Red dot sights have revolutionized the shooting industry by enhancing target acquisition speed and boosting accuracy. They come in different designs and features to meet the varying needs of shooters and in this post on the best red dot for M&P Shield Plus, we shed more light on the best-rated models available on the market.
When it comes to finding the best red dot for M&P Shield Plus, you should tailor your choice to match your unique shooting needs and preferences. It is also essential to consider the sights’ durability, performance, and ease of use to ensure that you get value for your money.
We have done our homework and put together a list of the best-performing red dot sights for M&P Shield Plus. These optics are crafted with ease of use in mind and high-end features that make them ideal for virtually all shooting applications. We have also attached a comprehensive buying guide with the key factors to consider when making a purchase but first, let’s take a look at the attributes that make a great red dot for M&P Shield Plus.
Attributes of a Great Red Dot Sight for M&P Shield Plus
A great red dot sight for M&P Shield Plus consists of the following features:
Long Battery Life
First and foremost, the red dot sight should have a long battery life as reliable performance in the shooting field depends on how well the reticle is illuminated.
Durable Construction
Furthermore, the sight should have a durable construction to withstand rough handling and any other abuse that comes with handgun shooting.
Crisp Reticle
A great red dot sight needs to have a crisp reticle for easy aiming and rapid target acquisition. The reticle should also be optimally illuminated.
Weatherproof Design
It is also important for the best red dot sight for M&P Shield Plus to have a weatherproof design for unimpeded performance in all weather conditions.
Adjustable Brightness Settings
Last but not least, the optic should have adjustable illumination settings for the reticle. This enables confident shooting and speedy target acquisition in virtually all lighting conditions.
Best Red Dots for M&P Shield Plus – Top Picks
Choosing a red dot sight for M&P Shield Plus largely depends on individual preference, budget, and shooting needs. Here are some popular options worth your consideration. Let’s have a look.
1) Leupold Delta Point Pro Red Dot Sight – Best Overall
Leupold is a respected brand in the optics industry. It has a reputation for making top-grade optics and the Delta Point Pro Red Dot Sight is not any different. It harbors a ton of high-quality features that make it the best red dot for M&P Shield Plus.
This red dot sight is designed and built to enhance your shooting ability. It employs a crisp 2.5 MOA reticle for precision aiming in all environments. Besides, the brightness of the reticle is adjustable into 8 illumination levels.
Construction-wise, this all-round red dot sight is built to last. It has a lightweight but durable aluminum housing that is rigid enough to take in the beating. On top of that, it is designed with a tool-less spring-actuated battery compartment that provides an industry-leading 66 feet of waterproofness.
To complement the durable construction, this optic features a 60 MOA adjustment range for both windage and elevation. It also brings to the table a Diamond Coat optical coating that is responsible for fighting glare and enhancing light transmission.
Features
- Open emitter
- Eight brightness settings
- Waterproof and submersible to 66ft
- Diamond Coat optical coating
- Aluminum housing
- Matte finish
- 5 MOA red dot reticle
- 1 MOA adjustment click value
- Unlimited eye relief
- Motion sensor technology
- Shrugged in rugged spring steel
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Sturdy and reliable construction
- Ease of installation
- Excellent red dot crispness
Cons
- Poor battery life
2) Crimson Trace CT-RAD Pro 1 x 3 MOA Red Dot Sight – Best Budget
The Crimson Trace CT-RAD Pro 1 x 3 MOA Red Dot Sight is a full-size open reflex sight for full-frame pistols. It is an ideal option for budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable optic for their shooting needs.
This red dot sight is built with user convenience in mind. Firstly, it features textured slides for easy slide racking. Furthermore, it has a low-profile, snag-free design that makes it easy to draw and ensures it does not interfere with ease of concealment.
Regarding reticle, this optic employs a crisp 3 MOA reticle that provides the ultimate balance of speed and precision. You can tailor its visibility to different settings relative to the ambient light settings. Other than that, the sight is powered by a high-efficiency LED for years of maintenance-free use.
The other noteworthy features included are a top accessible battery compartment, ambient light sensor, and a shock, impact, fog, and vibration-resistant design.
Features
- IPX-7 water resistance level
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Anti-glare matte finish
- 7075-T6 aluminum construction
- Open emitter
- Top accessible battery compartment
- Low-profile, snag-free design
- Ambient light sensor
- 3 MOA reticle
- Shake to wake sensor
Pros
- Ultra-durable construction
- Great battery life
- Easy battery access
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Mount not included
3) Shield Sights Shield Mini Red Dot Sight 2.0 – Best Value
Sitting comfortably in third is the Shield Sights Shield Mini Red Dot Sight 2.0. This optic features a sleek, minimalist design that reduces visual distractions during use. It is easy to install and fits a variety of handguns with RMS/SMS mounts.
