City of Industry, CA (May 27, 2021) Red dot optics on pistols are not new, but they are not commonplace. Iron sights on a pistol are more than adequate. However, they do have certain limitations. These limitations can make it difficult to easily adjust to the user’s needs on the range. Likewise, it may be challenging for new shooters to become proficient quickly when using the standard – or even enhanced – pistol iron sights.
Red dot optics have come a long way since being first introduced. Durability and ease of use have skyrocketed as more and more pistols are being manufactured, which can accommodate these sight systems. Not only is it more readily available, but it can also make a pistol much easier to use.
The Downsides:
Absolutely, there are downsides to a red dot optic attached to a pistol. These hurdles are indicative of any red dot pistol optic, regardless of the brand–the first and most important being weight.
Weight. When weight is a contributing factor to a pistol, red dot optics are often the first option to go. This might not be a problem for the recreational shooter or the competition shooter, but it can become an obstacle for someone who carries a pistol daily although most Holosun pistol optics weigh 1.3oz or less. Size. The sheer height added to a pistol when a red dot optic is attached can be daunting. This makes it difficult – but not impossible – to conceal carry. Don’t get us wrong; some benefits will be outlined that may lead you to believe that it is better for concealed carry. Regardless, it will still be taller than standard sights.
Holsters. Many companies do not offer holsters for pistols with a generic red dot optic cavity. Often, holsters need to be custom-made for the specific pistol and optic being used. Many companies may not offer a specific combination due to the availability of molds available to them. A favorite holster or company may not be able or willing to create a holster for your particular setup.
Cost. Money is an object for almost everyone. The cost of a red dot optic is not minor, so a user undertakes great care to find the best option available to them. Paying several hundred dollars for an uncomfortable or inadequate optic is incredibly frustrating.
The Upsides:
No matter how negative a pistol-mounted digital optic may seem, there are some incredible benefits. This highlights the reasons why this style of optic is gaining popularity. It’s not because it’s a fad, which many would argue, but because they perform well. Nothing is a more important factor than target acquisition.
Target Acquisition. There is no need to line up the rear and front sights with this style of optic. Cross-eye dominance also doesn’t struggle here, as the only objective is to put the dot on the target. While this may seem a bit odd at first, it’s incredibly easy to get used to. With a large field of view, primary and secondary targets are easily acquired.
Ease of Use. Let’s be realistic; very few people are naturally good pistol shots. It takes a lot of practice and training to find the perfect spot on an iron sight. With a red dot, there is no more guesswork on where to aim or even if the dot should be over or on a target. This means that those new to pistol shooting will see much higher efficiency and accuracy in a short amount of time. This, in and of itself, enhances accuracy.
Co-Witnessing. Batteries die and sometimes at the worst times. Co-witnessed optics will allow a user to have both a red dot and standard sights for greater efficiency. There’s nothing wrong with training with both systems and being prepared for any and all eventualities.
Holosun’s Contributions to the Pistol Red Dot World:
Some unique aspects that set Holosun apart from the rest of the pack can be seen in their 407C and 507C optic options. To start, both models can be adapted with solar systems that calm the nerves of a battery-conscious user. Holosun’s system offers illumination based on ambient light available or a battery without worrying about whether or not there is enough juice to keep going. Note, the solar system does not charge the battery.
Holosun optics have several innovative features including Solar Failsafe and Shake Awake. Solar Failsafe can power the optic solely from ambient light, whether from the sun outside or overhead lighting indoors. Shake Awake powers the optic OFF when not in use further increasing the up to 50k hour battery life. Reticle options include a precision 2MOA dot or a fast sight picture with a 32MOA ring and 2MOA dot combo depending on the model. For the icing on the cake, all Holosun pistol optics are IP67 or IPX8 water-resistant while also offering night vision compatible settings.
Conclusion:
When weighing the benefits and disadvantages, it’s easy to see why a pistolmounted red dot has gained popularity over the last several years. They are not always meant to replace standard sight options; they are a great long-term substitute. A red-dot can augment a current setup for improving accuracy and faster target acquisition for the experienced pistol user. These benefits come with minimal work and nearly no training.
Holosun has taken steps to produce a series of optics that offer adjustability from the reticles themselves to a wide choice of sizes and environmental provisions. Holosun fills nearly all the gaps without compromises when the cost is a concern, ensuring that one optic needs to be purchased instead of several.
Holosun Technologies, Inc., located in City of Industry, California, is committed to creating innovative optic and laser/IR technologies that benefit a broad range of shooting, hunting, law enforcement and professional needs. Using the quality manufacturing standards demanded by some of the best-known optics brands in the world, with a wide range of affordable options, Holosun is at the forefront of development of new sight technologies. Key innovations include Shake Awake TechnologyTM, 50,000-hour battery life, Solar FailSafeTM, Multiple Reticle SystemTM (MRS), Super Green LED, and IR/Laser units that utilize the most recent advancements in laser and LED technology. At Holosun, we pride ourselves on providing cutting-edge equipment at a competitive price that astounds the competition and the end-user. For more information, please visit www.holosun.com
