Trijicon combines the speed and accuracy of the renowned RMR miniature reflex sight and the legendary durability of the ACOG riflescope with the all-new RCR (Ruggedized Closed Reflex). This compact, extremely durable optic is the first fully-enclosed pistol reflex made by Trijicon, and is designed to meet the stringent demands of military and law enforcement applications. It utilizes the same bolt pattern as the RMR, allowing the RCR to be mounted without the need for additional plates, enables the use of RMR compatible iron sights, and allows the optic to be mounted using the Trijicon RMR bolt pattern. This mounting interface makes use of the patented Capstan Screws, a durable and multi-platform friendly system that eliminates the risk of over-torquing, cross threading, and screw-head stripping. The Capstan Screws features holes milled into the sides of the screw head rather than the top, allowing the screw to be tightened from the side and recessed into the RCR’s housing.
The RCR’s sheer level of durability also extends to the optic’s housing and internal electronic components. The housing is made from premium 7075-T6 aluminum, and like all previous models of the RMR, it features a unique patented shape that diverts the force of impacts away from the lens. This greatly increases the survivability of the RCR if the host weapon is dropped, ensures the optic withstand direct impacts, and enables the user to brace the RCR on a flat surface to rack the slide of the host weapon single handedly. The battery contacts have also been optimized for durability, and a top loading battery compartment allows the RCR’s battery to be replaced without removing the optic from the weapon.
All in all, the RCR is an excellent optic – a quality shared by all of Trijicon’s products. Its combination of durability, fast shooting, and multi-platform compatibility makes the RCR an ideal option for shooting application
Operational specifications aside, one of the greatest aspects of the AUG rifle series is the ergonomics. That funky, futuristic design doesn’t just look cool in movies, it offers excellent control over the whole weapon. I’m not quite sure how to describe it, but the AUG A3 M1 just feels natural to bring to your shoulder, and measuring in at a mere 28.15 inches, is incredibly pointable. These qualities, plus a foldable fore-grip make handling the AUG A3 M1 an absolute delight. The rifle’s controls are equally as impressive. The two-position cross-bolt safety is in an optimal position that’s close to the user’s dominate hand, and a large magazine release switch located directly behind the magazine allows for fast reloads even when wearing gloves. Another user-friendly feature is the charging handle which can be locked in the rearward position similar to that of an MP5. Unfortunately, there is one major drawback to the AUG A3 M1 – it does NOT come with the signature integrated optic/carry handle. Not gonna lie, that was a major letdown for me and deals a serious blow to the rifle’s “cool factor”. It does however come with a 16-slot picatinny rail for installing an optic of choice, but it just doesn’t have the same AUG silhouette that I’ve seen in the countless B-movies of the 80s and 90s. All things considered, the AUG A3 M1 is still an outstanding weapon. The ergonomics, intuitive controls, and reliability-enhancing design features makes the AUG A3 M1 an excellent alternative to an AR-platform.