The Smith & Wesson M&P Shield is a popular and reliable handgun used for self-defense and concealed carry. While the M&P Shield is already a great firearm, many gun owners choose to add accessories to enhance its performance. One such accessory is a red dot sight.
Red dot sights are a type of optic that uses a red dot reticle to help shooters aim more accurately. They are particularly useful in low light situations and can help shooters acquire their targets faster than traditional iron sights. Red dot sights are becoming increasingly popular among handgun owners, and for good reason.
When it comes to selecting a red dot sight for your M&P Shield, there are a few things to consider. The first is the size of the sight. You want to make sure that the sight is not too large or heavy, as this can affect the balance and handling of your handgun. Additionally, you want to ensure that the sight is compatible with your M&P Shield and that it can be easily installed.
Best Red Dot Sights for M&P Shield
Sightmark Mini Shot FMS Reflex Sight Black FMS
If you’re in the market for a red dot sight for your M&P Shield, the Sightmark Mini Shot FMS Reflex Sight is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 3 MOA red dot reticle is incredibly precise and easy to use.
- The 10 reticle brightness levels and 2 night vision brightness settings make it easy to use in any lighting condition.
- The 100% waterproof and dustproof design ensures that it can stand up to even the toughest conditions.
Cons
- The steel protective shield can add a bit of weight to the sight, which may be a concern for some users.
- Some users have reported issues with holding zero, although this seems to be a relatively rare problem.
- The splatter inside the glass can be a bit of a nuisance, but it doesn’t seem to affect the overall performance of the sight.
We’ve been using the Sightmark Mini Shot FMS Reflex Sight for a while now, and we’ve been really impressed with its performance. The 3 MOA red dot reticle is incredibly precise and easy to use, and the 10 reticle brightness levels and 2 night vision brightness settings make it easy to use in any lighting condition.
One thing that we really appreciate about this sight is its 100% waterproof and dustproof design.
The steel protective shield is another nice touch, although it can add a bit of weight to the sight. This may be a concern for some users, although we didn’t find it to be too much of an issue.
One potential downside to this sight is that some users have reported issues with holding zero. However, this seems to be a relatively rare problem, and we didn’t experience any issues ourselves.
Overall, we think that the Sightmark Mini Shot FMS Reflex Sight is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a red dot sight for their M&P Shield. It’s precise, easy to use, and built to withstand even the toughest conditions.
Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight FMS Sight Black
Pros
- The rugged 6061-T6 aluminum body and protective shield make this sight durable and long-lasting.
- The advanced anti-reflective coating and scratch-resistant lens system ensure that you’ll have a clear and unobstructed view of your target.
- The parallax-corrected optical system and night vision brightness modes make this sight versatile and effective in a variety of lighting conditions.
Cons
- The interlock internal locking adjustment system can be a bit tricky to use at first.
- The 12-hour auto shut-off feature can be a bit of a hassle if you forget to turn the sight off after use.
- The neoprene cover that comes with the sight may not be the most durable option for long-term use.
This sight’s rugged construction and protective shield make it a great option for use in harsh outdoor environments, and the advanced anti-reflective coating and scratch-resistant lens system ensure that you’ll have a clear and unobstructed view of your target at all times.
The sight’s parallax-corrected optical system and night vision brightness modes make it versatile and effective in a variety of lighting conditions, and we found that it was easy to adjust the brightness level to suit our needs. The interlock internal locking adjustment system can be a bit tricky to use at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a breeze to make adjustments on the fly.
One minor drawback of the Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight FMS Sight Black is the 12-hour auto shut-off feature, which can be a bit of a hassle if you forget to turn the sight off after use. Additionally, while the neoprene cover that comes with the sight is a nice touch, it may not be the most durable option for long-term use.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight FMS Sight Black to anyone in the market for a high-quality red dot sight for their M&P Shield. With its rugged construction, advanced features, and versatile performance, it’s a great value for the price.
Ade Advanced Optics Compact RD3-009 Red Dot Reflex Sight
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly red dot sight for your M&P Shield, the Ade Advanced Optics Compact RD3-009 is a solid option.
Pros
- Comes with a removable standard picatinny mount and handgun mount that fits certain SW models such as Smith & Wesson M&P Full Size, M&P 2.0 Full Size, M&P 22 Full Size, M&P Compact, M&P 2.0 Compact, M&P Shield, SD9VE, and SD40VE.
- Waterproof, shock-resistant, and fog-resistant, making it durable enough to withstand various recoil.
- Fully windage and elevation adjustable and lockable, with unlimited eye relief and 5 illumination settings.
Cons
- The pistol mount included for SW does NOT fit Smith & Wesson M&P C.O.R.E Series (Already optics ready), M&P Shield EZ .380, M&P .22 Compact, SW9VE, SW40VE, Sigma, 1911.
- The pistol mount included for SW does NOT fit any EZ, 380, EZ 380 models, such as M&P SHIELD EZ, M&P 380 SHIELD EZ. Any Shield or MP model that is EZ or 380 this Optic Plate WILL NOT FIT.
