These were large handguns and, usually, large optics.
[Dont miss Justin Opinions take onconcealed carry red dotuse.]
My Choice
I recently decided to upgrade the reflex optic on my personal Hellcat OSP.
The Shield SMSc from the Springfield Armory Webstore, paired with theHellcat OSP 9mm, makes for an ideal EDC set-up.
The optic weighs just 0.34 oz.
and is powered by a single CR2032 battery that fits on the underside of the optic.
Whether its for competitive shooting or concealed carry, Shield Sights has it covered.
The author found everything he needed in the SMSc’s packaging to easily install the optic on his pistol. Image: Carson McDaniel/Springfield Armory
And the development of the compact RMSc/SMSc footprint only enhanced their prominence in this market.
In my opinion, the Shield SMSc is an ideal reflex optic for concealed carry.
Carriers who select optics on their EDC pistols prefer a compact design that is lightweight.
The SMSc features a light but rugged polymer housing and, despite its small size, a large window.
It makes no sense to add any more bulk or weight than necessary to a carry pistol.
The 1X quartz lens features an anti-reflective, low-parallax, non-color coating.
Weighty Concerns
As I mentioned, the SMSc is an incredibly light reflex optic.
The Hellcat OSP’s slide features a removable slide cover plate for easy installation of an optic.
Shield Sights said the SMSc optic weighs just 0.34 oz., 0.44 oz.
Yes, one half of one ounce.
Its not only light, but also very compact.
The direct-mount nature of the Hellcat OSP design allows the Shield SMSc to sit low enough to cowitness with the pistol’s U-Dot iron sights.
Backing-Up
Sight alignment is very important with reflex red dot optics.
In my opinion, shooters need the comfort of knowing that their pistols iron sights are always accessible.
Lets face it anything that is electronic has the potential of failure.
The author found the SMSc and the Hellcat to be a very viable EDC combo.
Certain reflex optics do not offer a direct co-witness with the pistols iron sights.
As concealed carriers, we must plan and prepare for any situation that could arise.
Also, the SMSc has a channel cut into the body of the optic that helps facilitate this feature.
[Looking for a red dot alternative?
Read Mike Boyles examination of thelaser vs. red dotoptions.]
Whats in the Case?
The optic comes with a protective rubber cover for storage when the gun/optic is not in use.
The optic also comes with two hex wrenches.
One is for mounting the optic to the pistol and the other is for adjusting the red dot.
Shield SMSc Specifications
Hands-On
I was immediately impressed by the SMSc.
Its red dot is incredibly clear and crisp.
It has an automatic brightness adjustment, therefore there are no buttons or levers on the housing frame.
The auto brightness does all of the work, which simplifies the process for the concealed carrier.
The red dot is very bright in sunny, daylight conditions and is appropriately dim in low-light conditions.
Its lowest setting is night vision compatible.
Basically, the auto brightness feature takes the guesswork out of the hands of the user.
The advantage with auto brightness is the red dot brightness will suit any environment setting.
The Shield SMSc is powered by a single CR2032 battery that installs underneath the housing.
The average battery life is between two to three years.
It was a perfect fit for the Hellcat OSP.
A special note here: I feel its important to add blue Loctite on the mounting screws.
All in all, this was a quick and easy process.
I used the Shield Sights adjustment wrench to make the corrections.
With a total of 10 shots fired, the Shield SMSc was sighted in.
It was then time to hit the steel targets.
During this range time, I was also able to experience the Shield Sights auto brightness function in action.
The range day began with bright sunshine, and then it turned into an overcast and cloudy day.
The red dot slightly dimmed with the lower light environment.
The auto brightness suited the changing environment perfectly.
Conclusion
Shield Sights produces quality reflex red dot optics for pistols.
Their reflex optics have a fine reputation for reliability and ease of use.
My goal was to enhance the Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP with an upgraded reflex optic.
My goal was met with the SMSc.
I feel the pistol/optic combination was exactly what I was looking to accomplish.
In my opinion, the Shield SMSc offers the precise balance of compact form and reliable function.
In my estimation, a pistol/optic combination like this is definitely the new EDC norm.
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