The M&P Shield is a popular handgun among law enforcement and civilians alike. But can you put a red dot on it? In this blog post, we’ll explore the options for mounting a red dot sight on an M&P Shield and whether or not it’s a good idea.
What is the M&P Shield?

The M&P Shield is a popular handgun for concealed carry. Many people choose the Shield for its small size and lightweight. But one of the most common questions we get about the Shield is whether or not you can put a red dot sight on it.
The answer is yes, you can put a red dot sight on a M&P Shield. There are a few different red dot sights that are made specifically for the Shield, and they can be easily mounted on the gun. Red dot sights are a great addition to the Shield, and they can help you improve your accuracy and shooting speed.
If you’re interested in adding a red dot sight to your M&P Shield, be sure to check out our guide on the best red dot sights for the Shield.
Advance Tips: Can You Put A Red Dot On A M&P Shield
If you’re a gun owner, chances are you’re always looking for ways to improve your accuracy. One popular way to do this is by using a red dot sight. Red sights are becoming increasingly popular on pistols, and the M&P Shield is no exception. But can you actually put a red dot on a M&P Shield?
The answer is yes, you can put a red dot on an M&P Shield. There are a few different ways to do this, and each has its own set of pros and cons. Let’s take a look at each option so you can decide which is best for you.
Option-1: Use an Adapter Plate
One way to mount a red sight on your M&P Shield is to use an adapter plate. Adapter plates are available for a variety of different red dot sights, and they allow you to attach the sight to your pistol without any permanent modifications.

The biggest advantage of using an adapter plate is that it’s completely reversible. If you decide you don’t like the red dot sight or you want to switch to a different one, you can simply remove the adapter plate and put your iron sights back on.
The biggest disadvantage of using an adapter plate is that it adds a bit of bulk to your pistol. And depending on the specific adapter plate you choose, it might not line up perfectly with your iron sights. This can make it difficult to transition between the two sighting systems.
Option-2: Drill and Tap the Slide
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution, you can drill and tap the slide of your M&P Shield to mount a red dot sight. This is a more advanced modification, but it’s not as difficult as it sounds.
There are a few different ways to do this, but the most popular is to use a dovetail mount. Dovetail mounts allow you to attach the red dot sight to your pistol without any welding or machining.
The biggest advantage of drilling and tapping the slide is that it’s a very secure mounting solution. Once the red dot sight is installed, it’s not going anywhere.
The biggest disadvantage of drilling and tapping the slide is that it’s a permanent modification. If you decide you don’t like the red dot sight or you want to switch to a different one, you’ll need to have the slide re-machined.
Option-3: Send It Out to a Gunsmith
If you’re not comfortable drilling and tapping the slide of your M&P Shield, you can always send it out to a gunsmith. Gunsmiths have the tools and experience to properly install a red dot sight on your pistol, and they can usually do it for a reasonable price.
The biggest advantage of using a gunsmith is that you don’t have to worry about damaging your pistol. Gunsmiths have the tools and experience to properly install a red dot sight, so you can be sure it will be done right.
The biggest disadvantage of using a gunsmith is that it can be expensive. Depending on the gunsmith and the complexity of the job, you might be looking at a bill of $100 or more.
M&P Shield Red Dot
The M&P Shield is a popular compact pistol designed for concealed carry. It is known for its reliability, ease of use, and comfortable grip. Many gun enthusiasts choose to equip their M&P Shield with a red dot sight for improved accuracy and target acquisition.
Adding a red dot sight to the M&P Shield can provide several advantages. It allows for faster target acquisition, especially in low-light situations. The red dot sight also helps to improve accuracy, making it easier to hit targets at varying distances.
There are several options available for adding a red dot sight to the M&P Shield. One popular choice is the Shield RMSc, which is specifically designed for this firearm. It offers a low-profile design and is quick and easy to install.
Other options include the Trijicon RMR and the Vortex Venom. Both of these sights offer a wider field of view and are compatible with the M&P Shield.
Overall, adding a red dot sight to the M&P Shield can greatly enhance its performance and make it an even more effective tool for personal defense.
Conclusion
Yes, you can put a red dot on an M&P Shield. There are a few different ways to do it, but the most common way is to use an adhesive red dot sight. These sights are easy to install and they don’t require any permanent modifications to your gun.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Yes, you can put a red dot on an M&P Shield.
There is no definitive answer to this question since it depends on personal preference. Some of the more popular red dots for the M&P Shield include the Trijicon RMR, the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, and the Vortex Venom.
The installation process will vary depending on the specific red dot that you are using. However, most red dots will require you to remove the factory rear sight and then mount the red dot onto the slide using the provided screws and spacers.
A red dot can improve your shooting accuracy by making it easier to acquire and track targets. Additionally, a red dot can also help you shoot faster since you do not have to align the sights every time you take a shot.
One potential drawback is that a red dot can make your gun more difficult to conceal since it is larger and more visible than the factory iron sights. Additionally, some red dots are not as durable as iron sights and can be damaged if they are not properly protected.

A. Wilcox Head is a lifelong shooter, hunter, and firearms enthusiast. Head grew up in a family where firearms were a way of life, and from an early age, he was taught the importance of firearm safety, accuracy, and proper hunting techniques.