Introduction
The world of handguns is present process a revolution. The rise of crimson dot sights (RDS) on pistols has remodeled how shooters intention, providing sooner goal acquisition, improved accuracy, and enhanced situational consciousness. This know-how is changing into more and more prevalent in aggressive capturing, legislation enforcement, and even for hid carry, with fanatics embracing the benefits these optics present. Nonetheless, with this progress comes a level of complexity. Choosing the proper optic mount will be daunting, particularly when contemplating the big range of choices out there. Confusion surrounding these mounting methods is a standard hurdle for these seeking to embrace the advantages of a pistol-mounted crimson dot.
This text goals to supply readability by diving deep into two major strategies for mounting optics on Glock pistols: the Glock MOS footprint and the Trijicon RMR footprint. We’ll discover the intricacies of every system, evaluating their options, benefits, and downsides. Our goal is to empower you, the shooter, to make an knowledgeable choice, choosing the optic mounting resolution that most closely fits your wants, talent stage, and capturing objectives. We’ll dissect the core parts of every system, inspecting the important elements that affect efficiency and long-term reliability. By the top of this piece, you’ll have a complete understanding of the Glock MOS footprint and the Trijicon RMR footprint, equipping you to confidently select the setup that can optimize your capturing expertise.
Understanding Optic Footprints
Earlier than we delve into the specifics, let’s set up a vital basis: the idea of an optic “footprint.” Within the realm of pistol optics, a footprint refers back to the bodily dimensions of the interface between the optic and the slide (or mounting system). Basically, it’s the exact association of screw holes and the form of the mounting floor, defining how an optic bodily attaches to the pistol. This design immediately impacts the optic’s compatibility and dictates which crimson dot sights will be efficiently put in on a specific firearm.
Footprints are paramount as a result of they govern the convenience with which you’ll be able to mount an optic. They make sure that the holes align, the screws have interaction accurately, and the optic sits securely on the slide. Additionally they affect the general profile of the setup, impacting how excessive the optic sits above the bore (top over bore), and the diploma of integration with the firearm. Selecting an optic with the fallacious footprint renders the optic unusable in your pistol. This requires you to have to pick out the right footprint after which store for an optic inside these design limitations. The trade has acknowledged the necessity for standardization, and sure footprints have gained widespread acceptance.
The 2 major footprints that will likely be addressed on this article are the Glock MOS footprint and the Trijicon RMR footprint.
The Glock MOS System
Glock’s Modular Optic System (MOS) represents a broadly adopted strategy to integrating crimson dot sights into their pistols. This method is meant to supply broad compatibility by using a collection of interchangeable adapter plates that mate with the slide. These plates are designed to accommodate numerous optic footprints.
The MOS system’s historical past started with Glock’s want to supply a factory-ready resolution for mounting optics. This evolution aimed to cater to the rising demand for crimson dots with out requiring in depth slide modifications. The system was designed to supply flexibility, permitting homeowners to simply swap between completely different optics or take away the optic solely for iron sight utilization.
Execs of the Glock MOS System
One of many vital benefits of the Glock MOS system is its inherent versatility. By using adapter plates, the MOS system accommodates all kinds of optic footprints. Which means that homeowners are offered with a broader number of optics to select from. This modular strategy reduces the necessity for particular slide modifications, probably simplifying the set up course of. The preliminary price could also be much less in some situations, on condition that many MOS-compatible optics are comparatively inexpensive and that homeowners should purchase completely different plates to maneuver between optics. That is usually engaging to shooters who need the choice to simply attempt completely different crimson dot sights with out committing to everlasting modifications.
Cons of the Glock MOS System
Regardless of its benefits, the Glock MOS system can also be linked to a number of drawbacks. Adapter plates can introduce a possible weak level within the mounting system. As a result of the optic sits on the plate, there’s a slight enhance within the top of the optic, resulting in a better top over bore. The plate and the extra screws can create instability and the danger of screws working unfastened over time. The MOS adapter plates can even come underneath vital stress throughout recoil. As well as, some customers have reported issues with adapter plates failing underneath heavy use, notably with bigger and heavier optics. Many shooters have expressed choice for direct-milled slide cuts for his or her RDS.
The Trijicon RMR Footprint
The Trijicon RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) footprint represents a extra direct and, in lots of instances, a extra sturdy mounting resolution. This footprint derives its identify from the favored Trijicon RMR optic itself. Its design permits for a direct mount to the slide, most frequently by both reducing a slide or utilizing a slide designed with an RMR footprint.
The RMR footprint gained its recognition with the Trijicon RMR. Since its launch, many different producers have created optics to match the identical footprint. This direct mounting methodology usually eliminates the necessity for adapter plates, making the interface between the optic and the slide extra strong and steady.
