Sightmark Mini Shot Reflex Sight

I loved the idea of having a small red dot for my AR15 as a secondary close quarters sight, and the price was right so I gave it a try. Out of the box the battery was dead (it came with an extra) so I replaced the battery and it was fine... for about a week and it was dead! I went through a total of three batteries in three weeks. It was hardly even turned on in that time. I returned it for a refund not sure if I wanted to try another. I contacted sightmark to find out more about the problem and they were very nice and helpful. They said there have been problems like that in the past, but it was taken care of now. So, I decided to try another one. When I received it in the mail, the switch was broken off in the package! Frustrated, I returned it and decided to save up and buy a Burris FastFire II. I did have the same problem as the other reviewer in that the dot is too bright and does not change in varying lights. The FastFire works like it is supposed to in that respect...Read more

The intensity of the dot is supposed to be controlled by the electric eye at the front of the sight. It doesn't work well though. At dusk, the dot is too bright and it flares, in bright daylight, it's not bright enough, and it's really hard to find the dot. I tried taping over the eye, to make the dot brighter, and it didn't help any.

The sight is compatible with Doctor sight mounts. It seems to be made of aluminum, with steel for the adjustment mechanisms. The lens, or window, or whatever you call it, is glass. I'm not sure that the electronics can stand up to much recoil or abuse.

It might work okay if you only shoot at indoor ranges, but I sent mine back and got a Burris FastFire. The FastFire is a lot more expensive, but it works a lot better, and the electronics seem more secure in the housing.

I received the Sightmark and put it on one of my pistols. Went to the range shot about 75 rds. The sight itself was great once sighted in. When I cleaned the gun I noticed the sight was loose. When I mount a scope I use a Wheeler Fat wrench and tightened to 12 to 15 ft. lbs. 2nd trip to the range I shot about 50 rds. when the sight started loosening again after inspection the screw had stripped and it is no longer usable. I have returned it for a refund.