Shield RMSd Red Dot Sight Review

January 22nd, 2024

6:04 runtime

In today’s article, Dan Abraham reviews the new Shield RMSd red dot sight. This is a new optic that features an aluminum housing, high-impact acrylic lens and your choice of 4- or 8-MOA dots. The sight was provided for review to the author by Shield Sights.

Shield Sights have been producing pistol reflex optics for years and set the standard for the RMS footprint that has been adopted by many pistol reflex optic producers. Shooters trust and appreciate the strong build construction and the crisp and accurate red dot of Shield optics.

In this photo, the author shows the battery drawer that is open on the Shield RMSd optic. The red dot sight is direct mounted to the slide of the Springfield Hellcat Pro. This is a micro red dot sight (also known as a micro RDS) that is parallax free and can withstand greater impact shock than standard glass optics with its hard dip coasted acrylic optic. This helps make it perfect for concealed carry. — The Shield RMSd, shown here, was tested by the author on a Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro 9mm pistol. The new battery drawer makes maintaining the red dot sight easy.

However, there was a missing component within the Shield Sights line of pistol reflex optics. Namely, they required the optic to be removed when changing the battery. Not only did this create an additional step for a battery swap, but in most cases the reflex optic would need to be re-sighted in when reinstalled.

What’s the Answer?

Enter the new Shield Sights RMSd. The Shield RMSd was inspired from the feedback received from customers. In response, Shield Sights created the RMSd with a side-loading battery compartment. The “D” in the RMSd stands for “drawer”.

Shown in this photo is the Hellcat Pro with the Shield RMSd and its 4 MOA red dot ready for testing on the range. Compact enough to be unobtrusive on any firearm, the RMSd is resilient enough to endure extreme recoil and so lightweight that its presence is barely noticeable. Crafted from durable aerospace-grade aluminum, it features an ultra-responsive automatic brightness adjustment that seamlessly adapts to varying environmental conditions, enabling you to focus solely on your target. — The RMSd mini red dot sight direct mounts to the slide of the Hellcat Pro. This feature of the pistol allows you to bring the aiming dot closer in line with the bore of the pistol.

The drawer sits on the right side of the optic and offers the user a quick and simple way to change the battery without the need to remove the optic from the pistol.

The Details

The Shield RMSd is a parallax-free red dot offered with either a poly lens or a glass lens. The sight body is made from aerospace grade aluminum and has an anodized matte black finish. The optic provides auto-brightness adjustment and is available with either a 4 MOA or an 8 MOA red dot. It uses a CR1632 battery which has an average lifespan of two years.

The Process

Shield Sights stepped away from the traditional “screw-in” battery compartment and developed a quicker and easier way to swap the battery.

The author handles the Hellcat Pro pistol in this photo. Mounted on the slide is the new Shield RMSd red dot sight that he is reviewing in this article. Its convenient quick-release battery compartment, accessible from the side, allows for hassle-free battery replacement without the need to remove the sight from the firearm. — The Shield RMSd red dot sight uses the same mounting footprint as the Springfield Micro optics footprint. This makes attaching the sight simple.

There is a hole located on the left side of the optic near the lens. By using the included hex key mounting wrench, simply insert the wrench into the hole and push out the drawer tray on the opposite end of the optic.

With a little pressure, the opposite-side drawer will protrude and can be pulled out in the matter of seconds. Install a fresh CR1632 battery and push the tray back to its seated position and the swap is complete. Watch the above video for details.

What’s in the Case?

Shield Sights offers everything needed for the reflex optic install and sight in process. The optic is protected by a removable rubber cover that works well when transporting the pistol/optic combination.

In this photo, you can see the battery compartment on the right side of the Shield RMSd. You can swap batteries without removing the optic from the pistol. The brightness adjustment on the RMSd is another standout feature. It automatically adjusts to the ambient light conditions. This range includes a lowest setting compatible with night vision devices and a highest setting that remains visible against the sky in bright daylight. This adaptability is crucial for a concealed carry optic, as it ensures optimal visibility in all lighting conditions. — In this photo, you can see the battery compartment on the right side of the Shield RMSd. You can swap batteries without removing the optic from the pistol.

