Hi, would you suggest optics for my new shield plus or model? I don't like to do mods, just screw in and go Thanks!

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Guns ...

OK, at least going by the illustration and features at the S&W website......

Those iron sights don't appear to be high enough to work with an optic. Yes, you need usable iron sights, unless your pistol is a range toy only.

Did you receive mounting plates with the gun? If not, what bolt/screw hole pattern to you have? This will dictate what sights you can use. Also, the optic is going to add considerable bulk to your firearm. This may present issues in trying to conceal it. Depending upon how wide your slide is, this will also narrow the choice.

Hopefully someone who's tried it will chip in.

You might also read over: EDC and Optics?

I have a 9mm Shield Plus. Its out now at a shop getting milled for a Holosun 507K-X2 (which has a small footprint). I also have an M&P 5" Pro with a Holosun 507C-X2 (large footprint).

Have had the Holosun on the full size for a while & I like it.

mine is optics ready, i should get it this week.

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Guns ...

I am not worry about irons, I can't see them well anyway even night or bright one, red dot is extremely helpful device in my case. Also I am not co-witness believer, it contradicts idea of red dot. Most good red dots could stay years on one battery, tested and no problem here as well. I am getting pistol this week, not sure on what is there but it is OR model.

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Guns ...

If you may be using this for defensive purposes, I hope that you practice enough that you always manage to have the dot in your field of view when you snap the gun up on target. And that your faith in the red dot being 100% functional and visible isn't misplaced. I'm not that trusting.

It is actually taking more time to connect rear sight, front sight and target with your eye in one line vs just point red dot to the target and shot, assuming red dot is in zero before that. That is one of the main advantages of red dot, also dot should not be in center like with the scope.

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Guns ...

Shield plus OR is designed to use with no plates and co-witness with the night sights that come with it, the following Crimson Trace red dots;
CTS 1550 3.5 moa about $140
CT RAD 3.0 moa about $170
Both are 20,000 hours battery life
Just screw in and go

I know for a fact that one Sheriffs department is going to red dots on all its service weapons - uniformed and plain clothes. So obviously, they have trust in them.

I expect limited trust. They do have massive advantages in reduced light situations and longer range situations. However, usable irons as a backup to difficulties with the dot are still a good idea. Nay, actually a necessity. It can take considerable practice to get the dot to be visible in the window when you snap the gun up. It's entirely possible to be able to see target and irons and not the dot.

I've got an RMR type 2 on a spare slide assembly and am still working on making sure I get the dot each and every presentation.

I have trust in red dot sights. The military has brought a couple million of them, with good results. Mine will probably not see as hard of use. When taking a firearms class a few years ago. An ICE agent passed on the knowledge that if the rot fails at closer range one can line up the upper corners of the housing with the shoulders of the target and the center of mass is easy to hit.

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balin
NRA Life Member

Good tip in the last sentence, not necessarily because of dot failure. The trust issue is multiple part: sight reliability, no environmental (lint/dust on the lens & sun direction or condensation can make the dot/target invisible) issues and the biggie-having the dot instantaneously aligned with both your eye and the target. The last is a training issue and the users responsibility.

BTW, if you look at the number of RMRs vs the number of service pistols in the DOD contract (or at least the initial version), it's real clear that every troop isn't getting the optic. Think special ops.