April 14, 2024 by

A Review Of The Best Holographic Sights: Things You Need To Know

Best Holographic Sights

Are you a novice hunter? Are you tired of coming close to your target but always missing it? Sights are a popular choice for many gun owners because they are smaller and easier to use. Check out some of the best holographic sights to consider when shopping around for a sight.

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What’s The Difference Between Holographic and Red Dot Sights?
Comparison Table
How We Choose Our Ratings
Our Top 4 Picks For The Best Holographic Sights
Some Final Thoughts About Holographic Sights

Best Holographic Sights

Many gun owners choose to purchase a sight for their gun to make hitting the target a little easier. While you can try to hit the mark without a sight, using one can save ammo and make hunting or target shooting a little more fun.

If you’re shopping around for a new sight, you may have a hard time deciding which one to buy as there are many choices available. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best holographic sights around and given you all of the information you need, so you can feel confident about purchasing one.

What’s The Difference Between Holographic and Red Dot Sights?

You might be wondering what makes a holographic sight different from a red dot sight. Before we talk about the some of our top choices for holographic sights, let’s take the time to briefly explain the difference between a red dot and holographic sight.

As the name suggests, a red dot (which is also known as a reflex sight) has a LED that produces the reticle (or the target). A holographic sight relies on a laser that produces a holograph of the reticle. While types of sights to a great job at helping you find your target, there is more room for error with the holographic sight (which often makes it ideal for novice hunters).

Many people prefer a holographic sight because it’s often easier and quicker to lock in the target without being completely accurate and the holograph is not affected by any light that comes in; you can still see the reticle clearly, regardless of the amount of light outside.

If you want to work on your target accuracy as a hunter (and not necessarily rely on a sight), then a red dot sight may be better suited for you. If you’re just learning how to shoot or you want a little room for error, a holographic sight may be just what you need.

Comparison Table

Product

Image

Our Rating

Price

EOTECH 552.A65
EOTech 552.A65
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EOTECH 512.A65
EOTech 552.A65
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Holosun HS510C
HOLOSUN HS510C
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The Razor AMG UH-1
Vortex Optics Razor AMG UH-1
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How We Choose Our Ratings

If you’ve already started to shop around for a holographic sight, you may be overwhelmed by your options. A holographic sight is a financial investment, and you want to feel confident about your purchase; that’s why we’ve compiled a “best of” list for you to look at before finalizing your decision.

 With all the holographic sights on the market, you might be wondering how we were able to narrow down our choices and come up with some top picks. We start out by reading dozens of customer reviews and testimonials online, weighing out the positive and negative feedback.

Even if a sight has overwhelmingly positive feedback, we don’t overlook what the dissatisfied users have to say. We believe that a well-rounded review must take a look at both sides, not just the positive.

We use a five-star rating system to rate our sights. A holographic sight with a five-star rating has exceeded our expectations and has overwhelmingly positive feedback from other users. Even if we don’t give one of our best picks a five-star rating, it doesn’t mean that it’s not a good sight (it might just mean that it has more mixed reviews).

Our goal, when creating our rating system, is that you can confidently select a holographic sight and be happy with your purchase.

Our Top 4 Picks For The Best Holographic Sights

Now that you have a better understanding of how our rating system works, it’s time to take an in-depth look at our top picks for a holographic sight. We will start out our list with our “best” choice and then give you some other options. Remember, even if some of the sights don’t have a five-star rating, it doesn’t mean it’s not a great choice.

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EOTech is well-known for making high-quality holographic sights, and the Model 512 is a popular pick for close-range shooting without night vision capabilities. The sight is easy to use and is a great choice for beginners. The holographic reticle is designed to boost accuracy (regardless of the shooter’s experience) and have better control overall.

