Spotting a fake Trijicon RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) sight can be a challenge, especially as counterfeit manufacturers become increasingly skilled at replicating high-quality optics. However, there are several key indicators you can look for to differentiate between a genuine Trijicon RMR and a counterfeit one. Here’s a detailed guide to help you spot a fake:
1. Check the Packaging
The first step in identifying a fake RMR is to examine the packaging. Trijicon is known for its high-quality packaging, which will often reflect the company’s attention to detail. Fake products often come in inferior packaging. Look for:
- Quality of the Box: Genuine Trijicon packaging is sturdy, well-printed, and of high quality. Fake boxes may feel flimsy or poorly printed.
- Included Documentation: Trijicon RMR sights come with high-quality manuals, warranty cards, and other documentation. Counterfeits may lack this paperwork or provide poorly printed versions.
- Serial Number and QR Code: Trijicon places a serial number on the packaging and includes a QR code that can be scanned to verify the authenticity of the product. If this information is missing or appears tampered with, it may be a fake.
2. Inspect the RMR Itself
Now, let’s look at the sight itself. While it’s difficult to detect some counterfeits just by looking, there are a few things to check:
A. Laser Engraving and Text
- Trijicon Logo and Engraving: The genuine RMR will have precise, clean engravings. Look for the Trijicon logo and the word “RMR” on the sight. Fake engravings might be shallow, uneven, or poorly spaced. Counterfeits may also feature slightly different font styles.
- Serial Number: Trijicon RMRs have a unique serial number laser-engraved on the housing (usually on the side). Check for the number’s presence and make sure it matches what’s on the box. Fake units may not have serial numbers or have irregular fonts.
- Adjustment Caps: The windage and elevation adjustment caps should be labeled with small, clear markings. Fake RMRs may have poorly defined markings or the wrong font and size.
B. Housing Quality
- Material Quality: Trijicon RMRs are made of durable, high-quality materials like aluminum or anodized coatings. Fake RMRs might use cheaper, lighter metals or have lower-quality coatings that are prone to scratching and wear.
- Finish: The anodized finish of a genuine Trijicon RMR is matte and uniform, not glossy or inconsistent. Counterfeits might have a shiny or uneven finish.
C. Lens and Reticle
- Lens Clarity: Trijicon RMRs have crystal-clear, high-quality lenses. The lens should be free of any distortions, bubbles, or discoloration. Fake models often have cloudy or hazy lenses.
- Reticle Quality: The red dot should be crisp and even. A genuine RMR’s red dot has a sharp, clean edge. Counterfeits might have blurry or inconsistent reticle quality.
- Reticle Color: Ensure the color of the reticle is consistent. Trijicon’s RMR sights come in a variety of reticle styles, but they all have a solid, consistent brightness. Fake models may have a dim or flickering dot.
3. Examine the Weight
The weight of the RMR is another important indicator:
- Trijicon RMRs are relatively lightweight due to the materials used (usually around 1.2 ounces for the standard model).
- Counterfeit units are often made with cheaper, heavier materials, so if the sight feels unusually heavy or light, it could be a sign of a fake.
4. Functionality
Check the functionality of the sight, especially the controls and the power source.
- Brightness Adjustment: Trijicon RMRs have a crisp and responsive brightness control for the red dot. Counterfeit models might have buttons that feel “mushy” or unresponsive.
- Battery Compartment: The battery compartment on a genuine RMR will be sealed properly and easy to access. Fake models often use a flimsy, poorly constructed battery compartment, or they might have a different battery type altogether.
- Automatic Adjustments: Some Trijicon RMR models feature automatic brightness adjustment, depending on ambient light. If the automatic brightness adjustment is missing or doesn’t function correctly, the unit may be fake.
5. Serial Number and QR Code Verification
Trijicon includes a serial number on the RMR and the packaging. You can verify the authenticity of your RMR by using the serial number:
- Trijicon’s Website: Visit the official Trijicon website and use their serial number lookup tool. If the serial number is not recognized or shows up as invalid, you may have a counterfeit.
- QR Code: Trijicon places a QR code on both the product and packaging. Scan this code with your phone to verify its authenticity. If the code leads to an error or incorrect information, the RMR is likely a fake.
6. Price
If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Genuine Trijicon RMR sights typically range from $400 to $700 (depending on the model and features). If you find an RMR being sold for significantly less, especially through unverified sources or third-party websites, it could be a counterfeit. Always buy from reputable dealers or directly from Trijicon to reduce the risk of buying a fake product.
7. Manufacturer’s Warranty
Trijicon offers a limited warranty on its products. If a sight is counterfeit, it will not be covered under Trijicon’s warranty, and you won’t be able to contact them for customer support.
8. Comparison with Known Authentic Models
If possible, compare the suspicious RMR with one that is known to be authentic. Pay attention to the smallest details like font size, text alignment, and finish. Differences in appearance, feel, and functionality are often telltale signs of a fake.
Summary of Key Indicators:
- Packaging: Poor-quality box, missing documentation, or no serial number.
- Engravings: Shallow, uneven, or incorrect font for logos and serial numbers.
- Material Quality: Lightweight, cheap materials or poor finish.
- Lens and Reticle: Cloudy or poor-quality lenses, blurry reticle.
- Weight: A heavier or lighter feel than the genuine product.
- Functionality: Poor button feedback or lack of features like automatic brightness adjustment.
- Verification: Check serial numbers and QR codes on Trijicon’s website.
By paying attention to these details, you can effectively spot a counterfeit Trijicon RMR and avoid being deceived by fake optics.