Underrated optic - Shield Sights Switchable Interface Red Dot Sight

As the owner of a broad range of red dot optics, I've spent a lot of time comparing the SIS to optics made by Trijicon, EOTech, and Sig/Holosun.

The single most important factor for this optic over others is the auto-brightness. Compared to anything else I've ever seen, on all optics made by Shield Sights, the brightness setting is based more on the light in front of the optic rather than on the light above the optic. This reduces the wash-out experienced on every other auto-adjusting optic. For some users, the auto-brightness setting may not be as bright as they prefer. For me, in dim environments, the brightness is perfect, in bright environments, I have no problem, but I have not used the optic for anything besides training. Besides that, the optic has a manual brightness setting, so it is adjustable as desired.

So far, I have had no concerns of the durability of the optic during fire or if it is dropped. The buttons are on the left side of the optic, but they are easily accessible with either hand (though they certainly favor a right-handed shooter). The mounting system is polymer and light weight. It is also modular so that the user can adjust the height during install. It is NOT a QD mount. Shield does offer an adapter plate to allow the optic to be used on Aimpoint compatible mounts (so this would add a QD option).

The center dot reticle provides the exact options that I prefer to have on a rifle for close, defensive engagement training, and it provides an effective aiming point for anyone aiming at ranges requiring precision. I don't prefer the ring dot reticle because I have an astigmatism and don't benefit much from the reticle. However, the ring dot allows for height-over-bore holdovers at close range and would be quite useful on a shotgun.

As compared to the MRO, this optic has a much smaller window, but it is a flat window which all but eliminates any image distortion and parallax. The MRO is probably more durable if you drop this rifle on a hard surface. The SIS's smaller window makes it more useful as a ghost ring.

As compared to the EOTech, because of the smaller window, the SIS would probably be more difficult to use at times when fully kitted up (but the SAS supposedly uses it). The SIS has a far longer battery life. The SIS has reticle options. Also, the EOTech is far heavier.

As compared to Holosun/Sig, the primary difference is the reticle and the auto-adjusting brightness.