Meprolight FT Bullseye S&W M&P Shield Fixed Rear Tritium/Fiber Handgun Sight Review

First Thoughts on the Meprolight FT Bullseye S&W M&P Shield Fixed Rear Tritium/Fiber Handgun Sight

The Meprolight FT Bullseye S&W M&P Shield Fixed Rear Tritium/Fiber Handgun Sight promises a revolutionary approach to pistol aiming. Meprolight claims this sight combines the best of both worlds: fiber optic for bright daylight conditions and tritium for reliable low-light performance. It’s a bold claim, and as a seasoned tactical gear specialist, I was eager to see if it lives up to the hype.

I’ve always been on the lookout for sight systems that enhance target acquisition speed. My aging eyes aren’t what they used to be. Traditional iron sights on compact pistols like the Shield can be challenging in dynamic situations.

The package arrived well-protected. Upon opening, I immediately noticed the sight’s compact design and the vibrant green fiber optic insert. The build quality seemed solid, with no visible imperfections. It’s noticeably lighter than the factory rear sight it was destined to replace.

I considered other options like red dot sights. But I wanted something less bulky and that didn’t require batteries. I also considered traditional tritium night sights, but the fiber optic element appealed to me for daytime use. The Meprolight FT Bullseye S&W M&P Shield Fixed Rear Tritium/Fiber Handgun Sight seemed like the perfect compromise, if it worked as advertised.

My initial reaction was excitement tempered with a bit of skepticism. The concept is brilliant, but the proof would be in the performance. I couldn’t wait to install it and head to the range.

Real-World Testing: Putting Meprolight FT Bullseye S&W M&P Shield Fixed Rear Tritium/Fiber Handgun Sight to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Meprolight FT Bullseye S&W M&P Shield Fixed Rear Tritium/Fiber Handgun Sight was at my local outdoor shooting range. It was a sunny afternoon, perfect for evaluating the fiber optic performance. I started at 7 yards, then moved back to 15.

The sight picture was instantly different. Instead of aligning front and rear sights, you simply superimpose the illuminated dot onto the circle. It’s an incredibly intuitive system, and my target acquisition speed improved dramatically. I had to adjust my grip slightly because I’m used to using the front sight post on the shield but the learning curve was small.

The weather was clear, but there was some glare coming off the backstop. Even with the glare, the fiber optic was bright and clear. There were no issues.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Meprolight FT Bullseye S&W M&P Shield Fixed Rear Tritium/Fiber Handgun Sight, I’ve grown to appreciate its reliability. It has become my EDC. I’ve put several hundred rounds downrange with the sight installed.

I’ve noticed no signs of wear and tear. The tritium is still glowing brightly in low light. I did a quick cleaning of the slide when I got home from the range, and wiped down the sight. The Meprolight sight cleaned easily and quickly.

Compared to the factory sights, the Meprolight FT Bullseye is a significant upgrade in terms of speed and visibility. It’s easier to acquire the target in varying light conditions. I’m much more confident in my ability to quickly and accurately engage targets.

Breaking Down the Features of Meprolight FT Bullseye S&W M&P Shield Fixed Rear Tritium/Fiber Handgun Sight

Specifications

The Meprolight FT Bullseye S&W M&P Shield Fixed Rear Tritium/Fiber Handgun Sight is designed specifically for the S&W M&P Shield. It uses a combination of fiber optic technology for daytime visibility and tritium illumination for nighttime or low-light conditions. The sight is a fixed rear sight.

It replaces the factory rear sight and requires no modification to the slide. It has an approximate weight of just a few ounces. The sight body is constructed from durable steel, offering good resistance to impact and recoil.

These specifications are important because they contribute to the sight’s ease of use and reliability. The compact design ensures it doesn’t interfere with concealed carry. The steel construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of daily use.

Performance & Functionality

The Meprolight FT Bullseye S&W M&P Shield Fixed Rear Tritium/Fiber Handgun Sight performs exceptionally well in its intended role. It dramatically increases target acquisition speed. Accuracy is excellent once you become accustomed to the sight picture.

The primary strength is its intuitive design. Superimposing the dot in the circle simplifies the aiming process. The main weakness is that it takes some getting used to if you’re accustomed to traditional iron sights. Once you train with it, the speed and accuracy benefits become clear.

It exceeds my expectations. I wanted a sight that offered improved visibility and faster target acquisition without the bulk and complexity of a red dot sight. The Meprolight FT Bullseye delivers on both fronts.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Meprolight FT Bullseye S&W M&P Shield Fixed Rear Tritium/Fiber Handgun Sight is impressive. The steel construction feels robust and durable. It adds minimal weight to the slide.

The design is relatively user-friendly, though it takes some practice. The lack of a traditional front sight to align can be initially disorienting. With a few range sessions, most shooters will adapt quickly.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel construction suggests that the Meprolight FT Bullseye S&W M&P Shield Fixed Rear Tritium/Fiber Handgun Sight will last for many years. The tritium inserts have a rated lifespan of 10-12 years. Maintenance is simple: occasional cleaning with a soft cloth is all that’s required.

Repair should never be needed under normal circumstances, but the design is simple so replacement will be easy. The fiber optic is bright and protected well within the circle of the sight.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Meprolight FT Bullseye S&W M&P Shield Fixed Rear Tritium/Fiber Handgun Sight is a standalone sight and doesn’t require any additional accessories to function. The key customization option is choosing the right sight height for your shooting style and ammunition. You might have to swap out your front sight to get the right configuration for your handgun.

It’s compatible with most holsters designed for the S&W M&P Shield. Some extremely tight-fitting holsters may need slight modification to accommodate the sight.

Pros and Cons of Meprolight FT Bullseye S&W M&P Shield Fixed Rear Tritium/Fiber Handgun Sight