50 yards, allowing for a surprising degree of precision. One user was able to achieve 1/2-inch groups at 10 yards with his .45 ACP, exclaiming he “could never have done that with the open sights.” Our experience was similar; shot groups immediately tightened, and engaging steel targets at distance became almost trivially easy. It truly can feel like cheating.
The optic features a multi-coated lens that provides a clear sight picture with a very slight blue tint, typical of reflex sights, which helps increase dot contrast. The RM06 model is the adjustable LED version, offering eight brightness settings. The lower two are compatible with night vision devices, while the highest settings are bright enough to be clearly visible against snow or in the harshest daylight. Users can also lock the RMR into automatic mode, where the sight adjusts its brightness based on ambient light. Here, however, we found the one significant performance critique, echoed by other users. The sensor measures light at the optic, not at the target. This means if you are standing in a dark room aiming into a brightly lit area (a common tactical scenario), the dot can appear too dim. Conversely, from a bright area into a dark one, it can be too bright. For this reason, we strongly recommend using the manual mode and setting the brightness for your anticipated environment.
Installation, Zeroing, and Practical Use
Mounting the RMR is straightforward, thanks to its standardized footprint. We mounted ours on a Glock MOS model using the appropriate adapter plate. However, this brought up a common point of feedback: mounting hardware can be tricky. As one user noted, the included screws were too long for his MOS setup, requiring him to trim them. Furthermore, to ensure the RMR’s waterproof rating (up to 20 meters), a separate sealing plate is often recommended or required, especially on platforms like the MOS that have a gap in the mounting plate. We find it frustrating that for a premium-priced optic, this sub-$15 part isn’t included in the box.
Once mounted, zeroing was an absolute breeze. The windage and elevation adjusters provide crisp, tactile, and audible 1 MOA clicks. There’s no mushiness or guesswork; you feel and hear every adjustment. The sight was zeroed within a few groups at 25 yards and, more importantly, it held that zero perfectly through our entire testing process. One user reported his is still holding zero after approximately 1,000 rounds, confirming our findings. In practical use, the learning curve primarily involves finding the dot on presentation. With some dry-fire practice, this becomes second nature, and the speed gained is immense. The ability to stay focused on the target, simply placing the dot where you want the round to go, is a revolutionary improvement over iron sights.
The only persistent drawback in its design is the bottom-loading CR2032 battery. Trijicon claims a battery life of over four years of continuous use at a medium setting (level 4 of 8), so changes are infrequent. However, when the time comes, you must remove the optic from the slide, breaking the seal on your mounting screws, and then replace it. While it often returns very close to zero, we always recommend confirming your zero after remounting any optic. This is the trade-off Trijicon made for maximum durability and waterproofing of the battery compartment, but it’s a design choice that feels dated compared to competitors with side-loading battery trays. If you demand the most dependable optic on the market, this is a compromise you may have to accept, and you can get the legendary RMR Type 2 for your setup here.
What Other Users Are Saying
The sentiment surrounding the Trijicon RMR Type 2 RM06-C-700672 3.25 MOA Red Dot Sight is overwhelmingly positive, focusing on its battle-proven reliability and performance. A recurring theme is its ruggedness. One user, a police officer with decades of experience, directly compared it to another popular optic, stating the RMR “feels much more robust” and worked flawlessly in rain and mud. Another shooter, who uses them professionally, summed it up perfectly: “I’m a huge fan of iron sights because there is little to no point of failure on them, but again going back to how fast and accurate it is to put a little red dot on a target beats [iron sights].”
However, a significant and critical point of negative feedback revolves not around the product itself, but the purchasing experience. Numerous users have issued stern warnings about counterfeit units circulating on the market. One detailed review provides a checklist for spotting fakes, including looking for “patent pending” text (a real one says “patent”), silver screws, and mushy buttons. This underscores the absolute necessity of buying from a trusted, authorized dealer. Other minor complaints echo our findings, such as the less-than-ideal auto-brightness logic and the frustration of needing to purchase separate sealing plates or screws for common firearms like Glock MOS models.
