The Sightmark M-Spec takes a beating from the Cheyenne, Wyoming police department and proves it’s a durable and reliable piece of essential gear.
Our country’s police forces wouldn’t be able to protect and serve without reliable equipment. They are better prepared to do their duty safely and swiftly when they are equipped with dependable gear they can trust. Sellmark Corporation Senior Law Enforcement Sales Representative Rich Collier, who is also a current Deputy Constable of Tarrant County and former Chief of Police, says law enforcement need their equipment to be reliable, cost-effective and have a good warranty. It is a tough job evaluating a new product. Getting it wrong can cost innocent lives. How can they be sure it won’t fail when it really matters?
In 2017, Sellmark added a dedicated team to support local, state, national and even international law enforcement personnel. With new GSA-approval, it is now easier for government agencies, including law enforcement, to purchase Pulsar, Sightmark, Firefield and 12 Survivors products. Sellmark stands by its products and without hesitation will send them out to police departments for review and testing.
Why Red Dot Sights Matter for Law Enforcement
One product that both law enforcement and military find useful is a M-Spec red dot sight. These optics provide quick target acquisition and accurate shots, are easy to use, perform well in low-light, and allow the user to aim and shoot with both eyes open, which is important to staying situationally aware.
M-Spec Red Dot Sight Put to the Test
From February 8 to February 26, 2018, the police department of Cheyenne, Wyoming ran the Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec FMS (SM26010) through the gauntlet. In fact, they performed more rigorous testing on a product than any other department. Officer Young of Cheyenne PD pushed the M-Spec to its limits—and it exceeded expectations.
The Ultra Shot M-Spec is a night-vision compatible reflex sight with an illuminated red 65 MOA circle dot crosshair reticle and 6 brightness settings.
Key Features of the M-Spec
- 65 MOA red Circle Dot Crosshair (60 MOA circle w/ 5 MOA sub tension, 2 MOA central dot)
- 8 brightness settings, 6 night-vision compatible settings
- 33×24 window
- 105’ field of view at 100 yards
- Unlimited eye relief
- 120 MOA elevation adjustment
- Up to .50 caliber recoil-resistant
- IP68 IP Rating, submersible to 40’
- Weaver/Picatinny mount
- CR2 battery with up to 1,000 hour battery life
- Parallax-corrected lens system from 10 yards to infinity
- -22 to 160°F operating temperature
- 103mm long x 49mm wide x 61mm tall
- Weighs 7.5 ounces
- Cast magnesium housing with protective shield
- Automatic shut off after 5 minutes of no motion
Real-World Endurance Testing
Mounting and Zeroing
Cheyenne PD mounted the M-Spec quickly on a DPMS AR-15 and easily zeroed it at the range. The initial 180-round session showed that the dot remained visible and the optic held zero perfectly. Adjustments were made to the magnifier to ensure compatibility with the rifle’s charging handle.
Drop Testing
The rifle was tipped over 20 times, dropped from 3 feet repeatedly, and even dropped from 4 feet directly onto the optic. Zero was maintained until it finally shifted slightly—3 inches high—after dozens of impacts and removal from a vehicle. The optic alone was then thrown from 10 feet, 20 feet, 30 yards, and even 45 yards—still holding zero through it all.
Performance Under Extreme Temperatures
Two days after receiving the M-Spec, Officer Young froze the rifle with the red dot attached in sub-zero temperatures. He poured water over the optic and magnifier, simulating rain, then froze it again. The M-Spec remained on and functional throughout, showing no signs of fogging or malfunction. The magnifier needed minor adjustment, but the reticle stayed clear and centered.
Click here to check out the M-Spec.
Conclusion: Proven Tough and Reliable
After all the abuse—freezing, dropping, water, gravel impacts, and extended use—Officer Young slid the rifle down a staircase and fired another 60 rounds. The M-Spec still held zero. Following this rigorous evaluation, the Cheyenne PD ordered 10 M-Spec units for duty use.
