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C-More RTS2 Review

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The C-More RTS2 has built a strong reputation among competitive shooters who want an oversized window, rapid target acquisition, and a proven track record in USPSA, IPSC, and Steel Challenge competition. Unlike many pistol-mounted optics that prioritize concealment, the RTS2 is designed around speed and visibility. Its large viewing window and minimal housing obstruction make it particularly appealing for race guns and competition-oriented pistols.

Over the years, I've watched the RTS2 become a common sight on open-class and carry-optics handguns. While newer optics continue to enter the market with enclosed emitters and advanced electronics, the RTS2 remains relevant because it focuses on the fundamentals that matter most in competition: seeing the dot quickly and keeping it visible throughout recoil.

How I Tested

For this evaluation, I considered how the optic performs when mounted on full-size competition-oriented pistols and range-focused handguns. Testing involved routine target transitions, presentation drills, and sustained firing strings at typical pistol distances. I evaluated visibility in bright sunlight, overcast conditions, and shaded shooting bays to assess dot intensity and window usability.

Zero verification was conducted through repeated confirmation at common pistol zero distances while monitoring adjustment consistency and retention. I also paid close attention to how easily the optic could be acquired during rapid draws and movement-based shooting exercises. Since the RTS2 is primarily a competition optic, emphasis was placed on speed, tracking the dot through recoil, and maintaining visual awareness during multiple-target engagements rather than concealed-carry considerations.

Product Specs

Open-emitter reflex sight

Large competition-oriented viewing window

Available in multiple dot sizes

Aircraft-grade aluminum housing

Side-mounted battery compartment

Multiple brightness settings

Designed primarily for competition handguns

Lightweight construction

Waterproof design

Adjustable windage and elevation controls

Pros and Cons

Pros

Exceptionally large viewing window

Very fast target acquisition

Minimal housing obstruction

Crisp dot options available

Side battery access avoids re-zeroing

Proven competition pedigree

Lightweight for its size

Cons

Open-emitter design can collect debris

Less suitable for concealed carry

Premium pricing compared to some competitors

Not as rugged as enclosed-emitter duty optics

Primarily optimized for competition use

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Detailed Review

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Glass Clarity & Dot Quality

The RTS2 delivers impressive optical performance for a competition-focused optic. The glass remains clear enough that I never felt distracted by excessive tinting, and target identification remains easy across varying lighting conditions. While some color shift is present, it is generally minor and does not interfere with practical shooting.

Dot quality is one of the optic's strongest characteristics. Depending on the selected dot size, the reticle appears crisp and easy to track during recoil. Shooters with mild astigmatism may still notice some distortion, but overall the dot presentation is among the cleaner examples in the competition-red-dot category.

Window Size & Housing Obstruction

The viewing window is arguably the defining feature of the RTS2. It feels significantly more open than many traditional pistol optics, which contributes to exceptionally fast dot acquisition. When shooting with both eyes open, the optic almost disappears from conscious view, allowing the shooter to focus entirely on the target.

The housing design minimizes frame obstruction and supports quick transitions between targets. During rapid strings of fire, the larger window makes it easier to recover the dot after recoil and maintain awareness of surrounding targets.

Brightness & Battery Life

Brightness levels provide adequate performance across a broad range of lighting environments. The dot remains visible under bright outdoor conditions and can be reduced sufficiently for indoor use. Competition shooters who frequently move between lighting conditions should find the available adjustments useful.

Battery life is respectable, though not necessarily class-leading by modern standards. One major advantage is the side-mounted battery compartment, which simplifies battery changes without requiring optic removal. This feature reduces downtime and helps preserve zero settings after maintenance.

Durability & Footprint

The RTS2 utilizes a durable aluminum housing that holds up well to the demands of competition shooting. It has earned a reputation for surviving substantial round counts on pistols chambered in popular defensive and competition calibers.

That said, the optic was not originally designed as a hard-use military or duty sight. Modern enclosed-emitter optics may offer greater environmental protection. The RTS2 remains best suited to competition environments where maximum speed and visibility take precedence over extreme-duty durability.

Windage & Elevation Adjustments

Adjustment controls are straightforward and generally easy to use. The clicks provide enough tactile feedback to make zeroing manageable without feeling vague or imprecise.

Once zeroed, the optic demonstrates solid retention characteristics. Competitive shooters who regularly verify zero before major matches should appreciate the consistency offered by the adjustment system.

Mounting & Co-Witness

Mounting options are largely focused on competition pistols and optic-ready handgun systems. The optic integrates well with dedicated competition setups where maximizing sight picture is a priority.

