Optical sights are configured to enable shooters precisely acquire their target, whether in the range or the hunting fields. However, there are some features and activities, on the optical sights that can compromise its functionalities, such as the constant dropping of the weapon, lack of parallax, and a sight’s heavyweight.
Optical sight hunting is not exactly a walk in the park because some of the reviews posted by users can be pretty discouraging yet the sight’s work great. Trijicon SRO has been ranked as a recreational optical sight or a sight that is convenient for use with a competition gun by some enthusiasts. But according to Trijicon the sight comes out as one to be used by professionals and has borrowed some of the RMR’s best features.
Enthusiasts appreciate that sight has incorporated a wide field of view, complete with a clear dot, but they have concerns about its durability stating that they would prefer the RMR over the SRO as it features a robust build. Well, according to the manufacturer, Trijicon Sro, was forged from RMR’s 7075, T-6 aircraft grade aluminum, meant to protect the lenses and the equipped electronics, a feature that makes it durable at least when compared to other red dots in the market.
Given the controversy between the users and the manufacturer, we decided to dig into the features of the Trijicon Sro and establish whether it is a professional optical sight or just another basic unit, read on.
Trijicon Sro Review and Breakdown
Trijicon sro has been specially configured for use with pistols, the unit can also easily be mounted on the red dot ready pistols, and is additionally compatible with the RMR mounts. The Hood protecting the glass and the other electronics is made of durable aluminum housing, and you can, therefore, expect the glass to remain highly functional even when the weapon suffers impact.
The 7075-T-6 aluminum housing is sturdy and will, therefore, not transfer the impact to the glass, and while in the field you can expect the sight to give you all the juice needed to accurately acquire your target given the incorporation of the 3-year battery life. And to make it more versatile and functional Trijicon Sro has been made compatible with the suppressor height iron sights.
We are however not convinced that the relevant settings are easy to adjust because most of the modern sights come equipped with buttons, so all you have to do is either use a switch or the press buttons. But for the Sro, you have to find an equipment like maybe a coin to perform some of the basic adjustments.
And when it comes to the brightness modes, users can alternate between the manual and the automatic LED brightness modes. The large objective lens helps provide a wide and unobstructed field of view, while the intense red dot is not only easy to track but also easy to recover. The sight works best in applications where speed and quick dot recover are of the essence.
What we liked;
- The aluminum body protects the lens thus remains functional for extended periods
- Trijicon Sro is equipped with a durable battery
- The incorporated objective lens diameter is wide enough for enhanced visuals
- Works exceptional well when used with the pistol
- The clear crisp dot encourages quick dot recovery
- The sight is compatible with the suppressor heights iron sights
What we didn’t like;
- Limited application “best used with pistols”
- Adjusting the settings during use is hectic thus eats up a lot of time
Trijicon Sro Specifications
Model |
Trijicon Sro |
Illumination |
8 adjustable settings and automatic |
Weight |
46g |
Magnification |
1x |
Reticle |
Red dot |
Adjustment range |
150 MOA total travel |
Battery life |
3 years of continuous use at setting 4 of 8 |
Dimensions |
2.2 in x 1.3 in x 1.4 inches |
Objective lens diameter |
25mm |
Availability |
Trijicon Sro Features
Optical performance
Trijicon Sro’s optical performance is quite impressive, and we begin with the fact that it has been equipped with a large objective lens diameter. The latter means that users can expect to be provided with clear images even when engaging targets in low light conditions; even better is that they can use the higher magnifications for longer, as the already available light diminishes. The large objective lens diameter makes the unit highly functional when looking for a sweet spot faster.
The unit additionally offers a rather clear and crisp dot, which is not only fine-tuned but has been coupled with the clear lenses at the front part. The above consequently offers a clear sight picture, complete with a crisp dot. Still, on optical performance, the unit comes equipped with up to 8 brightness settings; two that are for night vision and one that is super bright.
Build and Design
Apart from the aircraft-grade durable aluminum build, there are some other interesting features, of the Trijicon sro that make it effective during use. The first one being the fact that the battery can be loaded from the top, a good number of the optical sights are difficult to use while in the field because you have to completely remove the sight from the weapon before installing the battery.
The Trijicon Sro therefore, allows faster switching of the battery even when in the field, and while the windage and elevation adjustments are tool-less, you must find something that you will use for these specific processes. The unit has also been constructed in such a way that it mounts easily while utilizing the same base as the Trijicon RMR.
Waterproofing and Submersion
Before establishing the submersibility nature of this optical sight, we are noting that it has incorporated very few movable features meaning that it is going to be very hard for water or dirt to penetrate the glass.
The above then means that the sight is waterproof, and can, therefore, be used in humid environments without compromising on its functionality features and the ability to effectively acquire a target. Trijicon Sro is submersible up to 10 feet deep, a feature that qualifies it for professional applications.
Versatility
According to Trijicon, the Trijicon Sro was specifically made for use with pistols, but you must note that it will comfortably fit on the different red dot ready brands in the markets. And as regards use, the unit is incredibly efficient when used for target shooting, and in competition, the above is because of the equipped Button “Lock-In” mode designed to secure the user-chosen brightness setting.
Hunters can also benefit from the unit’s effective red dot thanks to the incorporated Button “Lock Out Mode” which is ideal for hunting and for use with the carry handgun.
Who is it best suited for?
The Trijicon sro is best suited for use with the everyday carry handgun, it can be used for hunting, target, or competition shooting.
Are there any alternatives to the Trijicon Sro?
Yes there are alternatives to the Trijicon Sro, and the most common one is the Trijicon RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA, the Trijicon RMR Type 2 6.5 MOA, and the Holosun HS510C 2 MOA Dot Or A 65 MOA Ring
Features of the alternative optical red dot sights
Model |
Trijicon RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA |
Trijicon RMR Type 2 6.5 MOA |
Holosun HS510C 2 MOA Dot Or A 65 MOA |
Reticle |
3.25 MOA dot |
6.5 MOA dot |
2 MOA dot 65 MOA Circle |
Eye relief |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
Weight |
33.2g |
33.2g |
24g |
Battery life |
4 Yrs of continuous use at setting 4 of 8 |
4 Yrs of continuous use at setting 4 of 8 |
50, 000hrs |
Dimensions |
1.8 x 1.2 x 1.0 in. |
1.8 x 1.2 x 1.0 in. |
4.75 x 3.62 x 3.12 inches |
Adjustment click value |
150MOA Total travel |
150 MOA total travel |
0.5 MOA |
Battery type |
CR2032 |
CR032 |
CR2032 |
Availability |
Final Verdict: so, should you get the Trijicon Red dot sight
Yes, the Trijicon Sro is highly effective and versatile for use in many different applications. Unlike what many enthusiasts say, from the review above we have established that the unit is quite durable and sturdy. Made of durable aluminum material, complete with a durable battery; the unit offers value for money, and you can therefore expect it to offer a longer service, probably achieve its full shelf life.
FAQ’s
-
Does the Trijicon Sro come with a battery?
Yes, the Trijicon Sro comes with one battery that is loaded from the top.
-
Will I get an adapter plate for a weaver or a Picatinny rail?
No, you will have to buy a separate mount for the weaver or the Picatinny rail
-
Trijicon Sro has incorporated an automatic mode, how long does it take before it resets?
The reset period for the Trijicon Sro is about 16 hours, after the above time elapses the optical sight will automatically adjust the brightness of the dot to match the lighting conditions of its immediate environment. The above feature is an added advantage for the Trijicon users because when in darkness it helps save the battery life but remains functional.