The 512 has a durable aluminum hood and tool-free mounting bolt. This sight is compatible with one-inch Picatinny or Weaver rails. While there are no night vision capabilities with this sight, there are 20 brightness settings. Other standout features of this sight include, but are not limited to:

  •  Waterproof up to ten feet and fogproof
  • Adjustment (per click): 0.5 MOA (1/2 inch at 100 yards)
  • Adjustment range: +/- 40 MOA travel
  • Field of view: 30 yards at 100 yards
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Power source: Two 1.5-volt AA batteries (supports lithium, alkaline, or rechargeables)
  • Battery life: 1,000 continuous hours (lithium) at nominal setting; 600 continuous hours (alkaline)
  • Dimensions: 5.4 by 2.25 by 2 inches (W x H x D)
  • Weight: 10.9 ounces

 The EOTech has overwhelmingly positive reviews from people who have purchased or used the sight. Users of the 512 sight like its durability and accuracy. While some were hesitant about its lack of night vision capabilities, the 20 brightness settings offer enough versatility in all types of lighting environments.

 Many users comment that the Model 512 is the most accurate sight they’ve ever used and for many, it’s the first time trying out a holographic sight.

 Most of the negative comments were regarding shipping issues, a damaged sight, and other issues with the company. Upon contacting the manufacturer, most users who gave the sight a negative review were happy with the sight in the end.

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Although EOTech’s 512 Model is one of the manufacturer’s best-sellers, the 552 is also a solid option if you’re looking for a high-quality holographic sight that’s easy to use. The 552 Model is standardized by the DEA, ATF, and the FBI SWAT team and is ideal for close-range targets that need accuracy.

The 552 has night vision capabilities in addition to 30 brightness settings. Like the 512, the 552 is compatible with one-inch Picatinny and Weaver rails. Made from the same durable aluminum as the 512, it can withstand a lot of use in a variety of environments. Other standout features of this sight include, but are not limited to:

  • Waterproof up to 33 feet and fogproof
  • Adjustment (per click): 0.5 MOA (1/2 inch at 100 yards)
  • Adjustment range: +/- 40 MOA travel
  • Field of view: 30 yards at 100 yards
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Power source: Two 1.5-volt AA batteries (supports lithium, alkaline, or rechargeables)
  • Battery life: 1,000 continuous hours (lithium) at nominal setting; 600 continuous hours (alkaline)
  • Dimensions: 5.4 by 2.25 by 2 inches (W x H x D)
  • Weight: 10.9 ounces

Similar to the 512, most users of the 522 were impressed by the accuracy of the reticle and how easy it was to use. Many users didn’t have to worry about making any adjustments, and first-time users of this holographic sight were instant fans of the sight. Users also liked the night vision capabilities and extra brightness settings.

The users who experienced the most issues with the 512 had either purchased a fake online or received a product that was damaged. Other complaints were regarding the battery life and having to change out batteries. A few users complained about the reticle looking “fuzzy,” but it’s not uncommon for the reticle to appear that way; it shouldn’t affect the accuracy of the target.

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For holographic sight users, who don’t want to worry about a short battery life or the inconvenience of changing out batteries, the HOLOSUN HS510C might be an ideal option. The holographic sight has a battery life of up to five years (or 50,000 hours) and is powered by solar technology (with a battery backup).

The sight is made of durable titanium and is designed for speed and accuracy when honing in on a target. This sight has two-night vision options and ten brightness settings. Other standout features of this sight include, but are not limited to:

  • Waterproof up to about three feet and shockproof
  • Field of view: Unlimited
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Power source: CR2032
  • Battery life: Up to 50,000 Hours
  • Dimensions: 3.3 x 1.6 x 1.8 inches (W x H x D)
  • Weight: 8.3 ounces

Users of the HOLOSUN sight love the affordability, durability, and the accuracy. It’s smaller size, and lighter weight makes it even easier to tote around. A majority of reviewers raved about the dual power options (solar and backup battery). Many commented on how clear the reticle was and how easy the sight was to use.

Most complaints were in regards to a sight that arrived damaged; most issues were resolved through the manufacturer or with the seller.

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The Razor AMG UH-1 by Vortex Optics is a comparable holographic sight to the EOTech sights. It has a durable aluminum base and is shatterproof, fogproof, and waterproof. The integrated, quick-release mount makes it compatible with Weaver and Picatinny bases.

Not only does the sight have a longer battery life but there is also a micro USB port for easy and fast charging options. This sight has 15 brightness settings. Other standout features of this sight include, but are not limited to:

  • Waterproof up to 10 feet
  • Field of view: Unlimited
  • Magnification: 1x
  • Power source: CR123A Battery
  • Battery life: 1,500 hours
  • Dimensions: 3.5 inches in length
  • Weight: 11.8 ounces

Users of this sight like the option to plug it in and recharge the battery. Most users were happy with the clarity of the reticle, but noticed that it got blurry at the brightest settings. The majority of users who gave the Razor high ratings were happy with the ease of use, durability, and accuracy.