How Does the Trijicon RMR Type 2 Compare to Alternatives?
While the Trijicon RMR Type 2 RM06-C-700672 3.25 MOA Red Dot Sight is a top-tier reflex sight, the world of aiming solutions is vast. It’s important to understand how it stacks up against other types of products that serve different needs or budgets.
1. Gmconn Low Profile Rail Laser
- 【Slidable Rail System】Slidable rail system offers your the best position freely. Also makes the dual blue green laser sight be compatible with G2C /G3C/ Glocks w/ a rail perfectly. No Sticking out...
- 【Bright and Adjustable】Bright and precision blue and green beam, Safe beam intensity/wavelength: <5mW peak, 532nm, Class IIIA. Highly visible purple beam distance can reach up to 50-100 ft. during...
The Gmconn laser is a completely different approach to aiming. Instead of providing a sight picture through a lens, it projects a laser beam directly onto the target. This can be advantageous for unconventional shooting positions where achieving a proper sight picture is difficult. It is also a significantly more budget-friendly option. However, it falls short of the RMR in several key areas. Lasers can be difficult to see in bright daylight, and their effectiveness is dependent on the target surface. Furthermore, a laser reveals the shooter’s position. This device is best suited for users seeking a simple, close-range aiming aid for specific applications rather than a primary, all-conditions sighting system like the RMR.
2. Real Avid Front Sight Adjuster
- Adjusts 4-Pin (A2 Style) Front Sights
- Adjusts 5-Pin (A1 Style) Front Sights
This product is not an optic but a specialized tool. The Real Avid Front Sight Adjuster is designed for shooters who use traditional A1/A2 style iron sights, common on AR-15 platforms. Its purpose is to make precise adjustments to the front sight post for zeroing. This tool is for someone who is committed to mastering iron sights and wants to ensure they are perfectly calibrated. It is an essential piece of kit for that user, but it does not compete with the RMR. It is an accessory for a different, more traditional sighting system, representing the world that many RMR users are upgrading from in their search for more speed and capability.
3. HIVIZ Spark III-Threaded Front Bead
- The package length is 16.51 centimeters
- The package height is 1.016 centimeters
The HIVIZ front bead is an upgrade for traditional iron sights, most commonly used on shotguns. It replaces a standard brass or steel bead with a bright, light-gathering fiber optic pipe. This makes the front sight significantly more visible and faster to pick up, especially in good lighting. It’s an excellent, low-cost upgrade for improving the performance of standard sights. However, it is still a single-plane iron sight that requires alignment with the shooter’s eye and the target. It does not offer the single-focal-plane, target-focused aiming of a red dot like the RMR. This is a great choice for a shotgun owner on a budget, but it doesn’t provide the paradigm shift in performance that a reflex sight does.
Final Verdict: Is the Trijicon RMR Type 2 Worth the Investment?
After extensive hands-on testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the Trijicon RMR Type 2 RM06-C-700672 3.25 MOA Red Dot Sight remains the gold standard for a duty-grade pistol optic. Its legendary durability isn’t just marketing hype; it’s a tangible quality you can feel in your hands and trust on your firearm. The combination of a forged housing, upgraded electronics, and a versatile 3.25 MOA dot creates a sighting system that enhances speed, precision, and confidence under any condition.
While it carries a premium price tag and has a less-than-convenient bottom-mounted battery, these are calculated trade-offs for its unparalleled reliability. This optic is not for the casual shooter. It is for the law enforcement officer, the dedicated concealed carrier, the serious competitor—anyone who demands absolute, failure-proof performance from their equipment. For those users, the cost is not just for a product, but for the peace of mind that it will work, every single time. It’s an investment in capability that pays dividends when it matters most.
If you’ve decided the Trijicon RMR Type 2 RM06-C-700672 3.25 MOA Red Dot Sight is the right fit for your needs, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API