Shield SMS in detail

Shield SMS is a sturdy polymer red dot designed for pistols. In this article we will cover the second genration of this red dot (Shield SMS 2.0). In this article we provide you with all details about the optic, its compatibility, etc. It is not review as such, instead we put all valuable information into this post so that you can decide yourself whether this optic device will work for you or not.

Mounting compatibility

Compatibility of red dots is solve by a footprint.

What does footprint stand for? Well as any other footprint, in this case also footprint tells us what does the bottom of the red dot look like.

With that information we will understand what kind of mounting device we have to use in order to fit the red dot. I.e. what is the positoin of the pins and screw holes of the red dot so that we can mount it.

Why is it important? It is one thing to get the best red dot, but it can be another thing to be able to mount the red dot to the gun you want. Luckily, most of the manufacturers share 4 or 5 main types of footprints to accomodate its red dots.

Shield RMS footprint

Shield RMS footprint (by which we mean also Shield RMS 2) is the same footprint as Shield RMSc. Thanks to that you can install this red dot to any mounting device that uses the Shield RMSc footprint – whether red dot mount or red dot plate.

*Shield RMSc footprint standard has 4 sockets, so that the mounting device shall have 4 pins. Technically it is also possible to use footprint from Holosun K-series as they use only 2 pins, but those two pins are in the exact same location*

If you wonder which other red dots share the Shield RMSc footprint, and thus can use the very same mounting devices as Shield RMS (incl Shield RMS 2), check this article: Shield RMSc footprint standard.

Shield RMS footprint consists of four sockets – two in the front corners and two in the rear corners. The sockets will fit into the pins on the matching mounting device. The red dot is then further fixed to the mounting device through two screws for which the footprint has two holes in the middle.

Screws for mounting of the red dot to the plate are always included in the red dot package.

Dimensions

Shield SMS is in size very similar to Shield RMSc but the body is made of durable polymer instead of aluminium. Although you cannot feel the different material in the weight (polymer SMS is similar weight as aluminium RMSc), you can feel it in the price tag. The polymer SMS 2.0 model is considerably cheaper.

Other than Shield you can also find other manufacturers with red dot of this subcompact size – for example Holosun K-series (Holosun 507K, Holosun 407K or Holosun EPS Carry).

The dimensions of the red dot are following:

Length: 42mm / 1.7 in
Width: 25mm / 1.0 in
Height: 23mm / 0.9 in
Weight: 17.5g / 0.61 oz

Compared to the K-series red dots the Shield RMS is only available in red color. On the other hand, the SMS comes in two variants. You can choose either 4 MOA dot version or 8 MOA dot version. See more on the idea behind MOA dot size here.

Downloads

You can download the Shield SMS 2.0 guide here.

Frequently asked questions

You may be looking for answers to one of these questions. For each find the answer below.

What footprint is the Shield SMS?

Shield SMS uses Shield RMSc footprint standard.

How to change reticle on Shield SMS?

Shield SMS does not have switchable reticles.

How to adjust Shield SMS?

For elevation adjustment you have to use the elevation screw on the right side of the red dot.

For windage adjustment you have to use the windage screw on the top of the tail of the red dot.

How to zero Shield SMS?

For adjustment of the red dot use the mini dial and adjust accordingly. One click is 1/4 MOA.

How to change battery in Shield RMS?

For change of the battery in SMS you will need to demount the red dot. The battery is on the bottom of the sight and thus removal from the gun is necessary.

Once the red dot is deinstalled you will find the battery easy to replace by simply removing it.

The battery is CR2032.

Technical data

Light Source: Red light emitting diode (LED) No laser; completely eye safe No radioactive materials
Red Dot Size Options: 4 MOA dot 8 MOA dot
Lens: Reflex x1 (no magnification)
Lens Coating: New Hard Coating, Anti-reflection No coloured coating, minimises visible signature
Battery: One 3V lithium battery, CR2032
Battery Life: 2 to 3 years – average use >4 years – dark storage
Brightness Adjustment: Automatic
Brightness Range: Lowest – Compatible with Night Vision: Highest – Visible against the sky in bright daylight
Battery Fitting: Underneath.
Housing material: Nylon Glass Filled Polymer
Colour: Matte black
Dimensions: Sight only (Length x width x height) 42 x 23 x 22 mm 1.7 x 1.0 x 0.9 inches
Weight: 17.50 grams / 0.617 ounces inc Battery
Mount: A wide range of mounts are available. Fits exsisting RMS/SMS mounts.

Lens cleaning

When cleaning your Shield Sight, the lens needs to be prepared and cleared of any debris before the cleaning process can begin in order to avoid scratching the lens.

We recommend using compressed air to blow away debris rather than wiping the lens. This can be in a form of an aerosol-can, that can be purchased online.

Once you are happy that your lens is clear of debris, hot soapy water is the most effective solution to clean the lens. Household washing up liquid is sufficient. Using a Q-tip, dip the end in the solution and gently start wiping the lens discarding the Q-tip after each full rotation to ensure residue is not spread across the lens. We recommend starting around the edges of the lens working the way in to the centre.

This process can be used for both glass and polymer lenses