Optic Mounting Made Simple: RMR vs Doctor vs RMSc Footprints

Optic Mounting Made Simple: RMR vs Doctor vs RMSc Footprints

Choosing the correct mounting footprint is essential when installing a red dot sight on your pistol. At EGW, we offer mounting plates for three major footprints: RMR, Doctor, and RMSc. Each footprint is designed to work with specific red dot models, ensuring a secure and precise fit. Let’s explore the differences and which might be the best fit for your setup.

(These mounts are not limited to the dots listed out, other dots on the market that share the same footprint will also fit)

Doctor Footprint

The Doctor (or Docter) footprint, named after the Docter brand (now Noblex), is widely used and offers compatibility across a variety of optics. It’s a bit wider and longer than RMSc, providing a stable mount for mid-sized red dots. Some of the optics compatible with the Doctor footprint include:

• ADE Advanced Optics RD3 (Huracan, Crusader)
• Burris Fast Fire series (2, 3, 4)
• Vortex Viper, Venom
• Viridian RFX25
• Sightmark Mini Shot

This footprint is highly versatile, making it a great choice for users looking to swap optics between different firearms.

RMSc Footprint

The RMSc footprint is a compact option designed for slim or subcompact pistols. Originally developed by Shield for their RMS series, this footprint is now compatible with a variety of micro red dots. Optics that fit this footprint include:

• ADE Advanced Optics RD3 (Spike, Nuwa, Apollo Pro)
• Holosun (407k, 507k, EPS)
• Shield RMS, RMSc, SMSc series
• Viridian RFX11, RFX15
• Vortex Defender

One unique aspect of the RMSc footprint is that it also accommodates any red dot with a Leupold Delta Point Pro footprint, offering additional flexibility for those looking to mount this optic style on subcompact or lightweight firearms.

RMR Footprint

The RMR (Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) footprint is widely recognized for its durability. Originally developed by Trijicon, this footprint is now supported by various other manufacturers. It’s designed for tough environments and is ideal for users looking for optics that can handle heavy recoil or harsh conditions. Compatible red dots include:

• ADE Advanced Optics RD3 (Stingray, Raptor, Valkyrie)
• Holosun (407c, 507c, 508T)
• Swampfox (Justice, Liberty, Kingslayer)
• Viridian RFX35
• Trijicon RMR, SRO

The RMR footprint typically provides larger sight windows, making it a great choice for tactical or full-size setups.

Vortex Razor Footprint

Although EGW makes mounts for the Vortex Razor footprint, it has been growing increasingly unpopular. If you still have optics with this footprint, EGW provides mounting solutions, but you might want to consider more modern options if you're upgrading.

Which Footprint is Right for You?

When choosing between RMR, Doctor, and RMSc footprints, consider your firearm and shooting needs. If you need a robust, full-sized optic, the RMR is a solid choice. For versatility across mid-sized optics, the Doctor footprint is a good option. If you’re working with a subcompact or slim design, RMSc is perfect, especially since it accommodates both RMSc and Delta Point Pro optics.

At EGW, we’ve got you covered with mounting plates for all these footprints, ensuring your red dot of choice is securely mounted and ready for action. Our mounts are drilled and tapped to accept 6-32 thread screws. We do this because 6-32 screws are similar in size to the factory metric screws, and they’re common and easy to find at local hardware stores or online.