Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links, meaning we receive commissions for any purchases made through the links on this page.

Let’s talk about the Mepro MPO-S. The modern pistol optic revolution has fundamentally changed how we approach defensive shooting, competition shooting, and everyday carry. Red dot sights on handguns provide faster target acquisition, enhanced accuracy at distance, and the ability to maintain peripheral awareness while keeping both eyes open. 

A quality pistol optic can be transformative for shooters with aging eyes or those who struggle with traditional iron sight alignment, particularly the tiny dots and boxes. The benefits of a pistol optic extend beyond mere convenience: they represent a tactical advantage when milliseconds matter and precision is critical, such as in competitive shooting or self-defense.

My Experience: Mepro MPO-S

After running the Mepro MPO-S on my Springfield Hellcat Pro for the past year, I can confidently say this optic has exceeded expectations in every meaningful category. I began with cautious optimism about a relatively new player in the market. That sentiment has evolved into genuine appreciation for a thoughtfully engineered piece of equipment that delivers consistent performance across diverse shooting scenarios.

The MPO-S represents Meprolight’s entry into the compact pistol optic market. It’s specifically designed for the RMSc footprint that smaller carry guns like the Hellcat Pro utilize. This Israeli manufacturer has built a reputation for rugged, military-grade optics, and their attention to detail is immediately apparent when examining the MPO-S. The unit feels substantial without being cumbersome. It weighs just 1.4 ounces while maintaining a robust construction for serious defensive use.

Features: Mepro MPO-S

One of the most compelling features of the MPO-S is its user-selectable three-segment reticle system. Shooters can choose between a clean 3 MOA dot, a 33 MOA bullseye configuration, or a 33 MOA ring, depending on their preference and shooting conditions. This versatility has proven invaluable throughout my year of testing. The crisp 3 MOA dot excels for precision work and longer-range shots. The bullseye configuration provides an excellent balance of speed and accuracy for most defensive scenarios. The ring-only option offers maximum situational awareness and works particularly well in low-light conditions where the outer ring effectively frames targets.

The reticle clarity itself deserves special mention. Some budget optics produce starburst effects or fuzzy dots. Instead, the MPO-S delivers a clean, well-defined reticle that remains sharp across all brightness settings. Color consistency is excellent, maintaining a true red hue without the orange or pink tints plaguing lesser optics. The MPO-S features a 3 MOA red dot with a 33 MOA outer ring in its bullseye configuration, providing shooters with multiple aiming references to suit their needs.

Installing the Mepro MPO-S

Installation on the Hellcat Pro was straightforward, with no plate required. Note that the MPO Pro-S housing sticks out slightly on the sides, but not so much that it’s an issue when mounted on compact pistols. The slight overhang is negligible and doesn’t interfere with holster compatibility or concealment. The optic sits higher than some direct-mount options due to its mounting plate, but this elevation aids in achieving a proper cheek weld and sight picture.

Battery Life & Durability 

Battery life has been exceptional throughout my testing period. The MPO-S boasts over 20,000 hours of battery life. That’s more than two years of continuous use on a single CR1632 battery. The shake-awake feature ensures the optic is always ready when needed while conserving battery power during storage. Durability testing has been thorough and ongoing. 

The MPO-S has endured thousands of rounds through the Hellcat Pro, including rapid-fire strings, competition use, and training scenarios. The optic features an IP67 waterproof and fogproof coating, providing confidence in adverse weather conditions. Despite regular use, the housing shows minimal wear. The windage and elevation adjustments have consistently held zero throughout the testing period.

Controls 

The manual brightness controls are intuitive and quickly accessible. Ten brightness settings offer a suitable range for any lighting condition, from bright daylight to low-light scenarios. The buttons are well-positioned and provide positive tactile feedback without being overly sensitive to accidental activation.

The auto-brightness mode has handled transitions from indoor to outdoor environments smoothly. Still, I appreciate having manual override capability when necessary. I’ve experienced no issues with the auto-brightness function. It seamlessly adjusts to ambient lighting conditions without the hunting or inconsistency common in many competing optics. I’ve moved from sunlight to darkness, and the auto-brightness adjusted quickly and perfectly every time.

I can’t overstate the versatility of the reticle system. Having used all three configurations extensively, I tend to favor the bullseye setup for most applications. I set it that way when I everyday carry the Hellcat Pro. The outer ring provides excellent reference for rapid target acquisition, while the central dot enables precision. This adaptability means one optic can serve multiple roles, from defensive carry to competition shooting.

This item’s build quality reflects Meprolight’s military heritage. Every component feels purposeful and well-engineered, from the smooth adjustment turrets to the robust mounting system. The attention to detail extends to thoughtful touches like the low-profile design that minimizes snag potential and the power management system that significantly extends battery life.

Final Thoughts

After a full year of regular use, the Mepro MPO-S has proven itself as a reliable, feature-rich optic that punches well above its price point. It combines the versatility of multiple reticle options with the reliability needed for serious defensive use. The MPO-S deserves serious consideration for shooters considering their first pistol optic or those looking to upgrade from basic open-emitter designs. It represents the evolution of pistol optics technology in a package that delivers consistent performance when it matters most.

At an MSRP of $259.99, the MPO-S represents excellent value in the open-emitter pistol optic market. It competes directly with offerings from established manufacturers while often exceeding their performance in key areas. The combination of features, reliability, and competitive pricing makes it an attractive option for shooters seeking a quality optic without premium pricing.

David Workman is an author, avid gun guy, and contributing writer to several major gun publications.