- The battery life is not the best, even when the sight is not in use.
We’ve found that the Ade Advanced Optics Compact RD3-009 is easy to install and zero, and it holds zero well. The sight picture is clear and crisp, and the 5 MOA dot is easy to acquire. However, the battery life is not the best, so you’ll need to keep a spare battery on hand. Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable red dot sight for your M&P Shield, the Ade Advanced Optics Compact RD3-009 is definitely worth considering.
Vortex Strikefire II Red/Green Dot Sight
If you’re looking for a versatile, feature-rich red dot sight, the Vortex Strikefire II is a great choice.
Pros
- The choice of red or green dot colors and ten brightness settings make it easy to adjust for changing conditions.
- Fully multi-coated lenses provide a clean and bright, unobscured point of view, while unlimited eye relief allows for rapid target acquisition.
- The single-piece chasis is compact and lightweight, yet delivers shockproof performance withstanding both recoil and impact. Nitrogen purging and o-ring seals ensure fogproof and waterproof performance.
Cons
- Some users found the power controls at the rear of the sight difficult to operate.
- The included offset cantilever mount may be unnecessary for some users and may require additional adjustments to properly align with backup iron sights.
- The battery life may not be as long as some other red dot sights on the market.
We’ve had great success with the Vortex Strikefire II, finding it to be a reliable and functional red dot sight. The option to choose between red or green dot colors and ten brightness settings is a particularly nice feature, as it allows for easy adjustment in varying lighting conditions. The fully multi-coated lenses provide a clear and bright view, and the unlimited eye relief makes it easy to acquire targets quickly. The compact, lightweight design is also a plus, and we appreciate the shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof performance.
That being said, we did find the power controls at the rear of the sight somewhat difficult to operate, which may be a concern for some users. Additionally, the included offset cantilever mount may not be necessary for all users and may require additional adjustments to line up properly with backup iron sights. Finally, while the battery life is decent, it may not be as long as some other red dot sights on the market.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a reliable and versatile red dot sight, we highly recommend the Vortex Strikefire II.
Ade Advanced Optics Delta RD3-012 Red Dot Reflex Sight
We highly recommend the Ade Advanced Optics Delta RD3-012 Red Dot Reflex Sight for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable red dot sight for their M&P Shield.
Pros
- Comes with two mounts: a removable standard Picatinny mount and a handgun mount that can replace the rear sight on certain SW models.
- Shockproof, fogproof, and waterproof for up to 30 minutes under 4ft of water.
- Multi-brightness level with one adjustment button and a 6 MOA dot.
Cons
- The pistol mount included for SW does NOT fit Smith & Wesson M&P C.O.R.E Series, M&P Shield EZ .380, M&P .22 Compact, SW9VE, SW40VE, SW40, SW9, Sigma, or 1911.
- The red dot does not have an automatic on/off feature.
- Some users have reported difficulty with installation on certain models.
We were impressed with the Ade Advanced Optics Delta RD3-012 Red Dot Reflex Sight. The two included mounts provide versatility and the sight itself is durable and reliable. The multi-brightness level and 6 MOA dot make it easy to acquire targets quickly and accurately.
Installation was straightforward on our M&P Shield, but we did have to purchase a sight tool to remove the rear sight. However, we did encounter some difficulty with installation on other models, so be sure to check compatibility before purchasing.
Overall, the Ade Advanced Optics Delta RD3-012 Red Dot Reflex Sight is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable and dependable red dot sight for their M&P Shield.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a red dot sight for your M&P Shield, there are several factors to consider. In this section, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best product for your needs.
First, decide what type of red dot sight you want. There are two main types: open and tube-style. Open sights are more compact and lightweight, while tube-style sights are more durable and have a larger field of view. Consider which type will work best for your intended use.
Next, consider the size and weight of the sight. You want a sight that will not add too much weight to your firearm, but is still large enough to provide a clear view of the target.
Another important factor to consider is the reticle. There are several types of reticles available, including dot, crosshair, and circle-dot. Consider which type of reticle will work best for your intended use and personal preference.
When choosing a red dot sight, also consider the battery life and ease of use. Look for a sight with a long battery life and easy-to-use controls.
Finally, consider the price. Red dot sights can range in price from under $100 to over $1,000. Consider your budget and what features are most important to you when making your decision.
In summary, when choosing a red dot sight for your M&P Shield, consider the type of sight, size and weight, reticle, battery life and ease of use, and price. By considering these factors, you can choose the best product for your needs.
Jason Huskey
Owner of CCWClasses.net
Jason Huskey is a family man with three kids and a wonderful wife. He’s always starting new hobbies, but his true passion lies in shooting sports. Jason has been a CCW license holder for over 10 years and carries every day. In addition to firearms, he also enjoys playing guitar and writing songs. He tries to live by the Christian values he believes in.
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