The conversation that revolves around optics on revolvers is getting interesting. Optics on revolvers isn’t new, but it’s been largely focused on hunting and competition. The concealed carry and defensive revolver market has been largely ignored. You had guns with rail systems like the TR88 from S&W and the Chiappa Rhino’s with six-inch barrels, but those are more duty-sized guns. Taurus really kicked off the conversation with the TORO series of revolvers, and now Shield Arms and MDFI are replying with the ROC.
The ROC, an acronym for Revolver Optics Conversion, is a groundbreaking innovation. Designed by MDFI and produced by Shield Arms, this system revolutionizes the way we approach optics on revolvers. You no longer need to purchase a new revolver to mount an optic. The ROC allows you to convert your existing revolver into an optics-ready design. Its simplicity and ease of use, as demonstrated at NRAAM, have left many wondering why this wasn’t done sooner.
The ROC – Simple Is Better
The ROC requires absolutely zero milling. It attaches to the side of your revolver and is bolted onto the gun. Most average gun owners can install the ROC, and revolver heads can most certainly do so. The device installs over the top and side of your revolver and sits super low on the gun’s frame. MDFI and Shield’s goal is to keep the weapon concealable.
This mounting system offers you two optics footprints. You can pick from Trijicon RMR and the Shield RMSc footprint so there are tons of different choices for optics. I’d go with the RMSc, so your optic is smaller and lighter, and your gun is easier to conceal. Having choices is admittedly always a good thing, and the RMR footprint is easily the most popular modern optic footprint.
Shield produces the mounting system from precision machined billet aluminum. Its hard coat is anodized and secured to the gun via titanium screws or through stock S&W screws. The ROC will be available for the S&W 442 revolvers as of this writing. There are plans in the future to extend the line to other revolvers and likely other optics.
Price-wise, we don’t have a definite price, but the predicted price is less than $100. Availability is also not super clear, but it seems like the release is imminent. The predicted timeline is June.
Optics and Wheel Guns
I think the ROC is a brilliant step forward for revolvers. As we all get bored of AR-15s and 9mm striker-fired guns, the revival of revolvers has been nice to see. You might be willing to move to an older platform but don’t want to sacrifice modern amenities. I’ll live in a log cabin, but I want central A/C. Optics-ready concealed carry revolvers are tough to find as is, so being able to add an optic to an existing platform is a Godsend.
What about carrying the gun? Well, I have good news on that front. Phlster, one of our favorite holster manufacturers, makes the City Special, and the S&W 442 with ROC and optic is compatible with the rig. A system is only as good as all its parts, and it seems like the ROC is well-supported.
Personally, I’m hoping to see one available for the 432. Heck, the ROC might fit the 432, but you never know the subtle frame differences. Either way, I’m excited to see the ROC take off and hopefully get some time behind one in the near future. Watch this space for an upcoming evaluation.
(All photos provided by MDFI)
