Springfield Armory embraced this trend a long time ago with its optics-ready handguns and rifles.
Now the company kicks the movement into overdrive with the HEX line of optics.
Say hello to theHEX WaspandHEX Dragonfly.
The like it or not part came from my gut.
It may surprise you to learn that at the time I leaned toward the not.
Three things jumped out at me:
Cost Optics were expensive to mount on a pistol.
Reliability Then there was the reliability issue.
Living on top of a pistol slide is not a nice, cozy place to be.
Most optics werent up to the abuse of being slammed back and forth on a reciprocating slide.
Training Finally, there was a learning curve.
Being certain you would see your dot when you needed it most took an investment of time and reps. We have come a long way since that time.
This has helped reduce the issue of cost.
What is the solution?
Enter the new HEX optics line from Springfield Armory.
This isnt an easy task when you are working to include premium design, features and materials.
The folks at Springfield laid out an exacting set of standards and went to work.
The standard-size HEX Dragonfly is more suited to double-stack pistols like the XD-M Elite Tactical OSP.
It also works exceptionally well on a long gun like theSAINT line of AR-15 rifles.
Although the sights are different, they share impressive common features.
Both the Wasp and the Dragonfly are protected by a machined 6061 aluminum T6 Hardcoat-anodized housing.
The durability it provides will be welcome.
The Wasp and Dragonfly also share scratch-resistant, anti-glare glass lenses, adding to the HEX advantage.
Additionally, both optics are IPX7 waterproof.
This means they are submersible to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
To back all of this up, both sights are covered by alifetime warranty.
The Wasp
I loved the way the Wasp looked mounted on the Hellcat RDP.
It only makes sense.
It is a small, low-profile, direct-mount optic.
The machining on the housing creates appealing cocking serrations that match the slide cuts on the Hellcat rather nicely.
As a result, you could grip the sides of the optic when racking the slide.
Also, it auto adjusts its brightness as needed.
The optic is powered by a single, bottom-loading CR2032 battery.
The aluminum housing extends forward of the glass lens to provide added protection for the glass lens.
Additionally, the Wasp features an integral sight channel for co-witnessing with iron sights.
The sight is rated to withstand 30 minutes underwater up to one meter.
Oh, and you get all this for an MSRP of $299.
The most obvious is size.
Battery life is conserved with a 16-hour auto-off feature.
The Dragonfly can be had for an MSRP of just $249.
What is equally as impressive is that they have done so at a price that makes the choice easy.
