Training and Tech

Trijicon MRO SD and 3x Magnifier

By: Dave Bahde

An ultra-rugged reflex sight that’s optimized for magnifier use

Trijicon’s MRO (Miniature Rifle Optic) reflex sight has now been a proven hard-use optic for a decade. If there were deficiencies, they would have been long discovered. If you need it to continue performing its job when conditions get spicy, the MRO is one of a handful of non-magnifying optics that we have zero reservations about putting into service. For 2025, Trijicon has introduced its latest version of the MRO, the SD, equipped with a 2 MOA dot and optimized for use with a magnifier. Previous dot-only versions tended to suffer in front of their magnifier. Their HD version used a different lens, fixing that problem, but it included both a dot and a dot with a 68 MOA circle reticle — not something everyone wanted. Features of the MRO SD include eight settings (including night vision), a larger viewing area creating an increased field of view with less tunneling effect, and a very crisp dot. The MRO SD is fully sealed and waterproof to 100 feet, has long-lasting power, and has received updated windage and elevation adjustments with better zero-retention capability under drop and recoil forces. With 70 MOA of adjustment in 0.5 MOA increments, adjustments require no special tools. The MRO SD can be ordered in both black and FDE, with either a red or green dot, and with various mounts (including no mount) to include the full co-witness mount (tested) that aligns with their 3x magnifier.

The new-for-2025 MRO SD shares the same footprint and dimensions as previous MROs, yet with a revised objective lens to optimize its role behind a magnifier. Recessed windage and elevation adjustments were also part of the revisions, now offering improved zero retention under impact and heavy recoil forces. A single CR2032 Lithium battery powers the MRO SD and provides three years of continuous use on day setting 3.

Range Time

Trijicon’s HD and magnifier currently sit atop my 5.56mm Sig Spear SBR. For comparison’s sake, the Sig seemed the perfect platform for testing the new MRO SD to see how it stacked up against my MRO HD. The MRO attaches using a fixed mount, while the 3x magnifier utilizes a QD mount with a friction lock mechanism, allowing it to be quickly locked out to either side and in and out of view. Having used this system for years, and specifically at a recent Advanced Carbine class, it is largely my preferred optic solution for adding magnification. The entire system is relatively light — lighter than many LPVOs — and maintains a very low profile. For most, this will be an ideal combination for carbine use.

The 3x Magnifier rides on a quick-detach mount, meaning it can be easily stowed in a pouch when you want to run a little more slick, and then quickly reattached when needed. When attached, a friction-lock arm allows it to be quickly locked out to either side, and in and out of service. The MRO was tested with Trijicon’s fixed co-witness mount.

he 3x Magnifier features a diopter adjustment for a sharp picture and adjusters for centering the optic’s reticle within the viewing area. One advantage of the combination of the MRO SD and 3x Magnifier is that they tip the scales at around half the weight of a typical LPVO.

With its ultra-rugged, fully sealed forged 7075 aluminum housing, the MRO SD was built to be abused. Multi-coated lenses create a crisp and clear sight picture, while the large viewing area for which the MRO line is known reduces tunnel vision and increases target engagement speed. Pair it with the 3x Magnifier, and you have the best of both the LPVO and reflex sight advantages.

Bottom Line

The SD plays very well with magnifiers and night vision devices, with a crisp and clear dot at any brightness (with or without the magnification), along with increased zero retention under recoil. As proven red-dot optics go, it really does not get much better than the MRO line, and if you’re looking to pair one with a magnifier, make sure the new SD is high on your list. See it at your nearest dealer ($868 — MRO SD, $583 — 3x Magnifier), or for more information, contact Trijicon; Tel.: (800) 338-0563; Web: www.trijicon.com.