Springfield Armory GE5077STNDRET Hex Dragonfly Red Dot Reflex Sight Springfield Review

Let’s Talk About Springfield Armory GE5077STNDRET Hex Dragonfly Red Dot Reflex Sight Springfield

The Springfield Armory GE5077STNDRET Hex Dragonfly Red Dot Reflex Sight Springfield is a versatile optic designed to enhance target acquisition on pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Manufactured by Springfield Armory, it aims to provide users with a durable and reliable red dot sight for various shooting applications. With its manual brightness adjustment, anti-glare lens, and compatibility with the Springfield Standard Footprint (Vortex Venom / Burris Fastfire), the Hex Dragonfly promises lightning-fast target acquisition and improved accuracy.

As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless red dot sights come and go. My primary need was a reliable, easy-to-use optic for my Springfield XD-M Elite OSP pistol. I had heard mixed reviews, so I wanted to determine if the Hex Dragonfly was a worthwhile addition to my arsenal, or just another overhyped accessory.

The Hex Dragonfly arrived in a simple, yet functional package. My first impression was that it felt solid, though perhaps a bit bulky for a pistol red dot. The black anodized finish looked clean and the glass lens appeared clear and scratch-resistant. Compared to a Holosun 507k, which is more compact and feature-rich, or a Trijicon RMR, known for its ruggedness and reliability, the Hex Dragonfly seemed to occupy a middle ground.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The sight seemed well-built, but I was eager to see how it performed on the range and in practical scenarios. I was hoping it would live up to its promise of fast target acquisition, but I also harbored concerns about battery life and overall durability, especially after reading some user feedback online.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Springfield Armory GE5077STNDRET Hex Dragonfly Red Dot Reflex Sight Springfield to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Springfield Armory GE5077STNDRET Hex Dragonfly Red Dot Reflex Sight Springfield at my local outdoor shooting range. I mounted it on my Springfield XD-M Elite OSP using the provided screws and the appropriate mounting plate. Zeroing the optic was straightforward, requiring only a few adjustments to dial in the 3.5 MOA red dot at 25 yards.

The weather was slightly overcast, and the anti-glare coating on the lens did a decent job of reducing reflections. Target acquisition was indeed fast and intuitive, especially compared to using iron sights. However, I did notice a slight “fishbowl effect,” which some other users mentioned, where the edges of the lens appeared distorted.

After about 100 rounds, the Hex Dragonfly held zero without issue. The manual brightness adjustments were easy to use, and I found a setting that worked well in the ambient light conditions. My initial impression was positive, but I needed more time with the optic to assess its long-term reliability.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Springfield Armory GE5077STNDRET Hex Dragonfly Red Dot Reflex Sight Springfield has proven to be reasonably reliable. I’ve put approximately 500 rounds through my XD-M Elite with the optic mounted. The finish shows minimal wear, and the lens remains relatively scratch-free, despite being exposed to various weather conditions.

Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lens with a microfiber cloth. The battery life, however, has been a consistent concern. I’ve had to replace the battery twice in six months, despite turning the optic off manually after each shooting session.

Compared to my experience with a Trijicon RMR, which boasts exceptional battery life and near-indestructible construction, the Hex Dragonfly falls short. While it offers decent performance for its price point, its battery life and the slight “fishbowl effect” are definite drawbacks.

Breaking Down the Features of Springfield Armory GE5077STNDRET Hex Dragonfly Red Dot Reflex Sight Springfield

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Springfield Armory produces a variety of firearms and accessories, and the Hex Dragonfly is one of their offerings in the red dot sight market.
• Finish: The sight features a black anodized finish. This provides a durable and aesthetically pleasing coating.
• Reticle: It utilizes a 3.5 MOA red dot. This offers a balance between precision and ease of acquisition.
• Adjustment Click Value: Each click adjusts the point of impact by 1 MOA. This allows for precise zeroing.
• Emitter Type: The red dot is an open emitter design. This makes it more susceptible to environmental factors compared to enclosed emitter designs.
• Optical Coating: It has an anti-glare/scratch-resistant coating. This helps maintain a clear sight picture in various lighting conditions and protects the lens.
• Water Resistance Level: It is rated as waterproof. Its IPX7 rating ensures protection against temporary immersion in water.
• Condition: It is sold as new. This ensures that the product is free from prior use or damage.
• Red Dot Sights-Footprint: The footprint is Springfield Standard (Vortex Venom / Burris Fastfire). This allows for compatibility with a wide range of mounting plates.
• Waterproof: It is IPX7 rated. This means it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
• Dimensions: 1.14″ W x 1.01″ H x 1.9″ L. This provides a compact profile for various firearm platforms.
• Brightness Levels: 8 levels of brightness adjustment. This allows users to adjust the dot intensity to suit their environment.
• Auto-Off: 16-hour auto-off feature. This is designed to prevent battery drain.

