The M&P Shield is a popular concealed carry handgun known for its reliability and compact size. Many shooters prefer to add a red dot sight for improved accuracy and faster target acquisition. But can you put a red dot on a M&P Shield? The answer is YES and what should you consider when choosing the right one? In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the benefits of adding a red dot sight to a M&P Shield, what to look for when choosing the right one, how to install it, and the best red dot sights for the M&P Shield.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Adding a Red Dot Sight to a M&P Shield
One of the main benefits of adding a red dot sight to a M&P Shield is improved accuracy. A red dot sight provides a clear and precise aiming point, allowing you to take more accurate shots at longer distances. Additionally, red dot sights are designed to be fast and easy to acquire, giving you a significant advantage in self-defense and competition scenarios.
Another benefit is the ease of transition from iron sights. With a red dot sight, you can use the same sight picture for both close and long-range shots, simplifying your shooting process. Additionally, red dot sights are better in low-light conditions than iron sights, allowing you to take accurate shots in challenging lighting conditions.
Choosing the Right Red Dot Sight for a M&P Shield
When choosing the right red dot sight for your M&P Shield, it is important to consider several factors. The first thing to consider is compatibility. You want to make sure that the red dot sight you choose is compatible with your M&P Shield, both in terms of the mounting system and the size of the sight.
Durability is another important factor to consider when choosing a red dot sight. You want to make sure that the sight is built to last, especially if you plan to use your M&P Shield for self-defense or competition. The sight should be made of high-quality materials and have a rugged design that can withstand the rigors of everyday use.
Battery life is also an important factor to consider when choosing a red dot sight. You want to make sure that the sight has a long battery life, so you can use it without having to constantly replace the battery. Some red dot sights also have automatic shut-off features, which can help prolong battery life.
Installing a Red Dot Sight on a M&P Shield
Before installing the sight, it is important to gather all the necessary tools and to familiarize yourself with the process. You will need a screwdriver, a wrench, and any other tools specified by the manufacturer.
Once you have all the necessary tools, you can begin installing the red dot sight on your M&P Shield. The first step is to remove the rear sight. This will typically involve loosening screws or using a punch to push out the rear sight pins.
Next, you will need to mount the red dot sight base to the firearm. This will involve attaching the base to the slide using screws or using a mounting plate that attaches to the firearm using a mounting method of your choice.
Once the base is installed, you can attach the red dot sight to the base. This will typically involve inserting the sight into the base and tightening screws or locking it in place with a locking mechanism.
It is important to tighten the screws or locking mechanism securely to ensure that the sight does not move or shift during use. You should also make sure that the sight is level and that the reticle is centered.
Best Red Dot Sights for the M&P Shield
There are several high-quality red dot sights on the market that are specifically designed
for the M&P Shield. Some of the best options include:
- Trijicon RMR Type 2: This red dot sight is built to last, with a rugged aluminum housing and a tough, shatter-proof lens. It has a large, easy-to-acquire reticle and adjustable brightness settings, making it suitable for use in a variety of lighting conditions.
- Vortex Venom: This red dot sight is compact and lightweight, making it perfect for concealed carry. It has a low profile design and an easy-to-use adjustment system, allowing you to quickly zero in the sight.
- Sig Sauer RomeoZero: This red dot sight is specifically designed for the M&P Shield, and it is compatible with a wide range of firearms. It has a sleek design and a user-friendly interface, making it easy to use and adjust.
- Leupold DeltaPoint Pro: This red dot sight is built to last, with a rugged aluminum housing and a shatter-proof lens. It has a large, easy-to-acquire reticle and adjustable brightness settings, making it suitable for use in a variety of lighting conditions.
conclusion
In conclusion, adding a red dot sight to a M&P Shield can greatly enhance its accuracy and versatility. When choosing the right red dot sight, it is important to consider factors such as compatibility, durability, battery life, and reticle size and brightness. With the right red dot sight and a little bit of effort, you can transform your M&P Shield into a top-performing concealed carry handgun.
Finally, the reticle size and brightness are important factors to consider when choosing a red dot sight. The reticle should be small enough to allow for precise aiming, but large enough to be easily visible. Additionally, the reticle should have adjustable brightness settings, so you can use it in a variety of lighting conditions
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What tools do I need to install a red dot sight on a M&P Shield?
You will need a screwdriver, a wrench, and any other tools specified by the manufacturer.
How do I remove the rear sight on a M&P Shield to install a red dot sight?
The rear sight can be removed by loosening screws or using a punch to push out the rear sight pins.
How do I mount the red dot sight base to the M&P Shield?
The red dot sight base can be attached to the slide using screws or by using a mounting plate that attaches to the firearm using a mounting method of your choice.
What are some of the best red dot sights for the M&P Shield?
Some of the best options include the Trijicon RMR Type 2, Vortex Venom, Sig Sauer RomeoZero, and Leupold DeltaPoint Pro.