Please excuse any grammatical errors. I just woke up and am not known to be the most accurate writer before much coffee is imbibed.
So... I picked up a Beretta CX4 storm on the cheap and wanted a red dot for it. All of my rifles with non-magnified optics wear either Aimpoint or Eotech, with the exception of the PA MD-06 on my dedicated .22LR. I've been enjoying my PCC, but am not a big fan of the irons that come with it (thankfully they fold down).
I was initially going to buy another T-2 for it but then common sense hit me - I'm not going to pay $150 more for the optic than the gun - after all it was going to be relegated to range-toy duty anyway. So that's when I started researching other options. I looked at PA's version, Vortex, the Bushnell TRS-25.. I wanted something that would work but wouldn't break the bank. That's when I accidentally stumbled upon Holosun's offerings.
The reason why I chose the HS403GL over their other model (or the cheaper PA version without auto-on feature) is due to the fact that it has everything that I need and nothing I don't. I'm not sure how I feel about putting a solar panel on an optic. I used to fab up solar cells for a living and just couldn't imagine that it would last after repeated recoil and abuse. I liked that the brightness levels were button adjustable and that it had a memory function so that I didn't have to dial it in every time (sorry Eotech XPS, I love your large window and reticle, but your user interface leaves a lot to be desired). I also was intrigued by the auto-on feature. I like the idea of being able to leave my Aimpoint on, but LEDs have a limited life (much less than initially expected).
So, sorry for all the background story - if you're still reading - here's what I think of the Holosun:
WOW! I was immediately impressed with the optic as soon as I unboxed it. It was flawless in fit and finish and felt like an Aimpoint. It comes with two allen keys, a manual, a battery, and a bikini cover. I proceeded to install the battery (which was a bit more difficult then expected - the cap is under spring tension so equal pressure and a steady hand must be applied when screwing the cap down or you risk cross-threading it). I then popped in my Sightmark 9mm cartridge-style boresighter (which is dead on BTW - the best laser boresighter I've ever purchased) which I had already used to check the irons (needed one click of windage to the right).
At this time, I decide to give it a few good wacks before trying to mount it (I didn't want to go through the trouble of mounting and zeroing it in if I got a lemon). All seems well at this point.
So.. I bust out the VC3 , dab a bit on the screw, find a sweet spot on the pic rail (for me about four inches forward of the ejection port - EDIT: I've now changed it to 2" ahead of the ejection port and it still held zero), start the screw, push the optic in the rail slot as far up as it will go, then hand tighten.
Now it's time to zero this thing... I turn on and drop in the Sightmark, carefully closing the bolt on it and proceed to my testing area where I can get a 25 yard zero inside the house. I look through the glass, fully expecting to see two red dots. All I see is one bright red dot. Wait... something must be wrong. I carefully check the bore and see that the laser is still emanating from it. I look through the glass again - one clearly defined dot. Hmmmm... I then decide to block the bore with my finger, thinking that my red dot is already broken - nothing happens. The same red dot is visible.
My $200 shipped Chinese red dot came from the factory zeroed!!! I mean 100% zeroed. I've ALWAYS had to adjust the windage and/or elevation by a few clicks with every Aimpoint or Eotech that I've purchased. I couldn't believe my eyes.
at 25 yards it appeared 100% parallax free and was dead on with the bore sight.
Already impressed, I then decided to thoroughly test the auto-on function. In one word: GREAT! Simply handling the gun will not turn it on, but a forceful grab or chambering a round was enough to turn it on reliably.
So then I took it to the range. After about 450 rounds of Geco 124gr and with the sight still zeroed perfectly, I decided that it was time to pack up and head home.
I don't like the idea of Chinese parts on my guns... but I have to say, after watching the videos (particularly the truck dragging one), and getting my hands on one to test, I am extremely impressed.
I will be the first to admit - the glass is not as clear as on any of my Aimpoints or Eotechs and in fact, I can sometimes see a weird orange reflection in the sight when transitioning between areas of various degrees of lighting. I also realize that these don't have the same pedigree or battle-proven record of Aimpoint sights.
But... For what you get, it is extremely impressive. Time will tell, but so far this sight has far exceeded my expectations. It's not as good as an Aimpoint, but for 1/3 the cost (almost 1/4 for the T2), it's an absolute steal. I will reserve further judgement until I run it through the 870 magnum slug load test. Pics to come if anyone's interested.
From my limited experience with the Holosun HS403GL, I feel as though I can make a recommendation already based on what I've seen and put it through. Longevity is of course the twelve-ton elephant that will have to be addressed as these age and are put through further paces.
PROS:
Uses Aimpoint mounts
Clear glass (albeit some artifacts in changing light conditions)
A super crisp dot
Auto-on/off with memory function (may be a con to some)
Superb fit and finish that rivals my T2
Ability to switch light off manually (unlike HS403A)
Came from the factory 100% perfectly ZEROED at 25 yards
Lifetime warranty
Inexpensive
Positive and audible adjustments for windage/elevation/brightness
Recessed turret caps means a lower profile
Passed 9mm CX4 Storm recoil test and repeated thumping and banging and still maintained absolute ZERO
Seems to maintain zero even when removed - maybe I got lucky
CONS:
Weird orange artifacts when transitioning between light and dark rooms
Blue tint on glass is more noticeable than on Aimpoints, but nothing deal-breaking
Slightly smaller objective means more "tunnel-vision" effect
Unproven track record/Unknown actual battery life
Distracting brightly painted logo on side
Inability to accept a killflash or lens caps (bikini cover is fine)
Made in a country not known to make high-quality components
Feel free to ask any questions. I will post pics up as soon as I am able and will continue to update this thread as I get more use out of it. If it fails on me, you guys will be the first to know.
Edit: I wanted to add that I figured out how the auto-on feature works. Apparently there's an accelerometer in it. If moved quickly enough it will turn on, even without the slightest bump. I just swang my CX4 gently but quickly and the dot popped on. So I don't think that it uses a vibration sensor like some think. Chambering a round will turn it on, as will a solid whack, but most bumps to the gun don't seem to have an affect on it. I'm going to shoot a couple of boxes of 124gr HSTs and some Lawman through it this weekend and will report back. Pics still incoming.
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