Editor’s note – if you are into pistol-mounted optics, you may be interested in a tutorial – like this one from Dave Spaulding on Make Ready TV.

Carry optics are here to stay. While some argue they are not ready for “prime time” and others claim they are not necessary, it does not matter. The military, law enforcement and the buying public have spoken and they like carry optics on pistols. Now the hot debate in the carry optics community is whether or not they need to be totally enclosed. I can see both sides of the argument. It comes down to what you and I personally prefer.

The Ruger RXM and Trijicon RCR make for a solid EDC or LE combination.

I think the enclosed pistol optic looks like a pole barn sitting on my slide. Bulk is something to be considered. If you are trying to conceal your pistol, trying to keep it trim and sleek as possible can be an important consideration. But, if you are law enforcement or military that will be out in the elements, having something that is less susceptible to the weather could be important. I think it’s wise to consider your individual situation carefully and choose wisely based on your needs.

One mistake that can easily be made is buying lesser quality optics. The desire to save money is great and if you are just playing around at the gun club, you can probably get by with a budget optic. If your life might be on the line, saving money might be a serious mistake. Buy quality and you will likely buy but once.

Trijicon is a company with a stellar reputation for quality. Yes, their products are “pricey,” but they are built to withstand the rigors of combat. Do you need that level of reliability? That is certainly up to you, but this is part of the reason Trijicon optics are so highly regarded and cost more than their competition. I went to the Trijicon plant years ago to watch them build ACOG rifle optics for the U.S. Military for an article in a law enforcement trade journal. I came away quite impressed with the quality that was built into each unit. I’m a Trijicon fan and do not deny it.

Their RMR pistol optic is known as one of the toughest available, so it should not be a surprise their enclosed optic, the RCR, is also highly regarded by those who go in harms’ way. An extremely tough and durable closed emitter optic which meets the demanding standards for military and law enforcement applications, the RCR is the next evolution of the RMR and is designed to be as durable as the battle-proven ACOG, while also enhancing precision in any weather conditions. The RCR can withstand direct impacts and survive in the harshest environments and still be ready to deliver repeatable accuracy and reliability. It should be noted, the RCR uses the existing RMR footprint.

The brightness controls on the RCR are large and easy to use. That said, set a brightness that is useful over a wide spectrum and leave it alone.

The red 3.25 MOA dot is enclosed in a 7075-T6 aluminum body that is hard coat anodized. The same unique housing shape used for the RMR is built into this closed emitter version. It still diverts the force of impact away from the lens, greatly increasing drop survivability and one-handed slide manipulation as well as protecting the projected dot from the elements. The RCR uses a top loaded battery compartment that keeps the CR2032 battery accessible while offering six years of continuous operation at Setting 5. In addition, the battery contacts have been enhanced and made tougher while the enhanced electronics ensure performance and survivability with distinctive and easy-to-use adjustment buttons.

A nice improvement over the RMR is the top loading battery compartment, but with a six-year life, it probably won’t be needed very often.

A quick word on the dot adjustment buttons: leave them alone. I wish I had a nickel for every time I saw a student stop in the middle of an exercise or drill and start pushing the buttons on their optic to get “optimum brightness.” You will never achieve “optimum” brightness, things can change too quickly. You never had optimum brightness with your iron sights; you saw the sights and depressed the trigger with the view you had. You can do the same with your optics. See dot, work trigger. Just because the buttons are there does not mean you have to use them.

Above, the attachment screws used on the RCR are easier to use than you would think. To ensure proper tightness of the RCR mounting screws, a scale is supplied that requires “four more lines” of tightness, shown below.

I mounted the test RCR on my new Ruger RXM Third Generation GLOCK clone. This is a fine pistol at a reasonable price that will likely garner a lot of attention from the law enforcement and EDC communities. Due to the unique mounting system built into the RXM slide, the RCR was easily installed without a mounting plate, something I appreciate. The screws used to mount the RCR are unique in the carry optics world. They are not the typical Torx screw but a “side turning” design that requires the end user to insert a tool into four holes drilled into the side of the screw head. The screws slide into a side notch which align with the threaded holes in the slide. Once tightened, a paper scale (supplied in the box) advises to tighten “four lines more” to achieve proper tightness. It was quite easy.

Once mounted, I found the RCR was mostly zeroed, requiring only two clicks down and two clicks left to get the dot where I wanted it at ten yards on a three-inch square. Moving back to 25, I was able to hold all of my rounds, off hand, on to a three by five-inch rectangle.

I hate spending time getting an optic zeroed.

I then completed a series of my favorite drills, near, far and moving, with the RXM mounted RCR with no problems. No, I did not torture test the RCR --I did not have Trijicon’s permission to damage it. I have no doubt it will stand up to typical use and abuse.

Above, the attachment screws used on the RCR are easier to use than you would think. To ensure proper tightness of the RCR mounting screws, a scale is supplied that requires “four more lines” of tightness, shown below.

The decision of whether an enclosed optic is important is up to you. At this stage of my life, with the reasons I carry a gun, it’s not important. You don’t need a specific excuse to choose an enclosed optic; if you feel it is important, that is reason enough.

— Dave Spaulding