In 1996, Trijicon introduced what would become the first in a series of groundbreaking reflex sights – the RX01 Trijicon Reflex 1×24. Almost immediately, it was adopted by the U.S. Special Forces, in order to be placed in their SOPMOD M4 Carbine kit.

Trijicon Reflex Sights

M4 Carbine
M4 Carbine

The Trijicon Reflex sight is a battery-free, illuminated reticle sight. Initially, it was designed for close-quarter battles (CQB), and the Reflex offers fast target acquisition, while maintaining extremely high accuracy. Part of its uniqueness was that it allowed shooters to aim with both eyes open, which is a clear advantage, especially when you are talking about very short-distance encounters.

For a long time, the Reflex sight remained a single model, with 2 offshoots which differed by reticle shape. In 2008, Trijicon released the RX30 – a 1×42 Reflex sight, along with 5 different versions, which are set apart by reticles.

The Trijicon Reflex has several mounting adapters available (carry handle, picatinny rail, weaver rail, and AK47), which is why the Reflex is the go-to option for rifles, carbines, and shotguns. It is used by civilians, military personnel, government agents, and law enforcement officers.

Model RX30 1×42

For the sake of this particular review, we will be going over the technical specifications of the RX30 1×42 model, a standalone unit with no mount.

Trijicon Reflex Sights
Trijicon Reflex Sights
  • Magnification – 1x
  • Objective lens – 42mm
  • Length – 4.9 inches
  • Illumination – tritium and fiber-optics
  • Housing – cast A356-T6 aluminum
  • Weight – 8.2 oz.
  • Reticle pattern – 6.5 moa dot
  • Reticle color – amber (day), amber (night)
  • Eye relief – infinite

This sight has some clear advantages. First of all, a relatively large objective lens, meaning that this sight can gather light fast and easy. This is certainly true compared to the older 1×24 models. The reticle is always nicely lit, even in the daytime, due to the dual illumination sources. Not having a battery means less hassle, and ultimately less that can go wrong and fail you when you need it.

The adjusters on this sight are surface flush, so there is no problem with moving around dense areas. The dials will not be moved by brush or other terrain. This unit is also shock resistant, and is designed to withstand a lot.

As part of the production process, Trijicon – and later on, the military, if it is intended for use by the Armed Forces – repeatedly test and re-test their products, sometimes under extreme conditions, to see how they hold up. Trijicon has some of the most durable and dependable aiming solutions on the market. Their accessories always mean business, and they have a military ruggedness to them, even if Trijicon never intends for them to be used in combat.

The lenses on the Trijicon Reflex are multi-coated, for optimal light transmission. The image that is seen through the sight is in true color, without any distortions (aka fisheye). This sight is also one which does not require parallax compensation, and the sight’s aperture is 1.54 inches, providing a wide field of view.

In 2014, Trijicon expanded on the Reflex line, adding a green-colored reticle option to the existing models. Green can be better seen during the daytime, and it is an option which many shooters were happy to welcome.

My Trijicon Reflex Review

Once upon a time, wars were fought mainly in fields, grounds, and other open areas. Many battles and confrontations are still fought in the great wide open, but these days we have a new kind of battleground – the urban jungle. CQB simulations are an essential part of combat training nowadays, at least for infantry soldier, and for good reason.

US Troops in Iraq
US Troops in Iraq

Whether it is in the densely populated areas of the United States, Iraq, Somalia, or Afghanistan – you need to know what you are doing at close range. The fighting doctrine of CQB is vast, and it is constantly advancing right along with the technology.

A sight like the Trijicon Reflex is perfect for CQB, because it provides pinpoint accuracy, and fast. Lift your rifle, aim, and take the shot. No need to align any front and back sights, and no need to doubt whether you are on target. The brightly lit reticle is visible pretty much under any condition, and it will take that bullet where it needs to go.

Reflex sights generally cost less than telescopic sights, and this is true with Trijicon’s Reflex as well. Unlike the famous Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG) series – whose scopes cost thousands of dollars – the Reflex line is more moderately priced. The RX30 is priced at $624 at Trijicon’s official website, but you can find it for lower prices elsewhere.

This sight comes with:

  • 1 lens-cleaning cloth
  • 1 Trijicon Logo Sticker
  • 1 Reflex Manual
  • 1 Warranty Card

A Word on Trijicon Reflex Finishes

The tritium lamp within the RX30 is guaranteed for 15 years from the manufacturing date. The sight itself, just like Trijicon’s other aiming accessories, has a limited lifetime warranty for defects in materials and craftsmanship. Trijicon’s products are simply that good, and their designs are up to any task. The devoted engineers and developers at Trijicon are constantly thinking up new ways to assist fast and reliable target acquisition – from ordinary civilians to cops on a random beat, or a team of SEALs fast-roping down into a complex compound during a rescue mission – there are many out there who trust these sights to do the right thing.

Cerakote olive drab green finish
Cerakote olive drab green finish

And last but not least – what about looks and aesthetics? Surely, these count. Whether it is strictly a matter of personal taste and appearance, or whether there is an actual need for camouflage  – Trijicon has got several finishes to choose from: black, cerakote sniper gray, cerakote olive drab green, and cerakote flat dark earth.

Ever since its establishment, Trijicon has had a history of excellence. As of right now, it isn’t showing any signs of changing that tune. The company’s dedication to quality, reliability, and durability is clear. It is evident in everything this company manufactures: from the superiority of the lenses and glass which they use, through the choice of housing materials, to the available finishes and mounting adapters. You can’t say Trijicon doesn’t care.

Nate M.

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