These specifications define the Hex Dragonfly’s performance envelope. The 3.5 MOA dot is a good compromise for both close-quarters and longer-range engagements. The waterproof rating and scratch-resistant coating add to its durability, although the open emitter design is a potential weakness.

Performance & Functionality

The Springfield Armory GE5077STNDRET Hex Dragonfly Red Dot Reflex Sight Springfield performs adequately for its intended purpose. It provides a clear and easily visible red dot, which enhances target acquisition speed and accuracy, particularly for close- to mid-range shooting.

The manual brightness adjustments are simple and effective. The sight holds zero reasonably well under normal shooting conditions. The biggest weakness is the battery life, which is significantly shorter than many competing red dot sights.

Overall, the Hex Dragonfly meets basic expectations for a red dot sight in its price range, but it doesn’t exceed them. It’s a functional optic, but it lacks some of the advanced features and robustness of higher-end models.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Hex Dragonfly is decent, but not exceptional. The aluminum housing feels solid, but the overall design is somewhat bulky compared to other pistol red dots.

The sight is relatively easy to mount and zero. The manual brightness controls are straightforward. However, the battery compartment is located on the bottom of the optic, requiring removal of the sight for battery replacement, which necessitates re-zeroing.

The ergonomics are acceptable, but there is definitely room for improvement. A more streamlined design and a top-loading battery compartment would significantly enhance the user experience.

Durability & Maintenance

The Springfield Armory GE5077STNDRET Hex Dragonfly Red Dot Reflex Sight Springfield appears to be reasonably durable, but it’s not designed for extreme abuse. The black anodized finish resists scratches and wear, and the lens coating helps protect against minor abrasions.

Maintenance is straightforward, primarily involving cleaning the lens with a soft cloth. The open emitter design requires occasional cleaning to remove dust and debris. However, the need to remove the sight for battery replacement is a significant inconvenience that could potentially affect its long-term reliability.

With proper care, the Hex Dragonfly should provide years of reliable service, but it’s not a bombproof optic like a Trijicon RMR or an Aimpoint Micro.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Springfield Armory GE5077STNDRET Hex Dragonfly Red Dot Reflex Sight Springfield comes with a battery, a set of three screws, and a Picatinny mount. It is designed to be compatible with the Springfield Standard Footprint (Vortex Venom / Burris Fastfire), making it easy to mount on a variety of firearms.

There are no specific customization options for the Hex Dragonfly itself, but its compatibility with the Vortex Venom/Burris Fastfire footprint means it can be used with a wide range of aftermarket mounting plates and accessories. The end user can choose from a variety of pistol slides and optic ready mounting solutions in the aftermarket.

Pros and Cons of Springfield Armory GE5077STNDRET Hex Dragonfly Red Dot Reflex Sight Springfield

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Who Should Buy Springfield Armory GE5077STNDRET Hex Dragonfly Red Dot Reflex Sight Springfield?

The Springfield Armory GE5077STNDRET Hex Dragonfly Red Dot Reflex Sight Springfield is perfect for:

• Casual shooters looking for an affordable red dot sight for their pistol, rifle, or shotgun.
• Individuals who want to upgrade from iron sights and improve their target acquisition speed.
• Those who already own firearms with a Vortex Venom or Burris Fastfire footprint.

Who should skip this product?

• Serious shooters who require exceptional battery life and ruggedness.
• Individuals who are sensitive to optical distortions or “fishbowl effect”.
• Those who prefer a closed emitter design for maximum reliability in harsh environments.

Must-have accessories or modifications?

• A supply of CR2032 batteries.
• A high-quality mounting plate that matches the footprint of your firearm.

Conclusion on Springfield Armory GE5077STNDRET Hex Dragonfly Red Dot Reflex Sight Springfield

The Springfield Armory GE5077STNDRET Hex Dragonfly Red Dot Reflex Sight Springfield is a decent entry-level red dot sight that offers acceptable performance for its price. It provides a clear and easily visible red dot, is relatively easy to use, and is compatible with a wide range of firearms.

However, its short battery life, the need to remove the sight for battery replacement, and the slight “fishbowl effect” are significant drawbacks. The value proposition is questionable, considering that there are other red dot sights in a similar price range that offer better battery life and more advanced features.

Personally, I would recommend it with reservations. If you are on a tight budget and need a basic red dot sight for casual shooting, the Hex Dragonfly may be a viable option. However, if you are a serious shooter or rely on your firearm for self-defense, I would recommend investing in a higher-quality optic with better battery life, durability, and optical clarity. Consider spending a bit more for a Holosun or a Trijicon. Therefore, do your research and invest wisely.