Red Dot Optic Footprints?

[BurntSoup]

Let me start by saying, I've never owned a red dot for a pistol. I just bought the PSA 5.7 ROCK COMPLETE OPTICS READY PISTOL WITH THREADED BARREL (https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-5-7-rock-complete-optics-ready-pistol-with-threaded-barrel.html).

I'm looking to buy an optic for it but these different footprints have got me confused. Here's what the description reads "This 5.7 Rock optics-ready slide is cut for direct mount Shield footprint optics, excluding Leupold Delta Point Pro. Included are two adapter plates, one for RMR optics, and one for Docter cut optics."

With that said, here's what i think i understand... My thought is, why use an adapter? Why not get an optic that fits the slide footprint. Less bulky and cleaner look? It says, shield footprint so when i research i get "Shield RMS/SMS". Is the what I'm looking for? Are RMS & SMS the same? Am i correct on avoiding the adapters? I'm pretty confused even after hours of research.

What optic would you buy if you had this gun? Thanks for assisting.

 

[rabid wombat]

First - welcome.
Second - try this for some information: https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/navigating-the-optics-ready-market/
Third - smart people will be along shortly to give you more direct answers.

 

[BurntSoup]

I'll check that site out now. Thanks

 

[BurntSoup]

That site was very helpful. I went over the chart and looked at all the ones listed as Shield. The Sig Romeo Zero & Crimson Trace CTS-1550 seem to be the front runners at the moment. I really want to keep the cost under $250 if possible.

Still interested in knowing if I'm on the right track with using the Shield footprint over using an adapter. I'll wait for others to come in with their thoughts. Thanks.

 

[marvin02]

More than you need to know, but a great resource:

https://optics-info.com/footprints-on-red-dot-sights/

Shield RMSc specific:

https://www.optics-trade.eu/blog/shield-rmsc-footprint/

 

[marvin02]

Still interested in knowing if I'm on the right track with using the Shield footprint over using an adapter

The advantage to mounting directly is that your optic sits lower, you don't have an extra attachment point to worry about, and you don't have to buy an adapter.

 

[12Bravo20]

I'll throw out another option for an optic that fits/uses the Shield RMSc footprint. And that is the Swampfox Sentinel which is available with red or green reticles along with auto-brightness or shake to wake.

https://www.swampfoxoptics.com/sentinel

And for those that qualify, Swampfox offers a great MIL/LEO discount too.

And to answer one of the questions. Yes it is better to have an optic mounted directly to the slide. No need for an additional adaptor plate plus the optic sits closer to the bore axis of the barrel.

 

[BurntSoup]

Why would the shake to wake version be $20 cheaper than the always on version? Seems backwards

 

[12Bravo20]

Why would the shake to wake version be $20 cheaper than the always on version? Seems backwards

The shake to wake model has manual buttons to adjust brightness. And the chips for the manual/shake to wake are cheaper that the chips for the auto brightness model. Or at least that is what Swampfox stated.

 

[12Bravo20]

I can say that after using both the auto brightness and manual brightness.shake to wake Sentinels, I definitely prefer the manual/shake to wake version better. The auto brightness model can be too bright at times and too dark/useless in a dark room even when using a weapon mounted light.

 

[BurntSoup]

Thank you for clearing that up. I was leaning in that direction for the reason you mentioned.

 

[BurntSoup]

Is there a Holosun option that fits my slide footprint? When I look, I get "modification of the Shield standard". What does this mean exactly? They don't appear to have any models that will direct fit the standard shield footprint.

 

[BurntSoup]

Alos,, if I have the option for a green dot, would you suggest that over red? I know on the lasers it's preferred. I'm guessing it might be the same with optics?

 

[12Bravo20]

Is there a Holosun option that fits my slide footprint? When I look, I get "modification of the Shield standard". What does this mean exactly?

Holosun optics do not use the rear recoil lugs and the holes in the front of the optic are not drilled as deep as other brands. So if you pistol with the Shield RMSc footprint has the rear lugs, those must be removed plus you will have to shorten the front lugs for a Holosun to fit correctly.

Alos,, if I have the option for a green dot, would you suggest that over red?

I suggest green. Especially if you have any kind of astigmatism. Green reticles will not "bloom" as bad as red reticles.