Let’s Talk About SightMark SM26017 Core Shot A-Spec FMS 1x 28×18 mm Obj 5 MOA Illuminated Red Dot
As a tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen a lot of red dot sights come and go. The SightMark SM26017 Core Shot A-Spec FMS 1x 28×18 mm Obj 5 MOA Illuminated Red Dot caught my eye with its promise of bridging the gap between their smaller Mini Shot and larger Ultra Shot models. It aims to offer a compact yet capable optic for serious shooters.
I was looking for a reliable and affordable red dot to mount on my AR pistol. I wanted something that wouldn’t break the bank but could still withstand the rigors of regular range use. The SightMark Core Shot seemed to fit the bill based on its specs and advertised features.
Unboxing the Core Shot, I was initially pleased with its compact size and the included riser mount. The aluminum housing felt solid, though not exceptionally premium. The matte black finish looked tactical and seemed reasonably durable at first glance.
Compared to the Holosun HS403B, a similar-priced option, the SightMark felt slightly less refined. The Sig Sauer Romeo5 also comes to mind, offering similar features, but often at a slightly higher price point. I picked the SightMark Core Shot due to its listed specifications and the promise of easy battery access.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. It wasn’t love at first sight, but I was eager to see how it performed on the range. I was hoping it would deliver on its promise of accuracy and reliability, despite some initial concerns about the build quality.
Real-World Testing: Putting SightMark SM26017 Core Shot A-Spec FMS 1x 28×18 mm Obj 5 MOA Illuminated Red Dot to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the SightMark SM26017 Core Shot A-Spec FMS 1x 28×18 mm Obj 5 MOA Illuminated Red Dot at my local outdoor shooting range. I mounted it on my AR pistol using the included riser mount. The weather was clear and sunny, around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
The initial zeroing process was straightforward, although the windage and elevation adjustments felt a bit mushy. I experienced some difficulty in getting precise adjustments. However, I was eventually able to achieve a satisfactory zero at 50 yards.
The ease of use was acceptable, but the digital switch controls felt a bit clunky compared to rotary dials I’ve used on other optics. After about 50 rounds, the red dot started flickering intermittently. This was definitely a concern.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several range sessions spanning a few months, the SightMark Core Shot’s reliability became a serious issue. The flickering issue persisted and worsened. Eventually, the optic would shut off completely after only a few rounds.
The durability was also questionable. Despite being advertised as shockproof, the optic seemed sensitive to recoil. The finish showed signs of wear and tear relatively quickly. Cleaning and maintenance were simple enough, but the reliability issues overshadowed any positives.
Compared to my experiences with other red dots from Aimpoint and Trijicon, the SightMark Core Shot fell significantly short. These other optics have proven far more durable and reliable. The SightMark Core Shot disappointed significantly in its long-term reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of SightMark SM26017 Core Shot A-Spec FMS 1x 28×18 mm Obj 5 MOA Illuminated Red Dot
Specifications
Manufacturer: SightMark. A company known for producing budget-friendly optics and accessories.
Magnification: 1x. Offers a true one-power sight picture for rapid target acquisition.
Objective Lens Diameter: 28 mm. Provides a decent field of view for its compact size.
Objective Window Size: 28×18 mm. This offers a clear view of the target area.
Reticle: Illuminated Red Dot. A standard 5 MOA red dot for aiming.
Illumination Type: LED. Uses an LED to project the red dot.
Illumination Color: Red. The most common color for red dot sights.
Brightness Settings: 10. Offers a range of brightness levels for different lighting conditions.
Eye Relief: Unlimited. Allows for flexible head positioning.
Adjustment Type: MOA. Adjustments are made in Minutes of Angle.
Adjustment Click Value: 1 MOA. Each click moves the point of impact by 1 MOA.
Emitter Type: Open. The LED emitter is exposed.
Parallax: 10 yds. Minimal parallax error at 10 yards.
Lens Material: Glass. Offers good clarity.
Optical Coating: AR Red. Reduces glare and improves light transmission.
Battery Type: CR2032. A common and readily available battery type.
Water Resistance Level: IP55. Protected against water jets.
Water Resistant Mark: 40 ft. Can withstand submersion up to 40 feet.
