M&P Shield, what a lovely handgun. While we all know M&P 2.0 comes with a kit that includes a lot of mounting plates for different optics, the Shield doesn’t come with any of it.
It’s up to you to decide whether you want to use a red dot or a night sight with the optic. As we know, a lot of sight follows the RMR footprint (hyperlink). If you use any of those optics, then you can easily mount those on the Shield cause you can find a footprint that fits the Shield.
Then again, there are other plates available for the gun that are compatible with a lot of different sights. Let’s find out what kind of red dot sights you can use on M&P Shield and whether should you use one.
Can I Put A Red Dot Dot On M&P Shield Directly?
No, you cannot. From the factory, the top plate on the gun is not made for any red dot optics. So, if you want to put a red dot on your M&P Shield, you will need a new mounting plate for it.
You can go for the Trijicon RMRcc pistol adapter plate or you can go for the OuterImpact red dot mount adapter. Both of them are proven to be really really good when it comes to adapter plates for Shield.
They are made out of aluminum and designed through CNC. While the RMRcc is fixed with an RMR footprint, the outer impact one gives you the freedom to choose from Trijicon RMR, Doctor, Insight MRDS, Leupold DeltaPoint, and many more.
What Red Dot Is Best For M&P Shield?
As now we have found ways to mount a red dot sight on our beloved M&P Shield, it’s time for you to find a good red dot to pair it with. Thanks to the RMR and OuterImpact plates, the plethora of options is ready to make us confused. Don’t fret, as I’m here. Jokes aside, allow me to help you choose a good red dot for M&P Shield.
1. Holosun HS507K X2 Red Dot Sight
- SHAKE AWAKE TECHNOLOGY - Extends battery life by deactivating the optic's LED while not in use; Shake Awake offers settings from 10 minutes to 12 hours depending on the model and can be deactivated altogether if preferred; The slightest touch of the optic...
The first one that I want to recommend to you guys is from Holosun. It’s a classic red dot reflex sight made through CNC machining with an aluminum billet. The sight features a good battery backup and even better viewing angles. As it’s a reflex sight, you are free to use it from any distance you want. Unlimited eye relief.
Illuminated red dot reticle and waterproof housing make it a really good option for all sorts of handguns. Without a doubt, a great choice for Shield.
2. Holosun HS507C X2 Red Dot Sight
- SOLAR FAILSAFE - If your battery fails, this red dot sight for pistol has a backup power source when natural or artificial light is available; Solar Failsafe is activated while in Auto Mode where reticle intensity is automatically adjusted: in brighter...
The 507C is the latest model that is also equipped with a lot of different features. The first one is the different reticle. The reticle on this is available in both red and green color. The optic is made out of high-quality aluminum and it has a really good battery life.
On top of that, the sight has a solar failsafe. The failsafe makes sure that you are good enough to carry on even if the battery dies on you. It also has 2 night vision brightness settings to be used during the night. Easily a great choice for all Shield owners.
3. Vortex Venom Red Dot Sight
Venom is part of the long list of products from Vortex that are also named Venom. Just like the more expensive scopes, this one is made out of high-quality CNC-machined aluminum as well. The aluminum is durable and lightweight. It is also fog and shockproof.
The weight and size make it a perfect choice to be used with small guns like the Shield. The red dot is bright at 3 MOA size and it is capable of providing a way of shooting during the night as well.
4. Leupold Deltapoint Pro Reflex Sight
- Rugged 100% waterproof construction makes it equally at home in hunting or tactical environments.
When it comes to lightweight and affordable sights, Leupold is one of the best in the business. The optic is water, fog, and shockproof. The total build quality is exceptional. What’s even better is the performance of the optic. Paired up with the shield, you have a killer combo on your hand.
5. Swampfox Sentinel Micro Reflex Sight
- COMPACT UNOBSTROCTIVE FIT: Shoehorned into this tiny scope is a 16mm x 16mm window, big enough for fast acquisition and sight tracking but small enough that it doesn't affect concealment.
The Sentinel from Swampfox is an affordable sight made from CNC-machined aluminum. The sight is lightweight and extremely durable. Fancying a bright and visible red dot reticle that is also adjustable when it comes to brightness. As it supports the Shield with the plate, you can easily use this on your shield.
Conclusion
The bottom line is, you can put a red dot on a M&P Shield. As long as you use a mounting plate, the options are endless. And I do mean that quite literally. OuterImpact made a plate and decided to make it compatible with everything out there. Props to them for that.
With that said, thanks a lot for reading and I hope you found the right solution for this problem. If you don’t like any of the red dots I mentioned above, that’s fine. There are other red dots out there that are supported by those plates. Make sure to go through the whole compatibility list on their websites. See you on the next one.
Hi, I’m Brent Hansford. A writer turned hunter & now sharing my love for the sport through writing. As I practically breathe weapons, I firmly believe I’m capable of providing you with new knowledge about firearms and hunting. My mission is to help more people get better at hunting & master the weapons. Let me help with unleashing the beast within you!
