I am looking for input on the Holosun HE508T-RD X2.
Specifically, swapping an RMR for this RDS. Using both reticles for increased speed/accuracy, reliability (concealed carry), and the functionality/usability of the dot (e.g., refresh rate, brightness, clarity, adjustment to different levels of light).
I saw a few reviews on the Holosun with most being positive. It seems to be hardy, reliable, and of good quality. It’s also not expensive. Despite its origin, it might be fun to try something new on my carry Zev, or 1911. Especially since it has the same footprint as the RMR.
The Holosun has a few things I like over the RMR:
Simple battery replacement which is nice but minor given the once a year swap.
The EOTech style red dot which may increase my speed and accuracy a bit.
I have a few of each that I use for different purposes.
I’m using RMR on handguns and the Holosuns piggybacked on top of LPVOs and in that role the battery replacement without having to remove the optic is a big plus for me. I don’t mind having to confirm zero on a pistol after swapping a battery since I shoot my pistols often, but getting to a rifle range to rezero is a lot more inconvenient.
The EOTech style reticle can be helpful for speed, but its a little busy/cramped for precision shots. I prefer the single dot on either of them, but the RMR is better in that regard since the auto brightness works better.
The titanium frame isn’t really an advantage or disadvantage. The shape of the RMR will give it the edge in durability regardless of the material. I prefer the buttons on the RMR over the ones on the 508t as well.
If you already have RMRs that are working for you, I wouldn’t bother swapping them out. If you are looking at picking up optics for new guns and want to save some money the Holosun is a solid choice.
You may consider waiting for Holosun to release their new enclosed models which ̶a̶l̶s̶o̶ ̶u̶s̶e̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶R̶M̶R̶ ̶f̶o̶o̶t̶p̶r̶i̶n̶t̶ use the RMSc/507k footprint, use the bigger buttons, and are supposed to be distortion free. ̶I̶ ̶h̶a̶v̶e̶ ̶a̶ ̶5̶0̶8̶T̶ ̶w̶h̶i̶c̶h̶ ̶I̶ ̶l̶i̶k̶e̶ ̶a̶ ̶l̶o̶t̶,̶ ̶b̶u̶t̶ ̶i̶f̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶n̶e̶w̶ ̶m̶o̶d̶e̶l̶s̶ ̶p̶a̶n̶ ̶o̶u̶t̶,̶ ̶I̶’̶l̶l̶ ̶b̶e̶ ̶s̶w̶a̶p̶p̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶i̶t̶ ̶f̶o̶r̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶n̶e̶w̶ ̶H̶o̶l̶o̶s̶u̶n̶ ̶E̶P̶S̶ ̶s̶i̶g̶h̶t̶.̶
AFAIK, from listening to the Holosun rep discuss them on YouTube, the EPS Carry uses the RMSc/507k footprint, whereas the EPS is a bit larger and uses the RMR/507c/508t footprint.
ETA: Looks like there may have been a bit of copy pasta on their website between the info for the EPS and EPS Carry. Not sure which info is correct.
ETA 2: Just listened to another video from Shot, and it appears that you’re correct. Both the EPS and EPS carry are set for the RMSc/507k footprint.
Yeah, its a bummer. I think the screws are too far forward on the RMR footprint for it to work with the closed emitter. The 507k footprint has the screws set further back so it gives them more space to play with up front.
I think that’s exactly right. Dang! I had plans for that thing!
Still thinking I’m going to replace the 507k on my p365xl with the Carry version of the EPS just cause I’m sick of wiping the lint off the inner part of the window.
The only pistol red dot sights that I will be using anymore on my self defensive pistols are closed emitter cross bolt mount type sights like the ACRO, Holosun 509T and Steiner. It will be interesting to see if and when Trijicon comes out with a closed emitter pistol RD sight.
The alternate Holosun 509T plate that bolts direct to the Glock MOS pattern is really slick, but wasn’t sure on the RMR footprint being requested combo. Using the plate included with a 509T that requires an RMR MOS plate ends up being very tall on a Glock to the point I doubt compatible sights exist.
I forgot to add earlier that holsters that have a hood(Safariland comes to mind) could be a no go as well.
If the overall height somehow isn’t an issue for OP then I would whole heartedly vote for the 509T over the 508T.
Hight is not a problem. I too prefer closed emitters. What I have is a footprint compatibly problem. The 509T won’t install on my 1911 (milled for RMR), or my Zev. See helpful feedback from dontshakepandas and georgeib. That said, it’s a small problem that I will remedy if the Holosun proves to be significantly better than my RMR.
My plan is to get the 508T and test it for a while. If it works out, I will get the 509T for one, and use the 508/RMR on the others.
I already know the RMR works for me and I trust it; it is not going into storage.
I now have 2 closed emitter RDS, one Holosun and Leupold Delta micro.
I WILL NEVER buy again an open emitter red dot. I took them out in the snow along with RMR, had all 3 in holsters on a gun belt out in the open like a uniformed duty carry. No issues with closed system.
