REVIEW: Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec

We've already taken a close look at the Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec FMS Red Dot. Today we want to take a look at its cheaper brother, the ULTRA Shot R-Spec. This is intended for hunting use and offers similar features. But let's take a closer look.

This is what comes with the Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec. And for all the facts lovers, here are the technical details:

• Magnification 1x
• Objective Lens Diameter 33 x 24 mm
• Windage and Elevation Adjustment 120 MOA, 1 MOA per click
• Parallax-free from 23m
• Material: Aluminum 6061-T6
• Maximum Recoil .50 BMG
• IP68 - waterproof up to 12m
• Battery Type CR123A
• Battery Life, 200-2,000 h
• Operating Temperature -30° to 71° C

On the left side of the Ultra Shot R-Spec, you'll find the logo, control buttons, and the battery compartment. This happily accepts CR123A batteries or corresponding rechargeable ones.

The mounting is done with a clamp lever, which is not further secured. Overall, the mounting works well and the lever did not come loose during our test. It's important to adjust the tension nice and tight using the supplied wrench.

The Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec simply mounts onto the Picatinny rail. Of course, you need to open the clamp lever first. Then just press the lever down.

There are no special features on the right side. The Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec measures 110 x 50 x 58 mm and weighs a solid 300 grams. A relatively large optic, similar in size to an EOTech.

But this has an advantage, namely a large lens and therefore a large field of view. The bottom edge of the viewing window is about 3cm above the top of the rail. So you'll overlook most laser boxes if you have them mounted on your hunting rifle.

There are a total of four different reticles available, the detailed dimensions can be seen in the above image.

This is roughly what it looks like in real life. The reticles are clearly visible and can be adjusted well. And most importantly, they hold that adjustment. Brightness can be adjusted in ten levels. However, you can only switch in one direction (brighter to darker) with the brightness button.

With this selector switch, you can choose your reticle. We initially had concerns that it might readjust itself due to recoil and vibrations, but that did not happen.

What can happen, however, is that when adjusting, one is sloppy and does not turn until the next click. Then you can admire two reticles in the field of view at the same time, but neither of them is zeroed. However, the shooter quickly recognizes this mistake and can correct it just as quickly. And let's be honest, who changes their reticle in the middle of action?

With a short press on the On/Off switch, you can change the color of the reticle to red or green. A nice feature, but the question arises whether you really need it.

In our video, we show you all the reticles and also the large field of view in which the reticle is projected. Therefore, it doesn't matter how obliquely or laterally you look through the optic, the dot is there. And you also hit where the dot is.

You can also perform the adjustment with the "jaw wrench multitool." Otherwise, a small slotted screwdriver will do. The height adjustment is a bit difficult because you cover the point with the tool.

CONCLUSION: The Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec Red Dot is a budget optic that has its justification in the hunting sector. One drawback from our point of view is the brightness adjustment, as if you want to go one level up, you have to press nine times. The possibility to change the reticle, on the other hand, is nice but not necessarily needed, as most people set one and stick with it. The same goes for the color choice of the reticle. The build quality of the R-Spec is good, and once zeroed, it holds the point of impact. Therefore, we have nothing negative to say. If you are looking for an affordable but usable optic for your backup shotgun or rifle, you can't go wrong with the Sightmark R-Spec. The R-Spec also performs well on a .22 rifle for plinking.

The Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec Red Dot is available at Armamat from €152.90 in Black or TAN.

SIGHTMARK on the web: sightmark.com