Trijicon RMR HD Review: Next-Generation Duty Red Dot Performance

Hey Freedom Gorillas, welcome back to another Trijicon optic review and today we have the RMR HD in our sights. The Trijicon RMR HD comes as an evolution of the standard RMR Type 2 from Trijicon, which is known for its ruggedness and application for duty. 

Sitting between the RCR and SRO, the RMR HD mixes durability and large sight window making it a preferred sight for Military and Law Enforcement. It also shares the same RMR footprint with its sibling sights. 

In this Trijicon RMR HD review, we will be looking at the features and specifics of the RMR HD as well as how it compares to other optics and whether or not it’s the right choice for you. 

Starts at $774.00 Buy the Trijicon RMR HD 1 MOA Dot 55 MOA Circle At The Best Price

Starts at $774.00 Buy the Trijicon RMR HD 3.25 MOA Dot 55 MOA Circle At The Best Price

TLDR

The Trijicon RMR HD is the upgraded version of the Trijicon RMR Type 2, an open emitter red dot optic in the Trijicon line that also includes the SRO and RCR. The Trijicon RMR HD improves on the original RMR by adding a top-loaded battery so that it can be replaced while mounted. 

It also has an MRS, multi-reticle system, that allows you to choose between dot only, circle only, or circle and dot together with a 55 MOA circle and the choice of a 1 MOA center dot or 3.25 center dot. This makes it versatile in close or far range circumstances, and the larger window makes it better for faster target acquisition.

Another improvement is the auto brightness function thanks to the forward-facing sensor which adjusts the brightness automatically based on the lighting surrounding the target. When using manual brightness, the RMR HD has 9 brightness settings: 1 super bright, 3 night vision compatible, and 5 daylight settings. 

The Trijicon RMR HD is known for its durability with a 7075-T6 aluminum housing and owl-ear design to better absorb shock. It is not an enclosed emitter, like the Trijicon RCR, and therefore doesn’t have the same level of protection for the electrical system, but it still is waterproof up to 20m. 

The Trijicom RMR HD is ideal for duty users who want a durable sight in harsh conditions, but it not ideal for competition shooters who want a large window, folks who want a more protected enclosed emitter, or those who want a more affordable optic. 

What Is the Trijicon RMR HD?

The Trijicon RMR HD is an improvement on the standard RMR. It has an RMR footprint intended to fit full size pistols and it is intended to also fit most duty holsters, making it a prime choice for Military and Law Enforcement.

The design features a large window, larger than the standard RMR, and it features a multi-reticle system (MRS). Another change is the addition of auto brightness thanks to the forward facing sensor, and a top loaded battery, allowing for a battery change without needing to remove the optic. 

Here is a quick breakdown of the Trijicon RMR HD:

Quick Feature Breakdown

Design, Housing, and Window Size

One of the clearest differences between the Trijicon standard RMR and the Trijicon RMR HD is the overall profile. It sits a little bit taller and a little more forward, with more material than the standard RMR. 

The housing is made of 7075-T6 aluminum which makes it durable and it features an index ridge, the design of which also helps to disperse the shock and increase the durability. The index ridge, or “owl ears,” also helps you to better find the target by indexing the center line. 

One of the noticeable differences is the window size. It is larger than the standard RMR and gives a greater field of view. This is especially helpful when finding the dot after recoil. When firing, the gun will recoil, but with a larger sight space, you can more quickly get the dot in visual range. 

Reticle Options and Dot Configurations

The Trijicon RMR HD features a multi-reticle system, or MRS, with a 55 MOA Segmented Outer Circle and your choice of a 1 MOA Center Dot or 3.25 Center Dot. This allows you to toggle between dot only, circle only, or dot and circle with the buttons located on the side of the housing. 

This is an upgrade from the standard RMR which only features a 3.25 MOA Dot. The option between the 1 MOA and 3.25 MOA center dots allows you to optimize for precision or speed. The 3.25 MOA dot is large enough to help you cover the target, helping with speed while the smaller 1 MOA dot covers less and therefore allows you to be more precise with your shots. 

The purpose of the 55 MOA segmented circle is intended for more close-range applications. This helps you acquire a target at close quarters and helps you frame the center dot. The other benefit is for in low light conditions where it is going to appear more clearly. This serves as a more distinct reference point compared to solely a dot. 

Brightness Control and Light Sensor System

The Trijicon RMR HD features both Auto Brightness and Manual Brightness. The auto operates at a High, Normal, or Low adjust setting, and the Manual Brightness has 9 different settings. These settings include 1 super bright setting, 3 Night Vision compatible modes, and 5 daylight modes. 

The forward facing sensor is better at adjusting the brightness automatically since it takes in the ambient light of the target as opposed to the shooter. This means it will adjust to what you are shooting at just in case you and your target are in different lighting levels. 

The range of brightness settings makes it appropriate for different lighting conditions and the super bright setting is easily viewable in high-light situations. The 3 night vision compatible settings work in low light conditions with night vision devices.