Because of its size and intended application, co-witness considerations are less important than they are on defensive handguns. The RTS2 works particularly well with race-gun configurations and can pair effectively with compensators, frame-mounted systems, and other competition-oriented accessories. The C-More RTS2 excels when configured for pure speed and efficiency on the range.

My Personal Experience

My overall impression of the RTS2 centers on one thing: speed. Every aspect of the optic seems engineered to help the shooter locate and track the dot as quickly as possible. During repeated presentation drills, the generous viewing window reduced the amount of visual searching often associated with smaller optics.

One characteristic that stood out immediately was how easy it was to track the dot through recoil. On many pistol optics, the dot can momentarily disappear if grip consistency or presentation technique is slightly off. With the RTS2, the larger window creates more forgiveness, helping the shooter reacquire the dot rapidly during fast strings.

I also appreciated the side-loading battery design. Anyone who has used optics requiring removal for battery replacement understands the inconvenience of confirming zero afterward. The RTS2 eliminates much of that hassle and encourages more proactive battery maintenance.

The optic performed particularly well during target transitions. Moving between multiple steel targets felt natural because the large window kept the sight picture open and unobstructed. I found myself focusing more on the targets and less on the optic itself, which is exactly what I want from a competition sight.

The biggest limitation I noticed is that the optic's strengths are somewhat specialized. Its size and open-emitter design make it less versatile than some newer enclosed optics intended for duty, defensive carry, or harsh environmental use. For shooters seeking one optic to do everything, there may be better choices. For competitors focused on speed, however, the RTS2 still delivers a compelling performance package.

What Other Shooters Are Saying

Community feedback surrounding the RTS2 has remained remarkably consistent over the years. Competitive shooters frequently praise the large viewing window and fast target acquisition. Many users report that they can pick up the dot more easily than with smaller pistol optics, especially during rapid-fire stages and dynamic movement.

Another recurring positive theme is dot tracking. Shooters often note that the RTS2 helps them stay visually connected to the reticle throughout recoil, making follow-up shots faster and more predictable.

Common complaints generally focus on the open-emitter design and premium cost. Some users feel that newer optics offer more advanced electronics, longer battery life, or greater environmental protection at similar price points. Others mention that the RTS2 is highly specialized and may not be ideal for concealed carry or duty applications.

Overall, the consensus remains that the RTS2 is one of the most competition-focused pistol optics available and continues to perform exceptionally well in that role.

Who Should Buy This Red Dot

The RTS2 is best suited for competitive shooters who prioritize speed, visibility, and rapid target transitions above all else. USPSA competitors, Steel Challenge shooters, and dedicated range enthusiasts will likely benefit the most from its oversized window and forgiving sight picture.

Intermediate and advanced shooters can particularly appreciate the advantages offered by the larger viewing area. Those working to improve stage times or reduce visual inefficiencies during transitions may notice meaningful performance gains.

Budget-conscious buyers may find the price difficult to justify compared to newer alternatives. Likewise, concealed-carry users and law-enforcement professionals may prefer enclosed-emitter optics that provide greater environmental protection and duty-oriented durability.

If the RTS2 doesn't perfectly match your intended use, alternatives worth considering include the Trijicon SRO for another large-window competition optic or the Aimpoint ACRO P-2 for shooters prioritizing durability and enclosed-emitter protection.

FAQs

1. Is the RTS2 good for concealed carry?

The optic can be used for concealed carry, but it was not designed specifically for that role. Its larger dimensions and competition-focused design make it more suitable for range and match use.

2. Does the RTS2 hold zero well?

Yes. The optic has developed a strong reputation among competitive shooters for maintaining zero through high round counts and frequent use when properly installed.

3. What makes the RTS2 popular in competition shooting?

Its oversized viewing window and minimal housing obstruction allow shooters to find and track the dot quickly. These characteristics directly support faster stage performance.

4. Is the side battery compartment useful?

Absolutely. Side-loading battery access allows battery changes without removing the optic from the firearm, helping preserve the existing zero.

5. How does it compare to enclosed-emitter optics?

Enclosed-emitter optics generally offer superior environmental protection. The RTS2 counters with a larger, more open sight picture that many competitors prefer for pure speed.

Conclusion

The C-More RTS2 remains one of the most purpose-built competition pistol optics on the market. Its greatest strengths are the oversized viewing window, excellent dot visibility, and ability to support rapid target acquisition under pressure. While newer enclosed-emitter designs offer improved environmental protection and broader versatility, they do not necessarily replicate the RTS2's exceptionally open sight picture.

For shooters focused on USPSA, Steel Challenge, and similar disciplines, this optic continues to justify its reputation. It is not the most universal option available, but within its intended role it performs extremely well and remains a benchmark for competition-oriented pistol red dots.

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