Which red dot sight shares the same footprint as the Shield RMSc optics? In this article we will go through the complete list. We also cover the modification of RMSc pattern.
RMSc footprint dimensions
The RMSc optics footprint standard consists of four sockets in the corners of the sight and of two screw holes in the rear of the sight.
The distance between front and rear sockets is exactly 32,8mm (1.29 inches).
The distance between the sockets in the front (and the sockets for rear recoil lugs as well) is then 17mm (0.66 inches).
The screw holes are positioned in the rear part of the optic device. These function for fixation of the sight to the mounts. These two screw holes are 14mm / 0.55 inches far from each other.
List of RMSC footprint optics
Shield RMSc pattern is very popular for subcompact red dot sight manufacturers: Vector Optics, ADE, JP Enterprises, Sig Sauer, UTG, Swampfox or Sightmark. And foremostly wide production line of Shield red dots optics.
Every year there are more and more red dot sights with the RMSc pattern. That allows you to mount the optic using the same mounting device as for RMSc standard.
Below you can find a complete list of current red dots sharing the same mounting pattern:
- ADE Advanced Optics RD3-018 Spike
- ADE Advanced Optics RD3-021 Nuwa
- JP Enterprises JPoint
- Shield AMS
- Shield SMS
- Shield SMS 2.0
- Shield SMSc
- Shield RMS
- Shield RMS 2
- Shield RMSc
- Shield RMSd
- Shield RMSw
- Shield RMSx
- Sig Sauer Romeo Zero
- Sightmark Mini Shot A-Spec M3
- Swampfox Sentinel 1×16
- UTG OP3 Mini Micro
- Vector Optics Frenzy-S 1x16x22
- Vector Optics Frenzy-S 1x17x24 MIC
See the up-to-date list of compatible red dots at the Shield RMSc footprint standard page here.
Red dot mounts using the same footprint
There are many options how to mount the red dot to your pistol. Below we go through all of the possible methods.
Plates
These are to be used for optics ready (MOS) pistols.
These guns have their slide milled already from production. The cut in the slide is usually universal and therefore its necessary to use additional plate to accomodate the red dot sight to the cut.
As the Shield rmsc pattern is quite popular among shooters, you can find easily adapter plate for any optics ready pistols out there on the market.
Mounts
Another option is a red dot mount. Based on the mounting surface, there are two types of these.
Picatinny mounts
Mounts for picatinny base are designed for installation to picatinny rails. Picatinny mounts will also work on weaver rails.
Mounts as rear sight replacements
There are also many mounts designed to replace rear sight on a pistol. They have a base shaped in the same type as the dovetail of a gun. Once you remove the sight from its position, you can just replace it with the mount and it will work as a mounting device for the optics.
There are different dovetail mounts for different footprints as well as for different handguns.
Slide milled
Third option is to have a milled slide. This option works for standard pistols and offers quite unique sight features. You can decide in iwhich position you want to have the cut for shield rmsc footprint. Also you can choose whether there shall be place for sights to cowitness, etc.
Big benefit is that you do not need any additional plates or mounts because the red dot just fits into the cut.
On the negative side though, once you modify your gun this way, you usually lose warranty as it is a permanent change of the pistol. Thus such operation is on your own risk.
Most popular red dots with Shield rmsc footprint
Although the Shield RMSc base is shared by many sights, some are most popular. Below we consider the 2 most popular red dots with the Shield RMSc pattern.
Shield RMS
The Shield RMS (Reflex Mini Sight) is the second most popular red dot sight from british family company Shield. It also uses the same Shield RMSc footprint standard.
The body of the red dot is made of aerospace-grade aluminum, making sure that you run out of ammo, you can throw the red dot itself and it will still work. The aluminium body also makes it perfect fit to any metalic pistol.
Battery life of the sight is in average longer than 4 years, and the battery itself is easily approachable from the side. You do not need to demount the red dot to change the battery.
Check the current availability of Shield RMS optics here.
Sig Sauer Romeo Zero
Sig Romeo Zero is one of the most popular red dots overall, regardless of the Shield RMSc footprint.
It is made in subcompact dimensions yet in ultra rugged style. The body is made of extremely durable polymer with texture on the sides. This makes it possible to draw the slide just by holding the red dot itself.
For the polymer body, Sig was able to make this red dot also with very attractive price tag.
Check out the current price offerings of Sig Romeo Zero here.
Modified RMSc footprint
Some red dots from Holosun use a variation of the RMSc footprint. And because they make already quite a few red dots using this footprint, we call it already a separate footprint standard: Holosun K footprint.
This K series footprint is a modification of the RMSc pattern.
What is different? The K-series pattern does not use the rear lugs and the front lugs are shorter.
If you have a mount for Shield RMSc footprint but need to mount a device with the Holosun K series pattern (as red dot sights listed below), you can either modify the mount by yourself, or you can use an adapter plate.
Optics using the Holosun K footprint
- Holosun 407K
- Holosun 407K X2
- Holosun 507K
- Holosun 507K X2
- Holosun EPS
- Holosun EPS Carry
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