First Impressions of Evolution Gun Works Trijicon RMR Sight for Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x to Trijicon RMR Adapter Plate
The Evolution Gun Works Trijicon RMR Sight for Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x to Trijicon RMR Adapter Plate promises a seamless transition, allowing users to mount a Trijicon RMR red dot sight onto their Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x optic. This adapter plate aims to provide versatility to the user, opening up the option for a close-quarters optic alongside their magnified sight. As someone with over a decade of experience in the outdoor and tactical gear world, I was intrigued by this product’s potential to enhance the utility of the Spitfire HD Gen II 5x, but also wary of potential compatibility or quality issues that plague some adapter plates.
I needed a solution to bridge the gap between magnified and close-quarters optics on a compact platform. Adding a separate, offset red dot mount was too bulky for my liking, and I hoped this adapter plate would provide a cleaner, more streamlined solution. Upon receiving the adapter, I was initially optimistic about the potential, its sleek black finish appearing professional. The lightweight nature of the plate didn’t immediately raise red flags, though I planned to thoroughly test its robustness.
I considered other options like standalone offset mounts or even replacing the Spitfire HD Gen II 5x altogether with a different optic system. However, the cost of a complete optic replacement and the added bulk of an offset mount made this adapter plate an appealing solution. My initial excitement was quickly tempered by online reviews detailing potential fitment issues and subpar hardware. Time would tell if these concerns were justified.
My first impression was a mix of hope and apprehension. The concept was solid, but the execution remained to be proven. The Evolution Gun Works name carries a certain reputation, but the devil is always in the details when it comes to these types of accessories.
Real-World Testing: Putting Evolution Gun Works Trijicon RMR Sight for Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x to Trijicon RMR Adapter Plate to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at an outdoor shooting range, under partly cloudy skies with moderate wind. I mounted a Trijicon RMR Type 2 to the Evolution Gun Works adapter plate and then attempted to mount the assembly onto my Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x. Immediately, I noticed the issues others had reported, the included screws were too long, preventing the RMR from sitting flush against the adapter plate.
The excessive screw length caused the RMR to wobble slightly, even when tightened, an immediate detriment to accuracy. Furthermore, the adapter plate itself didn’t sit perfectly flush against the Spitfire’s mounting surface. There was a noticeable wiggle and a disconcerting “metal tick” noise when any pressure was applied, this was not the seamless fit I had hoped for.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions, the initial fitment issues persisted, and potentially worsened. The adapter plate’s wobbling became more pronounced, likely due to the screws backing out slightly despite using thread locker. Signs of wear and tear were minimal on the plate itself, but the Spitfire’s mounting surface exhibited some scratches due to the adapter’s movement.
Cleaning and maintenance involved simply wiping down the plate with a microfiber cloth, however, the fitment issues made disassembly and reassembly a frequent necessity. Compared to other mounting solutions I’ve used, the Evolution Gun Works Trijicon RMR Sight for Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x to Trijicon RMR Adapter Plate was a significant disappointment. Its unreliability and poor fit severely hampered its usefulness.
Breaking Down the Features of Evolution Gun Works Trijicon RMR Sight for Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x to Trijicon RMR Adapter Plate
Specifications
The Evolution Gun Works Trijicon RMR Sight for Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x to Trijicon RMR Adapter Plate is designed for a specific purpose: to allow the mounting of a Trijicon RMR footprint red dot sight onto a Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x optic. It is constructed from an unspecified metal, finished in black. This lightweight construction is intended to minimize added weight on the optic.
The adapter plate features an RMR footprint for red dot sight compatibility. The included accessories are described as “Standard,” suggesting basic mounting hardware is provided. It is explicitly designed to fit the Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x. The ambidextrous design suggests the adapter doesn’t obstruct access to the Spitfire’s controls regardless of the shooter’s handedness.
Performance & Functionality
In theory, the adapter plate should provide a stable and secure platform for mounting an RMR red dot sight, allowing for quick transitions between magnified and unmagnified aiming. However, in practice, the performance was subpar. The fitment issues, specifically the incorrect screw length and the wobble between the adapter and the Spitfire, significantly detracted from its functionality.
The major strengths of this adapter plate would be its potential for compactness and the ability to co-witness a red dot sight with a magnified optic. The weaknesses, however, outweigh these benefits due to the poor execution of the design. Unfortunately, it fell short of expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The adapter plate’s design is simple and straightforward, theoretically easy to install. The low-profile design aims to minimize any added bulk or obstruction to the user’s field of view. The build quality is acceptable in terms of the material itself, but the fitment tolerances are clearly lacking.
The plate itself felt well-made, the design is flawed in its execution, leading to a frustrating user experience. There is a slight learning curve in properly installing the plate, especially with the issues encountered during installation.
Durability & Maintenance
The material used in the Evolution Gun Works Trijicon RMR Sight for Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x to Trijicon RMR Adapter Plate appears to be durable enough for normal use. However, the poor fitment could potentially lead to increased stress on the mounting screws and the Spitfire’s housing over time. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris.
Due to the loose fit and potential for screws to loosen, the lifespan of the adapter when mounted may be reduced. The lack of readily available customer support from Evolution Gun Works is also a concern if repairs or replacements are needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The adapter plate comes with standard mounting hardware, specifically screws to attach the RMR to the plate and the plate to the Spitfire HD Gen II 5x. There are no listed customization options beyond the choice of which RMR footprint red dot sight to mount. Compatibility with other red dot sight footprints is not supported without additional modifications or adapters.
Pros and Cons of Evolution Gun Works Trijicon RMR Sight for Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x to Trijicon RMR Adapter Plate
Pros
- Potentially allows for a compact red dot sight solution on the Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x.
- Simple design makes for easy installation, theoretically.
- Black finish blends in well with most optics.
- Low profile design minimizes added bulk.
- Opens up the option to co-witness a red dot with the magnified optic.
Cons
- Included mounting screws are often too long, causing fitment issues.
- Adapter plate may not sit flush against the Spitfire, resulting in wobble and instability.
- Evolution Gun Works lacks readily available customer support for troubleshooting.
Who Should Buy Evolution Gun Works Trijicon RMR Sight for Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x to Trijicon RMR Adapter Plate?
This adapter plate might appeal to shooters who are determined to mount an RMR on their Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x and are willing to potentially source their own hardware to achieve a proper fit. Perhaps if they are confident in their gunsmithing skills to modify the plate, this might be for them. This product is not recommended for anyone seeking a hassle-free, out-of-the-box solution.
Anyone who values a secure and reliable optic mounting system should avoid this product. Shooters who need immediate customer support or are unwilling to modify parts may not find this product suitable. A must-have modification would be to source shorter screws and potentially shim the adapter plate for a more secure fit.
Conclusion on Evolution Gun Works Trijicon RMR Sight for Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x to Trijicon RMR Adapter Plate
The Evolution Gun Works Trijicon RMR Sight for Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x to Trijicon RMR Adapter Plate promises a convenient way to add a red dot sight to your magnified optic, but in practice, it falls short due to poor fitment and questionable hardware. While the concept is sound, the execution leaves much to be desired. The value proposition is questionable, considering the need for potentially sourcing your own hardware and the lack of reliable customer support from Evolution Gun Works.
I cannot recommend this product in its current state. The potential for frustration and instability outweighs the benefits of a compact red dot sight solution. Instead, I would suggest exploring alternative mounting options or considering a different optic system altogether. Save yourself the headache and look elsewhere.