Some users didn’t like that the control buttons were on the same side where you view the target (some buttons were easier to bump by accident). Other complaints were in regards to damaged sights and other issues due to shipping problems.

Some Final Thoughts About Holographic Sights

The sights that made out “best picks” are all designed for handguns and smaller firearms. If you are looking for a holographic scope for a rifle and larger firearms, we recommend the Aipa AR15 Tactical Rifle Scope or check out some of EOTech’s other scope options.

As you might notice, there are a variety of sights made by EOTech and many of them have high-ratings. Rather than mentioning each holographic sight made by the company, we focused on two; if you’re impressed with the company, you can browse through their catalog to read up on more features.

When you’re shopping around for holographic sights, you will notice that the price varies greatly. Cheapest isn’t always the best option, but you can find a high-quality sight within your budget (it just may be lacking certain features).

It’s more important to look for a holographic sight that is durable and is easy to use. Keep in mind that a holographic sight is meant to make hitting your target fast and easy; if you have to make constant adjustments to the sight, it may not be worth your time and money.

If you’re able to test out a sight in-person before buying that will be the best way to determine if it’s the best sight for you. If you don’t have the option to try one out in a store, make sure that there is a return or full-refund policy in place just in case it’s not the right sight for you.

Filed Under: AR 15 Scope, Best Rifle Scope Over 200 Tagged With: , , , ,
March 5, 2024 by

Choosing Your AR15 Scope – Top 5 Picks

With the AR-15 as popular as it is, many optics manufacturers have climbed on the bandwagon to produce AR15 scope. The result is so many choices, that it can be hard to pick the right AR15 scope for your rifle. So which is the best? The fact is that’s a hard question to answer. Pretty much it will depend on how you’ll be using the rifle. Will you be using it for deer or varmint hunting? Is it a ranch rifle? Will you be shooting in competition or is this rifle for home defense? Each of these applications has different optics needs so first, you’ll have to know how you’ll be using your rifle.

Your next decision will be about the AR15 scope features. Do you want a red dot scope? Do you want a non-magnified scope or one with magnification? And if you want magnification, how much do you need? If you are shooting competition with your rifle fixed, high magnification may work great. But if you shoot standing, you could lose your target with any wobble plus you’ll have a smaller field of view. You will need to answer these and many more questions, including what is your budget, as you shop for your AR15 scope.

Best Red Dot AR15 Scopes

Aimpoint PRO

Aimpoint PRO scope

The Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optic is an always on – always red scope, running for up to 3 years on one battery. No fumbling for switches to turn it on, a nice feature when you need to take aim in a hurry. Its 2 MOA red dot provides accurate and fast targeting at all distances.

This AR15 scope has a front lens with a special coating that allows use with night vision glasses. Both rear and front lenses are recessed for protection against scratches, impact damage, and fingerprints.

The low $400 price range puts the cost of this model within reach of most shooters. The one common complaint is that the red dot is not very bright, almost disappearing in bright sunlight.

Leupold Mark 4 4x24mm

Leupold Mark 4 4x24mm scope

The Leupold Mark 4 4x24mm High Accuracy Multi-Range (HAMR) AR15 scope is designed for mid-range accuracy and fast target acquisition in any lighting condition. This scope features the illuminated and matched CM-R2 reticle, which is even visible without illumination or the use of batteries.

A nice feature is that you can use this scope with most of the popular types of tactical rounds as it wasn’t designed with one type of ammo in mind.

At only 14.8 ounces and 5.7 inches long, it is the perfect sight for a short barrel rifle. The big negative for this AR15 scope is the price point which is around $2,000. Also, for an AR15 scope this expensive, it does not come with lens covers.

