The optics market is highly competitive, with names like EOTECH, Trijicon, and Aimpoint among the leaders of the pack. However, another manufacturer has climbed the ranks and joined them in becoming a household name, and that’s Holosun.
Since 2013, Holosun has continuously pushed the envelope from a technology perspective. So much so, in fact, we’ve seen many brand-loyal individuals of the likes mentioned above give Holosun a shot and actually make the switch.
But what about Holosun exactly has driven the hype to an all-time high? Two words: innovation and affordability.
One would think that with industry-leading technology and impressive build quality would come astronomical price tags, but Holosun has managed to do quite the opposite.
Taken straight from its About Us page: At Holosun, it’s simple. We are obsessed with producing cutting-edge equipment with superior quality, at a price that astounds the competition and the customer. Holosun is the industry leader in bringing feature-rich, high-quality products at a price that won’t leave you stranded for ammo money.
And unlike many who make similar claims, Holosun actually delivers.
any application.
Pistol Optics
SCS (Solar Charging Sight)
If you never want to worry about changing a battery again, the Solar Charging Sight (SCS) line is for you!

The Holosun SCS is on the left, and the Vortex Defender-ST is on the right. Notice the solar panel on the SCS.
The main feature is, of course, the solar charging technology, which allows the optic to operate indefinitely. To help conserve battery life, there are multi-directional light sensors that will adjust the brightness automatically.
You’ll have three reticle options to choose from: a 2 MOA dot, a 32 MOA circle, or a combination. I go with the combination and find it to be great for quick acquisition and precision.
There are several SCS models that are model-specific and mount directly with no plates required. Holosun does a great job of trying to match the aesthetics of those models with the gun, as you can see in the Glock pictured above.
507Comp
Featuring a large 1.1” x 0.87” objective lens, you can probably guess what the 507Comp is designed for…competition!
Red and green reticle options are available, both having the multi-reticle system that offers four components: a 2 MOA dot, an 8 MOA circle, a 20 MOA circle, and a 32 MOA circle. You can toggle between the dot and any circle of your choice, so you can adjust them for various distances and competition types.
While there is no solar technology included like with the SCS above, the CR1632 battery boasts up to a 50,000-hour life. Shake Awake technology automatically turns the optic off between a user-programmable 10 minutes to 12 hours, depending on the model, or can even be deactivated.
This won’t be your best bet for a concealed carry gun, but for home defense, competition, or the range, it’s a great option.
EPS (Enclosed Pistol Sight)
Enclosed sights are ideal for concealed carry as they keep all the dust and debris away from your emitter. The last thing you want is to pull your weapon and not be able to use your optic due to an obstruction.

Your emitter will be nice and safe within that beefy housing! Source
The EPS line remains compact despite its boxy appearance and even allows for the use of most standard-height iron sights. There are several different models, but by far our favorite is the EPS Carry MRS. It features Holosun’s Solar Failsafe and Shake Awake technology, plus it comes with multiple reticle options.
If you don’t need all the fancy features, you can opt for a more affordable 2 MOA dot version in red or green.
Rifle Optics
HS510C
I’d have difficulty even guessing how many rifle, pistol-caliber carbine, and shotgun builds I’ve seen the HS510C be a part of, and it’s easy to see why.
Utilizing an included quick-detach mount, you can swap it between builds with ease. Once you do, you can choose between multiple reticle options and a dozen brightness settings (10 daylight and 2 night vision compatible). Thanks to the Solar Failsafe and Shake Awake technology, the battery boasts a 50,000-hour life.

A great size for rifles and PCCs alike. Source
With an aluminum housing and titanium hood for added durability, the HS510C is ready to handle any task you throw at it.
AEMS (Advanced Enclosed Micro Sight)
Putting all of the same great technology as the HS510C (Solar Failsafe, multiple reticles, Shake Awake) but shoving it into an enclosed housing makes the AEMS one of my favorites.
The aesthetics surely won’t win any awards, but the durability and reliability could, and that’s what’s important. A 7075 aluminum Picatinny mount allows for a lower ⅓ co-witness, and the included flip-down lens covers further add to its toughness.
Even the small details, such as the last setting recall, were thought of when designing the AEMS, which makes it a hard one to argue with for most close-to-medium-range rifle builds.
403B
Holosun strives to make its optics affordable, and the 403B is a testament to that.
You won’t get all of the newest technology such as the Solar Failsafe with this one, but the price is adjusted accordingly. You do, however, still get features such as Shake Awake, night-vision compatible brightness settings, and high-quality multilayer reflective glass.

No frills, but gets the job done. Source
Despite the low price point, it comes with everything from a lower ⅓ co-witness mount to the required CR2032 battery. You can choose from a green or red 2 MOA dot, but you really can’t go wrong with either.
DRS-NV (Digital Rifle Sight-Night Vision)
I couldn’t help but add this night vision optic to the list, even though I’ve never had the pleasure of actually shooting it (yet). It was catching a lot of attention at SHOT Show this year, and it was hard to even hold it in hand due to the line.

So much technology in such a small package! Source
The technology is insane and the optic features a 1024×768 resolution digital night vision sensor, image and video recording with on-board storage, and like many other Holosun offerings, a multiple reticle system.
However, don’t get too excited about it unless you have roughly $1,100 burning a hole in your pocket for a new optic. It’s pricey but justified.
Final Thoughts
Holosun has proven itself over the recent years to be a primary player in the industry, thanks to its advanced technologies and affordable prices. Whether you’re looking for a pistol optic, rifle optic, or even a weapon light like the P.ID, there’s bound to be a Holosun product that checks most, if not all, of your boxes.

A Holosun light and optic make for a winning combination. Source
If you haven’t had the opportunity to test any of Holosun’s offerings for yourself, I suggest that you do. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised, even if you’re coming from a more expensive brand.
At the end of the day, regardless of what you decide to add to your handgun or rifle, make sure to test it for yourself before relying on it.
As always, stay safe, train hard, and have fun.



