With years of shooting experience, I’ve tried out a variety of sights and firearms. But this time was different. The moment I tested the Crimson Trace 1500 on my Springfield XDS, it was clear that I had found something special.
Among the many sights I’ve tried, this red dot sight emerged as my top choice. It was love at first shot!
The Crimson Trace 1500 boasts features such as an ambient light sensor and integrated co-witness sight, making it the Best Springfield XDS Red Dot.
In this article, we’ll review other great options as well, but the aim is to show you why this sight stands out.
Top 4 Best Red Dot for Springfield XDS
1. Crimson Trace 1500 – My Top Choice
When it comes to the CTS-1550 Electronic Sight, it’s hard not to be impressed. I tested this red dot sight on my Springfield XDS, and right away, the standout feature for me was its ambient light sensor.
While out in the field, I found that the automatic brightness adjustment to the surrounding light conditions was a game-changer.
The lightweight polymer construction made carrying my firearm feels almost effortless, and the integrated co-witness notch added that extra sense of security.
With 20,000 hours of battery life and the ability to easily user-install it, the CTS-1550 became a top choice in my arsenal. Trust me, this little piece of tech is something special.
Flaw but not a dealbreaker
Though I fell in love with this sight, it’s worth noting that the lens might be prone to more scratches.
2. Swampfox Sentinel – Second Best
Next up on my Springfield XDS was the Swampfix Sentinel M, and let me tell you, it was a genuine pleasure to experience.
This little red dot sight packs a punch with its manual brightness adjustments through ten settings, all at the touch of digital push buttons.
The compact fit, with a 16mm x 16mm window, was a wonder; large enough for fast targeting, yet small enough not to affect concealment.
What really sold me was the duty-grade construction: made from 7075 aluminum, shockproof to 1,500 G forces, and even waterproof.
Carrying my pistol with the Sentinel-M became a whole new experience, enriched by a battery life lasting two solid years.
Flaw but not a dealbreaker
Despite its brilliance, the Swampfix Sentinel M does come with a limited field of view.
3. Holosun 507K – Highly Rated
Mounting the Holosun 507K X2 on my Springfield XDS was an experience I’d like to share with you. Its 2 MOA dot with a 32 MOA ring, along with a 1 MOA per click adjustment, brought precision and efficiency to my shooting practice.
The robust 7075 T6 aluminum construction with rounded corner edges gave me confidence, knowing it’s designed to withstand rough outdoor conditions.
The sight’s small window size, despite the slight lens distortion, was perfect for aiming close-range targets.
The Holosun 507K X2, with its tailored features, made it a perfect fit, enhancing my shooting experience, especially the quick reticle adjustments, which made my target acquisition a whole lot smoother.
Flaw but not a dealbreaker
The mounting process is a bit cumbersome, as you have to use a special adapter plate to mount it.
4. Holosun 407K – Customers Choice
The Holosun 507K X2 has genuinely impressed me, especially during the testing phase on my Springfield XDS.
Its housing construction, made of 7075 aluminum with straight cuts and rounded corners, has proven exceptionally durable, even after several rigorous shooting sessions.
One feature that particularly caught my eye is the easy side battery access. Using the Allen key to unscrew the side tray and replace the battery without removing the sight from the gun was a huge convenience.
I’ve been using the sight for months, and the battery performance has been remarkable, just as promised.
The 6 MOA dot and Shake Awake feature added precision and responsiveness, making it a delightful experience with my Springfield.
Flaw but not a dealbreaker
The sight lacks multi-reticle options, offering less versatility in various shooting scenarios, and you have to use an adapter plate to mount it.
Conclusion
After thoroughly testing and reviewing these sights on the Springfield XDS, the Crimson Trace 1500 stands out as the best choice, and I’d consider it my top recommendation.
Its unique features, such as the ambient light sensor and integrated co-witness sight, give it an edge over the others.
However, everyone’s final decision should align with their individual needs and preferences.
While I’ve detailed the best sights, you can weigh the pros and cons to choose the one that suits you the most, whether it’s the top-performing sight I’ve recommended or another option that catches your eye.
FAQs
Can you put a red dot on a Springfield XDS?
Yes, red dot sights can be mounted on a Springfield XDS.
Is the Springfield XDS optics ready?
Yes, the Springfield XDS is optics ready and comes with a factory-milled slide for direct mounting of compact optics.
What does XD-S stand for Springfield?
The “S” in the XD-S model designation for Springfield stands for “single-stack”.
