Sig Romeo 5: Big Performance In a Budget Optic

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Sig has been refining its emergent optic line since it first debuted them in 2016. As I discussed in my initial post on the Romeo 5, the little-optic-that-could has all the characteristics of an inexpensive, yet reliable, Red Dot Sight (RDS) that could give even some Aimpoint or Trijicon RDS’ a run for their money. With few marks against it, the Romeo 5 would be a solid choice for any novice shooter, or even an experienced one.

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I’ve been running this optic since February; and its been out in the cold, through our (very) brief Midwest eight-day spring, and right into the summer heat. I’ve had it through static drills, stressors, and competition. And while I could continue to put the optic through its paces, fact is it is unlikely to change the results more than what I have concluded. Plus I have more optics coming in to test and I need the rail space.

If you’d like to review the optic’s full specs, those and my initial zeroing observation is posted here.

Sig Romeo 5 Highlight Features Include:

  • Motion Activated Illumination (MOTAC) – shutting down the optic when not in use and instantly activates the system when it senses the slightest vibration or movement. This feature extends the battery life to reportedly 40,000+ hours
  • Spectracoat – Described as a highly efficient, ultra-wide broadband, anti-reflection lens coating that reduce surface reflections to extremely low levels across the entire visible spectrum providing superior light transmission
  • Stealth ID – Design features inspired by our legendary firearms; trapezoidal surfacing that breaks up the shape and visibility of the optic

Some Sig Romeo Specs:

  • Dot: 2 MOA with 10 illumination settings (eight for daylight, two for night vision)
  • Integrated M1913 Picatinny mounting system
  • Waterproof up to 1m and fogproof
  • Box includes one CR2032 battery, one low-riser mount and one co-witness (1.41″) mount

romeo5_1x20mm-specs

Product Evaluation Scores:

  • Cost – Good (4/5): Initially at $129, the Romeo 5 was very well priced for the capabilities offered. Had Sig invested a little more into hardening the exterior coating (which seems to be a recurring issue among the Romeo optic line) the added cost per unit would have been minimal. But when put in comparison to the market of RDS optics, such as Holosun, Aimpoint, Trijicon and more, the Romeo is clearly marketed as a budget-friendly optic. Sig recently transitioned the Romeo 5 to a “Tread” version featuring their interpretation of the Gadsden snake for $149, while bumping the original model up to $219. You can still find the original $129 on sites like Amazon, but be vary cautious as there are knockoffs and sellers with ulterior motives (like selling a broken or floor optic that is advertised as “new”).
  • Comfort – Good (4/5): The 2MOA dot was clearly visible indoors and out, with only minimal pixelation around the dot at the higher brightness values. While this is notable in comparison to higher-end RDS systems like RMRs or a C-More, it is not to the point of effecting accuracy or function.
  • Durability – Fair (2/5): The Romeo 5 earned split marks in durability. While there is extensive evidence into the robust design of the RDS (a simple internet search reveals owners freezing it in ice, driving over it with trucks, dropping it, and shooting it with a shotgun), the exterior coating is marginal at best. During my time utilizing the optic, I picked up several deep scratches down to the metal when the optic contacted the sling’s metal hardware, during transition drills, or in general use. At one point I swiped my thumb across the “Sig Sauer” logo and some of the white paint smeared off with it. My initial premise that the rubberized lens covers would be the first to suffer proved correct as the plastic attracted all manner of debris and warped similar to a rubber band. Through it all the Romeo 5 optic maintained zero and the lenses remained clear and unblemished.
  • Functionality – Good (4/5): As an RDS, the Romeo 5 is very straight forward and simple. Easy to turn on, and in the event you forget, the optic’s MOTAC will automatically turn off the device for you (a feature that can be disabled if you choose) thus maximize battery life. The adjustment caps have an integrated tab to assist in adjusting the windage/elevation dials, which have a clear and tangible click to them. The included mounts at varying heights are an extra bonus.
  • Weight – Good (4/5): At just 12.2 ounces (excluding your choice in mount) the Romeo 5 is very light, and in comparison to other micro RDS systems is equatable in weight.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://www.sigsauer.com/products/electro-optics/red-dot-sights/romeo5/

IMG_2889I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

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