In the ever-evolving world of firearms optics, red dot sights have become increasingly popular for both handguns and long guns. Among the many options available, the Springfield Armory Hex Dragonfly has emerged as a standout performer, offering premium features and durability at a price point that won’t break the bank. As an avid hunter, competitive shooter, and firearms enthusiast, I’ve had the opportunity to put the Hex Dragonfly through its paces in a variety of scenarios. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore why this red dot sight has earned a permanent spot in my gear lineup and why it deserves serious consideration for your next optics purchase.

Built Like a Tank, Light as a Feather

The first thing that strikes you about the Hex Dragonfly is its robust construction. Springfield Armory has engineered this optic with a housing machined from 6061 T6 aluminum, finished with a hardcoat anodized coating that laughs in the face of scratches and dings. Despite its rugged build, the Dragonfly manages to weigh in at a mere 1.2 ounces (some sources list it as 1.3 oz, but the difference is negligible). This combination of durability and lightweight design makes it an ideal choice for both handguns and long guns where every ounce matters.

In my testing, I’ve accidentally knocked this sight against tree branches and even dropped it once (a moment of clumsiness I’m not proud of), yet it has continued to function flawlessly without losing zero. The IPX7 waterproof rating means you don’t have to baby this optic in wet conditions either. I’ve used it in heavy rain without any issues, giving me confidence that it can handle whatever mother nature throws its way.

Crystal Clear Glass Where It Counts

Unlike some budget red dots that cut corners with plastic lenses, the Dragonfly sports real glass with high-quality coatings. The view through the sight is incredibly clear, with no noticeable tint or distortion. The anti-glare coating does its job admirably – I’ve used this optic in bright sunlight without any issues picking up the dot or experiencing washout.

The protective shroud around the lens provides some extra insurance against impacts and scratches. After several months of use in various conditions, my lens still looks brand new. This attention to detail in the optical quality sets the Dragonfly apart from many competitors in its price range.

A Dot That Won’t Quit

At the heart of any red dot sight is, well, the dot itself. The Hex Dragonfly features a 3.5 MOA dot that strikes an excellent balance between precision and rapid target acquisition. It’s small enough for accurate shots at distance but large enough to quickly pick up in dynamic shooting scenarios. This versatility makes it equally at home on a concealed carry pistol or a competition rifle.

With 8 brightness settings, I’ve always been able to dial in the perfect dot intensity, whether I’m hunting at dawn or competing under the midday sun. The manual adjustment is simple and intuitive, controlled by a single button on the left side of the housing. Each press cycles through the brightness levels, with one additional press turning the unit off. This simplicity is a boon in high-stress situations where complicated controls could be a liability.

One of the most impressive features of the Dragonfly is its battery life. Powered by a single CR2032 battery, Springfield Armory claims a runtime of 100,000 hours – that’s over 11 years of continuous use! In practice, I’m going on two years with my original battery, and it’s still going strong. The auto-shutoff feature, which kicks in after 16 hours of operation, helps preserve battery life if you forget to turn it off manually. Springfield recommends changing the battery every 3 years, which seems very conservative based on my experience.

Versatility Is Key

One of my favorite aspects of the Hex Dragonfly is its versatility. Originally designed for use with Springfield’s XD-M Elite OSP pistols, I’ve found it to be equally at home on a variety of firearms. I’ve mounted it on an AR-15, a turkey shotgun (using a Picatinny rail adapter), and even experimented with it on a .22LR plinker.

The sight’s footprint is compatible with Vortex Venom and Burris Fastfire mounts, which greatly expands your mounting options. The included Picatinny mount is solid and works well for long guns, but I ended up switching to a lower 1/3 co-witness mount on my AR for a more comfortable cheek weld. This adaptability means you can easily transfer the Dragonfly between different firearms as your needs change.

Performance Where It Counts

All the fancy features in the world don’t matter if a sight can’t hold zero, but the Dragonfly has proven to be rock-solid reliable in this department. The 1 MOA click adjustments for windage and elevation make zeroing a breeze, and I haven’t had to touch mine since initial setup despite plenty of range time and a few hunting trips.

The dot is crisp and parallax-free, allowing for consistent accuracy regardless of eye position. This has been particularly noticeable in unconventional shooting positions while hunting – I can focus on the target without worrying about perfect sight alignment. The ability to maintain a target focus, rather than shifting between front sight, rear sight, and target, has noticeably improved my shooting speed and accuracy, especially in dynamic situations.

For those new to red dot sights, the learning curve with the Dragonfly is relatively short. The large, clear window makes it easy to pick up the dot on presentation, and with some practice, you’ll find yourself acquiring targets faster than ever before. This improved speed doesn’t come at the cost of precision either – I’ve found that my groups at distance have tightened up since switching to the Dragonfly.

Value That’s Hard to Beat

Here’s where the Hex Dragonfly really shines – at an MSRP of $249 (often found for less), it offers performance on par with sights costing significantly more. The build quality, glass clarity, and overall feature set punch well above its price point. When you consider that many premium red dots can cost upwards of $400-$500, the Dragonfly represents an excellent value proposition.

Springfield Armory stands behind their product with a lifetime warranty on the sight itself and a 5-year warranty on the electronics. This level of support adds an extra layer of confidence to your purchase, knowing that you’re covered if any issues arise down the line.

Real-World Applications

Whether you’re a competitive shooter, a hunter, or focused on personal defense, the Hex Dragonfly has something to offer. For competition, the crisp dot and wide field of view allow for blazing fast transitions between targets. Hunters will appreciate the durability and battery life, ensuring the optic is ready to go whenever that trophy buck steps into view. And for those carrying concealed, the Dragonfly’s compact size and rugged construction make it a reliable choice for everyday carry.

I’ve found the Dragonfly particularly useful for introducing new shooters to firearms. The intuitive aiming process – simply put the dot on the target and squeeze the trigger – helps novices build confidence quickly. This has made range sessions with friends and family more enjoyable and productive.

Room for Improvement

While the Hex Dragonfly is an impressive optic, especially considering its price point, there are a few areas where future iterations could improve:

• A shake-awake feature would be a welcome addition, automatically activating the dot when movement is detected. This would eliminate the need to manually turn on the optic in high-stress situations.

• Those with astigmatism might find the dot a bit fuzzy or starburst-shaped. This is a common issue with all red dot sights, not unique to the Dragonfly, but it’s worth noting for potential buyers.

• While the 8 brightness settings cover most situations well, an auto-brightness feature could be beneficial for rapidly changing light conditions.

The Final Verdict

After extensive testing in various conditions, the Springfield Armory Hex Dragonfly has proven itself to be a reliable, versatile, and high-performing red dot sight. Its combination of rugged construction, clear optics, and long battery life make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from competition shooting to hunting and self-defense.

While it may lack some of the advanced features found on more expensive optics, the Dragonfly more than makes up for it with its excellent value proposition. For shooters looking to dip their toes into the world of red dot sights or those seeking a reliable optic that won’t break the bank, the Hex Dragonfly deserves serious consideration.

Whether you’re upgrading your CCW pistol, building out a competition rig, or adding some speed to your hunting setup, the Dragonfly has the potential to significantly enhance your shooting experience. It’s quickly become one of my go-to recommendations for friends getting into the red dot world, and I’m confident it will continue to serve me well for years to come.

Have you had a chance to try out the Hex Dragonfly or any of Springfield’s other optics? I’d love to hear about your experiences and how they compare to mine. The world of firearms and optics is constantly evolving, and sharing our experiences helps all of us make more informed decisions about our gear choices.