Let’s Talk About Primary Arms Holosun HE509-RD Enclosed Solar – 1 out of 2 models
The Primary Arms Holosun HE509-RD Enclosed Solar is more than just a red dot sight; it’s a comprehensive aiming solution built for demanding shooters. Featuring the innovative ACSS Vulcan reticle, an enclosed emitter, and solar failsafe technology, this optic promises enhanced accuracy and unwavering reliability.
I’ve always been on the lookout for optics that improve target acquisition speed without sacrificing precision. The ACSS Vulcan reticle, with its unique guiding circle, immediately piqued my interest as a potential solution to the common red dot “dot hunting” issue.
Upon unboxing, the Holosun HE509-RD feels solid and well-constructed. The aluminum housing exudes durability, and the overall design inspires confidence. The weight is negligible, adding minimal bulk to my pistol.
I’ve used open reflex sights like the Trijicon RMR and Leupold DeltaPoint Pro in the past. While those are excellent, I wanted the added protection of an enclosed emitter for harsher environments, which led me to the HE509-RD. I chose this over the non-ACSS Holosun 509T because I wanted to test the Vulcan reticle’s effectiveness.
Initially, I was excited but also slightly skeptical about the ACSS Vulcan reticle. I wondered if the large guiding circle would be distracting, but I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype and improved my target acquisition speed.
Real-World Testing: Putting Primary Arms Holosun HE509-RD Enclosed Solar – 1 out of 2 models to the Test
First Use Experience
My first range trip with the Holosun HE509-RD was eye-opening. I mounted it on my Glock 19 MOS using the included adapter plate and headed to an outdoor range. The weather was partly cloudy with a slight breeze.
The ACSS Vulcan reticle proved to be a game-changer. Even with rushed presentations, the large outer circle instantly guided my eye to the 10 MOA center chevron. Target acquisition was significantly faster compared to traditional red dots.
The sight performed flawlessly. The enclosed emitter shrugged off some light drizzle without any impact on visibility or performance. Adjusting the brightness settings was simple and intuitive, even with gloves.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months and hundreds of rounds, the Holosun HE509-RD has proven to be incredibly reliable. It has endured regular range sessions and even a couple of outdoor training courses in varying weather conditions.
The aluminum housing shows minimal signs of wear, even after being bumped around in my range bag. The glass remains crystal clear, and the reticle is still crisp and bright. The solar failsafe provides an extra layer of confidence, ensuring the optic is always ready for use.
Cleaning is a breeze. A simple wipe with a microfiber cloth keeps the lens clear. I haven’t had to change the battery yet, thanks to the efficient LED and solar power. This optic surpasses my previous open reflex sights in terms of durability and reliability, especially in adverse conditions.
Breaking Down the Features of Primary Arms Holosun HE509-RD Enclosed Solar – 1 out of 2 models
Specifications
Finish/Material: The Holosun HE509-RD boasts a rugged aluminum housing that provides excellent protection for the internal components. This ensures the optic can withstand the rigors of daily carry and demanding use.
Adapter Plate for Glock MOS: The included adapter plate makes mounting on Glock MOS pistols straightforward. It eliminates the need for custom milling and allows for easy installation.
Reticle: The innovative ACSS Vulcan reticle features a large outer circle to guide the eye to the 10 MOA center chevron. This greatly improves target acquisition speed and accuracy, especially for new red dot users.
Illumination Type: The sight utilizes an efficient LED for the reticle illumination. This provides a bright and clear aiming point in various lighting conditions.
Illumination Color: The reticle is illuminated in red, which is a common and effective color for red dot sights. It offers good contrast against most backgrounds.
Brightness Settings: The Holosun HE509-RD offers 12 brightness settings, allowing users to tailor the reticle intensity to their specific environment. This ensures optimal visibility in both bright sunlight and low-light conditions.
Eye Relief: With unlimited eye relief, the HE509-RD provides a comfortable and forgiving shooting experience. This allows users to maintain a proper sight picture regardless of their head position.
Length: The optic’s compact length of 1.78 inches ensures it doesn’t add excessive bulk to your pistol. This helps maintain a balanced feel and facilitates concealed carry.
Width: The Holosun HE509-RD has a width of 1.22 inches, which is relatively slim for an enclosed emitter optic. This helps it maintain compatibility with a wide range of holsters.