There are two hex key wrenches. The larger hex wrench is for mounting the optic and pushing out the battery tray, and the smaller hex wrench is for adjusting the red dot reticle. Also included is a mini dial that some people find helpful when sighting in. There is an optional mounting plate and two sets of screws with different heights depending on the user’s needs. Finally, a cleaning cloth and paperwork is also included in the case.

Shown in this photo is the author's self-defense pistol with the Shield RMSd and its packaging. The exterior housing of the RMSd is made from aerospace-grade aluminum, and it's finished in a matte black color. This not only gives it a sleek, professional look but also ensures durability and resistance to the wear and tear of daily carry. In terms of size and weight, the RMSd is incredibly compact and lightweight. Measuring just 42 x 25 x 23 mm (1.7 x 1.0 x 0.9 inches) and weighing only 17.5 grams (0.61 ounces), it adds negligible bulk to a personal protection pistol. — Shield uses a rugged aluminum housing for the Shield RMSd sight. This should give it enough strength to withstand most impacts it might experience when carried for self-defense.

I mounted the optic on the Springfield Hellcat Pro Threaded. I decided to go with a direct mount while using the shorter screws. From what I can tell, the 4 MOA red dot is perfectly aligned with the Hellcat Pro’s sights.

I like the way the Shield optics have a cut-out in the rear of the sight body for a clear view of the pistol’s sights. This feature not only aids in the sight-in process, but also allows the shooter to access the iron sights in the case of a dead battery.

Range Time

The Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro Threaded and the Shield RMSd did everything just right. With minimal adjustments to the Shield reflex red dot and the supreme performance of the Hellcat Pro, ringing steel was precise and enjoyable.

In this photo, the author is testing the red dot on the shooting range while shooting his Springfield Armory 9mm pistol. The lens of the RMSd is a reflex type with 1x magnification, ensuring a clear, true-to-life view. The low parallax and the coatings — Si02 Quartz and anti-reflection — enhance the clarity without any colored tint. It can be used on many other guns like the offerings from Glock, SIG Sauer and Smith & Wesson. The red dot performs well on the Springfield. — The author tested the RMSd on the range. Ensuring a red dot will work during shooting should be considered a minimum standard for anything used for self-defense.

The Shield RMSd was as fine a red dot as the other Shield Sights I own. The red dot was clear, the adjustments were crisp and the housing was strong and durable. I truly enjoyed my range time with the handgun/optic combination.

Conclusion

The standout feature with the RMSd is the simple battery-swap function. The new mechanism is unlike what I’ve seen on any optic I have used as there is no need for a small flathead screwdriver to open a side battery compartment. Simply by using the hex wrench included or a punch, the battery drawer can be opened to swap the CR1632 battery in seconds.

Shield Sight found a way to make an existing optic superior with the “drawer” feature. I believe the Shield RMSd will sell very well for Shield Sights. MSRP for the poly lens model is $399.99, and the glass lens model is priced at $429.99.

Editor’s Note: Please be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the “Go To Forum Thread” link below to jump in!

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Springfield Armory® recommends you seek qualified and competent training from a certified instructor prior to handling any firearm and be sure to read your owner’s manual. These articles and videos are considered to be suggestions and not recommendations from Springfield Armory. The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Springfield Armory.

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Dan Abraham

Dan "TheFireArmGuy" Abraham is a gun enthusiast, collector and 2A advocate. Sending a strong 2A message and showcasing firearms is a passion for him. He enjoys featuring firearms that suit the "working man." Dan believes firearm ownership is an essential American value. Understanding that firearms are not a "one size fits all," Dan offers gun reviews that help the reader choose the best fit for them. Within his reviews, the reader will observe the gun's features, specifications, shooting impressions and best applications. He attempts to be informative, concise with "no fluff" and on point.