Trijicon Reflex RX30 Sight
Mark Kakkuri 11.27.13
Only a few manufacturers share the distinction of being consistently placed at or near the top of the list of tactical optics and sighting systems for small arms. One of those manufacturers is Trijicon, known for its ACOG, VCOG, and HD night sights. Trijicon also offers a Reflex series of sights, suitable for close quarters combat on rifles, carbines, and shotguns. The Trijicon Reflex RX30, a 42mm reflex amber 6.5 MOA dot reticle illuminated by a combination of fiber optics and Tritium, offers 1x magnification in a ruggedly-built but easy-to-use configuration. It has no switches, requires no battery, and allows a shooter to aim as if by reflex—quickly and accurately with both eyes open.
For its intended use of providing clear sight pictures in a close quarters battle, I give it a five-star rating in every category.
Specifications
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective size: 42mm
- Bullet drop compensator: No
- Length: 4.9 inches
- Weight: 8.2 ounces
- Illumination source: fiber optics and tritium
- Reticle: 6.5 MOA dot
- Day reticle color: amber
- Night reticle color: amber
- Adjustment at 100 yards (clicks/inch): 1
- Requires the purchase of an adapter to mount to weapon
- Housing material: cast A356-T6 aluminum
- Retail price: $613
Quality
Trijicon makes some of the best tactical optics in the world and the Trijicon Reflex RX30 RX30 is no exception. Made of cast A356-T6 aluminum, the Reflex felt tough and durable but never clumsy or disproportionate, despite its relatively larger size and weight. The Trijicon RX30 captures—through dual-illuminated fiber optics—any available light and offers a bright amber reticle that is easily seen with both eyes open, a tactical advantage for shooters who need to see more than just what they’re aiming at. The amber reticle is also tritium-powered, providing the perfect level of brightness in low- or no-light situations.
The Trijicon Quick Detach mount affixes securely to the Reflex RX30 and offers the ability to quickly and securely install and remove the sight from an AR-15 or other firearm. After hundreds of rounds fired and numerous instances of installing and removing the sight from an AR-15, the Reflex RX30 never rattled or showed any signs of wear or fatigue.
While the Trijicon Reflex RX30 did not come with any lens covers, it didn’t really need them.
Reliability
After a minor elevation adjustment, firing rounds at armor silhouettes while sighting through the Trijicon Reflex RX30 proved quick and accurate. I’m no high-speed operator but I aimed and fired with both eyes open, switching from one armor silhouette to another with ease.
Offering 1x magnification and no bullet-drop compensation, the simplicity of the Reflex design shone through as I could concentrate on aiming and firing. I didn’t really need to think about reticle brightness, battery life, or other distractions. The sight was just there, serving my purposes.
A relatively large optic, the Trijicon Reflex RX30 measures 4.9 inches in length, 2.1 inches in width, and 2.2 inches in height. It weighs 8.2 ounces. Its physical size makes it very fast and easy to aim, fire, and acquire a new target.
With the tritium inserts providing light to the reticle, the Reflex RX30 requires no battery. And since the fiber optics absorb whatever light is available, the orange dot increases in intensity in a bright situation and decreases as available light decreases. So, no matter the lighting, a shooter gets just the right reticle brightness.
In short, the Reflex RX30 allows a shooter to concentrate on aiming and shooting—exactly what a good optic should do.
Price/Value
Made in Wixom, Michigan, the Trijicon Reflex RX30 has an MSRP of $613. Despite the relatively high cost, I still award it five stars. Its outstanding function, not to mention its quality and reliability, are worth it.
Referability
The Reflex RX30 is perfectly suited to shooting situations that demand a both-eyes-open sighting system for close quarters battle situations. Fellow shooters at the range marveled at the clear view, bright reticle, and simplicity of use—no buttons or switches. Just pick up the weapon, aim, and shoot. While less costly and even smaller optics exist that accomplish similar goals, few do so with the ease and near-perfection of the Trijicon Reflex RX30.