With this red dot sight, you can adjust the brightness of the reticle to match your preferences. At the lowest settings, it is compatible with night vision gear, while the highest setting ensures visibility even on clear, sunny days.
Furthermore, the sight is crafted with durability in mind. It has a nylon glass-filled polymer case that is rigid enough to withstand any abuse. On top of that, the lens has a quartz coating to prevent breaks, scratches, and cracks.
Features
- 4 MOA red dot reticle
- Open emitter
- Automatic brightness adjustment
- No laser, completely eye-safe
- Glass-filled polymer case
- Quartz lens coating
- Underneath battery fitting
Pros
- Compact, low-profile design
- Bright and clear optics
- Self-adjusting brightness
- Ease of use
Cons
- Underneath battery compartment
4) Vortex Viper 1x24mm 6 MOA Red Dot Sight – Best for Beginners
The Vortex Viper 1x24mm 6 MOA Red Dot Sight is our next pick of the best red dot for M&P Shield Plus. If you are a beginner at shooting, this red dot sight suits you. It features a large 6 MOA reticle that is easy to pick and simple to shoot with.
The performance of the reticle is complemented by fully multi-coated optics that eliminate glare and boost light transmission for bright and clear views. On top of that, you can adjust the illumination intensity into 10 brightness settings to match your preferences.
Vortex optics are known for their robust construction and this red dot sight is not an exception. It has a single-piece aluminum alloy chassis that is shockproof and anodized against rust and scratches. Further, the interior is sealed to provide a lifetime of waterproof and dustproof performance.
Over and above that, this red dot sight has easy-to-use power and illumination controls on the left side. As a result, you can make adjustments easily on the fly without changing your sighting position.
Features
- Waterproof and shockproof
- Single-piece chassis
- Unlimited eye relief
- 6 MOA red dot reticle
- Hard anodized finish
- Aluminum alloy construction
- Parallax-free optical configuration
- Fully multi-coated optics
- LED illumination
- Open emitter
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy installation process
- Excellent adjustments
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Battery life
5) Holosun HS407C-X2 1x2MOA Red Dot Sight – Best Value
The Holosun HS407C-X2 1x2MOA Red Dot Sight is optimized for handgun applications. It is an open-reflex red dot weapon sight perfect for decreasing target reacquisition time and honing shooter’s skills.
The selling point of this optic is its accuracy. It features a 2 MOA red dot reticle for precision aiming at vast distances. The illumination intensity of the reticle is adjustable into 12 different settings, two of which are compatible with night vision gear.
Moreover, this versatile red dot sight is built with unlimited eye relief and parallax-free optical design to ensure optimum comfort during lengthy shooting periods. It also features Solar Failsafe which provides power when batteries fail and Shake Awake motion technology that activates the device only when it senses motion.
Well, that’s not all. This red dot sight is fully waterproof, dustproof, and fog-proof for all-weather operability. It is also ideally suited for use in temperatures ranging from -30 to 60°C.
Features
- Unlimited eye relief
- 12 adjustable brightness settings
- Shake Awake technology
- Multi-layer reflective glass
- Parallax-free optical configuration
- Anodized finish
- Aluminum construction
- 1 MOA adjustment click value
- RMR mount type
- IP67 water resistance level
Pros
- Long battery life
- Compatible with night vision gear
- Back-up solar power
- Bright and extremely clear reticle
- Light but solid construction
Cons
- Mount not included
6) Aimpoint ACRO P-2 Red Dot Reflex Sight – Best Rugged
Aimpoint ACRO P-2 Red Dot Reflex Sight is the best red dot for M&P Shield Plus for anyone looking to take their shooting a notch higher. It is optimized for all pistol applications which require a low-profile and rugged red dot system.
A defining feature of this optic is its construction quality. It has a fully enclosed housing that protects all the electronic components from dust, dirt, and other elements. Furthermore, the chassis is made from 7075-T6 high-strength aluminum for ultimate durability.
To complement the solid construction, this red dot sight is waterproof and submersible to 115ft/35m. This guarantees reliable performance in all weather conditions. Other than that, it weighs a mere 60g/2.1oz so it won’t affect the balance of your pistol by adding unnecessary weight to it.
In addition to all these features, the sight boasts a crisp 3.5 MOA red dot reticle for precision and fast target acquisition.
