The Hellcat is an excellent pistol for concealed carry. In my opinion, you need a red dot sight to compliment the Hellcat’s compact design and it should be small and very light. However, it can be very difficult to pick the best sight when every manufacturer claims to be the premier sight!
After rigorous testing, we have compiled a detailed list of the best Springfield Hellcat optics currently available. Read on to find out why I choose the Swampfox Sentinel as the best Hellcat red dot.
Top 5 Best Red Dots For Hellcat
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Huntershalt: #1 Pick
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- Automatic Brightness Adjustments
- Battery Saving Shake'N Awake Technology
- Withstands High Recoil
- Highly Mobile & Ultra Lightweight
- Nearly Indestructible - Polymer Glass
- High-Tech light sensor
- Many Different Brightness Settings
- Fantastic Battery Life
- Side Access Battery - Easy Replacement
1) Swampfox Sentinel
- Automatic Brightness Adjustments
- Battery Saving Shake'N Awake Technology
- Withstands High Recoil
- Bottom Access Battery
Swampfox has crafted some incredible sights, and the Sentinel is no exception. The Sentinel is made of CNC machined 7075-T6 aluminum and hard coated in matte black. This is aircraft grade aluminum that I have seen on just a few other premium optics. Swampfox is so confident in its product that they boast it will last at least 50,000 rounds. From my testing, I think that claim holds true!
Size – The Swampfox Sentinel is really small, it only weighs 0.62 oz and is 1 inch tall, 1 inch wide, and 1.6 inches long. This reminds me of many of the Canik red dots which were very small and compact.
Lens – The objective lens is 16mm and multi-coated, it is also anti-scratch and anti-fog. It is also hydrophobic, meaning it repels water away. It features a ruby red display picture and is parallax free at 100 yards with unlimited eye relief.
Reticle and Brightness Settings – The Sentinel has a 3 MOA dot, available in red and green reticle options. The brightness settings are toggleable depending on which of the two versions you have. I shoot in daylight conditions so I usually run a higher brightness.
Different Sentinel Options:
- Sentinel-A has a built-in photosensitive sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness depending on the ambient lighting conditions.
- Sentinel-M’s brightness settings are manually adjusted, depending on your own preference. It features ten different brightness settings.
Battery life – With its larger CR2032 lithium battery, Swampfox says that the Sentinel should have two years of real-world battery life. However, it is variable with the brightness settings you use. Shake awake technology is also featured on the Sentinel-M, it will preserve battery life by switching off after 4 minutes of not detecting motion. From my experience, it is comparable to the very well known HS 508t and HS 507c battery life.
Durability – The Sentinel can handle a lot, it is shockproof for up to 1500Gs and waterproof for up to 1 meter. If you still want to beef up your scope, you can purchase an additional steel cover to clip onto your red dot optic while it is mounted on your Springfield Hellcat.
Mount Type – The Sentinel can be mounted on any gun with an RMSc footprint, meaning it can be mounted on your Hellcat without any mod or additional mounting plate needed.
Price – The Sentinel A is priced slightly higher. However, in my opinion that is justified because of all the automatic adjustment features you get compared the the Sentinel B.
Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Shake’N Awake
- Easiest RMSc to install and directly fits on the Hellcat slide
- High recoil tolerance (shockproof up to 1500G)
- Manual and Automatic brightness versions are available
- Light and easily concealed
CONS:
- The battery is replaced from the bottom, you will need to detach the optic to replace the battery. After remounting, you will need to re-zero your Hellcat optic.
My experience With the swamp fox sentinel
The Sentinel is a tiny scope, which allowed easier concealment of my Hellcat. I was quite impressed with the ease of installation, no need to buy a bunch of mods as it easily fitted on my Hellcat’s slide. However, I experienced slight difficulty when aiming with the Sentinel in high LUX conditions – the reticle was a bit dim. Overall, I found it to be the current best option available as a Springfield Hellcat red dot sight.
2) Shield RMSc
- Highly Mobile & Ultra Lightweight
- Nearly Indestructible - Polymer Glass
- High-Tech light sensor
- Bottom Access Battery Unit
- Premium Pricing
Shield Sights has been around since 1996 and is renowned for producing ultra-tough light red dot sights. The Shield RMSc is definitely the smallest red dot sight on this list that I tested. It reminded me of the size and shape of the Vortex Venom and Holosun 507c red dots that I have tested in the past.
Size – The length is 1.57 inches, the width is 0.97 inches, and the height is 0.8 inches. It weighs a mere 0.61 oz.
Lens – The RMSc comes in a polymer lens as an alternative to the glass lens, which already makes it a favorite in my books. I have astigmatism and found shooting with the Shield RMSc, which has a polymer lens, very pleasing. It provides the clearest views and can withstand 10x the shock impact of glass lenses.
