Meprolight Tru-Dot for S&W M&P Shield Fixed Self-Illuminated Tritium Handgun Sights Review

The Meprolight Tru-Dot for S&W M&P Shield Fixed Self-Illuminated Tritium Handgun Sights Made a Bold First Impression

The Meprolight Tru-Dot for S&W M&P Shield Fixed Self-Illuminated Tritium Handgun Sights promise a significant upgrade for the popular Smith & Wesson subcompact. These sights, manufactured by Meprolight, offer a self-illuminated tritium system. This means no batteries and constant visibility in low-light conditions. For a concealed carry handgun like the Shield, this is a game-changer.

I’ve always been a proponent of carrying a weapon with iron sights that I can depend on without worrying about electronics. Red dots are great, but nothing beats a reliable set of irons, especially in a defensive handgun. My aging eyes were starting to struggle with the factory sights on my M&P Shield.

Unboxing the Meprolight Tru-Dot sights revealed a robust-looking set of steel sights. They felt solid and well-made, a significant step up from the polymer sights that come standard on the Shield. The tritium vials glowed faintly, even in daylight, hinting at their nighttime potential.

I considered XS Sights’ Big Dot sights for their fast target acquisition and Trijicon HDs with their bright colored front sight outline. Ultimately, I chose the Meprolight sights for their reputation for reliability and the classic three-dot configuration. The price point of $89.99 also played a role, offering a good balance of quality and affordability. My initial impression was positive, leaning towards excitement about improving my Shield’s low-light performance.

Real-World Testing: Putting Meprolight Tru-Dot for S&W M&P Shield Fixed Self-Illuminated Tritium Handgun Sights to the Test

First Use Experience

My first range trip with the Meprolight Tru-Dot sights was to an indoor range. The reduced ambient light allowed me to immediately assess the visibility of the tritium vials. They were bright and clear, providing a distinct aiming point without being overpowering. I ran through a few drills focusing on speed and accuracy at 7, 10, and 15 yards.

The sights were easy to acquire, even during rapid-fire strings. The three-dot configuration felt intuitive and familiar. The high contrast made target acquisition and sight alignment quick and accurate.

There were no immediate issues, though I did notice the slightly different sight picture compared to the factory sights. It took a few magazines to adjust and dial in my accuracy.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of carrying my Shield with the Meprolight Tru-Dot sights installed, I can attest to their durability. There are no visible signs of wear and tear despite daily concealed carry. The tritium vials still glow brightly, providing excellent visibility in low-light conditions.

Maintenance has been minimal. I simply wipe the sights down with a clean cloth during my regular firearm cleaning. The Meprolight sights have certainly exceeded my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Meprolight Tru-Dot for S&W M&P Shield Fixed Self-Illuminated Tritium Handgun Sights

Specifications

The Meprolight Tru-Dot for S&W M&P Shield Fixed Self-Illuminated Tritium Handgun Sights are fixed, non-adjustable sights. They are designed as a direct replacement for the factory sights on the S&W M&P Shield. The sights are constructed from steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion.

The key feature is the tritium illumination. The tritium provides constant, maintenance-free illumination for up to 15 years. This eliminates the need for batteries or external light sources. The three-dot configuration (one dot on the front sight, two on the rear) is a standard and intuitive setup. This makes it easy to quickly acquire a sight picture.

The steel construction is important for durability, especially considering the Shield is often carried concealed. The tritium’s long lifespan guarantees low-light visibility for years to come.

Performance & Functionality

The Meprolight Tru-Dot sights perform exceptionally well in low-light conditions. The tritium vials provide a clear and distinct aiming point, even in near-total darkness. Accuracy is comparable to, if not better than, the factory sights, especially with the improved visibility.

The main strength of these sights is their reliability and constant illumination. There are no switches to worry about, and no batteries to replace. A slight weakness might be that the tritium can be too bright in very dark environments; however, this hasn’t been an issue in my experience. The sights meet and exceed my expectations for a defensive handgun.

Design & Ergonomics

The Meprolight Tru-Dot sights have a simple and functional design. The steel construction provides a solid and durable feel. The three-dot configuration is intuitive and easy to use, even for those unfamiliar with tritium sights.

The weight is negligible, adding virtually no noticeable difference to the overall weight of the Shield. Installation can be a bit challenging, requiring a sight pusher tool. There is a slight learning curve in getting used to the sight picture.

Durability & Maintenance

The steel construction of the Meprolight Tru-Dot sights ensures excellent durability. They are resistant to corrosion and wear, making them suitable for everyday carry. The tritium vials are sealed and protected within the steel housing.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a cloth. No special tools or solvents are necessary. These sights are built to last for years.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Meprolight Tru-Dot for S&W M&P Shield Fixed Self-Illuminated Tritium Handgun Sights are a complete set. There are no additional accessories included or necessary for their basic function. The fixed nature of these sights limits customization options.

They are not designed to be used with other aftermarket accessories such as red dot sights. However, these sights are compatible with most holsters designed for the S&W M&P Shield. You can also purchase different colored rear and front lamps from some retailers.

Pros and Cons of Meprolight Tru-Dot for S&W M&P Shield Fixed Self-Illuminated Tritium Handgun Sights