As the name suggests, this is the second generation of the popular Mini Shot M-Spec M1 red dot sight from Texan optics specialist Sightmark. The original model also featured a number of innovative functions. Here you can find our all4shooters test report on the first-generation Mini Shot M-Spec M1.
In the second version (V2) of the Mini Shot, the runtime has increased significantly with the CR1632 battery used by both generations of this optronic aiming aid. With the help of Shake Awake technology – a motion-controlled automatic switch-off and switch-on function – the Mini Shot M-Spec M1 V2 now achieves an operating time of 50,000 hours compared to the 30,000 of the previous model. Sightmark has even undercut the original list price (RRP) by 50 euros, from €299 to €249.
Sightmark Mini Shot M-Spec M1 V2 reflex sight in detail
The new Mini Shot M-Spec M1 V2 red dot has an open lens with integrated lens protection and uses the Docter/Venom footprint, one of the most common in this area. The height of the optic above the mounting interface is 8.5 mm. The housing of the Mini Shot M1 V2 is made entirely of CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum alloy and is waterproof to IP67 standard, which means that it can be submerged in water to a depth of one meter for at least one hour without allowing moisture to penetrate.
In contrast to many products from other manufacturers, this red dot sight has a fully enclosed base into which a sealed stainless steel plate is screwed. The adjustment screws, the battery compartment and the two control buttons are also protected against water and dirt by seals and O-rings.
The windage and elevation adjustment works with 1-MOA clicks and three reticle variants can be selected: 3-MOA dot, circle-dot or the 32-MOA circle only. The brightness can be adjusted in 11 settings, the first two of which are intended for use with night sights.
The Mini Shot M1 V2 also has a photosensor that dynamically adjusts the brightness of the reticle when ABC (Automatic Brightness Control) mode is selected.
With different combinations, the two control buttons not only allow the sight to be switched on and off and the brightness to be adjusted manually, but also to select the reticle, ABC mode and lock mode, or to activate the Shake Awake function, which wakes the reticle from standby mode at the slightest movement, and automatically turns the illumination off into a “sleep” mode after 5 minutes of no movement.
A 3V lithium CR1632 button cell is used for the power supply. The use of a CR1632 button cell is rather atypical for a mini red dot sight. Most optics manufacturers now use the CR2032, which is 4 mm larger in diameter. The battery in the Sightmark M1 V2 can be changed without removing the sight from the weapon. The battery compartment is accessible from above in the housing area between the lens and the LED aperture. It is protected by a screw cap that can be opened with a screwdriver or the special tool. However, there is not enough space to open it with a coin.
Two mounts are included in the scope of delivery, both for Picatinny rails: a low profile mount, only 4.5 mm high – ideal for rifles to be used for driven hunts – and a 23.5 mm high profile mount that brings the red dot line of sight exactly 39 mm above a flat top AR, which in this case means that the iron sights cowitness with the red dot.
Most optic-ready handguns have a cut in the slide and a whole range of adapter plates (some included and some optional) for optic mounting. For example, to mount the Sightmark Mini Shot M-Spec M1 V2 on a full-size GLOCK MOS pistol, you need to use adapter plate 01.
Quick-detachable LQD Picatinny mounts are also available as optional.
How the Sightmark Mini Shot M-Spec M1 V2 performs in the field
For the practical test, we fitted the Mini Shot M1 V2 to a straight-pull bolt-action rifle from Mauser. The Mauser M25 Pure, which we have already described here in another test report, has an optional Picatinny rail and is supplied as standard without open sights. This makes the rifle the ideal addition for testing the new Sightmark Muni Shot M-Spec M1 V2 Red Dot sight. Rto Getting the sight back on the target is effortless, and for driven hunts the combination of a fast straight-pull rifle and the Sightmark Mini Shot M1 V2 is extremely effective. The generously dimensioned lens of the parallax-free optic and the straight bolt movement make it easier to quickly fire any follow-up shots that may be required.
As another long gun, we used an M4, i.e. an AR in CQB configuration, to test the Sightmark Mini Shot M-Spec M1 V2 with the enclosed high profile mount (Riser Mount). Together with the back-up iron sights (BUIS for short) from Matech already mounted on the AR, this resulted in a perfect co-witness option.
The two white lines located above and below the lens on the back of the red dot housing contribute to being able to capture the target even faster than with the red dot alone, at least subjectively, not only when used on an AR.
Mounted on a handgun, in our case a Beretta APX pistol, this impression is further reinforced, especially as the standard high original sights of the APX can be perfectly used together with the red dot – a really successful combo.
The new Sightmark Mini Shot M-Spec M1 V2 is available at a list price of 249.99 euros, which includes a battery and the two Picatinny-compatible mounts mentioned above.