Best Tactical Variable AR15 Scopes

Bushnell AR BTR-1 BDC Reticle AR-223

Bushnell AR Optics FFP Illuminated BTR-1 BDC Reticle AR-223

Bushnell is a manufacturer that comes up often when discussing quality rifle scopes. The Bushnell AR Optics FFP Illuminated BTR-1 BDC Reticle AR-223 Rifle Scope is a first focal plane scope that gives you great performance in low light. For great accuracy, turret clicks are .1mm. Rugged and sturdy, made from anodized aluminum, this AR15 scope is hard to scratch and rust-proof. All the openings are sealed to protect it from the elements. With a price around $200, this scope is affordable for shooters who use their rifle often. There are two negatives to consider. The scope’s great performance in low light makes it not so good in bright daylight, with the reticle almost disappearing at 1x magnification. Plus, it is not covered by a full lifetime warranty.

Simmons Predator Quest

Simmons Predator Quest TruPlex Reticle Side-Parallax Adjustment Rifle Scope

The Simmons Predator Quest TruPlex Reticle Side-Parallax Adjustment Rifle Scope, with 4.5 to 18x magnification, with a price about $200, is another great choice in the line-up of variable AR15 scopes. The optics are multi-coated to provide clear and sharp images.

It is both fog proof and waterproof. Included in the package is a 3-inch sunshade. The fingertip side adjustment makes it easy to adjust parallax, even on close targets. This scope will give you solid performance in most conditions.

The only thing you need to be aware of is that adjusting your scope up will actually cause your round to hit lower. Because many other scopes are opposite, this can be confusing. And because there is no standard for this in the industry, this is not a defect but a choice you can make.

Best Magnification AR15 Scope

Nikon P-223 3x32 Carbine Rifle Scope

If you are looking for an AR15 scope for long range shooting, it will be hard to beat the Nikon P-223 3×32 Matte BDC Carbine Rifle Scope. It’s easy to zero and user-friendly. It was designed for use with .223 Remington/NATO 5.56 rounds and the sight works great in hunting or tactical situations. If you are using different rounds, the scope has a 100 MOA range so you can adjust it for you specific ammo.

The reticle has markings at 400 and 600 yds. with a 200 yard cross-hair. Multi-coated optics provides a clear and bright target. O-ring sealed and nitrogen-filled make the scope fog proof and waterproof. Adjustments are made in ¼ MOA and the turrets have zero resets. Simply press on the turrets and then release. This AR15 scope has a large eyepiece and excellent eye relief.

With pricing under $200, it is one of the least expensive AR15 scopes out there. The only negative is a common complaint and that is the lack of good customer service from Nikon.

Typically, if you’ll be shooting long range, you’ll want a variable range AR15 scope. For short range targets, most shooters are happy with a red dot optic. If you are in law enforcement, you might be looking at a tactical scope. When it comes to choosing a scope for your AR-15, you need to consider how often you shoot, your type of shooting, and the usual situation and conditions you shoot in. Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll be ready to go out and buy your AR-15 scope.

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Filed Under: AR 15 Scope
February 9, 2024 by

How to Mount a Rifle Scope (Video)

Title

Mounting a scope properly is a vital first step to ensure that you get the most possible accuracy out of your rifle. In this article, we will breakdown a video showing you the proper way to mount a scope.
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Filed Under: AR 15 Scope, Guides and Knowledges, Shooting, Tip for hunting and shooting, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,
February 6, 2024 by

Trijicon Red Dot Sights Comparison

Trijicon Logo

Trijicon makes five different types of red dots; they are the ACOG, the MRO, the RMR, the SRS, and the Reflex. Each of these sights has it’s own unique features and has it’s own ideal POU that it can be used for. This article will help you decide which sight is optimal for you and your philosophy of use (POU). All of these have an aluminum alloy casing that is extremely durable, and have fixed magnification. [Read more…]

Filed Under: AR 15 Scope, Buying Guide, Guides and Knowledges, Shooting, Uncategorized
February 5, 2024 by

Top 3 Rated Leupold Rifle Scopes

Leupold is a well known maker of scopes, and offers a wide variety of products. The three we have chosen to give you an overview of come from three of the different price ranges that Leupold offers, though all are lower power scopes which makes them very useful for close range shooting. The first scope is from one of their more affordable lines of centerfire scopes, and is a fixed 4 power magnification. The second scope is from one the more middle of the road price range, and is also a low power scope, with a variable zoom that’s from 1.25 to 4 times. The final scope is from the higher end of Leupold’s scopes, and has a 1-6 times magnification, making extremely valuable for close to medium range shooting. This should hopefully help get you pointed in the right direction as you look for a great scope for your rifle.
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Filed Under: AR 15 Scope, Best Rifle Scope Over 200, Buying Guide, Rifle scope reviews, Shooting Tagged With: , , , ,
February 2, 2024 by

