Roundup: RMR Footprint Optics

One of the most-popular options for mounting a red dot to your pistol.

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posted on January 29, 2025
Rmr Footprint Optics

Not too long ago, I covered some of the most popular red-dot optic footprints for handgun slides. Most readers are probably aware to what extent Trijicon is an important company in the firearms optics market and how the Trijicon RMR footprint is one of the most popular patterns used by other optics manufacturers. Besides their use in Trijicon products such as the RMR, SRO and RCR red-dot sights, there’s a wellspring of other makes and models that employ the Trijicon RMR footprint.

Trijicon RMR Type 2 (MSRP $779) Trijicon RMR

Clearly, no roundup of RMR-footprint optics would be complete with the OG itself, the Trijicon RMR. Originally designed as a supplement to a magnified optic for close-quarters work, the robustness with which Trijicon designed the RMR made it suitable for use on handguns, as it could withstand the persistent forces of recoil to which a reciprocating pistol slide is subject. Current models are available with 1-, 3.25- and 6.5-MOA dots, and RMR red-dot sights can be ordered with either automatic brightness adjustment or manual. Other RMR variations have non-powered options and top-mounting batteries.

Canik DotMecanik MO3 (MSRP $249)

Canik Firearms’ Mecanik brand offers a few different open-emitter red-dot sights including the competition-focused “big-window” Mecanik MO3. Like the C&H Comp sight listed below, the Mecanik MO3 takes after design elements made popular by the Trijicon SRO. Its big window and red only 6 MOA dot are very user-friendly. Next to the Holosun 507 Comp, I have a good amount of personal experience with this red-dot sight and since it can oftentimes be had for less than $200, it provides a great value for the money. Read my original review here.

GideonGideon Optics Granite (MSRP $299)

The Gideon Optics Granite RMR one of the RMR footprint optics out there, debuting during SHOT Show 2025. The Gideon Optics Granite RMR follows the original release of the Granite MOS which directly nests into Glock pattern MOS slide cuts. Gideon Optics created the open-emitter Granite to use a big window and an 8 MOA dot for fast-paced competition shooting. They did so while still ensuring that the Granite’s housing remained sturdy and used space efficiently by placing the CR 2032 battery housing off to the right side. The dot-only reticles are also available in green, and Gideon is concurrently launching a smaller “carry size” version. 

C&H PrecisionC&H Comp (MSRP $249)

The C&H Comp sight is a “big-window” red-dot whose design influences are based on the Trijicon SRO–the sight that I’ve argued has been the categorial leader in the “big-window” cluster of RMR Footprint red-dot sights. Available with a 3 MOA red or green dot, the Comp uses a rounded window for an easy to look through field of view. It’s paired with a CR 1632 battery that provides this optic with an average of 50,000 hours of battery life, 

Holosun RMR FootprintHolosun 407 / 507 C Models (MSRP $283-$365)

It would be negligible to not mention Holosun’s “full size” 407 and 507 red-dot sights. These workhorses run off a cr 1632 battery and take after similar dimensions to the original Trijicon RMR series but also come at a more affordable price. Nonetheless, they use the same RMR footprint. The primary difference between the 407 and 507 C series is that the former does not include a multi-reticle option. Both also have Holosun’s solar cell system on board and due to the rounded shape of the external housing, they lend themselves well to concealment. As with most Holosun products, green reticle options are also available.   

 

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