This review seeks to offer a comprehensive examination of the best red dots for Hellcat firearms.
The objective is to assist shooters in making well-informed choices when selecting a sight that optimally complements the Hellcat’s capabilities, emphasizing precision, reliability, and an improved overall shooting experience.
The Springfield Hellcat has rapidly gained widespread popularity within Springfield’s firearm lineup, and rightfully so.
This pistol stands out for its robust build, remarkable ammunition capacity, unwavering reliability, and ample opportunities for modifications and enhancements. Notably, it offers a pre-cut slide, accommodating easy installation of a red dot sight.
Top 6 Best Red Dots For Hellcat
- HEX Wasp
- Shield Sights SMSc
- Crimson Trace RAD Micro
- Holosun 507K X2
- Swampfox Sentinel
- Trijicon RMRcc
1. HEX Wasp
Opting for the HEX Wasp proves to be the optimal choice when seeking a red dot optic specifically crafted to seamlessly integrate with the Hellcat.
Engineered by Springfield Armory, the HEX line of optics comprises robust reflex sights, thoughtfully designed to match the dimensions and aesthetics of the company’s firearms – the Wasp being a prime illustration.
Mounted directly onto the Hellcat OSP slide, the HEX Wasp ensures a sleek, low-profile fit.
Its integration with the relief cut at the rear allows for a co-witness with the factory U-Dot sights, enhancing overall accuracy.
Crafted from 6061-T6 aluminum with a hard coat anodized finish, the Wasp’s body not only withstands daily wear and tear but also boasts corrosion resistance and a waterproof capability of up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
In contrast to inferior optics, the HEX Wasp prioritizes optical clarity, employing impact-resistant glass. The lens features coatings that render it both scratch- and glare-resistant.
Boasting a 3.5 MOA red dot, the aiming dot’s brightness is automatically adjusted by a sensor to match ambient conditions, ensuring constant visibility without delays when acquiring targets.
With an estimated two-year battery life under regular use, the Wasp proves itself as a reliable companion.
Pros
- Extended battery life, coupled with an auto-brightness feature, ensures prolonged usage.
- Clear lens with scratch-resistant properties
- Durable construction
- 3.5 MOA dot reticle.
- The low-profile design allows effective co-witnessing with the Hellcat.
- Waterproof
- Easy and compatible mounting with the Hellcat OSP model.
Cons
- No manual brightness control option
2. Shield Sights SMSc
The Shield Sights SMSc stands out as a polymer-bodied iteration of the aluminum Shield RMSc, making it a fitting choice for the Hellcat with its micro-sized design.
Recognized as one of the initial micro-sized sights introduced to the market, the SMSc has gained popularity, frequently finding its place on Hellcat pistols.
Constructed with a polymer body, the SMSc achieves a commendable balance between lightweight construction and durability.
Its internal LED projects a 4 MOA aiming dot onto a quartz-coated polymer lens, facilitating swift target acquisition.
Engineered for constant readiness, the SMSc operates in a continuous-on mode, maintaining preparedness at all times. An automatic brightness adjustment system ensures that the aiming point remains sufficiently bright in varying lighting conditions.
Powered by a single CR2032 battery, the unit boasts an estimated two to three years of functionality, though the dot is often minimally powered during typical carry and storage
Pros
- A clear, parallax-free lens
- Sturdy construction ensures durability.
- Long battery life for extended usage.
- Auto-adjusting brightness
- Versatility with a choice between 4 MOA or 8 MOA dot reticle.
- Flawless compatibility with Hellcat’s RMSc footprint.
- Options for both glass and polymer lenses are available.
Cons
- The polymer lens might slightly compromise clarity.
3. Trace RAD Micro
The RAD Micro is a paragon of ruggedness and reliability. Its sight housing is expertly crafted from 7075 Aluminum, ensuring its durability.
The design also incorporates a square top shape with specific angles, bolstering its resistance to impact.
Moreover, it boasts waterproofing, capable of submersion in up to 1 meter of water.
The RAD Micro Pro delivers on the battery life front, offering an extended runtime of approximately 40,000 hours.
It comes equipped with an auto shut-off feature and a shake-to-wake function, both contributing to preserving battery life. When the time comes for a battery change, the top-accessible battery compartment makes the process swift and hassle-free.
