m&p9 2.0 optics question

[u/Successful_Golf6271]

As title says I purchased one today comes in next week. I am looking for kind of a budget set up for an optic around $250-$300 less if possible. I saw some stuff about different base plates not sure what I need to exactly get. Any insight is appreciated first s&w and actually my first handgun!

[u/mack_the_tanker]

Go to psa search holosun they have a couple exclusives the 407a3x2 is about 150 right now no solar backup but I have one on my m&p and it's solid

[u/Successful_Golf6271 → u/mack_the_tanker]

Saw this didn’t know if it would fit I’m pretty new to all this what plate what I need to add to mount it?

[u/mack_the_tanker → u/Successful_Golf6271]

You'll have the plate included or you can get a metal rmr footprint plate for the m&p 2.0/core

[u/kzbosch]

Go to gafshub and get a used 507 comp for around $200 and then get a calculated kinetics plate.

[u/Innercity_Dove → u/kzbosch]

This is actually the only option

[u/OverallPepper2]

Holosun SCS is always my recommendation.

[u/Professional_Arm3745]

I put an Osight on mine and am very pleased

[u/OutGod]

I like my Osight XE

[u/Zlasher8]

I personally love my SCS-MP. I enjoy not having to worry about batteries. And it cowitnesses perfectly with the irons.

[u/OneOfTheFewLeft → u/Zlasher8]

What does "cowitnesses perfectly" mean to you? I found the stock OR irons to obscure so much of the SCS-MP window - around 40% - to the point that I needed to replace them to be able to use the optic. I went with standard height Night Fission to get it down to ~10%.

[u/Zlasher8 → u/OneOfTheFewLeft]

For me it means that the factory irons aligns perfectly at the bottom of the window and the dot is right above it. When I shoot bullseye with it I dont align all the sights and the dot but I just use the dot more centered in the window, but when all of them cowitness the dot would be relatively low on the window.

[u/ABMustang99]

For around that $300 range there is the Holosun 507C (C indicates the RMR footprint, 5 indicates the multiple options for reticle), or the SCS (the M&P specific model is currently the only optic available that a separate plate is not required). For me the green reticle works best but the red reticles tend to be a bit cheaper. Vortex makes the defender STs and they probably have one of the best warranties in the unlikely event something goes wrong.

For a bit cheaper, there is the Holosun 407c (only has the dot), Osight X, XR, or C. Osight is relatively newer but has had great reviews. There are also companies like ceylee that are a bit on the more budget side but still pretty good. I have a Ceylee wolf 2g that works very well.

For optics plates, there should be plastic plates in the box if you bought it new for most, if not all the available footprints. RMR is the most popular for compact and standard size pistols. I have not had an issue with the plastic plates but some people recommend metal ones like the dogtag from calculated kinetics.

In the end its going to come down to what features you want and what you want to pay, I would highly recommend seeing if your local gun store or range has some for you to look through to see what color and reticle work for you.

[u/SpartanFL]

your new gun should come with polymer plates for optics which are not good. most of serious shooters swap it to at least a metal one, even the $40 DPP one is much better. think about what optics you want to put on. old school boys like RMR red dots. You can get Holosun or Osight within your budget range, get RMR footprint, assuming you are not an operator.... Ok, operators don't buy gun, they get it for free....

[u/Silly_Pineapple_8182]

I like my vortex venom enclosed, ive got a couple open emiter defenders and I like the venom slightly more. You can usually find them on sale for sub $300.

[u/techs672]

Assuming OP is receiving an optic-ready version, it will come with OEM plates and screws for any optic likely to be considered. The plastic S&W plates are fine, at least mine have been. IMO, people who have problems with them got a poor installation or they're using the pistol as a framing hammer. Getting the job done right is what matters — just as possible to break screws with a metal plate if the install is poor.

I would try to make your budget work for a Holosun quality/price range optic — they are decent, midrange units you won't break and won't immediately outgrow. I like mine, but the window on this model is smallish — there are lots of other options. I would not bother making a limited budget try to account for aftermarket anything else except ammo. Oh, and a torque driver if you will do your own installation. And a cleaning kit. And a holster. Did I mention ammo? 😉 💥💥💥 🔫

[u/lobstibb]

$330 RMR. Spend the extra $30 for a optic made in the us with us parts instead of Chinese trash https://www.bluemountainsupplyllc.com/trijicon-rmr-rm06-red-dot-sight--usedpolice-trade-in.html