REVIEW: Sightmark Mini Shot M-Spec LQD Red Dot

If you want to use a red dot sight on your pistol, you can't avoid mini red dots. We took a close look at the Mini Shot M-Spec LQD Red Dot from Sightmark. It works for both: pistol and rifle.

The box that contains everything. But before we show you the contents, here are the technical specifications for all the facts fans:

• Magnification 1x
• Objective Lens Diameter 21 x 15 mm
• Side and Height Adjustment 110 MOA, 1 MOA per click
• Parallax free up to 23 m
• Material 6061-T6 Aluminum
• Maximum Recoil .375 H & H Caliber
• IP67 - waterproof up to 1m for 1 hour
• Battery type CR1632
• Battery life, 300-30,000 h
• Battery voltage 3 V
• Operating temperature -30° to 50°C

Here is the content hidden in the packaging. You get the Red Dot, a Low Mount, a High Mount, a rubber cap, two angle keys - one slotted and one Torx 10 - an instruction manual, and of course, the cleaning cloth. We enjoy cleaning here...

With the tool, you can adjust the Red Dot and loosen the mounting screws. The mounting screws are not glued, but securely tightened by hand. If you want to be extra cautious, you can use screw adhesive here.

The Mini Shot M-Spec LQD Red Dot unscrewed. The mounting pattern is identical to the Docter/Burris pattern, so you can also use mounts from other manufacturers with this screw pattern.

The Mini Shot Red Dot is designed to be mounted on a pistol. That's what we did first and foremost. Everything fits perfectly together, as long as the right adapter plate is chosen. In our case, the pistol is a Smith & Wesson M&P 9 C.O.R.E., which is already prepared for the installation of red dot sights.

On the left side of the Mini Shot M-Spec LQD Red Dot, you will find only the button for adjusting the brightness of the dot.

On the top, as commonly seen in many Mini Red Dots, the battery compartment is located. The elevation adjustment is also found here.

On the right side, you have the control button for dimming and for adjusting the side of the target point. To turn it on, simply press one of the two buttons. To turn off the Mini Shot M-Spec LQD, press the Down button for about four seconds.

The dot is 3 MOA in size and very clear. You have a total of ten brightness levels available. The field of view of 21 x 15 mm is very well chosen. The nearly three-millimeter thick edge covers very little in your field of view and is easily overlooked.

Now let's see how much the Mini Shot M-Spec LQD Red Dot can endure. Let's head to the shooting range.

After a few shots for zeroing, our shots are where the small red dot is. For us, shooting with a red dot on a pistol is still somewhat unfamiliar but very good. Aiming is noticeably faster than using iron sights.

Now let's test the Mini Shot M-Spec LQD on a long gun. We opt for the High Mount. The height is 56 mm and is an "absolute co-witness" for an AR rifle, meaning that iron sights and red dot are aligned on the same plane.

After some adjustments, the Red Dot is ready to mount on the rifle.

We chose a Steyr AUGZ. Why? Because we happen to own one. The mounting clamp can be tightened if needed. The clamping lever is secured to avoid any mishaps. A very successful, high-quality mounting solution.

SPARTANAT is the online magazine for Military News, Tactical Life, Gear & Reviews.
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