Every so often, you stumble upon a gem like the Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec Reflex Sight, a scope that vows to amp up your game whether at the shooting range or in tactical environments. It’s a tough contender in the field, pledging a blend of robustness with accuracy. Now, the burning question is, does it measure up to the promises? That’s what I’m here to find out, and you’re welcome to come along for the ride. Let’s load up and head to the range, it’s time to spend some lead.
My First Impressions
As I unboxed the Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec Reflex Sight, the first thing that caught my eye was its aircraft aluminum body, encased in a protective shield. This thing looks seriously durable. The package comes with the sight, as well as a manual, adjustment tools, a neoprene cover, and even a battery to make sure you’re ready to go right out of the box.
Holding it in my hands, the sight felt solid yet not overly hefty, which is good because I don’t care how good a scope is, if it drastically changes the way my gun handles, it’s probably not going to be a good fit long-term. The design seemed well thought out with a quick detach mount that promised easy on/off application. A quick flip through the manual, and I was ready to mount it on my firearm and head to the range. The initial setup seemed straightforward, and I was keen to see how it would perform in action.
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Optics Quality
The Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec reflex sight comes with a premium wide-angle lens system that’s accompanied by a scratch-resistant and anti-reflective red coating. This combination promised a crisp and broad field of view, and it did not disappoint. Upon testing, the optics provided a clear, unobstructed sight picture that made target acquisition a breeze. The clarity remained consistent across varying light conditions, thanks to the advanced optical coatings that enhanced light transmission while minimizing glare.
Another key feature is the parallax correction for distances over 25 yards, which turned out to be invaluable during my field tests. Being able to maintain a steady reticle position while moving my head was a huge plus, providing a level of flexibility that can be critical in close-quarters shooting scenarios. On top of that, the unlimited eye relief was beautiful, letting me make fast target-to-target transitions without needing to physically reposition my eye.
The Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec checks the box in the optics department by offering clear, reliable optics without any discernible distortion. The optics quality significantly contributes to the sight’s usability and effectiveness in a variety of shooting conditions and scenarios.
If you are interested in some of my other articles have a look at Vortex SPARC AR or Burris AR332 reviews.
Reticle Performance
You get four red/green reticle options with the Ultra Shot R-Spec, providing a nice degree of customization to cater to different shooter preferences and scenarios. The available reticle shapes include a crosshair, a circle with a dot, a dot, and a combination of dot in crosshairs, giving a range of choices for different applications. A standout feature was the 10 brightness settings for the reticle illumination. Whether I was shooting under bright sunlight or in a more subdued indoor range, finding a suitable brightness level was straightforward and quick.
The 2-hour low battery indication is a thoughtful feature. When the battery runs low, each press of a button causes the reticle to blink four times, giving a clear heads-up to switch out the battery. The final warning is a 10-minute low battery indication where the reticle will blink non-stop until you install a new battery. These indications make sure you’re never caught off guard with a dead battery in a situation where it’s needed most.
All versions of the reticle were easy to see and provided a quick, clear point of aim, aiding in fast target acquisition. The daylight bright red dot was particularly noticeable and did an excellent job of drawing my eye during transitions or movement.
Overall, the reticle performance of the Ultra Shot R-Spec was downright impressive. I love the variety of reticle shapes and colors, and the brightness versatility makes it a formidable sight that’s capable of adapting to a wide range of shooting conditions. The clear and crisp reticle, with its reliable low battery indications, makes it a dependable choice as well.
Windage & Elevation Adjustments
The Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec is equipped with 1 MOA windage and elevation adjustments, which I found to be precise and intuitive to use. The Interlok Adjustment System is an internal retention system that ensures the windage and elevation settings remain zeroed in during recoil, which is a critical advantage in fast-moving or otherwise dynamic shooting situations.
Adjustments were smooth and each click provided reassuring tactile feedback. The Interlok™ system also eliminated the need for a locking mechanism, allowing for adjustments on the fly – a feature that proved its worth during my range time. Additionally, protective caps keep the dials safe from accidental adjustments from bumps and rubs.
In general, the windage and elevation adjustments on the Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec were simple and easy to use, and the Interlok system helped make zeroing and re-zeroing fast.
