Trijicon RMR® Type 2 Red Dot Sight

Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, competitive shooter.

The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is a compact reflex sight designed to mount directly to slide-cut pistols and small arms platforms. Trijicon engineered the Type 2 housing to absorb and redirect impact stress away from the optic window, a patented geometry that increases durability under slide recoil and field abuse. The 6.5 MOA dot is the largest offered in Trijicon’s LED lineup, prioritizing speed of acquisition over precision at extended ranges — ideal for defensive shooting inside 25 yards, close-quarters engagements, and shooters who prefer a bold aiming point.

Glass & Internals

Trijicon redesigned the RMR Type 2 electronics to handle the repetitive shock of slide-mounted operation. User controls sit on both sides of the housing: press to cycle through eight manual brightness settings, toggle between automatic and manual modes, or power down the optic for storage. In automatic mode, a light sensor adjusts LED intensity to ambient conditions — the same function found on earlier RMR models. When you select manual mode, the optic holds that setting for 16.5 hours after the last button press, then defaults back to automatic to ensure the sight is active when you need it. Button lockout is available; once engaged, the RMR operates in automatic mode only, preventing inadvertent brightness changes during carry or handling.

Specs at a Glance

The Type 2 shares the same physical footprint and hole pattern as the original RMR, ensuring compatibility with existing mounts, adapter plates, and factory slide cuts. Shooters mounting to Glock MOS, Springfield OSP, Walther PDP, or H&K VP9 Optics Ready slides require Trijicon mounting kit AC32064 (sold separately). Zero the optic with the side adjustment screws — each click moves point of impact 1 MOA. All eight brightness settings are night-vision compatible, allowing passive aiming under NODs without washout. For more Trijicon reflex sights and micro-dot options, see our Trijicon RMR category.

Best Use Cases

The 6.5 MOA dot excels in scenarios where target acquisition speed outweighs sub-MOA precision. Defensive shooters benefit from the large, bold aiming point during high-stress draws and engagements inside typical self-defense distances. The dot covers approximately 6.5 inches at 100 yards, so shooters working steel at 15-25 yards will find the reticle fast and forgiving. Competitive shooters running USPSA Carry Optics or IDPA divisions appreciate the quick dot pickup during transitions and close targets. Hunters using handguns for close-range game also gain from the visible reticle in low light and brushy conditions. Shooters with aging eyes or astigmatism often prefer the larger dot over 3.25 MOA options — the increased size reduces perceived starburst and makes the aiming point easier to resolve.

Installation Notes

Mount the RMR Type 2 to a direct-mill slide or universal adapter plate. Torque mounting screws to Trijicon’s specification (typically 12-15 inch-pounds — verify in the included manual). Apply medium-strength threadlocker to screws before installation. After mounting, zero the optic at your preferred distance — 10 or 25 yards is common for pistol work. Confirm the battery compartment is sealed and the cap is torqued correctly to maintain waterproof integrity. Check zero after the first 50-100 rounds; once settled, the Type 2 holds zero through sustained firing schedules. Replace the CR2032 battery annually or after approximately 4 years of continuous operation in automatic mode (actual life varies by brightness setting and usage). Store the optic in manual-off mode if the pistol will sit unused for extended periods — this prevents battery drain and ensures the sight powers on when needed.