Sightmark Ultra Shot Review for 2022

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By Dennis Howard •  12 min read

All shooters want dependable optics without breaking their budget. Shooting enthusiasts who want a reasonably priced reflex sight will find that in the Sightmark Ultra Shot line of sights. It offers you a range of price options and features to meet any budget and shooting needs. In this article, we will examine each of Sightmark’s Ultra Shot reflex sights to help you make your decision.

Sightmark Ultra Shot Review

I first became aware of Sightmark products when they came to ShotShow in 2007. I wasn’t in attendance in person, but I followed the show extensively online. I remember that a new company was getting a lot of attention from the reporters and the attendees. Sightmark was that company. It got my attention on several levels, not the least of which was that they were a Texas company.

When I opened my retail gun store in 2010, one of the first product lines I acquired was Sightmark. I met James Sellers, the founder and CEO Of SellMark Corporation at Shotshow in January 2011. James explained then that Sightmark wasn’t competing directly with products like Trijicon or Vortex. He explained that the goal of Sightmark was to provide the average shooter with an above-average optic at a budget-conscious price.

In my opinion, Sightmark has more than met that goal in its product lines. In particular, the Sightmark Ultra Shot line of reflex red dot sights epitomizes the concept of value vs. price. Sightmark products certainly aren’t for everyone. However, if you are an average shooter, you can have an above-average optic by choosing a sight from Sightmark.

In this article, we’re breaking down:

 

The Sightmark Ultra Shot Reflex Red Dot Sight

SIghtmark Ultra Shot Reflex Sight in black finish

The Sightmark Ultra Shot line of reflex red dot sights offers something for everyone. There is a package with the features you need, from the basic Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Mark to the Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec LQD Reflex Sight.

Across the Sighmark Ultra Shot line, you get features like:

If you are shopping for a reflex sight, the Sightmark Ultra Shot line of optics deserves a serious look. There is Sightmark Ultra Shot sight to fit almost any average shooter’s need. The Ultra Shot Reflex Red Dot sights include the following products:

Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec Reflex Sight

I suppose you would call this the entry-level Sightmark Ultra Shot optic. Available from many retailers for under $100, this is an incredible value. You can buy much more expensive sights, but even the most expensive will be hard-pressed to provide the ratio of features to price. I always counsel anyone to look at the specifications and the features before making judgments. Looking at the Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec optic features gives you a good idea of what to expect in the other red dot optics in the Ultra Shot Line.

Features

SIghtmark Ultra Shot R-Spec Model features uncompromising reliability

This list of features is for the most basic model of a Sightmark Ultra Shot Reflex Red Dot Sight. Getting these features on a sub-one hundred dollar reflex sight is extraordinary in itself.

Specifications

Sightmark Ultra Shot multiple pattern reticle options

Light weight, compact size, and a wealth of options and adjustments make the Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec reflex sight a definite contender in the reflex sight market. Consider this sight if you need a solid performing, feature-rich reflex red dot sight but don’t want to invest more than you spend on a budget AR.

The Pros and Cons of the R-Spec Ultra Shot Reflex Sight

Pros
Cons

There have been millions of low-cost AR-15s sold in the past few years. It is hard to justify putting a $500 sight on a $400 budget rifle. On the other hand, mounting a Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec sight has advantages beyond the cost.

What Users Say About the R-Spec Reflex Sight

By and large, purchasers of the R-Spec reflex sight from Sightmark are positive in their reviews. Typically, the comments from users of this optic fall into the following categories:

The Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec reflex sight is what it is: a low-cost red dot sight made in China. Sightmark Ultra Shot sights aren’t an optic that I would recommend for anyone who shoots serious competition or depends on their rifle in life-and-death situations. However, for the average AR-15 shooter, this sight is a great option as a beginning point.

Sale
Sightmark Ultra Shot R-Spec Reflex Sight
  • 6061-T6 Aluminum Body: Blending durable 6061-T6 aluminum alloy with a protective shield. This combo...
  • Anti-Reflective Coating, Parallax-Free System: This optic features an advanced anti-reflective lens...

Last update on 2024-03-19 at 01:42 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Sightmark Ultra Shot A-Spec Reflex Sight

SIghtmark A-Spec Ultra Shot Reflex Sight with Night Vision Compatibility

Sit a Sightmark A-Spec reflex sight on a table next to an R-Spec model, and it is almost impossible to tell the difference if you can’t read the labels. That shouldn’t come as a surprise as the major difference between these two Sightmark sights is the one important feature for many shooters. Nothing on the outside gives a hint to these important additional capabilities.

