TFB Review: Meprolight MPO-DS Red Dot Sight
The micro red dot market has become increasingly crowded, with options at every price point promising various features and innovations. The Meprolight MPO-DS enters this space with a straightforward proposition – though whether straightforward is enough in today’s market is what we’re here to explore.
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Specifications: Meprolight MPO-DS Red Dot Sight
The MPO-DS is built around a straightforward feature set aimed at the CCW market. While the marketing materials tout both shake awake and automatic brightness adjustment, the user manual indicates a simpler always-on approach. This kind of discrepancy bears mentioning, particularly for those making decisions based on feature comparisons.
Footprint: RMSc CompatibleWindow Size: 0.82″ x 0.58″Dot Size: 3.5 MOA Red DotBattery: CR2032Claimed Battery Life: 30,000+ hoursBrightness: Auto-adjusting onlyWater Resistance: IPX7Weight: 0.6 ozAdjustment Range: 80 MOA
At $209.99, the MPO-DS sits in a challenging position. While it delivers core functionality, the feature set feels somewhat limited compared to both higher and lower-priced options in today’s market. The build quality is there, but the lack of manual brightness adjustment and some feature ambiguity make the price point harder to justify.
“The Mepro MPO-DS is an open reflex red dot sight designed for subcompact or slimline pistols. This cost-effective optic punches far above its cost. It features a 3.5 MOA red dot reticle, RMSc footprint, automatic brightness control, CR2032 battery lasting 3 years plus while being water, shock, and fog proof. The Mepro MPO-DS allows you to upgrade your current sighting system with money left over for more ammo. The Meprolight® name means we only produce products we, ourselves use and carry in defense of ourselves and our families. Choose the best, choose Meprolight®.”
First Impressions: Meprolight MPO-DS Red Dot Sight
Opening the MPO-DS package is a sort of premium experience, with presentation that rivals high-end tech products. Flip open the lid and you’re greeted by the optic and its protective cover nestled in clean packaging. Beneath that layer lives the manual and included accessories in their own dedicated space. It’s the kind of unboxing experience that sets expectations high.
The dot itself presents as a fairly standard open-emitter design, though the visible wires near the emitter housing were an unexpected detail. The glass is clean and clear, and the included tools in the kit and variety of mounting screws show attention to end-user needs.
Range Time: Meprolight MPO-DS Red Dot Sight
Testing was conducted on a Kel-Tec P17 using a 3D-printed mount, with the optic performing its primary function without issue. The included M4 mounting screws made the installation straightforward, and zero retention proved excellent with consistent 0.5-inch groups at 15 yards during varied-pace firing strings.
The auto-brightness system, while functional, tends to run bright across conditions. This, combined with some noticeable bloom in the dot (confirmed by multiple shooters, not just those with astigmatism), makes for a shooting experience that’s serviceable but could be improved with manual adjustment options.
Durability testing, while limited, showed promise. Multiple intentional drops onto gravel produced no loss of zero or functionality. While more extensive testing would be needed for definitive conclusions, initial impressions suggest robust construction.
The window size proves appropriate for the intended use, offering a good balance between visibility and compact form factor. Parallax was not an issue during testing, and the dot tracked consistently through movement.
One interesting note about the power management: The manual indicates the optic operates in a constant-on state, with battery removal being the only way to power down. While this keeps operation simple, it’s different from what some might expect based on the marketing materials’ mention of shake awake. During our brief testing period, the dot remained consistently on and ready to use.
Weather exposure during testing was limited to 30-degree Fahrenheit conditions, where the optic continued to function as expected.
Final Thoughts: Meprolight MPO-DS Red Dot Sight
The Meprolight MPO-DS is a functional red dot that delivers on its basic promises but doesn’t necessarily exceed them. While sight picture, zero retention, and initial durability impressions are positive, the lack of manual brightness adjustment and some feature ambiguity make it a harder sell at its price point. For shooters who prioritize simplicity and don’t mind an always-bright dot, it’s a serviceable option. However, those looking for more adjustability or clearer feature sets might want to explore other options in this increasingly competitive market segment.
In closing, I want to say thank you to Meprolight for allowing TFB and myself the opportunity to try out one of their Meprolight MPO-DS! That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think. Do you believe that this sight setup is something worth spending your money on? Would you run to the range with this RMSc pattern optic? Would this be on your go-to fun gun at the range? Let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.