Who would have guessed it? Springfield Armory’s most exciting news in guns for 2021 isn’t a gun at all … it’s a new line of reflex (also called red-dot) optics. It’s called the HEX, and whether you choose to mount it on a Springfield firearm or a gun you already own, it’ll (with apologies to Screamin’ Jay Hawkins) put a spell on you.
There are two basic models of HEX in the line: the HEX Wasp and the HEX Dragonfly. The Wasp was designed for micro-sized concealed-carry (CCW) handguns like the Hellcat OSP, while the Dragonfly is suited for full-size handguns and long guns.
The micro-sized Wasp allows for direct mounting to the slide of a pistol, ensuring the lowest possible mount and an ability to co-witness with iron sights (like those of the Hellcat). The HEX Wasp is “always-on,” featuring an auto-dimming sensor that regulates the brightness of the dot based on changing ambient light conditions. Battery life is rated at a two-year runtime.
Unlike the Wasp, the HEX Dragonfly isn’t “always-on.” Instead, it allows the user to manually choose from eight brightness levels, and a 16-hour auto-off feature prevents the battery from being unintentionally drained. Battery life is rated at a three-year runtime.
Both models are machined from 6061 T6 aluminum anodized for protection and durability. The HEX 3.5 MOA Wasp and Dragonfly also boast patent-pending side serrations as well as lens shrouds on the forward face that offer added protection for the scratch-resistant, anti-glare-coated glass lenses. Additionally, IPX7-rated waterproofing ensures rugged dependability. The Wasp’s MSRP is $299; for the Dragonfly, $249. Click here for more about HEX Optics.
Springfield’s HEX Wasp and Dragonfly reflex sights are suitable for many types of firearms, but you may have noted that the Wasp was designed in tandem with the new Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP. The Hellcat, a pistol as widely popular with shooters as its name is with NRA Women gun writers, is now available in an optics-ready version, the OSP.
The OSP (Optical Sight Pistol) variant of the Hellcat features a removable seamless cover plate that allows you to mount a micro red dot to the slide for the lowest possible profile. Complementing the ability to mount a red dot optic is the Hellcat’s U-Dot sight system, offered on both the OSP and standard non-optic model. (Of course, you don’t have to mount a Springfield HEX Wasp on your Springfield Hellcat OSP … but why wouldn’t you?)
“The Hellcat has proven to be extremely popular since its launch due to its quality, capabilities and performance,” says Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing for Springfield Armory. “Now, with these new 10-round versions of the pistol in both standard and OSP versions, even more shooters have the chance to own the best concealed carry pistol on the market.” MSRP $569-599 depending upon model chosen; springfield-armory.com.
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