The Evolution Gun Works Trijicon RMR Sight for Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x to Trijicon RMR Adapter Plate: First Use to Final Thoughts
After years of tinkering with optics and firearm platforms, I’ve learned that sometimes the smallest component can be the biggest headache. This was precisely my experience when seeking to mount a Trijicon RMR footprint optic onto my Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x scope. The quest for a reliable adapter plate led me to the Evolution Gun Works Trijicon RMR Sight for Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x to Trijicon RMR Adapter Plate. My initial search for a simple solution was driven by a desire for greater optic versatility on a trusted scope, a common need for many shooters looking to adapt their existing gear. Upon receiving this specific adapter, my first impression was of a solid, utilitarian piece of machined aluminum, black anodized and seemingly well-constructed. I had briefly considered a few generic, less reputable online options, but ultimately opted for a known accessory manufacturer, hoping for a smoother integration. The initial feeling was one of cautious optimism – could this small part bridge the gap between two excellent, but incompatible, optics?
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 testing began on the familiar, slightly dusty workbench of my home workshop, a space that has seen its fair share of firearm and equipment modifications. The initial setup involved carefully aligning the adapter plate onto the designated mounting surface of the Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x. The goal was to achieve a secure, wobble-free fit before attaching the Trijicon RMR. I tested the adapter’s fitment under typical workshop lighting, considering how dust and common workshop debris might interact with the mounting surfaces.
During this first use, a notable quirk presented itself immediately: the included screws, intended for mounting the RMR to the adapter, seemed to be an ill-suited length. They either bottomed out prematurely or didn’t provide enough purchase, making a truly flush and secure mount of the RMR problematic. This initial hurdle immediately raised questions about the completeness of the package, shifting the experience from simple installation to a troubleshooting session.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the following weeks, I continued to use the adapter, attempting to refine its mounting and assess its long-term performance. The adapter plate itself, once the RMR was secured (albeit with non-standard screws), held the optic firmly to the Spitfire. However, the connection between the adapter and the Spitfire was far from ideal; there was a noticeable wobble, accompanied by an irritating metallic ticking sound under recoil from live fire. This instability was a significant detractor from an otherwise robust optic setup, impacting confidence and precision.
Maintenance was straightforward in terms of cleaning the adapter itself – a quick wipe-down with a microfiber cloth sufficed. However, the ongoing issue of the loose fit and the need to constantly monitor the mounting hardware presented a persistent concern. Compared to other adapter plates I’ve used in the past, which often provide a near-seamless integration, this one felt like a compromise. It served its purpose of physically connecting the two components, but the execution left much to be desired in terms of a solid, reliable interface.
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 to bridge the footprint difference between Trijicon RMR-compatible red dot sights and the Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x optic. Key specifications include its RMR footprint for the optic side, ensuring compatibility with a wide array of popular micro red dot sights. On the other side, it is specifically fitted for the Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x. The adapter plate itself is finished in a black anodized coating for durability and to blend with firearm aesthetics. Manufactured by Evolution Gun Works, this unit is described as having standard included accessories, which, as my experience showed, can be a point of contention. The gun model fit is listed as universal, but the critical interface is with the aforementioned Vortex scope. It’s engineered for ambidextrous use in the sense that its mounting and function are not dependent on hand orientation.
These specifications highlight the adapter’s dual-purpose design: to accept the RMR footprint and to mount onto the Spitfire HD Gen II 5x. The black anodized finish suggests a degree of resistance to corrosion and wear, crucial for equipment exposed to the elements. While the “standard included accessories” note is present, it’s important for potential buyers to be aware that these might not always be optimal for a perfect fit, as evidenced by user feedback regarding screw lengths.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of this adapter plate is to create a stable, secure platform for a Trijicon RMR footprint optic atop a Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x. In this core function, it achieves only partial success. While it physically connects the two components, the achieved stability is questionable. The wobble reported by myself and others is a significant performance issue, particularly concerning during any dynamic shooting or even from the vibrations of a rifle firing.
The ticking noise under recoil is a constant, audibly annoying reminder that the connection isn’t as solid as it should be. This lack of rigidity directly impacts the optic’s ability to hold zero reliably under strenuous conditions. For precise shooting, especially at distances where the 5x magnification is utilized, this instability becomes a critical flaw. It falls short of expectations for a component that should ensure a rock-solid mount, especially given the price point, which suggests a certain level of quality and performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the adapter is straightforward: a precisely machined piece of metal, presumably aluminum, with an anodized black finish. The machining tolerances appear to be good on the adapter plate itself, allowing for proper alignment with the RMR footprint. The issue, however, lies not in the adapter’s own form factor, but in its interface with the Vortex Spitfire and the provided mounting hardware.
Ergonomically, once mounted, the adapter presents no unique handling challenges as it’s purely an interface component. However, the process of mounting can be frustrating due to the ill-fitting screws. The feeling in hand is of a solid piece of metal, but this can be misleading when the actual mounting points and included hardware lead to instability. The low profile aspect, noted by some users, is indeed a positive, as it doesn’t add excessive height to the optic setup.
