In this Swampfox Sentinel review, let's delve into the specifications and assess whether this subcompact optic is worth the investment for CCW handguns or for range use.
I've purchased it and tested the optic on three different firearms – the Sig P365, Glock 43 MOS and Hellcat – to provide an accurate evaluation of its reticle performance, battery life, and lens durability for both range use and concealed carry.
So, let's dive in and explore!
Let's check it out
Core Specs
- Magnification - 1X
- Reticle - 3 MOA
- Adjustment - 1 MOA / Click
- Brightness - Photosensitive sensor or Manual
- Footprint - RMSc
- Construction - 7075 T6 housing + Anodized
- Battery - 1 CR2032 / 2 years
- Submersion - IPX7
- Body Dimension -1.61" X 0.91" X 0.94"
- Lens Diameter - 1X16mm
- Weight - 0.62 oz
Unboxing
The packaging looks very neat inside, but the outer packaging presentation could be improved so it doesn't look like an cheap airsoft product Made in China.
You get:
- Swampfox Sentinel
- Manual / Welcome card
- 3 screw sets
- Cleaning cloth
- 1 CR2032 battery
- Allen key
- Rubber optic protective cover
First Impression
The Swampfox Sentinel is small! It's the same size as a Holosun 507K X2, but with a much slimmer lens hood profile.
Right out of the box, it looks and feel very solid with a bit of Vortex Venom feel to it as far as the lens hood profile..
what else is there?
Let's check out more...
Core Features
Window Size
The Swampfox Sentinel has a very similar window size as the Holosun 507K and Trijicon RMRcc.
The window size is: 16mm wide, 16mm tall
Here is the deal: The optic might be slim, but it doesn't seem like the window is any much smaller than other full size optic.
Reticle
Lens tint is there, but it's not noticeable at all.
Another thing we love on the photosensitive model is that there isn't any glare reflection from the emitter, so the sight picture is as clean as what you see in these images
The Swampfox Sentinel features a 3 MOA single dot reticle. It's the middle ground between a tiny 1 MOA dot and a 6 MOA dot.
When I mounted this on the Springfield Hellcat, I was able to pick up the dot fairly fast and as long as I keep a good grip and presentation the best I can.
During live fire drills, the muzzle flip will throw the reticle off center, and it takes time to get it back. It is what it is even with a large window optic like the Trijicon SRO.
If you have trouble finding the dot, we got couple unobvious tips you can check out here.
Battery Life
It takes a CR2032 battery to power the sight, and it lasts about 2 years based on manufacturer's specs. We will test it and update this content.
This is the photosensitive optic model, and the sensor is located on the side of the optic and it controls the reticle brightness.
The photosensitive model works well during the day, but it doesn't work well in low light situations unless weapon light is turned on.
Like the Springfield Hellcat? See what other optics fit this pistol here
It's plenty of battery juice to last almost 2 years before consider changing it, but we highly recommend you to replace the battery every year just to top it off.
Construction
The body is made of 7075 T6 aluminum, the highest grade material for field grade optic up to date. As far as running this optic hard, we will update this content to show you these following tests:
- Drop
- Repeated recoil to hold zero
- Slide racking
- Every day carry wears and tears
Adjustment
The windage adjustment is not the best feature on this optic. There is no positive click feedback, and it's difficult to even eye ball the adjustment to get it right.
It's very difficult to get it right under low light
1 MOA / Click is all you get with this optic.
The elevation and windage adjustment knobs are recessed to prevent accidental adjustment.
Mounting Footprint
Sentinel features the Shield RMSc footprint, so it will fit directly with optic ready Sig P365, Springfield Hellcat and Glock 43.
Use For Conceal Carry
Is the optic small enough for conceal carry?
The optic is slim on a subcompact handgun for conceal carry and there is no doubt about that.
However, the only downside of an open reflex sight is that stuff, dirt, hair and other things can fall into the opening while holster under your cloth even if you're a super clean person.
Overtime, things can build up without cleaning, can affect dot clarity or potentially block the emitter.
As far as being slim for conceal carry, this gets a 10/10 score!
Final Verdict
If you are looking the best pistol red dot under $300 with RMSc footprint to go directly to your favorite sub compact pistols, the Swampfox Sentinel is a great product in that price range to buy.
It's built rugged, and it works as an entry level optic.
The biggest downside of this optic is the non feedback positive windage and elevation adjustments.
As the content creator of badassoptic.com, My background in the firearms industry and shooting sports gives me the experience to recommend tried and true products and keep away subpar ones.
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