Reticle and Brightness Settings – The Shield RMSc has two reticle models to choose from, the 4 MOA dot reticle and the 8 MOA dot reticle. Similar to the HEX Wasp, it also features an automatic brightness adjustment system that will adjust the brightness level based on the ambient lighting conditions.
Battery life – This red dot sight has a CR2032 lithium battery and is rated to have a battery life of 3 years. Although, it is recommended to replace the battery every year.
Durability – This tiny scope is made from aluminum and can withstand the toughest conditions. Just like the RMR & Deltapoint Pro, this red dot sight is built to last. I found that the supporting side rails help to increase its durability even more. With the optional polymer lens, it can withstand a higher recoil force.
Mount Type – The RMSc, as its name suggests, has the RMSc footprint. Again, allowing you to easily mount the RMSc on your Springfield Hellcat.
Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Ultra lightweight and compact
- Polymer glass option for increased durability
- Built-in light sensor
CONS:
- Expensive
- The battery is replaced from the bottom, you will need to detach the optic to replace the battery. After remounting, you will need to re-zero your Hellcat optic.
My Experience With THE SHIELD RMSc
In my opinion, the RMSc is even better for concealment purposes than the Swampfox Sentinel. I didn’t even notice the difference when I mounted it on my Hellcat – which makes it an excellent optic for having on your daily carry Hellcat. I enjoyed shooting with it as the polymer lens helped compensate for my astigmatism.
3) Holosun HS407K X2
- Many Different Brightness Settings
- Fantastic Battery Life
- Side Access Battery - Easy Replacement
- Needs Adapter Plate For Hellcat OSP Slide
The Holosun HS407K X2 is a great red dot sight for the Hellcat and the Hellcat Pro.
Size – It is a bit larger than the RMSc, but still an excellent choice for small handgun use. It is 1.6x 0.98 x 0.95 inches. Many of the 300 Blackout red dot sights that I’ve tested were a very similar size. Small and compact is my preference for a concealed carry.
Lens – This micro red dot sight has excellent optical clarity with a multi-coated true glass lens and an objective window size of 0.58 x 0.77 inches. It has a red sight picture.
Reticle and Brightness Settings – The HS407K-X2 only comes in a 6 MOA red dot reticle. There are ten daylight brightness settings and two night vision settings. It also features a brightness lock mode to ensure you don’t change your settings by accident.
Battery life – The battery life is quite good, it can last up to 50,000 hours on setting six and also features shake awake tech. The Holosun has a CR1632 battery which can be easily replaced from the side tray.
Durability – Tough, rugged, and built to last. The Holosun is built out of 7075-T6 Aluminum, making it as tough as nails. That’s the main reason why I rated Holosun as the best Ak red dot sight that I tested.
Mount Type – Picatinny mount, unfortunately, requires an adapter plate before it can be mounted on your Hellcat.
Pros & Cons
PROS:
- 12 Brightness settings and a brightness lock mode
- Shake awake tech
- Battery replaced from side tray – no need to detach the scope
CONS:
- Requires an adapter plate before it can be used on the Hellcat OSP slide
My Experience With the Holosun HS407K X2
This company’s micro red dot sights are of excellent quality, and the HS407K-X2 is no different. I have always rated Holosun optics high on my reviews. I enjoyed this sight very much, however, it felt quite bulky compared to some of the other sights on this list. The night vision settings were a bonus and allowed me to use it with other night vision equipment, extending its use case. Overall, it is excellent, but I would prefer something else for the Hellcat.
4) Trijicon RMRcc
- Most Durable Red Dot
- Longest Battery Life
- Compact & Durable
- Adapter Plate Required
- More Expensive Than Swampfox
I love Trijicon red dot sights and did some reviews of the Trijicon RM06 RMR as well as the SRO. My overall remarks on Trijicon are excellent. The RMRcc is Trijicon’s entry-level red dot optics, the cc stands for concealed carry.
Size – The Trijicon RMRcc is 1.8 x 0.9 x 0.9 inches and weighs 1 oz, making it the biggest overall compact red dot sight on this list.
Lens – The RMRcc features the classic RMR bat-eared design allowing for a larger objective lens diameter of 13 mm. The lens is made out of a true color, multi-coated tempered glass, and provides unlimited eye relief.
Reticle and Brightness Settings – The Trijicon RMRcc has two reticle options available, the 3.25 MOA is a better aiming dot for precision, and the 6.5 MOA is a larger dot for faster target acquisition. The RMRcc has eight brightness settings, including a super bright mode and 2 night vision modes.
Battery life – The Trijicon RMRcc is designed to last four years before needing to replace the CR2032 lithium battery.
Durability – Trijicon is known for its rugged reflex sights courtesy of its bat-eared design to enhance the strength of the sight housing. Incorporating 7075-T6 aluminum, the RMRcc can withstand the toughest of conditions and is also waterproof up to 66ft.
Mount Type – Similar to the Holosun, the Trijicon also has its own unique footprint. Thus you will need an adapter mount for your Springfield Hellcat.
