The Trijicon SRO (Specialized Reflex Optic) is sure to lure pistol shooting enthusiasts looking to reduce target acquisition time and enhance peripheral vision for increased target-to-target transition speeds.
Our look at the Trijicon SRO will include a review of all the best features and an in-depth account of the specifications. Designed for handgun/pistol applications, the SRO is a solid selection for those who enjoy knocking them down at the range. Competition shooters will likely find this red dot sight a preferred optic in their arsenal to take home the win.
Trijicon SRO Reflex Sight Review
Long-time red dot sight front runner Trijicon has taken a slight departure from its flagship reflex sight, the RMR Type 2. The Trijicon SRO is a purpose-driven red dot sight focused on design optimized for pistol applications. The SRO is not meant as a replacement or even an evolution of its cousin, the RMR Type 2. The goal with the SRO is speed. So, if you need speed and want the performance from Trijicon, then this reflex sight might be the optic for you.
Bottom Line Up Front
The Trijicon SRO is likely to become a favorite for many shooters for one main reason. The viewing window size makes the initial acquisition of the red dot reticle super easy. The red dot seems never to leave the optic’s window making for faster follow-up shots during rapid-fire situations.
Trijicon has also made it easy to love this sight by keeping the exact footprint mounting requirements as the RMR. Since the RMR footprint is standard among red dot sights and optics, finding a mounting solution for many applications is easy.
Now we know that everyone has repeated several times, including Trijicon, that the SRO is not for duty use. Still, there is nothing about the optic that disqualifies it for such applications. So if you are a competition shooter, hardcore plinker, hunter, or all-around gun enthusiast, you will find that the Trijicon SRO is an excellent optic for pistol, shotgun, carbine, and rifle applications.
Top Features of the Trijicon SRO Reflex Sight
Design
The SRO is constructed from 7075-T6 forged aluminum alloy. The T6 tempering of the 7075 aluminum doubles the tensile strength of the untempered 7075. Ultimately this makes for a rugged sight chassis that is still lightweight. The optic weighs only 1.6 oz, making it virtually unnoticeable even on a pistol.
The optic sports a large Field of View (FOV) with a sight window measuring .98 x .89 inches. The outer surface of the sight is finished in matte black. The overall length of the sight is 2.2 inches, with a height of 1.4 inches.
According to Trijicon, the SRO is submersible to a depth of 10 feet. This waterproof statement is consistent with an IPX8 rating. You should have no problems operating this reflex sight under high moisture conditions at the range or in the field.
Reticle
The Trijicon SRO is available in three different reticle size options, all utilizing a red illuminating LED:
- 1 MOA red dot model SRO1
- 2.5 MOA red dot model SRO2
- 5 MOA red dot model SRO3
The front lens of the optic is extremely clear, making for a crisp reticle dot and a sharp target image — all of this in a large viewing window, one of the best features of the SRO.
The SRO includes a manual and auto-brightness reticle mode. In the manual mode, there are eight brightness settings. The two lowest settings are night-vision compatible. There is also a setting called super bright mode.
Operation
A single CR2032 Lithium coin battery powers the SRO reflex sight. The battery life is listed at three years. Additionally, the battery is top-loaded, so you won’t have to dismount the optic to change the battery.
The operation of the sight is simple and easy with two side-mounted buttons for on/off and brightness settings. The placement of the buttons makes adjustments easy and fast.
The SRO features a lock-out mode that places the sight in auto-brightness mode. You can also use the lock-in mode to keep it on your preferred brightness setting.
To make elevation or windage adjustments, simply adjust the tool-less adjustment screws with a coin or end of a spent casing. Each click of the windage or elevation adjustment equals 1 MOA allowing for precision to mid-ranges. There is noticeable tactile feedback when adjusting the sight for quick and easy zeroing.
There is a total of 150 MOA adjustments for both the elevation and the windage.
Mounting
The Trijicon SRO has the same footprint as the RMR. The sight does not come with a mount, so depending on your application, you may need a specific mounting kit or adapter that you can purchase from Trijicon.
This reflex sight is a perfect match for mounting on an optics-ready pistol. You can achieve co-witness with silencer height iron sights on most pistol platforms.
Details
Included with your purchase:
- Trijicon SRO (Specialized Reflex Optic)
- Trijicon Logo Sticker
- Lens cloth
- Two #6-32 Flat Head Torx Cap Screws 1/2” Long
- Torx Head Key
- Manual
- Warranty Card
Trijicon SRO vs RMR
Again we would like to point out that the SRO is not a replacement for the RMR. The RMR has its place in the market and out in the field that is solidly rooted through years of application. But the SRO shines when it comes to the speed in acquiring the red dot reticle.
- Durability: The RMR exterior design makes it the most rugged reflex sight in the market. The SRO is plenty tough but would be more at home for competition shooting or hunting.
- FOV: Unlike the RMR, the SRO has a huge FOV making acquisition of the dot extremely easy for both the initial shot and each subsequent shot.
- Size: The SRO has a larger viewing area than the RMR but they both share the same mounting footprint.
- Weight: The SRO is 0.4 oz heavier than the Trijicon RMR.
- Battery Location: The SRO wins here as the battery well is located at the top, while the RMR requires removal of the sight to change the battery.
- Battery Life: The RMR has a four-year battery life over the SRO’s three-year battery life.
Common Questions
Does the SRO use the same RMR plates for the GLOCK MOS? Yes, the Trijicon SRO has the same footprint as the RMR and uses the same mounting plate and mounting kit #AC32085.
Can I mount the Trijicon SRO on a shotgun? The SRO is designed to withstand repeated recoil force and would function without any problem on a shotgun, rifle, or carbine.
Which MOA size reticle is better for a pistol? Dot size is a personal preference. Generally, shooters opt for a larger reticle for close-range applications while some prefer a smaller reticle for precision at further distances. The 2.5 MOA reticle is a good middle option.
Customer Feedback
Price: “Bought this sight on Amazon for a fraction of what other stores were selling it for.”
Field of View: “The viewing window of this sight is a lot larger than most of my other reflex sights and much clearer too.”
Dot Acquisition: “The dot always seems to be inside the window. Acquiring the reticle seems to be much easier with this red dot sight than others.”
Easy to use: “The SRO has intuitive and easy to use features and controls. I mounted it within minutes and was outside popping steel in no time.”