For more information on lighter sights have a look at Burris AR-536 review or Vortex Sparc 2 red dot review.
Build Quality
The Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec Reflex Sight flaunts a 6061-T6 aluminum frame that is built to withstand some robust use and field exposure. The aluminum hood and built-in protective shield not only add a layer of physical protection to the optic but also give a powerful feel to the sight.
The multi-coated lenses are touted to resist scratches, which can significantly diminish the sight picture over time. I can see this feature being particularly beneficial in harsh environments or in scenarios where the sight might come into contact with rough surfaces or abrasive debris.
The Ultra Shot also sports a hard-anodized finish, which gives it a low-glare matte surface. This is not just about aesthetics—although it does look sleek—it’s also about functionality. The low-glare finish reduces reflections that could give away your position or interfere with your aiming.
On top of all that, it’s also weather resistant with an IP55 rating, shockproof, and recoil rated to a .50 BMG. All of this is a testament to the rugged construction and its ability to maintain performance under high-performance, high-recoil conditions.
Real-Life Testing: A Day In The Field
Taking the Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec Reflex Sight out for a spin in the field was quite the experience. The quick detach mount allowed for easy on/off application which proved to be a time-saver. Once mounted, the sight held zero impressively, even after some rough handling and a few bumps here and there.
While out in the changing levels of daylight, I quickly learned to love the digital brightness and color adjustments and found them to be intuitive and easy to use. Even in the midday sun, I enjoyed a bright & crisp reticle. Target transitions were smooth, and the unlimited eye relief was forgiving, allowing for rapid target acquisition even from unconventional shooting positions.
Battery life is often a concern with electronic sights, but with up to 2,000 hours on a single CR123A battery, it’s clear that Sightmark has designed the Ultra Shot R-Spec with longevity in mind. The low battery indications are a helpful feature, giving ample warning to change the battery before it runs out.
As the day faded and we were winding down, I had some time to reflect on my experience with the Ultra Shot in the field. It definitely proved itself to be a reliable, user-friendly, and efficient tool for acquiring targets, and shooting accurately, and has a level of durability that even experienced shooters should find comforting.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Versatile Reticle: The 4 red/green reticle options with 10 brightness settings cater to various lighting conditions and preferences, making the sight adaptable to different environments.
- Interlok Adjustment System: This feature ensures that the windage and elevation adjustments remain zeroed in, even during recoil, allowing for reliable shooting accuracy.
- Long Battery Life: The impressive battery life of up to 2,000 hours on a single CR123A battery minimizes the need for battery changes.
Cons
- Size and Weight: At 10.7 oz., some may find the sight to be a bit bulky or heavy for compact or lightweight firearms.
- Battery Access: While the battery life is long, accessing the battery compartment for replacement might be challenging for some users, particularly in the field.
Who Should Buy This Scope?
The Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec Reflex Sight is a solid choice for any shooter looking for a durable sight with longevity and reliability, without shattering their budget. It’s great for hunters, competitive shooters, and tactical operators. The quick detach mount makes it a convenient choice for individuals who switch optics frequently or use multiple firearms. The sight’s versatility in reticle options and brightness settings caters to a wide range of lighting conditions and personal preferences, making it a flexible choice for a variety of shooters and uses.
The Final Word
The Sightmark Ultra Shot is a robust, versatile sight that offers a lot of value for a reasonable price point. The sight may have a bit of a learning curve for new shooters, but the benefits that come with this sight far outweigh those temporary issues. If you’re looking to enhance your accuracy and speed, the Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec is a great investment and worthy of consideration.
If you are are interested in some of my other reviews have a look at Vortex Crossfire or Vortex Venom red dot.
Mike Fellon is an experienced firearms enthusiast and optics expert. He delivers unbiased and detailed rifle scope reviews. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He inherited his hunting passions after his father John – he was fascinated by his stories, hearing how much attention, focus, dedication and patience he invested in shooting every animal. When he was old enough, his father first allowed him to shoot some cans and bottles with his shotgun, and then took him hunting – it was love at first sight. Mike has never stopped shooting ever since.