It features a 3 MOA dot reticle, falling within the 2-3.5 MOA range that’s often favored for its balance of tracking and precise aiming.
Incorporating the innovative CT Radiant system, the Crimson Trace RAD Pro boasts an ambient light sensor that seamlessly fine-tunes the reticle’s brightness without manual intervention.
Pros
- Auto shut-off feature and a shake-to-wake function
- Long battery life
- Versatile 3 MOA dot reticle
- Quick installation and sighting in
- Water-proof
- Easy to adjust
- Red dot bright
- Effective ambient light sensor
- Affordable
Cons
- Might be ineffective in very low-light conditions
4. Holosun 507K X2
The Holosun HS507K X2 stands out as a versatile and innovative red dot sight specifically designed for slimline subcompact pistols such as the Springfield Hellcat.
Crafted from 7075-T6 aluminum, the HS507K X2 boasts exceptional toughness, with an anodized finish for added protection.
A key feature is the Multiple Reticle System (MRS), offering options like a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, and the Circle Dot Reticle. Seamless reticle switching during tests allowed quick adaptation to different shooting scenarios.
With an impressive battery life of over 50,000 hours, the HS507K X2 features a side-mounted tray design for the 1632 battery, enabling quick and hassle-free replacements.
An added practical innovation is the button lock feature, allowing users to secure their preferred brightness setting and prevent accidental adjustments.
Pros
- Perfectly compatible with Springfield Hellcat
- Multiple Reticle System
- Long battery life
- Shake Awake feature
- Strong 7075-T6 aluminum construction
- Button lock
- Waterproof and impact-resistant design
Cons
- Somewhat more substantial in size when tailored for subcompact pistols
5. Swampfox Sentinel
Swampfox, an emerging company worth exploring if you haven’t already, presents the Sentinel, a micro red dot impeccably designed to complement the Hellcat.
In crafting the Sentinel, Swampfox employs premium materials and cutting-edge construction techniques.
The body is precision-machined from 7075-T6 aluminum, featuring a durable hard coat finish.
Optimal optic clarity is achieved through an LED emitter paired with a genuine glass lens.
A multi-coating on the glass serves to minimize fogging, repel water, and enhance scratch resistance—an advantageous feature for a Springfield Hellcat red dot.
Swampfox offers two Sentinel models; one with manual controls and the constant-on model that automatically adjusts the brightness of the 3 MOA aiming dot based on ambient lighting conditions, thanks to a light sensor.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Durable
- 3 MOA dot reticle
- True glass lens with multi-coatings for clarity
- Optional steel cover for added protection
- Compatible with Hellcat’s RMSc footprint
- Choice of manual or auto brightness models
Cons
- Slight bulkiness due to the steel cover
6. Trijicon RMRcc
Trijicon stands as a trusted name in the optics realm, renowned for producing robust night sights, military rifle optics, and battle-tested products.
Their recent entry into the micro red dot sight market, the RMRcc, builds upon the success of the highly popular RMR line of handgun optics.
Trijicon assures exceptional durability and a lifetime of service with the RMRcc.
Although the optic’s footprint doesn’t align with the Hellcat OSP’s slide cut, Trijicon provides a solution in the form of an adapter mount that fits into the rear sight’s dovetail slot.
The RMRcc is available in two versions featuring 3.25 MOA and 6.5 MOA aiming dots, both functioning identically.
Employing a constant-on design, the RMRcc offers eight brightness settings, including two suitable for night-vision equipment.
According to the company’s testing, a single CR2032 battery is expected to power the sight for over four years in a medium setting.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Durability
- Two reticle size options (3.25 and 6.5 MOA)
- Waterproof
- Proprietary footprint for a customized fit
- Eight brightness settings, including night vision modes
- Secure mounting with an adapter
Cons
- An adapter mount for Hellcat OSP needed
- Higher price point than other micro red dots
Conclusion
This overview has highlighted the leading red dots available for the widely favored Hellcat. The diverse options presented here cater to various budgets and preferences, elevating the already impressive performance of the Hellcat to new heights.
After a thorough assessment of different red dot sights, it’s evident that each choice brings unique strengths, appealing to different user needs.
In my evaluation, the HEX Wasp emerges as the top pick. This preference is grounded in its seamless integration with the Hellcat, sturdy construction, and a well-balanced blend of technical excellence and practical usability.