When it comes to micro red-dot sights, it often gets confusing. There are quite a few options to choose from. Often from the same brand. But in this case, it’s from different brands.
One being extremely popular and the other one being slept on by most users. Due to their close pricing and similar performance, new buyers often compare between the two. If you are in the same boat and don’t know which way to steer, allow me to help you.
Between Shield SMSC vs Hex wasp, I hope this guide will clear up your confusion and help you find the best micro red dot for you.
Shield SMSC Vs Hex Wasp – Key Differences
Frame Material
Main difference in terms of frame material between the Shield SMSC and Hex Wasp micro red dot sights is that the SMSC has a polymer frame, while the Wasp has an aluminum frame.
The polymer frame of the SMSC makes it lighter and more affordable, but it is also less durable than the aluminum frame of the Wasp. The aluminum frame of the Wasp is more resistant to scratches and impacts, making it a better choice for shooters who are looking for a more rugged sight.
Lens Material
Shield SMSC: The SMSC has a polymer lens with a hard coating to resist scratches. While Polymer is lightweight and is quite clear as well, it’s not nearly as durable as glass lenses.
Hex Wasp: The Wasp has a glass lens with an anti-reflective coating to improve visibility. The glass lens is more durable than polymer and provides better clarity. Light transmission and low-light performance is also quite great.
Performance
Thanks to great coating and material choices, both of these sights are phenomenal when it comes to everyday performance. They are both highly accurate and reliable. You might think the all-polymer construction of the SMSC might hold it back, but you couldn’t be more wrong.
Their accuracy is quite good as well. If you are going for longer-range target practice, the bigger reticle of SMSC might come in handy. For close-range accuracy, both of them will do the task just fine.
Waterproof Rating
The Shield SMSC and Hex Wasp micro red dot sights have different waterproof ratings. The SMSC is IPX4-rated, which means it is protected against splashing water. The Wasp is IPX7 rated, which means it is protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
This means that the Wasp is more resistant to water damage than the SMSC. However, it is important to note that neither sight is completely waterproof. If you are planning on using your sight in wet or humid conditions, it is a good idea to take some precautions, such as covering the sight with a protective film or housing.
Reticle
As you can guess already, the choice of reticle here on both units is a red dot. But the size of that red dot is different on both of the sights here. The Hex Wasp features a 3.5 MOA red dot.
On the other hand, you get the option of an 8 MOA-sized reticle. See, huge difference! In case you didn’t know, the larger reticle is suitable for precise shooting in long-range. On the other hand, a smaller one will give you faster target acquisition at a closer range. The ball is at your court now!
Brightness Settings
The Shield SMSC has 10 brightness settings, while the Hex Wasp has 12. This gives you more flexibility in adjusting the brightness of the dot to different lighting conditions.
Size
The Shield SMSC and Hex Wasp both fall under the category of micro red dot sights, showcasing their compact and diminutive designs. Nevertheless, there exist subtle distinctions between their sizes.
Comparatively, the SMSC boasts a marginally reduced form factor and lighter build than the Wasp. Its dimensions measure at 1.7 x 0.9 x 0.9 inches, with a weight of 0.57
Ounces including the battery.
As for the Hex wasp, it has an overall dimension of 1.60” in width, 0.95” in height, and 0.86” in length. As for the weight, it’s 0.7 oz. You can see the Hex wasp is the bigger optic between the two and is also the heavier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shield SMSC?
The Shield SMSC is a micro red dot sight from the shield. SMSC stands for Shield Mini Sight Compact. Which literally implies it’s a compact and lightweight sight made for pistols. Yes, you can use this on SMG or rifles as a canted sight as well. But due to its polymer construction, it’s always a good idea to use this sight on a relatively lower recoil weapon.
What is Hex Wasp?
The Hex Wasp is a red dot sight made by Springfield Armory. The sight has been a go-to choice for self-defense enthusiasts for a while now. Due to it’s price to performance ratio, the sight posses an incredible value.
Which one is better Hex Wasp vs Shield SMSC?
If you read the entire thing till now, you know they are too close to call one the clear winner. Which is a great thing if you ask me. I don’t like seeing one competitor getting decimated by the other one. Good and healthy competition ensures you, the buyer, gets the better end of the stick.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, both of the sights have incredible value. Despite having a polymer housing and lens, the overall durability of Shield SMSC is quite impeccable.
Thanks to the clever pricing from Shield Optics, the sight has a chance to go up against aluminum-made sights like the Wasp quite easily!
Now, the decision will ultimately depend on what you want from the sight. Is that a lower price tag? Is it an aluminum chassis? If you know what you are after, the decision will be an easy one to make.
Hopefully, you now know the difference between Shield SMSC vs Hex Wasp. I will see you on the next one. Till then, take care and have fun.
