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Mike from Gideon Optics giving guidance to a shooter while theyre on an outdoor shooting range

Choosing the Right RMR Footprint Optic

Choosing a red dot optic is no longer just about picking the brightest dot or the toughest casing. For many shooters, whether you’re training, carrying, or competing, the question is which optic best supports your use case and skill level? If your firearm is cut for an RMR footprint, Gideon Optics offers four competitive models designed to meet the needs of everyday carry, competition, and tactical environments, without the premium price tag.

In this guide, we’ll break down the specs, strengths, and ideal uses of Gideon’s Rock, Alpha, Omega, and Granite Comp optics. Whether you’re just entering the red dot world or you’re refining your setup, this comparison will help you choose confidently.

Prefer to watch the overview? Check out Mike’s full video breakdown for a shooter’s-eye perspective on each optic in action.

What is an RMR Footprint Optic?

The “RMR footprint” refers to a specific mounting standard first developed by Trijicon’s RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) sight. It features two slotted screw holes and two front recoil posts, making it one of the most widely adopted patterns for pistol slides.

Choosing an RMR footprint optic offers:

  • Broad compatibility with factory-cut pistols 
  • Easy fitment using commonly available adapter plates
  • Access to a large aftermarket for mounts, tools, and accessories

Overview: Gideon’s RMR-Compatible Optics

Let’s explore each model in Gideon’s RMR footprint lineup with performance notes and insights from Mike on the Gideon Optics team.

Gideon Rock 

Best for: Concealed carry, rugged environments, experienced shooters

Gideon Optics Rock optic mounted to a pistol

The Rock is Gideon’s most compact and rugged RMR optic. It’s built to be nearly indestructible and uses a crisp 3 MOA dot for quick precision.

  • Reticle: 3 MOA dot (green or red)
  • Lens Dimensions: 15.5mm tall x 22mm wide
  • Battery: Top-loading CR1632 (no re-zeroing needed)

Mike’s Take:

“Rock is a tough little unit. I carry it on my Walther PDP because it holds zero, shrugs off abuse, and just works. I don’t need a giant window because I practice with this gun a lot. I’m fast enough and precise enough with it. I know it’s not going to let me down.”

[Shop the Rock] ← CTA BUTTON

Gideon Alpha

Best for: New shooters, fast target acquisition, range use, sleeper for competition use

Gideon Optics Alpha RMR optic mounted to a pistol

The Alpha is optimized for sight acquisition with its 65 MOA circle around a 3 MOA dot. It has a generous window and is forgiving when building your fundamentals.

  • Reticle: 65 MOA circle + 3 MOA dot (red or green)
  • Lens Dimensions: 17.5mm tall x 27mm wide
  • Battery: Top-loading CR1632 (no re-zeroing needed)

Mike’s Take:

“Alpha is the optic I recommend to first-time dot shooters. That big circle helps you find the dot quickly, even if your presentation isn’t perfect yet. It’s also just a fun, intuitive reticle to use with a price that’s hard to beat.”

[Shop the Alpha] ← CTA BUTTON

Gideon Omega

Gideon optics Omega mounted to a pistol

Best for: Versatility — EDC, competition, reticle customization

Omega offers a large circular window and four reticle options, making it Gideon’s most flexible RMR-compatible optic.

  • Reticles available: 3 MOA dot (red or green) or 3 MOA dot + 45 MOA circle (red or green)
  • Lens Dimensions: 22.3mm tall x 27mm wide
  • Battery: Top-loading CR1632 (no re-zeroing needed)

Mike’s Take:

“I carried Omega on my custom Glock 26. It’s lightweight and conceals better than you’d expect because of the round housing, and it’s great if you want the option to switch reticles or run it in different roles.”

[Shop the Omega] ← CTA BUTTON

Gideon Granite Comp

Best for: Competition, PCCs, shotguns, large window shooters

Gideon Optics Granite Comp mounted to a pistol

Granite Comp is built for speed, visibility, and competition dominance. With the largest window to date in the Gideon family, it’s ideal for fast-paced shooting where every fraction of a second counts.

  • Reticle: 8 MOA dot (red or green)
  • Lens Dimensions: 22.5 mm tall x 28.33 mm wide
  • Battery: Side-loading CR2032
  • Includes: Low-profile 1913 Picatinny mount

Mike’s Take:

“If you’re running a long gun, a shotgun, or competing at speed, Granite is the move. The window is enormous, and the 8 MOA dot is impossible to miss. It’s not made for concealment, but it is made to win.”

[Shop the Granite Comp] ← CTA BUTTON

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureRockAlphaOmegaGranite Comp
Reticle3 MOA3 MOA Dot + 65 MOA Circle3 MOA Dot + 45 MOA Circle8 MOA
Window SizeSmallMediumLargeExtra Large
BatteryCR1632 (top)CR1632 (top)CR1632 (top)CR2032 (side)
Best UseConcealed CarryBeginners, RangeEDC + CompCompetition, PCC
Price$200$200$220$250

Quick Use-Case Guide

Choose based on your needs:

Your Next Step: Choosing with Confidence

Gideon’s RMR lineup isn’t just about specs; it’s about matching your optic to how you shoot. Whether you’re training for speed, practicing fundamentals, or carrying daily, each model is built for reliability, clarity, and affordability. Browse our selection of RMR footprint optics, or reach out to us if you still need help deciding!

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