Price – The Trijicon RMRcc is the most expensive red dot optic on this list. If you are looking for a cheaper optic, consider looking at the Aimpoint T2 or Comp M5 red dots instead.
Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Durability is its main feature
- Extra long battery lifetime
CONS:
- Need an additional adapter mount before mounting on Hellcat
- Expensive
My Experience With Trijicon RMRcc
It has an impressive performance, it is light, compact, and easy to conceal. I felt comfortable taking on extreme outdoor challenges with this optic as it is really tough. I preferred the 3.25 MOA for its increased precision over the 6.5 MOA dot, but both are exceptionally easy to shoot with. The RMRcc is a great compact red dot, although I prefer other cheaper optics featured on this list.
5) Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro
- Great Battery Life - Shake Awake Tech
- Auto-Adjustability [Light Sensor]
- Durable - Made From High Strength Material
- Less Popular Than Other Options
The Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro is the newest addition of red dot optics on this list to hit the market and is already making headways, primarily for its toughness. In fact, just like the Holosun 507k and 407k red dots, it almost felt indestructible to me.
Size – The RAD is also a small, compact red dot sight, weighing only 1 ounce. It measures 1.7 x 1 x 1 inches
Lens – This sight features a multi-coated glass lens that is fog proof. The lens is also recessed and fully protected.
Reticle and Brightness Settings – The RAD Micro Pro features a 3 MOA dot, allowing for precision. It has a built-in ambient light sensor, adjusting the brightness based on the surrounding lighting conditions.
Battery life – Crimson Trace states that the RAD Micro Pro can last up to 10,000 hours before the CR1632 lithium battery needs to be replaced. It also has shake awake tech to optimize battery efficiency.
Durability – Crimson Trace’s engineers worked extensively to design a micro red dot sight that can withstand tremendous pounding. They took 7075-T6 Aluminum and optimized the design of the optic to reduce stress inflicted on the lens when the sight might be dropped.
Mount Type – The RAD Micro Pro is compatible with the Shield RMS and jp enterprises’ JPoint footprint, thus it can be mounted directly on your Hellcat.
Price – The RAD Micro Pro is surprisingly affordable, compared to other similar red dots like the EOTech EXPS vs XPS series. If you’re like me, price is always a major factor in a new gun accessory.
Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Shake’N Awake tech
- Light sensor
- Reinforced toughness
- Rear notch for easy alignment with front iron sights
CONS:
- Being the new kid on the block, it does not have as much experience as the other optics on this list
My Experience With THE Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro
I only fairly recently tested the Crimson Trace RAD Micro Pro, and I must say, I was impressed! Target acquisition was made easy thanks to its automatic brightness adjustment, and the 3 MOA dot allowed me to have higher precision. I prefer a different design though, all the curves and edges are not to my liking. However, it is an incredible micro red dot sight for your Hellcat.
Buyers Guide
Consider Your Guns Footprint
Before buying an optic, make sure it has the correct footprint. The optic should have a RMSc footprint, making it directly mountable on the Hellcat. If not, then you will need to purchase an adapter mount.
Pick The MOA For Your Optic
Most of the optics feature a 3 MOA or 6 MOA reticle. The smaller the MOA, the smaller the dot and the higher the precision. If you opt for a higher MOA, target acquisition speed will be in your favor.
It comes down to personal preference, for self-defense, I would go for the 6 MOA and sport shooting – the 3 MOA.
How We Rate Red Dot Sights
We test all the red dot sights and place them under real-life tests to see how well they manage. Their rating is decided based on the following criteria:
- Mounting – Is the mounting universal, or will I need to buy adapter plates before it can be fitted on a certain gun? How much do these adapter plates cost?
- Durability – How well will the red dot sight cope with severe weather conditions? Is it shockproof, and from what material is it made? All these red dot sights are made from high-grade aluminum, so they are all equal. However, some utilize the aluminum better in terms of design, creating stronger housing.
- Sight Picture and Accuracy – How easy is it to look through the sight and see my target with variable ambient lighting conditions? Is the lens fog proof? What type of lens is it, a lens with a polymer body is much better for lens clarity.
- Value – Is the optic reasonably priced compared to its competitors? Does it have features that justify the price?
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a Holosun 507c fit a Hellcat OSP?
Can you mount a Holosun 507K on a Hellcat?
Can you dry fire a Hellcat?
Is Hellcat the best concealed carry gun?
Is the Hellcat hard to shoot?
The Bottom Line
All five of these sights are excellent when used as Springfield Hellcat optics. I am eager to see how the Crimson Trace will perform in the coming years, as experience is its only predominant shortcoming. However, the Swampfox Sentinel is definitely the winner due to its compact design, the multitude of model options, and great value at the low price of $200.
- Automatic Brightness Adjustments
- Battery Saving Shake'N Awake Technology
- Withstands High Recoil
- Bottom Access Battery
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