Equipped with 2 night vision and numerous brightness settings, the Sightmark Mini has made headlines in the optics industry but with good reason. The unit can take the beating of a dynamic environment and still hold zero, offers the relevant level of brightness even under the full glare of the sun, and features a considerable small size and weight.
Lots of questions are always thrown around between enthusiasts concerning the accuracy and reliability of the optical sights. Such concerns arise from people who love hunting and range shooting but have a busy life to go scope hunting. So whether you need to upgrade from the sights that you are using, or you are a newbie in this industry, fine-tooth combing for information on optical sights will save you a lot of bucks and have you settle with a durable unit.
Sightmark Mini has a good reputation in most discussion forums; coming from a solid brand label that was conceived to suffice the people’s evolving needs for outdoor optical sights. The versatile Sightmark Mini revolutionized the optical sight industry given its lightweight nature and the ability to be used with different firearms, below therefore is a compilation of more of the units features.
Sightmark Mini review and breakdown
This red dot sight comes with a user- friendly design as it is equipped with an Ambidextrous digital switch. The name may sound quite complex however, it effectively makes your work easier. This is because it enables both right-handers and left-handers to easily switch on the red dot sight especially if you use it on a handgun. In addition to this, the Sightmark Mini red dot sight also comes with click adjustments that are easy to operate and don’t require any expertise.
Another feature that makes this red dot sight stand out is that it is 100% waterproof as it is IP67 rated. Therefore, you can actually submerge this red dot sight in water that is 1m deep for one hour and it will still function normally after you have removed it. For sure, this is pretty convenient as you can comfortably use this red dot sight under light rain showers or when you have gone hunting in a swampy area. In addition to this, the Sightmark mini red dot sight is also dustproof and shockproof.
The Sightmark Mini red dot sight also comes with unlimited eye relief which is also a very useful feature to have in a red dot. This is because you will always have a clear view of the reticle and your target regardless of the distance between your eye and the red dot sight. It also allows you to effectively use the red dot sight without having to worry about your eye being too close to it.
What we liked;
- It has low power consumption.
- It is lightweight with both the low and riser mount.
- It is waterproof.
- It comes with a quick locking detach mount.
What we didn’t like;
- It has a short battery life if you constantly use it on the brightest settings.
Sightmark Mini specifications
Model |
Sightmark Mini |
Type |
Red dot sight |
Size |
2.25 x 1.5 x 1.75 inches |
Weight |
3.6oz (with riser mount), 3.0oz (with low mount) |
Battery type |
CR1632 |
Battery life |
30,000 hours |
Water resistance |
IP67 waterproof |
Availability |
Sightmark Mini features
Design and structure
The Sightmark Mini red dot sight measures 2.25 x 1.5 x 1.75 inches and weighs only 3.6oz when you have installed the riser mount. However, it is slightly lighter when you use the low mount as it weighs 3.0oz. For sure, this red dot sight allows you to attach it to your hunting rifle or even shotgun without feeling any additional weight as it is very lightweight. In addition to this, it is still light even when you use the riser mount which means that you won’t feel any extra weight regardless of the mount you decide to use.
This red dot sight is also made of an aluminum housing with a steel shield. Well, most of the top-notch red dot sights are made of this material as it has been tried and tested for being very durable. Therefore, you are guaranteed a red dot sight that will serve you for a long time. In addition to this, the steel shield also acts as a protective barrier and prevents the red dot sight from physical damage.
Performance
We were also impressed with the performance of the Sightmark Mini red dot sight. This is because it comes with 10 different brightness settings that allow you to have a clear view of the reticle throughout. We tested this red dot sight by attaching it to our hunting rifle and it delivered absolute clarity of the reticle regardless of the lighting conditions. All you have to do is basically turn the click adjustments and set the brightness to your preference and have a clear view of your target throughout.
It is also important to note that the required brightness of this red dot sight will be determined by the amount of light in your surroundings. In addition to this, the Sightmark Mini is equipped with a 3 MOA red dot which allows you to have an accurate aim of your target at all times.
Range
Red dot sights are mostly useful if you attach them to your gun for aiming close targets. Therefore, most of them don’t really come with lenses that magnify very far targets. The Sightmark Mini is equipped with a lens that has a magnification of 1x. Well, this may not be of much help if you intend to use it for targets that are very far away. However, you’ll be able to accurately lock on to targets that are up to 100 yards away which is good for a red dot sight.
Battery life
We are particularly very keen on the duration in which the batteries of these red dot sights will last you once you start using them. The Sightmark Mini red dot sight is equipped with a CR1632 battery that can last you up to 30,000 hours which is pretty decent. However, it is important to note that it may last for fewer hours than the advertised time if you constantly use it on the brightest settings.
This red dot sight also comes with an auto shut-off feature that automatically switches it off for 12 hours when you have forgotten to manually switch it off. For sure, this feature is very useful as it helps to save the battery of this red dot sight.
It is also very easy to replace the battery of this red dot sight and doesn’t require any expertise or special tools. You’ll also not be required to unmount it from your gun when changing batteries which is very convenient and time-saving. One benefit of this is that you will always be able to easily replace your depleted battery on the go!
Who is it best suited for?
The Sightmark Mini red dot sight is best suited for you if you go hunting regularly. This is because it comes with a 3 MOA red dot that enables you to have an accurate aim of your target at all times. It also comes with a riser mount which enables it to have a perfect fit on hunting rifles.
Are there any alternatives to the Sightmark Mini?
Yes there are several Sightmark mini alternatives which include the Sig Sauer Romeo Reflex , the Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sight – 3 MOA Dot Hat, and the TRUGLO TRU-TEC Micro Red Dot Sight
Features of the alternative red dot reflex sights
Model |
Sig Sauer Romeo Reflex sight |
Vortex Optics Venom Red Dot Sight |
TRUGLO TRU-TEC Micro Red Dot Sight
|
Reticle |
6 MOA |
3 MOA |
3 MOA Red dot |
Water-resistance level and mark |
N/A |
Waterproof and 1m |
Waterproof, fog, and shockproof |
Brightness settings |
8 configurable illumination daytime levels |
10 |
10 |
Objective lens diameter |
0.7-0.59 inches |
26.5mm |
23x 17 mm |
Outer build |
Weapons-grade ultra-lite polymer housing |
Aluminum Alloy Chassis |
Aircraft-grade aluminum |
Finish |
Textured |
Hard anodized matte black |
matte |
Weight |
0.4oz |
1.05oz |
1 oz |
Availability |
Final Verdict: So should you get the Sightmark Mini?
Yes, you should consider getting the Sightmark Mini if you are looking for a red dot sight that is simple to use. This red dot sight is equipped with features such as the quick locking detach system and click adjustments that are user- friendly and don’t require any expertise. In addition to this, it is also made of durable material which guarantees you long service life.
FAQs
-
What is the purpose of the Ambidextrous digital switch on the Sightmark Mini?
This is a switch that enables both right-handers and left-handers to easily switch on the red dot sight especially if you have attached it to a pistol.
-
How many hours will the Sightmark Mini last if I constantly use it on the brightest settings?
Its battery will last you up to 300 hours if you use it on the brightest settings regularly.