This post is a follow up to my frustratingly unsuccessful initial attempt at mounting a Trijicon RMR Type 2 to an optics ready H&K VP9. The second time around things came together.
The short version of what happened in the first attempt is that I couldn’t find the torque specifications for the screws that attach the adapter plate to the slide nor the ones for the screws that attach the RMR to the adapter plate. After obtaining those specifications and following the instructions laid out in the VP9 owner’s manual I was left with a wobbly RMR on the VP9. It was frustrating. Very frustrating.
After venting about my experience and results on social media, I combined some of the advice I received from a few folks whose opinion I value and went back to inspect the installation. Here is what I found.
- The long screws supplied with the RMR protrude a little bit below the adapter plate.
- The optics cut on the VP9 slide have a couple of recessed areas that appear to supply the clearance required for the long screws supplied with the RMR.
- When I follow the installation steps supplied in the VP9 owner’s manual using the torque specifications I obtained, the screws don’t go all the way in which results in a very loose RMR sitting on the VP9.
Close inspection of recessed area of the slide where I suspect provide the clearance the RMR screws require, show a little bit of marring along the edge where the screws seemed to get stuck.
One suggestion via Twitter suggested the use of the RMR mount sealing plate I had already ordered.
Additional conversation got me thinking I could try the shorter screws supplied with the Glock MOS mounting kit. So I ordered one of those as well.
Meanwhile on Instagram, I received a suggestion to use a rubber mallet on the adapter plate to ensure it was properly seated before attaching the RMR. While that suggestion didn’t yield any different results, it did get me thinking maybe all this needs is a little elbow grease applied with a bit more finesse and tact than using a mallet.
Turns out I was right. Here are the steps I used to get it installed.
- Rest the adapter plate properly on the slide.
- Insert the long screws supplied with the RMR (without the RMR) into the holes they are supposed to go in later.
- Gently tighten the screws as the snuggly go all the way into the recessed cut out on top of the slide.
- Insert the adapter plate screws.
- Set torque wrench to 2 Nm (or 17.7 in-lbs).
- Tighten the adapter plate screws until the torque is reached.
- Remove the long screws supplied with the RMR.
- Optionally, place the mount sealing plate (I recommend getting one and installing it) on the adapter.
- Place the RMR on top of the adapter plate (or on top of the mount sealing plate if present).
- Insert the long screws supplied with the RMR.
- Adjust torque wrench to 12 in-lbs.
- Tighten the RMR screws until the torque is reached.
Voila!
For what it’s worth, the shorter screws supplied with the Glock MOS mounting kit will secure the RMR to the adapter plate (even when the mount sealing plate is present). However, I like the idea of using the longer screws.
What type heads are on the screws for the optic plates and the RMR long screws? Allen, Torx. I am going to try and mount too.
Both the mounting plate and the RMR screws have Torx heads. I don’t remember their exact size.
Thank you very much. Works for the Trijicon SRO also.
Glad you found it use useful. Good to hear it also works for the SRO.
I’m glad I came across your blog on this topic. I am awaiting delivery of an RMR and glad I also ordered the sealing plate. In addition, I have a Surefire X300UA for the rail. Seems like this will be a nice piece.
I’m glad you found this blog as well and hope you found the topic helpful. Definitely sounds like you are on your way to a very well equipped VP9. Obviously, I think it’s an excellent choice.
Any way you can take pictures of step 2 thru 7? You insert the long screws and than take them out?
I wish I would have taken pictures as I was figuring it out to share, but I didn’t. I’m reluctant to do that now since everything is dialed in.
For steps 2 and 3, I snuggly screwed the long RMR screws directly into the optics plate without the RMR while the plate was resting on the slide. This will hold the optics plate in the right place while you screw in (step 4) and torque down (step 6) the optics plate to the slide. At this point, unscrew the RMR from the optics plate (step 7) and install the RMR. Let me know if you need more help, I’ll do what I can to assist.
I want to get started on my husband’s Christmas present because he will be out of town for the next few months for a business trip. Since he likes to go shooting with his friends, I thought I could get some attachments for his pistol and rifle. Your information that I’ll have to get a torque wrench to make sure that I get enough force to install it is very helpful.
Glad you found the information useful. The torque wrench is more about getting the right torque on the screws. Too tight and they get stripped (or can damage components). Too loose and they come undone. Neither scenario is desirable. Wheeler engineering makes a good one that I’ve been using for years now and I don’t hesitate to recommend: https://amzn.to/2IcTFBn
The torque wrench you linked to will not torque anything to 12 in lb because it’s range is 15-100 in lb
Thanks for pointing out my mistake. I linked the wrong one. The correct one is this one which has a range of 10-65 in-lb (I’ll fix it on the other post as well): https://amzn.to/2IcTFBn
Thanks for putting this together did you use a #2 mounting plate from HK or something else? I also just purchased the sealing plate you linked to.
I think I confirmed after reading your other post that you did in fact use a #2 plate. thank you
That is correct. I used a #2 plate. Glad to hear you found this information helpful.
I hope you’re still responding to questions related to this article. I’m just now planning to mount this same trijicon rmr. However, when I visit the HK parts website, mounting plate #2 does not include this trijicon optic in its list of compatible optics. Can you confirm plate #2 is correct? Why would it not be listed on HK parts website? I look forward to any responses.
#2 plate is correct. Here is a link to it on the HK web store: https://us.hkwebshop.com/hkstorefront/hk/en/Handgun-Parts/Handgun-Accessories/VP9-Optics-Plate-%232/p/50254262
Under the product details it lists out compatibility with the Trijicon RMR and Holosun. It will also work with other dots that share the same footprint.
Uncle Zo, I’ve an observation & question:
You & I are Americans. When we see…2-10Nm…we read it as “2 to 10 Newton/Meters.
I believe the Europeans use a “hyphen” like we use a “period.”
Therefore, the CORRECT torque would be 2.10 Newton/Meters and NOT simply “2 Nm.”
(You are still 0.10 Nm BELOW the recommended torque spec.)
I’m sure that’s close enough…but, you may want to consult a real “European,” before mixing their notations with our interpretations!!!
The engraving on the adapter plates I have read “2 Nm”. Haven’t seen any that read “2-10 Nm”.
Just to clarify. The sealing plate you refer to is the $19 one sold and recommended on Trijicon’s website (part #AC32064)? Am I correct that you used both the Trijicon plate and the #2 plate made by HK?
Thanks
That is correct. I used both the sealing plate from Trijicon (part #AC32064) and the #2 plate from H&K. I don’t think the Trijicon sealing plate (part #AC32064) is absolutely necessary, but I am still running the RMR with the Trijicon sealing plate on the H&K #2 plate today and it’s worked wonderfully so far.