Features

Purchase an A-Spec Sightmark reflex sight, and you get everything that an R-Spec reflex sight delivers. However, understanding the need to improve constantly, Sightmark has added some new features to the already impressive features of the R-Spec line of reflex sights. These additional features include:

If you are a night hunter and routinely use night vision equipment, the Sightmark Ultra Shot A-Spec reflex sight may be exactly what you need. The night vision compatible modes feature 6 NV settings to the ten brightness intensity settings on the 4-choice reticle. Strap on those goggles and take control of the night.

Specifications

The Sightmark A-Spec Ultra Shot reflex sight is identical externally to the R-Spec model. The internal specifications differ in a few places to accommodate the night vision compatibility. We have highlighted the differences in bold font below:

Opting to mount a Sightmark Ultra Shot A-Spec model rather than an R-SPec is purely a personal choice. However, if you don’t use night vision equipment, the extra cost of the A-Spec model doesn’t get you any advantages over the R-Spec reflex sight.

View through the SIghtmark A-Spec Ultra Shot premium wide angle lens

What Users Say About the A-Spec Reflex Sight

There aren’t as many purchasers and users of the A-Spec reflex sight. Fewer users probably stem from the lack of shooters who routinely use night vision equipment and need a compatible reflex sight. However, those who purchase the A-Spec Ultra Shot sight consistently give it high marks. Comments tend to fall into these categories:

Many shooters have no need for night vision capabilities on a reflex rifle sight. Some shooters argue that those than can afford NV gear can afford any night vision capable reflex sight on the market. I tend to disagree, since NV gear has been steadily decreasing in price. More and more hunters are now enjoying the challenge of varmint shooting in the dark.

Sale
Sightmark Ultra Shot A-Spec Reflex Sight
  • 6061-T6 Aluminum Body: Blending durable 6061-T6 aluminum alloy with a protective shield. This combo...
  • Anti-Reflective Coating, Parallax-Free System: This optic features an advanced anti-reflective lens...

Last update on 2024-03-19 at 01:42 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight

SIghtmark Ultra Shot M-Spec reflex sight with ptoective shield and integrated sun shade

Sightmark upped the game by introducing the M-Spec version of the Ultra Shot reflex sight. Building on the R-Spec reflex sight foundation, the M-Spec brings a whole new array of features to the table. The Sightmark M-Spec line takes the concept of durability to a new level.

The M-spec series of reflex sights from Sightmark features two versions, the M-Spec LQD and the M-Spec FMS. The difference between these two models is the mounting system. The LQD model utilizes the Sightmark locking quick detach (LQD) mount. The FMS models incorporate a more traditional mount that uses screws to attach the optic to the firearm’s receiver. There are other new and upgraded features on the M-Spec series of reflex optics.

Features

Sightmark is consistent in keeping features that work for users while intending to upgrade for better performance constantly. New features are always on the drawing board to further enhance the value. The M-SPec line of reflex optics is no different. The enhanced and new features in the M-Spec line include the following items:

If you find yourself in extreme conditions while hunting or shooting, the M-Spec line of Ultra Shot reflex sights may be a good option. Sightmark understands the needs of hunters and competition shooters who are often at the mercy of the elements and need a reflex sight that can take what comes.

What Users Say About the Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sight

SIghtmark Ultra Shot M-Spec reflex optic with integral sunshade deployed for comfortable shooting

Surveying the comments from users and purchasers of the Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec doesn’t reveal many surprises. The vast majority of these comments are positive and tend to group in categories similar to these:

The Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec reflex sight may not be your idea of an entry-level red dot optic. However, for this sight’s features, the going price is a bargain. Sightmark has designed and built the M-Spec Ultra Shot reflex sight to be a rugged and reliable working sight for almost any shooter.

Sale
Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec FMS Reflex Sight
  • Rugged Full Magnesium Body: Built to endure tough conditions, this optic features a robust full...
  • Anti-Reflective Coating, Parallax-Free System: This optic features an advanced anti-reflective lens...

Last update on 2024-03-19 at 01:42 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Final Thoughts

To put it plainly, I like Sightmark products. As long as you understand what they are and set your expectations correctly, you won’t be disappointed. Sightmark reflex sights are robust field equipment that is built tough. They will perform for most shooters during range time, competitions, or in the field for years.

I hope that this Sightmark Ultra Shot Review answers some of your questions and gives you a better understanding of what you can expect if you continue shopping for a Sightmark Ultra Shot Reflex Sight. Good Luck and Good Shooting.

Dennis Howard

A life long hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman, after surviving a devastating tornado in his home town, he saw the effects on people's lives as they struggled to cope. He built his first bugout bag a few weeks later and has been a dedicated prepper/survivalist since that time. After a career as a fireman, Dennis opened a retail store (FFL approved) catering to the military, law enforcement, and like-minded individuals. The store built their own AR platforms. Furthermore, Dennis was also an NRA instructor in both long gun and handgun as well as a certified range safety officer. Read his full interview here.