Battery System, Top-Loading Design, and Runtime

One big improvement from the standard Trijicon RMR is the battery position. The original Trijicon RMR had a bottom loaded battery, which meant you had to remove the optic in order to replace the battery. The Trijicon RMR HD’s battery compartment is located on the top of the optic. 

This means you can replace the battery while the optic is still mounted which prevents you from needing to calibrate zero again. However, Trijicon does recommend checking zero after you replace the battery regardless. The RMR HD uses a CR2032 battery that has a projected battery life of over 3 years, or over 26K hours. 

Emitter Design and Environmental Exposure

Much like the standard RMR, the RMR HD is an open emitter, which means the emitter is exposed to the elements more than if it was enclosed. Even with the emitter exposed, the optic can be submersible up to 65 ft (20m), however when it comes to the environment, there can be issues.

Dirt, dust, and water can cover up the emitter or distort the reticle if the exposure is too much. Enclosed optics are far better at protecting the emitter from the elements as well as excessive dust and debris that you might find in harsher conditions. This is because it uses a second pane of glass behind the emitter and has extra material that encloses the emitter. 

The Trijicon RCR is completely enclosed, which makes it great for heavy duty use for Military and Law Enforcement, but may also make it bulky for everyday carry and concealed carry. The RMR HD doesn’t have the second panel of glass or extra material so its profile isn’t as bulky.

Mounting, Footprint, and Compatibility

Like its fellow Trijicon optics, the Trijicon RMR HD features a RMR footprint which has two indentations to the front of the optic for the lugs and two holes in the middle for the screws. 

The main difference between the RMR HD and the standard RMR when it comes to mounting are the Capstan Screws, a patent from Trijicon that ensures there is no cross threading, stripping, or over torquing. 

Since it is an RMR footprint, it will directly mount to RMR cuts typically found on full size pistols like the Springfield Echelon, Ruger RXM, and Dagger. For Full Size MOS, you will need an adapter plate. 

When directly mounting the RMR HD, you’ll notice that you will be able to cowitness with your iron sights, and the index ridge is a backup just in case the optic fails and you lose your iron sights. However, when using an adapter plate, the cowtinessing may be slightly compromised since the height is adjusted. 

Zeroing, Windage, and Elevation Adjustments

Trijicon’s optics are known for holding zero quite well even after thousands of rounds. Zeroing the RMR HD is simple with the use of clear and tactile windage and elevation controls.

The adjustment dials are located at the rear of the optic, one on the top and one on the right side. No special tool is needed to adjust them and they respond with an audible click that you can also feel. The adjustments are 1 MOA per click. 

The built in index ridge, multi-reticle system, and large window make the RMR HD ideal for point and precision shooting. Trijicon optics are also good at holding zero through live fire shooting, and finding the dot is easier after recoiling thanks to the larger window. 

Performance on the Range

Many users have complimented the Trijicon RMR HD for its ability on the range. Because of its larger window it can help shooters refind the dot more easily after recoil, especially with the help of the MRS which, with the circle, can help you quickly frame targets. 

The larger buttons also make it easier to adjust brightness and choose between reticles when on the range, and the button lock out feature prevents any accidental button presses so your settings can be unaltered while you shoot.

Because of the MRS and larger window, follow up shot performance is improved, and the auto brightness helps adjust to changing lighting conditions so the reticle is always visible and clear while shooting and moving between targets.

Concealed Carry and Holster Compatibility

Since it fits standard RMR cut full size pistols, the RMR HD may not be the most effective choice for concealed carry. With a width of 1.27” it can be slightly bulky for concealed carry, but for everyday carry it will fit most holsters. The Trijicon RMR HD will not fit the Alien Gear Rapid Force Duty Holster or Safariland 6354DO/6355DO.

Something to also consider is the shape of the RMR HD when fitting it to a holster. The front of the optic does protrude compared to other optics including the standard RMR. This was to make space for the top loaded battery, however, it can compromise how well it fits and can be pulled from a holster. 

Trijicon RMR HD vs Standard RMR

The Trijicon RMR HD was intended to be an upgrade from the standard RMR, which lacked certain benefits many of its competitors already had. The first is the battery location. The standard RMR has a bottom loaded battery which meant taking the optic off to replace it, so the RMR HD added a top loaded battery to make it easy to replace.

In addition, the RMR HD added an MRS, giving the user more reticle options to choose from depending on the circumstances and applications. This also makes the HD a more appropriate optic in various lighting conditions, especially with the auto brightness mode that is adjusted with the forward-facing light sensor. 

The standard RMR has a more petite profile with less housing material, making it less conspicuous, but the RMR HD has a larger window size and a lot more features. Also, since the HD has a larger housing, it also has larger buttons on the sides so you can more easily toggle between brightness settings and reticle options.  

Trijicon RMR HD vs RCR

The main difference between the Trijicon RMR HD and the Trijicon RCR is that the RCR is an enclosed optic while the RMR HD is an open emitter. This makes the RCR more durable and protected against the elements. 

For more duty use in harsh conditions, the RCR is better at holding up, especially when it comes to using an optic outdoors. The enclosed design of the RCR is sealed and purged with argon gas to ensure there is no condensation and that water can’t get in. 