Execs of the RMR Footprint
The first benefit of the RMR footprint is the elevated stability and sturdiness that comes with direct mounting. The optic sits nearer to the slide, decreasing the potential for motion or loosening brought on by recoil. As a result of the optic sits immediately onto the slide, the peak over bore is lowered, additional enhancing the dealing with traits of the pistol and offering a extra constant sight image. Direct mounting eliminates the potential for plate failures, making the system inherently extra dependable. Many customers report distinctive efficiency and dependability with RMR footprint methods.
Cons of the RMR Footprint
Direct mounting, nevertheless, requires both the acquisition of a slide that has been reduce to just accept the RMR footprint or modification to your present slide by a certified gunsmith. Modification can require milling or another course of to create the right channels and screw holes. Due to the precision required, these providers usually contain skilled gunsmithing, which will increase the preliminary price.
Direct Comparability: Glock MOS vs. RMR Footprint
Let’s immediately evaluate the Glock MOS footprint and the Trijicon RMR footprint throughout a number of key areas:
Compatibility
The MOS system, by design, is supposed to supply broader optic compatibility because of its use of adapter plates. Which means that you’re more likely to discover adapter plates for a variety of optics. The RMR footprint is much less versatile by design; it dictates that the optic should use the RMR footprint. That stated, the recognition of the RMR footprint has pushed quite a few producers to create optics particularly designed to suit it. This makes extra decisions out there than ever earlier than.
Mounting
The MOS system includes mounting the optic to the adapter plate, then attaching the plate to the slide. This usually includes tightening a few screws. The RMR footprint, however, requires the optic to be immediately mounted to the slide or the usage of a slide designed with the right footprint. This usually entails exact screw alignment and torqueing for a safer attachment.
Stability and Sturdiness
The RMR footprint usually wins on this class. The direct-mount strategy minimizes the danger of motion. It is a vital benefit over adapter plates, which will be vulnerable to shifting underneath recoil or heavy use.
Top Over Bore
The RMR footprint gives a decrease profile. Direct mounting usually positions the optic nearer to the slide, thereby reducing the peak of the optic above the bore axis. The Glock MOS system, using adapter plates, usually raises the optic, growing the peak over bore, and probably affecting goal acquisition and alignment.
Price
The MOS system could initially seem inexpensive. You would possibly buy an optic that matches with an present adapter plate, or be required to purchase an adapter plate. Nonetheless, the long-term price of the RMR system will be offset should you select to go along with a direct mount.
Reliability
Reliability is an important issue. The RMR footprint usually excels on this space as a result of absence of adapter plates. This design mitigates the danger of plate-related failures. The Glock MOS system, regardless of its comfort, introduces a possible failure level.
Selecting the Proper Footprint for You
Choosing the suitable optic mounting system is a private choice, influenced by your particular person preferences and priorities. Listed here are some elements to contemplate:
Meant Use
Your major use case can information your choice. Should you intend to make use of your pistol for competitors capturing, the place pace and accuracy are paramount, then the direct mount choice could also be engaging. Obligation carry requires supreme reliability, which is one other compelling argument for the extra sturdy RMR footprint. For leisure capturing, hid carry, and vary apply, the benefits of both choice are extra nuanced.
Price range
How a lot are you keen to spend? Take into account the entire price, together with the optic, adapter plates (if relevant), slide milling (if required), and any potential skilled set up charges. The MOS system will be initially cheaper, however the long-term prices could fluctuate. The RMR footprint requires a extra substantial upfront funding.
Technical Experience
Do you’ve gotten expertise putting in pistol optics, or are you comfy with probably advanced modifications? Should you favor a less complicated setup and are much less assured in your technical abilities, the MOS system could be a more sensible choice. Nonetheless, each choices can require skilled gunsmithing, particularly should you plan to have the slide milled for an RMR footprint.
Optic Choice and Future Upgrades
Do you’ve gotten a particular optic in thoughts? Make sure that the optic footprint is suitable together with your chosen mounting resolution. Take into account the long-term implications.
Choice Information
In case you are prioritizing broad compatibility and simpler preliminary setup, the Glock MOS is an efficient choice.
In case you are looking for elevated stability, sturdiness, and are keen to spend money on slide modifications or a devoted slide, the RMR footprint is probably going finest.
Conclusion
The Glock MOS footprint and the Trijicon RMR footprint every current distinctive benefits for mounting crimson dot sights on Glock pistols. The MOS system provides broad compatibility and a neater preliminary setup, using adapter plates to accommodate a wider vary of optics. Conversely, the RMR footprint gives superior stability, a probably decrease profile, and a extra direct, sturdy mounting resolution, usually by a direct mount to the slide.
The “finest” alternative in the end depends upon your particular person wants, funds, capturing fashion, and the significance you place on elements corresponding to optic alternative, ease of set up, and long-term reliability. Take into account your meant use, technical capabilities, and the long-term implications of your choice.
Additional analysis is inspired to solidify your choice. Look at a broad number of choices, learn evaluations, and if doable, deal with pistols outfitted with each methods to expertise the variations firsthand. Cautious analysis and analysis will make sure that you choose the mounting resolution that aligns together with your capturing wants and preferences.