Durability & Maintenance
In terms of its own inherent durability, the black anodized finish on the Evolution Gun Works adapter plate appears to be robust. It resisted scratching during my initial attempts to fit it and did not show signs of corrosion after exposure to typical workshop conditions. Assuming the core material is of good quality, the plate itself should last for a considerable time if the mounting issues could be resolved.
Maintenance is simple: keeping it clean of dust and debris is all that’s typically required for such a component. However, the real durability concern here is not the adapter itself, but the potential impact of its instability on the mounted optic and the rifle. The constant micro-movements under recoil could, over time, lead to stress on the mounting screws of the RMR, the adapter’s threaded holes, or even the mounting surface of the Spitfire itself. The lack of a truly secure fit is the primary concern for long-term reliability.
Accessories and Customization Options
The product description lists “Standard” included accessories, which, in this case, refers primarily to the mounting screws intended to attach the Trijicon RMR to the adapter plate. My experience, along with others, suggests that these screws are often not the correct length for achieving a proper fit. This is a critical failure point, as the correct screws are essential for securing the RMR flush and stable.
Beyond the included hardware, the adapter plate is essentially a fixed component with no inherent customization options. Its purpose is to adapt one specific optic footprint to another. The key “accessory” in this scenario is the Trijicon RMR itself, or any other optic sharing that footprint. Compatibility with popular RMR-footprint optics is its main selling point, but the effectiveness of this compatibility hinges entirely on the quality of the adapter’s fit and mounting hardware.
Pros and Cons of Evolution Gun Works Trijicon RMR Sight for Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x to Trijicon RMR Adapter Plate
Pros
- Enables RMR Footprint Optics: Directly addresses the need to mount popular Trijicon RMR footprint red dot sights onto a Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x.
- Low Profile Design: Does not significantly increase the overall height of the optic stack, maintaining a more streamlined profile.
- Durable Construction: Features a black anodized finish that appears robust and resistant to wear and corrosion.
- Reputable Manufacturer: Produced by Evolution Gun Works, a known name in firearm accessories, suggesting a baseline quality expectation.
Cons
- Inadequate Included Hardware: The primary drawback is the frequently reported issue with the provided mounting screws being the wrong length, preventing a flush and secure RMR mount.
- Instability and Wobble: The adapter, even when mounted, can exhibit wobble between itself and the Spitfire optic, leading to an audible ticking noise under recoil.
- Potential for Loosening: The instability can cause the mounted RMR to loosen over time, compromising zero and reliability.
- Requires Sourcing Own Hardware: Users often need to source their own correct-length screws for the RMR to achieve a stable mount, adding unexpected cost and hassle.
- Limited Customer Support: Evolution Gun Works‘ lack of a direct phone line for customer support adds a layer of difficulty when encountering issues.
Who Should Buy Evolution Gun Works Trijicon RMR Sight for Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x to Trijicon RMR Adapter Plate?
This adapter plate is best suited for a very specific niche of firearm enthusiasts: those who must mount a Trijicon RMR footprint optic onto a Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x and are willing to undertake additional work. It is for the shooter who understands that “off-the-shelf” solutions sometimes require modification and is prepared to source their own appropriately sized machine screws to ensure a secure fit. It might also appeal to individuals who value the potential for low-profile mounting and are working on a project where aesthetics and minimal height are paramount, provided they can overcome the hardware challenges.
Those who need a simple, plug-and-play solution for mounting optics should steer clear. Anyone who expects perfect fitment straight out of the box, without the need for troubleshooting or purchasing additional hardware, will likely be disappointed. Furthermore, shooters who prioritize absolute reliability and a perfectly solid optic mount for critical applications (like professional use or high-stress competition) should strongly consider alternative optic solutions rather than relying on this adapter. Essential complementary items would include a calibrated tap and die set to chase threads if needed, and a thread pitch gauge to accurately identify the correct screw size for your specific RMR and Spitfire combination.
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 represents a product with a noble intention but flawed execution. While it successfully bridges the physical gap between two popular optic footprints, the devil is truly in the details – specifically, the inconsistent and often incorrect mounting hardware. The adapter plate itself seems well-made with a durable finish, offering a low-profile solution that many users desire. However, the persistent issues of wobble, ticking noises, and the subsequent need for users to source their own screws significantly detract from its value proposition.
At $51.99, the price point suggests a functional accessory that should integrate smoothly. While some users have reported success, often after modifying or replacing the included screws, this is not the experience that most should have to endure for a component meant for secure firearm attachment. It is a product that can work, but requires user intervention and an investment of time and potentially extra money to achieve the reliability expected from firearm accessories. I would recommend this adapter plate only to those who are comfortable with troubleshooting and have the resources to find the correct screws themselves, and even then, with a significant caveat regarding the potential for instability. For most, seeking a more straightforward and reliable mounting solution for their Vortex Spitfire HD Gen II 5x is advisable.