Shockproof: Yes. Supposedly designed to withstand recoil and impacts.
Fogproof: No. Not designed to prevent fogging.
Length: 2.3 in. Very compact size.
Width: 1.2 in. Low profile.
Height: 2.2 in. Sits relatively high with the included riser.
Weight: 4.4 oz. Lightweight and won’t add much weight to your firearm.
Mount Type: Picatinny. Compatible with Picatinny rails.
Adjustment Range: 100 MOA. Provides ample adjustment range for zeroing.
These specifications, while seemingly adequate, didn’t translate into reliable performance in my testing. The shockproof claim was particularly disappointing given the issues I encountered.
Performance & Functionality
The SightMark SM26017 Core Shot A-Spec FMS 1x 28×18 mm Obj 5 MOA Illuminated Red Dot aimed to provide a clear and easy-to-use aiming solution. However, its performance was inconsistent. The accuracy was decent when the optic was functioning correctly.
The main weakness was its unreliability. The intermittent shut-offs and flickering dot made it difficult to maintain accuracy and confidence. The 5 MOA dot was acceptable for close-to-medium-range engagements.
The optic did not meet my expectations for reliability. I expect an optic to maintain its function during normal use. The Core Shot simply didn’t deliver.
Design & Ergonomics
The SightMark Core Shot’s compact size and lightweight design were definite pluses. The aluminum housing felt reasonably solid. The external battery compartment was a convenient feature.
The digital switch controls were a bit stiff and unresponsive. There was a slight learning curve. The sight picture was clear and unobstructed.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, the SightMark Core Shot’s long-term durability is questionable. It showed signs of wear relatively quickly. The maintenance was easy.
Accessories and Customization Options
The SightMark SM26017 Core Shot A-Spec FMS 1x 28×18 mm Obj 5 MOA Illuminated Red Dot comes with a few basic accessories. These include adjustment tools, a battery, and a manual. The included riser mount is a welcome addition for AR platforms.
There aren’t many specific customization options for this optic itself. However, it is compatible with any firearm equipped with a Picatinny rail. Standard Picatinny-compatible accessories can be used.
Pros and Cons of SightMark SM26017 Core Shot A-Spec FMS 1x 28×18 mm Obj 5 MOA Illuminated Red Dot
Pros
- Affordable price point. This makes it accessible to budget-conscious shooters.
- Compact and lightweight design. Ideal for use on pistols and other small firearms.
- Included riser mount. Convenient for use on AR-platform rifles and pistols.
- External battery compartment. Easy battery changes without removing the optic.
- Decent accuracy when functioning correctly. Provides acceptable accuracy for its intended purpose.
Cons
- Unreliable performance. Intermittent shut-offs and flickering dot are major issues.
- Questionable durability. Shows signs of wear and tear relatively quickly.
- Mushy windage and elevation adjustments.
Who Should Buy SightMark SM26017 Core Shot A-Spec FMS 1x 28×18 mm Obj 5 MOA Illuminated Red Dot?
The SightMark SM26017 Core Shot A-Spec FMS 1x 28×18 mm Obj 5 MOA Illuminated Red Dot might be suitable for very budget-conscious shooters who are willing to gamble on reliability. It could potentially work for airsoft applications or as a temporary optic.
Competitive shooters or those who rely on their optics for serious applications should skip this product. The unreliability issues make it unsuitable for these purposes. A quality optic is vital in serious applications.
A higher-quality optic and a reliable mounting system would be must-have modifications. However, at that point, it would be better to invest in a better optic to begin with.
Conclusion on SightMark SM26017 Core Shot A-Spec FMS 1x 28×18 mm Obj 5 MOA Illuminated Red Dot
The SightMark SM26017 Core Shot A-Spec FMS 1x 28×18 mm Obj 5 MOA Illuminated Red Dot promises a lot on paper. It offers a compact and affordable red dot sight with decent features. However, its unreliable performance and questionable durability make it difficult to recommend.
The price is justified only if the optic functions reliably. In my experience, it didn’t.
I would not personally recommend this product based on my testing. The unreliability issues outweigh its benefits. Spend a bit more and get something that will last.