Height: The height of 1.14 inches is a trade-off for the enclosed emitter design. It might require slightly taller iron sights for co-witnessing.
Weight: Weighing in at only 2 ounces, the Holosun HE509-RD adds minimal weight to your pistol. This helps maintain a comfortable and balanced feel, especially during extended shooting sessions.
Performance & Functionality
The Primary Arms Holosun HE509-RD Enclosed Solar excels in its primary function: providing a fast and accurate aiming solution. The ACSS Vulcan reticle significantly enhances target acquisition speed, especially under stress. The crisp reticle and adjustable brightness settings make it effective in various lighting conditions.
The primary strength lies in the ACSS Vulcan reticle, which makes it incredibly easy to find the dot quickly. A minor weakness is that the outer circle, while helpful, can sometimes feel a bit cluttered at close ranges. Overall, it meets and even exceeds expectations for a pistol red dot sight.
Design & Ergonomics
The Holosun HE509-RD is built with high-quality materials and a robust design. The aluminum housing feels incredibly durable, and the controls are easily accessible. The weight is negligible, and the optic sits comfortably on my pistol.
The design is user-friendly, and the controls are intuitive. There’s a slight learning curve with the ACSS Vulcan reticle, but once mastered, it becomes second nature.
Durability & Maintenance
The HE509-RD is built to last. The enclosed emitter design offers superior protection against the elements. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lens.
With its rugged construction and efficient power management, this optic should provide years of reliable service. The enclosed emitter design adds an extra layer of protection, making it more durable than open reflex sights.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Holosun HE509-RD comes with an adapter plate for Glock MOS pistols. Aftermarket mounting solutions for other pistol platforms may be necessary. There aren’t many customization options specific to this optic itself, but it’s compatible with standard pistol accessories like weapon lights and lasers.
While the HE509-RD is designed for a specific mounting footprint (different from the 509T), several aftermarket adapter plates are available for other pistol platforms. Its compatibility with standard pistol accessories allows for further customization based on individual needs.
Pros and Cons of Primary Arms Holosun HE509-RD Enclosed Solar – 1 out of 2 models
Pros
- The ACSS Vulcan reticle dramatically improves target acquisition speed, especially for new red dot users.
- The enclosed emitter provides superior protection against dust, water, and other environmental factors.
- Solar Failsafe technology ensures the optic is always ready for use, even if the battery dies.
- The rugged aluminum housing provides excellent durability.
- The Shake Awake technology helps conserve battery life.
Cons
- The ACSS Vulcan reticle can feel a bit cluttered at very close ranges.
- The mounting footprint is not compatible with the Holosun 509T, limiting aftermarket mounting options.
Who Should Buy Primary Arms Holosun HE509-RD Enclosed Solar – 1 out of 2 models?
The Primary Arms Holosun HE509-RD Enclosed Solar is perfect for:
- Concealed carry users seeking a durable and reliable optic.
- Law enforcement officers and military personnel who need a robust aiming solution for duty pistols.
- Competition shooters who want to improve their target acquisition speed.
- Anyone new to pistol red dots who wants a forgiving and easy-to-learn aiming system.
This product might not be ideal for:
- Users who prefer a minimalist reticle without the outer guiding circle.
- Individuals who need a mounting footprint compatible with the Holosun 509T.
Must-have accessories or modifications:
- A quality holster designed for pistols with red dot sights.
- Taller iron sights for co-witnessing (depending on personal preference).
Conclusion on Primary Arms Holosun HE509-RD Enclosed Solar – 1 out of 2 models
The Primary Arms Holosun HE509-RD Enclosed Solar is an outstanding pistol red dot sight that offers a compelling combination of innovative features, rugged durability, and enhanced performance. The ACSS Vulcan reticle is a game-changer for target acquisition speed, and the enclosed emitter provides superior protection against the elements.
At $469.99, the price is justified given the features and quality. The Holosun HE509-RD offers a significant upgrade over traditional red dot sights.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Primary Arms Holosun HE509-RD Enclosed Solar to anyone looking for a reliable, accurate, and easy-to-use pistol red dot sight. Upgrade your pistol and experience the difference the ACSS Vulcan reticle can make!