Features
- 3.5 MOA red dot reticle
- Fully enclosed housing
- Parallax-free optic
- 10 brightness settings
- Waterproof and submersible to submersible to 115ft/35m
- Multi-coated optics
- LED illumination
- Unlimited eye relief
- Enclosed emitter
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable and reliable construction
- Optical clarity
- Compact, low-profile design
Cons
- Cost
7) Trijicon RM06 RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA Red Dot Sight – Honorary Mention
Our last red dot recommendation for M&P Shield Plus is Trijicon RM06 RMR Type 2 3.25 MOA Red Dot Sight. It is outstandingly durable and well-built with advanced features to improve precision and accuracy in the shooting field.
Built with a 3.25 MOA reticle, the sight aids in speedy target finding and acquisition in virtually all shooting environments. It’s small enough to not obstruct the small targets and features 8 adjustable brightness settings for confident aiming in all light settings.
Regarding construction, this optic has forged aluminum housing with a non-reflective matte finish. The unique, patented housing shape diverts the force of impact away from the lens thus enhancing durability. Besides, it is waterproof, submersible to 66ft, and built to handle the worst.
Other essential features included are ruggedized battery contacts and electronics, battery conservation mode, and True-color, multi-coated lens.
Features
- 8 adjustable LED illumination settings
- Waterproof and submersible to 20m
- True-Color, multi-coated lens
- Robust aluminum housing
- 1 MOA adjustment click value
- Tempered glass
- Parallax-free optical configuration
- Matte finish
- 2.5 MOA reticle
Pros
- Easily adjustable windage and elevation
- Multi-platform friendly
- Outstanding durability
- Ease of use and fit
- Visibility
Cons
- Mount not included
Why a Red Dot Sight for M&P Shield Plus?
The M&P Shield Plus is a compact and lightweight pistol ideal for concealed carry. Adding a quality red dot sight on it comes with a plethora of benefits including:
- Fast and easy target finding and acquisition irrespective of the shooting environment
- Competitive and confident aiming in less-than-ideal lighting conditions
- Increased situational awareness as red dot sights enable shooting with both eyes open
- Simple yet customizable aiming point to hone your shooting precision
- Compact, lightweight, and easy carry designs so there is no skimping on performance
Read Also
- 5 Best Red Dot Sight for Ruger Security 9
- 7 Best Red Dots for Sig P365
- 7 Best Red Dot for Ruger Max 9
- 7 Best Red Dot for Beretta M9A4
How to Choose the Best Red Dot for M&P Shield Plus
Here are the key factors to consider when shopping for a red dot sight for M&P Shield Plus.
Durability
The performance of the M&P Shield Plus calls for a red dot sight that is built with durability in mind. The chassis should be constructed with premium-grade materials like aircraft-quality aluminum to handle any handling and abuse.
Weatherproof Design
In addition to solid construction, the best red dot for M&P Shield Plus should be operable in all weather conditions. The interior should be sealed to lock out dust, dirt, and moisture that can damage the electronic components. Besides, the optic should be fog-proof and operable in a wide range of temperatures.
Battery Life
Get a red dot sight that is powered by a high-capacity battery. It will provide reliable performance during lengthy shooting periods and help you concentrate more on shooting. A model with a long battery life also has the added advantage of being economical to maintain.
Weight and Balance
The compact size of the M&P Shield Plus requires a red dot sight that is equally light and small in size. With the right size and weight, the sight won’t throw off your M&P Shield Plus balance or affect its precision. Red dot sights with a lightweight design also tend to be easy to install and shoot whether it’s a practical shooting or a more tactical situation.
Reticle Type
The type of reticle a red dot sight employs can make or break your shooting. So, settle for a model that boasts a bright and easy-to-use reticle. For precision aiming, 3 MOA or 2 MOA reticles are the best. On the other hand, you will need a large reticle like 6 MOA if you are a beginner or senior.
FAQs
- Is M&P Shield Plus optic ready?
Yes. The M&P Shield Plus is an optic-ready semi-automatic pistol that is ideal for concealed carry. It has an enhanced grip texture that allows the user to manage recoil with ease, keep a firm, secure grip, and deliver comfort when concealing.
- Can you put a red dot sight on the M&P Shield Plus?
Absolutely. The M&P Shield Plus is an optic-ready pistol that accepts a wide variety of accessories, including red dot sights.
- Can I carry my M&P Shield Plus with a red dot sight concealed?
You can carry your M&P Shield Plus with a red dot sight concealed with the right holster at hand. There are plenty of holsters that are designed to accommodate M&P Shield Plus pistols equipped with red dot sights.
Final Words
In conclusion, there are a ton of red dot sights available on the market, and the best red dot for M&P Shield Plus trickles down to your individual shooting needs and preferences. With a worthy model at your disposal, you will fine-tune your skills and take your shooting performance to the next level. Hopefully, this article has steered you in the right direction.