With the RMR HD, there is still protection against water, but with enough dust, dirt, debris, or liquid the emitter can be slightly compromised, either becoming blocked or becoming distorted. 

The sight window of the RCR is also slightly larger, but because it is enclosed there is much more of a tunnel effect which can make it slightly harder to find the dot after recoil compared to the RMR HD which will feel more open.

Trijicon RMR HD vs SRO

When looking at the Trijicon SRO and Trijicon RMR HD, you’ll notice right away that the overall shape is different. The SRO has a large circular sight window which makes it ideal for competitive shooting since it helps you find the dot more quickly and gives a larger field of view. 

The circular shape has a drawback in that it makes it more prone to shock and damage. The RMR HD is designed for ruggedness and durability since it has a square shape and has the owl ear design that helps it divert shock away from the glass window. 

Although many users do say the SRO is durable, it is more apt for competitive shooting, designed for speed and precision while the RMR HD is designed for duty use in harsher conditions. 

One similarity is the overall profile and overhang of the optic. The front of the optic still has a protrusion to the front in order to make space for the top loaded battery. This can be an issue for certain pistols since it risks overhanging the ejection port and it can be problematic for holster fitment. 

Durability and Duty-Use Performance

As mentioned above, the Trijicon RMR HD is made with duty use in mind. The square shape and owl ear shape on the top of the optic protects it against shocks and knocks. Paired with its large window and MRS it is great for close range targeting and overall duty use for Law Enforcement and Military. 

If you’re looking for even more durability from your optic you may want to consider an enclosed emitter, simply because those are designed to deal more with harsh weather and submersion since they are sealed and the emitter is better protected.

Although it isn’t an enclosed optic, the RMR HD has seen its share of shock and durability tests that prove it is designed to hold up against heavy-duty use. Also, Trijicon is one of the chosen brands for duty use and many of their optics are popular in the Military and Law Enforcement alongside its competitor, Aimpoint.

Pros and Cons of the Trijicon RMR HD

Now let’s highlight some of the Pros and Cons of the RMR HD to review the main points and see if this optic is the right one for you:

Pros

• A multi-reticle system (MRS) that allows you to choose between dot only, circle only, or circle and dot together for specific applications.
• A top-loaded battery allows you to replace the battery while the optic is mounted.
• It has manual and auto brightness.
• Made of durable 7075 aluminum with a rugged design for heavy duty use.
• Large sight window for quick target acquisition
• Index ridge helps you find the center more quickly.

Cons

• The open emitter design still makes the emitter susceptible to damage or distortion.
• It is expensive compared to its competitors
• Profile and overhanging front face can block ejection port or compromise holster fitment. 

Who the Trijicon RMR HD Is Best For

The Trijicon RMR HD is designed for duty users. Its durability, large window, and MRS make it a versatile and tactile optic for harsh conditions, making it a prime choice for Military and Law Enforcement. 

It’s also for those who want an upgrade from their standard RMR. The upgrade in reticle technology and the addition of a top loading battery makes this the perfect level up, especially for those who are familiar with and favor the Trijicon brand. 

Who Should Consider Other Options

Anyone who needs a fully enclosed optic for more durability may want to consider another option. The RMR HD is durable and rugged, but it lacks the extra protection for the electrical system that an enclosed optic provides. 

Although the window size of the RMR HD is large it still doesn’t match the window of other optics such as the Vortex Defender XL. Depending on what pistol and footprint you require, if you’re looking for a large window size for solely competitive shooting, you may want to consider some other options like the Holosun EPS, which although is a K footprint, comes with an RMR adapter plate. 

Finally, for those looking for an affordable optic or their first optic, you may want to consider other options. The RMR HD has an MSRP of $1,019.00, and you can buy it from us for $774.00. That makes for a pricey optic, especially for someone just getting into optics. 

Starts at $774.00 Buy the Trijicon RMR HD 1 MOA Dot 55 MOA Circle At The Best Price

Starts at $774.00 Buy the Trijicon RMR HD 3.25 MOA Dot 55 MOA Circle At The Best Price

Final Verdict: Is the Trijicon RMR HD Worth It?

So, is the Trijicon RMR HD worth the steep price tag? The improvements from the original RMR seem to be enough of a reason to buy it. It has a larger viewing window, a top loading battery, an additional auto brightness setting, and larger buttons. It also has an MRS and another center dot option, so that it is more versatile for people’s preferences. 

Overall, the RMR HD performs well, retaining zero over thousands of rounds and with enough durability to stand up to the harsh conditions of duty use. At the same time, this is an open emitter and won’t have the same level of protection you can get from an enclosed emitter. It’s a similar price as the RCR, which is an enclosed optic, and it is more expensive than the SRO and the original RMR. 

If you’re looking for a durable red dot optic for duty use that has versatility and a range of brightness options, the RMR HD is worth the price. 

Still unsure? Reach out to us with any questions you may have. We love to help you find the optic that’s right for you. 

Thanks for reading and stay awesome!