Shield Red dot sight

Impressed with Shield’s compact Mini Sight, Pete Moore checks out their all together improved close quarter sight

I tested Shield’s Mini Sight last year; this tiny reflex design is smaller than a box of matches and takes compact to the nth degree. Made of hi-strength polymer the unit consists of an L-shaped casing with the upright (forward section) mounting a clear lens/screen. At the rear is a red dot that is projected onto this for you to see. It runs on a single CR2032 battery that fits underneath and is available in a number of dot sizes in MOA (minute of angle).

To get something this small compromises have to be made; there is no ON/OFF switch and with the battery fitted it’s permanently on, however, effective run time exceeds one year. Adjustment is by Allen-headed screws and instead of a mechanical rheostat (brightness adjuster) the dot automatically adjusts to the ambient light. On its own the Mini will not fit anything and Shield offers a number of bases, to suit. For example I have two – a 30mm ring that allows it to be fitted to a scopes body tube and a set of protective wings that attach directly to a Weaver/Picatinny 1” rail. It has been used on all manner of firearms in both civilian and military circles.

BIGGER, BETTER

The Mini Sight is used by the British forces and has proved practical, however, Shield also offer a second generation - the CQB - which is now in service and what I have here is what might be termed as the commercial version, the CQS. Comparing the Mini to this shows a number of areas have been addressed to produce a better design.

Size and weight is up but compact and light are still the watch words. The CQS measures 2 x 1.2 x 1.2” and weighs 2.3oz and features a black-anodised aluminium body. Physically it’s probably about 25% larger than the Mini, which as you can see is still not a lot.

The changes on the CQS are practical and welcome. The battery compartment (same cell size) is located on the right side under a screw-off cap; better than having to remove the sight from the base. Elevation and windage adjusters are now simple slot heads; easier than using Allen keys! They are marked ‘out of the error’ so if the gun is shooting low, winding the U (up) adjuster moves the dot down, which raises your POI.

WATER TIGHT

The reflex build has been maintained but now there are lenses front and back enclosing the dot, which stops the problems of refraction if water gets onto the back of the front lens or the led. Though perhaps not a priority for us, there are auto night vision levels, which knock the dot intensity down for use with NV optics. Run time is quoted as 1-year (normal use) and 3-years (NV use). A sliding cover leaves the sight on minimum power without use of a cover.   

There are two dot sizes, 4 and 8 MOA, the former suits best as it gives a small and bright aim point out to 100-yards+, that is still useable up close. Shield is working on a reticule, with a 1 MOA dot surrounded by a 65 MOA ring, which should be available soon. The CQS came with a snap-on plastic cover and a high Picatinny base, which makes it compatible, height-wise with any flat-top AR15/M16 platform. Plus there’s a low base. Shield says: “We are working on mounts that will fit 30mm and 34mm scopes and an ACOG and are happy to look at different mounting options on a one to one basis”. 

For me the CQS represents a quantum leap forward over their original Mini Sight, which is a good design in itself. Weight and size increases are marginal, but strength, more useable controls and general practically are much improved. This is doubtless what is required to be competitive in the military/police and sporting markets. The CQS will be available from September 2012.