Rifle Scope Basics (Video)

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A scope should be the second most expensive part of your firearm purchase, after the rifle itself. In fact, many target shooters recommend you spend at least as much on your scope as you did on your rifle, if not more! As such, it is important that you know the basics about scopes before you make a decision on what scope best fits your rifle and intended philosophy of use (POU). This is why Midway USA goes over the basics parts of a scope and how it works in the first half of their video “Gunsmithing – How to Chooses A Rifle Scope Presented by Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA.”

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Filed Under: AR 15 Scope, Buying Guide, Guides and Knowledges, Shooting, Tip for hunting and shooting, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
February 1, 2024 by

Choosing the Best Rifle Scope For You (Video)

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Now that we’ve covered the basics of scope components, it’s time to go into comparing some features on the scope that you will have to decide on, such as whether or not you want variable magnification, and what reticle you want, as well as several other features that can make a difference in your experience of the scope’s purchase and use. This is part two of a two part series about the YouTube video  “Gunsmithing – How to Chooses A Rifle Scope Presented by Larry Potterfield of MidwayUSA.” Part one of the series can be found here.

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Filed Under: AR 15 Scope, Buying Guide, Guides and Knowledges, Shooting, Tip for hunting and shooting Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
January 30, 2024 by

AR Optics: Scope vs Red dot: 5 Big Differences

Or, you could always use both!

When getting a new AR, the biggest accessory purchase to consider is what sight to use on it. While some people continue to use antiquated iron sights, more and more people are using optics. The two main types of optics are red dots and magnified scopes. These are just a few of the things to keep in mind when purchasing an optic. [Read more…]

Filed Under: AR 15 Scope, Guides and Knowledges, Tip for hunting and shooting Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,
January 7, 2024 by Leave a Comment

Nikon ProStaff Rimfire 3-9 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope (BDC 150)

Nikon ProStaff Rimfire 3-9 x 40 Black Matte (BDC150)

Nikon ProStaff Rimfire 3-9 x 40 Black Matte (BDC150)

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After a long tiring week, you would want a hobby that will relieve stress but you can still enjoy the great outdoors. Hunting has been a sport many take pleasure in all over the world. It could be in shooting ranges animal hunting or playing airsoft. The problem here is when it comes to the long range shooting, how will you improve your accuracy and precision to aim the target when you can’t even see the mark? What you need is a rifle scope to improve your shooting. There are different kinds of rifle scope. One of the top selling companies is Nikon; it released Nikon Pro Staff Rim fire 3-9 x 40 Black Matte Riflescope (BDC 150) which is now available in Amazon an affordable price. It is the improved version of past rifle scopes made also by Nikon for additional features. [Read more…]

Filed Under: AR 15 Scope, Best Rifle Scope Over 200, Nikon Rifle Scopes, Rifle scope reviews
January 4, 2024 by Leave a Comment

Nikon P-223 3×32 Matte BDC Carbine Review

Nikon P-223 3×32 Matte BDC Carbine

Nikon P-223 3×32 Matte BDC Carbine

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Nowadays, hunting or shooting has been popular especially in US. If you are interested or into hunting, you must choose a product that is best suited for you. If you have a rifle, you may have some problems with longer shooting range without the help of a rifle scope. If what you want is an affordable rifle scope that is fully functional and easy to use, no need to look further. Introducing the Nikon P-223 3×32 Matte BDC Carbine, this is a product with high quality. Brought to you by the makers of the best optics and imaging products. It is designed to withstand rough environments and still offers you superior accuracy for long range shooting and great sighting speed. You don’t need to worry about the price because this rifle scope can be purchase for reasonable price in stores and Amazon online shopping website.

Features and Benefits of Nikon P-223 3×32 Matte BDC Carbine: [Read more…]

Filed Under: AR 15 Scope, Best Rifle Scope Under 200, Nikon Rifle Scopes, Rifle scope reviews
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