My first impression of Holosun HE508T-GR X2 1x Green 2 MOA Dot / 32 MOA Circle Reflex Sight
The Holosun HE508T-GR X2 1x Green 2 MOA Dot / 32 MOA Circle Reflex Sight arrived, promising a step up in pistol optic technology, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. Holosun has been making waves in the industry with their innovative features and competitive pricing, and this particular model boasts a titanium housing, a crisp green dot, and shake-awake technology. As someone deeply involved in the tactical and outdoor world, reliable and versatile optics are not just a luxury, they’re a necessity.
I’ve been searching for a pistol optic that could withstand harsh conditions and provide a clear, easily acquired aiming point in varied lighting. I was looking for something more robust than the polymer-housed optics I’ve used previously. The Holosun HE508T-GR X2 seemed to address these concerns head-on.
The unboxing experience was straightforward, with the sight neatly packaged alongside a Picatinny mount, lens cloth, battery, tools, and a user manual. My initial impression was one of solid build quality; the titanium housing felt incredibly durable, and the black anodized finish looked clean and professional. It felt significantly more robust than my older Trijicon RMR and Sig Sauer Romeo1 Pro.
I considered the Aimpoint Acro P-2 and the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro before ultimately choosing the Holosun HE508T-GR X2. The Acro P-2, while extremely durable, has a closed emitter which some find obstructs their view slightly, and the DeltaPoint Pro, although a solid performer, lacks the titanium construction of the Holosun. I was excited to finally test out the green dot technology and see if it lived up to its reputation for being more visible in bright conditions.
I walked away from the unboxing experience feeling impressed and cautiously optimistic. The solid construction and promising features suggested that the Holosun HE508T-GR X2 could be a game-changer. Now, it was time to put it to the test.
Real-World Testing: Putting Holosun HE508T-GR X2 1x Green 2 MOA Dot / 32 MOA Circle Reflex Sight to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the Holosun HE508T-GR X2 took place at my local shooting range. I mounted it on my Glock 19 MOS and zeroed it at 15 yards. The green dot was incredibly easy to pick up, even in bright sunlight.
I also subjected it to some basic handling drills in a light rain. The titanium housing and quality glass shrugged off the moisture with ease, providing a clear sight picture throughout. The controls were intuitive, and the shake-awake feature worked flawlessly, activating the optic instantly upon drawing my pistol. I did initially find the button placement a little awkward when wearing gloves, but quickly adjusted with practice.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Holosun HE508T-GR X2 has proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve used it in various conditions, from dry desert environments to humid forests, and it has consistently performed without a hitch. There are no signs of wear and tear on the titanium housing.
Cleaning the optic is simple; a quick wipe with the included lens cloth is usually all it takes to maintain a clear sight picture. I’ve also tested its durability by intentionally bumping it against various objects during training exercises, and it has held up without any damage. Compared to previous optics I’ve used, the Holosun HE508T-GR X2 offers a noticeable improvement in durability and battery life. It definitely outperforms my older red dot sights, holding zero consistently.
Breaking Down the Features of Holosun HE508T-GR X2 1x Green 2 MOA Dot / 32 MOA Circle Reflex Sight
Specifications
The Holosun HE508T-GR X2 is packed with features designed for optimal performance. It boasts a 1x magnification with a 0.63″ x 0.91″ objective lens. This provides a wide field of view for rapid target acquisition.
- Magnification: 1x
- Objective: 0.63″ x 0.91″
- Eye Relief: Unlimited
- DOT Size: 2 MOA/32MOA
- Length: 1.78″
- Weight: 2.0 oz
- Finish: Black Anodized
- Battery: CR1632
The unlimited eye relief allows for flexible mounting options and comfortable shooting from various positions. The user-selectable 2 MOA dot and 32 MOA circle provide versatility for different shooting scenarios. It weighs only 2.0 oz which makes it light enough not to throw off the balance of your pistol. The CR1632 battery provides up to 50,000 hours of battery life. The Holosun Super LED is very energy efficient.
Performance & Functionality
The Holosun HE508T-GR X2 excels in both performance and functionality. The crisp green dot is easy to acquire, even in bright sunlight, making target acquisition quick and efficient. The shake-awake feature ensures that the optic is always ready when you need it. It contributes to faster reaction times in critical situations.
The 12 brightness settings (10 daylight and 2 night vision compatible) provide excellent adaptability to any lighting conditions. It’s perfect for adjusting to low-light environments. A minor weakness is that the buttons, while tactile, can be slightly difficult to manipulate with thick gloves.
Design & Ergonomics
The Holosun HE508T-GR X2 is designed with durability and ease of use in mind. The titanium housing provides exceptional strength and impact resistance. The optic’s lightweight design ensures that it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to your firearm.
The intuitive button layout and clear markings make it easy to adjust settings on the fly. The battery compartment is easily accessible, allowing for quick battery changes without removing the optic.
Durability & Maintenance
The titanium housing and quality construction of the Holosun HE508T-GR X2 ensure long-lasting durability. I expect it to withstand years of hard use. The optic is also water-resistant.
Minimal maintenance is required. A quick wipe with a lens cloth keeps the glass clear and free from debris.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Holosun HE508T-GR X2 comes with a Picatinny mount, making it compatible with a wide range of firearms. It is compatible with any standard Picatinny rail. While there are no specific Holosun accessories for this model beyond different mounting options, its compatibility with standard Picatinny rails means it can be easily paired with aftermarket iron sights for co-witnessing.
Pros and Cons of Holosun HE508T-GR X2 1x Green 2 MOA Dot / 32 MOA Circle Reflex Sight
Pros
- Exceptional durability thanks to its titanium housing.
- Clear green dot that’s easy to acquire in any lighting condition.
- Shake-awake technology for instant activation and extended battery life.
- Versatile reticle options with 2 MOA dot and 32 MOA circle.
- Long battery life provides peace of mind during extended use.
Cons
- Buttons can be slightly difficult to manipulate with thick gloves.
- Price point may be higher than some comparable optics with polymer housings.
Who Should Buy Holosun HE508T-GR X2 1x Green 2 MOA Dot / 32 MOA Circle Reflex Sight?
The Holosun HE508T-GR X2 is perfect for law enforcement professionals, competitive shooters, and anyone who demands a durable and reliable optic for their pistol. It’s also well-suited for concealed carry. Its small size and robust construction make it an excellent choice for everyday carry.
Those on a very tight budget might want to explore other options with less durable construction. If simplicity is paramount and you don’t need multiple reticle options, then a basic red dot sight might suffice.
A must-have accessory is a high-quality holster designed to accommodate a pistol with a mounted optic. Backup iron sights are recommended as well, for redundancy.
Conclusion on Holosun HE508T-GR X2 1x Green 2 MOA Dot / 32 MOA Circle Reflex Sight
The Holosun HE508T-GR X2 1x Green 2 MOA Dot / 32 MOA Circle Reflex Sight is an outstanding optic that delivers on its promises of durability, reliability, and performance. Its titanium housing, crisp green dot, and user-friendly features make it a top contender in the pistol optic market. The price, at $399.99, is justified by the quality and features offered, providing excellent value for serious shooters.
I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a high-quality, rugged, and versatile pistol optic. If you’re ready to upgrade your pistol sighting system and demand the best, then the Holosun HE508T-GR X2 is definitely worth the investment. Equip yourself with the Holosun HE508T-GR X2 and experience the difference a quality optic can make.